Audra Griffis

January 25th, 2017

How being on the Dance Magic Company helped you pursue a career:
LADM helped me pursue a professional career by setting the highest standard of what would be expected of me on and off the camera. Jackie Sleight has perfected bringing out the absolute best in every person she encounters. She knows exactly how far to push you and is always there to pick you up if you happen to fall. The teachers I was fortunate enough to assist were some of the most working dancers in the industry and to my luck, took me under their wing. Many of them still remain my closest friends and mentors. My favorite Jackie quote and one I live by is “If you’re on time then your 10 minutes late.” I am forever indebted to Jackie, Dave, and LADM for making me not only the dancer but person I am today.
Advice for aspiring professional dancers:
My best advice for aspiring dancers is be true to yourself, listen to your gut, and surround yourself with people who truly care.
Credits:
High School Musical 3, How I Met Your Mother, Disaster Movie, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
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Will Thomas

January 25th, 2017

WILL THOMAS

Will Thomas moved from Detroit to Los Angeles when he was 18 and dove into the professional dance industry. He continued his studies in dance and acting as he began to work professionally. Will realized that his strength was his versatility, and because of this, was cast for television, films, commercials, and stage. He also realized that one of his goals was to pass the information that he was learning to others, so he started teaching at a very early age. Will has turned a childhood dream into a career that not only changed his life, but also helps him change the lives of thousands of young hopeful dancers as he travels the world teaching.

Will’s commercial resume reads like a “who’s who” list: Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Zendaya, Rita Ora, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Brenden Urie, Patti Labelle, Chris Daughtry, Michelle Williams, and more.

Will has appeared on television shows such as: The VMAs, The Emmys, The Critics Choice Awards, The Radio Disney Music Awards, So You Think You Can Dance, Nashville, Ellen, Hit the Floor, Parenthood, World of Dance, Superstore, Rupaul’s Drag Race, The X Factor, and 20/20.

His film credits include: Pitch Perfect 3, Marry Me, Renfield, and Spirited (where he is dancing and acting along with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds).

One of Will’s proudest accomplishments was achieved on The Masked Singer, where he advanced from a Dancer, to Assistant Choreographer, and then to Choreographer. He has continued his role for the past 5 seasons.

Now, Will and Jackie are dedicated to working as Co-Directors of the Los Angeles Jazz Company, to preserve and advance the art of Jazz dance.

Those who know Will, understand that he has the energy and the determination to make things happen. When he is not on set or at rehearsal, he travels with LA Dance Magic as a long-time faculty member.  He says that this is where his dreams began, and he loves teaching kids who are standing exactly where he once did. He is grateful to his mentor, Jackie Sleight, for paving the way.

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Tori Evans

January 25th, 2017

How being on the Dance Magic Company helped you pursue a career:
LADM Company helped me develop my dance styles as we assisted a variety of techniques. It also helped improve my ability to pick up choreography and instantly perform it; especially in the summer program, Final Cut. Besides improving my dance skills and technique, LADM Company provided an opportunity to work on my professionalism in the industry. I learned how to be on time, follow a schedule, look the part and keep a great attitude through it all.
Favorite LADM Company memory:
During Final Cut, Will wanted to reenact his favorite movie Twilight and of course I had to be the one to help, even though I have never, to this day actually, seen this movie. So it basically turned into Will reenacting both roles as I just stood there, with him feeding me the important lines.
Credits:
Ricky Martin, Backstreet Boys, Empire of the Sun, Lululemon, Reebok, Sketchers
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Nikky Paramo

January 25th, 2017

How being on the Dance Magic Company helped you pursue a career:
LADM Company taught me how to be a successful working dancer in LA. I learned how to take good headshots. I learned how to pick up choreography quickly and have it performance ready immediately. I learned how to prioritize and make smart decisions that were always for the better of myself and my career. I learned how to travel and be fully functioning in new environments. I was constantly reminded how important it is to stay above the influence. I was introduced to many working choreographers in LA and I had the opportunity to make connections before actually making the next step in moving to LA. I was forced to take multiple genres of dance and many classes of all different levels which made me an overall better dancer and more diverse. I was pushed to my limits and trained long hours which prepared me for what it’s like to rehearse for tour. I learned how to dance in heels and carry myself as a women.
Favorite LADM Company memory:
My favorite LADM memories were at Final Cut. The experience of learning/performing pieces and being with amazing people for a week straight striving to better myself and my talent. I enjoyed auditioning for company more than anything! It made the year so much more rewarding.
Credits:
Britney Spears
Beyonce
Kanye West
Charli XCX
Tinashe
G Eazy
Iggy Azalea
P. Diddy
Pharrell
VMAS
Billboard Awards
BET Awards
Latin Grammys
Mexican Billboard Awards
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Mobile 2026

January 22nd, 2017

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Baton Rouge 2026

January 22nd, 2017

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Chicago 2026

January 22nd, 2017

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Dallas 2026

January 22nd, 2017

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Orlando 2026

January 22nd, 2017

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Santa Clara 2026

January 22nd, 2017

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