login
|
anonymous user
Our Staff
Why Choose Elite
More
Testimonials
FAQ
Home
Classes
Schedule
Images
About Us
Contact Us
Forms
Diva Dance Camp Registration Form
New Year's Revolution Flyer
Preschool Dance Camp
Documents
CONFLICT FORMS
Updated Clothing Brochure
Fall Schedule 2011
Elite Recital 2011-2012
Newsletters
Elite Alumni Cheerleader for Arizona Cardinals
Monsters Dance Team
Gladiator Goddess
Press
The Diversity of Dance-Mimi's
The Magic of Dance-Mimi's
Elite Dance in The Medina Gazette
Article in The Post about Nationals
Nutcracker article in the Post
Elite Dancers perform at the Nutcracker
Several Dancers from Elite perform at the Nutcracker
Post Article about Elite Dance
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Our Staff
Julie Grabowski
Julie started dancing at the age of three and has trained at various studios such as Corley’s, Sharon Crist School of Dance, Angela’s, Studio 82, and the School of Cleveland Ballet where she was a scholarship student and eventually trained in their apprentice program. She has studied many forms of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, musical theatre, tap and pointe. She graduated from Cleveland State University with a BFA in Dance and Elementary Education. Julie also has an extensive background in musical theatre and performed in many pre-professional productions such as “Annie,” “Grease,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Oliver,” and “Chorus Line.” She has also had opportunities through her training to perform in many pre-professional ballets such as “Sleeping Beauty,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Giselle.” In addition, she performed with the former Cleveland Ballet in their productions of “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake.” She was the recipient of the Superior Teaching Award at Cleveland State University, awarded by the Dean of the college, and then went on to receive the Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Teaching Award and the prestigious Professional Performance Experience Award. It was then that she realized how much she truly loved to teach and work with children and wanted to combine her love of dance with her education background and started teaching dance lessons. She has created and designed many programs for children ages two through 18. She is constantly working with her instructors to be on the cutting edge of this ever-changing dance industry. She thrives on constantly taking classes from Master choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Shane Sparks, Chris Judd, Laurie Gibson, Tyce Diorio along with many other professional teachers at dance conventions throughout the year. Several of her students have performed in professional ballet productions with the Houston, Cincinnati, Pennsylvania and San Jose Ballets. Many of her students have been scholarship recipients at events such as Access Broadway, Manhattan Dance Project, New York on the Road, Impact Dance, Hollywood Vibe, Tremaine, Urban Jamm, and Hollywood Dance Experience. Her students have also been recognized with specialty awards such as most well-rounded dancer, future stars award, and dancer of the year. A few of her students had the opportunity to dance in Disney World where they were featured with dancers from around the country and have been asked to be a mentor at future dance conventions where they would get to assist with the Master teachers on staff. Many students have danced on college and professional dance teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Barons, Cleveland Gladiators, Ohio University, Ashland, Toledo, Kent, Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Duquesne University, and UNLV to name a few. She has a former student dancing professionally in Las Vegas, Italy, and traveling the country on cruise ships and doing industrial videos, commercials and opening up hotels in Las Vegas. Another former student is currently a cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals professional football team. Her studio has also been the proud host to the International Children’s Games and her students were featured in the opening dance number of the Games held in Cleveland in 2004. Julie’s Studio was also the host to The Movement Dance Convention in 2008 where dancers from So You Think You can Dance came and taught master classes to dancers all over the area. In 2010, Julie helped to get the Willetts' Dance Team off the ground; she is also the coach. She is excited that the junior high now offers the opportunity for dancers to perform at school events as a team and is thrilled to be working with all the girls. She holds many first place and over-all titles for the competition pieces she has choreographed. She has also been recognized with the prestigious choreography award for many of her pieces which means more to her than any platinum title. Her latest achievement is her youngest competitive dance company recently won the Battle of the Stars at Nationals. The girls were also awarded best choreography, best entertainment and over-all high score. Julie's strong foundation in technique, and true love of dance, is what she thrives on and is always willing to share with her students. Julie’s children’s programs have been her biggest achievement in dance. From her Mommy N Me classes and Creative Movements program to her newly unveiled diva dance camps, she is constantly striving to offer programs that will meet the needs of her youngest dancers to ensure that they receive the proper technique and training in a fun environment. This foundation prepares dancers to excel and continue their love of dance through the years. She feels blessed to work with so many wonderful children and families and looks forward to another year of dance at Elite. She is also blessed to teach with so many amazing instructors at Elite who constantly remain true to what dance should be; fun and one of the best athletic experiences you can offer your child along with memories that will last a lifetime.
