Lindsey started her dancing career at the age of 13 at the Eugene Jazz Studio. Since then, her love of dance has continued to fluorish. Co-captain of Marist High school dance team and recipient of multiple awards, Lindsey continued studying dance through her college career, adding hip hop to her repertoire.

Lindsey's love for dance continued to grow as she began teaching hip hop at various locations in Eugene. In 2003, Lindsey's dream of starting her own company came true with the start of Breakdown Dance. Another love of Lindsey's is broadway choreography; she is recently worked with the Actor's Cabaret of Eugene on their recent productions of Altar Boyz, the Producers, and Curtains.

Known for her personality, Tiffany, a member of Breakdown Company, came to the studio with a history of Jazz and Contemporary dance, but says that Hip Hop is where her heart is. In her words, "I don't know where I'd be without it; if I didn't have dance to get me through all the storms we all go through in life. I love my life, and even when times get tough....All I gotta do is turn on some sick tunes..get my thizz face on, and let it rain!"

 

Emily began dancing at age 10 at Springfield School of Dance. From the first day she danced she knew it was something she wanted to continue for the rest of her life. Emily joined both Ballet and Jazz classes, but quickly became attached to the grace and beauty of Ballet, and found that this was the style that she loved.

She continued in those styles and excelled to the highest levels. At age 13, Emily received my first pair of toe shoes and from then on, she was given many solos and duets to perform. When her Ballet teacher retired in her 7th year of dance, she found Breakdown Dance Company. Joining the Company, Emily found she loved other dance styles such as Hip-hop, Contempory and Broadway, and learned of all the ways she could express herself through dancing and music.

Ashley began training at age 4 with the Eugene School of Ballet. At 16 she joined Oregon Ballet Academy and has been dancing for them ever since. She also grew up with a strong musical theater background, thanks to her dad. While he was teaching she graced the stage in every North Eugene High School Production she could. With that Ashley studied Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary. "My first love will always be Ballet, and I feel honored to be able to pass down the legacy."

Amanda Morreira is a senior in the Spanish and International Studies programs at the University of Oregon. She began dancing at the age of 14 and was a four-year varsity dance team member in high school as well as a two-year captain and a 2006 DDCA Scholarship recipient. Amanda has studied various forms of dance at the University of Oregon including jazz, modern, ballet, hip-hop and breakdance. She performed in the University of Oregon’s Department of Dance Spring Concerts in 2007, 2008, and 2009 and has taught various levels of children’s ballet and creative movement classes through the City of Eugene’s Recreation Program. In her words, “I’m so thankful for dance and the privilege to share it.”

It was when college began that Kayla’s dance career really took off. She has had minor training in the styles of Jazz and some contemporary, during her first year of college with Eastern Oregon University’s Summit Dance Team. “I enjoyed learning what I received from this experience," she says, "but I still felt my heart guiding me somewhere else.”

Kayla has been going to the University of Oregon since 2007 and is now in her 4th year, beginning the Family and Human Services program. “Dance will always be a part of my life, but my first goal is to reach out to at-risk youth through the human services profession.” During these four years at the U of O, Kayla has taken both the Hip Hop III and Breakdance I & II courses provided at the School of Dance. She was asked to join her Instructors’ (for both courses) Hip Hop crew (known now as) Rhythm Army-where she danced at all kinds of local venues in Eugene, such as the Hult Center or Lane Community College.

At the age of 4 Lizzy began to dance. She grew up in Portland where she danced at various studios in the Portland metro area; including Bill and Company and Lake Oswego Academy of Dance. Her dance background is Jazz, Hip- hop, Ballet and Contemporary dance.

Lizzy was on her high school dance team and her cheerleading squad where she won numerous awards and was captain. In 2009 she graduated from the University of Oregon with a minor in dance where she studied Modern, Ballet, Hip-hop, African and Jazz. She was on the University of Oregon Dance team when they took first place in hip hop at the U.S.A nationals and 3rd place in jazz. She has performed as a guest artist in the Portland dance company A- WOL in the summer of 2008. Currently Lizzy is the Head Coach for South Eugene’s dance team.

Aram began b-boying or breaking (better known as break dancing) at the age of 13. He was highly influenced & inspired at a young age by viewing such films as “Beat Street” & “Breakin’ 1”. While in Junior High School his passion for ‘breaking’ intensified and began featuring his dancing in school talent shows and local car shows. He joined & helped form “C-Town Breakin’ Crew” in Caldwell, ID which performed for Recreational & Exhibition purposes from 2000-2003.

Since moving to Eugene, OR and viewing BREAKDOWN DANCE CO. performances, his enthusiasm for dance has reignited with a desire to pass along this form of urban dancing to young & older audiences alike.

Jesse has been dancing salsa for 9 years now. Previously a member of various performance groups in Eugene, he most recently joined the Johnny Bravo Dance Company in Seattle WA, performing at various events along the west coast. Jesse has taught salsa at both the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, and just recently joined up with Breakdown. He looks forward to sharing the knowledge he's learned and passing it on to the future generation of salseros!