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BROOKLINE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS:
2024-2025 FACULTY
ERIN J. WASHINGTON:
Erin Washington began her dance training studying classical ballet under the direction of Deena Laska Lewis in Evansville, IN. Erin attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Dance. In 2010, Erin moved to New England where she graduated from Antioch University New England with her Masters in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. After moving to Boston in 2012, Erin spent six years dancing & touring professionally, and most notably becoming the assistant to Jazz Legend, Adrienne Hawkins. From 2014-2022, Erin was a faculty member and later the Studio Director at Brookline Academy of Dance. In the summer of 2022, Erin rebranded and created Brookline School of the Arts LLC, where she is the Owner/Artistic Director.
ALEX "BACKSPACE" DIAZ:
Alex "Backspace" Diaz is a dancer from Worcester, MA who has over 30 years of experience in Breakin'. He's a member of T.O.P. R.O.C.K. C.R.E.W. which stands for "The Only People Rockin' Our City Kids". Alex is also the founder of "The Orphanage Movement", an alliance of artists, stretching from Maine to Rhode Island, who guide the young generation of dancers through workshops, sponsoring events, and judging competitions. His emphasis on using vocabulary and creativity interchangeably are integral in his approach to teaching Hip-Hop.
KADEEM "DRAGON" COLLINS:
Mr. Collins aka Dragon, a Boston native, has been Breakin' for over 10 years and has been dancing in the all style dancer community for over 5 years. He currently competes, and most recently finished TOP 16 at the 2023 WOD FINALS. He consistently places TOP 4 in All Styles Dance battles and has recently won FCL Freestyle in Maine. His teaching methods utilize athletic and creative fundamentals, pulling from his specialties of Street dance, tricking, and Breakin'.