LUCIANA REZENDEOwner and Artistic Director
Ballet Instructor |
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Luciana Rezende
Owner/Program Director and Ballet Instructor
A former professional ballet dancer, Luciana Rezende studied under the tutelage of internationally respected teachers, as Sulamith Messerer, Elena Kunikova, Martin Putke, Giselle Santoro and Eugenia Feudorova. After finishing her degree at the University of Brasilia (Brazil), Ms. Rezende came to the US on a full scholarship granted by the Joffrey Ballet School (NY).
As a dancer, she has performed principal roles for several professional ballet companies in Brazil and in the US, including Ballet of Brasilia, Brazil; Garden State Ballet, NJ; Mid-Illinois Ballet, IL and Chicago Festival Ballet, IL.
Ms. Rezende has been teaching classical ballet for over twenty years in the Champaign-Urbana area, and guesting with dance schools in the Midwest. As a ballet director, she has staged full-length ballets and conducted ballet classes for students age 2 to adult, levels beginner to professional.
Ms. Rezende has privately coached students to successfully medal at international ballet competitions.
Luciana Rezende also was the Director for the ballet program at the Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana and is as guest teacher for the Faubourg Ballet Theatre (Chicago, IL) and Central Illinois Ballet (Peoria, IL).
As a dancer, she has performed principal roles for several professional ballet companies in Brazil and in the US, including Ballet of Brasilia, Brazil; Garden State Ballet, NJ; Mid-Illinois Ballet, IL and Chicago Festival Ballet, IL.
Ms. Rezende has been teaching classical ballet for over twenty years in the Champaign-Urbana area, and guesting with dance schools in the Midwest. As a ballet director, she has staged full-length ballets and conducted ballet classes for students age 2 to adult, levels beginner to professional.
Ms. Rezende has privately coached students to successfully medal at international ballet competitions.
Luciana Rezende also was the Director for the ballet program at the Montessori School of Champaign-Urbana and is as guest teacher for the Faubourg Ballet Theatre (Chicago, IL) and Central Illinois Ballet (Peoria, IL).
Tanya Picard
Tap Program Director
Tanya Picard is a master teacher and choreographer from the Chicago area. She began dancing at the age of five, and has studied at Gus Giordano Dance in Chicago; modern at the Martha Graham Dance Center in New York; tap with Bob Audy and Charles “Cookie” Cook in New York, as well as Lane Alexander and Chicago Human Rhythm Project in Chicago; and jazz with dance legend Luigi. She currently teaches workshops in Luigi Technique both locally and elsewhere in the U.S. Tanya did her graduate work in directing at the University of Minnesota and served as the Artistic Director of Pasticcio Dance Ensemble and Danza, both contemporary companies. While in Minneapolis, she also worked as a choreographer for the Renaissance Faires in Chicago and Boston, creating the original “Gypsy Dancers.” Her academic area is dance history, with a particular interest in early 20th century dance. She was delighted to discover Jennifer Sprowl’s classes in Isadora Duncan technique at the Joffrey Ballet, and has been studying with Jennifer ever since and is active in Duncan Dance Chicago. Beginning in 2011, Tanya has created unique pieces that fuse text, tap, modern, jazz dance, and music that have been presented at the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois. She is an active participant in Chicago Human Rhythm Project and studies and works with renowned tap dancer Jimmy Payne, Jr., who has created several pieces for Impulse Tap Ensemble. Her favorite quote is, “To dance, put your hand over your heart and listen to the sound of your soul.”
Alexis Miller
Ballet, Jazz and Private Coaching
Alexis Miller, a native of central Illinois, has been dancing since the age of 4. Her training includes the Joffrey Ballet School, Columbia College Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she received her BFA in Dance. There she trained in all styles of dance offered and worked with choreographers, such as Kendra Portier, Charlie Maybee, and Endalyn Taylor. She also trained with Giordano Dance Chicago, Broadway Dance Center, and the Radio City Rockettes. She earned her MA in Liberal Studies from Rutgers University, where she pursued creative writing and combining her passion for the arts and education. As a dance educator, she became a Teacher’s Assistant at UIUC, was the Assistant Choreographer to Rebecca Nettl-Fiol for Champaign Urbana Theatre Comapany’s production of “Annie” and has taught with Urbana Fine Arts Center, coaching students for YAGP in the classical, contemporary, and ensemble categories.
