Instructors
Elizabeth Bowker, Instructor, originally hails from
Corey Dunn Worley, Instructor, Beginning at the later age of 14, Corey’s dance career originated with a colorful variety of techniques. He began competing with Excel Dance Productions and did so until age 19. Within that time span, Corey trained on scholarship at Ballet Intensive Moscow, Gus Giordano’s and Interlocken Fine Arts Academy. Although extensively trained in jazz and more modern models, his ballet training was highly influenced with such teachers as: Terry Fox, Fury Gold, Meg Schnieder, Homer Bryant, and currently with Peff Modlowski. Corey has also studied dance and theatre production at Loyola Marymount University in LA, California. After taking a leave of absence, he returned home to where he is how choreographing, teaching, and dancing with a professional performance group called Jade – leading to opening performances for Hillary Duff, T- Pain, and Sorlja Boy.
Kristen Humbers, Assistant Director, graduated from NIU with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance. At Northern, she was vice-president of Northern Dance Theatre and on a talented student scholarship. While in college, Kristen performed in Carmina Burana, Nutcracker, Give my Regards to Broadway, Sleeping Beauty, 25th Anniversary Gala and choreographed for student shows. Kristen has also trained at Ballet Chicago, Lou Conte, Von Heidecke`s and Joffrey Ballet Chicago, She has danced in Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra`s Nutcracker with featured roles of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Mrs. Humbers also performed in the Nutcracker with Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Kristen has completed the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters teaching program and has been teaching for many years. In summer of 2005, Kristen was appointed the position as Assistant Director of the Gold Star Performance Companies. Kristen`s choreography has won many national awards including her dance "Good -bye" which won top high score of the day at the 2007 National competition.
Austria Hutcherson, Instructor, passion for dance started at a very young age. She studied fo Staci Leedy, Instructor, Staci comes to us with many years of experience in teaching a variety of dance styles, poms and gymnastics. She has performed with La Premiere Dance Company which was under the direction of Michelle Sheehan. Staci has danced in the Nutcracker. In high school, Staci was a member of the Yorkville Pom Squad. She is now an assistant for the YHS pom squad which has placed in state the last three years. Staci’s passion lies in teaching the little ones. She is also works has a hair stylist. Candi Morris,Instructor, recieved a BFA degree in dance and choreography from Tem
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Michelle Sheehan, Artistic Director, is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BA in Performing Arts with a concentration in dance. While at Northern, Michelle was Vice-President of Northern Dance Theatre, Director of Cavan Theatre, and a collegiate cheerleader and performed in several productions including Sleeping Beauty and West Side Story. After college she was on scholarship with Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre. Michelle danced at a theme park, in commercials and a film. The film won 1 st place for short films at the New York Film Festival. She continues her education through dance conventions, workshops and she still takes dance classes. Ms. Sheehan was the Studio Manager of The Academy of Dance and Performing Arts. She was Performing Arts Director for 10 years at the local YMCA, which under her directorship won the 2001 Studio of Excellence. Michelle has over 20 years of teaching and dance school management experience. Michelle is very proud of her students and takes pride in her teaching. Her students have gone on to be dance instructors, receive college dance scholarships, are members of college dance teams, danced at Walt Disney World, and received numerous National Dance Awards. Michelle is a member of the Professional Dance Teachers Assocation and Chicago National Assocation of Dance Masters. She is also the poms coach at Sandwich High School.
e School for Creative and Performing Arts with a concentration in Dance.
Kerri Galas, Instructor, is from a family of talented dancers. Her mother was her dance teacher growing up in Manhattan, Kansas where she currently owns and operates four studios. Mrs. Galas continued her dance education with teachers such as Steven Boyd, Sarah Jo Fazio, Greg Russell, and Jo Rowan and has traveled as a V.I.P. dancer and an Assistant Director with Dance Olympus Convention/Competition. Kerri has choreographed for Gold Star`s Performance Company. Her students have won numerous awards including Best Overall Group Tap, Teachers Choice Award, High Scores in Solo Lyrical and Jazz. As well as teaching dance, she has received a Bachelor`s of Fine Arts in graphic design. Kerri has a hands on teaching style and is full of energy. She is thrilled to be able to be part of our dancers` lives and feels she along with the students will grow from this experience.
r several years at Moves Performing Arts Studio, and at Columbia College Chicago. She has had the privilege of studying ballet with Eduardo Vilaro and Rita Okrim and modern with Margi Cole and the legendary Dardi McGinally-Gallivan. Austria`s competition credits include the Junior Olympics in 1998, numerous dance nationals ad , the Alvin Ailey Youth in Action with Excel Dance Productions. Austria took her creative skills to L.A. to study Make-Up Artistry where she graduated from one of the top schools in the Nation, MKC Beauty Academy. She is a certified Make - Up Artist and is experinced in beauty, theatrical, entertainment, print and skin care . She has worked with internationally known photographers such as Anthony Moya, Bob Randall and Michael Kostopoulos. She also creates artistry for Pre-professional dance companies. Currently, Austria is an assistant director of a midwest dance company and directs her own dance company. We are very honered to have Austria join our staff!.jpg)
ple University in Philadelphia. She studied various modern techniques such as Cunningham, Horton and Graham to name a few. Candi has also trained in New York City at Steps and The Broadway Dance Center in jazz, lyrical and modern. Over the years, Candi has developed her own style and technique in dance which is the essences of her unique artistry. She holds certifications in pilates and yoga. 
r degree in Choreography from Moscow State University of Culture and Arts. Before coming to the United States, she was an instructor at the Bryansk College of Culture where she taught world ballet history and folk stage dance, among other courses. Irina founded and was artistic director of the Youth Dance School and ensemble "Radost" in Protvino, Moscow Region, Russia. In 1996, she was given the title of Ballet Master. After moving to the U.S. she founded and was choreographer for Fermilab`s youth dance group, "Fermilab Youth Ballet." Over the years, she has continued to teach children in the surrounding area classical ballet and character dancing. Irina also enjoys designing and sewing dance costumes.