INFO
About
Robin Olive is the visionary founder of Straight Up Abilities, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that provides inclusive dance opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With a professional dance background, Robin's career took a significant turn when she joined the Infinite Dreams program, leading to her eventual founding of Straight Up Abilities in 2016. Her organization offers diverse dance styles to students of various ages and abilities, emphasizing hip-hop to resonate with younger audiences. Robin's unique teaching style is adaptive and innovative, designed to make dance accessible and enjoyable for all.
Under Robin's leadership, Straight Up Abilities has made remarkable strides in promoting inclusivity within the dance community. Her students, including advanced performers, have been recognized in events like the Special Olympics World Games and on television. Committed to societal change, Robin collaborates with school districts to integrate special needs programs, fostering understanding and camaraderie. Her future goals include expanding the organization, enhancing collaborations with schools, and creating more opportunities for her students through a student teaching program.
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Robin Olive
Robin Olive is the visionary founder of Straight Up Abilities, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that provides inclusive dance opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With a professional dance background, Robin's career took a significant turn when she joined the Infinite Dreams program, leading to her eventual founding of Straight Up Abilities in 2016. Her organization offers diverse dance styles to students of various ages and abilities, emphasizing hip-hop to resonate with younger audiences. Robin's unique teaching style is adaptive and innovative, designed to make dance accessible and enjoyable for all. Under Robin's leadership, Straight Up Abilities has made remarkable strides in promoting inclusivity within the dance community. Her students, including advanced performers, have been recognized in events like the Special Olympics World Games and on television. Committed to societal change, Robin collaborates with school districts to integrate special needs programs, fostering understanding and camaraderie. Her future goals include expanding the organization, enhancing collaborations with schools, and creating more opportunities for her students through a student teaching program.
TEACHERS
Gaby Alcazar
Ty Freedman
Tiffaney Boyd
Gaby Alcazar was born and raised in Guatemala City. She started training dance at the age of 8, focusing mainly on jazz, tap, salsa and ballet. She has participated in many international dance competitions, conventions and workshops, learning from many prestigious choreographers. In 2003 she started teaching dance and physical conditioning to students from 3 to 80 years old. She has participated as a dancer in several music videos and live events. She moved to Los Angeles to expand her dance repertoire including hip hop, jazz funk, bollywood, hula, flamenco and samba. Other than a dancer, Gaby is also a trained Martial Artist in Kenpo, Kung Fu and stage combat.
TY THE PIE GUY is a hilarious, award-winning comedy cooking show. Ty helps kids and families learn how to make delicious and nutritious meals at home.
Tiffaney has been a professional dancer and teacher for over 20 years in Los Angeles. She’s worked with Apple, Nike, Def Leppard. She’s been on TLC, KTLA, Fox Canada and MTV. Tiffaney has studied Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Salsa, Brazilian, Hip Hop and Breakdancing. She has her AFA in group exercise and is currently working on her BASI Pilates Certification. She loves dancing and she loves teaching kids.
Zendrea Mitchell
DJ Hymn
Kaleigh Allen
Zendrea Mitchell has been a teacher with StraightUp Abilities for more than 10 years. As a teacher of American Sign Language (ASL), she teaches students how to fuse ASL with dance, music, and signed poetry. Students have learned an additional form of communication and performing art, which they vibrantly share on Zoom classes and during their SUPA productions. Zendrea Mitchell received her MA in American Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
DJ Hymn, a master turntablist reigning from the iconic Venice Boardwalk, stands as a beacon of raw talent and innovation in the hip-hop and bass music scene. With a fresh and intellectually profound flair, he's carved out a reputation that resonates across MTV, NPR, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Music Plus TV. A legend in his own right, his name resonates in the pulsating heart of the streets, establishing him as one of the quintessential rhythm maestros of the Venice Boardwalk. His impressive portfolio includes contributions to hit shows like "American Idol" and "Step It Up". Beyond the small screen, Hymn has worked with legendary artists such as George Clinton and Bizzy Bone from Bone Thugs n Harmony. He's also contributed to the soundtrack of the action movie, "Hancock," and has been involved in commercial projects for brands like Puma and Ford Motors. In the competitive world of DJing, Hymn stood out by winning the first-place title in the North American DJ Scratch Contest "Who's the Ultimate DJ"? This contest, sponsored by Numark®, brought him recognition from esteemed music figures like Mix Master Mike and Quincy Jones III. His music, licensed by Warner Brothers and Nickelodeon, includes tracks for the popular cartoon series "Teen Titans Go and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." As he continues his artistic journey, DJ Hymn is gearing up to release an original EP in early 2024 through MIXD. This upcoming project promises exciting collaborations with notable artists, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Kaleigh Allen has roots in North Carolina, where she began dancing at age two. During her competitive reign, she placed in the top 5 women for the Miss Dance of North Carolina pageant. She obtained a Bachelors in Fine Arts concentrating in Dance Performance from East Carolina University in 2017. During her time in NC, she worked for Elevate from 2011-2017, performing and choreographing for companies such as: NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship, American Red Heart Association, MOSCHINO! A Tribute Event, Bloomin’ Brands, and Molnlycke Health Care, to name a few. In 2018, Kaleigh moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dance goals. Since her move to LA, she has performed for Insomniac Entertainers, Ubisoft (Just Dance), Ookay, Royal + The Serpent, Ellise, Cheat Codes, Chrxmatics, and OPlus, to name a few. Kaleigh is also a bicoastal dance teacher, teaching styles such as Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Clogging, and Tap. When not dancing, Kaleigh crafts for her creative shop, roller skates, and enjoys nature. She loves to use her creativity to express who she is without limitations!