Catrina Choate-Heretoiu
Ballet and Private Coaching
Catrina Choate-Heretoiu is a ballet teacher and somatic educator who works toward assisting students achieve excellence in a stress-free manner. She received her primary ballet training with the Cecchetti Method and later with the School of American Ballet in New York City. She danced professionally with Miami City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, and Miami Contemporary Dance Company. Ms. Heretoiu performed many Balanchine Ballets including Agon, Concerto Barocco, The Four Temperaments, Jewels, and Serenade. As a teacher, she has staged many productions such as The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, Coppelia, and she has also choreographed many original contemporary ballets. Ms. Heretoiu holds a B.A. degree in English Literature from Florida International University and an MFA degree in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. From 2010-2014, Ms. Heretoiu was a full-time faculty member with the UIUC Dance Department where she taught ballet, directed the community outreach Lecture Demonstration program, and created an Injury Lab for the dance majors. She is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais practitioner and has structured specific Awareness Through Movement lessons for dancers to help the physical rehabilitation process and to increase a sense of body awareness. Ms. Heretoiu is also the founder of Ballet-Journeys, a project to help shape and promote female leadership in ballet - https://www.ballet-journeys.com/. She believes in the power of dance to enhance learning and self-development and she likes to provide the environment necessary for students to explore, experience, connect, and learn.
Jade O'Connor
Ballet, Chorepgraphy and Private Coaching
Jade O'Connor has been dancing for 16 years. She began training with Luciana Rezende and Christine Rich at the Christine Rich Dance Studio. Jade has training in ballet, jazz, acrobatics as well as 8 years of tap. Through this she also developed a love for choreographing.
A piece she choreographed was featured in the Dance Chicago Festival twice in 2016. She has also choreographed several pieces for the Youth America Grand Prix competition.
Jade has won 4 national medals in competitions with NAACP ACT-SO and most recently won the gold and silver medals respectively in Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the 2019 Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Sci. Olympics.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance as a first year student at the University of Illinois with a focus on modern technique. She hopes to continue to teach after a professional career in dancing and choreographing.
Jade O'Connor is the choreographer for most of the contemporary pieces performed by the Urbana Fine Arts Center students in the YAGP and other events. She is currently teaching ballet, as well as privately coaching advanced level students for internationals scholarship competitions.
A piece she choreographed was featured in the Dance Chicago Festival twice in 2016. She has also choreographed several pieces for the Youth America Grand Prix competition.
Jade has won 4 national medals in competitions with NAACP ACT-SO and most recently won the gold and silver medals respectively in Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the 2019 Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Sci. Olympics.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance as a first year student at the University of Illinois with a focus on modern technique. She hopes to continue to teach after a professional career in dancing and choreographing.
Jade O'Connor is the choreographer for most of the contemporary pieces performed by the Urbana Fine Arts Center students in the YAGP and other events. She is currently teaching ballet, as well as privately coaching advanced level students for internationals scholarship competitions.
Corbin Philips
Contemporary Dance and Private Coaching
Corbin Phillips is a dancer and choreographer based outside of Chicago Illinois. He received a BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa in 2020, with a focus on choreography. Growing up, he trained heavily in ballet and travelled to schools across the country including Ballet Chicago, Next Generation Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and the Dance Theater of Harlem. His choreographic work explores the contrast between his classical training and idiosyncratic movements, while aiming to create a fluidity between the two.
Jasmine O'Connor
Early Childhood Ballet
Jasmine O’Connor began her dance training at Christine Rich Studio at the age of 2. She has been trained intensively in ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop by teachers with extensive knowledge and experience in the professional field of dance.
Through her 14 years of training she has developed a love for all dance styles as well as teaching.
She has previous involvement conducting activities for children of all ages at the Urbana Fine Arts Center Summer Program as well as in various events held by different organizations in the Champaign-Urbana area. Jasmine O'Connor has been trained to work with pre-school age children and she has been conducting the UFAC children's ballet classes for over 4 years.
Through her 14 years of training she has developed a love for all dance styles as well as teaching.
She has previous involvement conducting activities for children of all ages at the Urbana Fine Arts Center Summer Program as well as in various events held by different organizations in the Champaign-Urbana area. Jasmine O'Connor has been trained to work with pre-school age children and she has been conducting the UFAC children's ballet classes for over 4 years.
Caroline Thies
Musical Theatre, Children's Ballet and Floor Barre
Caroline Thies has been dancing and teaching for Urbana Fine Arts Center for 5 years and finds the art of dance and her time at the studio to be a life-giving experience. She is grateful for the opportunity to share this love with students, especially through her involvement with UFAC’s summer camp, musical theatre, and children’s ballet classes. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, crafting, and spending time with her family. She is currently studying psychology and advertising at the University of Illinois.
