| Michael Pinney |
| Susan Pinney |
| Executive Director |
| Artistic Director Preschool, Tap, Ballet |
| Married for 30 years and a mother of four Miss Sue was born into a family of musicians and entertainers. Her grandparents were both accomplished musicians and her parents were professional entertainers in voice and dance. Both Miss Sue’s mother and aunt were owners and directors of their own Dance Schools. Her aunt The Wanda School of Dance located in Phila., and her mother The Blue Bell School of Dance which still operates successfully after 40 years. Miss Sue began to dance at the age of 3, performing with her mother at many local affairs in different cities. At age 3 1/2 she performed on the “Al Albert’s TV Show” as his first baby performer. At the age of 12 she began student teaching for her mother. Her training included many dance conventions with well known instructors such as Frank Hatchett and Fred Kelly. At age 20 Miss Sue became a permanent instructor at The Blue Bell School of Dance. In 1994 Sue began teaching at a local church hall and accumulated so many students, that it was time to operate her own studio. In 1996 she opened her own studio in Schwenksville and shortly there after expanded to Collegeville where she has become a tremendous success. Greatly admired by her students, because of her fabulous Tap Technique, vivacious personality and loving nurturing manner. |
| Donna Greenfield |
| Hip-hop, Jazz, Ballet |
Donna received her dance education through the University of the Arts and Temple University. In 1982 she joined Waves Dance Co. under the
direction of Shimon Braun- Jazz dance center. In 1985, Donna opened her own dance studio where she met and employed world renowned
Rennie Harris of Pure Movement. It was then her love for funk and hip hop began as they experienced 5 years of dance Ed and performance
together. Donna has also choreographed for local television spots such as Dance Party USA, Teen Video, Lip Sink-MTV, Be my witness etc.
Donna is now using her talents and love for dance to teach for select dance studios and college programs through PA, NJ, NY and community
outreach such as Dance Therapy for Montgomery County Youth center, Live 8(creating awareness of the situation in Africa) and Katrina relief
benefit. Donna has taught at The Dance Depot for 12 years and continues to be a student favorite. Her love for dance, teaching and her students
is exceptional and genuine.
direction of Shimon Braun- Jazz dance center. In 1985, Donna opened her own dance studio where she met and employed world renowned
Rennie Harris of Pure Movement. It was then her love for funk and hip hop began as they experienced 5 years of dance Ed and performance
together. Donna has also choreographed for local television spots such as Dance Party USA, Teen Video, Lip Sink-MTV, Be my witness etc.
Donna is now using her talents and love for dance to teach for select dance studios and college programs through PA, NJ, NY and community
outreach such as Dance Therapy for Montgomery County Youth center, Live 8(creating awareness of the situation in Africa) and Katrina relief
benefit. Donna has taught at The Dance Depot for 12 years and continues to be a student favorite. Her love for dance, teaching and her students
is exceptional and genuine.
| Krista Montrone |
| Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Competition & Modern |
| Our faculty is made up of dedicated instructors whose backgrounds, education and training provide students from the beginner to the advanced dancer. Our teachers truly have their student's emotional and physical development foremost in their hearts. |
Erika Speer received her fundamental dance training in New York and graduated with a BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts in
Philadelphia. Her teaching experience includes instruction of preschoolers through adults in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern and Ballet. Miss
Erika is currently our Lead Choreographer for our Competition teams. We are very happy to have Miss Erika as a member of our staff!
Philadelphia. Her teaching experience includes instruction of preschoolers through adults in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern and Ballet. Miss
Erika is currently our Lead Choreographer for our Competition teams. We are very happy to have Miss Erika as a member of our staff!
| Erika Speer |
| Competition Team Director, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern |
| Ryan Tuerk |
| Ballet, Jazz & Modern |
Janine MacGregor brings over 35 years of dance experience to The Dance Depot. Throughout her career she has studied many forms
of dance such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-hop with numerous teachers including Jay Dash, Teresa Cura, and Steven Boyd.
She has performed on many television shows including local favorites, Al Albert's Showcase, and The Chief Halftown Variety Show.
