Summer Intensive 2 and 3 - Guest Teachers
Ralitza Iordanova
June 6 to 10
Summer Intensive 3
Ballet, Pointe and Variation
Summer Intensive 3
Ballet, Pointe and Variation
Ralitza (Rali) Iordanova – Vaganova-trained dance professional and ABT-certified instructor. Rali studied classical ballet under the legendary Prima Ballerina of Bulgaria, Krassimira Koldamova. In addition, Rali trained in the Martha Graham modern dance technique, under the instruction of Albena Atanassova. Rali performed as a corps member and as a soloist in various pre-professional and professional performances. In 2013, Rali successfully completed the ABT National Training Curriculum Primary through Level 7, under the instruction of ballet scholar Raymond Lukens. She joined Faubourg Ballet Theatre's staff in 2010, as an Academy & Production Director.
Under her classical instruction and contemporary choreography, Rali developed numerous winning classical and contemporary entries for competitions such as YAGP, WBAC, WBC, the Reklama Russian Festival, Carrie Rose Winski, NYCDA, IDO World Championship, NYCDA, JUMP, Precision Arts, to name a few. Students received scholarships to world-renowned ballet schools, as well as career opportunities to professional companies, such as Ballet West, ABT, the Royal Ballet, Washington Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, the Bolshoi Academy NY, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and more. Under Rali’s directorship, Faubourg Ballet Theatre and its students have earned multiple Grand Prix awards, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place awards, as well as Outstanding School, Outstanding Teacher, and Outstanding Choreography awards.
As an Academy Director, an instructor, and a mentor, Rali’s goal is to develop proficiency and depth in fundamental classical and contemporary technique, musicality, and artistry. Using a custom approach to each young student, Rali is ultimately targeting professional-level talent development for the world dance arena, alongside strong learning and leadership skills for any professional arena.
Under her classical instruction and contemporary choreography, Rali developed numerous winning classical and contemporary entries for competitions such as YAGP, WBAC, WBC, the Reklama Russian Festival, Carrie Rose Winski, NYCDA, IDO World Championship, NYCDA, JUMP, Precision Arts, to name a few. Students received scholarships to world-renowned ballet schools, as well as career opportunities to professional companies, such as Ballet West, ABT, the Royal Ballet, Washington Ballet, the Harid Conservatory, the Bolshoi Academy NY, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and more. Under Rali’s directorship, Faubourg Ballet Theatre and its students have earned multiple Grand Prix awards, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place awards, as well as Outstanding School, Outstanding Teacher, and Outstanding Choreography awards.
As an Academy Director, an instructor, and a mentor, Rali’s goal is to develop proficiency and depth in fundamental classical and contemporary technique, musicality, and artistry. Using a custom approach to each young student, Rali is ultimately targeting professional-level talent development for the world dance arena, alongside strong learning and leadership skills for any professional arena.
Andrew Cribbett
June 9 and 10
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Pointe, Variation, Contemporary and Stretch
Summer Intensive 3: Contemporary and Stretch
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Pointe, Variation, Contemporary and Stretch
Summer Intensive 3: Contemporary and Stretch
Andrew Cribbett, originally from Thomasboro, Illinois, began his dance training at the age of six. He trained with Christine Rich and Luciana Rezende at the Christine Rich Studio Dance Academy and Performing Arts Center in Savoy, Illinois. At the age of 16, he received a full scholarship to The Washington Ballet in Washington D.C. He attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts to finish his senior year of high school. Andrew has received scholarships to attend summer intensives at Washington School of Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Rock School of Ballet in Philadelphia, and Faubourg Ballet Chicago. He was invited to America's Got Talent and has assisted in training the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders. Though recently retired from Eisenhower Dance Detroit after ten seasons with the company and serving as Rehearsal Director, EDD allowed gave him the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally both teaching and performing at venues as far away as Tel Aviv, Israel. In 2019, Andrew performed at Jacob’s Pillow on the InsideOut stage. He has received recognition for his choreography at YAGP for solos, small groups, and ensembles. Currently, Andrew is perusing a career in the medical field while teaching at Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Power Dance Company, and coaching junior Olympians.
Kristen Finck
June 25, July 15, July 22 and July 29
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
Summer Intensive 3: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
Summer Intensive 3: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
Kristin Fink was trained in classical ballet, classical pas de deus, contempory dance, tap, jazz and modern dance at the Minessota Youth Ballet Academy, Minessota Ballet Theatre, Rochester Dance Company and Metropolitan Ballet.
She received both merit and talent-base scholarship and attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Conservatory of Music & Dance obtaining a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with a dual emphasis in Ballet and Modern.
She has experience teaching ballet and choreographing.
Ms. Krisitn is also a certified STOTT Pilates instructior.
She received both merit and talent-base scholarship and attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Conservatory of Music & Dance obtaining a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with a dual emphasis in Ballet and Modern.
She has experience teaching ballet and choreographing.
Ms. Krisitn is also a certified STOTT Pilates instructior.
