Go To Heaven Dance Company has the top Dance Instructors and Choreographers in the Dance Industry. Some of their credits include Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson and Nick Cannon
Chatiera "Cookie" Ray (Creative Director)
Chatiera "Cookie" Ray, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of the CRayProject, is an aspiring choreographer, dancer, fashionista, and well-rounded artist from Cleveland, Ohio. Now residing in California, she has decided to develop this new movement for upcoming artists that want to be heard! The motivation behind it all, are the controversial misjudgments and stereotypes people of color face on a daily basis, and just being a “minority” in general. Chatiera's goal and vision for the CRayProject is to create art with substance. Rather it's controversial or art for art sake. She wants to reclaim the power in the black communities and show people that people of color did not stop creating art after the pyramids, but have been existing and creating beyond them.
She is a classically trained dancer, with a pinch of soul and street in her spirit. Chatiera enjoys teaching and creating, as well as exposing the hidden colors in all of the potential and seasoned dancers she has the opportunity to work with. Chatiera has had the opportunity to work with a few pioneers in dance and music such as musical artist O'Bryan, choreographer Dianne McIntryre, Garth Fagan, and Lula Washington, just to name a few. "There is much work to be done and even more to be created, and what you fear to expose, I will", says Chatiera.
Chatiera has no limits when it comes to dance, and has the drive and passion to push those she comes across to see and expose the light in them.
Chatiera "Cookie" Ray, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of the CRayProject, is an aspiring choreographer, dancer, fashionista, and well-rounded artist from Cleveland, Ohio. Now residing in California, she has decided to develop this new movement for upcoming artists that want to be heard! The motivation behind it all, are the controversial misjudgments and stereotypes people of color face on a daily basis, and just being a “minority” in general. Chatiera's goal and vision for the CRayProject is to create art with substance. Rather it's controversial or art for art sake. She wants to reclaim the power in the black communities and show people that people of color did not stop creating art after the pyramids, but have been existing and creating beyond them.
She is a classically trained dancer, with a pinch of soul and street in her spirit. Chatiera enjoys teaching and creating, as well as exposing the hidden colors in all of the potential and seasoned dancers she has the opportunity to work with. Chatiera has had the opportunity to work with a few pioneers in dance and music such as musical artist O'Bryan, choreographer Dianne McIntryre, Garth Fagan, and Lula Washington, just to name a few. "There is much work to be done and even more to be created, and what you fear to expose, I will", says Chatiera.
Chatiera has no limits when it comes to dance, and has the drive and passion to push those she comes across to see and expose the light in them.
Courtney Winder (Master Teacher)
Courtney Winder began his training in 2009 at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California. While pursuing his degree in Information Systems as well as being an athlete, dancing and the performing arts came as an unexpected but much needed adjustment. Indesicively changing his focus to dance, Courtney trained in Jazz, Modern, Ballet and Hip Hop. In addition he performed and choreographed for many of AHC's dance concerts that happen in the fall and spring each year. Courtney also performed and choreographed for several of Hancock's summer shows that take place in Disneyland! Courtney then went on to dance for Core Dance Company's Adult Company in San Luis Obispo, CA, where he underwent rigours training as a performer and dancer. During his time there, he was awarded the “Keep On Shining” scholarship for outstanding work ethic and attitude. From there he turned his sights on instructing. Courtney started teaching at numerous studios on the Central Coast, most notable being Dellos Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande, Core Dance Studio, and guest teachings at Hancock College. Courtney currently attends Mt Sac College where he has continued his choreography and is also pursing his Dance Teacher Certificate. He is a strong advocate for inspiring the youth and feeding their passion, and not just for dance. It is very important to him that students understand their own value and how much potential they possess going into a world full of opportunity.
Courtney Winder began his training in 2009 at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California. While pursuing his degree in Information Systems as well as being an athlete, dancing and the performing arts came as an unexpected but much needed adjustment. Indesicively changing his focus to dance, Courtney trained in Jazz, Modern, Ballet and Hip Hop. In addition he performed and choreographed for many of AHC's dance concerts that happen in the fall and spring each year. Courtney also performed and choreographed for several of Hancock's summer shows that take place in Disneyland! Courtney then went on to dance for Core Dance Company's Adult Company in San Luis Obispo, CA, where he underwent rigours training as a performer and dancer. During his time there, he was awarded the “Keep On Shining” scholarship for outstanding work ethic and attitude. From there he turned his sights on instructing. Courtney started teaching at numerous studios on the Central Coast, most notable being Dellos Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande, Core Dance Studio, and guest teachings at Hancock College. Courtney currently attends Mt Sac College where he has continued his choreography and is also pursing his Dance Teacher Certificate. He is a strong advocate for inspiring the youth and feeding their passion, and not just for dance. It is very important to him that students understand their own value and how much potential they possess going into a world full of opportunity.
Gary Reagan (Master Teacher)
Gary is from Linfield, Pennsylvania. Growing up he received training from local studios in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary techniques. He attended and graduated from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania receiving his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts as a dance major. He also attended The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance as part of a study abroad program receiving world class training in ballet, modern, and gaga. Throughout his career so far he has had the pleasure dancing in works by Sidra Bell, Helen Simoneau, Douglas Becker, Netta Yerushalmy, and Mark Castera. Gary has also presented original works in Paris, Brussels, and New York. He is now a current resident of Los Angeles, California and is dancing as a company member for ate9 dANCE cOMPANY under the artistic direction of Danielle Agami and is pleased to be part of the Go to Heaven Dance Company. [email protected]
Gary is from Linfield, Pennsylvania. Growing up he received training from local studios in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary techniques. He attended and graduated from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania receiving his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts as a dance major. He also attended The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance as part of a study abroad program receiving world class training in ballet, modern, and gaga. Throughout his career so far he has had the pleasure dancing in works by Sidra Bell, Helen Simoneau, Douglas Becker, Netta Yerushalmy, and Mark Castera. Gary has also presented original works in Paris, Brussels, and New York. He is now a current resident of Los Angeles, California and is dancing as a company member for ate9 dANCE cOMPANY under the artistic direction of Danielle Agami and is pleased to be part of the Go to Heaven Dance Company. [email protected]
Meet Our Team
GTH has the best Dance Instructors!
Laronica southerland
Happy Feet instructor |
Brittney Benson
Hip Hop Instructor |
Nupeir Garrett
African/Caribbean Instructor |
***New Happy Feet Creative Dance Class is for ages 1-5
