JC Renzetti - XDC Director/Instructor

JC Renzetti, Co-Director of Xtreme Dance Force, grew up and resides in the Chicagoland area. With a credited bachelors degree in Political Science from UIC, JC trained in jazz, tap, ballet, acro and hip hop since age 7. Through his performing and training years, JC lived in the competition limelight winning countless overall 1st place awards and being offered scholarships throughout the country. He has performed and opened up for several top recording artists such as Ludacris, Ciara, Twista and Soulja Boy. JC has also been showcased in top shows in Las Vegas. He was recently a choreographer for the internationally broadcast MLS All Star Game Half-Time Show featuring top recording artist Lupe Fiasco on ESPN. He has also choreographed for the NBA Detroit Pistons dance team Automotion

JC continues teaching all over the country while he sets award winning hip hop routines for numerous dance studios and companies. Since becoming Co-Director of Xtreme Dance Force, the company has opened up for celebrity recording artists such as Chingy, Tyrese, Bow Wow and Mims, just to name a few. JC is currently choreographing and working with brand new up and coming recording R&B artist Stevie Brock (recently signed with Mosley Music Group/Interscope Records). He was a part of the Dance Power Express faculty for 2 years, and you can currently find him teaching on the NEW dance convention/competition WILD. You can also find JC on MTV’s Season 2 of America’s Best Dance Crew. He was the main talent and spokes person for Xtreme Dance Force

JC is currently the Director of the Xtreme Dance Center, the premier dance studio in Illinois.

Sam Renzetti - XDC Manager/Instructor

Founder, Director, Choreographer of Xtreme Dance Force, the number one teen Hip Hop and Jazz/Lyrical dance troupe in the Midwest. Renzetti, recently featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine, began his training at age 8 in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop and Fitness.

Renzetti now travels all over the country for Master Workshops, Intensives and dance studios guest teaching and setting choreography. Renzetti trained in Hollywood, CA with top Choreographers and teachers. Renzetti has appeared in the Show “Pop Stars 2,” Lead Singer and Dancer for (Big Idea’s) Veggie Tales “Jonah,” the national syndicated TV show “Health and Lifestyles Weekly,” and other top shows and performances across the country. Recently Renzetti choreographed the Nationally Televised MLS All-Star Game Half-Time Show Featuring Recording artist Lupe Fiasco. Renzetti’s work has received National acclaim, overall awards for Choreography and Entertainment by top industry competitions. Renzetti’s group, Xtreme Dance Force was awarded National Hip Hop Champions for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Xtreme Dance Force was also rated one of the top 5 dance companies in the USA by Dance Spirit Magazine. Renzetti’s credits include: openings for recording artist Soulja Boy, Ludacris, Ciara, Chingy, Tyrese, Lupe Fiasco, Bow Wow, Mims, and Twista.. Renzetti has trained dancers who have gone on to dance in major motion pictures, music videos, live celebrity tours, award shows and numerous commercials. Renzetti’s dancers have also gone on to teach all over the world. They have appeared in Live Las Vegas shows, opening celebrity acts and on the “Wade Robson Project.” They have recently appeared on the Fox series “So You Think You Can Dance” and MTV Hit “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew”, Season 1 and 2.

Renzetti was featured as the head hip hop Coach in 2 shows of the Emmy Award winning MTV reality show, MADE. Renzetti is currently choreographing for the new up and coming R&B/Pop recording artist, Stevie Brock. For more information on Renzetti’s Company please visit www.myspace.com/xtremedanceforce or www.xtremedanceforce.com. For more information on Stevie Brock please visit www.myspace.com/steviebrock

Alvin Ramirez - Hip Hop Instructor

Alvin Ramirez started his dance training with Sam Renzetti at age sixteen. He has performed in countless productions and competitions all over the country. He has been awarded perfect scores and numerous scholarships for his performance proficiency. His latest accomplishments have been displayed with Xtreme Dance Alliance. His choreography and unique style has made Alliance a reputation for being one of the youngest talented Hip Hop groups in the Midwest. Alvin teaches Hip Hop classes at local dance studios and sets choreography and master Hip Hop classes for H.S. dance teams and dance companies.