Catrina Choate-Heretoiu
Ballet, Pointe and Variation
Summer Intensive 2: June 29, July 1, July 20 and July 22
Summer Intensive 3: June 27 to July 1 and July 18 to 22
Summer Intensive 2: June 29, July 1, July 20 and July 22
Summer Intensive 3: June 27 to July 1 and July 18 to 22
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.
Reida Dobi
Ballet, Pointe adn variation
Summer Intensive 3 July 5 to 8
Summer Intensive 3 July 5 to 8
Originally from Albania, Reida Dobi studied at the Academy of Classica Dance of Tirana under the direction of master choreographer Agron Aliaj, a graduate from the Bolshoi Theatre of Ballet, Moscow.
By invitation, she enrolled in the Institute of Arts and Choreography in Tirana and worked as an instructor at the Academy of Classic Dance, teaching Variations and Partnering.
Ms. Dobi joined the Tirana State Opera and Ballet in 1990 where she quicly became a soloist, moving to pricipal dancer, earning the tiltle of Prima Ballerina with many performances in Greece, Italy, France anda Bulgaria. She has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She has dance pricipal roles in several ballets includin Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Raymonda and Swan Lake. Her repertoir also includes contemporary adaptations of Spartacus, Romeo and Juliet and featured spots in teh operas Don Juan and La Traviata.
Ms. Dobi has more than 15 years of teaching experience in dance schools in the United States.
She currently teaches Vaganava Technique in ballet, pointe, variations and floor barrre at Texas Ballet Theatre.
By invitation, she enrolled in the Institute of Arts and Choreography in Tirana and worked as an instructor at the Academy of Classic Dance, teaching Variations and Partnering.
Ms. Dobi joined the Tirana State Opera and Ballet in 1990 where she quicly became a soloist, moving to pricipal dancer, earning the tiltle of Prima Ballerina with many performances in Greece, Italy, France anda Bulgaria. She has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She has dance pricipal roles in several ballets includin Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Raymonda and Swan Lake. Her repertoir also includes contemporary adaptations of Spartacus, Romeo and Juliet and featured spots in teh operas Don Juan and La Traviata.
Ms. Dobi has more than 15 years of teaching experience in dance schools in the United States.
She currently teaches Vaganava Technique in ballet, pointe, variations and floor barrre at Texas Ballet Theatre.
Watmora Casey
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
Summer Intensive 3: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
July dates TBA
Summer Intensive 3: Ballet, Pointe, Variation and Stretch/Conditioning
July dates TBA
Watmora Casey is formerly a member of the Caribbean Dance Company, a student of Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York and the coach and choreographer of the five-time national champion U.S. Acrobatic Gymnastics Team.
He is the founder and artistic director of Fauburg Theatre and has been recognized as “Teacher of the Year”, multiple years in a row and many of his students have gone on to dance in renowned international dance companies including Alvin Ailey, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Northern Ballet in England.
Mr. Casey's students have won top honors at The Youth America Grand Prix Regional Competition qualifying for the National competition in New York.
He is the founder and artistic director of Fauburg Theatre and has been recognized as “Teacher of the Year”, multiple years in a row and many of his students have gone on to dance in renowned international dance companies including Alvin Ailey, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Northern Ballet in England.
Mr. Casey's students have won top honors at The Youth America Grand Prix Regional Competition qualifying for the National competition in New York.
Corbin Philips
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Contemporary and Choreography
Summer Intensive 3: Ballet, Contemporary and Choreography
July 11 to 29
Summer Intensive 3: Ballet, Contemporary and Choreography
July 11 to 29
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.
Richard Smith
Summer Intensive 2: Ballet, Pointe, Variation abd Character Dance
Summer Intensive 3: Character Dance
All Summer
Summer Intensive 3: Character Dance
All Summer
Richard is currently a freelance professional ballet dancer and teacher, originally from Peoria, IL. He has taught and coached several YAGP Top 12 winners in Chicagoland and the Champaign/Urbana area. Richard spent the 2018-2021 seasons as a professional dancer for Peoria's ballet company, performing Principal and Soloist roles such as the Prince in Cinderella, Jonathan Harker in Dracula, Jay Gatsby in Gatsby: The Ballet (an all-Company choreographed show), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, as well as Snow King, Flower Cavalier, and the Cavalier/Sugar Plum Adage in The Nutcracker.
Richard has appeared as a guest artist throughout the State of Illinois, New York, and Florida. His guest credits include: Snow King, Cavalier, and the Prince in The Nutcracker, Albrecht in Giselle, Espada in Don Quixote, and The Wizard/Flying Monkey in The Wizard of Oz. Richard has trained in Peoria as well as at The Rock School and Urbana Fine Arts Center under such names as Bo & Stephanie Spassoff, Phillip Otto, Rachel Butler, Luciana Rezende, Watmora Casey, Altin Naska, Olena Nalyvaiko, Erich Yetter, Don Coven, Mariaelena Ruiz, and Laura Alonso among others.
While Richard currently serves as a faculty member at Virtues in Motion in Yorkville, IL, he is very excited to spend his fifth summer with Ms. Luciana and Urbana Fine Arts Center!
