Nicole Zadra is a highly accomplished ballet teacher with a rich background in ballet training and performance. Her passion for dance and dedication to her craft have taken her on a journey spanning both the United States and Russia. Nicole's training began in the USA, where she honed her skills at prestigious institutions. In 2012, she graduated from the Manhattan Youth Ballet on a merit scholarship, studying under the renowned Daniel Ulbricht. Seeking further artistic growth, Nicole pursued her training at the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia, where she graduated in 2014 under the guidance of Marina Leonova. Throughout her professional career, Nicole has graced the stages of esteemed ballet companies around the world. In 2014, she joined The Hong Kong Ballet as a member of the Corps de Ballet, where she performed in captivating productions such as Don Quixote, Swan Lake Act III, the Choreographers Showcase, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Turandot. Her time with The Hong Kong Ballet allowed her to showcase her technical prowess and artistry.

In 2016, Nicole joined Ballet Memphis, further expanding her repertoire and captivating audiences with her performances. She immersed herself in a diverse range of pieces, including classical ballets such as Giselle and Peter Pan, as well as George Balanchine's Square Dance, The Wizard of Oz, and various contemporary works. Working alongside esteemed directors and choreographers such as Nina Ananiashvili, Deborah Wingert, Maxim Beloserkovsky, and Brian Reeder, Nicole continued to grow as an artist.

Not only is Nicole an accomplished performer, but she is also an ABT certified teacher. She specializes in the National Training Curriculum, ranging from Pre-primary to Level 3, and has received the prestigious ABT Project Plie scholarship. Nicole's dedication to teaching and her passion for sharing her knowledge with aspiring dancers make her an invaluable asset to our ballet school. Throughout her career, Nicole has been recognized for her exceptional talent and received numerous scholarships for her outstanding achievements. Her training includes valuable experiences at renowned institutions such as The Alvin Ailey School, NYSSSA, The Rock School, Boston Ballet, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

During her training, Nicole gained extensive performance experience, gracing the stages of prestigious venues. Highlights of her career include notable roles in productions such as La Fille Mal Gardée at the Bolshoi Theater, The Sleeping Beauty and the Hungarian Rhapsody at the Kremlin Palace in Russia, and Jerome Robbins' Interplay.

Her versatility extends to contemporary, character dance, and jazz pieces, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with a wide range of dance styles. With her wealth of experience and passion for ballet, Nicole Zadra brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Her nurturing approach, combined with her technical expertise, helps students develop their skills and artistic expression. We are thrilled to have Nicole as part of our esteemed faculty, where she inspires and guides aspiring dancers on their journey towards excellence in ballet.

Dani Loewen's artistic journey commenced in New Jersey, where she honed her craft at the esteemed Dance Academy of North Jersey. Under the guidance of distinguished mentors including Mark Burrell, Tom Richardson, Jaclyn Walsh, Amber Perkins, Jason Luks, and Joelle Cosentino, Dani cultivated her skills and aspirations.

Driven by her unwavering passion, Dani pursued higher education at The University of the Arts, under the esteemed leadership of Donna Faye Burchfield. During her tenure at UArts, Dani not only refined her technique but also graced the stage with performances of compelling works by acclaimed choreographers such as Katie Swords Thurman, Jesse Zaritt, Sidra Bell, Roni Koresh, Wayne St. David, Teddy Tedholm, and Netta Yerushalmy.

In a pivotal chapter of her artistic voyage, Dani embarked on internships and apprenticeships, notably with Project Moshen Dance Company. She also took on the role of a dedicated company member at At the Brink Dance Projects. Her talent shone brightly as she participated in esteemed events like Fertile Ground and DUMBO Dance Festival 2018 with At the Brink Dance Projects.

Dani's prowess extended beyond the stage as she assumed the role of assistant choreographer for DanceXplosion National Finals 2018, leaving her mark on prestigious locations such as Lake George, NY, and Wildwood, NJ. Notably, her artistry graced events like APAP 2019 and New Wave 2019, where she showcased her skills with JKing/Joyce King Dance Company.

Dani's artistic journey recently encompassed the realms of television and film, as she appeared as a featured dancer in Season 6, Episode 10 of the Showtime Series "Billions," and in Universal Pictures Intl. France's forthcoming film "Mon Héroïne." Her range expanded even further as she made her debut in regional theatre, captivating audiences at Pagosa Springs Colorado's Thingamajig Theatre in productions including "Bright Star," "Guys and Dolls," and "The SpongeBob Musical."

Beyond her performances, Dani derives immense joy from sharing her dance passion with individuals of all ages and styles. Since 2018, she has been dedicated to teaching, choreographing, and directing programs for both competitive and recreational dancers, embodying a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Erika Gilmore stands as a distinguished choreographer and dancer, bearing her artistic standard from the thriving artistic enclave of Brooklyn, NY. Her most recent opus graced the platform of the esteemed Steps on Broadway Conservatory dancers, an accomplishment that earned its rightful place in the limelight of Whitewave’s renowned Dumbo Dance Festival.

Hailing from the serene landscapes of Florida, Erika's artistic odyssey has matured over nearly a decade of dedicated pedagogy, illuminating the paths of dancers traversing all echelons of their progressive dance trajectories. Her choreographic vision is intricately intertwined with life's most poignant and genuine experiences, culminating in the creation of a nurturing artistic milieu. This environment becomes a crucible for the cultivation of her students' profound affection for the art of dance.

Central to Erika's artistic ethos is the profound art of storytelling. A veritable constant within her creations, storytelling becomes the conduit through which movement finds its purpose and meaning. Erika's dedication extends beyond her choreography as she embarks on a transformative journey with the up-and-coming generation of dancers. This journey revolves around the pivotal notion of imbuing every motion with humanity, instilling within them an understanding of how the raw and unadorned aspects of human existence can be channeled into their craft.