Janine has won more than 100 talent awards including the title of Miss Pitman and 1st runner up/ talent award winner of the Miss
Gloucester County Pageant. Janine was lead choreographer for DanceElectric a non-profit organization and is the Director of Cheer for
the Lower Perk Longhorns. Janine received her teaching certification in 1982 through the Jay Dash Teacher Certification Program and
is also certified through the Pop Warner Cheer Association. Janine holds a Diploma in Pastoral Studies from Palmer Theological
Seminary and has introduced dance as a part of the worship experience in several churches in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Janine
enjoys teaching students of all ages and has instructed classes for dancers ranging from the age of 18 months to 80 years old. She
believes in hard work, discipline and lots of fun. Helping a student reach their full potential in the art of dance is one of her greatest
rewards. Janine lives in Collegeville with her husband of Frank and their two kids Janet and Frankie.
of dance such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-hop with numerous teachers including Jay Dash, Teresa Cura, and Steven Boyd.
She has performed on many television shows including local favorites, Al Albert's Showcase, and The Chief Halftown Variety Show.
Janine has won more than 100 talent awards including the title of Miss Pitman and 1st runner up/ talent award winner of the Miss
Gloucester County Pageant. Janine was lead choreographer for DanceElectric a non-profit organization and is the Director of Cheer for
the Lower Perk Longhorns. Janine received her teaching certification in 1982 through the Jay Dash Teacher Certification Program and
is also certified through the Pop Warner Cheer Association. Janine holds a Diploma in Pastoral Studies from Palmer Theological
Seminary and has introduced dance as a part of the worship experience in several churches in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Janine
enjoys teaching students of all ages and has instructed classes for dancers ranging from the age of 18 months to 80 years old. She
believes in hard work, discipline and lots of fun. Helping a student reach their full potential in the art of dance is one of her greatest
rewards. Janine lives in Collegeville with her husband of Frank and their two kids Janet and Frankie.
Ryan started dancing at age seventeen. Originally a gymnast, Ryan discovered his love of dance by searching new ways to move and express
of working with reputable dance companies such as Koresh, Phildanco and The Pennsylvania Ballet. Ryan was a soloist in the 2005
Philadelphia "Live Arts" Fringe Festival dancing in a piece called, "Patio Plastico" directed by Brian Sanders (of Momix). He has also performed
with Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. While living in Florida he co-founded (with hip hop mogul Pablo Malco), a pre-professional
hip hop company called "Impultz". Currently Ryan dances as a principal dancer for "Spiritoso Ballet". Teaching and choreography are his hip
hop company called "Impultz". Currently Ryan dances as a principal dancer for "Spiritoso Ballet". Teaching and choreography are his passion;
his free time is spent attending master classes in New York City while coming up with new and innovative movements combining fundamentals
of jazz with the "Vagonava" Ballet Syllabus, and exploring texture, rhythm and multi-directional flow of energy.
of working with reputable dance companies such as Koresh, Phildanco and The Pennsylvania Ballet. Ryan was a soloist in the 2005
Philadelphia "Live Arts" Fringe Festival dancing in a piece called, "Patio Plastico" directed by Brian Sanders (of Momix). He has also performed
with Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. While living in Florida he co-founded (with hip hop mogul Pablo Malco), a pre-professional
hip hop company called "Impultz". Currently Ryan dances as a principal dancer for "Spiritoso Ballet". Teaching and choreography are his hip
hop company called "Impultz". Currently Ryan dances as a principal dancer for "Spiritoso Ballet". Teaching and choreography are his passion;
his free time is spent attending master classes in New York City while coming up with new and innovative movements combining fundamentals
of jazz with the "Vagonava" Ballet Syllabus, and exploring texture, rhythm and multi-directional flow of energy.
| Janine MacGregor |
| Preschool, Cheer, & Mommy & me |
Kira is a graduate of Wagner College where she received her BA in Musical Theatre Performance and Dance. At Wagner she received the Nathan
and Ruth Wolff Award for Excellence in Dance and Academic Achievement as well as the Irene Ryan Nomination. Kira is a professional dancer,
actor, and choreographer who has performed and choreographed for regional musical theatre companies such as Walnut Street Theatre and The
Media Theatre. She has trained in dance with the American Academy of Ballet where she received many Gold with Distinction honors in their
adjudication program, Anglo-American Ballet of (NYC), American Theatre Dance Workshop, Danceworks (London), Pineapple Dance(London) and
school.
