The Staff of Studio T

Ms. Katie

Katie Sullivan took to dancing when she was four years old, but it wasn’t until her high school years that she began to take dance seriously. During her high school years, she was exposed to ballroom training. In addition to the ballroom training, she has received seven years of dance training at the reputable Hawkins School of Performing Arts.

Katie’s specialties are jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and Broadway. She loves the release feeling that dance gives her. “What I love most about dancing is that it allows me to escape from the world. I could have had the worst day and dancing for just a few minutes completely changes my mood.” Katie feels and connects with her dance. “I get my inspiration from the music, the words, the melody, and the emotion the can bring and the story it can tell.” Katie enjoys the character aspect to these styles as well. “The characters you get to be and the stories you get to tell are what make it enjoyable. You get to be someone else for a brief moment in time.”

In the classroom, Katie strives to make sure that her students have a fun class while learning at the same time. “I feel my best quality as a teacher is the ability to have a fun, productive class and my ability to relate to the kids on their level while leading them to learn more about the different styles dance has to offer.” Her can-do attitude is what attracts Katie’s students to her class. “My best piece of advice is to just go for it. Don’t ever hold back. Just try your best no matter how difficult it may seem. If you fall, you fall. Laugh about it and get back up and remember, everyone has to start somewhere.”

Katie’s big dream is to dance on Broadway, Disneyland, or Disneyworld. “Really any chance to perform is a dream come true.” With her humble and positive attitude towards dance, Katie is paving a path towards a successful dream come true.

Ms. Tee

Tamaira Sandifer, affectionately known to her students as Ms. Tee, began her journey with dance when she was five years old and hasn’t stopped since. Coming from a rich dance background rooting from the bay area, her style is infused with raw urban appeal that’s sprinkled with some more traditional styles. Of all forms, hip hop is her most favored. “Hip hop is less restrictive, more expressive, and still evolving, still growing. Any other style can be pulled into hip hop and compliment it.” Ms. Tee is always blending other styles into her choreography. Whether it’s krump, salsa, ballet, or isolation, she’s always exposing her students to new and old styles; this is what makes her choreography signature and keeps her students ever growing and evolving with dance.

Ms. Tee has not only brought the bay’s urban rhythm to Sacramento, but also the heart of it. “In the bay area, they understand the need for the arts.” Sandifer grew up when hip hop was a fresh movement, still on the rise. Growing up, there were no formal hip hop studios or training accessible to her at the time. The only studios around were ones that educated on traditional ballet, jazz, and tap forms. “We would get our inspiration from movies, television, and mostly our peers.” Wherever there was a free space, she would get together with her friends and they would learn from each other. No money, no instructors, just raw appreciation for dance. Her genuine passion for dance bleeds into every student she works with in class. “I am always willing to work with anyone to help them grow. I understand that there’s a greater need and dance is not just about me. It instills confidence, discipline, health, wellness, and builds good people as opposed to good dancers.”

In her 18 years of dance history, Ms. Tee has partnered with and befriended dance stars like Mia Michaels, Tabitha and Napoleon “NappyTabs“, Dave Scott, Brian Freedman, Chris Judd, Wade Robson, Jamal Simms, Chonique Sneed, Lizette Bustamante, Chuck Maldonado, and Legendary Poppin’ Pete and Mr. Wiggles.

Her dance studio, Studio T, has also housed the industries most sought after talent like Joe Larot and Phil Tayag of the Jabbawokeez. She holds 11 regional Hip Hop dance competitive titles, 2 national titles, and scored the silver medal for the Hip Hop International dance title, placing second to Japan. Ms. Tee has also produced a few local dance phenoms who are currently working with Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Rihanna, and LMFAO to name a recent few. They have been featured as lead dancers and dance doubles in major motion pictures, music videos, MTV music awards, several local and National talk shows, and America’s Best Dance Crew. Her dancers are also hometown favorites being voted the ‘Best of Sacramento’.

