Alayna Moricz

Lawrence Technological University 

I attended Pinckney High School, where I was a member of the varsity dance team all four years. Multiple times, we earned the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney World in a lighted parade and on stage, based on our performance at the annual Badgerette Midwest Grand Championships.

I went on to study at Lawrence Technological University, where I earned my degree in Interior Design and my Master’s in Architecture. I’m currently an interior designer at C2AE.

Throughout college, I was an active member of LTU’s dance team. I served as co-captain, received the NDA All-American Award, and earned the WHAC All-Conference Second Team. Upon entering my master’s program, I became a graduate assistant for the team. Now, as a post-grad, I continue to stay involved as the recruitment manager, helping to grow LTU’s Cheer and Dance Team.

Amber Casillas

Midwest Movement Collective

"Amber Casillas grew up dancing and has never stopped. She enjoys all styles of dance, but is particularly fond of the rhythms of tap and the freedom that contemporary brings. She was the director of a local studio for 10 years where she was blessed with wonderful dancers and fellow teachers. 

She has been a company member and choreographer for Grand Rapids Dance Ensemble and Atelier Dance Company where she has had the honor of performing for MDA, DaCi, the Detroit Dance City Festival, and Festival of the Arts. 

She is currently an instructor and the Director of the Performance Company at Midwest Movement Collective, an intentionally inclusive movement space for adults of all abilities. Recent performance credits include: West Michigan Dance Festival, Movement Reservoir’s Annual Concert, The Veil guest performers, Art Prize Top 20 Artists, and Avant Ballet Theatre’s Inaugural Fundraiser. "

Alyson Faith

Master Class Teacher

Alyson Faith is a multifaceted artist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After spending six transformative years in California, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and immersed herself fully in the creative industry.

Trained extensively in hip-hop, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and modern dance, Alyson combines technical versatility with authentic personal expression. Over the past three years, she has choreographed and collaborated on music videos with acclaimed artists such as French Montana and K-pop artist Sunkis—experiences that have deepened her appreciation for collaboration and the power of movement as a form of storytelling.

Beyond performance, Alyson is passionate about teaching and empowering others through dance, using movement as a means to build confidence, connection, and community. Her creative vision extends across multiple disciplines, including acting, vocal training, music production, directing, and songwriting—all united by her mission to create spaces that celebrate authenticity and artistic unity.

Recently returning to her hometown of Detroit, Alyson has reconnected with the grounding energy that first inspired her to pursue the arts - as an alumna of the Harrison Dance Company, where she trained under the incomparable Toi Banks.  

Andi Salazar

University of Michigan

Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Andi is a choreographer, dance educator, performer, and sociologist with a multifaceted career. Her voice as an artist and educator developed through years of both practice and study, receiving her BA in Sociology at the Catholic University of Chile, then continuing to earn an MFA in Dance and Choreography from Mills College in Oakland, CA, and most recently graduating with a Master’s degree in dance education from NYU: Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Pedagogy.

Since moving to the US, she has performed for choreographers such as Joe Landini and Molissa Fenley, while showcasing her work with “APulso DP"" at many festivals and venues around the country. She has also taught at Alonzo King Lines Ballet and American Ballet Theater as a teaching artist.

Since relocating to the Midwest from NYC, she has taught at the University of Michigan Dance Department, Western Michigan University,  Alma College, Grand Rapids Ballet, Eastern Michigan University, and Grand Valley State University. "

Barbara Selinger

Detroit Dance Collective

Barbara Selinger, choreographer, performer and educator, is Artistic Director of Detroit Dance Collective, a company she co-founded in 1980. She has choreographed and performed since 1973, creating more than 100 major works for DDC and other companies. Barbara is the only Michigan dance artist awarded six Creative Artist Grants from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs to create, perform and produce her work. Barbara’s choreography, celebrated for its humanity and ability to stimulate the senses through visually striking images, has been presented throughout Michigan and in Detroit, Chicago, New York City and Toronto. Barbara has more than 30 years experience in higher education where she mentors students pursuing a career in the arts, and conducts numerous dance/arts classes in schools grades K-12. Her academic achievements include M.Ed. in Dance - Wayne State University and B.A. - Anna Maria College. She has been awarded the prestigious Arts Achievement Award from Wayne State University and Teacher of the Year Award from the Michigan Dance Association, selected as one of 3 artists for the Governor’s People’s Choice Award for outstanding Michigan artist in 2005, honored by the cities of Farmington and Dearborn for her artistry and commitment to community arts programming, and is the 2015 recipient of Michigan Youth Arts Touchstone Award as VSA educator of the year. Barbara has been recently awarded the 70 Over Seventy Lifetime Achievement Award by Hannan Center, Detroit. More information regarding Ms. Selinger may be found at https://www.ddcdances.org/artistic-director.html

Basira Norris (Ms. B.)

Wayne State University

I began my studies of Congolese African dance in the late 80’s after joining the “Art of Motion Dance company” I studied dance as well as instruments from master drummers and dancers under the direction of Karen Prall. I will continue to study as well as teach throughout my lifetime and plan to continue as long as I live.

Biba Bell

Wayne State University

Biba Bell (US) is a dancer, choreographer, and writer based in Detroit. Her choreographic work, often set in unconventional venues, focuses on domesticity, labor, and architecture. Her current project investigates dance and arts activism as it intersects forest protection and conservation, through the lens of what she theorizes as epiphytic choreographies. Bell’s work has been presented at the Kitchen, Movement Research, Roulette Intermedium, Jack NY, Centre Pompidou, Garage for Contemporary Culture, Jack Hanley Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroit Institute of Arts, Insel Hombroich, Matéria Gallery, Galerie Camille, amongst others.  Most recently she was a guest artist researcher at Im_Flieger in Vienna and performed with Detroit Opera in John Cage’s Europoeras 3 & 4 directed by Yuval Sharon and Joan Jonas’ Mirror Piece I & II at Museum of Modern Art. Her essay “Becoming Epiphyte: Tree Sitting,  Hypermingling, (Para)sitism, and  Abolition Ecologies” is published in the most recent issue of Liminalities: a Journal of Performance Studies and she self-published the book Modern Garage Movement (2005-2011) on the namesake performance collective of which she was a member. Bell earned her PhD in Performance Studies from New York University and is an Associate Professor of Dance at Wayne State University. Of her dancing the New York Times writes: “It’s invigorating to watch someone who borders on wild.” www.bibabell.com

Brayden Schmitt 

"Brayden Schmitt is a choreographer, dancer, and educator based in Lansing, Michigan. Receiving his professional training from the Greater Lansing Ballet Company under Jim McEwen, Schmitt currently dances with Take Root and performs as a guest artist in various ballets and productions with companies such as the Lebowsky Center, Fenton Ballet Theatre, West Michigan Youth Ballet, iBallet, and more. Brayden’s work is inspired by his broad range of styles from classical to contemporary to commercial, putting emphasis on musicality, storytelling and clarity. 

