Cristina Michele Garcia (“Cristy”) has dedicated her life to dance as a performer, choreographer, educator, and artistic director. Beginning at age four, she trained for 16 years under Oneida Quevedo, studying Flamenco, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Afro-Cuban, Tango, and Hip-Hop while competing regionally and nationally, and later teaching for more than a decade. While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Cristy performed with Penn Dance and Onda Latina, expanding her artistry in contemporary and Latin dance, eventually serving as Artistic Director of Onda Latina and performing at the 2009 New York Salsa Congress. She also co-founded Ritmo y Pasion in 2008 and earned her Dance Educators of America Master Teaching Certificate in 2012, followed by her Dance Teacher University teaching certificate in 2025. While pursuing her MBA at IESE Business School in Barcelona, she performed and competed throughout Europe, adding to a performance career that has taken her to stages around the world, including Broadway, Spain, and France. Recognized for her excellence in education, Cristy was named Dance Educator of the Year in 2024. Committed to continuous growth and lifelong learning, she regularly attends premier industry events, including the prestigious Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas to train alongside top educators and bring cutting-edge techniques back to her students. Under her leadership, the CMG Dance Project competition team proudly claimed the title of National Grand Champion at nationals in 2026. An award-winning choreographer, Cristy’s greatest passion is storytelling through movement—bringing together technique, artistry, and emotion to create performances audiences can truly feel. Her diverse training continues to shape a choreographic style that draws inspiration from both traditional and contemporary forms of dance. As an educator, she is passionate about developing strong technique while encouraging dancers to discover their own individuality and artistic voice. She believes the most memorable performances happen when dancers connect deeply with the movement, music, and story they are bringing to the stage. Her approach challenges students to grow not only as dancers, but also as confident and expressive artists. Through every class and choreography, Cristy strives to share the same passion for dance that has inspired her throughout her life.​​​​​​

Crystavia has been dancing since the age of 12, with her background in gymnastics providing a strong foundation for her movement and artistry. She attended Indian River State College, where she earned an AA in Dance, and later completed her BFA in Modern Dance from the University of South Florida in 2020. Crystavia began teaching at just 17 years old and has continued working with children ages 5–15 in Contemporary, gymnastics, and praise dance. Over the years, she has expanded her training and expertise to include Tap, Acro, and Jazz. Since graduating, Crystavia has continued to perform professionally while sharing her passion for dance with students throughout the tri-state area. For the past two years, she has been an important part of the CMG faculty, where she has helped our dancers make tremendous progress in their Acro skills, building strength, flexibility, confidence, and technique. Her unique combination of dance and gymnastics allows her to bring versatility and dynamic movement into the classroom. She is passionate about challenging each student to reach their potential while creating an encouraging environment where they can grow as both dancers and artists.

Gianna is a Latinx performer, choreographer, and educator born in North Bergen, NJ, with an extensive career spanning commercial and concert dance. She began her journey as a teen in Jennifer Lopez's Amor Amor Amor music video and has since been seen working with and performing works by industry professionals such as Peter Chu, Carolyn Dorfman, Tyce Diorio, Talia Favia, Brian Friedman, Martha Graham, Jose “Hollywood” Ramos, Bill T. Jones, Juel D. Lane, Tricia Miranda, Ohad Naharin, Cat Rendic, Theresa Stone, and more. Diaz has performed on French Montana's North America Tour, Netflix’s High Strung Free Dance movie, Good Morning America, Univision, Channel CW for Miss USA, and Telemundo. She’s danced at world-renowned venues like Madison Square Garden, Jacob Javits Center for People En Español, Boardwalk Hall and has been featured in Dance Magazine's 2020 Fall Issue, where she was recognized for her outstanding achievements in both dance and academia. From 2021-2023, Diaz worked as a company artist with the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company and toured nationally ranging in choreographic styles from modern to jazz dance. A graduate of Montclair State University with a BFA in Dance, Diaz furthered her education by earning an MFA in Performance & Choreography from The University of Arizona. Also, Diaz has found a deep appreciation for dance through the lens of administration and rehearsal direction, serving as rehearsal director for award-winning artists, Anabelle Ochoa, as well as projects with the University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. As of 2026, she serves as an Adjunct Professor of Dance at Montclair State University while continuing to teach across the United States through pre-professional dance programs and local dance studios. Through her teaching, mentorship, and artistic practice, Diaz remains committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion while empowering and cultivating the next generation of dancers.

