Tammy Branson, Co-Director
Ms. Branson has been teaching dance for more than 20 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 20 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 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 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.
In Loving Memory of 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 and Leaps and Turns
Trisha 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 competed all over the United States and has trained with tap dancers such as Anthony Morigerato, Ayodele Casol, Emily Shoemaker, Mark Goodman, Mike Minery, and Aaron Tolsen. As a teacher, Trisha’s tap dances have won numerous choreography awards and top 10 placements. In addition, she has had dances invited to perform at the Circle City Tap Festival in Indianapolis, IN and National Dance Week at the Grandel Theater in St. Louis. Most recently, Trisha had a group of tap dancers make it to the St. Louis Teen Talent competition at The Fabulous Fox Theater where they received the Fromm Family Dance Award. She also teaches/choreographs at Central Visual Performing Arts High School in St. Louis. Trisha most enjoys sharing her love of tap with many aspiring dancers.
Trisha 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 competed all over the United States and has trained with tap dancers such as Anthony Morigerato, Ayodele Casol, Emily Shoemaker, Mark Goodman, Mike Minery, and Aaron Tolsen. As a teacher, Trisha’s tap dances have won numerous choreography awards and top 10 placements. In addition, she has had dances invited to perform at the Circle City Tap Festival in Indianapolis, IN and National Dance Week at the Grandel Theater in St. Louis. Most recently, Trisha had a group of tap dancers make it to the St. Louis Teen Talent competition at The Fabulous Fox Theater where they received the Fromm Family Dance Award. She also teaches/choreographs at Central Visual Performing Arts High School in St. Louis. Trisha most enjoys sharing her love of tap with many aspiring dancers.
Savanna Reeves, Competition Team
Savanna Van Horn began dancing recreationally at the age of 8. Growing up in a military household, she attended several different studios across the country and gained experience from a wide variety of instructors. She began competing and student teaching at the age of 12, and at 13 she began choreographing her own solos for competition. In high school, she was hired as a recreational teacher and assistant parade coach at her studio. She also became a member of her school’s varsity dance team and was selected to be a Captain in her junior year. At the end of her senior year, she was awarded “Dancer of the Year.” After graduating in 2011, Savanna attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) to study wildlife biology; she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2015 and master’s in 2018. During that time, Savanna was a volunteer worker at a wildlife rehabilitation center, became an intern zookeeper at the Saint Louis Zoo, and worked as the lead teaching assistant for her university’s anatomy and physiology courses. She also continued her dance training by taking university dance classes as electives, and choreographing for and participating in SIUE’s annual Student Dance Concert. Savanna joined the Expressions family when the studio opened in 2013; she specialized in teaching contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and improvisation for the competition team. In 2018, she created Expressions’ first Student Choreography summer program and helped mentor students who had an interest in choreographing and teaching. Savanna moved to California in the Fall of 2019 and began teaching dance full-time, leaving the biology world behind. She shares her time equally between Livermore School of Dance in Livermore, CA, and Keep in Time Dance Academy in Oakley, CA, where she is the Assistant Director at both studios. She continues to choreograph for students at Expressions via Zoom, and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so and to stay connected with her EDC family!
Savanna Van Horn began dancing recreationally at the age of 8. Growing up in a military household, she attended several different studios across the country and gained experience from a wide variety of instructors. She began competing and student teaching at the age of 12, and at 13 she began choreographing her own solos for competition. In high school, she was hired as a recreational teacher and assistant parade coach at her studio. She also became a member of her school’s varsity dance team and was selected to be a Captain in her junior year. At the end of her senior year, she was awarded “Dancer of the Year.” After graduating in 2011, Savanna attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) to study wildlife biology; she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2015 and master’s in 2018. During that time, Savanna was a volunteer worker at a wildlife rehabilitation center, became an intern zookeeper at the Saint Louis Zoo, and worked as the lead teaching assistant for her university’s anatomy and physiology courses. She also continued her dance training by taking university dance classes as electives, and choreographing for and participating in SIUE’s annual Student Dance Concert. Savanna joined the Expressions family when the studio opened in 2013; she specialized in teaching contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and improvisation for the competition team. In 2018, she created Expressions’ first Student Choreography summer program and helped mentor students who had an interest in choreographing and teaching. Savanna moved to California in the Fall of 2019 and began teaching dance full-time, leaving the biology world behind. She shares her time equally between Livermore School of Dance in Livermore, CA, and Keep in Time Dance Academy in Oakley, CA, where she is the Assistant Director at both studios. She continues to choreograph for students at Expressions via Zoom, and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so and to stay connected with her EDC family!
