Summer Dance Programs 2023
Raising the Barre of Excellence
Colorado Ballet Society provides the atmosphere and tools needed to excel in training, develop artistry, and grow as a dancer. CBS is committed to developing well-rounded, healthy
dancers in an encouraging and challenging environment.
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There are many options for dance training this summer at CBS.
With a variety of programs and class choices,
you can customize a schedule that suits your individual needs.
Summer Dance Program Index:
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June 13-15
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Sparkles, ages 3.5-5​
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June 12-14
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Levels Acro 1-E3, ages 7-18
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June 19 - July 20
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Levels 2, E2, 3a, E3; ages 8-18
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June 12-15
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Levels 1-8, ages 5 & up
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Competition Preparation Workshop
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June 12 – July 29
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Levels 3b-8, Invitation ONLY
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July 24 – 28
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Levels 1-8, ages 6 & up
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June 19 – July 21
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Levels 3b, Int/Adv, & 4-8; ages 10 & up
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June 12 - July 29
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For ALL Levels
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Saturdays
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Level and ages depend on the class
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General Tuition Information
Tuition and Fees
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Tuition is due in full at the time of registration.
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Summer Registration Fee: $45/dancer (non-refundable)
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Drop-in Rate: $25/hour
Discount Information
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Dancers who register for 5 weeks of SBI receive a 10% discount for Worship and/or Broadway tuition.
Early Bird Registration
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For one week ONLY - waived registration fee.
June 13 - June 15 (Tues-Thurs)
The Great Staycation Vacation
Pack your bag and grab your gear: The Great Staycation Vacation is here! These fun-filled days of themed tap and ballet: bring a friend, bring your teddy, and let’s head on our way. We’ll camp, visit magical places, and swim at the beach. Join us for dance, crafts, storytime, and some treats!
Tuition: $175/week
Instructors: Kaylee Cheney & Bethanny Jorenby
June 12 - June 14 (Mon-Wed)
Flip Into Summer
Come join us to learn the basics of Acro dance and gain flexibility at the same time! Our Acro Camp focuses on strength, flexibility, acro technique, and various tumbling skills making it the perfect camp for dancers, gymnasts, or anyone who wants to learn Acro! Whether you are a seasoned Acro dancer or just starting off, this camp will provide students with exciting new skills, making them more versatile dancers.
Tuition: $100/week
Instructors: Kimberly Cano
Each themed week, dancers will receive up to 4 hours of daily instruction with a focus on classical ballet technique, contemporary dance, and choreography with an in-studio performance each Thursday at 4:15pm.
Each week is 4 days long, No classes on July 4
Week 1: June 19 - June 22 Don Quixote
Week 2: June 26 - June 29 Sleeping Beauty
Week 3: July 3 - July 7 Paquita
Week 4: July 10 - July 13 Jewels
Week 5: July 17 - July 20 The Nutcracker
PLUS: Movie & Pizza Night Every Wednesday
Instructors:
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Hillary Zama (Week 1)
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Bethanny Jorenby (Weeks 2, 3, 5)
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Laci Landry (Week 2)
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Amy Schaefer (Weeks 4, 5)
Tuition (discounted for taking additional weeks):
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1 Week: $250
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2 weeks: $475
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3 Weeks: $690
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4 weeks: $895
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5 weeks: $1,090
June 19 - July 20 (Mon-Thurs)
June 12 – 15
Experience the joy and power of worship through dance! Our theme, “For Such A Time As This,” explores the book of Esther. CBS faculty will guide the dancers to seek God’s direction for their lives and develop their potential in dance through technique and inspirational training. Together we will explore how to trust God’s plans for our lives and seek Him in all that we do. Multiple levels of instruction are offered for ages 5 and up. Each day begins with Creative Worship and Bible study, which allows dancers to use their artistic expression to experience His presence through dance. The day continues with ballet and choreography, resulting in up to 4 hours of instruction each day.
FREE evening performance on Thursday, June 15
Students will learn choreography throughout the week to present for family and friends at a venue. All participating dancers will receive a free t-shirt and will be served dinner before the performance!
Tuition: $425 (Monday-Thursday with a performance)
Instructors: Laci Landry, Mary Rodgers, Hillary Zama
June 12 – July 29
For Levels 3b-8 by Invitation ONLY
Ballet competitions are an incredible way for our students to develop their dance education through masterclasses, scholarship auditions, and judged performances. Colorado Ballet Society believes that providing coaching and training for these competitions is an important experience to help support our pre-professional students on their journey to becoming professional dancers or attending university dance programs. Our Competition Prep Workshop is where the preparation begins for competitions such as Universal Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix, and Denver Ballet Guild. Students will have the opportunity to have their variations selected before the fall season and train throughout the summer with CBS and guest faculty. This one-of-a-kind experience will give the students the confidence and tools they need to set them up for success at the competitions, as well as get personal corrections on technique and artistry, and build their work ethic.
Tuition: $450 total for the 7 weeks
Week: Instructors:
Week 1: June 13 & 15 Kate Walsh & Nichole Bennis
Week 2: June 20 & 22 Carol & Meelis Pakri & Dex Honea
Week 3: June 27 & 29 Patty Hoffman, Colton West, Nichole Bennis
Week 4: July 5 & 7 Ashley & Kason Hanson & Nichole Bennis
Week 5: July 11 & 13 Kate Walsh, Michael Waldrop, Dex Honea
Week 5: July 18 & 20 Dex Honea, Kate Walsh, Nichole Bennis
Week 5: July 25 & 27 Kate Walsh, Ana Noelle, Nichole Bennis
July 24 – 28
Musical theatre dance is a great way for students to build confidence and broaden their movement repertoire.
