About
Our Story
Steadfast Dance Center is a dance studio that began at New Life Community Church, soon after we branched out to the Archer Park field house. We are now solely located in the Chicago neighborhood of Pilsen.
Our Team
Sarah Lozano
Artistic Director
Sarah A. Lozano, a Chicago native, fell in love with dance and expression through movement at the age of 5. Now, 33 and mother of 3, she continues to develop her craft as the Owner/Artistic Director of Steadfast Dance Center located in Pilsen. Sarah grew up training and competing in dance competitions at her neighborhood dance studio, originally known as Kathleen’s Dance Asylum, later named Visual Rhythm Dance Academy, primarily in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance. She was later introduced to modern while
studying dance at Columbia
College Chicago where she received her BA in Dance
with a concentration in
dance making. While in college she continued to perform, choreograph, and teach dance.
Sarah has extensive experience teaching in conventional and unconventional dance environments such as classrooms, hallways, outdoor concrete parking lots and grassy fields. The ability to adapt to her given teaching space partnered with her experience teaching a variety of dance styles to ages ranging from toddlers to adults speaks to her level of professionalism and competence no matter the circumstance. She served as Ballet Mistress and assisted with dance curriculum development at Matli Dance Academy. Sarah has also worked as lead instructor for school based extracurricular dance and fitness programs as well as choreographed for school musicals while working for Chicago Public Schools.
Sarah has a strong passion for spreading the love for dance to Chicago youth. Her and her staff strive to give their students at Steadfast Dance Center the tools needed for a healthy dance career.
Her studio, or as she refers to it as a dance home for all, is located in Pilsen and has a mission to
provide quality dance classes at affordable rates.
Sarah A. Lozano, a Chicago native, fell in love with dance and expression through movement at the age of 5. Now, 33 and mother of 3, she continues to develop her craft as the Owner/Artistic Director of Steadfast Dance Center located in Pilsen. Sarah grew up training and competing in dance competitions at her neighborhood dance studio, originally known as Kathleen’s Dance Asylum, later named Visual Rhythm Dance Academy, primarily in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance. She was later introduced to modern while
studying dance at Columbia
College Chicago where she received her BA in Dance
with a concentration in
dance making. While in college she continued to perform, choreograph, and teach dance.
Sarah has extensive experience teaching in conventional and unconventional dance environments such as classrooms, hallways, outdoor concrete parking lots and grassy fields. The ability to adapt to her given teaching space partnered with her experience teaching a variety of dance styles to ages ranging from toddlers to adults speaks to her level of professionalism and competence no matter the circumstance. She served as Ballet Mistress and assisted with dance curriculum development at Matli Dance Academy. Sarah has also worked as lead instructor for school based extracurricular dance and fitness programs as well as choreographed for school musicals while working for Chicago Public Schools.
Sarah has a strong passion for spreading the love for dance to Chicago youth. Her and her staff strive to give their students at Steadfast Dance Center the tools needed for a healthy dance career.
Her studio, or as she refers to it as a dance home for all, is located in Pilsen and has a mission to
provide quality dance classes at affordable rates.
Jessica Romero
Assistant Artistic Director
Jessica Romero(Jay) was born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago. She is a graduate from Columbia College Chicago, where she received her bachelors in Dance. She started dancing at Linda’s Dance Studio at the age of four. From 1996 - 2005 Jay performed with the well-known Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, which is where her passion of dance began. Within her training with MFDC she trained under Pepe Ovalle and Matie Ovalle. After her time with MFDC she went on to train in Latin and Ballroom under Tommye Giacchino and other instructors at Chicago Dance. In 2010, Jay began dancing at Vaughan Dance Academy where she then was recommended to advance to their company. From 2010-2012 Jay performed and competed as a member of Innovation Dance Company hip hop troupe. She performed at various Chicagoland festivals, such as Dance Chicago, Dance Live, Chicago Choreographer's Ball with Movement Revolution under the direction of Monternez Rezell. She returned to Latin with Chicago Bachata- Allstars where she was a 3 year member training under Zeke Ruvalcaba. She had the opportunity to perform both locally and internationally at various salsa and bachata events where she has met and taken class with other world renowned Latin champions. Currently, she is the Assistant Artistic Director at Steadfast Dance Center, the head coach for the Plainfield East High School Dance Team and a teaching artist for Joffrey’s Community Engagement Program. Her versatile experience in dance helps her create well-rounded dancers that can become adaptable to any genre. Jay enjoys fusing different dance styles to create choreography that is unique. Aside from dance, Jay loves spending time with her family and dog Kalea, eating poke bowls and enjoys working on her amateur video editing skills.