Schmitt’s choreographic debut, Betraying the Betrayed, was presented at Regional Dance America’s 2021 MidStates Festival, receiving the “Director’s Pick” emerging choreographer award. He has since choreographed numerous student routines for competitions and community events. His first professional work, Nomad’s Land, premiered February 2025 and has since earned him the Rising Choreographer award at Dance City Festival in Detroit this fall. Nomad’s Land is Brayden’s response to the forced relocation of innocent people throughout the world."

Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement and Texas A&M University

Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers is the Executive Artistic Director and founder of CPR Dance: Inhale Movement. She received her MFA at the University of the Arts and graduated as the Presidential Scholar with a BFA from Western Michigan University. Carolyn has danced in NYC, Miami, LA and Michigan dancing and acting both on stage and on camera. Her dance-based works have been featured nationally and internationally, have been a finalist for Michigan’s Maggie Allessee’s Choreography Competition, and has been awarded grant support by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, & Texas A&M. She can be seen as ‘Abby’ in Moondance (2020) and has performed for Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, Coldplay, Omi, Starbucks, Jockey Bra, Kaplan University, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Diavolo EdCo, Mariana Olivera, Clairobscur, LACDC, Nickerson-Rossi Dance, and Vox Lumiere.  She has performed in works choreographed by Cori Terry, Erik Hawkins, Yvonne Rainer, Loïe Fuller, Gerald Arpino, Antony Tudor,  Randy Duncan, Laurie Eisenhower, and John Leher.  

Carolyn is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and has taught at Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University. She also judges for CRU National Dance Competition, has taught for The Gabriella Foundation in Los Angeles, honored by Michelle Obama in 2015. She is certified as an ABT Affiliate Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level VII & Partnering. She also holds certifications in Graham Technique Levels 3/4/5, PBT, PCT, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Contemporary, Reiki and Yoga. 

Carrie Brueck Morris

Grand Valley State University

Carrie Brueck Morris is currently Dance Curriculum Coordinator and Professor of Dance at Grand Valley State University. Originally from Minnesota, she graduated from Kenyon College with a B.A. in Dance and earned her M.F.A. in Dance at Temple University. Prior to her time in Michigan, Ms. Morris taught at Western Kentucky University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Temple University. She has been fortunate to perform with choreographers such as Lou Antonini, Marianela Boán, and Meghan Durham Wall, performing in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. Carrie has also produced her own choreography professionally in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, Tulsa, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Civitavecchia, Italy.  

Catera Burgess

Master Class Teacher

Catera Burgess is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University, and has received a BFA in dance. During her time there she was cast in works including BAIRA, Kate Skarpetowska, Jennifer Archibald and Mike Esperanza. She was a member of Western Dance Project, under the direction of Whitney Moncrief, and performed at the American College Dance Association in 2018-2020 in works by Alyssa Brutlag and Monique Haley. Catera was a member of the Institute of Dancers for 2 seasons under the direction of Glenn Douglas Packard. She also completed 2 seasons as a guest artist with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Catera has had the pleasure with working with artist like Bebe Rehxa, Anike, and KaMillion and has performed in live shows such as, the Detroit Thanksgiving Halftime Show and The Dove Awards.

Cianna Jao

Chayah Artistic Residency Artist- CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

"Ciana Jao is a first-generation Filipino-American from Michigan, now based in New York City. She began her training at Spotlight Dance Works under Liz Schmidt, where her foundation as a competitive dancer shaped her passion for movement.

She earned a BFA in Dance from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, concentrating in Composition under Doug Varone, with a minor in Arts Management and studies in multimedia. While at Purchase, she worked with renowned choreographers including Joseph Hernandez, Peter Chu, Loni Landon, and Sau-Ching Wong (La Veronal). Her artistic growth has been enriched by training programs such as B12 RESEARCH OR DIE, Vim Vigor’s Summer Intensive, and Doug Varone and Dancers: Devices.

Ciana has performed with Verbal Animal Company and is currently an artist with KAŌS Dance Collective. Her choreography has been presented at Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s New Dance Festival, Arch Dansé Ensemble’s Curated series, and stages across NYC and Detroit. She is currently in residence at Green Space, developing a new work premiering in May 2025. For more information, check out her Instagram @cianajao"

Dr. Ras Mikey Courtney

Wayne State University

Dr. RAS Mikey Courtney is an Emmy awarded interdisciplinary performing arts professional and scholar who explores the concept of ‘movement as cultural knowledge’, by using the arts as a conduit for cultural understanding in communities globally. As an established choreographer, director, educator, singer/songwriter, and host/emcee, Dr. RAS received a BFA in Modern Dance from the UARTs in Philadelphia and an Advanced MA degree in Ethnochoreology from the University of Limerick in Ireland, where he also completed his PhD in Arts Practice Research.  Dr. RAS has developed an embodied contemporary Ethiopian form he calls Ethio-Modern Dance, which he transmits through workshops, lectures, classes, and publications. Dr. RAS’ works reflect his diverse cultural experiences and investigate the relevance of embodied cultural knowledge within performance and education. In conjunction with teaching and producing various works with his company Fore Im a Versatile Entertainer (F.I.V.E.) LLC, Dr. RAS has also collaborated with artists and companies from around the world, including Pilobolus, Raven-Symoné, Major Lazer, the Marley family, Chronixx, Irish Aid, AfroFlow, Skales, and the International Organization of Migration in Addis Ababa, to name a few. Dr. RAS Mikey has also facilitated a student/staff exchange between the University of Limerick and Addis Ababa University. Dr. RAS is also an established singer/songwriter, collaborating with his Producer, Kenny Allen. His most recent recordings are the singles Intentions and Gift Of Jah released in the summer of 2024.  As assistant professor of Dance at Wayne State University, Dr. RAS continues to explore and share his life as a movement within communities globally. He can be heard on his RAS Mikey C Radio station, streaming online. “Movement is life, and I am a lifist.