Richard has appeared as a guest artist throughout the State of Illinois, New York, and Florida. His guest credits include: Snow King, Cavalier, and the Prince in The Nutcracker, Albrecht in Giselle, Espada in Don Quixote, and The Wizard/Flying Monkey in The Wizard of Oz. Richard has trained in Peoria as well as at The Rock School and Urbana Fine Arts Center under such names as Bo & Stephanie Spassoff, Phillip Otto, Rachel Butler, Luciana Rezende, Watmora Casey, Altin Naska, Olena Nalyvaiko, Erich Yetter, Don Coven, Mariaelena Ruiz, and Laura Alonso among others.
While Richard currently serves as a faculty member at Virtues in Motion in Yorkville, IL, he is very excited to spend his fifth summer with Ms. Luciana and Urbana Fine Arts Center!
Tarasina Masi-Giulio Tonolo
Summer Intensive 2 & 3: Ballet Technique, Pointe and Variation
July 25 to 29
July 25 to 29
Tarasina Masi- Giulio Tonolo is a native of Illinois and has spent the last ten years dancing as a principal ballerina in Europe with the Vanemuine Teater in Estonia. She has toured the US, Europe and China extensively, and has been invited as a guest ballerina to several companies and schools in the US and Italy. Her repertoire includes many classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Giselle, Raymonda, Onegin, The Nutcracker and many others, as well as, several new works by choreographers Giorgio Madia, Petr Zuska, Michael Shannon, Par Isberg, Michelle Holmes-Bello, Dr. Ken Bello, Mai Murdmaa, Igor Barberic, Teet Kask, David Sonnenbluck, Silas Stubbs and others. Mrs. Giulio Tonolo’s teaching career began many years ago, having been a faculty member of the USA Ballet Academy in Bloomington before moving to Europe. She continued to share her knowledge with the students of the Vanemuine Ballet Academy in Estonia, and for the past few years as a ballet mistress/coach to her colleagues in the Vanemuine Teater company in Estonia. Mrs. Giulio Tonolo graduated from the USA Ballet Academy, Bloomington, and is a YAGP Gold medal recipient, as well as, a competitor/finalist in world renowned competitions, including South Africa IBC, World Ballet Competition, Moscow IBC and Varna. Besides performing, coaching and teaching, she is the proud mother of a two year old who’s already showing her talent and love for ballet.
Matteo Giulio Tonolo
Summer Intensive 2&3: Ballet Technique
Junly 25 to 29
Junly 25 to 29
Matteo Giulio Tonolo was born in Moncalieri, Italy, and received his training at the Accademia Regionale Teatro Nuovo di Torino, Italy, where he studied under the tutelage of Maria Elena Fernandez, Marisa Milanese, Antonio Della Monica and others. Mr. Giulio Tonolo’s career began early when he was invited to join the Compagnia Teatro Nuovo di Torino, Italy, at just sixteen years old. He has worked with several US companies, including Ajkun Ballet, Albany Berkshire Ballet and USA Ballet, as well as continuing to be a guest artist in Europe. For the past ten years, Mr. Giulio Tonolo has worked at the Vanemuine Teater in Estonia, rising quickly through the ranks from corps de ballet to soloist, where he also began his teaching and coaching career. Mr. Giulio Tonolo’s extensive repertoire includes not only the classics such as Raymonda, Sleeping Beauty, Onegin, The Nutcracker etc., but he has had the honor of working closely with many world renowned choreographers including Giorgio Madia, Petr Zuska, Michael Shannon, Robert North, Jelena Pankova, Mai Murdmaa, Michelle Holmes-Bello, David Sonnenbluck, Igor Barberic, Cedric Lee Bradly Mare Tommingas, and many others. He has had several distinguished roles created on him. He has performed all over the world- touring throughout Europe, the US and China.
This past January, Mr. Giulio Tonolo has joined the faculty of the USA Ballet Academy, Bloomington.
This past January, Mr. Giulio Tonolo has joined the faculty of the USA Ballet Academy, Bloomington.
Summer Intensives 2 and 3 - UFAC Instructors:
Alexis Miller |
Ashley Thophia |
Jade O'Connor |
Summer Intensive 2 and 3:
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Summer Intensive 2:
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Summer Intensive 2 and 3:
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Summer Intensive Guest Teachers
Natalia Moreno
July 14, 15 and 17
Ballet, Pointe and Variation
Ballet, Pointe and Variation
Natalia Moreno was born in Buenos Aires , Argentina. She started her classical training at the age of 6 under the tutelage of Josefina Serrano. At the age of ten she was encouraged to audition to the Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colon and after auditioning she was accepted. This school produces some of the finest dancers of our time, many of them are currently principal dancers in major companies around the world like the Royal Ballet (Marianela Nunez), ABT , Paris Opera Ballet among others. During that time she toured to some Argentinean provinces with the Maximiliano Guerra ballet company. After the intensive eight year program she graduated.