Jessica Romero(Jay) was born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago. She is a graduate from Columbia College Chicago, where she received her bachelors in Dance. She started dancing at Linda’s Dance Studio at the age of four. From 1996 - 2005 Jay performed with the well-known Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, which is where her passion of dance began. Within her training with MFDC she trained under Pepe Ovalle and Matie Ovalle. After her time with MFDC she went on to train in Latin and Ballroom under Tommye Giacchino and other instructors at Chicago Dance. In 2010, Jay began dancing at Vaughan Dance Academy where she then was recommended to advance to their company. From 2010-2012 Jay performed and competed as a member of Innovation Dance Company hip hop troupe. She performed at various Chicagoland festivals, such as Dance Chicago, Dance Live, Chicago Choreographer's Ball with Movement Revolution under the direction of Monternez Rezell. She returned to Latin with Chicago Bachata- Allstars where she was a 3 year member training under Zeke Ruvalcaba. She had the opportunity to perform both locally and internationally at various salsa and bachata events where she has met and taken class with other world renowned Latin champions. Currently, she is the Assistant Artistic Director at Steadfast Dance Center, the head coach for the Plainfield East High School Dance Team and a teaching artist for Joffrey’s Community Engagement Program. Her versatile experience in dance helps her create well-rounded dancers that can become adaptable to any genre. Jay enjoys fusing different dance styles to create choreography that is unique. Aside from dance, Jay loves spending time with her family and dog Kalea, eating poke bowls and enjoys working on her amateur video editing skills.
Jackie Gaytan
Dance Instructor
Jackie Gaytan is a 29 year old Latina, born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. Growing up she loved spending time with her family, socializing with friends, and of course, DANCING. Jackie has been dancing since she was 4 years old, starting in ballet and jazz, and later finding her passion in the Hip-Hop style. After training with Xtreme Dance Force in Naperville, IL and winning 3 national cups, Jackie went on to study Fashion Merchandising at Illinois State University. Now currently residing in Pilsen, Jackie has been teaching the Mini and Teen division at Steadfast Dance Center since 2018. She has never felt more at home teaching at SDC and loves the impact she has on her students! Aside from teaching children, she is an aspiring community activist, hoping to bring change and love to Pilsen and her students.
Jackie Gaytan is a 29 year old Latina, born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. Growing up she loved spending time with her family, socializing with friends, and of course, DANCING. Jackie has been dancing since she was 4 years old, starting in ballet and jazz, and later finding her passion in the Hip-Hop style. After training with Xtreme Dance Force in Naperville, IL and winning 3 national cups, Jackie went on to study Fashion Merchandising at Illinois State University. Now currently residing in Pilsen, Jackie has been teaching the Mini and Teen division at Steadfast Dance Center since 2018. She has never felt more at home teaching at SDC and loves the impact she has on her students! Aside from teaching children, she is an aspiring community activist, hoping to bring change and love to Pilsen and her students.
Marangelique Noguez
Dance Instructor
Marangelique Noguez is a recent BA graduate of the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. At Columbia, she received rigorous training with the foundation of dance history and theory from renowned faculty such as Darrell Jones, Dardi McGinley-Gullivan, Lisa Gonzalez, Jeffrey Hancock, Kelsa Robinson, as well as many others. Mara started her commitment to dance at the age of 8. She studied jazz and hip hop through the ARCC Ballet after school program as well as studying different genres of dance throughout high school. She then went on to become a member of Forward Momentum Chicago at the age of 16. To further develop her discipline and training, she studied Ballet, Modern, West African, and Hip Hop at Columbia College Chicago. Mara is currently a performer/competitor in Latin dance and is researching what it means to be a Dance Scholar.