Gil Mata - Jazz/Lyrical Instructor

Gilbert began his intense, professional training at the young age of 14 under Xtreme Dance Force (XDF), the number "1" hip hop and jazz troupe in the Midwest. Originally from Aurora, IL , Gil now studies all styles of dance from a variety of top industry teachers and choreographers from around the world. Without any previous technical training, Gil made a reputation for himself in the Jazz Division of XDF by pushing himself past the norm. He grasped the concept of dance through his hard work and determination to be better than most on the Performance and Competition Stage. Under the direction of Samuel Renzetti, Gil has learned to assist and teach a style all his own. He began his Choreography Career at XDF in 2006 setting pieces of work and teaching countless classes. Some of Gil's credits include opening acts for top recording artists Ciara, Bow Wow , Tyrese, Mims and Lupe Fiasco . He had the acclaim of performing in the 2007 MLS half-time show on ESPN . Gil has recently choreographed for many high school and college dance teams. Gil is anticipating another exciting year at Xtreme Dance.

Justin Tyda - Hip Hop Instructor

Justin Tyda started his dance career at the age of 16 freestyling and battling at clubs. He has traveled and competed at some of the biggest competitions all over the United States. Tyda was a part of Xtreme Dance Force in 2007 and 2008. He competed at Starpower Nationals in Ocean City, Maryland in 2007 and Las Vegas, Nevada in 2008 winning the Starpower Victory cup each year. He has won numerous first place awards and overall high score awards all over the nation. He has opened up for top recording artists such as Lil Bow Wow, Mims, Soulja Boy, B5 of Bad Boy Ent., Christy Carlson Romano, Teddy Gieger, Ashley Parker Angel of O-Town, Jacob Latimore, and Jump 5 just to name a few. He was also the only male dancer for singer/songwriter Ashley Garland for 2 years. He recently competed on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season Two and was a top ten finalist with Xtreme Dance Force. Tyda currently teaches at studios and conventions around the nation while traveling to L.A. on a regular basis to enhance his skills.

Robert Lewis - Hip Hop Instructor

Rob began his dancing career at age 4, and has studied all forms of dance – ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip hop, but his specialty is hip hop. Robert recently performed with Xtreme Dance Crew on the second season of MTV’s hit show, America’s Best Dance Crew. He has opened for Souja Boy, Bow Wow and Mims, and was part of the ABDC tour performing at the Rosemont Theatre with the Xtreme Dance Crew. Robert was part of the award winning competition teams for Xtreme Dance Force, Forest Hills Dance Company, Dance Source Unlimited, and Midwest Movement. Robert choreographed for Xtreme competition teams in the 2007-2008 competition season. He has also choreographed winning competition numbers for Forest Hills Dance Academy. Robert owns his own studio, Lewis Dance Progressions, and also teaches at several other dance studios in the Northern Illinois area. He has taught Master Classes in the Northern Illinois area, and has recently adjudicated at dance competitions. His greatest love is teaching and choreographing hip hop, and his new innovative style is fresh and exciting.

Arianne Ramirez

Arianne Ramirez started her dance career with Xtreme Dance Force, working closely with Sam Renzetti, JC Renzetti, and Alvin Ramirez. She has performed as an opening act for recording artists such as Soulja Boy, Tyrese, Chingy, and Chamillionare. Ramirez performed in the internationally broadcasted ESPN 2006 Major League Soccer All-Star Game featuring Lupe Fiasco and Nathan Burton’s magic show at The Flamingo in Las Vegas. Her skills in dance have allowed her to work with top choreographers Jesse Lee Santos, Kevin Maher, NTD, Joe Krausz, Matt Cady, Leslie Scott and David Moore . Ramirez has also worked with MTV’s MADE and MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Her unique style has been seen in local hip hop classes, high schools, and competition routines.

Jasleen Singh - Company Co. Director

Jasleen Singh began her training as a gymnast at age 3. To better her technique and grow as a gymnast, she took ballet at age 7 and found her true passion. Ballet being her main focus, she trained under Watmora Casey, and Avnun Yakabov and had the pleasure of assisting Ballet Master, Homer Hans Bryant. At age 9 she began her dance training in jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. Since then, Jasleen was Captain of her Division leading Cheerleading team her junior and senior year. She has trained full time under various top award winning competitive dance companies in the Midwest, such as Midwest Movement (Ted Jackson), Perseverance (Missy Ridgeway) and Xtreme Dance Force (Sam Renzetti). Her credits include opening for Soulja Boy, Nathan Burtons Las Vegas Show at the Flamingo 2007, Miss Illinois pageant and many Major competitions. Within the years of hard training, she has had the great opportunity of working with top industry choreographers Ray Leeper, Dee Caspery, Chris Jacobsen, Tokyo, Jesse Lee Santos, Kevin Maher, David Moore and Matt Cady.

