Performer's Edge
Dance Theatre Faculty and Staff
Ellie Stutzman Cessna (Dance) grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and
received her ballet training from the Jordan College Academy of Dance at Butler
University. She also trained with Dennis Nahat at the School of Cleveland
Ballet and with Laura Byram through the Broad Ripple High School dance magnet
program. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina
at Greensboro with a B.A. in dance. Ellie has been teaching classical ballet
for nine years. She has taught in California at the Burbank School of Ballet,
at Patty Gray's School of Dance in Illinois, and has taught company class
in Oklahoma at the nationally certified home of Rogers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma.
Ellie has danced professionally with the Georgia Ballet and as Dream Laurey
in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma. She has also performed with the Indianapolis
Ballet Theatre, Indianapolis Dance Company and Dance Kaleidoscope.
Kim Haverstock Finley (Dance)
Liberty Harris (Dance) Libby began her training in Indianapolis with
Linda Reese and Ron Morgan at the Dance Magic Performing Arts Studio. She
attended Interlochen Arts Academy on a dance scholarship for four years. While
studying at Butler University, she was asked to join Dance Kaleidoscope for
the 1997 production of Carmina Burana. Liberty then went on to dance with
the Charleston Ballet Theater of South Carolina for two years. This is her
ninth season with Dance Kaleidoscope.
Jaime Long (Dance) developed a true passion and love for the art
of dance starting at the young age of two. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago,
she studied tap, jazz, and ballet; winning many regional and national competitions.
As a teenager, Jaime was given the opportunity to tour Europe on a dance exchange
program and went on to study at Lou Conte Dance Studio, home of the Hubbard
Street Dance Company. There, she received extensive training from many renowned
dancers, teachers, and choreographers. Jaime began teaching, and assisting,
in high school and continued to teach in a studio atmosphere while attending
University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. While in college, she performed
with the University of Illinois Musical Theatre Company. Although her major
was chemistry, she continued to study dance, take master classes, and teach.
In the summers, Jaime performed with the Illinois Theatre Company and at Disney
World. In 1997, she transferred to Butler University to study pharmacy and
continued teaching at Dance Class Studio in Greenwood and in Carmel. In 2000,
Jaime graduated Butler with a degree in pharmacy and is currently a full time
pharmacist at St. Vincent Hospital.
Nataly Lowder (Associate/Consultant) a native of Indiana, began her
dance training at Jordan Academy of Dance at Butler University. She was under
the tutelage of Peggy Dorsey, Jack Copeland, and Colette Kaufman. Nataly also
trained with San Francisco Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet. At the age of 15 she
went on scholarship to the National Academy of Arts under the Artistic Direction
of Petrus Bosman. Upon graduation Nataly danced 14 years as a professional
ballet dancer, receiving national acclaim in such ballets as Cinderella, Sleeping
Beauty, An American In Paris, Graduation Ball, and many more. She worked with
many wonderful choreographers including, Paul Russell, Basil Thompson, Christine
Hennessey, Tom Pazik, David and Anna Marie Holmes, and David Hochoy. Towards
the end of her ballet career, Nataly decided to attend Butler University and
receive her B.S. degree in Arts Administration where she graduated with high
honors. She also started singing, dancing, and expanding her scope of performing
into musical theatre. She received many rave reviews while at the American
Cabaret Theatre for shows such as Cole and Nole, Broadway Now, Voices of a
Generation, and Bernstein’s Broadway. Her most favorite singing moment
was portraying Petra in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. Since Nataly’s
ballet retirement, she has been Co-Artistic Director for Festival Ballet of
Rhode Island, Director of Admissions for Virginia School of the Arts, Teacher/Choreographer
for Virginia School of the Arts, and Director of Development for American
Cabaret Theatre; all the while guest teaching and choreographing for students
ages 7 – 18. Life then took her to Taiwan R.O.C. for 2 years where she
taught ballet and choreographed for Jubei High School, a performing arts school.
