FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Caila trained for over twenty years and worked professionally as a dancer, with credits including Nicki Minaj, So You Think You Can Dance, Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, and performances with leading Bollywood and R&B artists.

Before launching Rikud, Caila spent more than a decade in finance and philanthropy at Goldman Sachs, Lincoln Center, The Jewish Museum, Spoleto Festival, and the Anne Bass Family Foundation. She holds an MBA from the University of Oxford and is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (500RYT).

Caila is a Brooklyn mom who loves her community—and she loves to teach.

MASTER TEACHER

Andrew Carter, known to students as “Dr. Ew,” is a highly respected dance educator with teaching experience at Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, and several K–12 schools and youth programs across New York City.

Andrew is trained in breakdancing, popping, waving, gliding, and foundational hip-hop movement.

He brings more than a decade of professional training and performance experience to every class, with a teaching style that is fun, structured, and confidence-building. Andrew serves as both the master teacher, setting pedagogy for all breaking and hiphop classes, and as a creative and strategic advisor.

STUDIO ASSISTANT

TEACHING ARTIST

Shango Bartley, aka Jungle, is a North Carolina–born, New York–based House dancer, DJ, choreographer, and cultural curator. A 3-time Battle 101 champion and winner of House of Exile, Behind the Groove (Times Square Edition), NYC Jacks, and Slick Battle, he is known for both his competitive excellence and commanding performance presence.

Jungle has performed on major stages including Lincoln Center, the Javits Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and 42nd Street in Times Square, and has been a featured battle guest internationally. His work also bridges into the contemporary dance world through collaborations with leading artists. He is the founder of D.I.C.E., a monthly battle and showcase, and an active contributor to NYC’s club and dance community through sessions, events, and DJing. Known for his depth, energy, and integrity, Jungle creates spaces where dancers don’t just learn movement - they understand it.

TEACHING ARTIST

CURRICULUM LEAD

Maria Gracia Perez is an NYC-based dancer and educator whose journey began at age 11 with a Hip Hop class that made her fall in love with dance. Originally from Lima, Peru, she was a member of Company D1 and Fem D1 Crew, with commercial credits including featured television appearances and performances for Coca-Cola and Sony.

​A graduate of the Peridance Center Certificate Program, Maria is an active professional in the contemporary dance world, yet her heart remains rooted in the street styles that first inspired her. Her training includes Hip Hop, Street Jazz, House, Dancehall, Waacking, and Afrobeats, as well as the fundamentals of Locking and Breaking.

​As an educator, Maria has experience teaching a wide variety of levels, from aspiring professionals to recreational movers, and adjusts her classes accordingly. She is a passionate teacher who deeply respects the learning process, and believes that a class should always be fun, enjoyable, and focused on the joy of dance.

TEACHING ARTIST

COMMUNITY LEAD

Flexx is a Brooklyn-based freestyle dancer and hip-hop choreographer known for his deep engagement with street dance culture. From early on, he explored a wide range of hip-hop styles and techniques, specializing in Hip-Hop, Breaking, Flex’n, House, and Waving. In 2011, he founded his own crew, Stylz Enuff. He joined It’s Showtime NYC in 2015, performing and choreographing for organizations and brands including Jacob’s Pillow, JBL, and New Balance. A prominent figure in New York’s battle scene, Flexx battles, curates events, and trains dancers. His work spans Times Square billboards to performances at The Met and the Guggenheim.

YOGA TEACHER

Brandon is a dedicated yoga instructor based in Brooklyn, bringing his years of experience guiding students of all ages and levels to every class with patience and clarity. With a background in coaching movement and a passion for mindful practice, he creates accessible, strength-building sessions that help students grow both physically and mentally. Drawing on his coaching expertise and a calm, encouraging style, Brandon supports each practitioner in finding balance, breath, and confidence.