Tammy Branson, Co-Director
Ms. Branson has been teaching dance for more than 17 years, Her dance Education began under the direction of Becky Kern-Taylor. Tammy trained for a few years with the Energy Source Dance Company with Mr. Jayson Michaels and Mr. Eric Bentle. Ms. Branson taught the after-school program at Franklin School. Tammy competed competitively for many years at both regional and national levels, she continues to share her love of dance teaching mini thru advanced level competitive dancers and has won many choreography and top awards.
Ms. Branson has been teaching dance for more than 17 years, Her dance Education began under the direction of Becky Kern-Taylor. Tammy trained for a few years with the Energy Source Dance Company with Mr. Jayson Michaels and Mr. Eric Bentle. Ms. Branson taught the after-school program at Franklin School. Tammy competed competitively for many years at both regional and national levels, she continues to share her love of dance teaching mini thru advanced level competitive dancers and has won many choreography and top awards.
Becky Vitale, Co- Director
Becky Vitale grew up dancing and teaching at Becky Kerns Dance studio, and was a member of the Belleville West Dance Team. She continued her love of dance in college as a member of the St. Louis University dance team while earning a degree on Physical Therapy. She was certified as a strength and conditioning specialist and certified to teach mat pilates. She has recently returned to teaching dance and loves to work with children of all ages. As a Physical therapist she works with both children and adults to improve their movement, coordination and balance. She loves to teach children the art, freedom and expression in movement and dance.
Becky Vitale grew up dancing and teaching at Becky Kerns Dance studio, and was a member of the Belleville West Dance Team. She continued her love of dance in college as a member of the St. Louis University dance team while earning a degree on Physical Therapy. She was certified as a strength and conditioning specialist and certified to teach mat pilates. She has recently returned to teaching dance and loves to work with children of all ages. As a Physical therapist she works with both children and adults to improve their movement, coordination and balance. She loves to teach children the art, freedom and expression in movement and dance.
Raffaella Stroik, Ballet, Pointe, Pre Pointe
Raffaella Stroik is dancer with the St. Louis Ballet. She attended Indiana University where she performed principal roles such as “Giselle”, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” in The Nutcracker, and the “Swan Queen” in Balanchine’s Swan Lake. Other featured roles include the “Snow Princess” and “Lead Spanish” in Michael Vernon’s The Nutcracker along with “Fileuse” in Balanchine’s Emeralds, the “First Violin” in George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, the “Waltz Girl” in Balanchine’s Serenade, and a principal role in Antony Tudor’s Dark Elegies. She competed as a soloist in the New York City Finals of the Youth America Grand Prix. Stroik has participated in American Ballet Theater’s Summer Intensive in New York City, Boston Ballet’s Summer Dance Program, and Ballet West’s Summer Intensive on full scholarship. She has studied with Violette Verdy, Michael Vernon, Christian Claessens, Erica Fischbach, and Fabrice Herrault.
Raffaella Stroik is dancer with the St. Louis Ballet. She attended Indiana University where she performed principal roles such as “Giselle”, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” in The Nutcracker, and the “Swan Queen” in Balanchine’s Swan Lake. Other featured roles include the “Snow Princess” and “Lead Spanish” in Michael Vernon’s The Nutcracker along with “Fileuse” in Balanchine’s Emeralds, the “First Violin” in George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, the “Waltz Girl” in Balanchine’s Serenade, and a principal role in Antony Tudor’s Dark Elegies. She competed as a soloist in the New York City Finals of the Youth America Grand Prix. Stroik has participated in American Ballet Theater’s Summer Intensive in New York City, Boston Ballet’s Summer Dance Program, and Ballet West’s Summer Intensive on full scholarship. She has studied with Violette Verdy, Michael Vernon, Christian Claessens, Erica Fischbach, and Fabrice Herrault.
Trisha Turns, Competition Team, Tap, Flexibility, Leaps and Turns, Tiny Tappers and Pre Dance
Trisha Turns has grown up dancing around the St Louis area. She has been dancing since the age of four and competing since the age of five. Although trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, her favorite style of dance is tap. Trisha has won scholarships to California and New York for her tap solos as well as competed all over the United States. She has taken classes in Vermont, New Jersey, New York and California from amazing tap dancers such as Anthony Morigerato, Ayodele Casel, Emily Shoemaker, Mark Goodman, Anthony Russo, Aaron Tolsen, Mary Nosuchinsky and Mike Minery. As a teacher, her tap dances have won many choreography awards and have been invited to perform in the the prestigious Circle City Tap Fest show in Indianapolis IN. Trisha most enjoys sharing her love for dance with many young aspiring dancers.