Damaris is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and educator with extensive experience in both the competitive dance world and dance ministry. She has trained and performed for over a decade, studying a wide range of styles including lyrical, contemporary, jazz, Latin-influenced jazz, musical theatre, tap, hip-hop, and cheer dance. Throughout her competitive career, she has earned numerous regional and national titles, including Best Senior Dancer, multiple National Champion solo awards, and recognition as a three-time UCA All-American Cheerleader. Her passion for education led her to complete Kearny High School's Academy of Dance program and Independent Study Dance program before continuing her training through the Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts Dance Education (BFA/EdM 4+1) Program, where she is pursuing a career as a dance educator. In addition to teaching and choreographing, Damaris is committed to helping every dancer reach their fullest potential. She believes that dance is about much more than technique—it is an opportunity to build confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love for the performing arts. She strives to create a positive and encouraging classroom where dancers feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow both on and off the dance floor.

Jasmine began her dance journey at just three years old and entered the competitive dance world by age six, quickly developing a deep love for the artistry, passion, and emotion of dance. Throughout her training, she has studied a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Acro, Hip-Hop, Tap, Flamenco, Salsa, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary, giving her a versatile foundation as both a dancer and educator. Her connection to CMG is especially meaningful, having trained from a young age under CMG Director Cristy and Hip-Hop instructor Veronica — and proudly becoming the very first student to enroll at CMG Dance Project. Today, Jasmine brings her experience full circle by sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of CMG dancers. As an instructor, she emphasizes the details that transform choreography into a performance, from strong technique and precision to facial expression, confidence, and stage presence. She encourages her students to understand that great dancing is not only about executing movement, but about bringing energy, personality, and intention to every step. Having grown from student to teacher, Jasmine brings a unique perspective to the classroom and understands firsthand the values and training that define CMG. Her goal is to help each dancer build confidence, strengthen their technique, and discover the joy of truly performing every time they take the stage.

Veronica started her dance career at a young age and instantly fell in love with the style of Hip-Hop. The adrenaline and dance movement of Hip-Hop led her to many wonderful opportunities in her dance career. She has taught beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of Hip-Hop to children and adults of all ages for over 10 years. Veronica competed in America’s Best Dance Crew on MTV and did two consecutive dance tours in China with Rhythm City Entertainment. While a member of Rhythm City Entertainment for 8 years, she performed as a back-up dancer for reggaeton artists like J Balvin, and opened for Pitbull at the Megaton. She has toured across the United States and has been invited to perform several years at the famous World of Dance tour. Veronica has also done numerous TV performances on MTV and BET. Her excitement and passion for dance will show all over the dance floor. Her focus as a teacher is to help understand the movement of hip-hop, the style, and the energy. She loves to have fun while teaching and being able to share her style of choreography to others.

With over 40 years of dance educator experience, Debi has stressed the importance of providing a superior dance education, even while striving to meet the varied needs of her students. She received her early training with dance instructor Vickie Sheer of New York (Ms. Sheer is the founder of Sheer Talent Ltd). She then went on to complete her training at Steps NYC, Broadway Dance Center and received her dance certification with Dance Educators of America (DEA). Debi has appeared in an episode of TLC’s “Toddlers and Tiaras” and was a judge for DEA dance competitions. Her dance company students also appeared on an episode of Dance Moms - ALDC Sheer Talent in 2014. She has always provided top quality dance training focusing on technical excellence and performance skills. Over the years, her students have competed in numerous dance competitions and have been awarded top scores and scholarships. They have also been accepted into prestigious dance programs and professional dance organizations, such as Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), and Joffrey Ballet School.

Zachary has been a passionate dancer for over 30 years, beginning his training at the age of 5 at a prestigious dance studio in Little Falls, NJ. He is a classically trained dancer in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, and began competing at the age of 10. Throughout his competition career, Zachary earned numerous solo titles and high score adjudications for group, solo, duet and trio performances across the East Coast at regional and national levels. His love for dance eventually led him to teaching and choreographing, where he has developed a reputation as an expert in jazz choreography for solos, duets, trios and group routines at studios across North and Central NJ. In addition to his creative choreography, Zachary incorporates strength and conditioning techniques into his classes, blending fitness principles with dance to enhance performance and prevent injury, ensuring his students build both technique and physical endurance. With a focus on contemporary jazz fused with street jazz, Zachary has earned multiple choreography awards, high score accolades, and studio spotlight honors while fostering a deep connection with dancers of all ages.

