Since then I have been working full time, combining personal and group fitness with dance and community involvement. I founded Community Street Jam in 1989, because I believed that I could create long-term relationships with the families in my community through my dance and fitness programs and make a positive impact in their lives.

My education includes a BA Degree from UC Berkeley in Psychology, Besides my general studies, I focused on Attachment, Lifespan, and Buddhist theories of Psychology.  

After many years of working full time in the Fitness Industry, I wanted to provide my Community with an alternative to the large “Big Box” corporate gym experience. I believe I have succeeded beyond my wildest dreams with Community Street Jam!

Brandi Minter (Jazz, Hip Hop)
A native of the bay area Brandi began moving her hips at age 3. Brandi found her love for jazz at Menlo Park Academy of Dance and competed under the direction and leadership of Nona Pahulu. She continued her dance training at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. Three and a half years later she earned a BFA in Dance. Brandi has worked and trained with teachers and choreographers: Wade Madsen, Amy O’Neill, Amii Legendre, Bebe Miller, Kitty Daniels, Terri Sparks, Gerard Theoret, Pat Hon, Michelle Miller, Deborah Wolfe, Daniel Cruz, and Marie Chong. Brandi empowers and encourages others to grow and move to their fullest capacity.

Cheryl Ringman (Tap)
Cheryl has been a Bay Area resident all her life. Beginning to dance at the age of three with Tap Dancing, she went on to study Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Ballroom, and Polynesian. Cheryl studied at San Diego State University as a Physical Education Major with an emphasis in Dance. She then came back to the Bay Area to study at San Jose State University as a Theater Arts Major with an emphasis in Dance. She also has been teaching Fitness Classes throughout the Bay Area for 32 years and is also a Personal Trainer. and a licensed Massage Therapist. Cheryl is also the Director and choreographer of Senior's In Show Biz a performing group that is part of the San Mateo Recreation and Dance Department. When not teaching or training you can find Cheryl on stage with local Bay Area Community Theater groups singing, dancing and acting!

Christine Baker (Jazz, Hip Hop)
Christine has been dancing her whole life but started taking it seriously when she tried out for a dance team in her sophomore year in high school. She participated in multiple competitions in Iowa, Texas, and South Carolina, and choreographed routines for her team and spent three summers teaching dance camp at high schools around the Midwest.
Christine started out as a CSJ member becoming the Jazz instructor in September 2008 and now teaches Hip Hop too. For her, the best part of being an instructor is watching her students enjoy themselves. "There’s nothing like the rush of being in front of an audience and letting the music move through you."

Genaro (“Junior”) Sanchez (Zumba)
It all began when I was born. My parents are great dancers and dancing is in my blood. Many years later, I became the entertainer and dancer at family gatherings. Dancing has become my passion, addiction and my life! I have choreographed many show pieces for private parties and public events. I have worked in many local gyms and one recent accomplishment was to create a Zumba Club at Sequoia High School. Now, I look forward to working and growing at Community Street Jam. “So, let’s Zumba baby!”

Prof. Jerome B. Dimalanta (Hip Hop, Fitness, Line Dance, Personal Training)
Asst. Prof. - College of Human Kinetics- University of the Philippines, taught Sports Philosophy, Sports Sociology, Group Fitness and Street Dance P.E. classes. Co-founder/Executive Board member- Philippine Hip Hop Federation. Artistic Director/ Choreographer of the UP StreetDance Club and the CREW. Former TV Host- the Fitness Experts, ABC 5. 3 time Skechers Street Dance Battle Champion Team from 2005-07.Awards and Recognitions
Gawad Chanselor for Dance Creation
Philippine National Team Representative World HipHop Finals
Gawad Kinetika Award for “Best Student Organization”, and “Best Coach”

John Asenso (Zumba)
John has been dancing for over 25 years and started teaching dance in 1995.John has been doing, and teaching zumba for over 3 years. He is also became a certified teacher of Masala Bhangra in September of 2010.