Trisha Turns has grown up dancing around the St Louis area. She has been dancing since the age of four and competing since the age of five. Although trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, her favorite style of dance is tap. Trisha has won scholarships to California and New York for her tap solos as well as competed all over the United States. She has taken classes in Vermont, New Jersey, New York and California from amazing tap dancers such as Anthony Morigerato, Ayodele Casel, Emily Shoemaker, Mark Goodman, Anthony Russo, Aaron Tolsen, Mary Nosuchinsky and Mike Minery. As a teacher, her tap dances have won many choreography awards and have been invited to perform in the the prestigious Circle City Tap Fest show in Indianapolis IN. Trisha most enjoys sharing her love for dance with many young aspiring dancers.
Savanna Reeves, Competition Team, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Improv
Savanna began dancing at the age of 8, studying ballet, jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre. She also joined a competition team at age 11 at Brevard Dance Academy in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The Reeves family moved to Belleville, Illinois in 2006, where Savanna began taking classes at a local Dance Studio. She became a member of the Senior Level competition team and also began teaching recreational jazz, ballet, and pom for younger dancers at the studio. Savanna choreographed her own solo routines for competition and received several Platinum and first place awards for her solos, as well as for a duet and trio she choreographed and performed in. Savanna was also a member of the Belleville East High School dance team. Her family moved once again to Concord, California, where she began competing for Dance Connection Performing Arts Center. She received quality training with instructors who had experience in professional dance careers and education, national and international Broadway touring, competition judging, and much more. She and several of her teammates were chosen to audition in Hollywood for the television show "Paula Abdul's Live To Dance." Savanna also had many opportunities to attend dance conventions and workshops, where she received training from professionals such as Dominic Sandoval and Melissa Sandvig from So You Think You Can Dance. She was also featured in pieces throughout the year from renowned choreographers Jaci Royal, Tessandra Chavez, and Kersten Todey. Outside of the studio, she was given the opportunity to instruct and choreograph for her high school's dance program. Her experience in California not only improved her dance technique and physical abilities, but it gave her an in-depth understanding of dance philosophy and what it means to perform as an artist.
Savanna began dancing at the age of 8, studying ballet, jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre. She also joined a competition team at age 11 at Brevard Dance Academy in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The Reeves family moved to Belleville, Illinois in 2006, where Savanna began taking classes at a local Dance Studio. She became a member of the Senior Level competition team and also began teaching recreational jazz, ballet, and pom for younger dancers at the studio. Savanna choreographed her own solo routines for competition and received several Platinum and first place awards for her solos, as well as for a duet and trio she choreographed and performed in. Savanna was also a member of the Belleville East High School dance team. Her family moved once again to Concord, California, where she began competing for Dance Connection Performing Arts Center. She received quality training with instructors who had experience in professional dance careers and education, national and international Broadway touring, competition judging, and much more. She and several of her teammates were chosen to audition in Hollywood for the television show "Paula Abdul's Live To Dance." Savanna also had many opportunities to attend dance conventions and workshops, where she received training from professionals such as Dominic Sandoval and Melissa Sandvig from So You Think You Can Dance. She was also featured in pieces throughout the year from renowned choreographers Jaci Royal, Tessandra Chavez, and Kersten Todey. Outside of the studio, she was given the opportunity to instruct and choreograph for her high school's dance program. Her experience in California not only improved her dance technique and physical abilities, but it gave her an in-depth understanding of dance philosophy and what it means to perform as an artist.
Tiffiny Wayland Beauchamp, Technique Classes and Competition Team
Tiffiny Wayland Beauchamp originally from Los Angeles, California, began her extensive training as a dancer at 5 years old with ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, hip hop , ballroom, cheerleading and gymnastics for more than fifteen years, the top choreographers, coaches and trainers in LA including, but not limited to; Dee Caspery, Tina Caspery, Bob Woodard, Jason Beitel, Richard Kauzmtch, Preston Lee, Keli Lesker, Onisha Moore, Susanne Easter, Stacy & Francisco Martinez, Champion Gymnastics and Vernon Lee Gymnastics.