and Ruth Wolff Award for Excellence in Dance and Academic Achievement as well as the Irene Ryan Nomination. Kira is a professional dancer,
actor, and choreographer who has performed and choreographed for regional musical theatre companies such as Walnut Street Theatre and The
Media Theatre. She has trained in dance with the American Academy of Ballet where she received many Gold with Distinction honors in their
adjudication program, Anglo-American Ballet of (NYC), American Theatre Dance Workshop, Danceworks (London), Pineapple Dance(London) and
school.
| Kira Coviello |
| Preschool, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical |
Janet LaCava began her dance studies at age 11 in New York City in ballet tap, jazz, ballroom, acrobatics, and modern dance. She was awarded full
scholarship to the American Ballet Center School for the Joffrey Ballet Company at age 13 and added to her training at George Connelly Dance
Center, Broadway Dance Center, Phil Black's, Harkness, Luigi's, and the Ballet Academy of Queens.She was third runner up in 1973 and first runner
up in 1974 to Miss Dance in USTD. At age 19, Janet and her partner placed 2nd in the Amateur Ballroom Division at the United States Ballroom
Championships in 1973, and competed in Blackpool, England as a part of the 3rd place winning United States Formation team in the International
Ballroom Championships.and fitness programs, as well as teaching dance for other area schools and gymnastic centers. Janet performed in night
clubs, musical theater, and special events for the New York Mets, on television, for the armed forces and in clubs, plus has done choreography for
theatre productions and competitions, winning several choreography awards along the way. Her students have been highly successful in dance
competitions, been accepted into LaGuardia School for the Performing Arts, Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Arts, University of the Arts, Pointe
Park University, PA Governor School for the Arts, the Kirov Academy, Bossov Ballet, American Academy of Ballet, the Rock School, and Joffrey Ballet
School dance programs. They have also earned jobs at Alvin Ailey Dance Co., Joffrey Ballet Co., Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal,
Pittsburgh Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and in Broadway shows, in music videos, performing at Disney World, Universal Theme Park, and Hershey
Park, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and others have become successful choreographers and teachers and even organizers of top US dance
competitions. Janet retired from owning and teaching at her dance school, Broadway Dance Academy, in 2007 after 15 successful years. She is the
former co-director, along with George Thomson, Jr., of the New Horizons Dance and Theatre Guilde, Inc, later known as New Horizons Dance Alliance,
a not-for-profit regional dance company. Janet has written columns and articles on dance for the Town and Country Newspaper, The Arts Connection
Network, Dance Teacher Magazine, Dancer Magazine and Dance Magazine. Ms. LaCava ran a social ballroom club and has taught dance in physical
education classes at the Upper Perkiomen High School and organized an annual charity fund raising dance competition called the Road to Broadway.
She has served as a judge for many United States and Canadian dance competitions and area high school dance teams. She was the founder of and
former advisor for the Upper Perkiomen High School Dance team, former president of a dance teacher organization and earned her teacher
certification through Dance Educators of America. Janet is happily married, since 1975, and the proud mother of a son and daughter and "Nana" to
one granddaughter.
scholarship to the American Ballet Center School for the Joffrey Ballet Company at age 13 and added to her training at George Connelly Dance
Center, Broadway Dance Center, Phil Black's, Harkness, Luigi's, and the Ballet Academy of Queens.She was third runner up in 1973 and first runner
up in 1974 to Miss Dance in USTD. At age 19, Janet and her partner placed 2nd in the Amateur Ballroom Division at the United States Ballroom
Championships in 1973, and competed in Blackpool, England as a part of the 3rd place winning United States Formation team in the International
Ballroom Championships.and fitness programs, as well as teaching dance for other area schools and gymnastic centers. Janet performed in night
clubs, musical theater, and special events for the New York Mets, on television, for the armed forces and in clubs, plus has done choreography for
theatre productions and competitions, winning several choreography awards along the way. Her students have been highly successful in dance
competitions, been accepted into LaGuardia School for the Performing Arts, Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Arts, University of the Arts, Pointe
Park University, PA Governor School for the Arts, the Kirov Academy, Bossov Ballet, American Academy of Ballet, the Rock School, and Joffrey Ballet
School dance programs. They have also earned jobs at Alvin Ailey Dance Co., Joffrey Ballet Co., Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal,
Pittsburgh Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and in Broadway shows, in music videos, performing at Disney World, Universal Theme Park, and Hershey
Park, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and others have become successful choreographers and teachers and even organizers of top US dance
competitions. Janet retired from owning and teaching at her dance school, Broadway Dance Academy, in 2007 after 15 successful years. She is the
former co-director, along with George Thomson, Jr., of the New Horizons Dance and Theatre Guilde, Inc, later known as New Horizons Dance Alliance,
a not-for-profit regional dance company. Janet has written columns and articles on dance for the Town and Country Newspaper, The Arts Connection
Network, Dance Teacher Magazine, Dancer Magazine and Dance Magazine. Ms. LaCava ran a social ballroom club and has taught dance in physical
education classes at the Upper Perkiomen High School and organized an annual charity fund raising dance competition called the Road to Broadway.
