MEET OUR CO-FOUNDERS

DAN CRUZ | CO-OWNER/STUDIO MANAGER

PRONOUNS:
He / Him

BIOGRAPHY:
Pursuing his love for dance, Dan is one of the founders of the Keystone Dance Co. He began his dance journey with UHHU and The Round Table with Ryerson University. It was with UHHU where Dan trained in various styles ranging from commercial choreography, b-boying, locking and KRUMP. He then later joined FOREAL dance company as a performer and choreographer.

Dan has shared the stage with various musical artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Kardinal Offishall and Sean Paul. He has performed for various shows at the CBC centre, CTV, and local conventions choreographing introduction dances for artists such as Terry Crews, and Chris Pratt. Alongside performing, Dan has competed in dance competitions such as OUCH, BYOB, the Beatdown, World of Dance Toronto and many more.

Known for his music selection and djay mixing knowledge, Dan has won numerous awards for Best Music Mix, Smoothest Transitions, the Move and Groove Award and Crowd Favorite. Dan currently teaches at various studios all over the Durham Region. His choreography has achieved the overall highest scores in the hip hop category for solos, duet/trios, and small group at competitions all across Canada. Having such as strong passion for mentoring and teaching the youth, has allowed Dan to become a requested choreographer in the GTA.

"I want to build the community. I want to enhance the respect, and educate the youth on the elements of hip hop, while creating a safe space to disciple the youth- encouraging artistic development, expression and freedom"

PRONOUNS:
He / Him

BIOGRAPHY:
Fernando found his passion mentoring the younger generation, being a youth leader in his community as youth himself at 14.

At 16, he was introduced to dance and from then on it never left him. Fernando has trained in KRUMP, Hip Hop and choreography for over 10 years- battling in both Canada and the U.S.

His choreography has also won awards placing first overall (in hip-hop) and achieving the highest scores in multiple dance competitions across Canada.

Fernando has also been a judge in multiple competitive All-Styles dance battles for events such as Devo and Union containing world renown battlers and judges. A requested choreographer in the GTA, Fernando aims to develop the Hip-hop dance community.

"My goal with Keystone isn't only to build a strong dance community in Durham, but to also provide a place where people can grow and express themselves through dance. A place where they can belong and feel supported"