INSTRUCTORS | xplosive

Dance Instructors

GABE SCOTT

Owner & Lead Instructor

Born in Mazatlan, Mexico, Gabe had irsthand experiences with Latin music and dance. Always interested in the performing arts, he developed an understanding of body mechanics from an early age as he performed in every single dance, music, and/or theater festival in school since the second grade. “I will never forget my first choreography, ‘Santa Rita’ I knew then I wanted to dance forever. I was only 8 years old then.” At the age of 15, Gabe moved to Mexico City where he began his formal dance training with the Mexican School of Ballroom Dance acquiring the title of principal dancer in only two years. Tirelessly, he worked his way into many important dance companies such as Latin Tango (Argentine Tango), Traditions & Expressions from Argentina (Malambo), Mexican Folkloric Ballet (Mexican Folk Dance), Cuicoyan School of Dance (Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater), and several other independent companies where he had the opportunity to act and dance. However, he gives credit to his former instructors Javier Juarez and Lucina Wong from the Mexican School of Ballroom Dance & Dance Co. for showing him the way into, what he considers, his favorite style, Salsa Dance.

Most of his Salsa training was with the MSBD; however, he has taken lessons from the best of the best including Eddie Torres and Victor & Gaby as well as several workshops in San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, and L.A. In 2002 he moved to New York City to further his Salsa training and was invited to be part of Salsa Magic Dance Co. But, life had different plans for Gabe and after meeting his former wife, he moved, once again, to Jeffersonville, IN. Once there, he got down to business and landed a few roles with Spirit over the Water Productions, not only dancing, acting, and choreographing, but as well as directing. Gabe is an incomparable choreographer, with credits like "High School Musical," "Fame," "The Fiddler on The Roof," "Secret Garden," "Grease." "Little Shop of Horrors," "Once Upon a Mattress," "Kiss Me Kate," "Guys n' Dolls," and more, he is far well educated in dance choreography, and it shows in Gabe's Zumba routines. In 2011, Gabe formed his own dance company. Mi Salsa es su Salsa and in August of 2012 he opened Xplosive Rhythms Dance & Fitness. As you can see, you are in great hands when it comes to dance instruction. Gabe is a Registered Nurse licensed in the states of KY and IN. He also holds the following certifications: AFAA, CPR, AED, BLS, ACLS, and PALS.

JAMES JACKSON

Salsa, Rueda & RIPPED Instructor

James Jackson is a lifelong dance enthusiast and a highly energetic dance instructor. He’s performed on a local level with Mi Salsa Es Su Salsa Dance Company and Imani Dance Company. Under the tutelage of Gabe Scott, and Xplosive Rhythms Dance and Fitness, he began teaching multilevel dance classes for all ages. Though experienced in African Dance, Rueda de Casino, Bachata, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, and other forms of dance, his specialty and area of expertise is Salsa. James has a flair for helping beginners build confidence and learn skills that are “dance floor ready”, in as little as one session. In October of 2013, James became certified to teach R.I.P.P.E.D. His enthusiasm and motivational skills are sure to win you over and keep you coming back time and time again!

CHERIE LANIER

Ballroom, Salsa, Tango & Rueda Instructor

French-Vietnamese born Cherie Lanier was exposed to Latin dance at the early age of 7. She learned Cha Cha and Rhumba as social favorites, and was formally trained in ballet. Cherie also began exploring a number of musical instruments and learned how to play the piano, guitar and flute. The joys of dance and music Cherie experienced in her youth ignited a fire that continues to burn today.

After studying Political Science and Foreign Languages at Morehead State University, Cherie forged a career in competitive dance and instruction with Fred Astaire Dance Studio, and continued her studies in Smooth and Rhythm dance styles. Cherie later expanded her training in Salsa, Rueda de Casino and Argentine Tango, and is committed to sharing her love of these forms with all ages.

Cherie has consistently worked with after school programs, teaching students from five to 11 years old. She has coached several dance teams, including a teenage performance troupe who excited audiences throughout local area, and was the Artist-in-Residence at the Oldham Co. Arts Center in 2009. While Cherie’s unique artistic background qualifies her to teach over 20 different dance styles, she is most passionate about Latin dance styles. She believes the high energy of Salsa and the intimate connectivity of Tango brings balance to her entire dance repertoire.

Fitness Instructors

MINDY SCOTT

Owner & Lead Fitness Instructor

Mindy is passionate about using her knowledge and love for fitness to connect with others and assist them in achieving personal fitness goals. Having earned her B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis, Mindy has instructed group fitness classes in business, recreational and professional fitness settings for the past 16 years. Nonetheless, one-on-one personal training remains her greatest strength and is a major part her fitness career.

After recently crossing over into the dance scene, Mindy continues to explore and develop innovative moves to help bridge the gap between fitness and dance, making Xplosive Rhythms Dance and Fitness the most distinctive fitness studio in the Commonwealth.