Staff/Instructors
Danielle Flood
Danielle Flood is the Owner and Operator of Safari Dance Studio and serves as the Executive Director of the Captivating Cats Dance Team. A student of the fine arts since the age of 8, she received her foundational training at the renowned Evelyn Ott School of Dance. In 2009, Danielle founded a nonprofit cheer team that grew to over 100 cheerleaders, exemplifying her dedication to youth mentorship and community leadership.
Over the years, Danielle has mentored and inspired countless young dancers and cheerleaders who are now utilizing their talent on collegiate and professional levels. Her creative vision earned the Best Theme award at the World of Dance competition, further cementing her reputation as an innovative choreographer.
Deeply committed to giving back to the Norfolk community that shaped her, Danielle continues to inspire the next generation of performers, leaving a lasting legacy through her passion for dance and service.
Daniel Flood
April Flood
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Daniel Flood is the co-owner of Safari Dance Studio and has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of 9. With over a decade of teaching experience, Daniel is an award-winning choreographer and a dedicated educator, known for his dynamic and creative routines. As Creative Director of SDS and Head Coach of the Captivating Cats Dance Team, Daniel leads with vision and precision, inspiring dancers to reach their full potential.
In addition to working with students of all levels, Daniel has choreographed standout performances for NBA halftime shows, Disney events, NASCAR races, and more, showcasing a versatile and innovative approach to dance on large-scale stages. Daniel's passion for dance and commitment to excellence continues to shape the future of the art form.
April Flood began her dance journey at the age of 5, training with Denise Walls Dance Energy before continuing her ballet studies at Safari Dance Studio. As her passion for dance grew, she refined her technique at the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in New York City and later pursued a formal education in dance at Old Dominion University. There, she specialized in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop, developing a well-rounded expertise in multiple dance forms.
April’s performance career has taken her to renowned stages, including Disney World and Pharrell Williams' Something in the Water Festival, where she showcased her versatile talents. She has also graced Paul Mitchell’s World of Dance and had the honor of opening for acclaimed jazz saxophonist Sam Rucker.
Currently, April serves as the Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary instructor at Safari Dance Studio, where she brings her passion and experience to the next generation of dancers. She has also been the Assistant Coach of the Captivating Cats Dance Team since 2021, continuing to inspire and mentor young performers through her leadership and dedication.
Michael Flythe
Michael Flythe is a dynamic and versatile dancer, choreographer, and instructor who began his career in middle school through step and dance. He pursued his passion at Old Dominion University (ODU), where he minored in Dance, developing expertise in Hip Hop, Modern, Ballet, Afro-beat, and traditional African dance.
Throughout his time at ODU, Michael worked closely with Dance Professor James Morrow, helping to coordinate a "Pre-Collegiate" Dance Intensive for recent high school graduates. He also served as a Hip Hop instructor at ODU's Student Recreation Center and performed a self-choreographed modern solo in ODU’s University Dance Concert.
As a member of ODU's "Afrosimbas," Michael performed at several prestigious events, including Pharrell Williams' Something In The Water Festival, TACA 757, Norfolk State University, the University of Virginia, and the Hampton Roads Show.
Currently, Michael serves as the Hip Hop instructor at Safari Dance Studio and has been the Assistant Coach to the Captivating Cats Dance Team since 2020. His passion for dance and teaching allows him to continually inspire and elevate his students' skills and confidence.
Dejanae Clark
Born and raised in New Jersey, Dejanae “Coach DeeJ” Clark began her tap journey at the age of 12, training under Renee Riddle-Davidson in Trenton, New Jersey. Her early training helped shape her passion for the art of tap and her enthusiasm for sharing it with the next generation of dancers.
"Coach DeeJ" first joined the Safari Dance Studio family as an instructor in 2022, where she brought an energetic and engaging approach to the classroom. Now returning to Safari, she is excited to continue inspiring dancers while building their technique, confidence, musicality, and love for tap.
With a teaching style that balances fun with focused instruction, Coach DeeJ looks forward to challenging her students, celebrating their growth, and, of course, tapping things up a notch!
Schuyler Dickens
Schuyler Dickens was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and began her dance training at just two years old. With over 20 years of dance training and expertise, she has had the privilege of studying at the prestigious Denise Wall’s Dance Energy and continued her dance education as a dance major at both Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University.
Schuyler is passionate about sharing her love of dance through education, inspiring young dancers to grow in both skill and confidence. She is thrilled to be a contributing member to Safari Dance Studio and looks forward to helping each dancer reach their full potential.
Carleah Lindsey
Norfolk native Carleah Lindsey has had a passion for dance, leadership, and involvement from an early age. She began dancing at just 6 years old, developing her talent, confidence, discipline, and love for performing throughout the years.
Carleah is a proud alumna of the Captivating Cats Dance Team, where she spent years growing both as a dancer and a leader. During her time with the team, she had the opportunity to travel across the world, compete in numerous competitions, and earn multiple awards and victories alongside her teammates. Her dedication and natural leadership abilities eventually earned her the role of Junior Captain, allowing her to help lead and encourage other dancers while continuing to grow herself.
Carleah is now a student at Thee Norfolk State University, where she is already making her mark on campus. She is a member of the Ladies of Sparta Dance Team and Navy ROTC, while also serving on the Executive Board of Black Girls Vote at NSU as Membership Chair.