Creative board
David Zhang - Founder & Creative Director
David Zhang is a director, choreographer, and established dancer in the Dallas metroplex. His love of music led him to dance back in 2011 and throughout the years has come to hold various titles and positions within the local dance community: Founder of Jasper DFC, President of Plano West DFC, Founder of The Alliance, Director of Impact N’ Change, and Choreographer for The Neighborhood, and now Founder of EPYH. Hoping to instill the fundamentals of hardwork needed to fuel passion and growth, he aims to bring out the individual potential in each dancer he directs. David’s dance inspirations include Christopher Martin, Mari Madrid, Vivian Lin, Kevin Middleton, and Remi Tran.
Mary schmieg - director of operations & brand manager
Mary Schmieg is a creative project manager currently based in Dallas, Texas. In 2018 she discovered her love for dance after spending a year with UTD FSA Modern. Shortly after being recruited onto EPYH in 2019 her exemplary work ethic, kick-ass organizational skills, passion for helping others, combined with her love for the arts, made her a natural fit to manage the team. Since then she has also gone on to serve as the creative mastermind behind the branding of EPYH. Mary intends to use her specialized role on EPYH to show that creative project management deserves a seat at the table in dance. She believes it is one that can solidify growth, professionalism, and comradery within the community.
Suriya chanthavisay - Choreographer & Team Voice
Starting his dance journey six years ago, Suriya Chanthavisay has been on TWU’s collegiate ASA team, The Neighborhood, and EPYH since its debut season in 2018. His interest in dance developed in high school when learning how to Bboy in hopes to develop an impressive arsenal of moves to use at school dance circles. Serving as a board member for EPYH, Suriya's objective is to not only lead by example but to curate a family-oriented environment that will allow the team members to thrive and succeed in all avenues in both dance and in life. Some of Suriya’s dance inspirations include Keone Madrid, Trevor Takemoto, Lyle Beniga, Kinjaz, and his fellow EPYH crew members.
kaley deweese - Choreographer & volunteer head
Approaching her fifth year in dance, Kaley DeWeese has been on The Neighborhood, taught classes at DFC Studios, and is one of the original members of EPYH. Knowing she always has had an infinity for the craft, it wasn’t until 19 that she took her first dance class and hasn’t stopped since. As a board member, Kaley aspires to push the team and her fellow board members to be the best versions of themselves possible. Wanting to create an environment that encourages personal growth, she also hopes to aid in setting the tone for other teams in the community at large. Her dance inspirations include Trenton Sylar Butler, Tyrik Patterson, Alaini Walker, Canvas, Shaun Evaristo, FKA Twigs, and many more.