Jessika is originally from Memphis, TN, and moved to Minneapolis at a very young age. She began her first formal dance training a couple of years ago at Lundstrum Center for the Performing Artist where she was introduced to jazz, ballet, and musical theatre. More recently, she has studied Horton and other dance techniques at TU Dance Center. You might have seen Jessika in works with Shá Cage, STRONGmovement or Curio Dance. Continuing her gratitude for the arts, Jessika is a 2015 graduate from Perpich Center for Arts Education and is currently in her second year at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as a B.F.A dance major!
Corey began studying dance at age 13. He has trained with Mathew Janczewski of Arena Dance, Kenna Cottman with Voice of Culture, Amy Sackett, Deborah Johnson, Arturo Miles, Erin Thompson, Pandora, Betsy Maloney, Laura Ciganko, Carol Schwarzkopf, Sonya Tayeh and Mia Michaels. In 2010 Corey graduated from the Main Street of Performing Arts (MSSPA)with honors and an emphasis in dance performance. Following graduation, he was invited back to choreograph a contemporary piece titled “Twilight for the MSSPA Dance Company”. While serving as a significant contributor on SHAPESHIFT’S creative team, he also is a competitive dance instructor and choreographer at Turning Pointe Dance Studio in Eagan Minnesota, where he has received many national titles, including 2014’s Triple S National Grand Champion title.
Gabriel started his movement training at the tender age of five at Out on a Limb Dance School, and he fell in love with the art form in high school, while attending the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in St. Paul Minnesota. Gabriel is continuing to perfect his craft as a BFA candidate at the University of Minnesota School of Dance. Performing is his passion, but also is a dance instructor and choreographer. Gabriel loves music, fashion, longboarding, and always tries to be the best friend, son, and brother that he can be.
Rachel has been dancing since age of 5. She has been perfecting her craft at Chaska School of Dance, Premiere Dance Academy, Center Stage Dance Studio, and Studio 4 Dance. She is trained in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, jazz, musical theatre, pointe, African and tap. Dance is Rachel’s passion, as she enters her senior year at the University of Minnesota as a BFA Dance Major. She has worked with artists from New York, Los Angeles, and the Twin Cities area including Gregory Dolbashian, Wynn Fricke, and Gerald Casel. She also has trained in Italy, and performed on the big stage with Spank Rock at the Eau Claire Music Festival and Tori Kelly at the Official Prince Tribute Concert in 2016. Rachel pays it forward as she also teaches students in contemporary, lyrical and ballet at various studios throughout the Twin Cities.
Ashley is the Founder and Creative Director for Minneapolis based SHAPESHIFT Theatrical. She is trained in Jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip-hop and African. Ashley’s credits include SHAPESHIFT productions: Grey Skies Blue, XI:XI, XI:XI The Awakening. Film/TV credits include: Commercial, MN Zoo, African Penguin Exhibit. Most recently, you may have seen Ashley on the concert stage for The Official Prince Tribute with her SHAPESHIFT squad at Xcel Energy Center (Tori Kelly) or at We Day (Paul Abdul, Natalie La Rose, OMI).
In 2017, Ashley worked at The Ordway: (Associate Choreographer) In The Heights and Jesus Christ Superstar. (Ensemble) West Side Story, (2nd Assistant Director/Choreographer) Irving Berlin's White Christmas. She has also worked with Penumbra Theater Company (Actress) The Amen Corner.
Additional credits include whipping her hair back and forth with Willow Smith at The Target National Sales Concert, dancing in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel with iLuminate (known from America's Got Talent, Season 6) for Hallmark, working alongside Prince’s band, 3rdEyeGirl for their music video shoot.
Ashley would love to work towards making dance lessons and workshops more accessible to inner city youth.
Beyond dance, Ashley is a Rom-com collector, lover of overpriced latte's and vintage furniture. She is annoyingly organized (according to family and friends). Selmer earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (emphasis in choreography and performance) from The University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Kole Nelson
Originally from Alexandria, MN Kole Nelson began dancing at a young age. After his early graduation from high school he moved to the city to pursue his career in dance. Represented by Caryn Model and Talent Agency, Kole is a dancer, instructor, and choreographer throughout the Midwest region. His true passion lies in teaching and choreography as it allows his visions to come to life. His choreography has been recognized at both the regional and national levels. He has performed in several productions, his most recent works include "White Christmas" at The Ordway Center for Performing arts, "Romeo and Juliet" with Metropolitan Ballet, "Air and Space" for MSP airport via John Mark Creative, Eaux Claires Music Festival, 3M commercials, Kinetic Kitchen (Stacy Boedekker),"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", "Best little Whorehouse in Texas" at the Old Log Theater, "CLU"- a jazz dance musical, and is a recent dance captain in the Old Log Theatre's production of "The Wedding Singer".He can be seen in music video production with artists such as: Har Mar Superstar, Little Scream, 7th Ave, and Vie BoHeme. He aspires to be a talent agent and working choreographer. "There is no greater joy than inspiring others and helping them to reach new heights"
As a dancer and choreographer, Alan is a two- time Sage Award Nominee in the State of Minnesota. Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Alan has been performing 10+ years and has been sculpting his craft as an all-around performer. He is a member of SHAPESHIFT's Creative Team, Immortal Dance Team leader, Head Choreographer for LegacyLiveEnt, Co-Founder of Rebirth Of Quality Art, and Creative Director for Global recording artists RajiTheOne and Anjanie Da Artist.
Emily is a natural performer, born and raised in Minneapolis. Emily has been seen in regional theaters such as The Ordway Center for Performing Arts (West Side Story; In the Heights), Theatre Latte Da (Cabaret), and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (Hairspray; Bye Bye Birdie; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; The Little Mermaid). Emily is a new member to SHAPESHIFT and is excited to part of the family.
Luis (age 20) hails from the 612 area code (Minneapolis). He started training at SPCPA, where he excelled in numerous styles (Modern, Ballet, Jazz) and world dances (African, Hip-Hop, Character). He has studied intensively with Uri and Toni at TU Dance. Among many other acting and dancing projects, his credits include performer and co-creator with LegacyLivEntertainment and New Black City dance crew.
Alyssa has trained as a competitive studio dancer since she was four, graduating from Studio 4 in 2013. She is trained in a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, ballet, lyrical, modern, hip hop, and tap. In 2014, Alyssa was selected to perform on for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on the Allure of the Seas, traveling to many beautiful ports in the Caribbean. Alyssa continues to expand her professional dance career nationally from her home town of Minneapolis Minnesota.
Nate is a 20 year old dancer, born and raised in South Minneapolis. Nate is a humble student of dance and hip hop. He would describe his style as unorthodox like Prince, not wanting to be closed into a limited box in anything. Nate enjoys cooking and working out at the gym with his friends. He is looking forward to continuing his training and exploration throughout his journey with SHAPESHIFT!