Olivia Drane
Children's Ballet adn Private Coaching
Olivia Drane started her dance training at age 3 at CRS, Savoy, IL, under tutelage of Ms. Christine Rich and Ms. Luciana Rezende. She trained in ballet, jazz, acrobatics, and hip hop. At the age of 11, Olivia began to focus on ballet, under the direction of Ms. Rebekah Von Rathoyni, in Peoria, IL. Olivia was offered a trainee position with Central Illinois Ballet, a professional ballet company based in Peoria, IL. This opportunity facilitated performing alongside professional artists, including a tour to Dallas, TX, where she performed with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. She also participated in many outreaches within the local community.
Olivia has performed at numerous of international ballet competitions where she received training from some of the world’s most renowned dance teachers.
Olivia currently teaches ballet and coaches students in ballet and contemporary dance at Urbana Fine Arts Center.
Olivia has performed at numerous of international ballet competitions where she received training from some of the world’s most renowned dance teachers.
Olivia currently teaches ballet and coaches students in ballet and contemporary dance at Urbana Fine Arts Center.
Amelia Gimbal
Children's Tap
Amelia Gimbel has been dancing in Champaign County since the age of 4. Over the course of 13 years, she has followed a strict work ethic in many areas of performance arts, including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Irish Dance, Musical Theater, Piano and Acapella. Amelia started at Christine Rich Studio in Savoy, then later transferred to the Dance Arts Conservatory in Champaign. There, she is part of their Senior Company, as well as the Masked Tappers, led by Tanya Picard. She has performed and helped choreograph various solo, duet, and group pieces during her dancing career. Having participated in at least 20 productions by age 17, Amelia has become very well-rounded in performing arts. She has also had the pleasure to train under Jessica Bengtson, Corbin Phillips, Charlie Maybee, and Luciana Rezende, along with master classes from Diane Walker, Jason Janas, and The Joffrey Ballet. Amelia has had lovely experiences working with young students, and she finds great joy in helping any and all who will listen, especially young aspiring dancers. She is currently a senior at Urbana High School and is working towards becoming a CPA at UIUC.
Donica Basica
Hip Hop
Donica Basica began her dance training at 3 years old in ballet and tap and began dancing competitively at 6 years old at Diane’s School of Dance in East Lansing, Michigan. Training at various studios across the nation throughout her youth, she studied ballet, jazz, hip hop, pom, lyrical, and contemporary at an elite competitive level. Throughout her training with Studio L Hoboken, she was able to work with renowned choreographers such as Rudy Abreu, Anthony Kin, Mia Michaels, and Manny Castro. She earned multiple national titles, entertainment awards, judge’s choice awards, and a Victory Cup from Battle of the Stars during her competitive years. Donica is currently pursuing a degree at the University of Illinois where she is a member of the dance team Illini N Motion which focuses on jazz, hip hop, and contemporary training. She has previously been an assistant hip hop teacher at Teresa’s School of Dance, and currently choreographs for Illini N Motion.
Siena O'Connor
Children's Contemporary Dance
Siena O'Connor (She/Her) was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. She began performing at a young age through both a community theater and an aerial dance studio. She began her formal dance training at age 13. Dancing with both Center City Ballet and Movement Arts as well as Dancefx Athens, she trained classically in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip hop. In high school, she began teaching both jazz and contemporary, as well as private lessons. Siena has attended summer programs at the Joffrey Ballet School, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, as well as The Performing Arts Project.
She is currently a student at the University of Illinois where she is pursuing a BMA in Lyric Theater as well as a Dance minor. She is thrilled to join the faculty at Urbana Fine Arts Center and hopes to inspire students with her love of learning and dance.
She is currently a student at the University of Illinois where she is pursuing a BMA in Lyric Theater as well as a Dance minor. She is thrilled to join the faculty at Urbana Fine Arts Center and hopes to inspire students with her love of learning and dance.
Anna Ginsburg-Sullivan
Teacher in Training
Anna Ginsburg-Sullivan has been training with Luciana Rezende since the age of 10. She has had the opportunity to take classes with internationally renowned teachers such as Watmora Casey and Valorie Lantratov. She has also had the honor of taking contemporary classes with the company members of Philadanco and Mark Morris Dance Center. Anna participated in the Youth American Grand Prix in 2021 and 2022 performing classical and contemporary choreographies.
Anna has a love for acting and performing. She started performing in plays in musicals when she was six. She has participated and starred in performances at Class Act Champaign, directed by Jackie Lowenstine. Recently, she was cast in plays at Urbana High School directed by Alyssa Pavlakis and Jennifer Heaton.
Anna also prides herself on her academic abilities. She has received a lettermen’s letter for academic achievements at Urbana High School. She is currently applying to be a member of National Honors Society, a program dedicated to supporting the academic and leadership skills of high school students nationwide.
Since she was 13, Anna has assisted teaching ballet classes. She is currently a Teacher in Training at Urbana Fine Arts Center.