Rosemary Shumate
This is Rosemary’s 12th season with Elite Dance Academy. While at Elite, Rosemary has received numerous Platinum, choreography, overall and specialty awards for her work at competitions. She has enjoyed choreographing numbers for special appearances including, the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball pre shows, local beauty pageants, and annual festivals around the area. Rosemary is also the coach of the Kent State Dance Team. Rosemary received her BFA in Dance at Wright State University. While at Wright State, she performed with the Dayton Opera, Dayton Contemporary Dance 2nd Company, The Carousel Dinner Theater, WSU Dance Ensemble and various musicals including “Anything Goes,” “She Loves Me,” “The Secret Garden” and “Oklahoma.” After college, Rosemary began her career teaching for studios, high school dance teams, and college dance teams. She also danced with the Cleveland Cavs Dance Team where she was elected co-captain and choreographer. Rosemary has judged and taught for Dance Masters and has taught master classes for the Cecchetti Council’s Ballet Day workshops and National Dance Day. Rosemary enjoys attending workshops and conventions to further her education. She regularly attends master classes taught by, Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Shane Sparks, Travis Wall, Laurie Ann Gibson, and Chris Judd to name a few. Rosemary enjoys choreographing for competitions and guest teaching around the Cleveland area. She especially enjoys teaching students eager to learn and experience dance in new and exciting ways.
Damon Haught
Damon is entering his 4th year at Elite. His dance training includes 16 years of Jazz, Ballet, Tap and Gymnastics. He has trained with Joe Tremaine, Greg Russell and Gus Girdano to name a few. He has performed and won several convention scholarships such as Tremaine, Dance Masters and Starpower. He was also a former Teen Mr. Dance of Ohio in 1988 and 1990. Damon continues to bring his Tap, Acrobatic, Hip Hop and his amazing Jump, Leaps-n-Turns to Elite and he looks forward to another exciting year! In addition, Damon is currently student teaching and will graduate Magna Cum Laude from Youngstown University in December with a BS in Mathematics Education.
Katie Shivak
Katie started dancing when she was three years old, but didn't find her passion until she went on Pointe at age 12. She is one of the original students from Elite and her dance background includes Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Theatre. At age 15, she began assisting teaching and taught a few of her own classes as well. She won dance scholarships from Manhattan Dance Project and Placed high in solos and duets at many of the dance conventions she attended such as Access Broadway and Stepp Stewart. Katie has also visited New York and attended classes at the Broadway Dance Center. She has taken classes from Master instructors such as Finis Jhung, Kimberly Lyons, Bill Hotaling, Chet Walker and David Howard to name a few. Katie Graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Promotional Journalism. Katie has been an integral part of the ballet and pointe program where she is constantly sharing her love of dance with her students. She also trains and attends dance conventions with the rest of the Elite staff throughout the year to be able to give the latest from the ever changing dance industry. Katie also loves teaching all of the younger students in the Creative Movements program. She is very happy to be back teaching at Elite and looks forward to meeting all of her new students.
