Artists in Residence
The Jazz Company dancers at The Southern Strutt are given the opportunity to
train monthly with our Artists in Residence.
Justin Giles
Contemporary
Frequently described as one of the the most sought after choreographers in the world, contemporary master teacher. Justin Giles began his training at the Southern Strutt dance studio in South Carolina, under the direction of his mother, Nancy Giles. His attention to detail and sense of musicality have been described as breathtaking and thought provoking.
At a young age, Justin was a winner on Star Search as well as Destination Stardom in Hawaii, two of the most prestigious competitions in america at the time. His commercial credits include work for Reebok and Fox TV just to name a few. Commonly referred to as a gifted dance educator, he has had the privilege of helping train some of the industries leading celebrity dancers, including Season One “So You Think You Can Dance” winner Nick Lazzarini and second runner up Melody Lacayanga, among countless others. Justin also had the pleasure of traveling to Korea where he worked with Poz Dance Theatre, and performed along side their company in Seoul.
Soon after, Justin introduced his work with the premier of his own company “SoulEscape” in Dallas. He has toured the US with countless A-List dance conventions including LA Dance Magic and Nuvo and is on guest faculty with Adrenaline Dance Conventions, Hollywood Convention and the popular in10sive workshops. A highly in-demand master teacher, his award-winning choreography can be seen on hundreds of dance studios and professional companies nationwide and abroad.
Yusha Marie Sorzano
Ballet, Modern, Contemporary
Originally from The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Sorzano has been a member of Ailey II, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Morphoses, TU Dance and the Los Angeles based BODYTRAFFIC. She has performed in principal roles with The Ailey company and in a variety of concert works from noted choreographers, including Ulysses Dove, Robert Battle, Hofesh Shechter, Mauro Bigonzetti, Judith Jameson and Ron K. Brown. She has worked with recording artists Wynton Marsalis, Sweet Honey in the Rock and Rihanna, and she has been a guest artist on “Dancing with the Stars.” She also starred as the principal dancer in the independent film “You Me and The Circus.” Ms. Sorzano is a faculty member of The Joffrey Jazz Contemporary Program. When not performing, she enjoys teaching master classes nationally and internationally.