At the age of eighteen, and being the youngest in her category, she won the gold medal at III Certamen International de Ballet y Danza held in Buenos Aires. This competition ignited her career and the following year she was hired as soloist for the Ballet Municipal de Asuncion in Paraguay were she danced leading roles in Le Corsarie, Paquita among others. She also taught in various dance studios of the Asuncion area. After that she moved to Chile were she danced for several ballet companies such as Ballet de Camara, Ballet Raices. She also joined the prestigious Compania Ballet de Santiago where she danced all times classics like Swan Lake, Nutcracker, among others. Later she moved to the US and danced for the USA Ballet for several years, where she performed leading roles in classical and neoclassical works and toured all across the country with repertoire like Les Sylphides, Don Quixote, Giselle and Sleeping Beauty.
Her teaching philosophy is to inspire and show her passion to the younger generations. She is currently teaching various levels of ballet including pre professionals, pointe, variations, coaching for YAGP and private lessons.
At the age of eighteen, and being the youngest in her category, she won the gold medal at III Certamen International de Ballet y Danza held in Buenos Aires. This competition ignited her career and the following year she was hired as soloist for the Ballet Municipal de Asuncion in Paraguay were she danced leading roles in Le Corsarie, Paquita among others. She also taught in various dance studios of the Asuncion area. After that she moved to Chile were she danced for several ballet companies such as Ballet de Camara, Ballet Raices. She also joined the prestigious Compania Ballet de Santiago where she danced all times classics like Swan Lake, Nutcracker, among others. Later she moved to the US and danced for the USA Ballet for several years, where she performed leading roles in classical and neoclassical works and toured all across the country with repertoire like Les Sylphides, Don Quixote, Giselle and Sleeping Beauty.
Her teaching philosophy is to inspire and show her passion to the younger generations. She is currently teaching various levels of ballet including pre professionals, pointe, variations, coaching for YAGP and private lessons.
OLENA NALYVAICO
Olena started dancing at the age of 3, at the Kyianochka Choreographic Gymnasium, a special school in her native Kyiv, where she learned diverse art disciplines. She later studied at the Kyiv Choreographic College, where she concentrated on Choreography and received a diploma with honors with a qualification as Artist of Ballet and Teacher of Professional Disciplines. Her Graduate Degree comes from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, where she received a Master Level in Philology. Olena is also fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian languages.
Miss Olena, as the students refer to her, has participated with numerous Professional Ballet Companies as a Soloist and Demi-Soloist all around the world, including the Kyiv National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Royal Russian Ballet, just to name a few. She also toured around the USA and Canada with the Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker for four years. For two of those years, she was also Audition Director for the Great Russian Nutcracker Children’s Cast. She taught approximately 2,000 children in 40 cities! In addition, she was the Assistant Choreographer to Nataliya Tkachuk for the performance of Seven Deadly Sins, Mankind, and Love.
Olena started dancing at the age of 3, at the Kyianochka Choreographic Gymnasium, a special school in her native Kyiv, where she learned diverse art disciplines. She later studied at the Kyiv Choreographic College, where she concentrated on Choreography and received a diploma with honors with a qualification as Artist of Ballet and Teacher of Professional Disciplines. Her Graduate Degree comes from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, where she received a Master Level in Philology. Olena is also fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian languages.
Miss Olena, as the students refer to her, has participated with numerous Professional Ballet Companies as a Soloist and Demi-Soloist all around the world, including the Kyiv National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Royal Russian Ballet, just to name a few. She also toured around the USA and Canada with the Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker for four years. For two of those years, she was also Audition Director for the Great Russian Nutcracker Children’s Cast. She taught approximately 2,000 children in 40 cities! In addition, she was the Assistant Choreographer to Nataliya Tkachuk for the performance of Seven Deadly Sins, Mankind, and Love.
WATMORA CASEY
Watmora Casey is formerly a member of the Caribbean Dance Company, a student of Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York and the coach and choreographer of the five-time national champion U.S. Acrobatic Gymnastics Team.
Mr. Casey is the artistic director of Fauburg Theatre and has been recognized as outsanding teacher by various organizations like the Youth American Grand Prix and Dance Teacher Magazine to name a few. Many of his students have gone on to dance in renowned international dance companies including Alvin Ailey, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Northern Ballet in England.
Mr. Casey's students have won top honors at The Youth America Grand Prix Regional Competition qualifying for the National competition in New York.
Watmora Casey is formerly a member of the Caribbean Dance Company, a student of Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York and the coach and choreographer of the five-time national champion U.S. Acrobatic Gymnastics Team.
Mr. Casey is the artistic director of Fauburg Theatre and has been recognized as outsanding teacher by various organizations like the Youth American Grand Prix and Dance Teacher Magazine to name a few. Many of his students have gone on to dance in renowned international dance companies including Alvin Ailey, The Royal Danish Ballet, and Northern Ballet in England.
Mr. Casey's students have won top honors at The Youth America Grand Prix Regional Competition qualifying for the National competition in New York.