Let’s Seize The Day!
Come explore a better life from the hardship of the streets and find a cause to fight for and rally with fellow newsboys and girls. This innovative workshop is open to all dancers ages 6 and up. Dancers will receive up to 5 hours of training with a focus on musical theater dance, tap, contemporary, and ballet.
FREE evening performance on Friday, July 28
At the end of the week, dancers will perform choreographed scenes at a venue. Students will be served dinner before they perform.
Tuition: $475 (Monday-Friday with a performance)
Instructors:
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Victor Ayers (Guest Faculty for Musical Theater)
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Marissa Baker (Tap)
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Nichole Bennis (Contemporary)
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Bethanny Jorenby (Ballet & Contemporary)
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Rylee Scroggs (Tap)
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Hillary Zama (Ballet)
June 19 – July 21
Bringing the world of dance to you!
Train with world-class instructors here in Colorado. For 21 years, guest faculty have declared CBS students as prepared, responsive, willing, and beautifully trained.
Dancers ages 10 and up (placement required) will receive 5 hours of daily instruction and a weekly lecture. Dancers are prepared for the companies and choreographers of today’s dance world, with a focus on classical ballet technique, variations/repertoire, pointe, contemporary, character conditioning, choreography, and jazz. Extracurricular activities will be held at the end of the week, each Friday, immediately following classes. Activities will include a dance photoshoot, an afternoon at the Olympic Center Museum, and a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. *Activities are subject to change. ​
Tuition:
1 week: $500 4 weeks: $1,850
2 weeks: $975 5 weeks: $2,250
3 weeks: $1,425
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Performance on Saturday, July 22
At the end of the intensive, dancers will
perform at Cheyenne Mountain High School.
Tickets will be $25/person. Dancers must
attend the last 2 weeks of SBI to be eligible to perform.
Each week is 5 days long, No classes on July 4
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Week 1: June 19 - 23
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​Instructors:
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Ballet and Repertoire: Meelis and Carol Pakri
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Contemporary: Ana Noelle
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Conditioning: Laci Landry
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Character: Kate Walsh
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DanceChat: Preparing for a Professional Career in Dance
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Week 2: June 26 - 30
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​Instructors:
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Ballet and Repertoire: Colton West and Patty Hoffman
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Contemporary: Nichole Bennis
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Character: Dex Honea
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Conditioning/Stretch: Hillary Zama
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DanceChat: Social Media - Benefits, Awareness and Safety
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Week 3: July 3 - 8
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​Instructors:
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Ballet and Repertoire: Ashley Hanson and Ana Noelle
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Jazz: Jadell Lee
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Character/Flamenco: Kate Walsh
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META Performance: Ashley and Kason Hanson
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DanceChat: META Performance
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Week 4: July 10-14
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​Instructors:
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Ballet and Repertoire: Kate Walsh and Dex Honea
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Contemporary: Michael Waldrop
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Choreography: Laci Landry
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Pilates: Gabby French/Nichole Bennis
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DanceChat: Dance Injury & Prevention
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Week 5: July 17-21
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​Instructors:
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Ballet and Repertoire: Kate Walsh and Dex Honea,
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Contemporary: Meilyn Kennedy/Nichole Bennis
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Conditioning: Hillary Zama
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Choreography: Laci Landry
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DanceChat: Pointe Shoe Protocols & Preparedness​
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June 12 - July 29
Classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, and Sparkles
Regular Tuition Structure: Hourly rate x 7 weeks / 2 payments (June & July)
Saturdays
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Saturday, June 17
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Ballet with Jacob Taylor - Cost: $40/Class
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Levels 3b-4 10:00am-12:00pm
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Levels 5-8 12:00-2:15pm
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Saturday, June 24
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Hip Hop with Ron Jules - Cost: $35/Class
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Beg/Int (Ages 7-12) 10:00-11:30am
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Int/Adv (Ages 13+) 12:00-1:30pm
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Saturday, July 1
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Contemporary with Brittany Walker - Cost: $30/Class
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Levels 3b-4 10:00-11:00am
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Levels 5-8 11:30am-12:30pm
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Saturday, July 15 (Classes are also CYB & CDC Auditions)
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Ballet (CYB) with Patty Hoffman - Cost: $40/Class
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Levels 3b-4 10:00am-12:00pm
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Levels 5-8 12:15-2:15pm
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Contemporary (CDC) with Laci Landry - Cost: $30/Class
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Levels 5-8 10:30am-12:00pm
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Levels 3b-4 12:15-1:30pm
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Saturday, July 22
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​Tap with Rylee Scroggs - Cost: $25/Class
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Beginning 10:00-11:00am
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Intermediate 11:15am-12:15pm
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Advanced 12:30-1:30pm
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Saturday, July 29
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​Contemporary Ballet with Aoi Koenig - Cost: $40/Class
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Levels 3b-4 10:00am-12:00pm
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Levels 5-8 12:15-2:15pm
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Dex Honea (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 2 - Character; Weeks 4, 5- Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 6) danced professionally for fifteen years with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Eugene Ballet Company, and The Sarasota Ballet. He worked with many renowned choreographers and performed works by George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton, and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. He performed numerous roles from classical ballet to contemporary works and performed as a guest artist in many ballet companies. He began teaching in 2002, specializing in ballet technique, partnering, and character classes; and served as the Director of Education for the Sarasota Ballet School for five years. During his time as Director, Mr. Honea ran The Sarasota Ballet School, Dance: The Next Generation, and The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory of Dance. As Executive Director and School Principal of Colorado Ballet Society, he is in charge of directing the daily operations of the studio and overseeing all performances, special programs, and summer dance programs.
