KINGSFORD – Joey Hernandez, Dance-4-Change, will be at U.P. Dance Academy on Saturday, July 18, offering master classes.

“We are excited to have Joey at our studio were kids can learn some amazing true hip hop skills, moves, combos and choreography,” noted Kathrine Trempe, owner of UPDA.

His workshops are geared toward ages 8 and up and registration is open to the public.

Hernandez is a professional dancer, instructor, and choreographer. He has been suffering from Crohn’s Disease since being diagnosed at the age of 14.

“Thus, it is about time to find a cure. To help do this all you have to do is join me for a day of awesome classes and a minimum donation per class,” Hernandez said.

In 2013, he started a master class series, DANCE 4 CHANGE, to raise awareness, advocacy and donations for the Crohn’s Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA.Org) to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Hernandez has been sharing his love of dance with local youth from the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin communities as a dance instructor and choreographer for various studios in the area.

He has set pieces for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Emerging Choreographer’s Concert and Beloit College’s student run dance company Repertory Dance. In addition, he has contributed master classes and choreography for many dance studios and high school dance teams across the Midwest.

In his most recent ventures he has judged for Applause Talent, StarQuest, and Raw Energy Talent dance competitions 2013. Joey is also a competition judge for Applause Talent and Raw Energy Dance Talent Competitions.

Hip Hop II, ages 8-11 is from 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.; Jazz/Funk, ages 11-plus is from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.; contemporary ages 11 plus is from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Hip Hop III, ages 12 plus is from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

The cost for two sessions is $60, three classes for $85, or four classes for $100.

Registration can be online at www.updanceacademy.com or at U.P. Dance Academy, 1000 W. Breen Ave., Kingsford, phone (906) 828-2222.