The Merge

DJ Galloway started her professional dance training at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) during high school. After high school she was accepted into Alvin Ailey's Independent Studies Training Program in New York City, where she trained for one year, receiving her independent dance studies certificate. During her time in the Ailey School, she was selected to do a performance under the direction of Matthew Rushing, Ailey II Artistic Director, alongside the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater first company. After her training at Ailey, she was accepted into Arova Contemporary Ballet, in Birmingham, Alabama as a company apprentice. During her year as an apprentice she was selected as a soloist for TedX Birmingham, a national event, alongside the band "Warjacket" under the direction of Jamorris Rivers, Arova's artistic director. The next season she was promoted to company member.  DJ was also selected to choreograph on the Arova Contemporary Ballet Company, for their choreographers showcase, after submitting her work. Other performance experience for DJ includes performing as a back-up dancer for upcoming artist, Chelsea Chavis, at South by Southwest Music Festival, and appearing in St.Paul and the Broken Bones music video "All I Ever Wonder." Dj has choreographed on and trained dancers of all ages, all around Louisiana. 

Currently, Dj looks forward to the training and success of her students at The Merge.

Taylor Mathews began her dance training at A Touch of Class Performing Arts. Taylor graduated from the performing arts high school, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). After high school, Taylor attended The Ailey School, where she received her certificate in independent dance training. While in New York, Taylor also choreographed musicals for Music in Chappaqua. Taylor continued her training at California Pacific, studying theatre, music, and dance. Taylor performed on two European Tours with the group Young Americans, where she choreographed and performed in the opening act for bullfights in Madrid, Spain. She has taught master classes throughout Europe and the United States and started her own arts program in Berlin, Germany. She appeared as a dancer in the Gucci short film Dionysus with James Franco. Taylor danced as an NFL cheerleader with the New Orleans Saints and performed with Beyonce’ in the 2013 Super Bowl. Taylor is also a dance photographer. She has photographed for Complexion's Contemporary Ballet Company and Shaping Sound. Taylor continues to choreograph and instruct master classes throughout the United States. Taylor is the founder and owner of Rooted Arts Project based in Lousiana. Currently, her students are dancing with Lines Ballet, Hubbard Street, and Alabama Ballet. Taylor is a certified instructor through Dance Masters of America.