A native Californian, Janell Burgess began her teaching and choreographic career in 1997. She received her first choreographic award from Disney at age 14 which led her to assist in the development of dance enrichment programs in schools throughout southern California. For her persistence and dedication to art in education she was presented with the American Legion Award and then continued on her journey choreographing and teaching for many high school dance teams, musical theater departments, and many after school programs for the development of arts in education in the Orange County/LA and throughout the United States. She has presented works for DeFore’s annual showcase “Pulse”, LA Dance Invitational, South Coast Dance Arts Alliance, and Spectrum Dance LA. She co-choreographed the closing ceremonies for the Newport Beach Film Festival, and has also worked as an assistant choreographer for The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral and documentary film “Rhythms of Peace”. She recently premiered two original choreographies in the show “X Burlesque” at the Showboat in Atlantic City, NJ and currently, Janell shares her knowledge and passion for dance throughout Africa. She is the American judge for the “Maltina Dance All 2010” televised family competition. Janell continues to teach and create new works for all age and experience levels. Her mission is to develop movement that will inspire healing, bridge cultures, create unity and ignite a passion for life!