She slso collaborated with local artists for a cultural event at the Hshinchu
Cultural Center where she performed in a modern/classical Chinese piece. After
leaving Taiwan, Nataly returned back to Indianapolis with her now husband,
Jonathan Lowder. She joined the Jordan Academy of Dance in 2003 as a guest
choreographer for the Jordan Dance Ensemble. In 2004, she was offered a full
time teacher of ballet and classical jazz position, as well as choreographer
for the Academy. Since joining Jordan Academy, Nataly started many new programs
for the school. She was the Director of the Summer Intensive bringing in dancers
and teachers from around the nation. She started the Jordan Dance Ensemble
2 geared for younger students to have a chance to perform sooner and work
alongside the older dancers of JDE 1. She also began the Holiday Extravaganza,
Jordan’s holiday concert performed annually at Zionsville Performing
Arts Center. Nataly was awarded a Creative Renewal Fellowship in 2007 from
the Indianapolis Arts Council where she traveled to New York to rejuvenate
herself in her art, meeting terrific people such as Fredrick Franklin of the
Ballet Russe and Georgina Parkinson of American Ballet Theatre. Currently,
Nataly has students performing professionally in Houston Ballet, Alonzo King’s
Lines Ballet, Joffery Ballet, Bejart, Cincinnati Ballet, Nashville Ballet,
Georgia Ballet, and State Street Ballet. Nataly was the Director of Ballet
Programs at Performer’s Edge, Inc. and the Artistic Director of the
Ballet Theatre of Carmel and now serves as a consultant and guest teacher.
Sabrina Matheson (Dance) Sabrina Matheson was born in West Lafayette,
Indiana, and began her dance training at Lafayette Ballet School. She has
attended several intensive workshops at schools such as Pittsburgh Youth Ballet,
Ballet Austin and BalletMet, as well as the Cantilena School of the Arts in
St. Petersburg, Russia. She graduated from Lafayette Ballet Company in 2004,
where she performed leading roles in The Nutcracker, Twelve Dancing Princesses,
and Echoes of Indiana. Ms. Matheson continued her education at Butler University,
where she earned a B.F.A. in Dance Performance and danced leading roles in
The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Giselle and several contemporary works. After
graduation, she studied on scholarship with Nashville Ballet and performed
as a soloist with Vanderbilt Dance Theatre. She spent last season with Ballet
Theatre of Maryland, dancing corps and soloist roles, and is thrilled to be
back in Indiana.
Stirling Matheson (Dance, Guest Artist and Instructor) Stirling grew up in Fairfax, California where he trained at “Dance Theatre Seven”. He continued his training with the Arizona School of Classical Ballet before attending Butler University where he earned a B.A. in Dance (Pedagogy). While at Butler Universtiy, he performed principal roles in Giselle, Cinderella, Serenade, and several other works. Under the direction of Marek Cholewa he performed on tour through Poland as well as studying dance at the Cantilena School of the Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia. After graduation, he danced with Nashville Ballet II for the 2009-2010 season. For the 2010-2011 season he danced with Ballet Theatre of Maryland where he performed soloist and principal roles in Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet and Frontier 1812.
Ron Morgan (Director) is originally from Indianapolis then lived in New York City for ten years where he worked and trained in the performing arts. He was in the original Broadway cast of “Starlight Express” and “Meet Me in St. Louis”. New York production work includes industrial trade shows, cruise ships and Off -Broadway events. He has performed and/or choreographed in over 15 countries around the world including London and Nice, France. Ron began his performing career with the “All American College Singers” in Disneyland and has choreographed parade units for Disney Productions. He choreographed the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders for seven seasons, NBA half time shows and continues to choreograph for the Indiana Pacemate Holiday Halftime Shows. Ron has worked as a clinician for Show Choir Camps of America and other show choir educational venues. He continues to choreograph show choirs around the country including the Carmel High School Ambassadors. He has received numerous awards for his work with show choirs and has served as an adjudicator for competitions including “Showstoppers” in Disney World. Mr. Morgan has an extensive resume in musical theatre and continues to work in area schools and theatres. He assists with casting and show development for Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre where he directs and choreographs throughout the year. He is an experienced dance educator and is the owner of Performer's Edge Dance Theatre School for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.