Ms. Tee Sandifer continues to gain inspiration from all of her students, colleagues in the industry, and music. “I listen to what the music dictates and create movement based on that.” Ms. Tee strives to teach every kid on the planet and hopes that every child can have some sort of creative art form in their lives. Every class with Ms. Tee is a motivational and inspirational experience. Others students feel that Ms. Tee “believes in you and that gives you confidence.” Although her classes can be strict and challenging at times, she will always push her students to bring out the best in each and every one she works with. Her can- do attitude not only towards dance, but about life is what attracts the plethora of youth she has reached out to. “My favorite dancer is any person who is willing to step in front of a group of people and understand the giving back aspect, not the money aspect.” Because Ms. Tee is such a giver, she is able to powerfully lead anyone through any obstacle. Ms. Tee wants every dancer to know that “if you don’t quit you win. You’ll always win; always get it, no matter what.”

Ms. Tee with Mia Michaels of SYTYCD
Ms. Tee with Dave Scott of Step Up 1-3, and Stomp the Yard
Ms. Tee with NappyTabs
Mr. Kiari

Kiari Kirk dove into dance at 15 years old with nothing but raw talent. Kiari had no previous training before he joined “Sac Street” competitive hip hop dance team, and quickly rose to the top. He appreciates the competitive spirit of dance in the classroom and outside at competitions. With only 6 years of training under his belt, he’s already achieved a wealth of experience. From training with top choreographers, Mia Michaels and Brian Freedman to working side by side with owner and founder of Studio T Urban Dance Academy, Tamaira Sandifer, his list is quite impressive.

Kiari Kirk brings a refreshing spin to the dance floor. From tap and jazz to salsa and lyrical, there’s nothing Kiari won’t touch. Experienced in a little bit of every style, he is able to bring his diverse knowledge of dance into his class. Kiari makes sure his students not only enjoy the free expression and movement of hip hop, but are also trained in proper modern and ballet technique. Kiari believes that every dancer should “remain open because dance is always growing and they should be growing with dance.” Of all styles, modern is his favorite because he can freely express his emotions from life situations through the dance. Other students say that Kiari brings an old school style to his hip hop routines. They also appreciate his unique approach to choreography. He understands that dance is more than just about technique; he is able to capture the entertainment aspect of dance by helping each student with characteristics and facials. Kiari’s most appreciated and respected quality as a teacher is his undying patience for every student he works with. His effort to work with anyone as long as they need him to instills a huge amount of confidence and growth in every student he comes across in the dance studio.

Kiari Kirk is a creator in every sense of the word. He hopes to travel the world and choreograph for music videos, commercials, movies, television shows, concerts, or wherever his artistic abilities are needed. Kiari strives to create pieces similar to professional choreographer Luam, “she captures choreography similar to what I would like to create.” Kiari has already choreographed major pieces for competitions, and the semi-annual Dream Big Dance Showcase designed to give back to the community’s youth. Between his funny and entertaining personality inside the classroom and on the stage, there’s no doubt Kiari is bound for entertainment success.

Ms. Amari

Amari Sandifer took her first steps into the dance world when she was only two years old. She has trained with Showbiz productions, Studio T Urban Dance Academy, and received hands on training from some of the top choreographers in the industry. Mia Michaels from the famed (So You Think You Can Dance), Brian Freedman (So You Think You Can Dance), Dave Scott (You Got Served, Stomp the Yard), Shane Sparks (So You Think You Can Dance), Laurie Ann (Making the Band), Jamal Sims (Hairspray), and Poppin' Pete of the legendary street dance movement, The Electric Boogaloos, are just a few of the professionals Amari has trained with.

Hip Hop and lyrical are two styles that Amari has a great appreciation for. “Hip Hop is what I was raised in and I like lyrical because you’re dancing to words in the song and telling a story, you can feel what you’re dancing to.” At eight years old Amari started to seriously train in competitive hip hop. She has gone on to receive recognitions such as the International Hip Hop Dance Championship for the USA Ranked 2nd in the World , 4-time National Hip Hop Dance Champion, 2-time Cheerleading Champion , voted the Sacramento Magazines Best of Sacramento for 2006 , and 9 West Coast Hip Hop Championship titles.  