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”
Cesar Perez, Acro
Cesar has been involved in dance for ten years learning and mastering different styles of hip hop along with ballet and jazz. As a choreographer/dancer he won numerous national titles and choreography awards at (NDA, US Finals, Velocity, Legacy, etc). His passion for dance continued as he started his coaching career as an assistant coach under Tara Noyes , as well as teaching classes, camps, and choreographing for numerous studios/companies. Along with dance he has found a love for gymnastic coaching boys and girls level 4-9 at the south county YMCA and St.louis Gym Center for four years. Most recently he found his way to the circus becoming the lead dance/acro/partner acro coach at Circus Harmony and leading The St.Louis Arches for two years. In his time in the circus he has choreograph multiple pieces for Circus Flora, Ringling Brothers Circus, etc.
Cesar has been involved in dance for ten years learning and mastering different styles of hip hop along with ballet and jazz. As a choreographer/dancer he won numerous national titles and choreography awards at (NDA, US Finals, Velocity, Legacy, etc). His passion for dance continued as he started his coaching career as an assistant coach under Tara Noyes , as well as teaching classes, camps, and choreographing for numerous studios/companies. Along with dance he has found a love for gymnastic coaching boys and girls level 4-9 at the south county YMCA and St.louis Gym Center for four years. Most recently he found his way to the circus becoming the lead dance/acro/partner acro coach at Circus Harmony and leading The St.Louis Arches for two years. In his time in the circus he has choreograph multiple pieces for Circus Flora, Ringling Brothers Circus, etc.
Kaele Kidwell, Competition Team
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.
Brennan Kolbo, Ballet, Competition Team and Technique
Brennan Kolbo, originally from Nebraska, studied Dance Performance and Choreography at Elon University in North Carolina. While at Elon, she was a Teaching and Learning Assistant for Somatic Theories courses and was elected president of Elon DanceWorks, a student run dance company. Brennan has trained nationally at the American Dance Festival, River North Dance Chicago, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, DanceWorks Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, and The Big Muddy Dance Company. She has presented work at a TEDxYouth conference, Omaha Under the Radar artist showcase, and American College Dance Association conferences. In 2018, Brennan traveled to Havana, Cuba to intern and train with Malpaso Dance Company. While the pandemic put a pause on all performances, Brennan found joy in teaching ballet and contemporary dance. Most recently, Brennan joined Leverage Dance Theater in St. Louis as an apprentice and is excited to get back on the stage
Brennan Kolbo, originally from Nebraska, studied Dance Performance and Choreography at Elon University in North Carolina. While at Elon, she was a Teaching and Learning Assistant for Somatic Theories courses and was elected president of Elon DanceWorks, a student run dance company. Brennan has trained nationally at the American Dance Festival, River North Dance Chicago, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, DanceWorks Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, and The Big Muddy Dance Company. She has presented work at a TEDxYouth conference, Omaha Under the Radar artist showcase, and American College Dance Association conferences. In 2018, Brennan traveled to Havana, Cuba to intern and train with Malpaso Dance Company. While the pandemic put a pause on all performances, Brennan found joy in teaching ballet and contemporary dance. Most recently, Brennan joined Leverage Dance Theater in St. Louis as an apprentice and is excited to get back on the stage
Cindy Glaenzer, Ballet 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.
Andie Lang, Fitness
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 15 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. 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 15 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. 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'.
Brittnee Holdener, Performance Team, Ballet, Tap and Jazz
Miss Brittnee Holdener trained in dance for 14 years, dancing competitively for 10. She has trained in tap, ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, acro, lyrical, and more. After high school, Brittnee attended Missouri State University where she graduated with her degree in Entertainment Management. While in college, she continued to perform at events around campus and with her sorority. Now she continues to share her passion for dance through teaching (this is her 16th season as a teacher!!) and watching her students shine in class and on stage. When she's not dancing, you can catch Miss Brittnee seeing whatever musical is in town or jet-setting off to another city for the weekend!