Lyz Moser (Dance) is a proud alumnus of Performer’s
Edge. While at PE, she competed with the Performer’s Edge Competition
Team, performed with the Musical Theatre Company, and was a part of G2 and
the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. Since graduating from Noblesville High
School she has studied dance at Ball State University and was a member of
the Ball State Dance Theatre. Currently, Ms. Lyz is attending IUPUI pursuing
her degree in Elementary Education. She’s very excited to begin her
teaching career here at Performer’s Edge!
So Yon Nam (Dance) Ms. Nam studied classical ballet in her
native Korea, entering the Seoul Art High School in Korea and majoring in
dance. Upon graduation in 1993 she went on to Moscow`s Bolshoi Ballet Academy
studying the Russian Vaganova style. In 1995 she graduated and invited to
join the world-renowned National Ballet Company of Korea. Since joining the
National Ballet Company of Korea, Ms. Nam has danced many leading roles in
classical ballets including Giselle in Giselle , Nikia From La Bayadere and
Odette in Swan Lake. She toured internationally with the National Ballet Company
of Korea in Egypt in 1997 and at the 1997 Karmiel Dance Festival in Israel.
From1999 to 2005, Ms Nam danced with Ballet Internationale, She has performed
the principal roles in Phaedra, A thousand and One Nights, Don Quixote, Creation
of the World, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping and Beauty, Marz, Peter
Pan, Giselle, Dracula, Raymonda and The Nutcracker. She toured in Canada,
China and Taiwan with Ballet Internationale.
In 2003 she performed at the Korea Word Dance Stars Festival from 1996 to
2010. She has taught master classes for universities and studios in Korea.
From 2006 to 2010 Ms. Nam worked with Russian Ballet Academy of Indiana as
a Ballet Instructor.
Ron Nobles (Cello Instructor) Mr. Nobles is a native Hoosier,
grew up in Indianapolis. He began playing the cello as a 6th grader in the
Indianapolis Public Schools. Ron holds music education degrees from Indiana
Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) and Butler University.
He began his orchestra teaching career at Tech High School in Indianapolis
in 1970 and moved to Carmel Junior High (now Middle School) in 1982. While
at both schools, Ron’s orchestras received state-wide recognition and
acclaim. Many of his former students have established careers as music teachers
and performers. Ron’s performance experience has included solo recitals,
chamber music ensembles, symphonic playing, opera orchestras and recording
sessions. He has served as principal cellist for the Indianapolis Philharmonic
Orchestra, the Carmel Symphony, the Whitewater Opera and the Kokomo Symphony
Orchestra. Ron is a founding member and cellist for the d’Indy String
Quartet which has performed for many weddings and other social events since
1979. Ron has retired from public school teaching after 35 years. He enthusiastically
anticipates his continued involvement in music education through the development
of cello students through private teaching.
Lisa Reynolds (Voice and Piano)
Amy Roberds (Dance) is a graduate of Franklin Central High School where she spent most of her time rehearsing and performing with the FC Singers show choir as a soloist and dance captain. Amy then attended Ball State University where she studied Theatre. Some of Amy's favorite shows to date include Beauty and the Beast (Belle) and Anything Goes (Erma) at Franklin Central, Camp Rock the Musical (Camper) with Bob Direx, Rent (Featured Dancer) at Summer Stock Stage, and All Shook Up (Dance Captain) with Footlite Musicals. Amy loves to dance and has spent many hours studying tap, jazz, ballet and musical theatre at Performer's Edge where she was a member of the PE Musical Theatre Company. Amy is so excited to join the staff here at Performer's Edge!
Tara Roberds (Dance, Musical Theatre) Miss Tara just graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education- Choral/General. At Butler, Tara was proud to be a member of the Butler Chorale and “Jordan Jazz”- a vocal jazz ensemble. Tara is a 2006 graduate of Franklin Central High School, where she was a 4 year member of the “FC Singers” Show Choir, and was involved in many other FC Choirs and in all 4 Musicals—including playing the role of “Marty” in “Grease” her senior year. Locally, Tara has performed in several shows at Footlite Musicals- “Annie Warbucks”, “Music Man”, “West Side Story”, “Jekyll and Hyde”, “The Wedding Singer”, and “All Shook Up”.
