J & J ​ Hip Hop Dance & Performing Arts Company

Stephanie "Stef.n.e" Cantu

 

J & J Hip Hop Dance Company

Owner & Business Manager
Instructor

 

DANCE JOURNEY

Stephanie Cantu began her dance journey at the age of three with Ballet and Tap training. By the age of six she already expanded her training by taking Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, and Hip Hop. She continued this training for the next 12 years at the Dance Center of Colorado Springs. Meanwhile Stephanie was also taking classes at Ormao Dance Company for 2 years. With these companies she competed in several Regional Competitions receiving numerous 1st Place awards. Stephanie also had the privilege of taking the 1st Place position at The Showbiz National Competition in Missouri in 1997. In addition, at the age of 11 she started studying dance from a well known dance and musical theater Instructor by the name of Michael Allen who was trained by Gene Kelly. Stephanie took on a staring role in 1998 in the musical 100 Years of Broadway with singing, dancing, and acting. Another form of dance Stephanie started training and performing in was Ballet Folklorico which gave her great insight into her heritage through dance. She traveled and toured performing in several schools, community events, and state fairs. As a freshmen in high school she attended CIVA Charter High School. Since this school liked to focus on the Visual and Performing Arts, and with Stephanie's dance experience and skill, she was selected to teach the dance classes. 

 

"It was the best part of my day, and I had such passion for it." - Stephanie C.

 

Stephanie continued taking many more lead roles in productions with CIVA, Mitchell High School, Michael Allen School of Dance, and Attitudes Center for the Performing Arts.

 

As years passed Stephanie married and put dance on hold to raise her new family. She helped choreograph and train the Hiz Hop Dance Crew as they started their journey in 2002 forward. She found great joy in inspiring the young dancers who did not have proper role models in their lives. Currently Stephanie runs special events, recitals, and the overall operation of the business. She teaches tap to youth and Adults. 

 

"Dance has always been a passion and part of life for me. I am thrilled to say it has been a passion for my children and husband as well. I love seeing people come alive with every move to meaningful music." - Stephanie C.

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MUSIC JOURNEY

She has taught music and voice lessons for over 20 years working with various students and music artists. Some of her students have gone become recording artists, lead roles cast members in musicals, concerts, a Disney Princess singing in Disneyworld and more. She has directed & lead worship teams and small choirs since 1997 and is still leading worship today. She is also the director for the Musical Theater Program and the Vocal Ensemble Classes at J&J. She and her music ministry team tour annually with Restoration Explosion Ministries.

 

“I love seeing someone’s musical abilities and helping them pursue their passion!”

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Stephanie Cantu has been singing and dancing since she could walk. She started vocal & piano lessons at the age of 7 years old. From ages 8-19 she performed and competed in numerous solo & ensemble contests and competitions received multiple 1st place and superior awards.

 

At the age of 9, Stephanie became a member of the National Piano Guild (NGPT), a division of the American College of Musicians and was a part of the guild for the next 10 years. The annual auditions consisted of scoring and being judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. She continually scored exceptionally high in these annual auditions. She was also the winner of the 1999 State wide Sonatina Festival for Colorado.

 

She performed in her middle school and high school honors choirs, and in 1999 she was accepted to All State Choir for the state of Colorado. From 1993-2000 she was cast in lead roles with musicals in her schools and with other local Performing Arts Companies. Some of these musicals were, Grease, Guys & Dolls, South Pacific, Annie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sound of Music, Blazerella, West Side Story, Cats, and 100 Years of Broadway to name a few.

 

In 2009, Stephanie attended the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Immerse conference at Belmont University in Nashville TN. During this course, she was able to attend workshops and training from music industry professionals such as Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Martha Munizzi, Leeland, Barlow Girl & more.

Stephanie is a local recording artist singer/songwriter and has be featured in several projects for multiple Christian Artists both locally and nationally.

 

Currently she is with Royal Diadem Records and looks forward to some amazing projects with her music in 2021.

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