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, 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”
Cesar Perez, Acro, Hip Hop
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, Performance Team, Competition Team, 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.
Brennan Kolbo, Competition Team and Technique
Brennan a Nebraska native, is majoring in Dance Performance and Choreography at Elon University. While studying at Elon, she was a Teaching and Learning Assistant for Somatic Theories classes and was elected president of Elon DanceWorks, a student run dance company. Brennan has trained at the American Dance Festival, River North Dance Chicago, DanceWorks Chicago, and Thodos Dance Chicago. She has had the opportunity to present work at a TEDxYouthLincoln conference and intern and train with Malpaso Dance Company in Havana, Cuba. Most recently, Brennan was invited to train with the Big Muddy Dance Company in St. Louis, Missouri as part of their year long Convergence Training Program.
Brennan a Nebraska native, is majoring in Dance Performance and Choreography at Elon University. While studying at Elon, she was a Teaching and Learning Assistant for Somatic Theories classes and was elected president of Elon DanceWorks, a student run dance company. Brennan has trained at the American Dance Festival, River North Dance Chicago, DanceWorks Chicago, and Thodos Dance Chicago. She has had the opportunity to present work at a TEDxYouthLincoln conference and intern and train with Malpaso Dance Company in Havana, Cuba. Most recently, Brennan was invited to train with the Big Muddy Dance Company in St. Louis, Missouri as part of their year long Convergence Training Program.
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.
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 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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Brittnee Holdener, Performance Team, Ballet, Tap and Jazz
Miss Brittnee Holdener studied dance for 14 years, dancing competitively for 10 of those years. She has trained in various styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, acro, lyrical, and more. After graduating high school, Brittnee continued dancing at any opportunity she found, taking classes at Missouri State University and performing at various events through her sorority. Nowadays, she continues to share her passion for dance through teaching (which she has been doing for 11 years!) and continuing to take classes herself. Miss Brittnee is so incredibly proud of all of her students and can't wait to watch them shine on stage! |
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Kaitlyn Schwarz, Pre Dance, 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!" Kimberly Mourey-O’Neill, 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 |
Mikayla Farwig, Jazz, Contemporary, Technique
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.”
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Madeleine Keck, 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. |
Junior Staff Members
Christian Gaerte, Acro |
Mackenzie Branson, Tap |
Grace Vitale, Jazz |
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.