Miss Brittnee Holdener trained in dance for 14 years, dancing competitively for 10. She has trained in tap, ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, acro, lyrical, and more. After high school, Brittnee attended Missouri State University where she graduated with her degree in Entertainment Management. While in college, she continued to perform at events around campus and with her sorority. Now she continues to share her passion for dance through teaching (this is her 16th season as a teacher!!) and watching her students shine in class and on stage. When she's not dancing, you can catch Miss Brittnee seeing whatever musical is in town or jet-setting off to another city for the weekend!
Lisa Smith, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Acro and Pre Dance
I started ballet and tap at the age of four when my parents saw me constantly dancing around the house. Little did they know then, it would become my lifelong passion. By five years old, I was competing. I continued to further my skills through both dance studio competition and high school dance team as a member and co-captain of the Belleville West Dance Team. It was in high school when I started teaching dance for the first time and realized not only did I love performing, but also sharing that knowledge with dance students. I also had the opportunity to develop my creative skills as a choreographer. I then attended the University of Illinois and was a four-year member and co-captain of the Illinettes, continuing to mentor and choreograph. I have taught a variety of dance genres and age groups throughout the years and enjoy being able to watch students learn new skills. Dance is truly a combination of athleticism and creativity, and watching students develop their skills in both is rewarding. Dance has provided me with some of the best memories and friendships of my life. My greatest dance joy though is watching my daughter find the same love and passion for dance. Teaching her and watching her learn new skills makes me so proud, however, watching her grow friendships I know will last a lifetime makes me even happier. I’m so glad to be a part of the Expressions Dance Family as both a teacher and parent, and can’t wait to watch all these students learn, grow and make forever memories!
I started ballet and tap at the age of four when my parents saw me constantly dancing around the house. Little did they know then, it would become my lifelong passion. By five years old, I was competing. I continued to further my skills through both dance studio competition and high school dance team as a member and co-captain of the Belleville West Dance Team. It was in high school when I started teaching dance for the first time and realized not only did I love performing, but also sharing that knowledge with dance students. I also had the opportunity to develop my creative skills as a choreographer. I then attended the University of Illinois and was a four-year member and co-captain of the Illinettes, continuing to mentor and choreograph. I have taught a variety of dance genres and age groups throughout the years and enjoy being able to watch students learn new skills. Dance is truly a combination of athleticism and creativity, and watching students develop their skills in both is rewarding. Dance has provided me with some of the best memories and friendships of my life. My greatest dance joy though is watching my daughter find the same love and passion for dance. Teaching her and watching her learn new skills makes me so proud, however, watching her grow friendships I know will last a lifetime makes me even happier. I’m so glad to be a part of the Expressions Dance Family as both a teacher and parent, and can’t wait to watch all these students learn, grow and make forever memories!