RICHARD SMITH
Mr. Smith began studying tap in his youth. He began his ballet training at age 18 under the careful tutelage of Rebekah Von Rathonyi at Cornerstone Academy for Performing Arts. Over the years he has danced roles in many of Ms. Von Rathonyi’s ballets including Jonathan Harker in Dracula, Spanish, Russian, and Italian principle in The Nutcracker, and multiple principal roles in various pieces he performed with the school and the fledgling Central Illinois Ballet. During a two year hiatus he performed as a featured dancer and actor in many Community Theater productions in the Peoria area including Older Billy in Billy Elliot and Harry Beaton in Brigadoon. He recently returned to Central Illinois Ballet, now Downstate Illinois’ only professional ballet company, where he has performed many more principal roles including Prince Ivan in Ms. Von Rathonyi’s The Firebird, John Darling in Peter Pan, and in three original pieces made for collaborations with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Smith has also danced as a guest artist with ballet schools in Chicago and Upstate New York. He is very happy to be back at CIB and working with Ms. Luciana and her wonderful school! He dedicates this performance and all future performances to his mentor, Ms. Rebekah, and her mentor Mr. B!
Mr. Smith began studying tap in his youth. He began his ballet training at age 18 under the careful tutelage of Rebekah Von Rathonyi at Cornerstone Academy for Performing Arts. Over the years he has danced roles in many of Ms. Von Rathonyi’s ballets including Jonathan Harker in Dracula, Spanish, Russian, and Italian principle in The Nutcracker, and multiple principal roles in various pieces he performed with the school and the fledgling Central Illinois Ballet. During a two year hiatus he performed as a featured dancer and actor in many Community Theater productions in the Peoria area including Older Billy in Billy Elliot and Harry Beaton in Brigadoon. He recently returned to Central Illinois Ballet, now Downstate Illinois’ only professional ballet company, where he has performed many more principal roles including Prince Ivan in Ms. Von Rathonyi’s The Firebird, John Darling in Peter Pan, and in three original pieces made for collaborations with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Smith has also danced as a guest artist with ballet schools in Chicago and Upstate New York. He is very happy to be back at CIB and working with Ms. Luciana and her wonderful school! He dedicates this performance and all future performances to his mentor, Ms. Rebekah, and her mentor Mr. B!
CHLOE NAGLE
Chloe Nagle is a teacher, choreographer, and performer. She received her MFA in Dance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2018 and a BFA with Honors in Performance and Choreography from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2015. Nagle has performed her choreography at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Danceworks Milwaukee, Milwaukee Summer Series, and BATES Dance Festival Young Choreographer's Showcase. She has performed with Wildspace Dance Company as a performance intern and has worked with choreographers in academic contexts including Charli Brissey, Sara Hook, Deb Loewen, Rebecca Stenn, Keely Garfield, Luc Vanier, Elise Frost, and Ping Chong. She is currently working toward a 200 hour Yoga Teacher certification at Amara Yoga and Arts.
Chloe Nagle is a teacher, choreographer, and performer. She received her MFA in Dance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2018 and a BFA with Honors in Performance and Choreography from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2015. Nagle has performed her choreography at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Danceworks Milwaukee, Milwaukee Summer Series, and BATES Dance Festival Young Choreographer's Showcase. She has performed with Wildspace Dance Company as a performance intern and has worked with choreographers in academic contexts including Charli Brissey, Sara Hook, Deb Loewen, Rebecca Stenn, Keely Garfield, Luc Vanier, Elise Frost, and Ping Chong. She is currently working toward a 200 hour Yoga Teacher certification at Amara Yoga and Arts.
ASHLEY THOPIAH
Ashley Thopiah began her dance training at the Christine rich Studio Dance Academy and continued on to earn her BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University. She has experience in classical ballets and contemporary works including corps roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Cinderella, and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. She has also been selected to perform principle roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and La Bayadère. She has competed in The Youth American Grand Prix, performed at Dance Chicago, and has spent her summers training at Bolshoi Ballet Academy, State Street Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. As a choreographer, Ashley has set work on students at Butler University, which has been performed both nationally and internationally. Ashley’s choreography blends both modern and Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance, to express two distinct but intertwined aspects of her identity. Ashley is currently a professional dancer with the Oakland Ballet Company.
Ashley Thopiah began her dance training at the Christine rich Studio Dance Academy and continued on to earn her BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University. She has experience in classical ballets and contemporary works including corps roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Cinderella, and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments. She has also been selected to perform principle roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and La Bayadère. She has competed in The Youth American Grand Prix, performed at Dance Chicago, and has spent her summers training at Bolshoi Ballet Academy, State Street Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. As a choreographer, Ashley has set work on students at Butler University, which has been performed both nationally and internationally. Ashley’s choreography blends both modern and Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian dance, to express two distinct but intertwined aspects of her identity. Ashley is currently a professional dancer with the Oakland Ballet Company.
CAMERON MILLER
Cameron Miller is a professional dancer with American Midwest Ballet.
He studied Ballet, Pas de Deux, & Modern at Kansas City Ballet and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with an emphasis in Ballet and Modern at University of Missouri—Kansas City, Conservatory of Music & Dance.
Mr. Miller has been choreographing and teaching Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe and Modern Dance for several dance schools in the U.S.
Cameron Miller is a professional dancer with American Midwest Ballet.
