About Milele Academy

Jamie Milele

Founder & Co-Owner

Jamie Milele is the founder and owner of Milele Academy, a boutique dance studio built on passion, family, and a deep love for the arts. The idea for Milele Academy began in 2016 while Jamie was having dinner with her son and daughter, Justin and Marissa Milele, who were living in Los Angeles at the time training and auditioning as they pursued their dreams in the entertainment industry. That moment sparked Jamie's vision to create a place where dancers could receive strong training while being supported in a positive and inspiring environment.

Jamie comes from a family rooted in entertainment, singers, dancers, and creatives surrounded her and shaped her appreciation for the arts from an early age. While her children pursued professional dance opportunities, Jamie brought a different but equally valuable skill set to the table. With years of experience in restaurant management and real estate, Jamie developed strong leadership, organizational, and business skills, enabling her to successfully run and grow Milele Academy. In addition to operating the studio, she continues to work as a licensed realtor, balancing both careers with dedication and passion.

Today, Milele Academy remains a family-owned small business with a boutique feel, offering dancers personalized attention, quality training, and a supportive community that reflects the values Jamie envisioned from the very beginning.

Marissa Milele

Co-Owner & Choreographer • marissamilele.com

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Marissa Milele is an accomplished professional dancer, choreographer, and educator whose career spans television, film, live tours, award shows, and major recording artists. Having trained competitively in all genres of dance, power tumbling and trampoline, Marissa developed a strong technical foundation that launched her into the national spotlight.

Marissa gained widespread recognition as a Top 5 Female Finalist on Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance. Following the show, she joined the 70-city So You Think You Can Dance national tour in 2015. Shortly after, she moved to Los Angeles and booked Ricky Martin's "All In" Las Vegas Residency, which marked the beginning of an expansive commercial dance career.

Over the past decade, Marissa has performed in some of the entertainment industry's most prestigious productions. Her credits include the CMA Awards, CMA Country Christmas, American Music Awards, CMT Awards, Good Morning America, the MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard events, and The Voice. She has performed alongside and for artists including Ricky Martin, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Charlie Puth, Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Cam Country, Dolly Parton, Janelle Monáe, and Jennifer Nettles.

Her on-screen appearances extend to television and film, including Nashville, Netflix's Insatiable, Alvin and the Chipmunks 4, Marvel's Hawkeye on Disney+, and Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas.

In addition to performing, Marissa is an accomplished choreographer and creative leader. She served as an NFL Professional Cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans in 2014–2015 and later became the team's Exclusive Choreographer from 2019–2021. She was also the Assistant Choreographer for FOX's "I Can See Your Voice" and continues to choreograph for studios, music videos, television, and live productions across the country.

Marissa is the Co-Founder of Milele Academy Dance, where she trains and mentors young dancers aspiring to collegiate and professional careers. She has traveled nationwide sharing her passion, expertise, and commitment to developing well-rounded, confident performers. Marissa actively works in the entertainment industry while dedicating herself to mentoring the next generation of dancers — combining professional excellence with a genuine love for inspiring others. Currently she is on the cast of the brand-new Nashville residency, "Country Roads USA."

Justin Milele

Choreographer

Justin is a Nashville, Tennessee native who began dancing at a young age and quickly developed a passion for performance, choreography, and teaching. His strong competitive dance background shaped his career as both a professional dancer and choreographer.

Justin is currently based in Nashville and is known for his high-energy choreography and dedication to training young dancers. In addition to teaching, he has traveled across the United States choreographing award-winning routines and teaching master classes for competitive dance studios. Justin served as a faculty member with Revel Dance Convention for six seasons, working with dancers across the country.

His professional credits include appearances in the films "Praise This" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip." He has also appeared on the ABC television series Nashville and performed on CMA Country Christmas, dancing alongside Kellie Pickler and Jennifer Nettles. Justin has performed at major industry events including the CMA Awards and CMT Awards, and has danced for artists such as Kanye West, Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, and Walker Hayes.

He has also appeared in numerous music videos and commercials for artists including Austin Mahone, Brooks & Dunn, Jake Owen, Alex Aiono, Riley Morgan, Bubba Sparxxx, Cannon Cox, and Cam Country. Justin was also fortunate to tour with Meghan Trainor on her "That Bass" Tour.

Justin continues to pursue professional dance and choreography opportunities while remaining passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of dancers. Each season, Justin enjoys choreographing routines for Milele Academy and occasionally teaches hip hop classes.