She has served as a judge for many United States and Canadian dance competitions and area high school dance teams. She was the founder of and
former advisor for the Upper Perkiomen High School Dance team, former president of a dance teacher organization and earned her teacher
certification through Dance Educators of America. Janet is happily married, since 1975, and the proud mother of a son and daughter and "Nana" to
one granddaughter.
| Janet LaCava |
| Guest instructor |
| Ashley Johnson |
| Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern & Cheer |
Atlanta native, Ashley Nichole Johnson began her formal dance training at the age of two. It was at Norma’s Academy where she discovered her love of
dance. Her training and company experience comes from Norma’s Academy of Dance, Ballethnic Academy of Dance, and Total Dance. While attending
Tri-High School, Ms. Johnson was a dance major, but was also seen in several musical theater performances, including the lead role of Mary in The
Black Nativity. After high school, Ashley continued her education at The University of the Arts. During her college career, she had the privilege of
becoming a member of Philadanco’s Second Company D-2. In 2007, Ms. Johnson returned to Atlanta and while there she became a member of The
Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers. In 2008-09 Ms. Johnson was a member of the up and coming Dance Theater X, under the direction of Charles O.
Anderson. Most recently Miss Ashley auditioned in Memphis, TN. for Fox's Hit TV Show "So You Think You Can Dance". Ashley made it through to Las
Vegas being picked to move on over hundreds of dancers. Ms. Johnson is currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team.
dance. Her training and company experience comes from Norma’s Academy of Dance, Ballethnic Academy of Dance, and Total Dance. While attending
Tri-High School, Ms. Johnson was a dance major, but was also seen in several musical theater performances, including the lead role of Mary in The
Black Nativity. After high school, Ashley continued her education at The University of the Arts. During her college career, she had the privilege of
becoming a member of Philadanco’s Second Company D-2. In 2007, Ms. Johnson returned to Atlanta and while there she became a member of The
Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers. In 2008-09 Ms. Johnson was a member of the up and coming Dance Theater X, under the direction of Charles O.
Anderson. Most recently Miss Ashley auditioned in Memphis, TN. for Fox's Hit TV Show "So You Think You Can Dance". Ashley made it through to Las
Vegas being picked to move on over hundreds of dancers. Ms. Johnson is currently a member of the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team.
| Employment opportunities There are positions vacant at the moment. If you are interested in working with The Dance Depot as an instructor, please send us your résumé outlining your teaching and industry experience along with a photo, and we will contact you to discuss possible job opportunities. |
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Melanie Niblick
| Preschool, Tap, and Tap & Burn |
Melanie Baker Niblick is the Owner of Tap-N-Burn Fitness and recently relocated to the Philadelphia area from Knoxville, Tennessee. After
owning a studio for 12 years, Melanie partnered with the Revolution/Gymbugs studio owner where she pioneered the Hippity Hop and Funky
Tap programs while growing the Tap-N-Burn Fitness concept in several U.S. cities. Melanie has danced for more than 30 years and has trained
with world renowned names such as Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Ofer Ben, Avi Miller, Frank Hatchett, Joan Lather, Janice Barringer, the late
Steven Boyd and Darryl and Becca Retter. In 2005, Melanie was a student at Manhattan Motion studios where she took classes in Jazz, Lyrical
and Hip-Hop and in 2008 she completed and performed in New York City Tap Festival’s residency program under the famous Billie Mahoney. In
addition to Tap-N-Burn, Melanie also loves to teach recreational adult lyrical and hip-hop – reinforcing the concept that ANYONE can enjoy
dancing, no matter the age or level of experience. Through her ownership of dance programs and studios (in Minneapolis, Raleigh and
Knoxville), teaching in public/private preschools, after-school/summer enrichment programs and her various adult classes, she has taught more
than 2,000 students. Also a busy mom, Melanie lives in Royersford, PA , is married to Jay and they have three boys.