Trish Roberds (Director, PE Musical Theatre Company) Trish
Roberds is currently the Director of the Musical Theatre Company (PEDT) for
Performer’s Edge School of Dance and Theatre in Carmel, IN. Trish has
been an instructor at Performer’s Edge for 16 years, teaching everything
from Pre-Dance through Intermediate/Advanced classes. Trish received her BA
in Performing Arts from Butler University—Dance and Music major, Theatre
minor. At Butler University, she was a member of the Butler Ballet, and the
performing group “PIZAZZ”- which she also choreographed. Trish
has worked as the Creative Movement teacher for Indianapolis Public Schools
# 64—a magnet Performing Arts Elementary School where she taught classes
in Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Physical Education. Trish has choreographed
the Junior Pacemates for the Indiana Pacers, and has worked for Central Indiana
Dance Ensemble. Outside choreography projects include various local high school
and middle school choirs, show choirs and musicals and is the choreographer
for NewKey Productions. Trish has performed locally at Indianapolis Civic
Theatre, Buck Creek Theatre, Footlite Musicals and at IRT. She has performed
professionally as a Singer/ Dancer with Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA.
Trish has been married to her husband Mark for almost 25 years and is the
proud mom of Tara, Amy and Danny.
Denise Sherman (Voice and Piano) is a nationally recognized
Vocalist, Educator, Composer, Actor and Music Director. She is a featured
vocalist on award winning recordings and has co-produced and recorded her
own compositions with Grammy award nominated and winning producers and musicians.
Ms. Sherman has received national radio air-play and has been a featured vocalist
with internationally known recording artists such as the “Queen of Blues”
Koko Taylor, Keb Mo’, Broadway’s Timothy Shew and rock-n-roll’s
Cheap Trick. She has performed all over the country in various venues and
her voice has been featured in over a dozen radio and television commercials.
Ms. Sherman graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education from Millikin University.
She holds a degree in both Vocal and Instrumental Education and is a licensed
Music Teacher in Indiana. She has done post graduate education work at both
Ball State University and Indiana University. She has been teaching Voice
and Performance to both young people and adults since 1992. Her ability to
expand a student’s range, produce excellent tone, build confidence,
increase repertoires, and create great vocal style makes Denise Sherman a
popular Voice Teacher and Performance Coach. She teaches a range of vocal
styles including Broadway, Classical, Pop, Jazz, Inspirational, and more.
She is also Musical Director for Musical Theatre Camps, Praise Bands, Choirs,
and teaches piano for student and adult beginners as well as college students
whose majors include Vocal Performance, Musical Theatre, Music Education,
and Music Therapy. Ms. Sherman inspires, motivates, and entertains groups
throughout the United States. She is a sought after consultant, guest speaker
and performer for professional conferences such as National Association of
Education of Young Children, Spiritual Retreats, Music and Performance Workshops
and inspires choral groups in schools. She is also an Adjudicator for music
competitions and contests. Her student’s can be found performing all
over the country in theatres, in ABC Television and Disney Productions, as
well as various performance venues in New York, Chicago, Austin, Orlando,
Los Angeles and more. Locally, her students are performing in Carmel Schools’
choirs including The Ambassadors and Accents, Center Groves’ Sound System
and Debtones, and many others. Her student’s are soloist in choirs,
cast in lead roles in musicals in High School Theatres as well as Professional
and Community Theatres including The American Cabaret Theatre, Footlight,
The Edyvien, The Belfry, The Artist Studio, Park Tudor Summer Stock and more.
The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus, The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus,
The Indianapolis Children’s Choir, The Indianapolis Symphony Chorus
also feature those who study voice with Denise Sherman. Her protégés
have been awarded scholarships to Universities all over the country such as
Boston University, Cal-State, Baldwin Wallace, Parke Point, Millikin University,
American Musical and Dramatic Arts Academy in New York (AMDAA), Ball State
University, Anderson University and Indiana University.
Kelly Butler Smith (Associate Director) Ms. Smith is a freelance choreographer working with various schools and theatres. High Schools in which she has choreographed include Carmel High School, Park Tudor, Lawrence North, North Central and Warren Central. Kelly also has choreographed many musicals at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Edyvean Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, the Children’s Museum and Buck Creek Players. Kelly is one of the founders of Summer Stock Stage, a program which gives young people a chance to work on their musical theatre skills with a professional staff. She also began a similar program at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre and ran it for over ten years. She has appeared on stage in many leading roles and has done some commercials for television as well as voice work for area radio stations. She has been an Artist in Residence for the Indiana Arts Commission, a Master Artist with Very Special Arts of Indiana, and has served on many boards in the arts community in Indianapolis.