Kate Honea (Summer Ballet Intensive Weeks 1, 3 - Character/Flamenco, Weeks 4, 5 - Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Weeks 1, 5, 6) danced with The Sarasota Ballet for 19 seasons and held the titles of Principal dancer and Assistant Ballet Mistress. She performed lead and feature roles in ballets choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, and Christopher Wheeldon; had roles created on her, and toured internationally. She was an instructor with the Sarasota Ballet School and Dance: The Next Generation, for 12 years. She specializes in ballet technique, pointe, variations, and dance conditioning. She choreographed for The Sarasota Ballet and has choreographed for the Sarasota Ballet School summer workshops and end-of-the-year performances, including co-directing and producing full-length productions. Ms. Walsh Honea is an ABT® Certified teacher from Pre-Primary to Level 3, she completed training in Dance for Parkinson’s Disease, and is Certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. As Artistic Director of Colorado Ballet Society, Ms. Walsh Honea is responsible for the artistic direction of the school syllabus and all performances, and arranging guest teachers and choreographers throughout the year and summer, as well as guest artists for performances.
Patty Hoffman (Summer Ballet Intensive Weeks 2 - Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Weeks 1, 3, 7; Master Class Series - Ballet) founded Colorado Ballet Society, formerly known as Ballet Society of Colorado Springs, in September of 1997. Before moving to Colorado Springs, she was the founder and Director of La Jolla Festival Ballet and Dance Center in Southern California for 10 years. Ms. Hoffman began her studies in Monterey, California, with Patricia Wester. At age 16, she began studying full-time with England's Ballet Rambert. She received her MFA in classical ballet from U.S. International University where she also later joined the faculty. Ms. Hoffman performed principal roles created for her with Ballet International and San Diego Ballet. She also directed and taught in London, at the San Diego Ballet School, and at the USIU Conservatory of the Arts. Former students of Ms. Hoffman have gone on to dance with more than 30 professional companies, including world-renowned American Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet, Czech National Ballet, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Washington Ballet. Additionally, students have been accepted into over 60 prestigious dance schools and trainee programs. Ms. Hoffman is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Victor Ayers (Broadway Workshop - Musical Theater) began his journey through dance at age three and found, that beyond possessing a natural affinity for the art form, he also held a deep-seated love for it. At age ten Victor participated in the FAC’s Youth Reparatory Theater through which he discovered and began his pre-professional training with the Colorado Jazz Dance Company (CJDC) under the direction of Zetta Alderman. Victor studied with CJDC until 2006 when he graduated from high school.
After graduation, Victor attended The University of Arizona (UofA) in Tucson where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and performance. It was during his four years at UofA that Victor discovered his passion for building and choreography. Throughout his four years at UofA Victor built many works, most of which were showcased in the UA Dance season concerts. After receiving his BFA, Victor fed his performing hunger by accepting a job on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.
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After eight years traveling and dancing for Royal Caribbean (three of which were onboard the Oasis of the Seas performing Hairspray), Victor returned home to Colorado Springs in hopes of shifting his artistic focus from performance to choreography/coaching.
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Victor has been showcased by many organizations including UA Dance, Royal Caribbean Dancers Presents, Sansara Contemporary Dance, and Cleo Parker Robinson’s Mile High Dance Festival. His choreography for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center has been nominated and won many awards and includes shows such as Hairspray, Working: A Musical, and Anyone Can Whistle. When Victor is not busy choreographing/coaching, he is teaching/directing shows for Celebrity Cruises.
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He looks forward to the opportunity to share his art/perspective, take a new journey with new artists, and learn from those around him in the process. Let’s make magic!!!
Marissa Baker (Broadway Workshop - Tap) was born and raised in Colorado Springs. With 14 years of dance experience, Marissa is well-rounded in all styles. She has received various awards for her tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, and musical-theater dance on a regional and national level. Marissa apprentices with Tap Into the Network and its impressive faculty. She is also a member of Moore Rhythm and Co. Directed by the impressive Megan Moore. Marissa has been teaching for 5 years and loves helping kids grow their passion for dance. She currently teaches a variety of styles of dance at multiple studios in Colorado Springs.
