Jakeia Stribling (Asst. Choreographer for Newsies) is an Anderson native who has been involved in the local dance industry since the age of seven, when she discovered her passion for performing. She channeled that passion into a career teaching dance for the last 15 years. While her areas of expertise are hip hop and jazz, she also enjoys lyrical and tap, as well as providing choreography for competition dance. Many of her choreography pieces have won numerous awards on the national competition dance circuit. Jakeia has studied dance with leading industry choreographers such as Kathryn McCormick, Tyce Diorio and Talia Favia. In addition to her dance, she holds a degree in business administration and is currently an assistant manager for American Eagle.