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 A. Lozano
Owner/ 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
Leyda “Lady Sol” Garcia
Steadfast Partner
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.
Chasati Allen
Steadfast Partner
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!
8teenth Hip-Hop Crew
Steadfast Partner
8TEENth Hip-Hop Crew is Chicago’s newest teen, co-ed, competitive hip-hop team in Pilsen. Our mission is to bring technical hip-hop skills, artistic development, and a competitive edge to teenagers in the Chicagoland area at an affordable cost. 8TEENth strives to provide teenage dancers with the accessible tools and technical elements in preparation for their personal/professional growth. Our dancers will learn to be a part of a team and grow as a family!
8TEENth Hip-Hop Crew is Chicago’s newest teen, co-ed, competitive hip-hop team in Pilsen. Our mission is to bring technical hip-hop skills, artistic development, and a competitive edge to teenagers in the Chicagoland area at an affordable cost. 8TEENth strives to provide teenage dancers with the accessible tools and technical elements in preparation for their personal/professional growth. Our dancers will learn to be a part of a team and grow as a family!
VIBE
VIBE was created to inspire womxn to love and embrace their bodies no matter the circumstance - physical, mental, spiritual. VIBE is not your regular heels dance or yoga class - when you come to VIBE you’ll be encouraged, empowered & walk away with community. We believe in building each other up through movement and mindfulness.
Solarus Collective
Steadfast Partner
Solarus Collective is a yoga community created by Amin B that focuses on empowering womxn through sensual yoga, and meditation and connection.
Solarus Collective is a yoga community created by Amin B that focuses on empowering womxn through sensual yoga, and meditation and connection.
Lola Contreras
Lola Contreras is a Chicago creative born and raised in Chicago. She's been dancing on and off in elementary school, gaining some technique in the Dance Department at Curie High School and her first year of college in the Dancing Eagles Team at Robert Morris University. After some years off, she's been reconnecting with dance and exploring dance fitness, recently becoming a Licensed Zumba Instructor. Now, she hopes to bring her love for dance to create a fun, safe space to explore other ways to bring fitness in people's lives.
Angela Townsend
Angela Townsend (she/her) is an actress, model, and professional salsa dancer, born and raised in Chicago. She has been dancing and performing salsa for 20+ years. Her mixed ethnicity of African American and Puerto Rican roots inform her creativity, storytelling, and everyday living. As a youth, Townsend danced with Gifted Souls Dance Company for 5 years, and recently performed in the production Raices to Roots.