www.rasmikeyc.com

Edgar L. Page

Grand Valley State University

Detroit Native, Edgar L. Page (he/him/brotha), comes from legacies celebrating the African Diaspora and Black Modern Dance traditions. A proud Cass Technical High School graduate, Mr. Page received a BA in Dance from Western Michigan University as a concurrent Martin Luther King, Jr. and Wade H. McCree, Jr. Scholar. After graduation he spent a season with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company then became a principal dancer with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, touring domestically and internationally for a decade. With graceful prowess, Mr. Page shifted his focus, establishing Edgar L. Page: Feel the Movement in 2018, as an intersectional, multigenerational movement arts initiative. Page was a 2020 Dance/USA DILT mentee and went on to receive the 2021 Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture for Innovation. Page has held numerous fellowships including the National Center for Choreography at the University of Akron (NCCAkron) CAR program and the Intercultural Leadership Institute. Mr. Page was named an Alex Dube Scholar while earning his MFA from Hollins University and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Dance at Grand Valley State University.

Eleanor Raygorodsky

Eleanor Dance Devotion

Eleanor Raygorodsky is a choreographer and dancer whose work explores the intersections of dance, philosophy, and multiple art forms. She is the founder and artistic director of Eleanor Dance Devotion, through which she creates original works for both soloists and ensembles.

Eleanor has a BA from University of Michigan Dearborn in Philosophy and is finishing her BFA in Dance at Wayne State University. She is also pursuing Pilates certification to complement her somatic and movement practice. Eleanor regularly participates in numerous showcases and exhibitions, presenting not only her dance but also her writing and visual art.

Eleanor has performed as a soloist with Company One and danced with Terpsichore Dance Collective and Eisenhower Dance Detroit. She was recognized as Suttle Dance Company’s Established Emerging Choreographer and has presented choreography at many prestigious venues and festivals, including Detroit Dance City Festival, Shape // Matter, NDEO, NACHMO, and the Company One Tour. Her work has been featured in the photography publication Essence of Dance.

She created Mind and Movement, a dance event held through Arts Intuitive at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, and collaborates on Art Is For All, a community-centered multimedia project with a producer. Eleanor studied abroad in Italy, where she conducted research on dance and philosophy through site-specific performance and explored soundscapes as a choreographic tool.

Her artistic research integrates philosophical inquiry with embodied experience, pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Gregory Patterson

Oakland University

Gregory Patterson is an Associate Professor and Chair of Oakland University's Dance Department. A faculty member since 1991, he has taught courses in Jazz, Modern, Pilates, Musical Theater, Dance History and Dance Production, as well as choreograph musicals for the Theatre Department. In addition to being a certified Pilates instructor, Mr. Patterson was also founder and artistic director of Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company for 13 years.

With a MFA in Dance Performance from the University of Michigan, Mr. Patterson has had a noteworthy career with over 40 years of performing, teaching and choreographing as an international artist. His professional experience has included dancing with Harbinger Dance Company, Ann Arbor Dance Works, Rigmarole Dance Company, and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. Mr. Patterson also performed as a guest artist with both the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the Doug Elkins Dance Company of New York.

Throughout his career, Mr. Patterson has taught at numerous college dance festivals and workshops, and has choreographed for universities, high schools, studios and dance companies. His work has been performed by Western Michigan University, Bowling Green State University, Hope College, Morgan State University, and Alma College, as well as the Michigan Opera Theatre, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble and Bal-Chi Dance Company of Chicago to name a few.

Mr. Patterson has traveled to Greece to teach, choreograph and perform with OU theatre faculty and  majors as part of the Oakland University Classical Greek Theatre Summer Study Program, which is the only American university-sponsored program of its kind.

Mr. Patterson has also travelled with OU dance students to Berlin, Germany to teach and perform as part of the dance department’s Study Abroad program. His signature piece “Who’s the Boss”, was performed in Russia as part of an Eisenhower Dance Ensemble appearance with the Pushkin Ballet.

Mr. Patterson has received the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award and in the same year, his work was chosen for the Leo Choreography competition at the Jazz Dance World Congress in Buffalo, NY. He has received several Faculty Fellowships through Oakland University to pursue research, produce concerts and travel.

In 2012, Mr. Patterson was named a Travis Professor, which recognizes faculty members from the School of Music, Theatre and Dance for outstanding achievements in teaching, research and professional service. The Travis Professorship Award supported his dance company’s New York debut at the Citibank Ailey Theatre in New York, NY.

Mr. Patterson currently serves as Chair of the Michigan Dance Council and sits on the Board of Directors for Eisenhower Dance Detroit.

Hannah Andersen

Wayne State University

Hannah Andersen (MFA, NCPT, FMT) is Associate Professor of Teaching, Dance, at Wayne State University where her work intersects dance science, dancer wellness, arts education, pedagogy, and technique. She teaches theory and practice courses in the BS/BFA Dance Programs, MA Teaching Artistry Program, and directs the Pilates Mentorship Program supporting theatre and dance students in obtaining Pilates teacher certifications. Hannah is an Educator for Balanced Body, the largest international Pilates equipment and education organization.

Andersen received the 2018 “Doug Risner Prize for Emerging Dance Researchers” and is published in the Journal of Dance Education, Research in Dance Education, and Journal of Dance and Somatic Practices. 

She has served on teaching faculty at Whatcom Community College, University of Oregon, and Western Washington University, and received prestigious awards and from University of Oregon, National Dance Education Organization, and the 2022 ‘Sue Nine Award for Faculty Excellence’ in the Theatre and Dance Department at Wayne State University. She is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization, International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and currently serves on the American College Dance Association National Board and Dance Science and Somatics Educators Organizing Group. She spent three seasons performing and choreographing with Bellingham Repertory Dance (WA, USA), has been spotted performing on stages and in fields in NYC, NC, WA, OR, AK, and more. 

Hannah Seidel

Grand Valley State University

Hannah Seidel, Associate Professor of Dance at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), grew up in the U.P. She is a mover, educator, and maker whose choreography has been presented at Meijer Gardens, RAD Fest, Going Dutch, Grand Rapids Ballet Summer Festivals, the Block Theatre, and New York City venues including two commissioned Society for New Music concerts. New York City performance credits include David Appel, Erica Essner Performance Co-op, Mariah Maloney, Tiffany Mills, and Gibney Dance with whom she also offered movement workshops to survivors of domestic violence for six years. Hannah has previously served as Lecturer at Purchase College and summer intensive teacher at New York University’s Tisch School for the Arts and Interlochen Center for the Arts. BA: Pomona College, MFA: SUNY Brockport.