Erika Gilmore beckons you to explore her realm—an intersection of choreographic finesse and evocative narrative. In her capable hands, dance transcends the physical realm, venturing into the domain of emotional expression and genuine connection. Join this visionary artist as she leads the charge in guiding the next generation of dancers, fostering a paradigm where every graceful gesture becomes a testament to the human spirit.

Mia Larame is a seasoned dance instructor with an impressive background in the world of performing arts. Mia's journey includes auditions on Broadway for iconic shows like Billy Elliot, Matilda, The Lion King, and Wicked, showcasing her talent on the grand stage. Her extensive training encompasses prestigious programs such as the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive and the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive, where she honed her skills over four consecutive years.

Mia's stage presence extends to Bergen Pac Theater Shows, where she participated in productions like Cats the Musical, NJ Ballet's The Nutcracker, Children of Eden, and more. Additionally, she continued her training at Beyondance at the Bergen Pac. Mia's commitment to excellence is evident in her participation in various dance competitions across states, including DanceXplosion, Bravo, United States Tournament of Dance, StarQuest Dance Competition, and Beyond the Stars Dance Competition.

Her education is marked by a significant period at The Performing Arts School, Bergen Pac, spanning from 2004 to 2018. Under the guidance of Roberta Mathes, Mia not only developed her dance techniques but also served as an Assistant Teacher, supporting new students. Further refining her skills, Mia continued her education at The Tate Academy, mentored by Tabitha Boulding, where she specialized in Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip Hop.

Currently, Mia is pursuing her passion at AMDA College of the Performing Arts, having been accepted into the Dance Conservatory Program. Her journey involves rigorous preparation and auditions throughout the summer of 2023.

Mia's skills are a testament to her dedication and passion for the arts. With 8 years of experience in Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop, 4 years in Tap and African dance, and 7 years in Contemporary, Mia offers a well-rounded expertise. Beyond her dance abilities, she is also adept at singing and acting. As a seasoned performer and skilled instructor, Mia Larame brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to our dance studio.

Karina is a highly qualified ballet instructor with a passion for dance education and accessibility. She obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching Dance in Higher Education and American Ballet Theatre Pedagogy from New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. As an American Ballet Theater Certified Teacher, Karina is proficient in all levels of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Her comprehensive training equips her to provide students with a solid foundation in ballet technique and artistic expression. During her time at NYU, Karina gained valuable experience working with young dancers. She had the opportunity to assist primary classes at the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and interned with the Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive program. Her dedication to choreography was showcased in the NYU Masters' concert, where she crafted captivating dance pieces.

Originally from Brazil, Karina received her ballet training and completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology, specializing in child development and educational processes. This unique background allows her to bring a holistic approach to her teaching, considering both the physical and emotional aspects of her students' growth.

With over 10 years of experience teaching ballet, Karina is a seasoned instructor who understands the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. She believes in making dance accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or ability. Her advocacy for accessibility aligns perfectly with our ballet school's values.

Karina's expertise, combined with her commitment to student development and inclusivity, make her an invaluable addition to our faculty. She strives to empower her students, fostering their love for dance while instilling discipline, technique, and artistry. With her extensive knowledge and genuine passion for teaching, Karina inspires her students to reach their full potential and discover the transformative power of dance.

Mia Buchanan studied academic art and graphic design in Japan and continued her education at Parsons New School in New York. She has achieved a Bachelor honors degree in Graphic design at The Art Institute in Philadelphia and specializes in visual arts. After many years as a graphic designer she decided to focus on her art career. She has exhibited her art works in New York and New Jersey Art galleries. For the past 4 years, Mia has been teaching students of all ages with varying skill sets ranging from beginner to advanced artists.

Monica Yoo is a talented and experienced Jewelry Designer with a passion for creating unique and stylish pieces. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Temple University, where she specialized in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM. Monica's creative journey began at Montgomery County Community College, where she earned an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Fine Art before transferring to Temple University.

With a keen eye for design and a strong understanding of market trends, Monica has worked with reputable companies such as Crystal Trading INC in New York and U&I Import, INC in New Jersey, where she honed her skills in jewelry design, market research, and vendor management. Her experience also includes serving as the Fashion Merchandise Director at Vixen in Philadelphia, showcasing her versatility and leadership abilities in the fashion industry.

Monica's expertise extends beyond design; she is also a skilled educator, having taught courses in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and art for preschoolers at TAF JK Education Group.

Apart from her professional accomplishments, Monica is proficient in various software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Bridge, Excel, and Microsoft Word, making her a well-rounded and valuable asset in any creative or educational setting.

Monica's dedication to craftsmanship, coupled with her creative vision and industry knowledge, continues to inspire and drive her towards excellence in the world of jewelry design and education.

Michael Yun has served as cover conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and has assisted with the Lyric Opera of Baltimore, Opera Theatre of Montclair, Mannes Community Orchestra, and Miami Music Festival Symphony Orchestra. He has also taken part in festivals in Spain, Italy, and Canada. As a pianist, Mr. Yun has won first prizes at the New York Music Festival Competition and the New Jersey Teachers’ Association Competition. He is also a two-time recipient of a scholarship award from the Council of Korean Churches of Greater New York. He earned his Master’s degree in orchestral conducting at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with the legendary Gustav Meier, and Markand Thakar, a protégé of Sergiu Celibidache. Other conducting teachers include Agrippino Bellino, Scott Jackson Wiley and Ronald Braunstein. Mr. Yun received his degree in piano performance from the Mannes College of Music where he studied with Yuri Kim. Currently, he is conductor of the Heritage Choir.