Kaleigh Schock

Dance Style: Ballet and Pointe

Kaleigh was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago where started training for her professional career at the age of 14, at the Faubourg School of Ballet in Hanover Park. At 16, Kaleigh moved to NYC to train at Ellison Ballet-Professional Ballet School with Edward Ellison. She continued to train at Ellison Ballet for three years. During this time, she was a supplemental dancer with Cincinnati Ballet in 2007.

Kaleigh then joined Ballet West II in Salt Lake City in 2008 after being awarded a contract at the Youth American Grand Prix. After two seasons with Ballet West, Kaleigh went to school at the University of Cincinnati, where she attained a BFA in Dance and a minor in Communications; as well as joining Nevada Ballet Theatre in her Junior year in 2012.

While with Nevada Ballet, Kaleigh has danced roles that include: the lead Russian Girl in Balanchine’s Serenade, Striptease Girl in Balanchine’s, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, Lilac Fairy from Sleeping Beauty, Zelma from Giselle, and Summer Fairy in James Canfield’s production of The Nutcracker. Awards include, top 12 in YAGP finals in 2007 and 2008, as well as top 12 in YAGP in the pas de Deux category.

In 2007 she was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School of England’s Graduate Level at the YAGP.

Holly Walker- Producer, Director, Choreographer

Acting

Holly Walker holds a double major in Business – Marketing and Theatre – Acting Specialist from the UW-Madison, and an M.F.A in Dance from the UW-Milwaukee.

Holly began her career as a performer. Acting credits include Nevada Shakespeare Festival, Ed T.V, Blade, Baby Face Music Video, X-Files, and Warner Brother’s Commercial, (Hulu Web Series) Battleground, and (Award Winning Web Series) Ethical. Dance credits include Madison Ballet – The Nutcracker, Walt Disney World/Animal Kingdom – FL, (Dance Scholarship) The Broadway Dance Center – New York.

Holly has worked as a choreographer in Los Angeles with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and East/West Players. Holly has choreographed for Miller Genuine Draft’s Live Industrials in Milwaukee, WI & Orlando, FL. Holly relocated to her hometown of Madison Wisconsin, where she continues to choreograph, direct, in addition to producing for film and stage. Recently Holly started her own company – Shine On!LLC.

She also published and co-illustrated a children’s book called The Little Girl Who Shined Just Right. Currently, Holly is the Director of Theater at Madison West High School. Walker’s show credits include Fiddler On the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, A Chorus Line, Steel Magnolias, Juvie (Awards received WHTF), The Miracle Worker, Urinetown, Multico 17-19, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

In 2016, Holly was honored with a Tony Award Nominee for Excellence in Teaching.

Sabra Michelle

Dance Style: Musical Theater

Sabra has asst choreography credits for Off-Broadway and American regional theatres but is best known for playing leading ladies in musicals including Lola (DAMN YANKEES), Cassie (A CHORUS LINE), Roxie (CHICAGO), and many others. She was a featured dancer on Norwegian Cruise Line’s PRIDE OF AMERICA; performed “Steam Heat” (THE PAJAMA GAME National tour); danced at President Clinton’s Inauguration in George Faison’s “KING! A Musical Testimony” with Maya Angelou, and plays herself on the BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE LIVE! video (released by Jim Henson/Columbia Tristar), with whom she toured the world for 3 seasons.

After receiving her BFA in Dance from Shenandoah Conservatory, Sabra’s students won scholarships, high score awards at competitions, and Olympic medals (Sabra was on faculty teaching ballet to Elite American gymnasts coached by Kelli Hill). She was presented the “Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award” from the Governor’s School of Virginia, and for six years was the resident choreographer for the ArtStar Theatre Camp—a division of the Lorton Arts Foundation.

Living in New York City for over a decade, Sabra studied with the Verdon/Fosse Legacy, and devoted her spare time to philanthropic work for Broadway Cares, twice performed in Jerry Mitchell’s BROADWAY BARES, and founded THE COUGAR BALL, a gala fundraiser for The Actors Fund and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.

In Madison, WI, Sabra is known for her choreography and teaching with the acclaimed Children’s Theatre of Madison (CTM), Monona Academy of Dance (which celebrated its 70th Recital), Disney Musicals in Schools, Overture Center for the Performing Arts’ Jerry Awards, and Capital City Theatre, for whom she played Tessie Tura (GYPSY) and Lucy Schmeeler/Flossie (ON THE TOWN). She is also a judge for the national Starz Dance Competition and a member of IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) local 251, with her husband Brian Weinkauf.