Ryan Browning - Ballet Instructor

Ryan began dancing at the tender age of 6 years old, with Ballet Northwest, in Steamboat Springs Colorado.  Under the direction of Julie Sneden, Ryan discovered his love for the structured technical craft.  At the age of 10, Ryan received a full scholarship to attend Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, where he had the opportunity to study under such masters as Glenn Eddy, Jane Delay and Walter White.  Eager to continue his training, Ryan soon began auditioning for numerous other summer intensives including Dance Aspen and Aspen Ballet, where he also received full scholarships.  While a student at the Aspen Ballet summer program, Ryan had the pleasure of training under Jean-Phillipe Malaty, Tom Mossbrucker (formal principal dancer with the Joffery Ballet) and such masters as David Howard and Patricia Standard.  At 17 years of age, Ryan received a full scholarship to attend the River North Dance Company's summer intensive in Chicago.  During this program, He began to branch away form his concentration on Ballet, and discovered his love for contemporary dance.  This was also the intensive that convinced Ryan to move to Chicago and become a student at Columbia College Chicago, where he received technical training from numerous instructors.  These instructors include, but are not limited to, Anna Paskevska, Eduardo Vilaro, Dardi McGinley-Gallivan and Ron Hutchens.  After leaving Columbia College Chicago, Ryan returned to Colorado where he eventually acquired a position as a singer/dancer on Holland America Cruise lines.  Now, again living in Chicago, Ryan looks forward to many more years in the dance world, as an educator of the next generation of Chicagolands finest up and coming talent.

James Joyner - Ballet Instructor

James Joyner grew up in west Tennessee dancing and training with Pat Brown at Ballet Arts Inc. Upon graduating from high school, James traveled to New York to train at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After a year of training in musical theatre, James returned to Tennessee to become a member of Nashville Ballet 2 where he performed many works by artistic director Paul Vasterling as well as other American choreographers. Two years later. James was offered a company position with Ballet Nouveau Colorado. At BNC, James had the opportunity to work with amazing choreographers such as Garrett Ammon, Alex Ketley, and Lauri Stallings to name a few. James became a faculty member of the school of BNC while dancing full-time. After four years at BNC, James moved to Chicago to continue exploring his performance career and developing his dance techniques.

Jo Lee - BreakDancing Instructor

JoLee is a part of Crooks Crew. Crooks Crew is a group of professional break dancers with their sights set on one thing, success. Formed just over a year ago, the members of Crooks are made up an all star team of veteran breakers with backgrounds from all over the Chicago land area. Already gaining much international reputation and praise, Crooks was voted "best crew in Chicago for 2009" by Chicagobboy.com and has already proven it self to be a driving force in the national break dancing community.

Jacquie Renzetti - Jazz/Lyrical Instructor

Jacquie Tietz-Renzetti is currently teaching and performing all over the Chicagoland area. She is a dancer/model for two talent production agencies, Impulse Talent Group and Stage Factor, Inc. Her dance choreography has received many top awards in both regional and national levels. In 2010 alone she received 6 choreography awards for 6 different routines of hers. Jacquie was a 2008 season apprentice for River North Dance Company in Chicago where she had the privilege to work with many nationally renowned choreographers. Throughout high school Jacquie was a member of Perseverance Dance Company, one of the top competitive companies in the country, receiving many regional and national titles. Jacquie was awarded 2004 LA Dance Magic’s Magic Performer and 2003 & 2004 Miss West Coast Dance Xplosion. She also received the award for “Excellence in Technique” at a national level, along with many other prestigious awards. Immediately out of high school she began dancing professionally with Nick Pupillo and Eddy Ocampo performing in several dance showcases including Dance Chicago, Chicago House, Vibe in Boston, Massachusetts, and many others. Jacquie was showcased as a principle dancer in Value City, The Room Place, and Nokia commercials. Jacquie has also been on staff and judged with major competition organizations. Jacquie would like to thank her loving family for their unconditional love and support, and her students who inspire her everyday to share her passion with them.

Ade Willis - Hip Hop Instructor

Ade Willis grew up in Aurora, IL just outside of Chicago. He started his hip hop dance training with Xtreme when he was just 12 years old. Willis was one of the few who accelerated at an extremely fast pace. Within two years training at Xtreme he became Sam Renzetti’s Choreography Assistant. He has become a red hot talent to watch on stage, and has won numerous overall awards during his time competing. During his limelight on the competition stage he went on to help Xtreme win 3 Victory cups at Starpower Nationals, 3 years in a row. He has appeared on MTV’s MADE assisting MADE coach Sam Renzetti. He has performed in Vegas at the Flamingo and also opened up for National Celebrity Recording Artists such as Ludacris, Mims, Soilja Boy, Lupe Fiasco, Chamillionair, Ciara, Jibbs, and Bow wow. When Willis isn’t performing, he travels the country teaching and choreographing at dance studios. He continues to set hip-hop routines for competition companies throughout the area. You can find Willis currently on staff at Xtreme’s very own Xtreme Dance Center.