Over the past two decades she has competed at the highest levels, winning awards in jazz and lyrical solo performances. For thirteen of those years she trained and taught at her families dance studio, Dance House Academy CA, where she took numerous students to competition and conventions. Winning top overall awards at Showbiz, Showstopper, Hall of Fame, Rainbow Connection, Starpower, Bravo, IDC, KAR, Encore, Celebrity Dance and many others. In addition she was a cheer, stunting, song coach and choreographer for 8 years at Crescenta Valley High School, Maranatha Christian Prep High School and Holy Redeemer Middle School. Along with being a Judge at SHARP International Cheer and Dance Competition, Choreographer for Team Rave LA, San Francisco and Star Kids as well as working summer camps, teaching dance, cheer and gymnastics for all ages and experience levels. Over the years she has directed and choreographed full length productions including; Lion King, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and many more. Favorite Motto “Dance Because You Love IT”
Tiffiny Wayland Beauchamp originally from Los Angeles, California, began her extensive training as a dancer at 5 years old with ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, hip hop , ballroom, cheerleading and gymnastics for more than fifteen years, the top choreographers, coaches and trainers in LA including, but not limited to; Dee Caspery, Tina Caspery, Bob Woodard, Jason Beitel, Richard Kauzmtch, Preston Lee, Keli Lesker, Onisha Moore, Susanne Easter, Stacy & Francisco Martinez, Champion Gymnastics and Vernon Lee Gymnastics.
Over the past two decades she has competed at the highest levels, winning awards in jazz and lyrical solo performances. For thirteen of those years she trained and taught at her families dance studio, Dance House Academy CA, where she took numerous students to competition and conventions. Winning top overall awards at Showbiz, Showstopper, Hall of Fame, Rainbow Connection, Starpower, Bravo, IDC, KAR, Encore, Celebrity Dance and many others. In addition she was a cheer, stunting, song coach and choreographer for 8 years at Crescenta Valley High School, Maranatha Christian Prep High School and Holy Redeemer Middle School. Along with being a Judge at SHARP International Cheer and Dance Competition, Choreographer for Team Rave LA, San Francisco and Star Kids as well as working summer camps, teaching dance, cheer and gymnastics for all ages and experience levels. Over the years she has directed and choreographed full length productions including; Lion King, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and many more. Favorite Motto “Dance Because You Love IT”
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Cesar Perez, Acro, Hip Hop
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Kaele Kidwell, Tap, Hip Hop, Technique Classes
Kaele is currently a high school student at Belleville East and participates in the Marching Lancers and Belleville East Dance team. Kaele began dancing at age 4 and joined the competition team at age 5. Her very first competition dance was choreographed by Miss Tammy! Since then, she has performed with The Muny in Bye Bye Birdie, the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, student dance film Le Ballet Quotidien, and for 2 years was a Junior Trainee in The Ashleyliane Dance Company's Junior Trainee Program. Kaele also attends many dance conventions and workshops, including being chosen for Adrenaline's Performance Crew, where she has studied under such professionals such as Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Christina Grady, Shannon Mather, Ian Eastwood, and Mel B, just to name a few. She is excited this year to be able to pass along her love of dance to the students at Expressions.
Kaele is currently a high school student at Belleville East and participates in the Marching Lancers and Belleville East Dance team. Kaele began dancing at age 4 and joined the competition team at age 5. Her very first competition dance was choreographed by Miss Tammy! Since then, she has performed with The Muny in Bye Bye Birdie, the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, student dance film Le Ballet Quotidien, and for 2 years was a Junior Trainee in The Ashleyliane Dance Company's Junior Trainee Program. Kaele also attends many dance conventions and workshops, including being chosen for Adrenaline's Performance Crew, where she has studied under such professionals such as Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Christina Grady, Shannon Mather, Ian Eastwood, and Mel B, just to name a few. She is excited this year to be able to pass along her love of dance to the students at Expressions.
Cindy Glaenzer, Ballet, Jazz and Tap
Cindy started dance when she was 6 yrs old and never stopped! Dance has always been in her life, and she has been a long time dance student, dance teacher, studio owner and dance mom. The study of movement and breaking down difficult steps in dance is what influenced her to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. It was the perfect combination of movement analysis, math, science, teaching and helping people. She currently supervises the Hand Clinic at Belleville Memorial Hospital and is an instructor at Washington University in the Physical Therapy Program. Despite being busy, she holds a special place in her heart for teaching dance, and hopes to share her passion for dance with your children.