Maya Kadakia

Dance Style: African Dance

Maya is a professional dancer and teacher who possesses an understanding of the cultural traditions of West African dance, an acute sense of rhythm, an engaging and patient teaching persona, and passionate, creative ability to express herself through movement. She is multi-skilled in various West African traditions and is able to translate those skills into performances and educational experiences well-suited to Western audiences which express the amazing tradition, culture, and history of West Africa.

A veteran middle school teacher, she also teaches through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Dance Department in addition to teaching drop-in dance and dundun dance classes.

Maya continues to study, teach, and perform as much as possible. Her most important study has taken place in Guinea and Mali on her multiple trips. Maya is honored to have studied with Mariama Camara, Allhasane Papin Camara, Viex Djara, Djenab Kaba, and Ansu Kaba. She takes classes with the masters residing in the United States, Djeneba Sako, Youssouf Koumbassa, and Moustapha Bangoura, when able.

Currently, she is the dance director of Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble, a Madison-based African Drum and Dance group, and Kikeh Mato, an Afro-pop group, both under the direction of Mandjou Mara.

Haley New

Pilates

Haley found Pilates nearly a decade ago while living in Texas. She immediately fell in love with it after noticing changes in her body after only three lessons. Back home in Madison Wisconsin, she found and enrolled in the Midwest Pilates Institute instructor-training program. After receiving her certificate, she went on to teach at multiple locations throughout Madison and the surrounding area. She is now the lead instructor for Club Pilates in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Her goal as a Pilates enthusiast and instructor is to help people learn how to strengthen and move their bodies in a safe and sustainable way.

Pilates is an effective way to work the body to its proper limits and gain strength without too much heavy lifting or big movements. Clients say, “I feel taller, more open yet stronger.” after their lesson. Pilates is very complementary to other workout regimens and helps keep the body working more uniformly as a whole. It’s up to everyone to give him or herself a healthy life. Pilates is a great way to invest in oneself. No matter what ailments you may have, Pilates practice will help you gain and maintain stability, mobility, and strength throughout your body.

Haley loves to help people wake up the mind-body connection and strengthen their core through the Pilates method. She wants you to be upright, walking, hiking, and doing what you love for as long as possible. Your body is worth the investment. Your body will thank you.

Randy Duncan

Modern Jazz

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A native of Chicago, Randy has the unique privilege to be a three-time recipient of Chicago’s prestigious Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Choreographer of the year. He has received numerous other awards including the Artistic Achievement Award from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, three Black Theatre Alliance Awards for theatre and the Gay Chicago Magazine After Dark Award for his work in Apple Tree Theatre’s production of Hello Again.

He earned an American Choreography Award Nomination for his choreography in the blockbuster movie Save the Last Dance, starring Julia Stiles. Mr. Duncan’s work can be seen in the companies of Joffrey Ballet, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, River North Chicago Dance Company, Bat-Dor Dance Company of Israel, Ballet Met of Columbus, Ohio and many others. While working in such theatres as the Goodman Theatre of Chicago, Manhattan Theatre Club in New York, South Coast Repertory in Orange County, CA, Actor’s Theatre in Louisville, KY, Washington DC Shakespeare Theatre, Court Theatre of Chicago and Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR, he has created original choreography for Hair, Carousel, Zoot Suit, Once On This Island, The Rose Tattoo, Amadeus, Antigone, Death and the King’s Horseman, Pirates of Penzance and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Ruined.

More recently, he returned from Yale University where he choreographed director Liz Diamond’s production of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Randy continues his support for HIV/AIDS causes by donating his time and choreography to Dance for Life.

He is a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Union as well as Actor’s Equity. In 1999, Mr. Duncan was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

He was also inducted into his alma mater, Illinois State University Hall of Fame. He teaches worldwide and for the past 19 years has been on the faculty of The Chicago Academy for the Arts (CAA), where he now serves as Dance Department Chair.

Hanna Brictson

Dance Style: Contemporary, S.E.D., Improvisation, Partnering

HANNA BRICTSON grew up dancing and training in Elgin and Chicago. A graduate of Larkin High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy, Hanna joined River North Dance Chicago (RNDC) in 2004.