He studied Ballet, Pas de Deux, & Modern at Kansas City Ballet and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with an emphasis in Ballet and Modern at University of Missouri—Kansas City, Conservatory of Music & Dance.
Mr. Miller has been choreographing and teaching Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe and Modern Dance for several dance schools in the U.S.
KRISTIN FINK
Kristin Fink was trained in classical ballet, classical pas de deus, contempory dance, tap, jazz and modern dance at the Minessota Youth Ballet Academy, Minessota Ballet Theatre, Rochester Dance Company and Metropolitan Ballet.
She received both merit and talent-base scholarship and attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Conservatory of Music & Dance obtaining a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with a dual emphasis in Ballet and Modern.
She has experience teaching ballet and choreographing.
Ms. Krisitn is also a certified STOTT Pilates instructior and she currently performs with Central Illinois Ballet, Peoria, IL.
Kristin Fink was trained in classical ballet, classical pas de deus, contempory dance, tap, jazz and modern dance at the Minessota Youth Ballet Academy, Minessota Ballet Theatre, Rochester Dance Company and Metropolitan Ballet.
She received both merit and talent-base scholarship and attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Conservatory of Music & Dance obtaining a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography with a dual emphasis in Ballet and Modern.
She has experience teaching ballet and choreographing.
Ms. Krisitn is also a certified STOTT Pilates instructior and she currently performs with Central Illinois Ballet, Peoria, IL.
CORBIN PHILIPS
Corbin Philips is a ballet dancer and choreographer trained in Champaign, Illinois at Champaign Ballet Academy and Springer Cultural Center.
His training was complemented with summer intensives at some of the most recognized ballet schools in the U.S., including Joffrey Ballet School, Orlando Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballet Chicago.
Mr. Philips has in various classical ballets with the Champaign Urbana Ballet, Dance Arts Springer Cultural Center, Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive, City Ballet of Iowa and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre.
He has also performed in original pieces choreographed by Armando Duarte, Charlotte Adams, Eloy Barragan and Shannon Alvis, at the University of Iowa, where he is currently pursuing a BFA in dance.
His choreography works have been presented at the University of Iowa and at the Dance Arts company class, with the Springer Cultural Center.
Corbin Philips is a ballet dancer and choreographer trained in Champaign, Illinois at Champaign Ballet Academy and Springer Cultural Center.
His training was complemented with summer intensives at some of the most recognized ballet schools in the U.S., including Joffrey Ballet School, Orlando Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballet Chicago.
Mr. Philips has in various classical ballets with the Champaign Urbana Ballet, Dance Arts Springer Cultural Center, Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive, City Ballet of Iowa and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre.
He has also performed in original pieces choreographed by Armando Duarte, Charlotte Adams, Eloy Barragan and Shannon Alvis, at the University of Iowa, where he is currently pursuing a BFA in dance.
His choreography works have been presented at the University of Iowa and at the Dance Arts company class, with the Springer Cultural Center.
Camp Teachers
DAN LINDSAY
Dan Lindsay is a professional artist and educator. He is currently a substitute teacher at the Montessori school in Savoy Illinois and a Senior in the Art Education program at the University of Illinois. He has a decade and a half of experience as a professional artist in graphic design, painting, and woodworking. Now pursuing a career in education, he loves introducing children to the joy and lifelong adventure that the arts can bring.
Dan Lindsay is a professional artist and educator. He is currently a substitute teacher at the Montessori school in Savoy Illinois and a Senior in the Art Education program at the University of Illinois. He has a decade and a half of experience as a professional artist in graphic design, painting, and woodworking. Now pursuing a career in education, he loves introducing children to the joy and lifelong adventure that the arts can bring.
HEATHER SEARS
Heather Sears has a bachelor's degree in music education, her preferred instrument being the tenor saxophone. Though she is accustomed to teaching all ages, the youngest musicians hold a special place in her heart. She has taught music at various schools in the local community. Currently, she teaches music at the Montessori School of Champaign Urbana for student ages 7 to 12.
Heather Sears has a bachelor's degree in music education, her preferred instrument being the tenor saxophone. Though she is accustomed to teaching all ages, the youngest musicians hold a special place in her heart. She has taught music at various schools in the local community. Currently, she teaches music at the Montessori School of Champaign Urbana for student ages 7 to 12.
JEAN RENE BALEKITA
Jean-René specializes in music traditions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has toured extensively in Europe and the US with the band Bomoyi, performing his original compositions based on a blend of Congolese Rumba and Gospel styles.
He holds a bachelors degree in music from the National Institute of Arts, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. He taught songwriting and choral classes there as well.
In addition to his areas of specialization, Jean-René is comfortable with teaching various styles of popular music on voice and guitar.
Locally, he is currently the choir instructor at the Campus Middle School for Girls. He has taught, performed, and collaborated with Krannert Center, Spurlock Musuem, University YMCA, the Urbana Free Library, numerous area churches, and local elementary schools.
Jean-René is committed to sharing the cultural arts of his country and reaching people of different socia-cultural backgrounds through music.