Nichole Bennis (Young Dancers Workshop Week 1; Summer Ballet Intensive Weeks 2, 5 - Contemporary, Week 4 Pilates; Broadway Workshop - Contemporary) was born and raised in Las Vegas where she began dancing at the age of three. Under the direction of Kathy Bunker, she trained in various styles as a member of Bunker Dance Center’s pre-professional company, Nevada Youth Dancer’s Company. During her training, she attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts high school as a dance major. There, she acted as a teaching/administrative assistant to the department chair, Jeneane Huggins. Upon graduation, she moved to England to study at the London Contemporary Dance School. Whilst overseas, she took part in various workshops throughout Europe with companies such as Danish Dance Theatre and Batsheva Dance company. During her time at LCDS, Nichole performed in pieces by Joe Moran, Samir Kennedy and Ohad Naharin (restaged by Chisato Ohno) whilst choreographing her own work. In 2019, her self-choreographed duet “Framed Discourse” toured across England for young audiences. During the last year of her studies, Nichole was awarded the Peggy Hawkins Scholarship under the mentorship of Anthony Van Laast. After the completion of her degree, she relocated to the Colorado Springs area to further her pilates and dance teaching training. Nichole is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Kimberly Cano (Acro Dance Workshop) is originally from Garden City, KS. She began dancing at the age of 14 under the direction of Sabrina Montez at Steps Dance School. She trained primarily in ballet but quickly branched out to different styles of dance, such as jazz, tap, and lyrical. Kimberly attended Barton Community College to gain her A.A. in dance. During her time at BCC she danced competitively both years on the Barton Danceline. Along with performing, she has 3 years of experience as a lead instructor/choreographer. She taught various ages and styles, both recreationally and competitively at Danceography in Great Bend, KS. Kim is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Kaylee Cheney (Sparkle Dance Workshop) has lived in Colorado Springs her whole life and still marvels at beauty of the mountain range every morning. Dancing has always been a part of her life. She began dancing at the age of three and has always believed that dancing is an amazing way to express oneself. It has helped her through so many different scenarios. Especially when it comes to her health. She suffers from a disease known as Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening disease that affects her lungs, digestive system, lymphatic system, and other vital organs. Dancing has helped her stay healthy, keeping her lungs strong and helping her maintain weight and her Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD).
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Currently, she is working towards a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) in hopes of becoming an interpreter. She has attended Pikes Peak Community College since August of 2019 and has truly enjoyed going their ASL Interpreting Program so far. Kaylee also works at Colorado Ballet Society as a Sparkle Teacher and says it is such a joy to watch students grow and find their passion for dance!
Gabby French (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 4 - Pilates) started dancing at age 3, at a small studio in Alaska. At age 10, she was introduced to Pilates as a form of cross-training, keeping her body strong on and off stage. After high school, Gabby moved from home to pursue a professional ballet career. During that time, she sustained career-ending injuries. Gabby turned back to Pilates, knowing it could help rehab some of her injuries and allow her to move pain-free. She was amazed at the results she felt within the short time she took private Pilates lessons, and knew it was her passion to not only continue to rehab her own body but help others in similar situations. Gabby sought out Pilates training courses and decided on ‘The Vertical Workshop’ by Shari Berkowitz, a comprehensive training course. She completed the course in June 2020. Since, she has worked with numerous clients, including the University Alaska-Fairbanks Men’s D1 Ice Hockey team and Colorado Ballet Society. Now, her goal is to keep athletes, dancers, and everyone who comes to take a session with me, moving in a safe, strong, and healthy way.
Ashley Hanson (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 3 - Ballet and Repertoire, META Performance; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 4)
is from Tucson, AZ. and attended the University of Arizona’s School of Dance where she studied under the direction of Jory Hancock, Melissa Lowe, and Susan Quinn. While in Tucson, Ashley taught ballet, jazz, lyrical, and tap to dancers of all ages and abilities throughout the Tucson region.
In 2006, Ashley moved to Jackson, MS. to begin her professional training with Ballet Magnificat under the direction of Jiri Voborsky and Kathy Thibodeaux. In 2008 she was appointed to Company Apprentice and in 2009 to Company Artist. During her time at Ballet Magnificat, she taught and performed across the U.S. and Canada as well as 12 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. In 2015, Ashley retired from Ballet Magnificat and moved to Jonesboro, AR. with her husband Kason. There she began teaching ballet, jazz, contemporary, and floor/barre classes at studios and schools throughout the area.
In 2016, Ashley and her husband moved to Colorado Springs, CO. where she taught ballet, jazz, and contemporary in both studio and college settings. Ashley has also served as a dance adjudicator at competitions in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Colorado.
In 2019, Ashley and Kason formed META Performance to provide movement and performance coaching for dancers as well as training for athletes of other backgrounds. In 2020 they moved to Houston, TX. to spend time with family and continue developing the vision of META Performance. Since that time they have been providing movement
and performance coaching and consulting to studios in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado and are excited to be launching their first teacher training course in the summer of 2023. Ashley and Kason look forward to expanding their business to support as many dancers, dance instructors, and health and wellness practitioners as possible.
Kason Hanson (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 3 - META Performance; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 4) is originally from Minot, ND. He began his dance training under the direction of Mr. Rinat Mouzafarov. (Graduate of the Vaganova Academy and dancer with the Bolshoi). In 2011 he moved to Jackson, MS. to join Ballet Magnificat’s professional training program under the direction of Jiri Voborsky, and Kathy Thibodeaux. Following the completion of his training, Kason focused his efforts on conditioning and injury prevention for dancers.
In 2016 he received his personal training certification through the American
Council on Exercise and began teaching ballet technique and conditioning classes in Jonesboro, AR (2015-2016) and Colorado Springs, CO (2016-2018). In 2019 Kason graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
He and his wife then formed META Performance, to provide movement and
performance coaching for ballet dancers as well as training for athletes of other backgrounds. In the spring of 2020, Kason graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Science with a minor in Music Composition and Sound Design from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. In 2020 they moved to Houston, TX. to spend time with family and continue developing the vision of META Performance. Since that time they have been providing movement and performance coaching and consulting to studios in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado and are excited to
be launching their first teacher training course in the summer of 2023. Kason and Ashley look forward to expanding their business to support as many dancers, dance instructors, and health and wellness practitioners as possible.
