Sydney Burrows is a founding member of Poetica. She is a digital communications specialist and dancer based in Rochester, NY and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in English and Dance from Goucher College. Sydney is the Assistant Director of Digital Strategy and Engagement at the University of Rochester and works as the Assistant Editor of DIYdancer, an online and print dance publication. Currently, she dances with BioDance and other local artists.

Meg Gourley is a founding member of Poetica. She graduated from the University of Georgia with her BFA in Dance with a K12 Certification. Meg began her dance training at the Decatur School of Ballet and has studied at the Joffrey Ballet School, StaibDance, the Governors Honors Program, and the American Dance Festival. Currently she is based in Atlanta, GA and is moving with Kit Modus, ImmerseATL, Fuerta Dance Company.

Angelina Graves achieved a duel degree in Applied Dance and Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Physiology at the University of Tampa in December 2021. She has performed and choreographed for the Gasparilla Arts Festival, showcases at the University of Tampa including Evening of Experimental Dance, Fall Dance Happening, Spring Dance Happening, Spring Dance Concert, as well as local Tampa Bay companies. She is a group fitness instructor at the University of Tampa and has taught in local dance studios using Brain-Compatible Dance Education methodologies.

Marelise Javier is the co-creator & founder of EMPOWER Creative Movement. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, and received her Masters from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. She has experience working in multiple settings of acute inpatient, outpatient, pediatrics, and older adults.