owning a studio for 12 years, Melanie partnered with the Revolution/Gymbugs studio owner where she pioneered the Hippity Hop and Funky
Tap programs while growing the Tap-N-Burn Fitness concept in several U.S. cities. Melanie has danced for more than 30 years and has trained
with world renowned names such as Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, Ofer Ben, Avi Miller, Frank Hatchett, Joan Lather, Janice Barringer, the late
Steven Boyd and Darryl and Becca Retter. In 2005, Melanie was a student at Manhattan Motion studios where she took classes in Jazz, Lyrical
and Hip-Hop and in 2008 she completed and performed in New York City Tap Festival’s residency program under the famous Billie Mahoney. In
addition to Tap-N-Burn, Melanie also loves to teach recreational adult lyrical and hip-hop – reinforcing the concept that ANYONE can enjoy
dancing, no matter the age or level of experience. Through her ownership of dance programs and studios (in Minneapolis, Raleigh and
Knoxville), teaching in public/private preschools, after-school/summer enrichment programs and her various adult classes, she has taught more
than 2,000 students. Also a busy mom, Melanie lives in Royersford, PA , is married to Jay and they have three boys.
Krista Montrone began her training at the age of three in Hudson, NH. After moving to Connecticut in 2000 she continued her training at
D'valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre, under the direction of Steve and Angela Sirico, where she trained in all styles of dance, and had the
privilege of learning from ballet masters Franco Devita and Raymond Lukens. Upon graduating, Krista moved to NYC where she was involved
in various projects ranging from the opening of Revolution, a tap/rock show at the Joyce Theatre to industrial projects ranging from Aflac to
Juicy Couture. This will be Krista's first season as a member of Koresh Dance Company. We are very excited to have Krista as a member of
The Dance Depot faculty.
D'valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre, under the direction of Steve and Angela Sirico, where she trained in all styles of dance, and had the
privilege of learning from ballet masters Franco Devita and Raymond Lukens. Upon graduating, Krista moved to NYC where she was involved
in various projects ranging from the opening of Revolution, a tap/rock show at the Joyce Theatre to industrial projects ranging from Aflac to
Juicy Couture. This will be Krista's first season as a member of Koresh Dance Company. We are very excited to have Krista as a member of
The Dance Depot faculty.
Jeanie Chrome was born to be a dancer! In 2008 she earned her B.F.A. in Dance from the University of the Arts. For ten years, she has been
teaching all styles of dance to students in the tri-state area. Her productions have won top prizes at regional and national competition levels.
She currently is a judge for National Dance Showcase, a choreographer for the outreach program "Hope Dances", and the face of
"Prissy Ballerinas" tutu line. On the stage, Jeanie was a soloist for Alchemy Dance Company as well as an original member of Ryan Tuerk's
dance company "RHYP". She also starred as LuLu and the dance captain in "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and as an actress and talent coordinator on
WILCO cable companies "D Train Comedy and Variety Show. Jeanie is a high energy personality who truly cares about everyone that steps into
the studio, lovingly passing down the ritual of dance technique the the next generation of dance divas.
teaching all styles of dance to students in the tri-state area. Her productions have won top prizes at regional and national competition levels.
