Founder & Director Takayah Norris
Takayah Norris – Speaker, Minister, Fashion Designer & Youth Mentor
Takayah Norris is a dynamic speaker, minister of the Gospel, and visionary leader whose life reflects a powerful testimony of transformation and revelation. Having overcome many challenges during her childhood, she discovered strength, healing, and purpose through her faith in Jesus Christ and committed her life to serving others and advancing the Kingdom of God.Under the leadership and training of Jump Ministries Global Church, Takayah was developed as a leader and launched Real In The Field Productions, Inc. Through this vision she founded The RIF Elite Academy, a performing arts program designed to uplift and empower inner-city youth. Inspired by her own experiences of growing up without consistent love and stability, she created the academy to provide a safe and empowering platform where young people can discover their identity, purpose, and potential. For more than 15 years, Takayah has trained and mentored over 400 young girls between the ages of 5 and 18, equipping them with confidence, discipline, and excellence while helping them embrace who God created them to be. Takayah is also an International Fashion Designer and the founder of her clothing line, TakayahAin Designs. With over 16 years of experience in high-fashion runway training, she has developed a creative training academy that provides opportunities for youth through fashion, modeling, dance, and the performing arts. Through these platforms, Takayah uses the arts as an evangelistic outreach in the marketplace, creating opportunities for youth to grow spiritually, creatively, and academically. Her impact has been significant, with many of the young women she has mentored going on to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her program proudly maintains a strong record of empowering young girls to pursue education, purpose, and positive futures. Takayah Norris continues to inspire communities through ministry, leadership, and the arts, using her story and platform to transform lives and bring hope to the next generation.
Office Administration
Sabrina Lewis
Sabina Lewis is the Administrative Assistant at RIF Elite Academy. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and takes great pride in supporting their growth and development. In addition, she brings more than 15 years of administrative experience from working in a variety of environments, including childcare, retail, warehouses, and medical offices. Sabina is passionate about creating a positive and welcoming environment for students, families, and staff.
Lead Dance Instructor
Cendi Lee
Cendi Lee is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and creative entrepreneur whose mission is to inspire and empower through movement. Cendi has built a platform that merges dance, Christian Hip-Hop, and motivation into impactful experiences that uplift communities. With a deep love for both performance and purpose, Cendi uses dance as a tool to connect people, tell stories, and glorify God through creativity and excellence.
Over the years, Cendi has performed, choreographed, and directed routines for showcases, competitions, and stage productions that emphasize artistry, discipline, and heart. Her choreography blends precision with emotion—drawing from various styles while maintaining a distinctive and spirit-led presence. Cendi has produced and managed large-scale events featuring dancers, singers, and visual artists, seamlessly combining stage management with creative direction to ensure every performance runs with intention and energy.
Contemporary Dance Instructor
Priscilla Bardales
Originally from Peru and raised in Miami, Priscilla began their training at 14 at Adrenaline Dance Company. After starting their dance journey, they joined Dynamic Dance Troupe within their first year and later became a member of Miami Sunset Street Soul eventually bringing their athleticism and performance skills to the MDC Cheer team. While minoring in dance in college, Priscilla was introduced to Modern dance, shifting their perspective of movement from a sport to a profound art form. Now a Contemporary instructor, Priscilla focuses on dance as a tool for storytelling and emotional connection with the audience.
Ballet Dance Instructor
Valerie Galloway
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Valerie's journey in dance began at The Ailey School in New York City, where she honed her skills and later performed the Ambiance Dance Company at the University of Maryland. She deepened her ballet training with the Princeton Repertory Ballet and studied tap with the legendary Savion Glover at The Hoofers in Newark, New Jersey. With over 20 years of experience in her art, Valerie has established herself as a skilled dancer choreographer, bringing a wealth of knowledge and creativity to every performance and project. As the founder of the Asaye Dance Company in Long Branch New Jersey, she created a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and artistic expression, collaborating with a diverse of artists and organizations, including Will Wingfield from So You Think You Can Dance and the American Heart Association, where she both performed and taught.
Lead Sewing Instructor Norine Kelt
Hi! My name is Norine. I'm a Sewing Instructor here at RIF. I have been Sewing since I was six years old. I learned on an old treadle machine, over sixty years ago, and never stopped. After high school, I knew this would be my career. I went on to study in New York City. For eight years, I attended classes at Mayer School of Fashion Design , Fashion Institute of Technology, and Parsons School of Fashion. I've studied Patternmaking, Draping, Fashion Illustration, Production Sewing Construction, Motion and Time Studies for Assembly Piece Rates and Display Merchandising. All in the heart of New York City's Garment District. I've learned a lot over the years, and I am happy to share it with our next generation.
Schedule an Appointment
To register, please take the time to fill out the information below. You will receive a call back for a scheduled interview once received. This is a private elite program all applicated must be accepted. Registration cost/ tuition rate will be discussed during appointment interview.