Faculty

Studio Owner, HIp Hop, Breaking, Litefeet, House, Locking

From the streets of Mexico City, Rico discovered hip-hop at age five, spinning on cardboard and turning sidewalks into his first stage. As a young dancer, he racked up numerous battle victories across the city’s legendary street dance scene, quickly becoming a well-known and
respected name in the community. By 15 he had co-founded the crew Black Tendency, won Mexico’s biggest televised talent show *El Club*, and soon landed national commercials-including Disney campaigns and a 2003 Super Bowl commercial for the New England Patriots. He also played Ron Stoppable in the Spanish-language version of Disney’s “Kim Possible”.
His big break came when Latin pop star Belinda chose him as one of her lead dancers. He toured the world with her, hitting arenas and TV stages across the USA, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Panama, and beyond-performing at the MTV Latin
Music Awards, Nickelodeon Argentina, Fox Sports Miami, and more.
Now the owner of Pound It Hip Hop Studio in Red Deer, Alberta, Rico is dedicated to growing the Central Alberta hip hop community from the ground up. He regularly flies in world-class pioneers and legends from across the globe as guest instructors, runs school programs throughout the region, and takes his students on dance trips to cities like New York, Toronto, and Vancouver to battle and train with the best-so the next generation receives the best education and learn from the real roots of the culture.
When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him judging or DJing competitions and events all over Canada-bringing fair, knowledgeable eyes to the panel and high-energy vibes to the turntables.
Rico is honoured to give back to the scene that raised him and works hard to ensure his students know the importance of giving back and honouring the dancers and mentors that paved the way.

Hip Hop, Waacking, Jersey Club

Cody began dancing at age five and has trained for over nine years, finding in dance a dynamic outlet for skill development, self-expression, and community connection. Eager to inspire, Cody looks forward to meeting new dancers and sharing the passion for movement.

Cody’s journey with Pound It Hip Hop Studio in Red Deer, Alberta, started in 2015. Beginning with recreational classes, Cody advanced to competitive dance and joined La Familia, the studio’s accelerated crew. Over the years, Cody has mastered various styles, including:

- Hip-Hop
- Locking
- Animation
- Litefeet
- House
- Waacking
- Breaking

These experiences have shaped Cody into a dedicated educator who values mentorship, leadership, and respect.

As a full-time dance instructor and classroom assistant, Cody is committed to nurturing others’ growth while continuing to refine their own skills. Cody has taught recreational and competitive classes, led school residencies, and provided instruction in studio and classroom settings. Currently, Cody is exploring new styles like Jersey Club and Chicago Footwork, always seeking ways to expand their craft.

From an enthusiastic student to a lifelong learner and leader, Cody believes in staying curious, pushing creative boundaries, and inspiring others to evolve. With high energy and a focus on creativity, Cody aims to make every step of the dance journey vibrant and unforgettable.

Hip Hop, Waacking, Girls Teams

Leirin began dancing at age 2, cultivating a lifelong passion for dance in Okotoks, Alberta. She trained at Alberta Dance Academy before joining Dance Tech Inc. in High River during high school to compete. As a senior, she honed her skills under esteemed mentors Amanda Messner, Josh McKinnon, Sho-tyme, and Paul Otterbein, whom she still regards as influential figures.

Leirin has competed across Alberta and British Columbia in diverse styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, and musical theatre. Her dedication earned her provincial and national titles in both solo and group performances.

Since graduating in 2019, Leirin has advanced her training in contemporary, jazz, and ballet under renowned artists Wojciech Mochniej, Marie Forcier, and Michele Moss, mastering improvisation and choreography. She also trained with Calgary’s illFX Education, specializing in urban dance styles such as vogue, waacking, house, locking, litefeet, and Afro, learning from respected dancers Ajay Musodi, Katherine Burrowes, and Edgar Gilbert-Reyes.

Leirin’s love for dance fuels her both on and off the stage. She is thrilled to join the Pound It Hip Hop Studio team in Red Deer, Alberta, and eagerly anticipates sharing her passion and expertise with students in the studio.

School Residencies and Rec Programs

Nathan joined Pound It in 2024 after spending his early years training in more technical dance styles. He found home in street and club dance . We spotted his drive and confidence from day one, so he started mentoring with our instructors and quickly shot up to join our teacher/advanced dancer crew, Revolution.

Even with that long commute from Rocky Mountain House, Nathan doesn't let it slow him down. He's always grabbing every opportunity to level up, whether that's jumping into battles, hitting workshops, or just hanging out in the studio to tweak those little "details." That's actually how he got his dance name, "Deetz"-it fits his vibe of focusing on the small stuff that makes a big difference.

Hip Hop, House, Dancehall

Born in Ukraine, she began dancing at age 4, introduced to the dance community by her mother. By age 9, she joined New Flame, a street dance team, and remained a dedicated member for six years (2017–2024). In 2021, New Flame ranked among Ukraine’s Top 10 teams and secured first place in the audience vote.

With New Flame, she explored diverse styles, including dancehall, hip-hop, breakdance, contemporary, and ballet, while also delivering award-winning solo performances on stage.

Teaching & Training

At 13, Masha began teaching as a dance mentor and masterclass instructor at CD Studio in Sumy, Ukraine. Despite relocating due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, her passion for dance remained unwavering. She continued training under a new coach, specializing in freestyle and house dance. In 2023, she moved to Canada, where she continues to refine her skills and share her expertise with students.