She currently is a judge for National Dance Showcase, a choreographer for the outreach program "Hope Dances", and the face of
"Prissy Ballerinas" tutu line. On the stage, Jeanie was a soloist for Alchemy Dance Company as well as an original member of Ryan Tuerk's
dance company "RHYP". She also starred as LuLu and the dance captain in "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and as an actress and talent coordinator on
WILCO cable companies "D Train Comedy and Variety Show. Jeanie is a high energy personality who truly cares about everyone that steps into
the studio, lovingly passing down the ritual of dance technique the the next generation of dance divas.
| Jeanie Chrome |
| Ballet & Jazz |
Rick Callender (dancer) A native of Miami, Florida, Rick began his dance training at age fifteen, attending the New World School of the
Arts and the Martha Mahr School of Ballet. He has received scholarships to numerous dance schools throughout the country, including
Pennsylvania Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. He has danced professionally with the Washington Ballet, the Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet,
Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Miro Dance Theater and BalletX.
He has enjoyed dancing many featured roles throughout his career and has worked with many notable choreographers such as Stanton
Welch, Tony Rizzi, Robert Battle, Jane Comfort and Johannes Weiland. He is happily married to Meredith Reffner of the Pennsylvania
Ballet and is the proud father of a little girl, Lorelei.
Arts and the Martha Mahr School of Ballet. He has received scholarships to numerous dance schools throughout the country, including
Pennsylvania Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. He has danced professionally with the Washington Ballet, the Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet,
Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Miro Dance Theater and BalletX.
He has enjoyed dancing many featured roles throughout his career and has worked with many notable choreographers such as Stanton
Welch, Tony Rizzi, Robert Battle, Jane Comfort and Johannes Weiland. He is happily married to Meredith Reffner of the Pennsylvania
Ballet and is the proud father of a little girl, Lorelei.
| Ballet |
| Rick Callender |
| Joe Cotler |
| Jazz, Modern & Competition |
Joe Cotler received his BFA in Jazz Performance from the University of the Arts with an Excellence in all Styles of Dance award. He has had the
privilege of working with various teachers from around the U.S., Europe, and Japan. As a student he has had the opportunity to perform works by
Scott Jovovich, Ronen Koresh, Paul Selwyn Norton, and Twyla Tharp. Over the past few years Joe has worked with companies such as Brandywine
Ballet Theatre in Pennsylvania and Contemporary Ballet Theatre in New York City. Starting in September of this year, he will be dancing with Koresh
Dance Co. in Philadelphia. Joe has been teaching and choreographing for various studios around the U.S. for the past 6 years and is always thrilled
to share his knowledge for the art of dance with his students.
privilege of working with various teachers from around the U.S., Europe, and Japan. As a student he has had the opportunity to perform works by
Scott Jovovich, Ronen Koresh, Paul Selwyn Norton, and Twyla Tharp. Over the past few years Joe has worked with companies such as Brandywine
Ballet Theatre in Pennsylvania and Contemporary Ballet Theatre in New York City. Starting in September of this year, he will be dancing with Koresh
Dance Co. in Philadelphia. Joe has been teaching and choreographing for various studios around the U.S. for the past 6 years and is always thrilled
to share his knowledge for the art of dance with his students.
Cathrynne is currently going into her senior year at Eastern University where she will receive a B.A. in dance with a minor in psychology. She
has studied ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, and African dancing as well as dance composition and pedagogy. Cathrynne was a member of the
Danse4nia Repertory Ensemble from 2009-2010, and a member and choreographer for MM2 modern dance company from 2010-2011. With
Danse4nia she had the opportunity to perform a solo at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. She also performed in Danse4nia’s Danse
4 the Cure event at The Painted Bride and Danse4nia’s 2010 Philadelphia Fringe production where she performed in the premiere of
Meredith Rainey’s Caged. Her choreography was showcased in MM2’s 2010 Philadelphia Fringe Festival production and selected to be
performed in the ETC. Performance Series at the CEC. Cathrynne’s choreography has also been showcased in many of Eastern University’s
dance concerts. Cathrynne has performed works by notable choreographers such as Meredith Rainey, Shawn Lamere-Williams, and Stephen
Welsh. She has also held roles in Michel Fokine’s Les Sylphides and a re-staging of Dr. Kariamu Welsh’s Ibo’s Landing. She has attended the
American College Dance Festival (ACDFA) for the past three years and in 2011 she performed in the ACDFA showcase. She is looking
forward to teaching at the Dance Depot and sharing her love of dance with her students.