Bethanny Jorenby (Sparkle Dance Workshop; Young Dancers Workshop Weeks 2, 3, 5; Broadway Workshop - Ballet & Contemporary) was born in southern California, where she knew even before the age of three she wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts. In third grade, she began taking ballet classes at Expanding Harmony Dance Studio in Brookings, South Dakota, at which time dance quickly moved from a hobby to a passion. Under the direction of Melissa Hauschild-Mork, Jerilyn Ommen, and Tabitha Hudson-Wedemeyer, Bethanny was able to study choreographic creation and various technical theater elements as well as ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and musical theater dance. She has choreographed numerous shows (Annie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Bye-Bye Birdie), designed costumes for local theater companies (Annie, The Music Man, Anne of Green Gables), assisted in casting for American Girl "Isabella" dance promotions, and created various concert works (The Slant, In The Shade of A Tree, Let There Be, What Can I Do) both in workshop and for performance. Bethanny is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She loves teaching and strives to create a classroom environment that is fun and encouraging while always challenging students to grow to the next level.
Ron “Future” Jules (Master Class Series - Hip Hop) was born in West Palm Beach Florida and has over 20 years of dance experience. In 2008 he graduated from Penn State University. While he was at Penn State he was on the Track Team and also studied dance. Ron is an all-style dancer, freestyler, and choreographer. He specializes in and is a highly skilled instructor of hip-hop, popping, locking, break dance, krump, and house. He was the co-founder/Vice president of R.A.M SQUAD, Penn State Hip-Hop Club. Ron worked as a Hip Hop instructor for Penn State, Woodward Camp and YMCA. His influences are Mr. Wiggles, Electric Boogaloos, The Lockers, Tight Eyez, Elite Force, Monsters of Hip-Hop, World of Dance, R.A.M Squad, and many more. Ron has been a 2 time Winner of Rhythm Spotlight/Allstyle Judge, won 3rd place in Mr. Wiggles All-style online contest, and can be seen in the special features of Step Up the movie DVD. Ron is excited to be sharing his knowledge and talents!
Meilyn Kennedy (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 5 - Contemporary) a native of Colorado, started dancing at the age of six in her hometown of Cripple Creek. She began her professional dance training privately before attending the Colorado Springs Ballet Society and The Joffrey Ballet Academy of Dance in Chicago. In 2017, Meilyn moved to Vancouver, Canada, where she continued her education at the Arts Umbrella Dance Graduate Program under the direction of Artemis Gordon. Upon graduating, she joined Hessisches Staatsballet Wiesbaden in Germany under the direction of Tim Plegge and then Bruno Heynderickx, where she is dancing now. Throughout her education and continuing career, she has had the pleasure of working with a variety of artists and choreographers such as Crystal Pite, Sharon Eyal, Damien Jalet, and Xie Xin, amongst many others.
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Aoi Koenig (née Funakoshi) (Master Class Series - Contemporary Ballet) originally hails from Chiba, Japan, where she started her classical
ballet study at the age of 7. Recognizing her talents, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music awarded Aoi a scholarship and she graduated Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance in 2000. As an active international performing artist, Aoi danced with classical ballet and contemporary dance companies around the world, appearing in prestigious theaters and international festivals including Joyce Theater, New York City Center, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Festival Internacional Cervantino (Guanajuato, Mexico), Palacio de Bellas Artes
(Mexico City, Mexico), and DanceXchange Birmingham (UK) to name a few. Her favorite memories of intensive performing years were with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (USA), Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company (USA), Compania de Danza Tania Perez-Salas, Ballet Nacional, and Lalejet Danza (Mexico City, Mexico), as well as Cas Public
Production and Les Sortileges (Montreal, Quebec, Canada). Aoi moved to Colorado Springs with her husband and their first child in the spring of 2011 and has been enjoying a full life with her growing family while serving passionately as the regular dance instructor at Ormao Dance Company and School, Pikes Peak State College as well as performing locally whenever possible. In Summer of 2022, Aoi was honored to serve as a guest instructor to teach the company classes for the artists of Ballet Hispanico (New York) during their residency at Green Box Festival (Green Mountain Falls, CO). Aoi was also grateful to be featured as Artist-of-the-Day for the Art Month by Peak Radar - the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.
Laci Landry (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 1 - Conditioning Weeks 4, 5 - Choreography; Young Dancers Workshop Week 2; Worship Dance Workshop; Master Class Series - Contemporary) originally from Michigan, has always loved to dance and began taking class at age 6. She focused on her classical and modern training when she transferred to the Flint School of Performing Arts in 2000. While there, Laci performed in many contemporary and classical ballets under the direction of Karen Mills Jennings with lead roles in The Firebird, The Nutcracker, and works by Darrell Grand Moultrie. She also performed and toured in the US and parts of Europe with the school's pre-professional company, Flint Youth Ballet. After graduating high school, Laci moved to New York to study at SUNY Purchase in the dance conservatory where she worked towards her BFA with a concentration in ballet and modern performance. She studied many modern techniques such as Graham, Limon, and Cunningham. While at Purchase, Laci performed in George Balanchine's Four Temperaments and did freelance work with Lane Gifford & Co. In 2008, Laci moved to Colorado Springs to join Ballet Emmanuel and was with the company for 5 years performing, touring, and teaching. Laci also executed event planning, booking, and marketing for the company and spent a few years as tour planner. Laci is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a certified and licensed Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor. Laci has been teaching at Colorado Ballet Society since 2013 and is co-manager of the Connexus Dance Collective.