Jean-René specializes in music traditions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has toured extensively in Europe and the US with the band Bomoyi, performing his original compositions based on a blend of Congolese Rumba and Gospel styles.
He holds a bachelors degree in music from the National Institute of Arts, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. He taught songwriting and choral classes there as well.
In addition to his areas of specialization, Jean-René is comfortable with teaching various styles of popular music on voice and guitar.
Locally, he is currently the choir instructor at the Campus Middle School for Girls. He has taught, performed, and collaborated with Krannert Center, Spurlock Musuem, University YMCA, the Urbana Free Library, numerous area churches, and local elementary schools.
Jean-René is committed to sharing the cultural arts of his country and reaching people of different socia-cultural backgrounds through music.
JADE O'CONNOR
Jade O'Connor has been dancing for 14 years. She began this training with Ms. Luciana and 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.
Jade has won 3 gold medals in competitions with Act – SO and recently won the bronze medal in Ballet and Dance at the 2017 Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Sci. Olympics.
She has previous teaching experience through privates preparing soloists for competitions. She hopes to continue to teach after a professional career in dancing and choreographing.
Jade O'Connor has been dancing for 14 years. She began this training with Ms. Luciana and 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.
Jade has won 3 gold medals in competitions with Act – SO and recently won the bronze medal in Ballet and Dance at the 2017 Afro-Academic Cultural Technological Sci. Olympics.
She has previous teaching experience through privates preparing soloists for competitions. She hopes to continue to teach after a professional career in dancing and choreographing.
JOE REICHLIN
Joe Reichlin studied theater and dance at the University of Kansas, before leaving school to tour throughout the US with the Royal Lichtenstein Circus. He has also studied physical theater and clowning at the Dell'Arte School of Physical Theater, studied dance trapeze and aerial silks and taught creative movement at Canopy Aerial Dance Studio, and studied middle school education at the University of Georgia. Locally, he has taught circus, puppetry, and variety theater camps for young people at the Community Center for the Arts. He currently performs as the roving troubadour of the Fairy Tale Ball at the Urbana Free Library, and recently directed a multi-aged cast in The Little Princess at the Homer Opera House.
Mr. Reichlin is a nationwide experienced Circus Camp Instructor.
Joe Reichlin studied theater and dance at the University of Kansas, before leaving school to tour throughout the US with the Royal Lichtenstein Circus. He has also studied physical theater and clowning at the Dell'Arte School of Physical Theater, studied dance trapeze and aerial silks and taught creative movement at Canopy Aerial Dance Studio, and studied middle school education at the University of Georgia. Locally, he has taught circus, puppetry, and variety theater camps for young people at the Community Center for the Arts. He currently performs as the roving troubadour of the Fairy Tale Ball at the Urbana Free Library, and recently directed a multi-aged cast in The Little Princess at the Homer Opera House.
Mr. Reichlin is a nationwide experienced Circus Camp Instructor.
ALANA BLAIR
Alana Blair started dancing when she was 8 years old. She has been trained in Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre.
She cheered varsity for three years at St. Joseph Ogden High School.
She is currently teaching hip hop classes at the Urbana Fine Arts Center while continuing her education at Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois.
Alana Blair started dancing when she was 8 years old. She has been trained in Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre.
She cheered varsity for three years at St. Joseph Ogden High School.
She is currently teaching hip hop classes at the Urbana Fine Arts Center while continuing her education at Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois.
JASMINE O'CONNOR
Jasmine O’Connor began her dance training at Christine Rich Studio at age of 2.
She has been trained intensively in ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop by teachers with notorious knowledge in dance and professionals in the field. Through this she has developed a love for all dance styles.
She has experience teaching and 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 Champaign-Urbana.
In 2018 Jasmine attended a master class with hip-hop dancer Comfort Fedoke and was selected to attend a hip-hop convention in New York City.
Ms. O'Connor currently teaches hip hop and ballet for children ages 3 to 8 at the Urbana Fine Arts center.
She has been trained intensively in ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop by teachers with notorious knowledge in dance and professionals in the field. Through this she has developed a love for all dance styles.
She has experience teaching and 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 Champaign-Urbana.
In 2018 Jasmine attended a master class with hip-hop dancer Comfort Fedoke and was selected to attend a hip-hop convention in New York City.
Ms. O'Connor currently teaches hip hop and ballet for children ages 3 to 8 at the Urbana Fine Arts center.
MESA POWELL
Mesa Powell is a former cheer and gymnastics coach. She have taught and coached I’ve for 5 years; working as the YMCA coaching cheer and gymnastics camp, as well as working for 2 years at I-Power school of gymnastics; teaching preschool and recreational level, school age classes. She has done competitive cheer for 5 years and tumbled for 7 years. Ms. Powell loves performing and working with children and is pleased to add teaching at the Urbana Fine Arts center to her experience as an instructor.
Mesa Powell is a former cheer and gymnastics coach. She have taught and coached I’ve for 5 years; working as the YMCA coaching cheer and gymnastics camp, as well as working for 2 years at I-Power school of gymnastics; teaching preschool and recreational level, school age classes. She has done competitive cheer for 5 years and tumbled for 7 years. Ms. Powell loves performing and working with children and is pleased to add teaching at the Urbana Fine Arts center to her experience as an instructor.