During her 12 years at RNDC, Hanna served as rehearsal assistant, co-choreographer with Artistic Director Frank Chaves, and solo choreographer in addition to performing all over the world.

Hanna danced in works by Mauro Astolfi, Robert Battle, Sidra Bell, Frank Chaves, Kevin Iega Jeff, Harrison McEldowney, Ivan Perez, Julia Rhoads, Anton Rudakov, Luca Signoretti, Lauri Stallings, and Sherry Zunker. Hanna has also worked with ODC (San Francisco) and Northwest Dance Project (Portland). Most recently, Hanna danced and served as assistant rehearsal director for two seasons with Visceral Dance Chicago.

Now, Hanna is creating her own company of work called Hanna Brictson and Dancers, which was honored to perform in Dance for Life 2018. She also directs and choreographs for her student group, Integrity Dance Company, based in the suburbs of Chicago.

Hanna’s choreography has been set on River North Dance Chicago as well as Dance in the Parks (Chicago), MADCO Dance Company (St. Louis), and University of Iowa Dance Department. Her work can be seen in Kmart commercials (national), high school dance teams, and competitive dance studios throughout the country. Hanna has taught all over the U.S. as well as in Germany, Israel, and Russia.

Recognized by Dance Magazine for her dedication to dance, Hanna has been nominated for Princess Grace Awards as a dancer and choreographer.

Andrew Phan

Dance Style: Hip Hop

Andrew Phan born and raised in Chicago started dancing in high school at the Orchesis dance company.He wanted to further his dance training so he went on to join other companies like Nonstop Dance Productions, Fia Modern, Raindodgers, and Dance 2XS Chicago. In 2010 he and some friends started The Puzzle League.

In just a few short years they have gone on to become Midwest Prelude Champs 2012-2015, WOD CHI Champs 2012-2014, WOD Vegas Champs 2015, and WOD Orlando 2016 Champs.

He recently has been working with Monyett Crump as Thee Package Deal, traveling and teaching as well as dancing for The Boy Band Review. He recently started his own video production company called New Pixel Films.

His credits include Wild Belle, DLow, Chance the Rapper, and Ciara. His ultimate goal is just to be able to travel and spread inspiration through his dancing.

Chelsee Ramos

Dance Style: Shuffle

As an athlete that has trained at a very high level for a long time, I have come to know and understand the body quite well. I understand the physics of it; the way that it moves, feels, connects, and importantly, receives an impact. I am most familiar with my own body but I have learned so much through working with so many different athletes throughout my life – coach or teammate. We all work a bit differently – that’s why it’s so important to become aware of how our own body works through cultivating a strong mind-body connection.

Movement experience: I was tumbling before walking, and have coached it for 10 years. Currently, I get my fix of flips as part of the Milwaukee Bucks Trickers. I was a competitive cheerleader for 10 years winning 3 National titles in high school and briefly cheering at the most prestigious college with some of the best athletes I know. I then coached a coed high school cheerleading team for 4 years.

I have been practicing yoga for 5 years and have had a daily practice for 2 years. I started after I stopped cheering to stay in shape and keep my muscles healthy, but quickly discovered how much more went into it. Yoga is so much more than physical practice. I am now a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and I can confidently say that this practice has shaped me and taught me more than anything else in my life. All I want is to share the knowledge of this beautiful lifestyle while I continue on my own journey of self-discovery.

I began learning to shuffle and cut shapes in 2018 after my first music festival (Electric Forest) and took no time to fall in love with all sorts of footwork and the community that surrounds it. I was fortunate to teach the first shuffle class in Wisconsin in February 2020 after booking my first few private dance clients in the new year. I have now helped around 200 people along their journey and began holding workshop experiences in Feb 2021. Training and teaching dance is my newest practice in life, but I’ve been dancing in my room with my door shut for as long as I can remember. It has always been the thing that I held very close and didn’t really share with anyone. It was very emotional and very vulnerable. That is why this movement means so much to me; It’s been my therapy for as long as I can remember. It has always helped me connect to who I am and experience my emotions.