Cindy started dance when she was 6 yrs old and never stopped! Dance has always been in her life, and she has been a long time dance student, dance teacher, studio owner and dance mom. The study of movement and breaking down difficult steps in dance is what influenced her to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. It was the perfect combination of movement analysis, math, science, teaching and helping people. She currently supervises the Hand Clinic at Belleville Memorial Hospital and is an instructor at Washington University in the Physical Therapy Program. Despite being busy, she holds a special place in her heart for teaching dance, and hopes to share her passion for dance with your children.
Rachel Frobel, Acro, Tap, Ballet, and Jazz
Rachel grew up in the world of dance and acro at Adams School of Dance and continued on teaching with them. She left to study chemistry and zoology although, became a microbiologist. While working in science, she trained to become a professional wrestler. With the name MsChif, she wrestled all across the United States and in the countries of Japan, England and Canada. She dominated in the wrestling world and became a champion wrestler, holding several titles including the National Wrestling Alliance World Womens title and the Shimmer Women Athletes title. Scientist by day, wrestler by night (well, weekend ). Turning in the superhero lifestyle she returned to her first passion and began teaching dance again with Expressions Academy of Dance.
Rachel grew up in the world of dance and acro at Adams School of Dance and continued on teaching with them. She left to study chemistry and zoology although, became a microbiologist. While working in science, she trained to become a professional wrestler. With the name MsChif, she wrestled all across the United States and in the countries of Japan, England and Canada. She dominated in the wrestling world and became a champion wrestler, holding several titles including the National Wrestling Alliance World Womens title and the Shimmer Women Athletes title. Scientist by day, wrestler by night (well, weekend ). Turning in the superhero lifestyle she returned to her first passion and began teaching dance again with Expressions Academy of Dance.
Kaitlyn Schwarz, Tap, Ballet and Jazz
Kaitlyn is a 2016 gradute of the University of Illinois and lives in Swansea. She started dancing at age five at a studio in Belleville. She was trained in jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, hip hop, acrobatics, and pom. She started competing at age seven and continued for years. Kaitlyn's first solo and duet was choreographed by Miss Tammy! She was also a member of the Belleville East State Champion Dance Team and was captain her senior year. Kaitlyn continued her dance training at Jane Mannion School of Dance and Belleville School of Ballet during her high school years. She there was trained under Jane Mannion, Christy Fischer, and Jason Flodder. In college, Kaitlyn continued her dancing by taking several Jazz, Ballet, and Modern classes. While at the University of Illinois, she was honored to be a part of a master class with choreographer Sonya Tayeh. Kaitlyn can't wait to share her love of dancing with her students!"
Kaitlyn is a 2016 gradute of the University of Illinois and lives in Swansea. She started dancing at age five at a studio in Belleville. She was trained in jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, hip hop, acrobatics, and pom. She started competing at age seven and continued for years. Kaitlyn's first solo and duet was choreographed by Miss Tammy! She was also a member of the Belleville East State Champion Dance Team and was captain her senior year. Kaitlyn continued her dance training at Jane Mannion School of Dance and Belleville School of Ballet during her high school years. She there was trained under Jane Mannion, Christy Fischer, and Jason Flodder. In college, Kaitlyn continued her dancing by taking several Jazz, Ballet, and Modern classes. While at the University of Illinois, she was honored to be a part of a master class with choreographer Sonya Tayeh. Kaitlyn can't wait to share her love of dancing with her students!"
Andie Lang, Fitness and Mommy and Me
Andie Lang is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor certified through Saras City based in Chicago. She has been in the health industry for over 10 years in various areas from specializing in keeping senior citizens active, doing in home training, personalized weight loss consulting, and currently teaching fitness classes. Her passion for running began along side her dad at the age of 6, and she loved growing up watching her mom teach aerobic classes from as far back as she can remember. Andie stays active with her husband, 2 children, and running a salon from her home in Smithton. She thrives on seeing the success from her clients living a more healthful life and truly believes 'he who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything'.
Andie Lang is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor certified through Saras City based in Chicago. She has been in the health industry for over 10 years in various areas from specializing in keeping senior citizens active, doing in home training, personalized weight loss consulting, and currently teaching fitness classes. Her passion for running began along side her dad at the age of 6, and she loved growing up watching her mom teach aerobic classes from as far back as she can remember. Andie stays active with her husband, 2 children, and running a salon from her home in Smithton. She thrives on seeing the success from her clients living a more healthful life and truly believes 'he who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything'.
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Hannah Schutzenhofer, Tap, Ballet and Jazz
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Taylor Daniels, Tap, Ballet and Jazz
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