Marangelique Noguez is a recent BA graduate of the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago. At Columbia, she received rigorous training with the foundation of dance history and theory from renowned faculty such as Darrell Jones, Dardi McGinley-Gullivan, Lisa Gonzalez, Jeffrey Hancock, Kelsa Robinson, as well as many others. Mara started her commitment to dance at the age of 8. She studied jazz and hip hop through the ARCC Ballet after school program as well as studying different genres of dance throughout high school. She then went on to become a member of Forward Momentum Chicago at the age of 16. To further develop her discipline and training, she studied Ballet, Modern, West African, and Hip Hop at Columbia College Chicago. Mara is currently a performer/competitor in Latin dance and is researching what it means to be a Dance Scholar.
Mia Gonzalez
Front Desk/Instructor Apprentice
Yesica Salazar
Front Desk
Bibiana Espinosa
Instructor Apprentice
Jasmine Lopez
Instructor Assistant
Featured Artists
Lady Sol
Dance Instructor
Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia is a proud Mexican-American street dance professional, mother, and wife from Chicago who is globally recognized as a Teaching Artist, Creative Director, Manager, and Cultural Ambassador. She has worked with major media networks including MTV, BET, NBC, TBS and alongside super-stars Damian Marley, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Cham, Dancehall Queen Patra, Mr. Vegas, Elephant Man, Cedric the Entertainer and Ellen Degeneres. Locally, she is a Reggae/Dancehall documentarian, dance teacher, and event host who curates @chicagodancehall IG.
Lady Sol is responsible for bringing Chicago’s Footwork/Juke culture to global stages via King Charles and the FootworKINGz who have performed with Madonna, Will.I.Am, Missy Elliott, Chicago Sinfonietta, IBM, Nike and Red Bull. She has produced and choreographed FootworKINGz dance theater shows at NYC’s Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center in DC.
She is a Co-Founder of Kuumba Lynx (KL), an internationally recognized arts organization that empowers young people through the cultivation of Hip-Hop arts and social activism. She is a present Teaching Artist with Urban Gateways and a Professional Development Trainer with Everybody Dance Now Chicago. Lady Sol is also is a self-proclaimed Professor of Practice who has taught fusions of Afro-Caribbean movement workshops at Columbia College, Stanford University, Northwestern U and University of Chicago. In 2015, she partnered with Jessica “Phoenix” Brundidge and Co-Founded FIYAH Fit USA, an Afro-Caribbean music and dance fitness experience that celebrates women.
In 2018 Lady Sol joined the 3Arts family as a new awardee for her work as a teaching artist. This grant will help support her new, developing work, “Lady Sol’s Dance Diary” an autobiographical solo theater show which she has self-coined as a “dance-dramedy.” Lady Sol humorously explores music industry politics, cross-cultural identity, and the growing pains of uncovering self-love. Her evolving studies include independent research and teaching workshops specific to Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall culture encompassing connections to American Hip Hop. She travels annually to Jamaica with colleague and teacher, Jessica Phoenix. Lady Sol's continuous learning takes place in conversations with local residents and directly with world renown Dancehall practitioners Orville “The Professor” Hall and Chad “Global Bob” Torrington.
Among her many notable teachers, Lady Sol’s immense gratitude is endowed to her mother Maria Garcia and her life long mentor Efe McWorter. Both have granted Leyda priceless wisdom and purpose as a teaching artist. “I intend to continue preserving urban culture by promoting, teaching, and presenting it locally and globally.” says a passionate Lady Sol.
Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia is a proud Mexican-American street dance professional, mother, and wife from Chicago who is globally recognized as a Teaching Artist, Creative Director, Manager, and Cultural Ambassador. She has worked with major media networks including MTV, BET, NBC, TBS and alongside super-stars Damian Marley, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Cham, Dancehall Queen Patra, Mr. Vegas, Elephant Man, Cedric the Entertainer and Ellen Degeneres. Locally, she is a Reggae/Dancehall documentarian, dance teacher, and event host who curates @chicagodancehall IG.
Lady Sol is responsible for bringing Chicago’s Footwork/Juke culture to global stages via King Charles and the FootworKINGz who have performed with Madonna, Will.I.Am, Missy Elliott, Chicago Sinfonietta, IBM, Nike and Red Bull. She has produced and choreographed FootworKINGz dance theater shows at NYC’s Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center in DC.
She is a Co-Founder of Kuumba Lynx (KL), an internationally recognized arts organization that empowers young people through the cultivation of Hip-Hop arts and social activism. She is a present Teaching Artist with Urban Gateways and a Professional Development Trainer with Everybody Dance Now Chicago. Lady Sol is also is a self-proclaimed Professor of Practice who has taught fusions of Afro-Caribbean movement workshops at Columbia College, Stanford University, Northwestern U and University of Chicago. In 2015, she partnered with Jessica “Phoenix” Brundidge and Co-Founded FIYAH Fit USA, an Afro-Caribbean music and dance fitness experience that celebrates women.
In 2018 Lady Sol joined the 3Arts family as a new awardee for her work as a teaching artist. This grant will help support her new, developing work, “Lady Sol’s Dance Diary” an autobiographical solo theater show which she has self-coined as a “dance-dramedy.” Lady Sol humorously explores music industry politics, cross-cultural identity, and the growing pains of uncovering self-love. Her evolving studies include independent research and teaching workshops specific to Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall culture encompassing connections to American Hip Hop. She travels annually to Jamaica with colleague and teacher, Jessica Phoenix. Lady Sol's continuous learning takes place in conversations with local residents and directly with world renown Dancehall practitioners Orville “The Professor” Hall and Chad “Global Bob” Torrington.
Among her many notable teachers, Lady Sol’s immense gratitude is endowed to her mother Maria Garcia and her life long mentor Efe McWorter. Both have granted Leyda priceless wisdom and purpose as a teaching artist. “I intend to continue preserving urban culture by promoting, teaching, and presenting it locally and globally.” says a passionate Lady Sol.
Dionna Pridgeon
Dance Instructor
Dionna Pridgeon is an Independent artist, originally from Chicago, IL. She is the Founder & Creative Director of moveDIPR and holds 16 years of experience in Dance Education/ Choreography. She has shared her teaching at 12 prestigious facilities, while residing in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, & New York. She started her teaching journey on faculty at The Lou Conte Dance Studio| Hubbard Street Dance Center and has also taught in Montreal, Norway and Germany; Her contemporary class was featured in Dance Magazine, August 2017.
In her early years, Dionna worked as a model & talent for Lily’s Talent Agency/ Clear Talent Group. Later on, Dionna completed a summer study with Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia), Deeply Rooted (Chicago) & American Dance Festival (NC), received scholarships and recognition from Monsters of Hip Hop, The Pulse on Tour, & Dance Spirit Magazine! Dionna also worked trained at Ballroom Dance Chicago.
Dionna received her dance degree from Point Park University & has performed works in both concert and commercial dance, working with numerous choreographers, as well as companies such as The Pillow Project (PA), Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble, Dance 2XS (Chicago), and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (Chicago). Fun Fact! Dionna styled hair for the Britney Spears Circus Tour: Chicago.
Dionna has shared her choreographed works at multiple venues such as: Jay Pritzker Pavilion| Millennium Park (Chicago), Orchestra Hall (Chicago), Ailey Citigroup Theatre NY, Symphony Space NY, and the US Open, just to name a few . . . as well as dance programs: UIC, Chi-Arts High School, Joffrey Ballet School & Joffrey Academy of Dance, plus a multitude of studios across the US. To add, Dionna self-produced, directed, & choreographed an Independent show, entitled: LONE, which premiered in both Chicago & New York, along with her 1st dance film: Control|Alt|Delete - premiered in Manhattan, NY, Summer 2019. Lastly,she received the Queensboro Dance Festival grant, for her homage to Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin (performed by moveDIPR Alum).