James Wallace

Central Michigan University

James Wallace is an award-winning and nationally acclaimed teacher, choreographer and filmmaker, originally from Hutchinson, Kansas. He studied ballet at Friends University and continued his training at Arizona State University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in dance performance and choreography.  He has danced professionally for the San Diego Opera, Kim Robards Dance, David Taylor Dance Theatre, City Ballet of San Diego, and Company C Contemporary Ballet of San Francisco and has danced in works by Twyla Tharp, Lynn Taylor-Corbet, Tom Ruud, Charles Moulton, Patrick Corbin, Paul Taylor, and George Balanchine. After a full career, Mr. Wallace returned to school completing his MFA in ballet at University of Utah where he was awarded a full teaching assistantship.

While apprenticing at Colorado Ballet, he choreographed two major works, Carmina Burana and Inversion, which received excellent reviews. He was Choreographer in Residence and Artistic Director for David Taylor Dance Theatre (later renamed Dawson|Wallace Dance Project), and has created works for American National Ballet, Boulder Ballet, Colorado West Ballet, and Ballet Nouveau Colorado (now Wonderbound). The Ballet Builders award for new choreography was given to James by New Choreographers on Point and his piece, Suspect Lines, received a New York City premiere. He has also worked with Boulder Ballet as a resident choreographer, company class teacher and coach and his television credits include the MTV series “Made”, where he was cast in the role of Artistic Director. Additional research interests include screendance, which was fostered by Ellen Bromberg at University of Utah. He has been fortunate to also study with Katrina McPherson and has attended workshops by Thierry De Mey and Silvina Szperling. His film, Maelstrom, was awarded 3rd place for “Best Film Edit” at the Red Rock ScreenDance Festival.

While living in Denver Mr. Wallace was appointed as a Denver City Commissioner by Mayor Michael Hancock and served 2 years on the Commission on Cultural Affairs. During that time the commission provided a strategic vision and future platform for arts, culture and creativity in the City that became IMAGINE 2020 - Denver’s Cultural Plan, a call to action to city agencies, cultural institutions, businesses, civic leaders, neighborhood- and community- based organizations and residents to ensure arts and culture are at the heart of Denver. 

Most recently, Mr. Wallace has enjoyed his time as an Instructor of Dance at Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University, and Central Utah Ballet. He is currently part of the dance faculty at Central Michigan University where he teaches Ballet Technique, Modern Dance Technique, Dance Composition, and Screendance. Mr. Wallace has been lauded as a “daring and original dancemaker” (Marc Shulgold, Rocky Mountain News) and his choreography has been described as “vibrant, innovative and richly diverse – one of the brightest new choreographers on the horizon” (Glenn Giffin, The Denver Post).

Jessica Thomas

Wayne State University

Jessica Gabrielle Thomas is a native of Detroit, MI. She obtained a M.F.A in Dance from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Thomas also received a B.F.A in Dance from Wright State University. Thomas is currently adjunct faculty instructing ballet at Wayne State University's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. She also teaches classical ballet at The Foundation House, LLC and Juliana's School of Dance. She has also taught ballet at Christina's Adult Ballet. She assists as well as instructs ballet on online platforms such as Zoom and Google Meetings. Thomas performed in American Ballet Theater's Sleeping Beauty as Ariana during its run at the Michigan Opera Theatre. She has also performed extensively throughout New York City, NY; Dayton, OH; and Detroit, MI for companies such as Dayton Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet International, Naomi Goldberg Haas, Ballet Edge Detroit, Second Avenue Dance Company, and Ohio Dance Theater in collaboration with Ohio Contemporary Ballet. Her most recent choreographic work entitled Mandela/Angelou is featured in Pointe Magazine as Editor's choice for pointe video of the month. Thomas was also featured in an article for the Herald Tribune of her choreographic work entitled " Consent (?)" which was performed for Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company's summer intensive at University of Florida's “In The Round” as emerging choreographer. Thomas' choreographic works have been presented at the Arts League of Michigan, Detroit Dance Race, Dance City Festival, Ascendence Dance Chicago, Biomorphic Dance Festival, Alone, Not Lonely, The Breath Project, MODArts Dance Collective, Brighton Dance Festival, to name a few. Thomas is a professional educator, choreographer, and performer.

JoElla Fitzpatrick

Lawrence Technological University

JoElla grew up dancing at DuHadway Dance Dimensions in Alma, MI, and dual enrolled in dance at Alma College during high school. Through her classes at Alma College, JoElla worked with Lynn Bowman and Kristen Bennett, co-artistic directors of Third Coast Dance Company. Upon her high school graduation, JoElla became a company member with Third Coast Dance Company before attending Wayne State University. JoElla graduated from WSU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a minor in dance. While at WSU, JoElla had the opportunity to train with Meg Paul, Dr. Ras Michael Courtney, Mark Fucik, and Dr. Biba Bell. At WSU, she performed in student choreographed works, attended Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive, danced as a company member for Fun Girl Dance Company, and choreographed for local studios in Metro Detroit. In 2023, JoElla performed at St. Mary’s College of California for Kate Morley’s Master of Fine Art thesis, and became a company member with ConteXture Dance Detroit. During the summer of 2024, JoElla was chosen as ConteXture’s Darling Endowment Choreographer. Most recently, JoElla presented work at Dance City Festival’s 2025 Detroit Choreographer’s Showcase, and joined Detroit Dance Collective as a company member for their 46th season. JoElla currently works as the Head Coach for Lawrence Technological University’s Cheer and Dance Team in Southfield, and is a teacher/choreographer at Dance Beat in Plymouth.

Kamaal Amen Ra

Accompanist ~ Drummer

Rooted in the traditions of jazz and a musically profound family, Kamaal is no stranger to rhythmic expression.  While growing up in New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey his early interest in drums and percussion was formulated by Michael Silva, Drummer for Sammy Davis, Jr., Chris Columbo, Chico Hamilton, Dizzy Gillespie Mongo Santamaria, Manny Oquendo, Orestes Villato, Roberto Roena, and a score of Afro- Spanish musicians who permeated his Harlem neighborhood with the incessant Afro- Cuban rhythms of the streets. He has traveled, studied, taught and been instrumental in developing and sustaining the cultural arts in the Mid - Eastern USA.  

