Choreographers and Staff

Founder of Honolulu Dance Studio

Cathy's earliest beginnings include the University of Hawaii (UH)-Hilo (with Cathy Blatz-Roe)and Danceworks (with mentors Simeon Den & Marie Takazawa). From 1985-1990 Cathy focused her love for dance into a children's program at Danceworks and expanded contributions at dance programs at Punahou, Iolani, Kamehameha, LaPietra, Word of Life Schools and New Hope Christian College. Her personal skills included performing and choreographing for other Hawaii professionals; directing UH Rainbow Dancers; and leading New Hope Oahu Contemporary Dance Ministry. In 1991 Cathy brought leading dance instructors together and founded the Honolulu Dance Studio (HDS) of today.

Cathy's greatest legacy and personal honor is to be mother to Jaimiean, Karen, David, Kyle, John, Sarah, Tatiana, and Derrick. She continues in the ongoing joy of her yet growing numbers of grandchildren--Heather, Anabel, Maile, Daydsun, Daren, Daimiean, Kerry, Tobi, Soren, Sophie, Corey, Dylan and Brodie.

Boogie Down Hawaii Director

Boogie Down Hawaii director Jared Ake was born & raised in Honolulu, Hawaii to parents who met while dancing professionally in Japan, which may have something to do with his passion and love of dance. 

Jared has been dancing, choreographing, and teaching in Hawaii for over 30 years now. Starting off with Big City Productions in 1991 under Pam Sandridge, along with the street group SLAM under Mara Bacon, his love for dance and choreography was developed and nurtured. He also taught at 24-7, Hypersquad & Honolulu Dance studio Before moving to and living in LA for 5 years, he returned home to continue to teach. In 2011, the doors to Boogie Down Productions, Hawaii were opened in collaboration with Cathy Izumi and the Honolulu Dance Studio. His goal and passion is to help develop the gift of dance in young dancers to become ready for the real world whether it be in the field of Dance or not, but helping to develop & build character & responsibility through dance. He is happy and proud to work with the young talented staff who teach the countless young dancers and adults who take classes and the select dancers who are apart of the studio's performing and competition companies.

Ballet Mistress

Through the decades, Miss Elizabeth's passion for dance has evolved as an amazing journey.

The journey began as a student studying dance around the globe with the world's top ballet masters. She strove to learn as much as she could from each Master allowing them to mold her into the best artist she could be.

The next phase in the evolution was dancing professionally throughout Europe and Japan. She danced leading roles in all of the major ballets: Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, Le Sylphide, Nutcracker, and many others.

The direction of the journey completely changed when Miss Elizabeth began to teach. She knew she had found her calling and knew that she needed to return to home to nurture the talent Hawai'i has to offer the world. In doing this she is able to share her love of classical ballet and perpetuate the legacy of her mentors and teachers.

Director of Honolulu Dance Studio & Boogie Down Hawaii

A second-generation leader, Kyle Izumi brings over 30 years of dance experience and 19 years of teaching to HDS and BDH. Training since the age of three, Kyle is skilled in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. After high school, he joined The Young Americans, traveling internationally teaching dance and music.

Kyle has served as instructor, director, and choreographer for both HDS and BDH, becoming Hip-Hop Director in 2001. His professional career includes performing in Las Vegas with Rock-A-Hula, and appearing on stage with Janet Jackson during her Unbreakable Tour. His film and television credits include Hawaii Five-0, Marvel’s Inhumans, Magnum P.I., Godzilla, Jurassic World, Godzilla vs. Kong, The Wrong Missy, Battle of Midway, and Doogie Kamealoha.

HDCo. Senior Director

BDHCo. Crew and Junior Director

Rebecca Madera has been dancing with the Honolulu Dance Studio for almost 25 years.  She was one of the company's first dual performance team members training extensively  with Jared Ake at the start of BOOGIE DOWN HAWAII while continuing her technical training and performance with the HDCo. She has been teaching dance to students ages 3-adults in every genre. Currently Becca serves as the director of the BDH Junior and Crew division and the HDS Seniors. Becca loves teaching and watching her students grow into the beautiful humans that they are.  She wishes to inspire everyone” to be the best version of themselves both in and out of dance”. “I am so grateful to have grown up in the studio and be able to call it my home. I hope to create the same safe space for my students to also call HDS Home"

HDCo. Junior Director

What do your students call you? Ms. Kerri

What classes do you teach? Pre-Ballet & the occasional Jazz 4

Meet Ms. Kerri: Kerri Shintaku has been dancing with Cathy since age seven and was part of the original Honolulu Gurlz. Trained by Ms. Cathy, Ms. Elizabeth, Mr. Jared, and Ms. Molly, she began teaching at 18 and became Keiki director, choreographing for her peers. After working as a background dancer for Legends in Concert and taking time to support her children, Kerri returned to dance and teaching. Kerri still loves to dance, taking classes weekly at Street Jamz Werkout and Ms. Becca's Adult Hip-Hop, proudly calling Honolulu Dance Studio her home.

Asst. HDCo. Keiki Director

HDS Instructor

Ciera began dancing at age two, with early training in dance, gymnastics, and competitive performance through her teen years. She expanded her artistry studying modern dance at the Governor’s School in Norfolk, Virginia, and continued refining her skills at Adelphi University. Her work blends movement, emotion, and mindfulness. Recently certified in yoga, she is exploring trauma-informed practices. Ciera has loved being part of HDS and looks forward to teaching and mentoring her students.