Currently, Amari teaches at Studio T Urban Dance Academy. She enjoys dance because “it’s fun and relieves stress.” She strives to make sure her students have the same positive impression of dance. Learning from Amari feels like you’re at a fun, laid back, party. She loves to have fun with her students and makes sure all her students are enjoying themselves. “I want them to leave feeling like they had a good time in class today.” Other students say that Amari’s class is upbeat, fast, and that there’s always something new and exciting to learn from taking her class.

Amari hopes to travel and grow in all areas and styles of dance. She continues to be inspired by coreographers Napoleon and Tabitha (Nappytabs) and Jonathan Rabon ( JBoogie), as well as the videos she comes across on youtube. At 17 years old, Amari Sandifer already has an array of accomplishments and wisdom of dance beyond her years. The best piece of advice she could give to any dancer would be, “Don’t give up when it get’s hard. Because once you figure out how to get through it, you’ll become a better dancer.”

Mr. Jonathan - Studio T Alumni Hall Of Famer

Jonathan Rabon is living proof that dance creates dreams. As soon as he could walk, he was dancing. Jonathan began seriously training in 2005 at Sacramento’s ShowBiz productions. Later, he moved on to training with Studio T’s Sac Street Competition Team, where he was exposed to various conventions such as Monsters of Hip Hop and Hollywood Connection.

Jonathan’s style is a unique blend of hip hop, modern, swag, street, gutter, lyrical, and Krump. Of all styles, he has a deep appreciation for jazz funk, modern hip hop, and hip hop. “They’re all so different and it’s what my body enjoys doing. I would say I have a certain feeling for each of the three styles and they make me feel a certain way when I’m performing them.” The inspiration for his movement comes from music, other dancers, and artists outside of the dance world, just to name a few.

Jonathan currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where his career as a professional dancer took off. Being exposed to the industry has given him the opportunity to work alongside various artists in the music industry such as Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks, and JLO. Jonathan’s also had the chance to work alongside famous hip hop choreographers: Napoleon and Tabitha D’Umo (NappyTabs), Jamal Sims, and Shane Sparks, just to name a few. He’s already got a world tour under his belt, instructed various dance workshops, and has danced on T.V. Performing is Jonathan’s favorite aspect to being a dancer. “The thing I like most about dancing is entertaining a crowd with my movement and the crowd reacting in awe to it.”

When he’s not performing his craft, he’s in the studio perfecting it. “I train at Millennium Dance Complex and Debbie Reynolds.” You can catch Jonathan subbing classes at the famed Millennium Complex from time to time as well. What can you expect from taking Jonathan’s class? Well take it from him—“My best quality as a teacher is that I don’t sugar coat anything. I practice what I preach, meaning that anything you learn from me, I live, breathe, and stand by it 110%.” His honest and straight forward attitude has a huge part in his success in the industry thus far. “The best piece of advice I can give to a dancer is not to limit your self. The more versatile you are, the more you’re capable of continuous work in the industry. Never stop working on your craft. You can always be better.”

Jonathan strives to inspire dancers from all over the world. He would like to teach workshops in different countries, as well as give lectures on the industry and his personal experience of being in the industry. With a plethora of teaching and entertainment experience already behind him, Jonathan is well on his way to achieving this ultimate goal.

Mr. Kyle - Studio T Alumni Hall Of Famer

Kyle Cordova, a former Studio T instructor, and now travels the world dancing and trickin'. He is a featured dance double for lead actor in Footloose remake, also featured in music videos with Chris Brown, and Rihanna. He's toured with Justin Bieber, and LMFAO. He just landed a national commercial with Samsung. These are just a few of his recent accomplishments.