Kimberly Mourey-O’Neill, Mommy and Me, Pre Dance, Ballet, Tap, and Jazz
Kim, also known as “Nurse Kim” to many dancers and parents, is a Certified School Nurse at Douglas School in Belleville District #118, a wife, and mom to Liam (7 years old) and Emerson (4 years old), a Belleville native, and a lifetime dancer. Kim and her twin sister, Kelly, began dancing at the young age of 2 years old. She has studied various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, pom, hip hop, modern, and contemporary. Kim began dancing competitively when she was nine years old. She was the Captain of her high school dance team her Senior year at Belleville West High School, as well as the Captain of her college dance team her Junior and Senior years at Saint Louis University. Kim has had the opportunity to dance in several big cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Memphis, Opryland in Nashville, TN, and at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. One of Kim’s most memorable dance moments was when she attended Grease! The Musical on Broadway, she and her sister were chosen to dance on the Broadway stage with Chubby Checker, who played the role of Teen Angel. Kim has choreographed winning State routines for several local high schools and was a Regional and State Judge for the Missouri Dance Team Association for several years. Kim hung up her dance shoes for a few years while pursuing a career in Pediatric Nursing, obtaining a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Licensed Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, and achieving her greatest accomplishment of becoming a mom. Kim’s little boy, Liam, began dancing when he was 4 years old (you may catch him taking a Hip Hop class at Expressions from time to time) and her little girl, Emerson, began dancing when she was 2 years old and is currently a member of Expressions Dance Company. Dance holds a special place in Kim’s heart and she is so excited to share her love and passion with your dancer! “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” –Wayne Dyer
Kim, also known as “Nurse Kim” to many dancers and parents, is a Certified School Nurse at Douglas School in Belleville District #118, a wife, and mom to Liam (7 years old) and Emerson (4 years old), a Belleville native, and a lifetime dancer. Kim and her twin sister, Kelly, began dancing at the young age of 2 years old. She has studied various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, pom, hip hop, modern, and contemporary. Kim began dancing competitively when she was nine years old. She was the Captain of her high school dance team her Senior year at Belleville West High School, as well as the Captain of her college dance team her Junior and Senior years at Saint Louis University. Kim has had the opportunity to dance in several big cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Memphis, Opryland in Nashville, TN, and at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. One of Kim’s most memorable dance moments was when she attended Grease! The Musical on Broadway, she and her sister were chosen to dance on the Broadway stage with Chubby Checker, who played the role of Teen Angel. Kim has choreographed winning State routines for several local high schools and was a Regional and State Judge for the Missouri Dance Team Association for several years. Kim hung up her dance shoes for a few years while pursuing a career in Pediatric Nursing, obtaining a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Licensed Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, and achieving her greatest accomplishment of becoming a mom. Kim’s little boy, Liam, began dancing when he was 4 years old (you may catch him taking a Hip Hop class at Expressions from time to time) and her little girl, Emerson, began dancing when she was 2 years old and is currently a member of Expressions Dance Company. Dance holds a special place in Kim’s heart and she is so excited to share her love and passion with your dancer! “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” –Wayne Dyer
Mikayla Mains, Jazz, Contemporary, Technique and Competition Choreography
Mikayla discovered her love of dancing at age 12. She danced competitively up until graduating. She continued her training by taking master classes from renowned instructors and began teaching. After 7 years of teaching, she has gained knowledge in multiple styles teaching both recreational and competitive levels. Mikayla enjoys using dance as a chance to tell a story and prides herself in help students expand their skills. "She is so excited to share her love of dance with our students.”
Mikayla discovered her love of dancing at age 12. She danced competitively up until graduating. She continued her training by taking master classes from renowned instructors and began teaching. After 7 years of teaching, she has gained knowledge in multiple styles teaching both recreational and competitive levels. Mikayla enjoys using dance as a chance to tell a story and prides herself in help students expand their skills. "She is so excited to share her love of dance with our students.”
Madeleine Keck, Ballet, Pre Pointe and Pointe
Madeleine began dancing at the age of 8, training in various styles over the years including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, acro, tap, and aerial silks. She began competing at 12 years-old in styles such as ballet, pointe, contemporary, and jazz. Madeleine is a 2021 graduate from Lindenwood University with a major in elementary education and a minor in dance.
Madeleine began dancing at the age of 8, training in various styles over the years including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, acro, tap, and aerial silks. She began competing at 12 years-old in styles such as ballet, pointe, contemporary, and jazz. Madeleine is a 2021 graduate from Lindenwood University with a major in elementary education and a minor in dance.