Gianna Zacarro - Hip Hop Instructor/ Jr. Program Instructor

Born in Addison, Illinois, Gianna Zaccaro is a sophomore at Elmhurst College majoring in health care. Zaccaro has had technical dance training since she was four years old. She started her dance career with Perseverance Dance Company, working closely with Missy Ridgeway and Lizzie MacKenzie. She also traveled regionally and nationally receiving 2008 and 2009 Starpower Victory Cup with Xtreme Dance Force under the direction of Sam Renzetti, JC Renzetti, Alvin Ramirez and Gil Mata. Her skills in dance have allowed her to work with top choreographers Jesse Lee Santos, Kevin Maher, Matt Cady, Chris Jacobson, Leslie Scott, Sonya Tayeh, and David Moore. Zaccaro’s distinctive style has been seen in local hip hop, jazz, lyrical classes and competition dance routines. She currently choreographs for both recreational and competitive dancers and continues to share her passion of dance through teaching.

Spencer Baumgart - Hip Hop-BreakDancing Instructor/ Jr. Program Instructor

Spencer started dancing at age 9 and has been trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tumbling, and break dancing. He came to Xtreme at age 14 and has been trained by Alvin Ramirez, Sam Renzetti and numerous top choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Jesse Santos, Dave Scott, Kevin Maher, and David Moore. He has received the title of Mr. Showbiz and been awarded many dance scholarships at Adrenaline, Tremaine and Odyssey dance competitions. His outstanding credits include performing in shows for Bow Wow & Mims, Soulja Boy, Nathan Burton’s Magic Show in Las Vegas, Miss Illinois Pageant, a TV appearance on ESPN at the MLS All-Star halftime show with Lope Fiasco and MTV’s Made show with Sam Renzetti. He has been choreographing and teaching for years and is very excited and thankful to have an opportunity to teach this season at the Xtreme Dance Center.

Shavon Bashir - Ballet-Turns and Leaps-Stretch Instructor

Shavon Bashir comes to us from Shelby Township, Michigan where she received many years of training from several prominent dance schools. Her expertise as a performer and choreographer encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, from classical ballet to hip hop to jazz.

As a serious competitor, she was a featured dancer at the critically acclaimed dance studio, Suzette’s Masters of Dance, under the direction of Suzette Maniaci. Her resume also lists such diverse experiences as having performed and worked with internationally known artists Chris Judd, Brian Friedman, Enrique Iglesias, Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo, Mia Michaels, Lil Bow Wow and Barry Youngblood, as well as having been a member of two professional sports dance teams, the WNBA Shockwave and the NBA Detroit Pistons Automotion.

Shavon has performed throughout the United States and can be seen in various commercials and advertisements. In addition to her on-stage accomplishments, she takes pride in her achievements as an instructor where she is a choreographer of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical & Musical Theatre. Having led her competition teams to many regional and national titles, as well as receiving various entertainment and choreography awards. She also conducts Master Class Dance Workshops in Indianapolis, IN.

Shavon is a graduate of Oakland University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a minor in Dance and Human Resources. Since graduation she has continued her professional career as a dancer, instructor and choreographer, as well as judging for regional and national dance competitions throughout the country.

Amanda Anderson - Jazz-Contemporary-Conditioning Instructor

 Amanda Anderson began her extensive dance training at age 9 in all areas of dance including, but not limited to: jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and musical theatre. While training at Xtreme Dance Force, Amanda was fortunate enough to be under the instruction of top choreographers in the industry. Growing up on the competition stage, Amanda has been awarded numerous scholarships, overall awards, including a perfect score, and agency representation. Having the opportunity to assist many choreographers and teaching at a young age, Amanda acquired an original work ethic and style of dance all her own. Amanda has opened for many artists including Hilary Duff, Tyrese, and Chamillionaire to name a few. She has had the opportunity to perform with Lupe Fiasco in the 2007 MLS Halftime Show on ESPN. Amanda has also been a guest teacher for Street of Dreams Dance Convention since 2008. Most recently you can see Amanda dancing for Fall Out Boy's previous tour, "Folie a Duex." Her unique style of choreography, that combines her technical, theatrical, and hip-hop backgrounds, has been recognized both regionally and nationally. Amanda's choreography has received top overall scores, entertainment awards, as well as choreography awards. She's currently a co-director of a competitive company in the Midwest, and regularly travels the country teaching master classes and setting guest choreography. She truly inspires each dancer she meets to discover a new way of movement within themselves.

