Danielle J. Rayley

DJ, as known to most, began studying dance with Shannon Barker at the early age of three. Shannon instructed and mentored DJ in hula, tap, jazz, and baton. Her early enthusiasm and talents lead to the entry in a local pageant shows such as "The Paper Doll". She not only placed first; but also received the title of Miss Paper Doll due to her positive energy and baton skills. During her middle school adolescent years DJ was involved in the Jefferson High School out-reach arts program while continuing her studies in dance and discovering her natural abilities in theater. In spring of 1987 DJ auditioned and was accepted into Jefferson High School full time and began to participate in the performing arts program five days a week. The program gave dancers top-notch training foundations in tap, jazz, ballet, modern and African. DJ not only committed to the rigorous dance schedule but also pushed forward in her theater studies. Due to her many years of involvement with the arts, DJ has become an award winning choreographer, performer and well-respected instructor. She has played a role in a myriad of art projects, performances and clinics. Starry Nights, Cora Smiths Fashion Shows, local high school talent shows, Portland cable access, Sanctuary directed and choreographed by Keith V. Goodman, Hip Hop club competitions, Woodburn High School dance team, Woodburn Portland Parks and Recreation dance program. Miss Portland Scholarship Program, Oregon Symphony concerts in the park, Off The Street kids program, Kellogg Middle School, numerous summer camps, Portland State University creative engineers movement workshop, Good In The Hood, Relay for Breast Cancer, Da Vinci performing arts middle school, Oregon Food Bank 2005 Can Can Drive, FUNKSION III. DJ is accredited with establishing and directing and annual Portland Parks and Recreation winter performance program. She received awards for choreography for On the Edge in line skate dance team. Her art career has given her the opportunity to do what she loves most, to choreograph and instruct up coming artists. She is currently involved in a variety of institutions of dance: Chehalem Valley Dance Academy, Mt. Scott Community Center, Matt Dishman Community Center, Elise Sturh Senior Center, States Performing Arts Center, Innovative Dance Studio, Reed College, Mt. Hood Community College, East-side Dance Studio, Alice Ott Middle School, Beaumont Middle School and Roosevelt High School. In April 2002 DJ took it one step further and became the director of her own dance company SNAP. This dance company incorporates her vast background and unique style in hip-hop, tap and theater, with her ability to show case spoken word artists, break dancers and local vocalists. It has also created a professional atmosphere for young artists pursuing an entertainment career. Many of DJ's students have become instructors or are touring with other professional companies.

DJ's students have enjoyed her good nature and down to earth teaching technique. Her infusion of styles has created a local student following. It has also influenced a buzz among people whom would normally not participate in dance classes. Any and everyone are experiencing the joy of dance. DJ has been teaching hip-hop at Innovative Dance since 1999.