Abeba Baptiste, Ms. Beebs
Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern & Tap Teacher
Director of Fit4Dance Elite Program
A dancer, choreographer, and creative visionary, Abeba likes to consider herself the Jill of all trades. Well-versed in multiple dance styles ranging from Hip-Hop to Afro-Fusion, Abeba showcases her passion for movement through an authentic, cultural, and urban lens. Graduating from Hofstra University in 2019, with a B.A. in Dance and Public Relations she has professionally trained and danced in the works of Dyane Harvey-Salaam, Earl Mosley, and Fritzlyn Hector, to name a few. Her television and industrial performance credits include WonderamaTV, Estelle, Fatman Scoop, Eddy Kenzo, Adekunle, Baby Cham, Wayne Wonder, and HoodCelebrityy. Abeba is currently in graduate school, pursuing a M.A. at New York University in Dance Education with a concentration on dances of the African Diaspora. Through sharing and collaborating, Abeba hopes to continue to be a vessel for art and expression.
Kameica Reid, Ms. Kam
Afrofusion Teacher
"It's always a party when Kameica, renowned Jamaican born choreographer and former professional dancer of over 25 years take to the floor. They call her KILLA KAM but her powerhouse energy, fire playlist and inspiring warm motivation will get you through any sweat sesh on the dance floor!
Reid coined by The Jamaica Gleaner in 2008 as a “young dance veteran”, having worked with artistes such as Rev Run from Run DMC, Patra, Toots and the Maytals, Tarrus Riley, Sizzla, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Baby Sham, Alicia Keyz and many more…began her dance training at the age of four. Having been a founding member of two outsanding Jamaican Dance Companies, Reid was trained in various dance styles including Jazz, Dancehall/Reggae Ska, Modern and contemporary, Hip Hop, Afro-Cuban technique, Caribbean Folk and African Dance fusions. Stepping off the stage and from behind the camera into the classroom Reid has been teaching for over 15 years ages 6-60 years and is dedicated to using the artform to uplift, energize and inspire.
Anika Newball, Ms. Nika
Jazz & Afrofusion Teacher
Anika has always had a passion for dance since a very young age. Anika Newball was raised in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn NY where she began her dance career. At the age of 6 , she was enrolled in Dance Connection, which taught her fundamental techniques within Jazz, Ballet, and Tap. She continued her dance career throughout middle school, where she was taught by Fit4Dance's very own Ms. Carol Lonnie. Her foundation of dance opened doors to explore other dance styles ranging from Soca, Afro, Hip-Hop, Heels, all the way to Contemporary.
Anika loves all arts of dance and pushes herself to try any and every style. Her passion is also a way of bringing people together, having fun, and self-expression. With each experience, she is on a new journey to teach and share her affection for dance. When instructing, she hopes everyone is able to feel and receive the joy dance brings her through every class.
Robenson Mathurin, Mr. Robenson
Afro Fusion, Ballet, Jazz, & Modern Dance Teacher
Robenson is a professional Haiti-based dance artist performing, choreographing, and teaching Haitian Folklore, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, and Afro-based dance styles. Since 2012, he has been a principal dancer in the international Compagnie de Danse Jean Rene Delsoin, based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, through which he has toured in the USA, Trinidad, and Taiwan. In 2017, he created the platform "Robenson Dance & Fitness" to support better health and dance training in Haiti and abroad. His goal is to spread joy by building awareness of Afro-diaspora dance and exchanging with fellow dance artists in this industry. Mathurin has worked with US-based companies including but not limited to Jean Appolon Expressions and Kriyol Dance! Collective. He has also choreographed for top Haitian artists including Ruthshelle Guillame and Darline Desca. He continues to expand his choreographic portfolio and training through international teaching opportunities and residencies including the Mark Morris Teaching Artist Training Program and dance studies at The Taylor School.
Vonecia Carswell
Hip Hop Teacher
Vonecia is passionate about empowering others through dance to live their best lives in every season. Growing up in Tampa, FL, dance had always played an important role in her life as a form of bonding with her family, and her moves are largely inspired by her dad who used to breakdance and pop & lock. She went on to participate in and create choreography for performance groups while in college at the University of Florida. After moving to NYC and in between working as an elementary educator, dance became a more significant outlet for her personally, which led her to take up group fitness training as a Shape Up NYC instructor in 2019.
Jaylen Taylor
Ballet, Majorette, & Mini Movers Teacher
Jaylen Taylor is from Canton, MS. He is a proud 2023 graduate of New York University Steinhardt’s Dance Education program, with a MA in Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Pedagogy. Mr. Taylor is a 2021 graduate of Thee Jackson State University where he received a Bachelors in Journalism and Media Studies with a concentration in Integrated Marketing. During his tenure at JSU he was a member of The JSU Cheer and Tumbling Squad, PRAM, Men of Excellence, Transfer Ambassador, Mr Debonair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., also served as the president of the Delta Psi Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. and the Secretary for the NPHC. Mr. Taylor has performed in Italy and on world-renowned stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center. At NYU he was a member of NYU’s Cheer Competition Team, a peer representative for SDEA at, and actively represented for the Steinhardt Dance Program.
Mr. Taylor believes that “There is no passion to be found playing small , in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” -Nelson Mandela
Laci Chisholm
Founder & CEO of Fit4Dance
Substitute Children’s Dance Teacher
Laci Chisholm, the founder of Fit4Dance, is a visionary leader, passionate dancer, and dedicated community advocate. With a string of prestigious awards and accolades to her name, Laci has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the world of dance and her unwavering commitment to uplifting the community.
Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Laci founded Fit4Dance ini 2014 with a clear vision in mind: to create a space where dance becomes a catalyst for personal growth, community building, and social change. Laci's passion for uplifting the community led her to design programs that cater to people of all ages and backgrounds, making dance accessible to those who may not have had previous opportunities.
Laci's dedication to uplifting the community extends beyond the studio walls. She actively seeks partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community centers, collaborating on projects that harness the power of dance for social change. Her efforts have not only enriched the lives of their students but have also had a profound impact on the broader community.
With her passion and expertise, Laci has garnered numerous awards and recognition including but not limited to the 2020 Entrepreneur of the Year by the SBA for the State of New York as well as the Women's Business Outreach Center, selected by American Express and IFundWomen for their prestigious 100 for 100 program, and the 2023 Lenovo Evolve Small Mentorship Contest. Her accolades serve as a testament to her exceptional talent, artistic vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence; however, Laci remains grounded and sees these awards as a platform to further her mission of creating positive change through dance.
With Laci at the helm, Fit4Dance is not just a place to learn dance—it is a sanctuary of inspiration, personal growth, and community empowerment. Under her guidance, the studio continues to flourish, providing a nurturing and transformative space for all who enter its doors.