Jennifer Stephanidis (Studio Manager) As the studio manager Jen is responsible for all the accounts, scheduling, payroll and other business affairs. She has been involved in many businesses including mortgage loan processor, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and secretary for the Performing Arts Department at Carmel High School. One of Jen’s favorite job opportunities was working to help pass legislation that enacted the “Child Safety Seat Law” for Indiana at Riley Hospital in the 80’s. Jen is an accomplished seamstress and has had her own business designing window treatments and making alterations on clothing and costumes. She was a lead teacher with “Mothers Day Out Programs” in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is the proud mother of two adult children and lives in Carmel with her husband Jim.
Alison Thunberg (Dance): Alison has returned to Indiana after four years of teaching dance in the Los Angeles area. She is best known for her teaching skills with the studio’s youngest dancers, her patience, and her enthusiasm. While in California, she became the ‘Children’s Program Director’ for an up and coming studio, choreographed award winning competitive dance routines, and had the opportunity to study with outstanding mentors. Teaching and studying Tap Dancing has been a large part of Alison’s dance career. Her undergraduate thesis was on Tap Dance History. Alison is a graduate of Indiana University with a major in Dance Education and minor in Small Business Management. She choreographed for numerous productions in the Bloomington area, including the University Theater, performed with the African American Dance Company, and taught dance classes at a non-for-profit dance studio. Throughout her career, Alison has held management positions, developing dance programs for studios . She is excited to have the opportunity to continue to share her love of dance with many new students at Performer’s Edge
Chris Watson (Dance, Team Coordinator) Mr. Chris Watson has 20 years of experience in dance in technique classes and competitive choreography. Chris received formal training from Vincennes University, Butler University and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. As a performer Chris has worked with the Circle City Ballet Company, WNBA Fever Squad and more. His choreography credits include work with the Fever Squad, Indiana Pacemates, Vincennes University Cheer Squad and the Nike Culture Shock in San Francisco. Chris has worked with competitive dance teams including LA Dance Indy, Le Rose Dance Academy and Turning Pointe. He is a nationally known choreographer and has received numerous awards in national dance competitions.
Frank Weiner (Ballet, Associate Choreographer & Technical Director of
the Ballet Theatre of Carmel) Born in Zimbabwe, Africa, Frank started
dancing at the Studio School of Dance in Massachusetts under Dede Guercio-Renko.
He then studied at the State University of New York at Purchase and New York
School of Ballet. Frank performed with the Hartford Ballet in Romeo and Juliet,
Copelia, and Carmina Burana, and Soloist roles in Hansel and Gretel, The Nutcracker
and The Moor in Jose Limon’s The Moor’s Pavane. While in Hartford,
Frank was also a member of Works Contemporary Dance Company. During the seven
seasons Frank danced with the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, he performed pieces
choreographed by Choo San-Goh, Lambros Lambrou, Jill Bahr, George Balanchine
and Jose Limon. Including solo and principal roles in Spartacus, Spring Waters,
The Moor’s Pavane, Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, the Snow King and Drosselmeyer
in The Nutcracker and Hilarian in Giselle. Frank then joined Dance Kaleidoscope,
under the direction of David Hochoy, where he was featured in such pieces
as Puccini People, Love Lies Bleeding, Seasons, and Farewell. During his time
with Dance Kaleidoscope, Frank also performed in Indianapolis Civic Theatre’s
productions of A Chorus Line, Anything Goes and La Cage Aux Follies.
