I take pride in teaching my students the art and discipline of ballet. It demands respect of your body, your instructor, and your peers, not mention the strength and determination it takes to succeed in each and every class. I’ve watched my students take the confidence learned in class, and translate it into everyday activities, functions, and relationships.
I was born and raised in East Dubuque, IA. I began studying ballet at the age of five at the Academy of Ballet under Tatiana Bechenova. I was the youngest dancer with Ballet Russe in Paris. I continued that training until I graduated high school. From there, I went to Northern Illinois University where in just three years, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in BFA Theatre/Dance Performance. Two weeks after graduating, I was on the road to dance professionally with SOFLO Ballet of Fort Lauderdale, FL. While dancing in Florida, I was also the Ballet Mistress of Faubourg School of Ballet in Naples, FL. When my contract ended, I moved to New York and performed with the Joffrey Ballet. In 2007, I moved to Chicago and began teaching at several different studios.
I’m thrilled to be part of the ATB family. As an instructor, attention to detail ranks on the top of my list. The slightest change in a head position, arm, or breathe can make the movement that much more powerful. The greatest feeling comes when all the pieces work together: passion, strength, weakness, determination, confidence, discipline, demand, physicality, mentally, and heart. That is what I take pride in....that, is ballet.