REIDA DOBI
Originally from Albania, Reida Dobi studied at the Academy of Classica Dance of Tirana under the direction of master choreographer Agron Aliaj, a graduate from the Bolshoi Theatre of Ballet, Moscow.
By invitation, she enrolled in the Institute of Arts and Choreography in Tirana and worked as an instructor at the Academy of Classic Dance, teaching Variations and Partnering.
Ms. Dobi joined the Tirana State Opera and Ballet in 1990 where she quicly became a soloist, moving to pricipal dancer, earning the tiltle of Prima Ballerina with many performances in Greece, Italy, France anda Bulgaria. She has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She has dance pricipal roles in several ballets includin Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Raymonda and Swan Lake. Her repertoir also includes contemporary adaptations of Spartacus, Romeo and Juliet and featured spots in teh operas Don Juan and La Traviata.
Ms. Dobi has more than 15 years of teaching experience in dance schools in the United States.
She currently teaches Vaganava Technique in ballet, pointe, variations and floor barrre at Texas Ballet Theatre.
Originally from Albania, Reida Dobi studied at the Academy of Classica Dance of Tirana under the direction of master choreographer Agron Aliaj, a graduate from the Bolshoi Theatre of Ballet, Moscow.
By invitation, she enrolled in the Institute of Arts and Choreography in Tirana and worked as an instructor at the Academy of Classic Dance, teaching Variations and Partnering.
Ms. Dobi joined the Tirana State Opera and Ballet in 1990 where she quicly became a soloist, moving to pricipal dancer, earning the tiltle of Prima Ballerina with many performances in Greece, Italy, France anda Bulgaria. She has also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York City.
She has dance pricipal roles in several ballets includin Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Raymonda and Swan Lake. Her repertoir also includes contemporary adaptations of Spartacus, Romeo and Juliet and featured spots in teh operas Don Juan and La Traviata.
Ms. Dobi has more than 15 years of teaching experience in dance schools in the United States.
She currently teaches Vaganava Technique in ballet, pointe, variations and floor barrre at Texas Ballet Theatre.
Camp Teachers
We are honored to have these talented and experienced artists in our summer program.
Aleksandra MarkusWORLD ART
Aleksandra Markus holds a bachelor degree in Art and Philosophy.
Her interests in advertising lead her to explore the art of communication with Saatchi & Saatchi NYC. Ms. Markus has worked for The Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum and research institution. She was part of their project to preserve their rare book collection. Ms. Markus is a former Montessori Elementary School art teacher, Krannert Art Museum lecturer, and yoga instructor. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and hiking. She is fascinated with discovering the role of art in science, technology, and innovation, because the path to a great achievement is almost never direct. |
Andrew CribbettMODERN DANCE WORKSHOPS
Andrew Cribbett, originally from Thomasboro, Illinois, began his dance training at the age of six. He trained with Christine Rich and Luciana Rezende at the Christine Rich Studio Dance Academy and Performing Arts Center in Savoy, IL. At the age of 16, he received a full scholarship to The Washington School of Ballet in Washington D. C. He attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts to finish his senior year of High School. Andrew has received scholarships to attend summer intensives at Washington School of Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Rock School of Ballet in Philadelphia, and Faubourg Ballet Chicago. He is
a professional dancer with the Eisenhower Dance Company and a proud teacher at Big City Dance. Currently , Mr. Cribbett is directing a Black Box Theatre, based in Detroit. |
Heather SearsWORLD MUSIC
Heather Sears has a bachelor's degree in music education, her preferred instrument being the tenor saxophone. Though she is accustomed to teaching all ages, the youngest musicians hold a special place in her heart. She has taught music at various schools in the local community. Currently, she teaches Kindermusik at The Little Gym of Champaign.
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Teachers
All Ballet Classes taught by Luciana Rezende
Meet our dance teachers that show their commitment to the arts by sharing their knowledge with our younger ones:
Alexis MillerJazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Camp Supervisor.
Alexis Miller has been dancing for the past 17 years, studying ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, African dance and musical theater. After graduating from high school, she attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City as a full-time ballet trainee in their year-round program. She was also granted a scholarship and invitations to Russia and Italy for summer intensive programs.
Ms. Miller came back to the Champaign-Urbana area so she could combine both education and her love of dance. She will graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BFA in Dance in May 2018. |
Ashley ThopiahAssistant Ballet Teacher
Ashley Thopiah, a sophomore at Butler University pursing a BFA in Dance Performance began her formal dance training under the direction of Christine Rich and Luciana Rezende at the Christine Rich Studio Dance Academy at the age of 2. She was in the Excellence Program, which included ballet, tap, jazz, and acrobatics. Ashley has danced the leading roles in many of the great classics such as Don Quixote, Paquita, and La Boutique Fantasque. In addition, she has competed at YAGP in 2011. Her group placed top 12 in the semi-final in Chicago, and went to New York City to compete in the world finals.
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