Jane Hachiya-Weiner (Director of Ballet, Artistic Director of the Ballet Theatre of Carmel) Jane comes to Indianapolis from Japan where she was one of the Principal Dancers of the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet company, in Tokyo, and danced under her given name of Jane Godsoe and later her stage name of Noriko Hachiya. She danced the leading roles in such ballets as Swan Lake (Odette/Odile), Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Giselle. She was given the role of Marie Taglioni in Sir Anton Dolin’s staging of Pas de Quatre on one of his visits to the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Company as guest choreographer. During her days in Tokyo, Jane was a frequent guest artist in both the touring and Tokyo performances of the Japan Ballet Association and also for the NHK’s (National Broadcasting Company of Japan) annual “Evening at the Ballet”. Her dance experiences as guest artist spanned contemporary and original works by local choreographers to Sugar Plum Fairy in Nutcracker, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake and Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty. During her tenure at the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Company, she was partnered by such notable dancers as David Wall of the Royal Ballet, Michael Birkmeyer of the Vienna State Opera Ballet and Cyril Atanasoff and Patrick Dupond of the Ballet de l’Opera de Paris. She was featured in André Prokovsky’s staging of Faust Divertimento and in Alfred Rodrigues’ staging of Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique. In l980, Jane was awarded the Akiko Tachibana National Dance Award for her interpretation of Giselle. She has studied in Tokyo, Paris and Toulouse France, New York and at the Boston Ballet. Her teachers include Nina Vyroubova, former Etoile of the Paris Opera who coached Jane for the roles of Aurora and Giselle. She has had extensive tutelage in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus under Frank Freeman, Julia M. Cross and Nicola Wallis. who were resident RAD instructors for the HIrofumi Inoue Ballet Company. Her other teachers of note include Mr. Serge Peretti, Mr. Alfred Rodrigues, Mr. Naoto Seki, Miss Nobuko Haruyama in Tokyo. During her career transition from the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Company to dancing in the USA Jane danced for a brief time at Boston Ballet, which was, then under the directorship of Ms. Violette Verdy. She also danced with Boston Ballet Ensemble under the directorship of Bruce Wells. Miss Elaine Bauers, Principal Dancer of the Boston Ballet at the time, recommended helped her make the connection with Mr. Verdak who was Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre. She owes the success of her career in the U.S. to these three mentors to a great extent. Jane joined Indianapolis Ballet Theatre (later known as Ballet Internationale) in l985. She danced with Indianapolis Ballet Theatre under the direction of George Verdak, Dace Dindonis and finally Eldar Aliev. Since joining this company, she continued to dance lead roles in the standard classics as well being given the opportunity to gain experience in Balanchine ballets such as Night Shadow staged by John Taras and Allegro Brilliante staged by Victoria Simon. In modern dance she danced in Waldstein Sonata staged by Nancy Scattergood Jordan and as Emelia in Jose Limon’s The Moor’s Pavanne staged by Risa Steinberg of the Limon Foundation. After the arrival of Eldar Aliev, Jane was instructed in the Vaganova methodology under Irina Kolpakova a former Prima Ballerina of the Kirov Ballet. (She is currently a Ballet Mistress at the American Ballet Theatre and was Assistant Artistic Director of the company at the time. Of note, Mme Kolpakova coached Jane for the role of the young girl in Spectre de la Rose and Fanny Cerrito in Pas de Quatre .) Vladilen Semenov, Principal company teacher coached her for the Female lead in the Flower Festival at Genzano. Jane retired from full time dancing in l995. She spent a few additional years dancing with Hosanna Sacred Arts, a Christian Dance company under the artistic direction of Kenneth Tolle and served as Ballet Mistress during her time with them. Jane has served as rehearsal assistant and as one of the company teachers for the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre during the latter part of her dancing career with them. In the summer of l995, Jane served as the Interim Ballet Mistress for the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre during the Ballet Mistress’s maternity leave. Jane has experience teaching all levels of ballet. She began her teaching career as a faculty member of the Hirofumi Inoue Ballet Gakuen Academy, during her years there as company member In Indianapolis, Jane became the founding director of the Academy of the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre after Indianapolis Ballet Theatre moved to their new downtown location. She continued in the capacity of director, co director and finally principal of the Academy between the years of l989 - l996. She left this position upon the arrival of her first child. Most recently, Jane has been a Faculty Member at the Jordan Academy of Dance at Butler University - teaching levels 2 - 5 and pas de deux and variations. At the same time, Jane has also been an adjunct faculty member for the Butler University Dance Department Majors Program at the Jordan College of Fine Arts teaching pointe technique for the past several years.
Sarah Woolgar (Dance)