Kamaal’s musical talent keeps him in the forefront of cultural arts. He builds, collects, and plays numerous traditional Afrikan instruments.  He has served as Music Director for the Sabsabu Afrikan Dance Theatre, the Detroit World Youth Orchestra and Detroit’s legendary Ngoma Za Amen Ra New Afrikan Cultural Theatre. He was inducted into the Afrikan Sundrummer Society in 1978 as well as the Afrikan Wood Carver’s Guild.

 As one of the founding members of Detroit’s own AKOBEN Reggae Band, Kamaal’s unigue vocal style and prolific song writing helped shaped Detroit’s conscious Reggae explosion in the 1980’s. He currently performs with Ras Kente, Mollywop Akoben, D.R.A.S., The ODU Afrobeat Orchestra and his own band, Lions and Lords.

Kamaal currently works as a Musical Accompanistwith the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Kamaal also composes music for Film and Television and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards by the National Association for television Arts and Sciences.

Karen Prall

Wayne State University

Associate Professor-Teaching Dance at Wayne State University in Detroit Mi. 2000 till present instructing Contemporary and African (Congolese) dance, director of the 1st African dance company to the Theater and Dance Dept. To Sangana, presenting traditional African and Afro-Beat Afro-Fusion style movement. 

Since the late 80’s early 90’s A Lecture demonstrator in Detroit Public schools and metropolitan area as a solo artist, director of The Art of Motion Dance Theatre.

2006-current; Artistic director of WSU’s To Sangana contemporary African dance company.

Dance studies, research, performing have taken me from N.Y. (Alvin Ailey School, Martha Graham, Dance Theatre of Harlem studies, a member of Tanawa U.S. 1st Congolese dance company) to Congo, Brazzaville, Maui, Ecole des Sables, studies in Senegal, Paramaribo, Havana Cuba, Monrovia, Liberia, Accra, Ghana, Paris, France, Congo, Kinshasa, Scotland, Montreal, Sacramento, and on! 

Founder and director of The Art of Motion Dance Theatre youth company of Det. Mi. 

Consultant and choreographer for Ballet Zoe Banjay a cultural drum and Dance company in Liberia, West Africa since 2016. 

The first African dance instructor at the Dance Masters of Michigan 2023 Chapter 4 in Saginaw, Mi.

The African World Festival in Detroit directed The Art of Motion Dance Theatre on the concert stage, taught and performed representing WSU in 2022 on the concert stage.

I am a member of The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) directing The Art of Motion on stage, and artistic director of WSU dancers performing in concert. 

Kayt MacMaster

Alma College

Catherine (Kayt) MacMaster is a dancer, choreographer, and scholar. She spent her early career in New York City dancing with artists such as Janet Panetta, K.J. Holmes, Johanna Stevens Meyer, Julie Atlas Muz, and Bread and Puppet Theater. Her choreography has been presented at venues including Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn Arts Exchange, Dixon Place, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Champaign, IL), The Epic Center (Kalamazoo, MI), Links Hall (Chicago), MARSH and The Space Station (St. Louis), and the Dagara Music and Arts Center in Medie, Ghana. She earned an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she performed in works by Tere O’Connor, Cynthia Oliver, and Sara Hook. MacMaster is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Dance at Alma College.

Kelley Novak 

ConteXture Dance Detroit

Kelley began her dancing at the American Dance Academy of Commerce, MI. She furthered her training all four years of high school while being a member of the West Bloomfield Varsity Pom/Dance Team, as well as the dance program where she performed in numerous school events. During this time, she was offered to attend the World Jazz Congress in Chicago where she was able to take from instructors such as Frank Hatchett, Gus Giordano, Joe Tremaine, and many others. After high school, Kelley continued her dance studies at Marygrove College under the direction of Jordeen Ivanov-Ericson, Penny Godboldo, Babara Selinger, and Susan Panek. She graduated in 2011 with a BFA in Dance Performance, along with a minor in Business. Kelley has had the opportunity to train with the River North Dance Company of Chicago, as well as perform works for artists including Pattie Obey, Ray Mercer, Kim Bears-Bailey and Kevin Iega-Jeff. She has also been casted as a performer in the Dreamworks Production of “Holiday Shrektacular” at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville in 2012. From 2014-2017, Kelley performed as a member of Pure Existence Dance Company of Ann Arbor, MI. Since 2018, she has been training and performing with ConteXture dance Detroit. Currently, Kelley is a dance instructor for local studios, teaching both recreational and competitive dance. She has recently completed her 5th season as the Head Coach for the Pom/Dance team at West Bloomfield High School, after being the Assistant Coach for 7 years prior. Kelley is also going on her thirteenth season as a member of the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad, and completed her 4th season as a member of the Detroit Red Wings Red Patrol, using her enthusiasm and rhythm to pump up the crowd.

Kiana "KC" Cook

University of Michigan

Kiana "KC" Cook is a multidisciplinary artist, movement catalyst, and cultural producer rooted in African-diasporic performance traditions. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Dance and is a Graduate Student Instructor at the University of Michigan. For the past twenty years, KC has studied street and social dance cultures including Breaking, Krump, Hip Hop Freestyle, Chicago Footwork, and House. Her practice weaves together curating, emceeing, dance battles, performance, and international teaching, with experiences in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Jamaica, Austria, and soon Brazil. Her choreographic work and academic research have been featured at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, Columbia College Chicago, Critiquing Power in the Arts Conference, the Hip Hop Studies Conference at UC-San Diego (founded by Imani Kai Johnson), and the American College Dance Association Festival. Her chosen home is Chicago where she has helped cultivate the Krump community since 2017. KC is part of the Kautionz Krump family and the Hip Hop dance theater company, BraveSoul Movement.

Krisilyn “Tony” Frazier

University of Michigan

Krisilyn “Tony” Frazier is an acclaimed performer, filmmaker, choreographer, and educator whose work bridges dance, film, and culture with fearless creativity. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, she has opened for Kanye West, Brandy Norwood, and JC Chasez of *NSYNC, and choreographed for Detroit’s iconic Annual Fireworks Celebration. A former professional dancer and gogo performer for Detroit television and entertainment networks, Tony has appeared at major events including the Detroit Auto Show with pop artist Houston, Tulane University, and the International Contortion Convention, where she led a master class. The legendary Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, once described Krisilyn as “a soulful performer,” recognizing her rare depth and authenticity on stage.