This Movement is about aligning with our highest self, becoming more comfortable in our own skin to express ourselves vulnerably and authentically. Being able to connect, get lost, feel, balance, and love ourselves. And to come to terms with where we’ve been, and where we’re at now, with a clear vision of where we’re going – prepared to flow through whatever life throws us in pursuit of our joy.

Sarah is the former coach of the nationally ranked University of Wisconsin Dance Team and a former member of the nationally ranked University of Minnesota Dance Team. Sarah is also a former instructor for West Side Performing Arts in Madison, Wisconsin under the direction of Sharon Butler. Sarah currently teaches for the Madison Professional Dance Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Sarah acts as a choreographer and consultant for studio-based, elementary, high school, all-star and collegiate dance teams across the Midwest. Sarah is also a former instructor and choreographer for Universal Dance Association, and is a veteran judge for the National College Dance Team Championships and National High School Dance Team Championships hosted by UCA/UDA and televised on ESPN.

Sarah is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

Sarah possesses over 30 years of dance experience in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip hop, and pompon.

Max Saron began dancing hip hop at the age of 9, emulating famous dancers he’d watch on YouTube. Shortly after his parents discovered his talent, they enrolled him in his first hip hop class, training under Malachi Durant, at Julie’s School of Dance in Sparta, WI.

Max continued his dance career trying out different styles of dance at Eau Claire School of Dance, but ultimately came back to his first love: hip hop. Joining Madison Professional Dance Center at the age of 13, he began training under AJ Juarez in hip hop and contemporary fusion, and still trains, collaborates, and shoots dance videos with AJ.

Max also travels to LA and Chicago for training, having danced and trained with some of the best choreographers in those cities, including Ian Eastwood (World of Dance TV show), Matt Steffanina, Alexander Chung, CJ Salvador, TJ Modalla, Bryan Puspos, Wildabeast, Monyett Crump, Annie Franklin, Walter Maybell, and Alex Salgado, to name just a few. In 2017, Max participated in workshop with Matt Steffanina, where he was then selected to dance in Matt’s fifth episode of DanceCon (see it on YouTube!).

In 2018, Max was chosen by Ian Eastwood to be a part of his Chicago Young Lions team, performing around the Chicago area with dancers much older than himself. In 2018, the Young Lions hosted the Adicolor release party for Adidas, starring in video shoots for the company and hosting the Young Lions Jam at the release. Max also performed with the Young Lions as a featured act at the 2018 World of Dance competition in Chicago.

Also in 2018, Max won the hip hop solo competition for ages 13–16 at Monster’s A-List in Nashville. Max began teaching hip hop classes to all ages in the Madison area at the age of 14—weekly classes, workshops, and drop-in classes—finding the artistry of choreography and his ability to share his art with others most rewarding.

Lillian Wilner began her training at the University of Utah’s School of Ballet, under the direction of William Christiansen. She received a scholarship to attend high school at the North Carolina School of Fine Arts. Her early training also included scholarships to the Banff School of Fine Arts and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.

Lillian trained in New York City with Maggie Black, Zenna Rommett, Laura Alonso and David Howard. She performed as an Apprentice with Les Grand Ballet Canadians before starting her professional career with the Alberta Ballet Company. Her professional career included lead roles in Allegro Brilliante, Raymonda, Paquita, Coppelia, Firebird, Cinderella, Promenade, Melodie, Effanesence/Knoxville, Alice in Wonderland and The Nutcracker, as well as numerous other roles. Lillian was a Principal with the Indianapolis Ballet and the Alberta Ballet Company.

During her professional career, Lillian taught at various schools in Edmonton, Alberta, such as the Alberta School of Ballet, Lecky School of Dance and Dance Workshop Studio.

She attended Canada’s National Ballet School’s Intensive Teacher Training Courses for three years before moving to Wisconsin in 1988 with her husband. In 1988, Lillian opened her own school, The Wisconsin Academy of Ballet, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. She taught all levels of Ballet and produced and choreographed The Nutcracker for six years. She also was a guest teacher at Ballet Madison, the Madison School of Ballet and Kanopy Dance.

In 2000, she closed her school to take a job with the Madison Ballet as the Ballet Mistress. In 2001, she began working at the Madison Professional Dance Center (MPDC), teaching Intermediate and Advanced Ballet, Pointe, Variations and Stretch & Strengthen. She started up the “Ballet Company”, working with a chosen group of ten dancers to prepare choreography and set variations for competitions. She moved back to Calgary, Alberta, in 2006, and taught at the Alberta School of Ballet, as well as the MacDonald Wilson Dance Academy.