Ghislain Grellier
Jordyn Waldo
Olivia Liberati
Ghislain Grellier is a French choreographer and dance teacher with degrees from the Conservatory of Dance of Paris and UCLA. He blends contemporary dance and ballet in his work, producing seven large shows and collaborating with over 50 artists. Grellier has taught dance in France and the USA for a decade and began working with StraightUpAbilities in 2021, focusing on ballet choreography. He also teaches ballet in various studios in Los Angeles.
Jordyn, born and raised in Mansfield Texas, graduated from Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts in 2017. She competed regionally and internationally, including winning the International festival for the Performing arts in Paris, France. She toured with the Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention as a company member. She then moved to California to attend Chapman University where she received a BFA in Dance Performance and minors in health science and disability studies. During her time in college she performed on campus and off in festivals such as the Capezio Ace Awards, Battery Dance Festival in New York City, 92Y Future Dance Festival at the Joyce Theater, IAF creators exhibit, and the McCallum Choreography festival. After graduation Jordyn signed with Bloc talent agency and has worked with companies/artists such as Hyatt hotels, Two Friends, and the 2023 Kids Choice Awards. She was also the dance captain for Step One Dance Company aboard Holland America Cruise Line. She currently is working with Straight Up Abilities teaching dance to students with disability throughout LA and Orange County.
Born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, Olivia Liberati attended Noretta Dunworth School of Dance for 15 years which fostered her love for dance. After graduating high school, Olivia chose to pursue additional dance education, selecting Chapman University for their performance and choreography opportunities where she obtained a BFA in Dance Performance as well as minors in both Entrepreneurship and Disability Studies. During her time at Chapman, Olivia choreographed over 5 pieces and performed works by influential choreographers such as Lula Washington and Kassidy Bright. Olivia has also had the opportunity to perform in many choreography showcases such as the Palm Desert Choreography Festival as well as the Ace Awards and has danced alongside artists such as Becky G, Jordin Sparks, and Chaka Khan. In addition to her training, she was also a past member of Hollywood Vibe’s Company for 5 years and is currently a professional assistant for Revive and Adrenaline Dance Conventions. She has made connections with distinguished choreographers such as Nick Bass, Karen Chuang and Matt Aylward that have filled her with knowledge and helped her develop her unique and fiery style as both a choreographer and a dancer!
OUR BOARD
Robin Olive
Executive Director
Oscar Thomas Garcia
Co-Vice Chair
Joyce Tucker
Co-Vice Chair
Robin created Straight Up Abilities in 2016 as a continuation program to Zina Bethune's Infinite Dreams program. She started working with Zina in 2008. Her 40 plus years of dance training and over 24 years of teaching dance has helped her work in this very specific field. She is a philanthropist and believes in bridging gaps, especially to those that are our most vulnerable.
I always had a dream for my son JT to be accepted by society . He has been , I’m the proud mother of John Tucker, one of the stars of the Emmy award winning show Born This Way, I was an accounting agent for 15 years and then became a ticket agent for a airline , retired after 23 years Spent time helping John enhance his career and fulfill his dreams , dancing with straight up abilities is a joy in his life I am a every day mom , totally fulfilled
Thomas is a Data Scientist with a successful history of developing Information Systems and technology used for data collection, research and analytics. Thomas is a graduate of The University of Redlands School of Business and Management and Golden Gate University’s School of Network Engineering. Thomas is on the board of two non-profits, Hands Across the Planet, an education and environmental group working with rural communities in Ethiopia Africa, and Red Suspenders, a film and media arts group created by students attending Chapman University’s Dodge College Film and Media Arts. Thomas advises on technology and project management methods. Thomas is a strong believer in the power of the human spirit. He mentors first generation college students and men in need of spiritual support. Thomas enjoys performing with his band, Nyte Lhyte, playing 70s, 80s and 90s R&B, and being a Straight Up Abilities parent.
Zendrea Mitchel
Member At Large
Pauline Graph
Treasurer
Tracy Dang
Secretary
Zendrea Mitchell, a Deaf performer, who signs songs in American Sign Language(ASL) has been privileged to be a part of StraightUp Abilities as an instructor teaching the dancers songs in ASL as well as conversational ASL. When learning a new song in Sign, the students are engaged and enthused as they work to prepare for an upcoming performance. During their performances, as the dancers weave ASL with music and movement, something dynamic occurs—the dancers create a truly lived experience as they connect with the audience and each other. This connection is what is at the heart of the group. Their embrace of the spirit of dance, Sign, and life is what has led Zendrea to StraightUp Abilities.
Pauline has been a significant contributor for startups and rapid growth companies in Silicon beach and Silicon valley. Adjoined with Robin, together they have fueled the production for well-known artists and major music stages in North America. As a cirque performer and production manager, Pauline has represented premier entertainment companies and large festivals, all while heading tech growth for The RealReal, San Francisco. She's a flame thrower, stilt walker, and computer programmer.
My sister, Janet Dang, has been with her Straight Up Abilities dance team for over 12 years. Through this experience, I have witnessed her accomplish more than I could have ever imagined including auditioning for America’s Got Talent and performing at the LA Fair and other local events. I have watched her and her peers build up so much confidence in themselves and unite people of all backgrounds through their love for dance with the opportunities that SUA provides. Having witnessed the life-changing impact this organization has had on my sister, her teammates and every single audience member I feel very passionate about continuing to spread awareness for this amazing organization