As the founder of Skylin Productions, Tony fuses movement and media to tell stories of resilience, identity, and empowerment. Her award-winning films Justice in Motion, A Call to Action: The Holocaust, Unspoken Colorlines, and Hollow Ground have earned national acclaim for their exploration of race, history, and human connection. She also served as rehearsal director for the University of Michigan Dance Company under the Hip Hop repertoire and artistic guidance of Rennie Harris for the celebrated production Heaven.

Tony teaches at the University of Michigan and has taught at Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, and Washtenaw Community College. She choreographs for USA and international elite ice dancing teams aiming to conquer the Olympics and recently performed for the Detroit Lions National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Deeply rooted in the Toledo and Detroit communities, she continues to teach and perform across Latin dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Afro Jazz, and more, using storytelling through movement to inspire empowerment, unity, and cultural transformation.

Kristen Beth Williams (Ludwig)

Northern Michigan University

Kristen Beth Williams (Ludwig) is a professional actor/singer/dancer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres across the country. Broadway credits include Hello, Dolly with Bette Midler, Pippin, and the original Broadway casts of ""Paradise Square,"" ""Nice Work if You Can Get It"" with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara, ""Anything Goes"" starring Sutton Foster, and ""Promises, Promises"" with Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.  She originated the role of Sibella Hallward on the first national tour of ""A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder"" and starred as Dale Tremont in ""Top Hat"" in London’s West End.  Her regional theatre credits include ""42nd St"" (Dorothy Brock) at The Gateway Playhouse and The Lex, ""Kiss Me Kate"" (Kate) at Sacramento Music Circus, ""Million Dollar Quartet"" (Dyanne) at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and ""Irving Berlin's White Christmas"" (Betty Haynes) at the Ordway St. Paul, as well as many others. She has been a featured soloist at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and New York’s Town Hall.  

As an educator, Kristen Beth is passionate about educating the next generation of performers and has taught master classes in Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Audition Technique, Acting Through Song, and Musical Theatre Scene Study. She has taught at AMDA NY, University of Michigan, University of Oklahoma, and Syracuse University, among others. She is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma and a proud member and Councillor of Actors Equity Association, the National Labor Union for Stage Managers and Actors.

Kylie Moore

ConteXture Dance Detroit

Kylie Moore, originally from Livonia, MI, graduated from Western Michigan University in April 2019 with her BFA in Dance. At Western, she had the privilege of working with choreographers Monique Haley, Seyong Kim, and Joshua Manculich, and dancing in Kate Skarpetowska’s Tidal Intersections and Aszure Barton’s Happy Little Things (Waiting on a Gruff Cloud of Wanting). While at Western, Kylie joined ConteXture for her first season as a company member in 2017. After she graduated from WMU in 2019, Kylie moved to Chicago to dance on scholarship at Hubbard Street’s Lou Conte Dance Studio under the mentorship of Ethan Kirshbaum. Kylie relocated to Metro-Detroit in 2021 where she continued to dance professionally with Contexture Dance Detroit and has performed at festivals such as Detroit Dance City Festival, Detroit Dance Exchange, Oakland Dance Festival, Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition, RAD Fest in Kalamazoo, MI, Dumbo Dance Festival in New York City, and Fluid Expressions Artist Festival in Chicago, IL. Kylie also danced with Artlabj for two seasons where she toured Europe in 2022 at the Tanzhafen Festival in Linz, Austria. Kylie has choreographed for Michigan State University's Orchesis Dance Society, Grand Valley State University's Elite Dance Club, and Suttle Dance Company. Summer 2022, Kylie won the Emerging Choreographers Project competition and created a new work on the dancers of Young Dancer’s Initiative in Ann Arbor. Kylie has had the honor to choreograph for Churchill High School’s CAPA dance program where her choreography was chosen to perform in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Oakland Dance Festival College Showcase. Spring of 2025, Kylie received her MA as a Dance Teaching Artist at Wayne State University with her thesis, “Effects Of The Creative Process For Pre-Professional Learners In Dance: Enhancing Well-Being Through Personal Expression.” Through this program, she has had the honor to collaborate with the undergraduate students of Company One at Wayne State under the mentorship of Lisa Wilmot and work as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate pedagogy course under the direction of Dr. Doug Risner. Kylie is a Senior Company Dancer with ConteXture Dance Detroit moving into her 9th season as a dancer and has been promoted to Company Manager for season 12. As Company Manager, Kylie manages social media accounts, updates the company website, assists in grant writing, writes applications for dance festivals, and assists in event planning. Kylie is also the Artistic Director of the Pre-Professional Summer Program (CPSP)  granting opportunities for artists ages 13-18 to train and perform alongside professional dance artists in Detroit. 

Lachan Niedbala

Movement Reservoir Dance Company

Lachan Niedbala is a dancer, choreographer, and educator based in Kalamazoo, Michigan with 23 years of training and nearly a decade of choreographic experience. She has choreographed and performed for companies such as CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, Wellspring/Cori Terry and Dancers, Chamberlain Dance, Tapestry Dance Company, Atelier Dance Company, and the Novi Dance Program. Her work has been performed across Michigan and in Chicago, and Paris, most recently at the National Dance Education Organization in Detroit, MI. 

Lachan achieved her Bachelor of Arts from Hope College and has since then continued training in Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Improvisation, and Jazz dance techniques. As a passionate educator, Lachan has taught professionally for six years, offering masterclasses for organizations such as Young Dancers Initiative, Oakland Dance Festival 2024, Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, and Ballet Kalamazoo. In 2022, she founded Movement Reservoir Dance Company, where she serves as the Artistic Director, curating performances and fostering creative exploration through dance. 

She is also Co-Founder and Director of Operations for West Michigan Dance Festival, a board member of Dance Playhouse, and a dedicated advocate for dance in Michigan. She directed the Wellspring Youth Performance Ensemble for almost five years and is now working towards her MFA. Lachan is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive dance community that prioritizes the well-being of each dancer as a human first, while encouraging risk taking and individual growth within their training. 