Lillian returned to Wisconsin in September 2010 and has enjoyed teaching at MPDC and choreographing for the MPDC Company.

Elizabeth Newberry began dancing at the Madison Professional Dance Center at the age of 3. Her passion for dance grew quickly and by the age of 10, Elizabeth was traveling to different states attending rigorous dance intensives such as Joffrey Ballet and River North Dance Chicago. Throughout this time Elizabeth continued her training with the Madison Professional Dance Center in various styles of dance.

Elizabeth was a member of MPDC’s Senior Company for 8 years. She competed in numerous dance competitions receiving over 15 titles as well as multiple scholarships for further extensive training at studios such as Broadway Dance Center in New York City and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.

Over the past 4 years, Elizabeth has traveled to Los Angeles to train with the top instructors in the commercial industry including, Brian Friedman, Dana Alexa, Hamilton Evans, and many more.

Elizabeth was fortunate to participate in WE Day, a youth empowerment event created by Marc and Craig Kielburger, as a part of their talent crew performing for thousands of people and alongside Ciara and Paula Abdul. She also has participated in other dance events/performances such as The Nutcracker and MPDC’s annual Dance for Hunger. In 2015 Elizabeth and her sister Jeanette Newberry won the adult dance category for Rising Stars Competition for their duet, choreographed by Carol Ceniti.

Elizabeth has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to train in various styles of dance over her years of training and is excited to begin her journey as a part of the MPDC staff.

Jeanette Newberry grew up dancing at the Madison Professional Dance Center, competing with the junior and senior dance companies.

She attended River North & Joffrey Summer Intensive Workshops in Chicago and Colorado during the summer to further her training.

Jeanette also performed with Dance Wisconsin for two seasons and performed in Canada at the Regional Dance Festival.

She has been teaching and choreographing for MPDC for the past 6 years.

Jeanette recently earned her degree from Edgewood College in elementary education with a minor in special education.

Trinity has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She began dancing with the Visceral Company in Chicago at age 6 and was trained in ballet and Contemporary under the tutelage of Nick Pupillo.

She discovered hip hop at 10 and began training in hip hop to complement her study of ballet and Contemporary.

Trinity began traveling and training nationally to improve her technique. She has trained in Florida, Colorado, Texas, Los Angeles, St Louis, Argentina, and more.

Trinity has had the privilege of performing with The Squad out of Orlando and The Puzzle League out of Chicago, and competed with them as they won the World Dance Orlando, 2018 and World Dance Chicago, 2018. She presently dances on the professional crew of The Puzzle League, who just placed 4th in the very prestigious international competition, Body Rock. Trinity also currently trains with her friend and mentor, Ariel Juarez (Aj) from Madison, WI, and has been for over 3 years.

After spending several years as a substitute dance teacher and teaching assistant at conventions, Trinity has enjoyed teaching her own classes and choreographing competition dances in Huntley, Il. Trinity is excited to join the Madison Professional Dance Center and work with its amazing students, parents, and faculty.

Valerie’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of two due to her inability to avoid running into inanimate objects. Unbeknownst to her parents, this problem-solving tool would quickly become one of the most essential aspects of her life. Valerie danced at several studios in Madison until finding her home at The Madison Professional Dance Center, where she studied under the care of Carol Ceniti. She was a member of MPDC’s Senior Company for six years and team captain her Senior Year. Valerie has also gained experience by attending Jazz Dance World Congress, River North Dance Chicago workshops, and multiple other summer programs. She was also a member of Monona Grove’s Dance Team and captain for two of the years. She was three times voted as the Most Valuable Dancer and was also recognized with multiple awards by Badgerette Pom Pon and UDA programs.

Valerie has performed in Madison Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker and was The Sugar Plum Fairy in Verona Youth Ballet’s production in 2011. She also had the opportunity to perform with the late company Jazzworks.

Additionally, she played an integral role in putting together and performing a multi-faceted performance through UW Madison’s OMAI First Wave. She is a UW Madison graduate in Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies. While at the UW, she had the opportunity to study many different styles of dance through elective courses. Valerie turned her focus towards teaching in 2011, and has taught ballet, jazz, and lyrical at MPDC. The rewards of teaching are boundless, and she is excited to continue sharing her passion with others.

