VICTORIA SHURR
DIRECTOR
HIP HOP
My name is Victoria. I am the director here at the Dream Center School of the Arts. I had my first dance class at four years old at Miss Joyce Dance Studio on the westside of Buffalo. I grew up going there learning tap, jazz, hip hop, and acro. When I got older I learned the importance of ballet and how it is the foundation of all dance. I decided to also attend Buffalo Inner – City Ballet and train with Marvin Askew. There I learned many skills that I use today. After I graduated high school I moved to Australia and trained at Hillsong Bible College and was an intern with their dance studio as well. Throughout my years of training I was in many performances and recitals. I gained disciple, confidence, and skills for life. I can’t wait to see what DCSA becomes and I can’t wait for you to be apart of it.
Alan Rodriguez
JUDO
Hello, My name is Alan Rodriguez and I am the judo instructor for Dream Center School of the Arts. Judo is a Japanese sport and martial art that translates to “Gentle Way.” It was created in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano as both a sport and a tool for education. Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964 and is one of the most watched and practiced sports internationally. Judo is also great for self-defense and is the foundation for many modern combat sports such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo (са́мбо), and MMA. I became involved with judo after being a lifelong martial artist in traditional striking styles but realized I needed to learn to grapple. A friend invited me to train in judo one day and since then I was hooked. I currently teach judo at WNY MMA and also at the Buffalo Public Schools Saturday Academy. I have over fifteen years of training and experience and would love to help you become the best version of yourself through judo.
Emilie McClinton
BALLET &
CONTEMPORARY MOVEMENT
My love for ballet and dance began at the age of four years old. I became a student at Buffalo City Ballet. I studied there for nearly sixteen years. During my time at Buffalo City Ballet, I was given the opportunity to dance the roles such as Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum fairy in the Nutcracker, Coppelia, Giselle, and many other amazing roles. The summers of 2011 and 2012 I was accepted into a summer intensive program with the New York City Ballet Company called NYSSA. Then in 2014 I was accepted and attended an advanced summer intensive program with the Atlanta Ballet Company. Over those years I also studied at Joyce’s School of Dance studying Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Dance taught me many things – discipline, strength, endurance, passion, and teamwork. During those years I also had the privilege of teaching ballet, pointe work, ballet partnering, and contemporary movement in different studios and a catholic school. For the last eight years, I have put my dancing aside to pursue what God has called me to do. I am excited that I am able to pour out my love and experience of dance out on my students in The Dream Center School of the Arts!
Emily Pecoraro
ART
My name is Emily, born and raised in Puerto Rico, until 2018 when I moved to Buffalo. Art has been part of my life since the day I was born. My mom is a painter and sculptor and my dad is a musician and engineer. Growing up I don’t remember a day where I didn’t have my coloring pencils and notebooks with me. Since the age of three I was enrolled in the best Art school in Puerto Rico, “Liga de Arte Escuela de Artes Plasticas”, where I took classes like basic drawing, painting, theory of color, and caricature. During my entire childhood I took many classes, including, drawing, paint, dance, theater, singing, etc. From 2008 to 2010 I attended high school where I went to a fashion specialized school. During the same time my mom enrolled in the best Art school in the country for the night classes so every day after fashion school I would go and sit in her classes with her for three years. In 2010, we opened the first and only Art school in Luquillo Puerto Rico (East Puerto Rico); where I did my first ever Art expo, worked as a theater teacher and ran the poetry club. In 2014, I enrolled in culinary school and became a pastry chef and opened what we know today as Sweet Em’s Cake Boutique, my online bakery & business. In 2019, I had my first art expo here in Buffalo at Parables Gallery on Elmwood. I don’t remember a day growing up where we didn’t create, dance or did anything creative. Now as an adult art is still part of my every day and has become part of my daughters life too. I believe Art is for everyone and anyone can be an artist. Art also helps with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, giving people a way to express themselves while also creating something beautiful.
Jessie Robertson
VOICE
Hey! I’m Jess and worship is my passion. I am nineteen years old and I have been singing for eighteen years. I was professionally trained throughout my middle school and high school years. I have attended many ECMEA (Erie County Music Educators Association) and NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) competitions/festivals for solo and choir. I also love theater and have been a part of ten musicals and four plays. Due to covid my passion for music and singing was pushed off because of school shutdowns. I was not able to perform and sing. I was searching for a new place to continue to do what I love, which was when I discovered my love for leading worship. I grew up in a Christian home and I always loved going to church, but I never pictured myself being on the worship team. I put aside my love for theater and began to pursue my love for leading worship. I was given an opportunity to become a worship intern and learn how to lead worship and lead a worship team. Now I only perform for an audience of one.
Lindsie Rutherford
PIANO/KEYBOARD
BASS GUITAR
My name is Lindsie and I am teaching keyboard, beginner piano, and bass guitar at the Dream Center School of the Arts. I have received formal piano training through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada. My main area of musical ability and experience is playing contemporary music on the keyboard and bass guitar. I have played keyboard and bass for over twenty-five years and have been a part of different music teams. I am excited to share my musical experience with you!
Tommy Rutherford
GUITAR
Hi, my name is Tommy and I teach guitar at the Dream Center School of the Arts. I started playing guitar when I was six years old. I play lead and rhythm guitar and I love to make music. My love for the guitar has motivated me to develop my skills and to this day I am still striving to be better. I look forward to working with students who are eager to learn music, develop skills, and share the same love for guitar as I do.