ABOUT US
Launched in July 2019, we offer a wide array of dance and movement classes for both children and adults. Classes include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Pilates, and more! Our space is also available for rental on a daily basis with accommodations for rehearsals, private lessons, fitness and wellness classes.
Our mission is to provide a space and outlet for growth, creativity, exploration, and expression to all members of the New York community. We are dedicated to offering quality programs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of New York City. We strive to build a community that will enable artists of all ages to feel welcomed, comfortable, and at home in our space.
ALANNA CHAN
OWNER / STUDIO DIRECTOR
Alanna Chan is a New York based actress and dancer with over 25 years of experience. She grew up training in Chinese Folk Dance, ballet, jazz, and hip hop at her local studio on Long Island, NY and furthered her training at the Joffrey Ballet School’s prestigious Jazz and Contemporary Program. At the age of 4, she booked her first national commercial for Tyson Chicken and it didn't stop there! Alanna is a member of SAG-AFTRA and can be seen on numerous advertisements, music videos, and television appearances. She has had the privilege of performing on the stages at Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art and in New York regional theaters.
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As a dance educator, Alanna has had the honor of instructing at many studios throughout New York City and the tri-state area. Her approach to dance education has always set her apart from others. She personalizes each of her classes to the needs and goals of her students. Her individualized approach to teaching allows for personal growth and for each student to reach their full creative potential. Alanna focuses on developing a strong technical foundation but always encourages exploration of movement and freedom of expression. Alanna is excited to share her passion for performance and dance education to the Tribeca community!
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Through her own dance journey, Alanna realized that many established NYC studios lack diversity and individuality in their dance programs. Alanna wanted to break the traditional mold, and opened Luna Performing Arts in the Summer of 2019 in TriBeCa. Luna is derived from Alanna’s Chinese name and is representative of Luna Performing Arts' mission to create a space that combines culture, technique, and passion for dance in a truly unique way.
ALYSSA ISHIHARA
TEACHING ARTIST
Alyssa Ishihara is a New York based performer originally from Hawai'i. She began dancing at Island Dance Academy at the age of 3 and made her professional debut at the age of 8 in ODC Dance's touring production of The Velveteen Rabbit. While still in Hawai'i, Alyssa was also a competitive gymnast for 4 years with Pantheon School of Gymnastics before becoming one of the youngest certified USA Gymnastics judges in the country at the age of 16. She moved to New York to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she earned a Dance Theatre Certificate and since graduating has performed professionally at regional theaters across the country. Favorite theatre credits include The Cher Show (Ogunquit Playhouse, The Gateway), Gypsy (The Wick), Mamma Mia! (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Chicago and An American In Paris (Arizona Broadway Theatre), and West Side Story (Midtown Arts Center). Alyssa has also worked creatively as an Assistant Choreographer for Molloy College/CAP 21 as well as assisting multiple cruise ship installations for RWS Entertainment. Alyssa is thrilled to be a part of the team at Luna Performing Arts and can't wait to combine her passion for dance with her love for teaching the next generation!
BRIANA'BB' STONE
TEACHING ARTIST
Briana 'BB' Stone is an NYC based dancer, singer, actor and choreographer. She is a graduate of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment at Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor’s of Performing Arts in Dance Performance. BB grew up dancing at On Stage School of Dance from the age of two, and attended William Penn-Alfred J Griffin School for the Arts for middle and high school. BB attended training programs at the Governor’s School of North Carolina, UNCSA, and Broadway Workshop. Instead of having a traditional senior year of high school, BB had the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the Joffrey Ballet School’s Jazz and Contemporary Trainee Program in NYC where she had the privilege of meeting Alanna Chan! BB has been a featured performer in the American Spirit Dance Company at OCU, and has performed professionally at regional theaters in across the country. Recent credits include Disney's Newsies (The Gateway), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Maltz Jupiter Theatre) and The Cher Show (Ogunquit Playhouse). When BB is not at Luna or performing, she works as the Associate Choreographer to Tuan Malinowski; they most recently choreographed for I Put A Spell On You Broadway's Biggest Halloween Event at Sony Hall. BB is thrilled to be apart of the Luna Performing Arts family and share her passion for dance with the next generation!
