Dance Teachers

Meet Our Dance Instructors

Meet Our Dance Instructors
Our dance instructors are highly trained, positive and enthusiastic individuals. They all love to teach and enjoy passing along their love of dance.

	Krissie Odegard Geye Krissie graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with degrees in Vocal Performance, Public Relations and International Studies, was “Tapadictorian” at the American Tap Dance Institute, and is certified as a Grade III teacher in the Cecchetti Ballet Method through the Cecchetti Council of America (CCA). She has been on staff for Goliard Concerts in New York City, The Ethnic Dance Theatre in St. Paul, MN, and Barbi Lee Dance Arts Center in Minneapolis, MN as well as clinician at the ATDI “Spirit of Tap” Conference, faculty member for the New York City Public School system, and Director of Dance at Island Lake Summer Arts Camp. She has received the prestigious "Most Outstanding Choreography" award from Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance Competition, American Dance Awards, and Chicago Dance Connection. Her students have received scholarships from Hollywood Vibe Conventions, Chicago Dance Connection, Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance, American Dance Awards, Talent On Parade, The Midwest Cecchetti Council, the Minnesota Ballet, and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. She is currently an active member of the Midwest Council of the CCA and the the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
	Mollie Mock Ballet Mistress Mollie began her early dance training in Beckley, WV and furthered her studies at North Carolina School of the Arts, California University of PA, and WV Governors School for the Arts. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Arts in ballet and jazz. While there she had the opportunity to perform works by Margo Sappington, Daniel Ezralow, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and Douglas Bentz. Since moving to Chicago, Mollie trained on scholarship at the Lou Conte Dance Studio and as a summer apprentice with River North Dance Company Chicago. Mollie has been an ensemble member of Thodos Dance Chicago since 2007, where she has been a featured soloist. Her collaborative work with Jeremy Blair “Reflect”, which premiered at New Dances 2009 became part of Thodos Dance Chicago's repertoire. Mollie is thrilled to join the teaching staff at Dance & Music Academy as Ballet Mistress.
	Jenna Jozefowski Jenna graduated from The University of Akron in 2006 with a BA in Dance and a minor in Business Administration. During college, she performed with The University of Akron Dance Company and also choreographed several tap pieces for student performances. She is a member of the Cecchetti Council of America and currently holds a Grade III Teacher's Certificate for the Cecchetti Ballet Method, in addition to being a certified CorePower yoga instructor. Professionally, Jenna has performed as a company member of the Joel Hall Dancers II, RASA Dance Chicago, and as a guest artist with Chicago Dance Crash. She is currently working as an independent performance artist and choreographer, presenting her work in Rebound Dance Festival, Dance Chicago, and Chicago Freelance Dance. Jenna believes that, as dancers and teachers, we should embrace opportunities to learn and grow.
	Trish Strong Trish is a certified Elementary teacher through the Cecchetti Council of America. She studied ballet and jazz at the University of Notre Dame while earning her BBA. She has danced at the Ruth Page School of Dance and Gus Giordano studios. She has a strong ballet background and has been trained by respected dance professionals such as Rory Foster, Rodney Irwin, and Karla Harris. Trish continues to pursue her Teacher’s Intermediate certification through the Cecchetti Council of America and remains an active member of the organization serving as co-treasurer. She is currently on the faculty of the The Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance and has taught at various North Shore studios for the past several years.
	Beth Netzly Beth was raised in Holland, Michigan. She began her training under Rick and Lara Faucher and performed many lead roles with the Turning Pointe Ensemble for seven years. Her technique advanced as she attended Grand Vallet State University and was selected as a freshman to perform in the enseble. Beth has been teaching for eight years, from beginning to advanced levels, as well as master classes. She has choreographed for many dance studios, as well as high school dance and theater competitions. Beth's choreography won Michigan's state competition for Holland High Theater in 2006. Beth continues to dance professionally in the Chicagoland area.
	Jennifer Byers Bio coming soon. . .
	Allie Buchweitz Allie received a BFA in Dance and a Minor in History from the University of Arizona. While at school, she performed works by faculty members including Susan Quinn, Michael Williams, and James Clouser. She also had the opportunity to learn and perform Balanchine’s Concerto Barrocco. During her senior year she performed as a dancer with the Arizona Opera in their production of Beauty and the Beast, and also taught dance for an after school enrichment program in the Tucson Unified School District. Since graduation, Allie has performed as a company member with Joel Hall Dancers II, RASA Dance Chicago, and Corpo Dance Company in addition to teaching. She has also enjoyed working with numerous choreographers to perform in Dance Chicago, Chicago Freelance Dance, and the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival.
	Gloria Camilli Gloria is a graduate of Barat College, where she studied ballet, modern and jazz. She received an MA in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix. Gloria began teaching dance at age 16 and has always enjoyed passing along her love of both dance and music. She is also a musician, playing flute, piccolo and piano, as well as singing. Involvement in musical theatre throughout high school and college was a great way to blend both her loves into one activity. Gloria enjoys helping students to explore their special talents and encouraging them to continue to learn.