Jadell Lee (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 3 - Jazz) is a professional dance educator, touring adjudicator, published author, and TEDx speaker who brings a fresh perspective of life to audiences across the country while Preparing dancers for the center stage of life. Trained in Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz & Modern, Lee has served as an adjunct professor of dance at Seton Hill University, a guest lecturer at Southern Utah University, and has been represented by Go 2 Talent Agency. Lee has served as Assistant Director for CRU Dance Competition, touring faculty with Thrive Dance Experience, Symposium Talent Contest, and United States Tournament of Dance as well as a guest master instructor for Abby Lee Dance Company and Mather Dance Company Online.
Detailing the success of his career, mental health advocacy, and coaching program—helping dancers start and grow their professional dance educator career, Lee has also been featured in Yahoo Finance, FOX, CBS, NBC, Authority Magazine, Influencive, Thrive Global, Accesswire, News Break & more. Lee has worked with Jussie Smollett and Dance Mom’s Season 8’s, Sarah Georgiana. Committed to helping others become the person their dreams demand them to be through social-emotional learning, Lee is the author of Your First Position: A Simple Guide to Self-Discovery, Activation & Breakthrough.
Jadell Lee holds are Bachelor of Arts in Dance with an emphasis in experimental and unconventional choreography from the University of California, Riverside, and is the CEO of Elevate Convention—a one-day touring dance convention providing master dance training, talent agency workshops, scholarships, and more to dancers throughout the United States.
He has taught at Ballet Society for the following events: 2016 Winter Workshop, 2017 Summer Ballet Intensive, and 2018 Summer Ballet Intensive.
Ana Noelle (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 1 - Contemporary, Week 3 - Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 7), originally from Delaware, has been training in dance since the age of 4. As her passion for movement grew, her training followed while she studied under Anna Marie Leo, Anna Ivanova, and Roni Mahler intensely. Ana spent each summer of her young teen years training with different Ballet schools along the east coast, beginning with First State Ballet in DE, to Kirov Ballet in WA, and Kaatsbaan Ballet in NY. She had the opportunity to perform throughout the U.S. with her school of dance, performing roles such as; Sugar Plum Fairy (Nutcracker) Snow Queen (Nutcracker), and Four Little Swans (Swan Lake) set by Christopher Roman. Ana received her degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA with a concentration in Classical Ballet in 2016.
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While training at this prestigious school, she has the privilege of performing works set by Colin Jacobs of Cleveland Ballet, Troy Powell of Alvin Ailey II, and Peter Merz, Academy director of Ballet West. In this time, Ana competed in the Youth American Grand Prix twice, going to the New York finals with the Point Park University group in the first year and shortly after the second year, Ana was invited to perform her Contemporary solo at the Toronto Dance Theatre, ‘Rising Artists’ in 2014. During her time training in Pittsburgh, PA, Ana taught Classical Ballet and set choreography for dance schools in PA, DE, and throughout Eastern Canada, while also attending summer programs yearly to broaden her training and knowledge. Shortly after her time in Pittsburgh, Ana moved to Seattle, WA in 2017 to perform as a company member under Alice Gosti, while also performing works set by Kate Wallich and Mackenzie Short. During this time, Ana had the honor to be a guest choreographer for companies in Washington (Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Chehalis) and Oregon (Portland) for 2 years.
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During her time in Washington, Ana also taught Classical Ballet, Pointe, and ran the Contemporary Dance program for a local dance school for 4 years. Performing is a passion of Ana’s and will always fuel her desire to teach and share her knowledge with today’s generation of aspiring dancers. She is thrilled to be joining the Colorado Ballet Society faculty for the 2021 Season!
Carol Pakri (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 1 - Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 2) began her dance training at the David Taylor Dance Theatre in Littleton, Colorado, where she studied with Lynelle Mossholder, Milton Myers, and James Clouser. In 2000, she went on to receive a BFA in Ballet Performance at the University of Oklahoma, graduating with honors. While dancing with Oklahoma Festival Ballet she danced the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, the White Cat in The Sleeping Beauty, a soloist role in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and toured to Nice & Cannes, France. Upon graduation, Carol returned to Colorado, where she danced with Colorado Ballet and David Taylor Dance Theatre. She performed in Swan Lake, Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, Donald McKayle’s Jam Nation, and Martin Fredmann’s Cinderella & The Nutcracker. ​Carol has been teaching for over 20 years. She has held the positions of Director for the Youth Ballet Company at Spotlight Performing Arts Academy and School Principal & Principal Teacher at the Academy of Colorado Ballet South. In 2006, she joined the staff at The Royal Ballet School in London, England, where she taught for 7 years. During her time there, she graduated from The Royal Ballet School Professional Dancers Teachers Course with Distinction. Upon returning to the United States in 2014, Carol taught on staff at the Houston Ballet Academy. She now resides in Boca Raton, Florida, and is currently the Director of the Children’s Division at the Florida School for Dance Education and Director of Outreach for the Dance Theater of Florida.
​She has taught at Ballet Society for the following events: 2018 Summer Ballet Intensive and 2022 Summer Ballet Intensive.