Sharon Butler is a native of Madison and is happy and proud to be a part of MPDC. Sharon recently retired after 42 years of teaching dance. Sharon was the owner and artistic director of West Side Performing Arts for 30 years and co-director of Performing Arts for Children for 10 years.

Sharon is proud of being the 1999/2000 Tremaine National Dance Teacher of the Year. She is also very proud to have three alumni that have been performing in several Broadway Shows, and 40 students working professionally in touring companies and as teachers. Jamie King, WSPA alumni, is the artistic director for Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Spice Girls, Rihanna and most recently directed the “Michael Jackson: One The Immortal World Tour” for Cirque du Soleil.

Sharon will enjoy still being a part of the dance world at MPDC.

Allison has been dancing for over 30 years and teaching for nearly 20 years. She received her training at West Side Performing Arts in Madison; the EDGE and the Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles; the Broadway Dance Center in New York; and Ballet Chicago.

She is trained in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop and musical theater and has taught a variety of ages and styles. Her classroom emphasizes technique, core strength, and encourages students to “dance with intent!”

Allison’s experiences include teaching dance at multiple studios in the Madison and Milwaukee areas, dancing competitively with teams and as an individual, choreographing award-winning pieces for several high school, college, and studio dance teams, performing in scholarship shows in Los Angeles and New York, and traveling nationwide for numerous convention circuits – both as a student and assistant. At these conventions, Allison received over 15 scholarships to study at studios in LA and New York, won the titles of “Distinguished Performer” for LA Underground/LA Dance Magic in the junior and teen divisions, and was a finalist for Tremaine Dance Conventions “Dancer of the Year” in the junior, teen, and senior divisions.

Allison received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Edgewood College and lives in the Madison area with her husband, Tom, and sons, Ryan and Simon.

Bailey began dancing at the age of three.

From any early age it was clear that dance was the best outlet for her self-expression. Bailey’s dance development took place at Madison Professional Dance Center where she competed with the senior company for six years. She has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop.

While at MPDC, Bailey worked as an assistant for classes in ballet, modern and hip hop. She expanded her training further by participating in summer intensives with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, and Alonzo King Lines Ballet.

She is a rising senior at University of Wisconsin – Madison where she is studying neurobiology, psychology and global health.

Bailey remains active in the Madison dance community and is excited to share her passion for dance!

Carol Marion Ceniti
Owner/Director of the Madison Professional Dance Center (MPDC)
Jazz – Lyrical – Musical Theater

Carol received her B.S. in Physical Education and Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been active as a dance instructor, performer, and choreographer nation-wide for the past 29 years; training with professionals from jazz and modern companies, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, River North Chicago Dance Company, Spectrum Dance Theatre, Nicholais/Murray Louis Dance Company and the Joseph Holmes Dance Company.

Carol has served as Jazzworks Dance Company’s Artistic Director and principle choreographer since 1985, contributing 60 works to the company’s repertoire. Under her direction, the company has earned a reputation for being “sophisticated, technically proficient, and tremendously entertaining…” (The Wisconsin State Journal), and “one of the gems of Madison’s performing arts landscape” (The Overture Center).

Carol teaches all levels of jazz dance and choreographs for the dance companies at MPDC. Carol’s choreography is dynamic and athletic, often combining movement vocabulary from ballet, modern, and jazz dance. Her work has been described as “Innovative…charming and breezy…no clichés” (Dance International).

Career highlights include receiving one bronze and two silver medals at the International Choreographer’s Competition at the Jazz Dance World Congress, performing her work at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, as well as in Wiesbaden, Germany, setting her work on the Amsterdam School of the Arts Dance Company in Holland, receiving the 1999 Wisconsin Dance Council Leadership Award and the 2003 and 1997 Choreographer’s Fellowship from the Wisconsin Arts Board. Carol travels throughout the United States, teaching dance majors at university dance programs and setting her choreography on regional dance companies.

Dance Company

The MPDC Senior Company

The MPDC Junior Company

The MPDC Teen Hip Hop Team

MPDC Teen Lyrical Team

MPDC Intermediate Hip Hop Team

MPDC Junior Jazz Team

MPDC Junior Hip Hop Team

MPDC Junior Lyrical Team