Mackenzie Branson, Tap, Jazz, Performance team and Company Choreography
Mackenzie Started dancing at the age of 2 and started competing at the age of 4. She loves dancing but tap dance has been her passion. Mackenzie has been part of the Expressions Dance Company from day 1, Rhythmic Souls Tap company based out of Dallas Texas and the Pre Professional Student Apprentice Program for Mostly Tap STL. Mackenzie performed at the Fabulous Fox for the 2019 and 2020 Teen Talent Competition, and danced at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson in the Kidz Rock Show summer of 2020 and 2022. Mackenzie attends Mckendree University l where she is a member of their competitive dance team and study exercise Science. Mackenzie will continue to share her love of dance especially Tap by returning to teach both recreationally and competitively next season
Mackenzie Started dancing at the age of 2 and started competing at the age of 4. She loves dancing but tap dance has been her passion. Mackenzie has been part of the Expressions Dance Company from day 1, Rhythmic Souls Tap company based out of Dallas Texas and the Pre Professional Student Apprentice Program for Mostly Tap STL. Mackenzie performed at the Fabulous Fox for the 2019 and 2020 Teen Talent Competition, and danced at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson in the Kidz Rock Show summer of 2020 and 2022. Mackenzie attends Mckendree University l where she is a member of their competitive dance team and study exercise Science. Mackenzie will continue to share her love of dance especially Tap by returning to teach both recreationally and competitively next season
Doc Riley, Hip Hop and Company Choreography
Doc has been a professional choreographer/ dancer for 15+ years. He got his start in high school teaching/mentoring younger students while also continuing his dance education. Doc is well experienced in multiple hip-hop styles such as, B-Boy (break dancing), popping, locking, and commercial hip hop choreography. Doc has performed with national recording acts like Nelly, Ginuwine, Keisha Cole, and Chingy. He has also spent time overseas, performing on several tours throughout China and was an assistant artistic director for a major 20+ city arena tour in Russia.
Doc has been a professional choreographer/ dancer for 15+ years. He got his start in high school teaching/mentoring younger students while also continuing his dance education. Doc is well experienced in multiple hip-hop styles such as, B-Boy (break dancing), popping, locking, and commercial hip hop choreography. Doc has performed with national recording acts like Nelly, Ginuwine, Keisha Cole, and Chingy. He has also spent time overseas, performing on several tours throughout China and was an assistant artistic director for a major 20+ city arena tour in Russia.
Grace Vitale, Jazz,Performance Team and Company Choreography
Miss Grace teaches recreational, Performance Team, and Company jazz and ballet. Her favorite style is a tie between jazz and contemporary! Grace loves teaching and choreographing, and she is super excited for this season! "I am thankful that Expressions gives me the opportunity to not only share my passion for dance, but to experience what it feels like to be on the teacher side and the student side."
Miss Grace teaches recreational, Performance Team, and Company jazz and ballet. Her favorite style is a tie between jazz and contemporary! Grace loves teaching and choreographing, and she is super excited for this season! "I am thankful that Expressions gives me the opportunity to not only share my passion for dance, but to experience what it feels like to be on the teacher side and the student side."
Taylor Bollinger, Jazz, technique and Company Choreography
Taylor has trained for over 20 years in many different styles of dance. As a competitive dancer, she won numerous awards and titles at both, regional and national levels. After high school, Taylor continued her education at Lindenwood University where she studied Elementary Education and Dance. She was actively involved in Lindenwood's dance department and was also a member of the 2011-2012 Lion Line Dance Team. In 2012, Taylor began her professional career as a St. Louis Rams Cheerleader, where she remained with the team for four seasons. During her time with the Rams, Taylor was given the opportunity to tour with Protour Productions where she performed for NFL fans all over the world. Some of Taylor's career highlights include: opening for Jacquees with local St. Louis artist, Jonesboy, performing as a backup dancer for Ginuwine, performing at word of Dance-Chicago, and training/working under the direction of Ebony Bryant as a Rock Steady Heels Dance Company member.
Taylor has trained for over 20 years in many different styles of dance. As a competitive dancer, she won numerous awards and titles at both, regional and national levels. After high school, Taylor continued her education at Lindenwood University where she studied Elementary Education and Dance. She was actively involved in Lindenwood's dance department and was also a member of the 2011-2012 Lion Line Dance Team. In 2012, Taylor began her professional career as a St. Louis Rams Cheerleader, where she remained with the team for four seasons. During her time with the Rams, Taylor was given the opportunity to tour with Protour Productions where she performed for NFL fans all over the world. Some of Taylor's career highlights include: opening for Jacquees with local St. Louis artist, Jonesboy, performing as a backup dancer for Ginuwine, performing at word of Dance-Chicago, and training/working under the direction of Ebony Bryant as a Rock Steady Heels Dance Company member.
We are always looking for new qualified staff members!
Email your resume to expressions.academyofdance@yahoo.com
for consideration.
Email your resume to expressions.academyofdance@yahoo.com
for consideration.