EMMA VANCE
TEACHING ARTIST
Emma Vance is a NYC based performer and choreographer and recent graduate from Elon University, earning her BFA in musical theatre! Originally a California native, Emma has performed and taught all over the country. Some professional highlights include All Shook Up (Ensemble/ Natalie u/s) and South Pacific (Ensemble) at Flat Rock Playhouse; The Music Man (Zaneeta), La Cage Aux Folles (Babette/Cagelle), and The Murder Room (Susan) at Woodstock Playhouse; A Little Princess (Becky), and A Christmas Carol (Ms. Fezziwig, Ensemble) at Sacramento Theatre Company; and Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), Damn Yankees (Gloria), School for Wives (Agnes), and Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble) at Elon. Emma is also trained in Social Emotional Learning and a certified yoga instructor. She is so excited to dance with you and be a part of the Luna Performing Arts family!
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LAUREN HORGAN
TEACHING ARTIST
Lauren Horgan is an NYC based actress, choreographer, and teaching artist. A Miami native, Lauren earned her BA in Theatre Performance from Florida International University. From the age of 4, Lauren began her dance journey focusing in Ballroom, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Lyrical. She is a certified professional Ballroom teacher through the National Dance Council of America. Lauren was last seen on the 2nd National Tour of On Your Feet and is currently a background singer for Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. Favorite credits include Diana Morales in A Chorus Line (LPAC), On Your Feet! (Actors' Playhouse), Rent (Theatre Aspen), Cabaret (Zoetic Stage). Alongside performing, Lauren has two associate choreography credits for Fiddler on The Roof (Zoetic Stage) and The Bodyguard (Slow Burn Theatre). Lauren is delighted to be a part of the dance family at Luna and can't wait to share her passion for dance, creativity, and art with her students.
LOUIS CONTRERAS HANSEN
TEACHING ARTIST | YOGA
Louis Contreras Hansen is a Brooklyn based theatre artist, yoga teacher, and all around creative. With a BFA in Musical Theatre from Lindenwood University they blend their taste for theatrics into every class. Since graduating they have performed in regional theaters across the country in shows varying from Mamma Mia to West Side Story. A few of their favorite credits include Angel in RENT, Woof in HAIR: The American Tribal Love Rock Musical, & Paul in A Chorus Line. As a yoga teacher, Louis has completed 225 hours of Yoga Training. They completed through foundational training in Rishikesh, India, drawn to the birthplace of yoga out of a deep reverence for the practice's roots. They believe that yoga is a transformative tool for self-expression, expanding consciousness, and connecting to community. Louis believes in fostering spaces built upon perspective, empathy, and peace in order to help students reach their full potential. Combining their passion for creative moment and their respect for this ancient practice they hope to create a more adaptable, conscious, and united society. No matter the class, Louis possesses a fierce passion for teaching all creative crafts.
MILAN FURTADO
TEACHING ARTIST
Milan Furtado is a dancer and choreographer currently based in NYC. She currently attends New York University where she is pursuing a 3-year BFA dance program. She is originally from Los Angeles where she grew up competing with studios: The Royal Underground and Project21. In addition to her competitive training, Milan attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), where she was exposed to a rigorous modern and post-modern dance curriculum. Milan has attended Joffrey West, Alonzo King’s Lines, and Berlin’s B-12 Summer intensives where she has continued her training in ballet, jazz and contemporary. Milan is very excited to join the Luna Performing Arts family!
SAM LOBEL
TEACHING ARTIST | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Sam Lobel is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in New York City. She has presented her work at the Young Choreographer’s Festival, On 1 Condition, NYC Choreographer’s Forum, APEX, Sybarite Love is Love, PMT Fall Dance Series, Think Tank the Showcase, DoubleTake Dance Gala and more. Sam is a Think Tank rising choreographer and she is a substitute jazz faculty member at PMT House of Dance. She is an assistant at Broadway Dance Center’s Children and Teen Program, and she teaches open classes for the Ballet Company at NYU and at studios around the city. She recently was the associate choreographer for Nicholas Palmquist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Gala, the Steps Professional Performance Workshop, and the Peridance Certificate Program. Sam creates a fun and engaging environment for kids of all ages to move! She focuses on coordination, balance, flexibility, learning and retaining choreography. She loves to teach and share her passion with others!