Kelly Stoyanoff
Kelly is a recent graduate from Baldwin Wallace College with a degree in Middle Childhood Education where she is currently teaching middle school science in Strongsville. Kelly has trained under Julie Grabowski since the age of 5. She has studied all forms of dance such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap and Theatre. Kelly has been a Scholarship recipient of the Manhattan Dance Project and Access Broadway. Kelly was also a member of the Elite Dance Company and performed at many amazing venues and events during her years as a performer. She has attended many conventions in New York City at the Broadway Dance Center throughout her years as a student at Elite as well as now as an instructor she keeps up with the latest choreography and teaching philosophies to keep her students enthusiastic about class. She teaches many of the Creative Movement Classes as well as the Musical Theatre program where she will work with the Dance Company and many students who love the theatre aspect of dance. Kelly looks forward to this year teaching at Elite and can’t wait to share her love of dance with all of her students again.
Jackie Thuener
Jackie is trained in Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet and Tap. She trained with Carmella Dixon for 14 years and then taught for her for seven years. Jackie received a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Dance from Baldwin-Wallace College as well as a degree in Business Management. Jackie choreographed for the Baldwin-Wallace Dance Team and Baldwin-Wallace Dance Concert. She was the Director of the Ohio Performance Troupe of Hip Hop Kidz for three years. She has experience with all ages and enjoys her time teaching at Elite.
Kelley James
Kelley is entering her 13th season at Elite. She has been dancing since the age of eight and has trained in the areas of Classical Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Theatre, Lyrical and Tap. Kelley continues to attend workshops and dance conventions to further her education and keep apprised of the latest in dance. She has competed and performed in many local conventions. Kelley has taken class with Finis Jhung-Renowned Ballet Master and also Bill Hotaling-Jazz Master Instructor. She has also traveled to Disney World to train and to attend classes. Kelley has helped mold many of the programs at Elite and has been an integral part of the musical theatre program.
Olivia Posladek
Olivia has trained under Inna Stabrova, Dmitriy Tuboltsev, and Sergei Fokin and the Ohio Conservatory of Ballet for more than 12 years. She had also been a member of a youth ballet company where she performed solos and corps de ballet pieces from original ballet choreography including platinum top award winning solos from “Paquita,” a pas de trios from “Sleeping Beauty,” the pas de trios (Odalisques) from “Le Corsaire,” the Sugar Plum solo variation, the lead in Waltz of the Flowers, Waltz of the Snow, Chinese, a Dancing Doll, and Russian from “The Nutcracker,” the lead and corps of the Jug Dance, the Leaf Dance, and a duet of Party Guests from “La Bayadere,” the Lise solo variation from “La Fille Mal Gardée,” “Frescoes” from “The Little Humpbacked Horse,” Kitri variation from “Don Quixote,” a waltz and the Spanish duet from “Swan Lake” as well as many other classical and contemporary choreographed pieces. Olivia has attended Orlando Ballet School ’s s ummer intensive and was also accepted to Boston Ballet School ’s summer program. She has participated in many master classes from professional companies such as ABT, Houston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet and the Kirov Ballet. Olivia has also taught private lessons to award winning students as well as at the Ohio Conservatory of Ballet. Because she was taught by such a high caliber of dance professionals, who incorporate American and contemporary influences with classical Vaganova ballet, Olivia pays a lot of attention to the details of technique as well as artistic expression and the joy of dance when teaching her classes. Olivia is attending the University of Akron , under scholarship, majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy.
Brieanna Catheline
Brieanna has danced for 14 years at The Dance Space in Warren, OH. She has been trained under the instruction of Beth Chepke, Nicole Bellay-Tabor and Damon Haught. She has experience in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acro and Baton. She has run various cheerleading clinics and choreographed cheerleading routines for competitions. She currently teaches Jazz, Baton, Acro and Hip Hop. Brieanna has participated in “The Nutcracker” at the Walnut Street Lodge in PA, was a Showcase dancer at New York City Dance Alliance in PA and was captain of the majorette team. Brieanna graduated from Warren G. Harding High school and is currently enrolled in college at Youngstown State University where she majors in Literary Studies with a dance minor. She is also part of the YSU Dance Ensemble and Dance Team. Brieanna is excited to join the staff at Elite and looks forward to a great year.