Meelis Pakri (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 1 - Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 2) is on the ballet faculty at Harid Conservatory in Florida. He is originally from Estonia and is a graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. Following his graduation, Mr. Pakri danced with Estonian National Ballet as a principal dancer and taught partnering and technique classes at the Tallinn State Ballet School. During that time, he also performed as a principal guest artist at the International Ballet Festival in Havana, Cuba; and for the National Theater of Macedonia in Skopje, Yugoslavia. In 1991, at the invitation of then-artistic-director Martin Fredmann, Mr. Pakri joined Colorado Ballet as principal dancer. Over the next ten years, he performed numerous classical and contemporary roles, including Albrecht in Giselle, the title role in George Balanchine’s Apollo, Basilio in Don Quixote, the principal male in Balanchine’s Rubies, and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake. Mr. Pakri was also a frequent guest performer in Estonia and Japan. In 1998, he performed as a guest artist with the Martha Graham Dance Company in the role of the Husbandman in Appalachian Spring at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Mr. Pakri retired from dancing in 2001 and, for the next five years, served as ballet master of Colorado Ballet. In 2005, he received critical acclaim for staging The Sleeping Beauty for the Company. In 2006, Mr. Pakri joined the faculty of The Royal Ballet Upper School in London, England, where he remained until August 2013. During his tenure, Mr. Pakri’s students won prizes at the Youth America Grand Prix and Young British Dancer of the Year competitions. He also served as a guest teacher at Estonian National Ballet and numerous other schools. Prior to joining HARID’s faculty, Mr. Pakri was ballet master at Houston Ballet. He remains active as a guest teacher.
​He has taught at Ballet Society for the following events: December 2007 Ballet Master Class, December 2008 Ballet Master Class, 2017 Summer Ballet Intensive, 2018 Summer Ballet Intensive, and 2022 Summer Ballet Intensive.
Mary Rodgers (Worship Dance Workshop) Mary grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she began her early dance training at age 4. She quickly developed a joy for dancing, as praise to the Lord. Upon transitioning to Canyon Concert Ballet at age 13, Mary honed her technical skills through extensive and varied technique classes. She also performed in The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Snow White. In 2019, Mary graduated with her BA in Dance from Colorado State University. She received quality instruction in ballet and modern technique, pedagogy, improvisation, repertoire, choreography, and dance history. During her time at CSU, she was invited to choreograph for dance sections of the music department’s opera performance, Orfeo ed Euridice. She also served as Vice President and President of the Dance Student Advisory Committee. Additionally, she taught classes and coached a performance team at Lighthouse Dance Company. After graduation, she and her husband followed the Lord’s call to teach English overseas for two years. Mary was humbled to learn that her identity is not rooted in her skills or title as a dancer but in Christ. She is excited to get back into the dance community and desires to continue teaching, performing, and choreographing for Him.
Amy Schaefer (Young Dancers Workshop Weeks 3, 4, 5) grew up in Wichita, KS where she began dancing just before her 3rd birthday. Her early training included time at the Kansas Dance Academy and studying in L.A. on scholarship with the EDGE Performing Arts Center. In high school, Amy moved to study ballet intensively with Ms. Sharon Rogers at Rogers Ballet, Inc. She graduated from college with a B.F.A. in Ballet from Friends University. During her time at Friends, she was honored to have roles created for her by Dominic Walsh, formerly with Houston Ballet and Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre, and Shawn Stevens, formerly with New York City Ballet. In addition to performing many original works, she was also a soloist in the Nutcracker, Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, and performed the principal role in Les Syphides. After graduation, she continued to dance with Wichita Ballet Theatre and began her teaching career. In 2009, she joined Ballet Emmanuel, a full-time Christian ballet company, and made the move to Colorado Springs. She retired from performing in 2012 and is enjoying teaching at Ballet Society, raising three beautiful children, and exploring the mountains with her husband. Ms. Schaefer is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Rylee Scroggs (Broadway Workshop - Tap; Master Class Series; Summer Session Classes) started dancing at the age of three. Out of the eighteen years of dancing, twelve of those years were as a competitive dancer. During her high school career, she attended Arts Immersion and Springs Studios for Academic Excellence to focus solely on dancing as her education. In addition to this, every year she would attend a performing arts camp(s) in Colorado, Nebraska, and California with the Young Americans to further her training. In 2019, Rylee graduated from Springs Studios for Academic Excellence and her competition studio of eight years, Dance Unlimited. During this time, she trained in styles such as tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, acro, musical theater, hip hop, heels, modern, lyrical, contemporary, and composition. This is Rylee’s fifth semester at Pikes Peak State College and where she is currently majoring in dance and has been a part of the High Altitude Dance Ensemble. While at PPCC, she has expanded her dance studies to include dance for camera, dance history, dance composition, methods of teaching, technical theater, and Feldenkrais. Rylee has just returned home from a one-year internship working at Walt Disney World and has hopes to go back to Florida full-time, but is excited to continue dancing and teaching in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas.
Jacob Taylor (Master Class Series - Ballet) received his formative training at Boulder Ballet School and in the summer programs of American Ballet Theater, The School of American Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Kaatsbaan, and Perry Mansfield. Mr. Taylor is a graduate of the Ballet Performance Program at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where he was coached by Violette Verdy and Michael Vernon. At IU he performed in works by George Balanchine, Martha Graham, Agnes de Mille, Dwight Rhoden, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, and Antony Tudor. His professional performance career includes dancing for such companies as Boulder Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, FJK Dance, Lydia Johnson Dance, New Jersey Ballet, and Rebecca Kelly Ballet. Mr. Taylor has taught ballet at Peridance Capezio Center, Colorado Ballet Academy, and 92NY. He has been commissioned to choreograph new works for Boulder Ballet, Colorado Ballet Academy, New England Ballet Theatre, IU Opera Theatre, and the “Shut Up and Dance” festival with dancers of Philadelphia Ballet.
