Johier Begay is of Navajo ancestry and originally from the Four Corners but has been living in the valley for years now. He first started breaking in 8th grade and was all self-taught for the first two years before having a chance to dance and train with other b-boys for the first time. Breaking kept him out of trouble and in love with the constant effort to be better than he was yesterday. With little to no hip-hop scene in the valley, he was driven by his own love for breaking and hip-hop to keep practicing by himself before connecting with Dance Initiative in 2021. He has had the opportunity to teach over 1,700 students in the Roaring Fork Valley about hip-hop and breaking.

Quincy Gray, a native Angeleno, is a passionate educator, performing artist, and entertainment professional, excited to bring his love for urban dance to TACAW this spring. With a career spanning performance, choreography, and artistic direction for musicians and live events, Quincy has had the honor of collaborating with talented individuals across various industries. He honed his craft at the California Institute of the Arts and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, further expanding his skills with Meisner acting technique and youth theater direction at Thunder River Theater. Quincy has also taught hip-hop at The Launchpad in Carbondale and Aspen Shakti.

His signature class, IAM FREEstyl, channels the energy of hip-hop culture through movement, street funk, and a mix of musical genres. Quincy views dance as a deeply spiritual and healing form of storytelling, helping individuals express emotions and improve physical and emotional well-being. His classes focus on self-expression, incorporating freestyle dance as a key element. Quincy invites participants to discover their unique style, joy, and the transformative power of dance. IAM FREEstyl welcomes dancers of all levels to join and vibe together.