Sarah Frick
Originally from Brunswick, Sarah has been dancing for over 20 years. She has studied tap, ballet, hip hop, and jazz as well as participated in cheerleading with Brunswick High School. In college, she was a member of the nationally ranked Emerald Jazz dance team at Wright State University. During her four years at Wright State, Sarah earned MVP honors, choreographed squad routines, and served as a team captain. She received a psychology degree from Wright State University and earned her MBA from Cleveland State University. Sarah is thrilled to be teaching at Elite and looks forward to a great year.
Katie Hazard
Katie is entering her 1st season at Elite. She has been dancing since the age of twelve. Prior to dance, she was involved in competitive gymnastics for eight years. Katie has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap and hip hop under various teachers including Kimberly Lawver, Shannon Smith, Sarah Savelli, Ayodele Casel, Zandra Thomas, & Gregg Russell. She has performed around the U.S. dancing competitively for regional & national titles. She currently is the 2009 Hollywood Vibe National Solo Champion & also the 2009 National "MISS NEXSTAR". She has also participated in countless conventions such as Urban Jamm, Hollywood Vibe, LA Dance Force, Co. Dance & Hollywood Connection receiving numerous scholarships to such places as the Millenium Dance Complex, The Edge PAC in L.A. & Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She recently won the Michael Selznick Agency Award & the Clear Talent Group Award. Katie is currently an assistant to Nick Gonzalez (Hollywood Vibe) & Jessica Starr (Muse Dance Company). When she is not traveling to various conventions, she choreographs for Theatre Dance Company & Theatre 8:15 in Green. She looks forward to teaching all the great students at Elite!
Elizabeth Capps
Elizabeth is a current senior at the University of Akron working towards her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and business cogent. She is a member of the University of Akron Dance Company where she has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Tom Smith, Andy Correll, Christina Fosse, and Cydney Spohn. Her ballet training started at Nan Klingers Excellence in dance where she studied for 6 years. Elizabeth also danced with the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, a pre-professional dance company, for 4 years. Her training includes studying on Scholarship with BalletMet in Columbus Ohio . Elizabeth has also had the unique opportunity to work with Reach Out And Dance, an inner city after school outreach program for middle school aged students. Elizabeth is so excited to be on staff with Elite and can’t wait to get to know the students better.
Nate Smith
Nate was born and raised in Ohio and began dancing at age 6 under the study of the late Richard Moore. By age fourteen, Nate started teaching master classes in hip hop all over northeast Ohio and parts of California. At 17, Nate began directing and choreographing for numerous shows at Theatre 8:15 and has done work with The Canton Players' Guild. Making his move to the west coast in 2007, Nate was able to dance at The Edge Performing Arts Center. Here he studied under and worked with many established dancers in the industry, such as Shane Sparks, Havic, Dante 7, Gus Bembery, Michele "Soulchild" Garmen, Phi from the Jabbawockeez, and many others. Nate can be seen in commercials for Converse and ABC: Dance Wars Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, and has done music video work with Brian Friedman. He also has worked with Nickelodeon, modeled for Laguna Beach Jean Co., and performed with various bands including A Flock of Seagulls, Berlin, and The Romantics. Nate considers himself a big kid and brings his sense of humor, fun, and his passion for dance into the classroom.
Mackenzie Cunningham
Mackenzie has been studying dance for over 15 years. She received formal ballet training at The Kirov Academy in Washington DC, The Joffrey Ballet School of NYC, and the Ohio Conservatory of Ballet. She interned with the Verb Ballets of Cleveland performing with the company in FusionFest '08. As a member of the University of Akron Dance Company, she held a principle role under the direction of Erich Yetter. She has danced the various roles in several Nutcracker productions including Sugar Plum Fairy and Arabian soloist. Mackenzie graduated with honors from Strongsville High School where she was a member of the Dance Team, Flag team, and a 4 year member of the Mustang Express Show Choir serving as Dance Captain. She has also been active in musical theater performing as a dance soloist in “Singin’ in the Rain” and Liesl in “The Sound of Music,” and can also be found singing in University of Akron’s a capella group “Rhythm&Roos.” She was also the 2011 1st place recipient of the Dance Masters of Ohio scholarship. Mackenzie is currently studying Speech-Language Pathology and Dance at the University of Akron where she has received both academic and dance scholarships.