John has taught Zumba in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Mountain view, Menlo Park, and many other parts of the bay area.

John Rosenstein (Fitness, Personal Training)
John has been teaching fitness classes since 2000, starting as a Kick Boxing instructor. At present John holds certifications in Group Exercise, Personal Training, Practical Pilates, Injury Prevention & CPR / First Aid, as well as a B.F.A. from San Jose State University.
John’s teaching philosophy is to make it fun and keep it safe.

When John is not working, he can be found snowboarding, camping, writing poetry, shooting digital photography, making art, traveling internationally or preparing for Burning Man.

Julie Dakin (Yoga)
Julie has been practicing Yoga for 10 years and her practice has led her to a deeper connection with the body, mind and spirit. After studying many different styles of Yoga, Julie became very intrigued and felt a great affinity with Anasura Yoga which translates to “the soul in the flow of the Universe,” “following your heart.”

Her passion has led her to the path of sharing her knowledge with others so they too can know the wonderful benefits of Yoga. Julie currently teaches at CSJ and various Yoga studios arund the Bay Area.

Leelee Brewster (Hip Hop)
Lee Lee has been active in the dance community for over 12 yrs, from dancing with Mind Over Matter, choreographing and performing for Jocelyn Enriquez, and her six year Artistic Directorship for Culture Shock SF and Culture Shock Oakland. In Los Angeles, she went on a two month dancing tour with Usher at Puff Daddy’s No Way Out Tour, and has danced for Destiny’s Child and with Tyrese. In 2003, she created Khamai Dance Company. An elite performance group called Dancers Without Boundaries, was shaped in 2006. Being a member of Soul Sector is her latest venture. Lee Lee has always obeyed her motto of “dancing without boundaries” and continues to challenge herself with more interesting and exciting projects. Stay tuned …

Monica Mark (Hip Hop, Jazz/Tap)
Monica Mark is a dancer and choreographer from London & New York. She has studied dance since the age of 3 and is trained in various principles, including Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, West African, Hip Hop and Zumba. Since relocating to the Bay Area, Monica has performed in numerous festivals and venues with her funky Modern Dance company, U Dance Electra, including the West Wave Dance Festival, Women on the Way and the Choreoproject at SJSU, where she was nominated a top choreographer to watch.

She is passionate about dance and loves teaching. Her classes are fun and known for the diverse mix of music she plays featuring everything from Pop, Rock, New Wave & everything in between.

Melissa Hanson (Youth Hip Hop, Youth Jazz, Tiny Tots, Personal Trainer)
Throughout Melissa's childhood she participated in ballet, tap, and cheer. In high school she created her school dance club, choreographing cheers and dances as cheer captain. Melissa completed dance history, ballet, modern, and improv dance courses  at the University of Washington while earning a B.A. in Psycholog. 

She has worked as a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness, is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Traine and besides working at CSJ Melissa has been employed as a dance instructor by Stanford University and Dance Force. Melissa strongly believes, “The only wrong way to dance, is to Not dance at all! 

Natalie Rodriguez (Youth Hip Hop)
Natalie has trained in jazz, hip hop, salsa, and traditional dance styles and currently teaches youth hip hop at Community Street Jam. She is a gifted dancer, teacher, choreographer, and performer.

Being the youngest teacher at CSJ, she continues to be mentored by all CSJ faculty.

Noelle Batema (Hip Hop, Jazz Dance)
Noelle currently teaches youth hip hop and jazz and has been a dance camp counselor in the summer for 3 years. She currently studies under CSJ faculty in dance and fitness and performs with the Teen/Adult Hip Hop and Jazz groups.

Noelle has also studied dance at Carlmont High School. She started with founder Barbara Miron, while in Elementary School and was a member of the original CSJ Hip Hop Performance team.

Nora C. Melendez (Assistant Manager)
After graduating from UC Berkeley in May 2000 with a Bachelors in Sociocultural Anthropology, I went into the world of grownups to find meaningful work. I’m glad to say I found it at Community Street Jam in 2007 when CSJ first opened it’s doors. In that time, I have met many wonderful new friends!

