NO BOX MOVEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
No Box Movement is all about breaking boundaries and transcending categories through the power of street dance. Our name itself reflects this—No Box symbolizes a commitment to stepping outside labels, defying expectations, and embracing the freedom of expression that dance offers. We're not confined by tradition or labels; instead, we use movement to explore deeper, more personal themes, especially spirituality.
Rooted in Hip-Hop, House, Popping, and Waacking, we use these styles not just as forms of dance, but as a language to tell stories, evoke emotions, and dive into spiritual journeys. For us, the goal isn’t just to dance—it’s to explore how movement can connect us to something greater. We want our audiences to experience the raw beauty and energy of street dance, but also the transformative power it can have when it's used to explore deeper themes of growth, healing, and self-discovery.
In 2022, we were honored to receive a grant from Chashama, which supported us in creating our piece Ceremony. This performance, shown at Anita’s Way in New York City, was inspired by the spiritual experience of ayahuasca ceremonies, taking our audience on a journey of transformation through movement.
At No Box Movement, we’re constantly pushing what street dance can do—both artistically and spiritually. By transcending labels and categories, we hope to show that dance is more than just entertainment. It’s a way to explore the soul and connect with something deeper.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
J9 (aka Janine Micheletti) is a native New Yorker, a Hip-Hop dancer, and a street fusion choreographer. Her dancing credits include Madonna, 070 Shake, Spotify, Reebok and more. She graduated from SUNY Purchase’s School of Art & Design with a concentration in photography. Thereafter, she has spent most of her professional life as a visual artist and accomplished textile designer. In 2009, she began taking dance classes again as a hobby. The art form quickly enraptured her as it did as a child, and since she has pursued it with fierce abandon. This dedication has led her to being selected for the Breaking Glass: an emerging female choreographers program run by Ellenore Scott. She has since worked in the concert dance realm with Mozaik Dance performing at Jacob’s Pillow, New Victory Dance Theater, and San Francisco Hip- Hop Festival. Commercially, she has choreographed for Shenna, Calvin Play, Noia, and AGT. J9 is currently an adjunct professor of dance at New World School of The Arts and the University of Miami in South Florida. She teaches open classes at EYS Studios on Friday evenings.
PERFORMERS
J9
J9 is a native New Yorker turned Miami resident, carving her path as a Hip-Hop dancer and street fusion choreographer. Her impressive credits include performances with Madonna, 070 Shake, Spotify, and Reebok. She was a selected artist for the Breaking Glass program for emerging female choreographers and received a grant from Chashama for her choreographic work. Now an adjunct professor at New World School of the Arts and the University of Miami, J9 inspires the next generation of dancers through her university classes and community open classes.
Stephanie Lim
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Stephanie began her dance journey at 17 and studied classical and ethnic dance at the National Arts Academy (ASWARA). She moved to New York City to attend the International Student Visa Program at Broadway Dance Center, where she earned the Outstanding Student Award. Returning to Malaysia, she performed with Balletbase and worked with renowned choreographers like Daniel Jaber and Suhaili Micheline. In 2011, she returned to New York after receiving a scholarship to the prestigious Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, performing with Bardos Ballet Theater and companies like LiNK! the movement, Shauna Sorenson & Dancers, and Kalamandir Dance Company. Stephanie has also appeared in major Target campaigns and was featured on America's Got Talent.
Daniela Cristiani
Daniela Cristiani was born and raised in Venezuela before moving to the United States at 15. She began dancing at a young age, exploring various styles before focusing on commercial dance, where she mastered hip hop, salsa, waacking, jazz funk, and more. Daniela recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Dance from the New World School of the Arts, completing four years of rigorous training in modern dance techniques, including ballet and methodologies from Paul Taylor, Graham, and Horton. She has also had the opportunity to work with exceptional choreographers such as J9, Kerine Jean-Pierre, Lara Murphy, Peter London, Jeffrey Lloyd Smith, and Robert Battle, among others.
ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ
Ashley Rodriguez is a Cuban American dancer, born and raised in Miami. She began dancing at the age of 5 and has since turned her passion into a professional career. After competing in dance, she studied at New World School of the Arts for two years, honing her skills. Entering the commercial dance world at just 16, Ashley has toured with prominent artists such as Zion y Lennox and Corina Smith, and she is currently on tour with Chyno y Nacho. In addition, she is set to join Mariah Angeliq for a week-long tour in Ecuador. With her extensive experience, Ashley continues to thrive and make an impact in the dance industry.
PHOTO GALLERY
