Dj grew up in the performing arts and is a graduate from the nationally renowned Jefferson High School Performing Arts program committed to educating and preparing students for the physical and mental demands of a performing arts career. She holds a Master in Education from Concordia University with a focus on using dance as a tool for learning math, reading and writing, and is a published co-author of districtwide dance curriculum and lesson plans for Portland Public Schools.
As a dancer, she has performed for numerous music launch parties, fashion shows, Cable Network Television, Starry Night Club, KBOO radio, Oregon Symphony, Funksion III, the Miss Portland Pageant, Five Fingers of Funk Band, Hip Hop artist Timothy C., Sanctuary directed by Keith Goodman, as well as, being featured in the Oregonian, Willamette Week, KOIN 6 News, KATU with Helen Raptis, and Dance Studio Life Magazine.
As a seasoned teacher and choreographer, her instruction, workshops and pieces have been studied and performed by diverse populations of people, institutions and programs such as Reed College, Mt Hood Community College, Highline Community College, City Club of Portland State International Special Programs, Renaissance Art Academy, YMA young musicians and artists, and other related organizations like private studios, community centers, and Portland Public elementary, secondary and high schools, and as far reaching as Japan, China and Korea.
Dj is a well-versed and cross-trained dance practitioner and educator and the first teacher to join the ID staff, where she has been guiding students for years through the art of innovation while exploring the fundamentals of bouncing, rocking and grooving.