Phil Hamilton: At the age of ten, Phil was inspired by his family to pursue formal music training. At the age of thirteen, he started playing in bands and became influenced by players such as Santana, Terry Kath (Chicago), Bruce Conte (TOP), Larry Carlton, Wes Montgomery, and many others. At that time, he realized his passion for music and decided to pursue it professionally. In 1979, Phil began working on studio dates, and since then has recorded and toured with numerous artist such as Luther Vandross, Beyonce, Al Jareau, Anita Baker, Kenny Larimore, Bob Baldwin, Rachelle Farrell, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, James Ingram, Philip Bailey, Melissa Manchester, Sheena Easton, Denise Williams, Roberta Flack, Dionne Warwick, latin sensation Angela Carasco, and a host of others. Phil also has an extensive list of television shows, jingles, and film soundtracks to add to his credits. His Latest efforts involve work on the new Anita Baker CD “My Everything” and Grammy winning CD by Luther Vandross. Phil is also working on his on project.
Jessica Epting (Omaha, Nebraska) began her training at the Omaha Academy of Ballet and Creighton University. Mrs. Epting has performed with Creighton University’s Company of Dancers, Omaha Modern Dance Collective, and Central Dance Theater. In 1995, she founded En L’Air Dance Academy in Omaha, where she served as the director and master teacher for six years. She has served as a principal faculty member teaching classical ballet at Omaha Academy of Ballet (Omaha, NE), Metropolitan Ballet Theater (Rockville, MD), Ballet Royale Academy (Columbia, MD), NewDance (Rye, NY), Ballet Hispanico (New York, NY) and Ballet Arts (Pelham, NY). She is currently on faculty at The D’Valda and Sirico Dance Centre (Fairfield, CT) and Broadway Dance Center (New York City, NY). Mrs. Epting’s goal is to create and inspire a love for dancing in all her students while promoting a high standard of Excellence.
Matthew Rushing (Los Angeles, California) began his dance training at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. While attending the LACHSA, Matthew was the recipient of the prestigious Spotlight Awards at the Los Angeles Music Center, and was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
After graduation, Mr. Rushing trained at the Ailey School in New York, New York. He then moved on to join the junior company, Ailey II. After performing with Ailey II for one year, he was promoted to The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the senior company. Matthew is now in his 12th season with The Ailey Company. During his career, he has performed as a guest artist at ballet gala's in France, Russia, Canada, and Hungary. Mr. Rushing also danced for President Bill Clinton's first inaugural celebration. Most recently, he performed for The President of The United States of America, George W. Bush at The White House State Dinner in honor of The President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki. In Matthew's spare time, he enjoys choreographing and coaching young artist.
Anica C. Scott- Garrell (Boston, MA) began her studies of dance at the Boston Ballet School. She later trained with the Boston Conservatory and Jeannette Neill Dance Studio. She is a 2005 graduate with honors from the Ailey/ Fordham BFA program. She has had the opportunity to work with notable artists and choreographers as Dwight Rhoden, Ronald K. Brown, Ben Munisteri, Jennifer Muller, Matthew Neff, and many others. She has held apprenticeships with the Boston Dance Collective and Complexions Contemporary Dance Company. She has also had the privilege to tour with Ailey II from 2005-2007 and has enjoyed further performing opportunities with the cast of Le Reve in Las Vegas, Spirit Wings, and Ben Munisteri Dance Projects.
Elise Drew (Oxford, CT) is of Puerto Rican descent and received her early training with the Brass City Ballet School. In May 2007, she graduated Cum Laude with an Honorable Mention in Dance from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program. She is an original member of TAKE Dance and HopeBoykinDance and has performed with Camille A. Brown and Dancers, the Santa Fe Opera, Sean Curran Company, Silver/Brown Dance Company, and Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago. Ms. Drew joined the Limon Dance Company in 2010.