Michael Waldrop (Summer Ballet Intensive Week 4 - Contemporary; Competition Preparation Workshop Week 5) was born in Los Angeles, California. He has toured the world, performing with Ballett des Theater Koblenz, State Street Ballet, and Pasadena Dance Theatre, as well as guest performances with Odyssey Dance Theatre, Seamless Dance Theater and the Covent Garden Dance Company’s international gala, Ballet in the Park. During this time, he performed in the classical and contemporary works of Peter Chu, Andreas Heise, Daniel Ezralow, Steffen Fuchs, Bella Lewitzky, Cathy Marston, Ihsan Rustem, Tom Ruud, William Soleau, Uwe Scholz, and Josie Walsh.
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From the world of concert dance to the commercial industry, Michael has also appeared in the feature film Underground Comedy, ABC’s Bunheads, Nickelodeon’s Fresh Beat Band, and the Emmy Award winning opening routine of the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Other credits include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, industrials for Disney and MAC Cosmetics, performances at Los Angeles’ Music Center and the Getty Museum for the Dance Camera West Film Festival, the American Choreography Awards, and a feature in an edition of Life Magazine.
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Michael has choreographed original works for Theater Koblenz, Marymount Manhattan College, and the Joffrey Ballet School, as well as commissioned presentations for the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensives, and the School of State Street Ballet. Michael is currently Associate Artistic Director of the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program at the Joffrey Ballet School.
Brittany Walker (Master Class Series - Contemporary) began her dance training in Miami, Fl. with the Patricia Penenori Dance Center and Mencia-Pikieris School of Dance. She attended Coral Reef Senior High School, the only Mega-Magnet school in the southeastern United States, where she studied under the Visual and Performing Arts Academy, and she attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater summer intensive. She attended Belhaven University to claim her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance between 2005-2009, and studied under Cynthia Newland, Laura Moton, Ravenna Tucker, Britta Wynne, and Stephen Wynne, during which she spent participating at festivals hosted by American College Dance Festival. Walker went on as a choreographer and dancer for TALK Dance Company for three seasons, creating work for “Handel's Messiah” which was performed in Russia with the Philharmonic Orchestra in 2011. Ms. Walker has continued to choreograph for Belhaven University for their dance ensemble, dance ministry, and two senior project solos and was an adjunct professor of Jazz dance at Hinds Community College. She has guest performed with Noumenon Dance Ensemble of Chicago, Elements Dance Collective of New York, and worked as an instructor at Arts Immersion, a high-quality, tuition-free, innovative, middle and high school for the performing arts of Colorado. She choreographed two winning contemporary senior solos for Youth American Grand Prix in 2015 and 2016 and is currently the Resident Choreographer at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Colorado and produces dance performances for the Sangre de Cristo Ballet. Ms. Walker performed with the Elements Dance Collective in Rhode Island in 2017 and Hannah Kahn Dance Company from 2017-2018. Ms. Walker is the founder, choreographer, and performer with Evolve Dance Project.
Colton West (Summer Ballet Intensive Weeks 2 - Ballet and Repertoire; Competition Preparation Workshop Weeks 3) is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received his training at the Colorado Ballet Society under the direction of Patricia Hoffman and attended summer intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Austin, American Ballet Theatre, and the Paris Opera Ballet School. Colton also spent a year abroad in Singapore to further his education and training. As a student, Colton competed in YAGP and the International Competition in Grasse, France. He was awarded the Denver Ballet Guild's first prize in 2013 and 2015.
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In his professional career, Colton performed with Ballet Idaho, State Street Ballet, Eugene Ballet, and Canada’s Ballet Jorgen. He was also a competitor in the 2018 International Ballet Competition in Jackson. Colton performed classical roles including the Cavalier in The Nutcracker, The Hero (Prince Ivan) in The Firebird, Bluebird in Sleeping Beauty, Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle. He also performed pieces by respected choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Val Caniparoli, Stephanie Martinez, Peter Anastos, and Edgar Zendejas.
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Colton is a student at MSU Denver, photographer/videographer with Candidly Created, and frequently teaches at schools across Denver.
Colton West has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Hillary Zama (Summer Ballet Intensive Weeks 2, 5 - Conditioning/Stretch; Worship Dance Workshop; Young Dancers Workshop Weeks 1, 4; Broadway Workshop - Ballet) began her training with Patricia Hoffman at Colorado Ballet Society in 2000. She joined Colorado Youth Ballet in 2003 for its first season and remained a company member until 2013. During her decade with CYB, she performed the title roles in The Firebird and Peter and the Wolf, as well as Sugar Plum Fairy and Spanish Lead in The Nutcracker. Hillary joined The Thorn tour as an Angel in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and in 2014 as Eve, performing a straps aerial routine. She placed 1st at Esther Geoffrey Young Dancers’ Scholarship Competition in 2006, 2008, and 2010 and earned a spot as a top 10 finalist at Denver Ballet Guild in 2009 and 2010.
Miss Hillary began her teaching career in 2006. While her focus is classical ballet, she has also taught broadway, contemporary, jazz, tap, and line dancing. Her roles at CBS have also included Praise Dance Ensemble manager as well as production manager. She has choreographed for both Colorado Youth Ballet and Connexus Dance Collective. She enjoys coaching dancers one-on-one to help prepare them for competitions, summer intensives, college programs, and professional careers. Hillary is thrilled to return to CBS for her 15th year of teaching!
In addition to teaching, Hillary is the owner of Spruce Up, LLC, a professional organizing business in Colorado Springs, and is the author of a bestselling book on Amazon, Spruce Up: a Professional Organizer’s Guide for Your Home, Your Body, Your Life. She is also a Disney travel professional and loves planning magical vacations!