Shauntel Jones - Hip-Hop Instructor

Shauntel has loved dance since she was 3 years old. She has studied in ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. She performed with the American Girl Theatre musical production “Circle of Friends” for two years. At the age of 14 she took her first hip hop class and it immediately became her passion. Shauntel began dancing with the Xtreme Dance Force in 2006 through 2010. She’s competed in several National competitions earning numerous first place and overall high score awards. She was awarded dancer of the year three times and became team captain in her last year. She has had the honor of working closely with Alvin Ramirez and became Sam Renzetti’s assistant in 2009. Since dancing with Xtreme, Shauntel has been able to work with top choreographers such as Kevin Maher, Joe Krauz, Jessie Lee Santos, Lindsey B from BeatFreaks, Nick Bass, Matt Cady from FannyPak, Laura Edwards and many more. Shauntel was invited back to the final auditions of America’s Got Talent in Los Angeles, CA in 2009. She’s also had the privilege of performing at the 2010 Miss Illinois Pageant. Shauntel is currently a hip hop instructor at Xtreme Dance Center and various studios in the area. Her spunky personality and love for dance has allowed her to follow her dream to work with others who share her passion for dance.

Deborah Nanni - Ballet/Jr. Program Instructor

Debra Nanni (native of Buffalo N.Y.) started her performing career on scholarship at Gus Giordano's in 1983. As a performer, she had been a soloist with Chicago Dance Medium as well as an independent performer with many
Affluent Dance Companies in Chicago. She enjoyed her long performing career not only in modern, contemporary ballet and jazz performances, but was also seen on the nationally syndicated TV show Star Search.
Debra was the Owner and the Artistic Director of Progressive Movement Academy located in Rockford IL.. PMA's competitive teams enjoyed many National Top 1st place awards additionally with many choreographic awards including Best Innovative/Choreography from Dance Educators of America 4 years consecutive. Her love for teaching succeeded her love for business closing PMA after 5 years to focus on her new passion.
Debra now teaches and choreographs throughout Chicago and the suburbs including teaching master classes/workshops nationally with professional dance workshops, conventions and independent studios. She is in her 8th year of teaching private classes and workshops in Austria and is pursuing her invitation to teach a modern contemporary ballet workshop at the Prestigious Vienna Opera School of Ballet.
With her extensive knowledge in all areas of dance Debra is on her 15th year as an adjudicator for various national dance and talent competitions.
She is the Contemporary Ballet Mistress for RASA Dance Chicago under the direction of Van Collins and is setting a professional work on the company. Debra is also very excited to be invited to be on faculty at Joel Hall's Dance studio as the Modern teacher for INaside Dance Project under the direction of Richard Smith.
Debra’s passion and mission as a teacher is to focus on the needs of the student. Whether they dance for recreation, competitive or want to make a career in dance, her objective is to let them enjoy the learning process, while building a strong foundation with knowledge, technique and confidence which can prepare them for any opportunity. Through the teachings of Debra, her students have received college scholarships, perform on cruise ships, in the entertainment field and dance with professional companies in Chicago, New York, California and Europe.

Sue Gregus - Pilates Instructor

Sue recently completed the rigorous 600 hour Pilates certification under the philosophies of Authentic Pilates which remains the purest form of Pilates today. It honors the legacy of Joseph Pilates' teachings, (mind/body/spirit) philosophy, and pioneers his commitment to promoting and preserving vibrant health, improving and extending the quality of life though an unwavering dedication to excellence. Sue started taking Pilates in 1999 as part of her rehabilitation from a car accident and feels it was instrumental in her recovery then and in keeping her healthy today. Being a CPA for 27 years, Sue decided she was looking for a change and her passion for the Pilates Method and helping people led her to enroll in the program in June of 2009. Sue particularly enjoys working with dancers since she herself was a dancer for many years. In her free time, she enjoys biking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Emily O'Donnell - Zumba Instructor

Emily lives in the historic district of downtown Naperville with her husband and five children. She grew up in a home that loved music, dance and performance and seeks to make her home a place where creativity/music/dance and the arts flourish. She graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in History, but recently received her certification as a Zumba Fitness Instructor. She is currently contracted to teach Zumba at North Central College and Waubonsee Community College, and is thrilled to now offer her classes at the Xtreme Dance Center.

Brenda Huettl - Dance Center Administrator