Every day is a teaching and learning opportunity where I have made strides in my personal and career goals. I hope to help everyone who walks through our doors feel welcome into our unique community. Come see me at the Front Desk anytime!

Randy “W1SHONE” Bernal (Hip Hop, Break Dance)
With over a decade of performing experience, Randy W1SHONE Bernal brings the knowledge obtained over many years studying the foundations of B-boying, Popping, Locking, House and Freestyle Dance. Randy is also a professional DJ and Producer. His dance and music career took rock solid form in LA when he rocked shows with Superstars of Dance Season 1 Champions: Groovaloos and America’s Best Dance Crew Season 1 Champions: Jabbawockeez. Randy’s ultimate goal is to continue to inspire people all over the world through Hip Hop and Dance and make them music lovers for themselves.

As a dance performer, Rj KoolRaul appeared in web & industry commercials for Sandisk, Sony Playstation, and Apple Computer. He performed motion captured moves for numerous characters for video games such as “Dance Groove Online.” However, it was through the dance group Supreme Soul that Rj KoolRaul earned himself worldwide recognition, when they joined the internationally-acclaimed TV show, “MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew.”

Ravi Machado (Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer)
Ravi has been teaching indoor cycling, kettlebell exercises and personal training since 2007. He specializes in weight loss, muscle gain, injury prevention/recovery and posture correction.

Ravi is Certified NASM CPT-CES-PES, has a certification as a Spinning Instructor and also Kettlebell Concepts. Ravi’s philosophy is that getting fit is the first step to a healthy lifestyle. His hobbies include surfing and working out.

Renee Puckett (W. African Cardio Dance)
Dance Experience: Fua Dia Congo (Congolese). Artistic Director: The late Malonga Casquelourd
Position: Assistant Director, Production Assistant, Lead Dancer. 1977-2004
Ceedo Senegalese Ballet (West African). Artistic Director: Allassane Kane Position: Assistant Director, Production Assistant, Lead Dancer. 1987-1999
Founder and Artistic Director of the Ballet Lisanga Congolese Performing Arts Company and Ballet Lisanga II West African Performing Arts Company 35 Dancers, 6 Drummers.
Appearances: TV Documentary “And Still We Dance”, Nationwide TV show Northern Exposure, Stevie Wonder Dark and Lovely Video and many more.

Ruby Chance (Hula, Tahitian)
At age 16, I auditioned and was accepted at a talent agency. I trained in many different types of dance from Philippine Folk, Hawaiian and Tahitian to Broadway. I danced all over Japan as part of the agencies dance troupe for 6 years. Two years ago I discovered and fell in love with Belly Dancing, Jazz and Hip Hop. Dancing is a huge part of my life. The first time I broke a rule was because of dance. I remember sneaking out of the house at night to go to a disco, and my father would catch me and have to go pick me up. When I’m not dancing, I love spending time with my family and taking care of my son.

Sandrine Cornet (Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical Jazz)
Sandrine is a native of Mountain View, California. She began dancing classical ballet at the age of 6 years old with the Pacific Ballet Company. She then proceeded to receive a B.A. in communications while studying dance.

Once back in the Bay Area she began dancing with Bubba Gong as a member of Foothill Community College Dance Company in 2005. She was graciously asked to begin instructing classes at CSJ and is delighted to become part of our community.

Sudeep Johnson (Belly Dance)
Dancing, choreographing and teaching Belly dance has been her passion for 18 yrs. “Middle eastern music speaks to my soul and transports me to another world. I love all aspects of this evolving dance form.”

Sudeep has studied under several teachers, including Helené, Gabrielle, Palika, Malia de Felice, Yolanda and Sabiba, each with their own unique style. She has danced with several troupes, and currently dances with Troupe Zambalita, a local dance group that performs all over the Bay Area.Shealso dances solo, promotes dance shows, teaches and continues to write choreographies for the troupe and her CSJ student troupe Raks Jawhara.