Audrey Sycz
Audrey Sycz has been performing professionally as an accomplished dancer since 2004. She toured and traveled the world while performing for thousands of people aboard Holland America Cruise Lines. During the seven contracts she completed, Audrey traveled to five continents, including Australia, Africa, North and South America, and Europe. Additionally, she performed as a magician assistant for DV8 Reality Magic and Master Illusionist James Cielen. This included all contortions and illusions, along with showcasing her aerial training on the silks and Spanish web. For six years, Audrey worked for the production company Stiletto Entertainment based out of Los Angeles, California. She has performed in the Urban Jamm Faculty show with the elite teachers of the convention and continues to dance professionally in the Northern Ohio Area. With 23 years of dance training, Audrey has studied and has been guided by some of the most prestigious dance teachers in Cleveland, including Karen Colabianchi and Dee Hillier. She attended the University of Akron for two years to study ballet with Kaye Davis and Cydney Sphoon. In 2003 she received a scholarship to the EDGE Studio in Los Angeles, California, and was awarded the Well Rounded Dancer of the Year at the Urban Jamm Dance Convention. Bi-annually, Audrey studied at the EDGE to further her career, and attended countless classes at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She consistently continues classes weekly and attends conventions and conferences on a constant basis. Audrey’s extensive teaching and choreography repertoire began at the age of 15. She has taught master classes all over the Cleveland area and around the world aboard cruise ships. Audrey continues to teach at the annual CCA Ohio Ballet Day and has assisted and taught for the In-House Dance Convention. Her experience and practice of Yoga, Budokon, Kempo Karate, Personal Training, Cheerleading, and Strength and Conditioning have enabled her to create a physically fundamentally thorough warm-up and class. Fittingly, her choreography has developed into an innovative, ground-breaking, ingenious art and style of its own. She continues to win prestigious awards for her extraordinary choreography and style, which began in 1995. Admirably, she is honored to have been Featured Guest Solo Choreographer and Dancer in the Uptempo Dance Showcase in 2007. Audrey is extremely motivated, persistent and stays in demand by teaching over thirty classes per week at five studios in the Cleveland and Akron areas. With the talent to teach all levels, ages, and styles, her classes include, but are not limited to jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet and technique. Adding to her incredibly diverse background, Audrey is also a Personal Trainer, Designer, and Makeup Artist specializing in stage and theatre makeup.
Jamie Stuckey
Jamie has been dancing since the age of three and was a member of Elite Dance Academy’s Competition Company for seven years. She has taught jazz, ballet, and tap classes to young children and assisted in teaching company classes. Jamie was a member of the Brunswick High School dance team for four years, where she was captain during her senior year and also the class president. Jamie is in her senior year at the University of Toledo, majoring in early childhood education. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, a national honors society for education majors. Jamie was also a member of the university's dance team for three years, two of which she was also captain.
Dani Bechtel
Extremely talented and blessed to have seen the world! Dani has joined Elite as a Guest Teacher this year. She graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Dance, which only led her to bigger and better opportunities. Dani has taught choreography for many performing arts centers, judged for Push the Limit Workshop and Extreme Talent Showcase Competition, and is the Artistic Director for Constellations Dance Company in Norton. She has trained with Joshua Dean, The University of Akron performing Arts Center, StarMaker Performing Arts Center, and the Manchester School of Classical Ballet in Advanced Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Theater, and Tumbling. Dani has been blessed to become a Rockette member with The Radio City Music Hall, in New York City, performing in the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” commercial and also on “Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel.” She has traveled to Austria, Spain, Italy, and many US cities to experience everything our fabulous dance world has to offer! She really has seen it all! Welcome Dani, we are extremely lucky to have join Elite!
Copyright 2011, Elite Dance Academy, LTD. All rights reserved.
your request is being processed...
stand by...
.