BDH Instructor

What do your students call you? Mr. Johnny

What classes do you teach? Adult Beginner Hip Hop & Tumbling

Meet Mr. Johnny: Born into the studio life I started dancing at 5 years old and started teaching classes at 12 years old. After I graduated high school, I joined the Young Americans Performing Arts Group. With them I toured the west coast for a few months, teaching kids in each city we went through. After a year or so, I returned to Hawaii and helped open Boogie Down Hawaii. Throughout the years I have directed each company level from keiki to seniors. 

A message to his students: Don't hold back; always go full out, because time is short and a dancer's life is short-lived. Also (this may sound a little corny), live in the moment and enjoy the time with the people you're with. Very soon it may be just a fond memory.

Asst. HDCo. Keiki Instructor

HDS & BDH Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Melissa

What classes do you teach? Kids Beginner Hip-Hop, Jr/Tn Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary, Adult Hip-Hop, & Tap

Meet Miss Melissa: I started dancing at Honolulu Dance Studio in 2013 at age 12. In 2018, I began to teach at the studio which heavily impacted my future. From this experience, I found a passion for teaching and am now a full-time elementary school teacher. Seeing the impact I can have on my students is my “why”. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn inspires me to be the best teacher I can be. 

HDS & BDH Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Zoe

What classes do you teach? Adult Contemporary, Adult Hip-Hop, Ballet Theory, & Youth Jazz

Meet Miss Zoe: She began her dance journey at age eight, unknowingly setting the foundation for years to come. Trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary at her second home, Honolulu Dance Studio, she has spent the past seven years teaching where it all began. After recently graduating from Boston University, she’s happily back home in Hawaiʻi, continuing to share her love for dance and community.

A message to her students: My number one piece of advice is simple: have fun. No matter who I’m teaching from three-year-olds just beginning their journey to adults dancing later in life, I always lead with joy. Dance should feel good, and fun is at the heart of everything we do.

HDS Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Grace

What classes do you teach? Pre Jazz, Junior Acro & Teen Acro

Meet Miss Grace: I started teaching dance at 16 and made it my full-time passion after moving to the island in June. I love sharing my energy and experience across acro, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical—helping dancers grow in both skill and confidence while having fun along the way. ❤️🩰

A message to her students: I’m so fortunate to have found HDS and I can’t wait to see where life takes us!

HDS Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Mia

What classes do you teach? Pre-Ballet & Jazz 3

Meet Miss Mia: I started assisting at 12 and now teach students ages 3–17. I truly enjoy helping every student grow in confidence and celebrating their progress. I've loved growing at the studio as a company member and instructor these past years and will be graduating this year to embark on my next journey

BDH Instructor

What do your students call you? Mr. Timothy or Mr. Timmy 

What classes do you teach? Teen Intermediate Hip-Hop

Meet Mr. Tim: I started dancing when I was 8 here at HDS/BDH, my favorite style is hiphop but have been exploring other styles like contemporary and jazz. I just started teaching a couple years ago and excited to continue to learn more about dancing and teaching.

A message to his students: Im excited to grow and learn with you, never give up, and always have fun

HDS & BDH Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Khloe

Meet Miss Khloe: I have been dancing at the studio since the age of three and began assisting classes at 12. I now teach and substitute kids’ classes, which has become one of my favorite parts of being at the studio. I love helping dancers build confidence and learn new skills. Being part of their journey is something I truly enjoy.

HDS Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Camille

Meet Miss Camille: I started assisting the preballet and prejazz classes as a freshman in high school. During covid, I subbed for various classes, and eventually got my own Kidz Hip Hop class when we returned in person. I gradually picked up more beginner classes, and became the unofficial director for our current Keikis and Juniors. I graduated from high school in 2022, but remained on company for another year while also co-directing the HDS junior company. I remained the junior director for the next 2 years and taught regularly until I left for New York in August 2025.

A message to her students: Appreciate every moment you have while on company, even the difficult ones. It goes by too quickly to get caught up in the small stuff. Everything you experience is making you better, and pretty soon you'll be looking back missing it.

HDS Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Leah

Meet Miss Leah: I started teaching in 2021, beginning with Kids Hip-Hop and quickly emerging to teach Jazz 2, Pre-Ballet, and sub various levels of Jazz, Ballet, and Hip-Hop. Teaching became a new outlet and joy at the studio. I have enjoyed watching my students grow from their first days of dance to now dancing circles around me. I am in college now and am not teaching, but remain on staff to support Ms. Cathy, the staff, and help produce this concert’s programs!

A message to her students: Keep dancing and keep growing! I enjoy coming back each time and seeing how great all of you are! I miss you guys all the time!

HDS Instructor

What do your students call you? Miss Molly

What classes do you teach? Semi-retired but speciality is Tumbling, but have also taught Ballet and Jazz

Meet Miss Molly: Miss Molly is currently retired but will always serve as Honolulu Dance Company Ambassador. Molly and Cathy have been "sisters" since 1982, through thick and thin. We began our journey at Danceworks under the direction on Simeon Den and Marie Takazawa. Although Tumbling is my speciality, Miss Molly has served in many roles from administration, costume coordination, competition directer, fundraising, and teaching ballet and jazz. Molly loves HDS as if it was her own. Mahalo Ke Akua .