Denise Leitner
Denise Leitner made her mark on the Los Angeles dance community over twenty years ago when she began teaching at the Dupre Dance Academy. Sin then, she has been a master teacher and guest choreographer from coast to coast as well as abroad. Her choreography has been seen on the stage, film, television and music video. Denise’s work for the children series Fairy Tales Across the World won her a cable award for choreography. Denise has been a contorting choreographer for Jazz Dance LA and is a member of the foundations’ Artistic Advisory Board.

Luretta McCray
Born and raised in the Midwest, Luretta received a Bachelor of Music and Masters Degree in Communication Arts/Theatre. While continuing to teach Dance and Music for Dance at the University level, she has also owned and operated a dance studio, performed in summer stock theatre and with a Civic Light Opera Company. As Artistic Director and the Director of Training and Development, she continue her involvement with the Nikkei Foundation of America, which began in 1982. Luretta has used her dance expertise, vocal skills and entertainment savvy over the years to choreograph a variety of production numbers ranging in size from 10-40 performers, which include several Japanese dance, Jazz dances, staging for guest artist and soloists, as well as coordinate all the technical aspects of producing the Foundation’s Annual Gala Show.

Jason Myhre
Jason Myhre is a graduate of the Chicago Academy for the Arts High School.  His dance training also includes scholarships with teh Lou Conte Dance Studio (home of Hubbard Street Dance Company), Chicago City Ballet, and EDGE Performing Arts Center in Hollywood.  Jason has performed in a number of industrials for Kraft, Disney, Six Flags, and showcases around the Los Angeles area.  Mr. Myhre is a noted choreographer and his work has been seen on MTV, CBS, Los Angeles Clipper games, Jazz Dance LA, and the international video series "Paris By Night."  Additional career highlights include work with Janet Jackson, Aerosmith, Shakira, Jade, Expose, and U.S. figure skater Rory Flack-Burghart.  Jason is also the Assistant Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Teen Dance Company of the Bay Area, a company that expands the artistic vision of youth dancers and prepares them for a career in the arts.

Paige Porter
Pursuing her long time passion for dance, Paige earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University.  Her numerous professional credits include extensive work internationally, most notably the European tour of "42nd Street" and as featured dancer at the acclaimed Sporting Club in Monaco, where she had the opportunity to work with artists such as Vanessa Williams, Liza Minelli, Rod Stewart, and Elton John.  Enjoying choreographing and teaching immensely, Paige has received national recognition for her choreography and travels throughout the country teaching master classes and workshops.  In addition, Paige is currently artistic director of two local companies of aspiring young dancers.