Faculty
Yu Xiao / Owner, Artistic Director
Yu Xiao is the owner and artistic director of Yu Dance Arts. She holds a B.A. in Choreography & Performance from Beijing Dance Academy and an M.F.A. in choreography from the Ohio State University. Before coming to the United States, she worked with the Xiamen Little Egret Folk Dance Troupe in China, performing internationally as a choreographer and dancer. Xiao was a visiting assistant professor at Oberlin College. She also taught master classes at various prestigious institutions such as the Department of Dance & Choreography at VCU, the Department of Dance at the OSU, Wittenberg University, Ohio Wesleyan University, ACDF, and Ohio Dance. Xiao's choreography received many Awards and supported through multiple fellowship and grants, such as Individual Excellence Award For Choreography from Ohio Arts Council. Beyond her dance passion, Xiao is a certified yoga instructor and a skilled practitioner of Tai Chi. In 2012, she founded Yu Dance Arts to share her passion and artistry with young dancers, fostering a rich cultural experience. Her choreography has won numerous awards in dance competitions both in China and the USA.
Feng Lin / Tumbling Instructor
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Coach Lin, a highly experienced gymnastics coach with 30 years of coaching experience, leads the Tumbling Classes at Yu Dance Arts. As a state champion coach and Gymnastics Region 7 champion coach, he has demonstrated his expertise at both regional and national levels. Coach Lin holds certifications including USA Gymnastics Safety Certified, USA Gymnastics Professional Member, and Safe Sport Certified, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. With a deep passion for the sport and unwavering dedication to his students, Coach Lin has guided gymnasts to remarkable achievements and fostered their overall development.
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Terahn Day / Hip Hop Instructor
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Also known as Tay or Coach Day, Terahn is RVA's very own hip hop teacher and choreographer. His choreography has been featured on numerous commercials, plays, and music videos. Terahn specializes in musicality, rhythm, popping, isolations, footwork, ticking, waving, and the robot. With his high energy and personality, these hip hop classes are sure to be fun and beneficial for all of our students.
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Melissa Tiggle / Hip Hop Instructor
Melissa Tiggle is a member and choreographer for Studio 4 Dance Agency in Richmond, VA. She is a former member of The Honey; dance troupe for The Virginia Hornets Semi-Pro Football Team and 4 The Streetz; a professional hip-hop dance company. Melissa studied ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and African at Woodside High School of the Performing Arts in Newport News Virginia under the direction of Dr. MaryAnn Laverty. She progressed to Virginia Commonwealth University and continued training on the east coast at Broadway Dance Center, Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts, Gotta Dance Atlanta, Dance 411 and through 4 The Streetz dance company. Melissa's choreographic credits include, choreographer and director for local performing artists, flash mobs for Altria and Haley Auto Group, Suntrust’s OnUp! Campaign including performances at the Richmond Coliseum and The Philips Arena in Atlanta, “Dirty Dancing” and “Thriller” for Maryland Live Casinos. Her work has been featured in the Richmond Dance Festival and The Small Plates Choreography Festival. Melissa has instructed several workshops for The RVA Dance Life Series and MOVE! Dance workshops and seminars teaching her unique style of Hip Hop Urban contemporary storytelling. She was the 2022 RVA Dance Awards recipient for outstanding hip hop choreography. She currently resides in Richmond, VA with her husband Charles and daughter Noah where she continues to teach her love of dance, movement, and music.
Staff
Victoria Li / Social Media Team
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Greetings! I'm Victoria Li, a dedicated Diamond Team dancer at Yu Dance Arts and a junior at Godwin High School. Over the past 8 years, I have honed my passion for dance at this studio, cherishing moments of teamwork and preparation during competitions.
Beyond dance, I enjoy crocheting and drawing. Additionally, I love staying active through running, which keeps me energized and motivated. Currently, I serve as a lifeguard at NOVA of Virginia Aquatics, where my certifications in CPR, AED, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen enable me to ensure the safety and well-being of others. Being outgoing and compassionate, I take pride in helping my peers, both in and out of the classroom, fostering a sense of togetherness and support within the team. |
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Hi! I'm ChiChi Lu, and my journey has taken me from being a dancer at YDA to now being a part of the social media team! From my early days in third grade to my senior year, I cherished every moment dancing with YDA, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Some of my favorite experiences include attending the VMFA Chinafest yearly, participating in dance competitions, and performing at the end-of-year showcase.YDA has not only honed my dance skills but has also gifted me with a second community where I can express myself and find unwavering support. As I move forward, I will be attending William & Mary in the fall, and while I'll miss my role as a dancer in this incredible studio, I am excited to embark on new adventures as a part of the social media team.
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ChiChi Lu / Social Media Team
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