Bridget is the artistic director and founder of Bridget Ryan Dance Company. She is a New Jersey/New York based choreographer, dancer and teacher. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude with minors in Dance and Applied Performance from Drew University. Bridget’s choreography has been shown throughout NJ/NY/PA. Such venues include The Martha Graham Studio Theatre, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, Dixon Place, Arts on Site, TADA! Theatre, The Chain Theatre, The Mill Ballet School alongside New York University, Montclair State University, Stockton University, Hunter College, Saint Elizabeth University, Drew University and regional/national competitions. Bridget has presented work as a guest choreographer for companies; Dance New Jersey, Jazz Choreography Enterprises, Koresh Dance Company, Emerging Artist Theatre, Roxey Ballet, White Wave Dance, iKada Contemporary Dance Company, American Liberty Ballet, Creative Performances, New York State Dance Education Association, DanceAction, Chutzpah Dance, Allegory Dance Theatre, Infinite Motion, Hoboken Dance and Extensions Dance Project. Her choreography has been featured for non profit organizations such as The Support Network of Madison, Vision and Pathways and Morris County Survivors Speak. She has been an adjudicator with the National Dance Education Organization. Bridget truly loves being on CMG Dance Project Faculty!

Meredith began her dance journey at just two years old, building a lifelong connection to movement that ultimately led her to earn a B.A. in Dance and Anthropology from Muhlenberg College. Her extensive training includes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, and Modern dance, giving her a versatile foundation as both a performer and educator. Her choreographic credits include Sinternet!: The Musical and the CheckIt! Dance Festival in Central Park, and she has performed with the Six Meters Improvisational Dance Ensemble as well as productions for CheckIt! Dance, Indecorous Theatre Company, Snapped Productions, West Hudson Arts and Theatre Company, and The Secret Theatre. As an educator, Meredith has taught Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Creative Movement to students of many ages, but she has a particularly special gift for working with CMG’s youngest dancers. With warmth, patience, and enthusiasm, she introduces many children to the beautiful world of dance for the very first time, creating an environment where they feel comfortable exploring movement, music, and self-expression. She understands that these first experiences can shape a child’s relationship with dance for years to come and works to make every class positive, engaging, and encouraging. Through her teaching, Meredith helps young dancers develop not only foundational skills, but also the confidence to express themselves, try new things, and shine in the classroom and on stage. Her ability to connect with young students makes her an invaluable part of their earliest dance experiences at CMG. Beyond the studio, Meredith also works as an SAT tutor, reflecting her broader passion for teaching and helping students grow.

Isabella started her dance studies at the young age of 6. After a trip to Spain, she fell in love with Flamenco and begged her mother to find classes for her in the New Jersey area. At age 9, Isabella started her Flamenco studies at Oneidas Dance studio where she also trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Salsa, and Afro-Cuban. Isabella earned her Ballet Bar Certification from Dance Educators of America with High Honors. She attended Muhlenberg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Her studies focused on a plethora of Modern Dance Techniques and Ballet while also becoming an expert in Dance History. In 2011, Isabella attended a Flamenco internship in Sevilla, Spain under Rocío Albenis. She earned her Dance Teacher University certificate in 2025. Isabella has taught at multiple dance schools and recreation centers across New Jersey for the past 10 years. She is passionate about educating students on becoming convincing performers with strong technique. You can find her taking class at Peridance (NYC), ODC Dance Commons (CA), or with Xianix Barrera (Flamenco Artist NYC). Isabella continues to be a part of the CMG family and share her passion for education and continuing to grow as a dancer and artist with all her students.

A native of Puerto Rico, Luis' love of dance began at his grandparents’ Christmas parties, where his aunts introduced him to Salsa and Merengue. In high school, he performed lead roles in school plays and choreographed Salsa, Tango, and Bomba routines, later continuing his dance journey at the University of Pennsylvania with Onda Latina, where he served as Business Manager and Vice President. After college, Luis taught Salsa for five years and joined Ritmo y Pasión dance company. While earning his MBA at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, he led the school’s Salsa team to victory at MBAT 2013 in Paris, Europe’s largest gathering of MBA students. While he loves performing and choreography, Luis’ greatest passion is using dance to inspire and mentor young people, particularly teenagers as they begin discovering who they are and where they want to go. Through dance, he strives to instill confidence, discipline, resilience, and the belief that success is achievable through hard work and perseverance. Whether their future is in dance, college, a career, or an entirely different path, Luis wants CMG students to leave believing in their potential and feeling prepared to pursue whatever comes next.