T.O.P Master Artists 2024
Yuan Yuan Tan
Yuan Yuan Tan embarked on her ballet journey at Shanghai Dance School at 11, remarkably, she swiftly rose through the ranks, earning international acclaim with gold medals in prestigious competitions. Joining San Francisco Ballet at 18, Yuan Yuan Tan swiftly rose to prominence, becoming the company's youngest principal dancer just two years later. Notably, she holds the distinction of being both the first Chinese principal dancer and the longest-serving principal in the ballet company's illustrious 27-year history. Tan's illustrious career saw her as a marquee performer, excelling in iconic roles across classical and contemporary ballets. Beyond the stage, she graced the pages of renowned magazines and served as a brand ambassador for esteemed companies. Post-retirement from San Francisco Ballet in 2024, her legacy endures, marked by her final poignant portrayal in Frederic Ashton's "Marguerite and Armand."
Katarzyna (Kate) Skarpetowska
is a Juilliard graduate and has worked with various prestigious companies internationally. She has been on the faculty of the American Dance Festival, American Ballet Theater summer program, School of American Ballet, Boston Conservatory summer program, Key West Modern Dance, Greenville Fine Arts Center, NJDTE, Peridance, Washington Ballet @THEARC, and most recently at UC Irvine. She resides in New York City.
Tong Wang
Following a successful career as a principal artist, Tong Wang has continued to devote his talents to the field of dance as a choreographer, dance professor and master teacher.In fall 2011, Tong joined the distinguished Dance Department of University of California, Irvine. Currently serving as an associate professor, Tong is one of the creators and artistic directors for East Meets West International Dance and Music Festival from 2016 to present.
Doug Baum
Doug Baum's dance journey began in Maryland, leading to a 2016 graduation from the Baltimore School for the Arts and further training through the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program, with an apprenticeship at Ailey II. His early career featured participation in prestigious programs and festivals before embarking on international tours with notable dance companies like Rasta Thomas Bad Boys of Dance and Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal. Baum, now with three seasons at Zhukov Dance Theater and guest appearances in several dance companies, is a current member of the L.A. Dance Project.
Shiggy (Shigeto Nakano)
was born in Osaka, raised in Los Angeles. He began dancing in high school, and has steadily improved his ability, performing in workshops and showcases throughout the U.S. and abroad.
He Performs and choreographs music videos, TV shows, Steezy, etc. He is the only Japanese member of the globally renowned team S-Rank and joined avex ROYALBRATS during the D.LEAGUE 21-22 season. He also participated in Round 4 and 5, as well as the Championship, during the D.LEAGUE 22-23 season.
Lisa Donmall-Reeves
Lisa, originally from the UK, has lived in London, New York, and Los Angeles, with training from notable institutions like The London Studio Centre, The Conservatoire de Paris, and Martha Graham in NYC. Her extensive performing career includes roles in major West End and NYC productions, international tours, and regional theatre, alongside numerous choreography and direction credits. Currently, she teaches at prestigious ballet schools and runs her own production company, LDR Creative, aiming to inspire on a grand scale.
Mike Esperanza
Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Southern California, Mike Esperanza (he/him) has established himself as a sought after teacher and choreographer throughout the nation. With a BFA in graphic design from California State University, Fullerton, Mike's approach to visual construction has influenced a unique movement orchestration on stage. His works have been commissioned by prestigious college and university dance programs including Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, UNLV, Cal State Long Beach, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Utah Valley University to name a few. Six choreographic works have made regional gala appearances at the American College Dance Festival with 3 going on to perform at the American College Dance Festival National Gala held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.