The dream Team

Jake Kruty is a dedicated artist who finds his creative expression at the intersection of dance and film, embracing roles as a dancer, choreographer, director, and cinematographer. With a degree in dance performance and choreography, he established Retrograde Studios, a dance film company known for its seamless blend of movement and cinematic art. Jake's work has been warmly received on the global stage, with screenings at esteemed festivals like the American Dance Festival and Dance Film Istanbul, and collaborations with a range of partners, from VICE News international and Target to The UN, ArtNet, YoungArts, NYFW, and Hasbro. Through his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries, Jake continues to elevate the art of dance by infusing it with the enchanting medium of cinema.

Joe Hill is a 4x Emmy Award-winning Producer and Cinematographer for the VICE News International team. He’s filmed in dozens of countries and published documentaries on platforms such as HBO, Showtime, and VICE TV.

Joe is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he took part in the prestigious School of Drama’s John Wells Directing Program. His directorial work in dance cinema began with Retrograde studios, now, he's directing a film that melds dance with documentary in Ukraine, produced by VICE News Films with Executive Producer Misty Copeland.

Jonathan Rodrigues is a versatile artist who brings a wealth of talent to the core of Retrograde Studios. With a remarkable dance background that has graced stages including the Grammys, late-night TV, Jimmy Fallon, and SNL, Jonathan's dynamic energy infuses vibrancy into every project. His musical compositions resonate within films showcased at international festivals, while his adept cinematography skillfully captures performance in motion. Jonathan's diverse expertise stands as a unique enrichment to the essence of Retrograde Studios.

Isaac Martin Lerner is a multidisciplinary artist who brings a wealth of movement knowledge to all of his productions. As a performer he has toured internationally with companies such as Kizuna Dance, Dual Rivet and The Bang Group. As a choreographer he has worked extensively in opera both as choreographer and assistant director and has had his works presented in The Dance Canvas Festival in Atlanta and recently on Adelphi University. His editing and film work began with Retrograde Studios and he brings with him a critical eye for movement and film as well as a love for the art form.