Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Arborn.
Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career as a professional dancer and choreographer started once I graduated high school. While I was in high school, I was competing on an all star hip hop dance team with Legendary Athletics and decided I didn’t want it to end once I graduated. The only option from there was to start coaching teams! So I coached there for 4 years and eventually became the Assistant Dance Director of the program within that time!
In 2014, I went to Hip Hop International for the first time and competed with Studio One! We got 3rd in the USA and competed in the World Championships as Team USA!
In 2015, I joined theSQUAD and I became the Co-Director of the team in 2018! We were USA Silver Medalists in 2024 at Hip Hop International and just won the USA Bronze Medalists title for 2025! Both years representing TEAM USA in the World Championships!
Between the years of 2016-2019 I experienced many different opportunities through dance! I danced for the Orlando Predators, I was casted in Universal Studios Holiday Parade for 2 years in a row, and I even directed and choreographed my own competitive adult all-female dance crew!
Then, in 2019, I got an amazing opportunity as a choreographer and teacher! I got hired at Peaches Dance and Music Orlando teaching 10 weekly classes and choreographing their senior hip hop competition team all within my first season of being there! I felt so blessed and thankful! I still do! 6 years later and I am still on cloud 9 whenever I get the opportunity to teach the kids there! I now only work with the company students, I choreograph and direct all competitive hip hop teams, and I choreograph all competitive hip hop solos, duos, and trios! My choreography for Senior Hip Hop last year was nominated for Best Hip Hop Choreography for the Industry Dance Awards 2024! I am so extremely grateful for this studio and all it has provided me with!
I have also been provided with the incredible opportunity to dance for the Orlando Magic for 2 seasons in a row which has been an unforgettable experience so far! I am hoping to continue with this organization for as long as I possibly can!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth! There have been so many challenges along the way!
First, I have only been trained in hip hop. So when it came to auditions for theme parks, sports teams, additional shows, etc. I always felt like the odd one out. I could never do turns or leaps and I always felt so out of place at every single audition I went to. However, I told myself that if I wanted to get hired as a dancer, I needed to understand technique. I worked on my turns and leaps whenever I could, I was always stretching to get my splits, I was practicing as much as I could, and I ALWAYS went to every audition!
Did I get a lot of “yes’s”?? Definitely not. There was even a hip hop audition for Universal that I got cut from. I always felt so defeated, but I had to constantly remind myself that whatever was meant to be will be. I had to understand that sometimes casting was based off looks, height, hair color, skin color, etc. and I can’t let these rejections affect how I view myself.
The industry is tough, so it’s important to know your worth and always allow yourself to feel confident in what YOU have to offer. Comparison is so easy, but no one else has the same story you do, so use it to your advantage.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hip hop dancer and choreographer based in Orlando, FL and specialize in competition routines for ages that range from 7-18 years old! I can and do choreograph for adults as well!
When it comes to choreographing and teaching, I’m most known for creating a fun and judge-free environment! I always try to create pieces that the students can connect to and feel confident performing!
When it comes to dancing and working as a performer, I’m most known for being professional. I have good time management, I always show up prepared, and I will always work on being the least of anyone else’s worries.
I’m most proud of how much I’ve been able to help my students grow! Whether they’re kids or adults, I have been able to help so many people feel confident moving their body and performing in front of others!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The apps I use the most that help me are Arrange Us, Goodnotes, and Garage Band! All through my iPad with the Apple Pencil!
Arrange Us is a formation app that I can use when creating routines! I really like that I can sync the music with it and change the shapes and colors to create ripples or layers! It really helps me visualize the routine before putting it on the dancers!
Goodnotes is a note taking app that I use when working with my students! It’s basically a digital notebook which is nice because my iPad is much lighter than carrying around a big notebook! I can also keep everything organized with folders and files!
GarageBand is what I use to mix my music for my routines! I would like to invest in a more advanced mixing program, but Garage Band is working perfectly for now!
Pricing:
- Private = $100/hour
- Workshop = $150/hour
- Choreograph a routine = Contact Me
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Niko Fagan
Herb Maximo