Mr. Sam

Sam Niver stormed onto the break dancing scene at age 14. With only five years of training under his belt, he’s already won multiple recognitions. He’s trained with hip-hop dancer Ceaser Coloma and his crew Underground Flow. His style is a medley of power moves, top rocks, foot work, and traditional bboy/breakin’ moves. Sam is always mixing it up and putting a fresh spin on older, more traditional moves.

Sam has a unique ability to cater to what each and every one of his students has the potential to accomplish. “My goal is not to teach what I want, but what I think that my students could be good at. I want to bring out their potential.” His students appreciate his refreshing attitude towards dance. Not only does he put a new spin on old moves, but helps his students to create their own signature moves as well.

Sam appreciates the raw spirit of competition. “The entire vibe and energy of everyone putting in work at competitions is inspiring.” He believes that every dancer should: “Go hard and never quit. Give it your all. If you’re gonna do something, give it your all.” This attitude is obvious when anyone sees him dance on the floor. Sam loves being a b-boy. “It’s so big and has its own underground world. There are no boundaries and the rules can always be broken.” Ultimately, Sam hopes to make a huge impact by dancing all over the world. Between his raw energy on the dance floor and re-inventive spin on his style, there’s absolutely no telling what Sam will take on next.

Ms. Amy

Amy tip toed into her first dance class at 4 years old. It was love at first step and she hasn’t looked back. She has really come full circle, as she now teaches ballet and tap to other 4 year olds. Amy sees little pieces of herself in her young students. “To teach the very class I started off in is a surreal experience for me.” Amy’s array of dance is broad and open. She’s trained in jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, ballet, theatre, and mostly hip hop. “Hip hop is my best style. It’s what most of my dance training consists of.” Amy likes to use hip hop as her foundation and fuse the other forms she’s touched upon, creating her individual style.

Amy enjoys the fact that dance can open so many doors and as a result, create so many opportunities. She also feels dance is important because it unifies people and brings them together. Her inspiration for dance simply comes from life. “Whether it’s emotion, people, music, or even my imagination, I like to create a story.” She has an appreciation for every dance style on the planet. “I like them all, because each style has something unique and different. Dance is like a rainbow; there’s so much color and variety, how could you pick just one? Do it all!” Amy believes that by embracing all styles, a dancer is able to learn about various cultures and appreciate the world.

Amy’s open attitude towards dance spills over into her classroom environment. As a teacher, she likes to make her students feel comfortable and welcome. “I always strive to make my students feel as if they were at home. If I can make a student feel comfortable, it gives them freedom to be uniquely individual and it will pour out into their dancing.” Her embracing demeanor in the classroom leaves her students feeling good not only as dancers, but as the people they are too.

Amy has had formal training on and off at Step 1, Showbiz, and Studio T, since she was about 12 years old. She didn’t buckle down and get serious about dance until 17 years old, when she began to take advanced hip hop classes at Showbiz Productions. “When I hit the advanced classes, I knew it was time to get serious. I had reached a new level. I was closer to my goal of joining a hip hop team.” Sure enough, seven months later, Amy was dancing with Studio T’s hip hop dance team.

Amy’s experience on the dance team at Studio T, led to her meeting a dancer that has had a huge impact on her journey as a dancer. “Kiari Kirk is and always will be my favorite dancer. I tried to give in and stop dancing at one point in my life. He told me to keep going. He simply won’t allow me to quit and for that he is my biggest cheerleader and confidant.” Kiari has exposed Amy to several different styles and is never afraid to tackle anything new. “He holds versatility as a dancer; something I wish to attain, so it’s inspiring to work with him.”

Amy is a tiny dancer with a passionate heart. Ultimately, Amy would love to open her own arts school for youth to come grow, explore, and discover themselves in a positive, happy, and healthy environment. “I want to create an escape from the negativity that life can bring…to reach out to a mass audience and inspire them to make positive change in the world by following their heart, hopes, and dreams.” The best piece of advice she could give to any dancer would be: “Stick with what’s in your heart. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re too big, small, short, or tall to be a dancer. If dance is in your heart, nothing anyone does or says can take that from you.”