has studied ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, and African dancing as well as dance composition and pedagogy. Cathrynne was a member of the
Danse4nia Repertory Ensemble from 2009-2010, and a member and choreographer for MM2 modern dance company from 2010-2011. With
Danse4nia she had the opportunity to perform a solo at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. She also performed in Danse4nia’s Danse
4 the Cure event at The Painted Bride and Danse4nia’s 2010 Philadelphia Fringe production where she performed in the premiere of
Meredith Rainey’s Caged. Her choreography was showcased in MM2’s 2010 Philadelphia Fringe Festival production and selected to be
performed in the ETC. Performance Series at the CEC. Cathrynne’s choreography has also been showcased in many of Eastern University’s
dance concerts. Cathrynne has performed works by notable choreographers such as Meredith Rainey, Shawn Lamere-Williams, and Stephen
Welsh. She has also held roles in Michel Fokine’s Les Sylphides and a re-staging of Dr. Kariamu Welsh’s Ibo’s Landing. She has attended the
American College Dance Festival (ACDFA) for the past three years and in 2011 she performed in the ACDFA showcase. She is looking
forward to teaching at the Dance Depot and sharing her love of dance with her students.
| Cate Reynolds |
| Ballet & Lyrical |
| Kimberly Landle |
| Ballet |
Kimberly has just completed her BFA in dance performance, and has graduated from The University of the Arts with honors. She has
performed in pieces choreographed by Silvana Cardell, Brian Sanders, Christine Cox, Nii Akwei Addotey, Donald Lundsford, Eva Szabo,
Zane Booker, Anastasia Babayeva, and Twyla Tharp. In Philadelphia, she performed as an original company member in Katherine
Richardson’s Prospective Dance Project, and site specific work in 2006 with Group Motion. In addition, she has studied and performed
with The Kirov Academy of Ballet, The American Ballet Academy, and the Koresh Company. Now, with diploma in hand, Kimberly will be
working along-side Shawn Stevens to create a group of works to be performed in Brazil in 2011
performed in pieces choreographed by Silvana Cardell, Brian Sanders, Christine Cox, Nii Akwei Addotey, Donald Lundsford, Eva Szabo,
Zane Booker, Anastasia Babayeva, and Twyla Tharp. In Philadelphia, she performed as an original company member in Katherine
Richardson’s Prospective Dance Project, and site specific work in 2006 with Group Motion. In addition, she has studied and performed
with The Kirov Academy of Ballet, The American Ballet Academy, and the Koresh Company. Now, with diploma in hand, Kimberly will be
working along-side Shawn Stevens to create a group of works to be performed in Brazil in 2011
| Guest teachers |
| Ramaa Ramesh Director Nardhana Academy of Dance |
Ramaa Ramesh is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and the Director of “Nardhana Academy of Dance”, a dance school founded by her in
1992. Ramaa trained under Padmashri Smt. Chitra Visweswaran – a world famous Bharatanatyam dancer/teacher - for over fifteen years.
She taught as a senior staff member in “Chidambaram Academy of Arts”, her Guru’s dance school. She has performed
professionally in India for several prestigious organizations and Sabhas in Chennai and the National Center for Performing Arts in Bombay.
Her performances and lecture-demonstrations in foreign countries include extensive dance tours in the USA, France, Middle East and Japan.
Throughout her dance career, she has won several awards and holds raving press reviews to her credit. She has a Masters Degree in
Dance from Temple University, Philadelphia and continued to pursue a doctoral degree in dance. She also teaches an introductory course to
Bharatanatyam at Bryn Mawr College.
Ramaa has always dedicated her efforts towards preserving the purity of this ancient dance form and passing it to the next generation.
Ramaa has leaned on creating and improvising within the limits of the style and enjoys choreographing to lyrical interpretations of different
Indian languages. She encourages her students to perform in public as often as possible, so they can gain exposure and self-confidence.
Born as the grand-niece of the famous South Indian Poet/ Freedom Fighter, Sri. Subramania Bharatiyar, Ramaa takes great pride in
continuing with her family legacy.
1992. Ramaa trained under Padmashri Smt. Chitra Visweswaran – a world famous Bharatanatyam dancer/teacher - for over fifteen years.
She taught as a senior staff member in “Chidambaram Academy of Arts”, her Guru’s dance school. She has performed
professionally in India for several prestigious organizations and Sabhas in Chennai and the National Center for Performing Arts in Bombay.