Lena Granger

Graduating from Wayne State University in 2019 with a BFA in Dance, Lena Granger is a freelance movement artist who focuses on highly physical, modern contemporary styles. During her time at Wayne State, Lena’s choreography received departmental and regional recognition, being selected as a finalist for the Maggie Allesee Choreography Awards in 2015 and 2019. In 2024, with the help of etude Productions, Lena produced an evening-length concert (Fragments in Order) which included two restaged works and a brand new work created in collaboration with a live cellist. Choreographically, Lena aims to cultivate a collaborative working environment, leaning into pedestrian gestures and technical athleticism. Her choreographic practice has been inspired greatly through working with Molly Shananhan and Dance Exchange. In addition to her freelance projects, Lena also dances with Oakland University’s resident company, Take Root, in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Natalia de Miguel Annoni 

Natalia de Miguel Annoni is an Argentinian-American choreographer and teacher based in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated Cum Laude in 2019 from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) with a degree in dance, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Evik Abbott-Main, Levi Marsman, Joori Jung, Wendi DuBois, and Jeremy Blaire. 

Since graduating, Natalia's choreographic works have been showcased at events like the Koresh Artist Showcase, Detroit Dance Exchange, Detroit Dance City Festival, and Cleveland Dance Festival. In 2022, she was honored with the Michigan Dance Council's (MDC) Maggie Allesee Choreography Award for her dance film Shrimp Cocktail. Her growing interest in screen dance led to her film secrets in strawberry frosting being selected for screening at the Screen Dance International and the Bridge Chicago Film and Video Festival. Additionally, Natalia served as a judge for Screen Dance International in 2024. 

In March 2024, she also choreographed and staged Ni Une Mas, a multidisciplinary production combining music, theater, and dance. Created by Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra of Healing Bells and the University of Michigan, Ni Une Mas aims to amplify the stories of survivors of gender-based and sexual violence. 

In September of 2024, Natalia returned to her alma mater as a guest choreographer at Eastern Michigan University, where she created the group work if I say jump you say, a piece exploring the concept of the wolf pack mentality. 

Most recently, through her work with the MDC, Natalia has been choreographing a screen dance for the dance majors at Oakland University. They are so excited to be sharing this work in their December showcase.

Matthew Farmer

Hope College 

Matthew Farmer is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at Hope College and the Dorothy Wiley DeLong Endowed Professor of Dance. He is the Co-Artistic Director of R.G. Dance Productions, Co-Artistic Director of H2 Dance Co., Co-Author of the book Introductory Modern Dance: A Teaching Manual, and singular author of the book Teaching Dance Improvisation: A Beginner’s Guide. Matthew received his MFA from the University of Michigan in Dance Performance and Choreography, and his BA in Theatre and Dance from Hope College.   Matthew was a company member of The Peter Sparling Dance Co., and company member and Associate Director of LehrerDance.  He has had the pleasure of working with Avi Kaiser, Sergio Antonino, and Matthew Thornton, as well as performing in works by Merce Cunningham, Laura Dean, Doug Varone and many others. He has performed in the United States, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. His teaching credits include directorships, professorships, and residencies at multiple colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad, as well as a faculty member and judge for multiple regional and national dance conventions and competitions.  Farmer’s choreography spans the field of dance, and can be seen on college campuses, professional dance companies, international festivals, theaters companies, competitive dance teams, and musical theater venues throughout the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, France, and Ecuador.

Peter Sparling

Rudolph Arnheim Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Dance, University of Michigan; Regisseur and Former Principal Dancer, Martha Graham Dance Company

Peter Sparling is Rudolf Arnheim Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Dance and an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus at University of Michigan. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, Sparling was a member of the José Limón Dance Company and principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company. He directed Michigan’s own Peter Sparling Dance Company from 1993-2008 and was recognized with the 1998 Governor’s Michigan Artist Award. He is a lecturer, published poet and essayist. His dances for video have been selected for numerous international festivals, including the New York Dance on Camera Festival, American Dance Festival, Lisbon’s InShadow Festival, DANCE:FILMS Glasgow, Screen Dance International  and Ann Arbor Film Festival. His screendance, The Snowy Owl, was featured in the Court Métrage of the Cannes Film Festival 2015. His made-for-TV work, "Climbing Sainte-Victoire", was broadcast on Michigan Television in 2009. His choreography and videos have recently been featured at The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Berkshire Bach Society and Manchester Music Festival.  An avid painter, Sparling has presented five solo exhibits and had works featured in numerous group shows. 

Robin Wilson

University of Michigan

Robin Wilson (she, her, hers), currently Professor of Dance at the University of Michigan, is a choreographer, performer, improviser, vocalist, educator, & activist. A founding member of New York’s Urban Bush Women with an MFA in Choreography from Temple University, Wilson's work explores the influences of the African Diaspora in historical and contemporary dance/culture, public scholarship, and social justice through community engagement. Her ongoing research in Afro-Caribbean dance, Dunham technique, and Community Engagement has taken her to Cuba, Costa Rica, Suriname & Japan. Her choreography has been presented by New York’s BAADASS! Women’s Festival, New Orleans Dance Festival, Detroit Dance City Festival, the National Theatre of Ghana, among others. Her dance awards include the 1998 Maggie Allesee Award for Choreography and, in 1992, a New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award as a former member of Urban Bush Women for her collective work on the company’s dances River Songs (1984) and Praise House (1990). Currently performing with the New England-based dance company INSPIRIT, Wilson continues to perform and collaborate with artists across cultures, bridging communities through dance and scholarship and activism.

Seyong Kim

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement

Seyong Kim, an Associate Professor of Dance at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI) and an International Visiting Professor at Sung-shin Women's University (Seoul, Republic of Korea), holds an MA in Dance Education from NYU Steinhardt and an MA in Dance from Sung-Kyun-Kwan University (Seoul, ROK). He is a CMA (Certified Movement Analyst) from Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, a RSDE (Registered Somatic Dance Educator), and a PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Certified Teacher. Seyong is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 7 of the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum. Furthermore, he earned the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. Seyong is the recipient of the 2023 Maggie Allessee Choreography Award and the 2025 Higher Education Educator of the Year Award from Michigan Dance Council. 

Seyong has taught for Rutgers University, Kent State University, The University of Georgia, The University of New Mexico, Randolph College, John Hopkins University, Lindenwood University, Columbia Ballet Collaborative, Peridance, Steps on Broadway, Libera University in Italy, World Dance Alliance-America (WDAA), American College Dance Association (ACDA), Cecchetti Council of America, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, ConteXture, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Alabama Dance Festival, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, West Hawaii Dance Theatre, Ohio Contemporary Ballet, East Coast Contemporary Ballet, Chicago Repertory Ballet, Ballet 5:8, South Chicago Dance Theatre, CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, Charlottesville Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Dance Center, Seoul Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Preljocaj.  