Achievements & Appearances

Solo & Group Competitions

Planet of Stars (Sumy, Ukraine – Pop Choreography): Silver, 2015
Artes Dance Competition (Sumy, Ukraine – Solo): Finalist, 2016
XVIII Black Panther (Kharkiv, Ukraine – Performance "Coven"): Finalist, 2017
Ukrainian Grand Prix (Kyiv, Ukraine – "Time Turned Backwards"): Silver, 2017
Black & White Dance Competition (Kyiv, Ukraine – New Flame Crew): Gold, 2019
New Generation Dance Competition (Chernihiv, Ukraine – New Flame Crew): Gold, 2019
Life in Dance (Kyiv, Ukraine – New Flame Crew): Silver, 2019
The Challenge (Kyiv, Ukraine – Solo Hip-Hop): Gold, 2020
Dance Monsters (Kyiv, Ukraine – New Flame Crew): Finalist, 2021
Show Your Choreo Competition (Sumy, Ukraine – Solo): Gold, 2022

Awards

Best Street Dance Team in Ukraine: New Flame Crew, 2021

Ongoing Mission

Now based in Canada, she remains committed to evolving as a dancer and educator, bringing her rich experience in hip-hop, dancehall, and house to inspire and empower the next generation of dancers.

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Campbellocking, Hip Hop, Waacking, Popping, Breaking and House

Dany “Dizzylock” Antoine is a Montreal-based street dance artist, educator, and cultural innovator with more than a decade of experience as a performer, battle champion, judge, and teacher. His dance career has taken him throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America, where he continues to share his knowledge and passion for street dance culture.

Specializing in Campbellocking, Dany also brings extensive experience in Waacking, House, and Hip Hop. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition at numerous major street dance competitions and has been invited to judge respected events and festivals including Under Pressure, Heat the Streetz, and Bombo Town in Colombia.

His performance credits include appearances at Just for Laughs, Montréal en Lumière, and Balcon Cabaret Chic, showcasing his versatility as both a freestyle artist and performer.

Beyond dance, Dany has a background in economics, business development, and digital production. His combination of artistic and professional experience has shaped a unique approach to street dance—connecting creativity, culture, community, and sustainability.

Dany has also received multiple grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), and Les Offices jeunesse internationaux du Québec (LOJIQ), supporting his continued professional development and international work.

At Pound It Hip Hop Studio, Dizzylock brings his years of experience, cultural knowledge, and passion for freestyle to our dancers. His teaching focuses on strong foundations, musicality, individuality, and helping students understand the history and culture behind the movement while developing their own voice as dancers.

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Hip Hop, Atlanta Styles, House, Choreography

Allen Collado is an accomplished dance educator, choreographer, and performer with over nine years of teaching experience. Specializing in Hip Hop, House, choreography, and freestyle, Allen is passionate about sharing the foundations, culture, and creativity of street dance.

His experience has taken him across Canada and internationally, teaching and performing in countries including Denmark, Mexico, and Qatar. Allen is the Co-Owner and Co-Director of The Masses in Calgary, Artist Avenue, and Street Dance Syllabus in Okotoks, where he is dedicated to developing the next generation of dancers through education, mentorship, and artistic growth.

Allen’s guest teaching credits include internationally recognized studios such as Beat Fabrikken in Denmark, Originals MX in Mexico, Vault Studio in Qatar, Rhythm 2 Dance in Toronto, and Flava Factory in Ottawa. He has also led workshops and school residencies, using dance, movement, and culture to inspire and empower youth.

As a choreographer, Allen’s work has been featured in projects for artists including Ethan Cybril and Lovesick. Known for his dynamic movement, cultural knowledge, and engaging teaching style, Allen encourages dancers to develop confidence, authenticity, individuality, and a strong understanding of the culture behind the movement.

A lifelong student of dance himself, Allen believes in continuous learning and artistic exploration while helping his students discover their own voices as artists.

“I believe that if you love dance, you will dance anytime, anywhere and learn a thing or two wherever it takes you.”
— Allen Collado

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Youth Programs, Hip Hop

“Difficult C”

Charlee Martinez, also known as Difficult C, is a young street dance artist, battle competitor, and emerging educator who has already built an impressive foundation in Hip Hop and street dance culture.

From a young age, Charlee has earned multiple battle victories and titles, including the Calgary Hip Hop Festival (2023, 2024 & 2025), Go With The Flow (2025), The Pillars (2025), and The Elements 10 Year Anniversary (2025), along with numerous other battle accomplishments.

Her experience has also taken her onto the international stage, competing at respected street dance events including Step Ya Game Up NYC, Freestyle Session in LA, and InMayanation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. At InMayanation 2025, Charlee took 1st place in the Kids category, and in 2024, she earned an impressive 2nd place in the Adult Open Styles category, competing beyond her age division.

Charlee’s education extends far beyond competition. She has spent three summers training in New York City, including training at 36 Chambers and participating in the Ladies of Hip Hop Festival. She is currently being mentored by legendary Hip Hop pioneer Buddha Stretch and has completed an intensive 15-hour Waacking residency with Princess Lockerooo.

She has also trained extensively with many of the pioneers and leaders of Hip Hop and street dance, including Cebo, Henry Link, Mr. Wiggles, Caleaf, Tweet Boogie, Flo Master, Tony Gogo, Locking Tash, Storm, Rubix, Megaman, and many more. These experiences have given her a strong foundation in the history, culture, technique, musicality, and freestyle traditions of street dance.

What truly makes Charlee special as an instructor is her natural ability to connect with young dancers. She brings an infectious energy to every class, and children are immediately drawn to her enthusiasm, creativity, and positive spirit. She has a gift for making young dancers feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn.

As both a competitor and dedicated student of the culture, Difficult C continues to grow, train, battle, and share the knowledge that has been passed down to her with the next generation of dancers at Pound It Hip Hop Studio.

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