Her performances and lecture-demonstrations in foreign countries include extensive dance tours in the USA, France, Middle East and Japan.
Throughout her dance career, she has won several awards and holds raving press reviews to her credit. She has a Masters Degree in
Dance from Temple University, Philadelphia and continued to pursue a doctoral degree in dance. She also teaches an introductory course to
Bharatanatyam at Bryn Mawr College.
Ramaa has always dedicated her efforts towards preserving the purity of this ancient dance form and passing it to the next generation.
Ramaa has leaned on creating and improvising within the limits of the style and enjoys choreographing to lyrical interpretations of different
Indian languages. She encourages her students to perform in public as often as possible, so they can gain exposure and self-confidence.
Born as the grand-niece of the famous South Indian Poet/ Freedom Fighter, Sri. Subramania Bharatiyar, Ramaa takes great pride in
continuing with her family legacy.
Leroy Church began dancing in Baltimore, MD, with the Mt. Calvary AME Church Gods Chosen Vessels Dance Ministry. At the
age of 17, he was discovered, "Kicking for Jesus," by his mentor, Stephanie Powell. Ms. Powell invited him to start formal training
on full scholarship at the Baltimore Dance Tech. He continued training at the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive, The University of the
Arts, and PHILADANCO as an intern. While matriculating at UArts, he appeared as a guest artist with Western Ballet Theatre of
Puerto Rico, Rebecca Davis Dance Company, Brandywine Ballet, and was selected as a founding company member of Zane
Booker's SLJ. In 2009 he graduated from the University of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. One week after
commencement, he was flown to Montreal, Quebec to join creation on Cirque Du Soleil Viva Elvis and has performed with the
show on the NASCAR Awards, So You Think You Can Dance, and in Las Vegas for 2 years. He has been awarded Stella More,
Von Hess, IABD Conference and Brian Bagnall Scholarships, and has been featured on Cal Ripken PAL Billboards and the
cover of HX Magazine.
age of 17, he was discovered, "Kicking for Jesus," by his mentor, Stephanie Powell. Ms. Powell invited him to start formal training
on full scholarship at the Baltimore Dance Tech. He continued training at the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive, The University of the
Arts, and PHILADANCO as an intern. While matriculating at UArts, he appeared as a guest artist with Western Ballet Theatre of
Puerto Rico, Rebecca Davis Dance Company, Brandywine Ballet, and was selected as a founding company member of Zane
Booker's SLJ. In 2009 he graduated from the University of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. One week after
commencement, he was flown to Montreal, Quebec to join creation on Cirque Du Soleil Viva Elvis and has performed with the
show on the NASCAR Awards, So You Think You Can Dance, and in Las Vegas for 2 years. He has been awarded Stella More,
Von Hess, IABD Conference and Brian Bagnall Scholarships, and has been featured on Cal Ripken PAL Billboards and the
cover of HX Magazine.
| Leroy Church Guest instructor |
Shannon Bickel has been dancing at The Dance Depot for more than ten years. She has experience in ballet, tap, jazz, modern,
and hip-hop. Shannon began student teaching for The Dance Depot at the age of thirteen. She has gone through The Dance
Depot's student teacher program, graduating to teaching her own engaging classes. This is her third year as a Pre-School/General
teacher, and she is truly endeared by her students. In addition to her exciting work in the classroom, Shannon has been a member
of The Dance Depot office staff for more than five years. She loves seeing how all of the hard work both behind the scenes and on
stage come together into a wonderful recital for parents and students! Shannon is currently attending West Chester University with
a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education with an additional minor in math. When she's not in school or dancing,
Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and reading.
and hip-hop. Shannon began student teaching for The Dance Depot at the age of thirteen. She has gone through The Dance
Depot's student teacher program, graduating to teaching her own engaging classes. This is her third year as a Pre-School/General
teacher, and she is truly endeared by her students. In addition to her exciting work in the classroom, Shannon has been a member
of The Dance Depot office staff for more than five years. She loves seeing how all of the hard work both behind the scenes and on
stage come together into a wonderful recital for parents and students! Shannon is currently attending West Chester University with
a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education with an additional minor in math. When she's not in school or dancing,
Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and reading.
| Shannon Bickel |
| Pre-school & Tap |