As a professional dancer, Seyong has danced with the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, Albania National Ballet Theatre, Baltimore Ballet, Traverse City Dance Project, Neglia Ballet, TAKE Dance, and Oakland Ballet Company. In addition, his choreographic works have been internationally invited at Landestheater Coburg in Germany, Florence Dance on Screen Festival in Italy, International Contemporary Dance Festival of Mexico City, Taiwan JueDai Taipei International Dance Festival, ProArteDanza in Canada, Seoul Ballet Festival, Lebanon International Dance Festival, Battery Dance Festival, Palm Desert Choreography Festival, American Dance Guild Festival, Cleveland Dance Festival, Richmond Dance Festival, Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival, Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, Detroit Dance City Festival, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Orlando Contemporary Dance Choreography Festival, Oklahoma International Dance Festival, Breaking Ground Contemporary Dance Festival, Washington International Dance Festival, 92NY Future Dance Festival, CrossCurrent Asian-American Dance Festival, and Movement Research at the Judson Church. Currently, Seyong is a resident choreographer with Wise Ballet Theater in Seoul, South Korea.

Sherry Wilkinson

Eastern Michigan University

Professor Wilkinson is the Director of Dance in the School of Music and Dance at Eastern Michigan University.  She received her BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University and her MFA in Dance from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.   She danced professionally for Ballet Long Island, The Carol Rioux Dance Ensemble/NYC, and for five seasons full-time with the Saint Louis Ballet.  She has taught dance in private studios across the country and served as an Instructor of Dance at Bowling Green State University.   She is an American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum Certified Teacher, up to Level 5.  She is a Level 2 Franklin Method Educator and a Certified Alexa Flexibility Teacher, Level 2.  She is the Michigan Dance Council Educator of the Year in Higher Education, 2024.

Taylor Ester

Master Class Teacher

 A professional rhythm tap dancer and choreographer in her own right, Taylor has performed on a plethora of stages ranging from Los Angeles to Germany. She has had training from several pioneers of the art form, including: Robert Reed, Dianne Walker, Chloe Arnold, Maud Arnold, and Jason Samuels Smith to name a few. At the age of 15 Taylor was one of 25 individuals worldwide selected to participate in the inaugural tap program at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, under the direction of Derick Grant. She was also the youngest person to take advantage of the Jacob’s Pillow experience as admission generally starts at 16.  Taylor has performed at the Kennedy Center and in various Tap Festivals and Showcases across the world as a part of Jacob’s Pillow Dance, the St. Louis Hoofers Club, and as a founding member of Tappin’ Soles of Detroit. Taylor began her dance training with Ms. Crystall white-Winkler at Artistry In Motion Dance School, and continues that tradition of dance. Taylor’s choreographer has earned top placements, high scoring achievements, and stand out awards at numerous competitions over the years. Taylor spends her day as an attorney and remains committed to empowering youth throughout the community.

Teresa Muller

Oakland University

Teresa “Tree” Muller (She/Her) is a graduate of Marygrove College (BFA) and NYU Tisch School of the Arts (MFA). She is currently a Special Lecturer in the Department of Dance at Oakland University, instructing students in Modern and Improvisational styles. Tree is also a certified instructor of Dance for Parkinson’s Disease, through the Mark Morris Dance Group, and teaches weekly classes at the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness in Farmington Hills. She finds joy in working with movers of all capabilities. 

Thayer Jonutz

Oakland University

Thayer Jonutz performed as a fulltime company member with Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) before moving to Michigan, immersing himself in both historical and contemporary works.  During the five seasons that Thayer spent with RDT, some notable choreographers that he worked with were Douglass Dunn, Zvi Gotheiner, Daniel Nagrin, Bill Evans, Scott Rink, and Susan Hadley.  RDT also afforded the opportunity to learn and perform choreography by seminal modern dance pioneers dating back to the Mother of Modern Dance, Isadora Duncan.  Jonutz began his professorship position at Oakland University in 2009 and has taught Modern dance technique, improvisation, composition, dance pedagogy, partnering and is the director of the student Repertory Dance Company.  

Thayer has guest performed and collaborated with a lot of companies during his time in Michigan.  These include Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company, Rustic Groove, Agua Dulce Dance Theater, Eisenhower Dance Detroit and Rebudal Dance.  Thayer has also co-founded three professional dance companies which have served as building blocks to his current ventures.  Mise en Place Dance, soduo, and Take Root enjoyed much success pushing the boundaries of technology and dance and performing in festivals in New York, unconventional spaces in Detroit, and a handful of international opportunities, including Germany and South Korea.   

Thayer is a comprehensively trained McEntire Pilates instructor.  Since gaining this life altering knowledge in 2013, Thayer has worked with a fascinating body of clients.  They have ranged from children to seniors, physical problems to neurological, chronic to acute pain, and novice to expert athlete.  This experience has enriched Thayer’s skill as a teacher, as a creative and as an overall human.  

Thayer earned his BA in Modern Dance from BYU in 2003, and went on to accomplishing an MFA in Performance and Choreography from the University of Michigan in 2009.  Never satisfied, in response to the Pandemic shutdown, Thayer was inspired to fight for another University Degree.  Feeling called to become better equipped for lifelong caregiving for his Autistic twin boys, Thayer graduated with an Oakland University Accelerated Nursing Degree December of 2022.  

As an educator and artist Thayer has been and still believes strongly in a variety of influences.  Always open to new collaborative relationships, Thayer strives to continually stretch as well as challenge his comfort zone.  His current multiyear creative process on the solo concert Hammer and Nail has pushed Thayer outside the typical modern dance aesthetic and has merged acting, vocalization, sound engineering and integrative props to tell his Pandemic survival narrative.  Since the premier of Hammer and Nail spring 2021, Thayer has been honored to have presented his work in many different settings.  The most prestigious was being selected by Oakland University to be the first SMTD President’s Colloquium recipient, where Jonutz performed his research December 2023.   Adding to his extensive international credits, was the opportunity to translate the script of Hammer and Nail into the Spanish language and perform it in Costa Rica Summer of 2024.  Upcoming performance opportunities of Hammer and Nail include Alma College and Repertory Dance Theatre’s 60th anniversary, Winter 2025.  

Tracy Halloran

Contexture Dance Detroit