Dionna Pridgeon is an Independent artist, originally from Chicago, IL. She is the Founder & Creative Director of moveDIPR and holds 16 years of experience in Dance Education/ Choreography. She has shared her teaching at 12 prestigious facilities, while residing in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, & New York. She started her teaching journey on faculty at The Lou Conte Dance Studio| Hubbard Street Dance Center and has also taught in Montreal, Norway and Germany; Her contemporary class was featured in Dance Magazine, August 2017.
In her early years, Dionna worked as a model & talent for Lily’s Talent Agency/ Clear Talent Group. Later on, Dionna completed a summer study with Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia), Deeply Rooted (Chicago) & American Dance Festival (NC), received scholarships and recognition from Monsters of Hip Hop, The Pulse on Tour, & Dance Spirit Magazine! Dionna also worked trained at Ballroom Dance Chicago.
Dionna received her dance degree from Point Park University & has performed works in both concert and commercial dance, working with numerous choreographers, as well as companies such as The Pillow Project (PA), Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble, Dance 2XS (Chicago), and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (Chicago). Fun Fact! Dionna styled hair for the Britney Spears Circus Tour: Chicago.
Dionna has shared her choreographed works at multiple venues such as: Jay Pritzker Pavilion| Millennium Park (Chicago), Orchestra Hall (Chicago), Ailey Citigroup Theatre NY, Symphony Space NY, and the US Open, just to name a few . . . as well as dance programs: UIC, Chi-Arts High School, Joffrey Ballet School & Joffrey Academy of Dance, plus a multitude of studios across the US. To add, Dionna self-produced, directed, & choreographed an Independent show, entitled: LONE, which premiered in both Chicago & New York, along with her 1st dance film: Control|Alt|Delete - premiered in Manhattan, NY, Summer 2019. Lastly,she received the Queensboro Dance Festival grant, for her homage to Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin (performed by moveDIPR Alum).
Chasati Allen
Dance Instructor
Chasati Allen, 32, began training with Mayfair Academy at the age of five. Early on, she developed a strong commitment to the craft and a desire to choreograph. In her youth, Chasati had the opportunity to study under several programs including: Gallery 37, Muntu Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. During her tenure at Bowling Green State University, she founded Prima Dance Ensemble which focused on the lyrical, hip-hop and jazz genres. Post college, she became a principal instructor at Flirty Girl Fitness Chicago, where she taught sexy hip-hop, lap/chair dance, pole dance and strip tease. Chasati’s accolades include performing with Drew Sidora, serving as the opening act for Drake and choreographing and performing with Jeremih. She recently transitioned into entrepreneurship and founded Class with Chas (CWC); which specializes in signature classes and private parties combined with at-your-service dance demonstration for any person celebrating a special occasion or simply put, their independence and sexuality. By day, you can catch Chasati in the friendly skies with American Airlines serving up a Coke with a smile!
Chasati Allen, 32, began training with Mayfair Academy at the age of five. Early on, she developed a strong commitment to the craft and a desire to choreograph. In her youth, Chasati had the opportunity to study under several programs including: Gallery 37, Muntu Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. During her tenure at Bowling Green State University, she founded Prima Dance Ensemble which focused on the lyrical, hip-hop and jazz genres. Post college, she became a principal instructor at Flirty Girl Fitness Chicago, where she taught sexy hip-hop, lap/chair dance, pole dance and strip tease. Chasati’s accolades include performing with Drew Sidora, serving as the opening act for Drake and choreographing and performing with Jeremih. She recently transitioned into entrepreneurship and founded Class with Chas (CWC); which specializes in signature classes and private parties combined with at-your-service dance demonstration for any person celebrating a special occasion or simply put, their independence and sexuality. By day, you can catch Chasati in the friendly skies with American Airlines serving up a Coke with a smile!