Anna has a love for acting and performing. She started performing in plays in musicals when she was six. She has participated and starred in performances at Class Act Champaign, directed by Jackie Lowenstine. Recently, she was cast in plays at Urbana High School directed by Alyssa Pavlakis and Jennifer Heaton.
Anna also prides herself on her academic abilities. She has received a lettermen’s letter for academic achievements at Urbana High School. She is currently applying to be a member of National Honors Society, a program dedicated to supporting the academic and leadership skills of high school students nationwide.
Since she was 13, Anna has assisted teaching ballet classes. She is currently a Teacher in Training at Urbana Fine Arts Center.
Dance Program and Classes
The focus of our programs is the student. All classes, recitals and activities are aimed towards the technical and artistic development of each student. Professional artists are often invited to participate in our events, sharing their knowledge and talents to enhance our artistic productions and allow our students to have the experience they need to stay inspired and motivated.
Children's ProgramOur Children's Program was developed to provide classes where children get exposure to dance in a nurturing environment.
Although classes are structured, creativity is encouraged, while they improve their gross and fine motor skills. We offer classes for children age 2 and above. |
Pre Professional Ballet PogramOur Pre Professional Ballet Program is designed for students that desire more hours of practice, more performance opportunities, or want to engage themselves in international ballet competitions. Children over 10 years of age may enroll in this program, after taking a placement class.
This ballet program is based on the Vaganova Syllabus, which is the method taught at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, in St. Petersburg. This method is nowadays used worldwide by teachers and schools of ballet that commit to high quality ballet education and to the preparation of professional ballet dancers, teachers and choreographers. Since the pre professional ballet program's classes are focused on the technical and artistic development of our students, rehearsals for our performances are done in a separate time, free of charge. |
Adult ClassesOur Adult Dance Classes are open to beginners, dancers with some ballet experience and advanced level ballet dancers that seek to take classes after experiencing time off dance for any reason. Ballet technique is taught according to the general needs of the group and expectations vary on an individual basis.
Stretch, Floor Barre, Yoga Dance and Contemporary Dance are open to adult beginners. Tap and Jazz classes are also open to adults depending on previous dance experience. |
Workshops and Master Classes
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We offer workshops and master classes throughout the year, conducted by internationally renowned teachers.
Performance and Recitals
We have one recital per year, usually during the first weekend of June.
All dance classes of our children's program and pre-professional program participate in the recital.
Student's participation is not mandatory.
Click here for recital images.
All dance classes of our children's program and pre-professional program participate in the recital.
Student's participation is not mandatory.
Click here for recital images.
Due to COVID-19, our 2020 and 2021 recitals were changed to video recording projects.
We also provide other performance opportunities for students in the pre-professional program during the year, including scholarship competitions.
Summer
Summer CampsFor children ages 6 to 12 we offer a summer intensive (camp) with full day and half day options. Our summer schedule is flexible to accommodate the needs of families that travel during the summer and prefer not to commit to a full summer enrollment.
Our surroundings have beautiful landscaped grounds where our students can enjoy the outside during morning snack, lunch and other outdoor activities. Indoor classes are stretch, ballet, multicultural dance, dance & art history for children, world art workshop, world music & songs and multicultural presentations. |
Summer IntensivesFor students ages 9 and older with in the pre-professional program we offer ballet summer intensives with internationally renowned teachers.
Ballet technique, pointe, variation and character dance are some of the classes included in the summer intensives. |
Evening ClassesWe enhance our summer by offering with jazz, tap and hip-hop, besides the regular evening classes that are part of our children´s program, pre-professional ballet program and adult dance program.
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Testimonials
“Educators in every sense of the word.
Nurturing, professional and high, yet realistic expectations for every child. We have been so happy with our first experience here!”
(Abby Crull)
Nurturing, professional and high, yet realistic expectations for every child. We have been so happy with our first experience here!”
(Abby Crull)
"I love the atmosphere of the studio! My daughter is shy, and all of her instructors have been great at easing her into ballet. Now, a few months later she loves ballet! Not to mention all of the great friends she’s met in her classes."
(Janna Bundy)
(Janna Bundy)
"They not only treat the little ones with care and respect but us old birds too! I feel so welcome and comfortable here. not only has UFAC been good to me but the ballet itself has started to correct areas of severe back/hip pain. I am very proud to be a student here."
(Candice Sarver)
(Candice Sarver)
"The studio has very high standards for their dancers so that they can grow and thrive, yet they are loving, genuine, compassionate, very diverse, and very accepting. Celebrating all body types and backgrounds is very important to me, and this dance studio gets it!"
(Elizabeth Sptiropoulos).
(Elizabeth Sptiropoulos).