Tiffany Baker

TIFFANY BAKER was born and raised in Alabama. She started her classic dance training at a very young age and was privileged to train at Gus Giordano’s Studio in Chicago, Broadway Dance Center in New York; after which she moved to Los Angeles under scholarship at Tremaine Dance Studio. She was very fortunate to perform with many different amazing artists both on screen and onstage: U2, Kidd Rock, Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Outkast, Back Street Boys, No Doubt, Limp Bizkit, Eminem, Nelly, Michael Caine, Alice Cooper, Hans Klock, Siegfried and Roy, Sir Rosevelt and many more. She has toured Europe with ‘Grease the Musical’, as well as the States with Hoku Ho and 98 Degrees. Tiffany shifted into becoming a choreographer with projects like “Britney Spears: Femme Fatal Tour”, ‘Farm Club’ on USA Network, ‘Storm’ at Mandalay Bay, ‘James Bond: PlayStation Game’ for EA Sports, ‘Black Kat: PlayStation Game’ for Westwood Studios, ‘Generations’ for DM Creations, ‘Coyote Ugly and Centrifuge’, and many corporate events for various Las Vegas Casinos. Currently Tiffany resides in Las Vegas were she runs her own business, The Unspoken Studio, a teacher at Joffrey Intensives, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Rock Dance Center and as the Dance Coach for MJ One with Cirque du Soleil.

Shara Bergal

SHARA BERGAL is from Chicago where she received her training with Stone-Camryn, Larry Long (Ruth Page Foundation), and the School of Chicago City Ballet (Maria Tallchief). She was the recipient of ballet scholarships at the Interlochen Arts Academy and was an apprentice at the Boston Ballet under the direction of E. Virginia Williams, and later Violette Verdy. Shara studied further in NYC at the School of American Ballet, and with Wilhelm Burmann, Robert Denvers, Floris Alexander and David Howard. Her studies also took her to Paris, where she trained under Gilbert Mayer of the Pairs Opera Ballet and Gerard Wilk (Ballet of the 20th Century, Bejart). Shara has danced with professional companies in Chicago, St. Louis, Denver, Innsbruck, and St. Poelten, Austria, and has worked extensively in Vienna and throughout Western Europe. Shara eagerly draws on her diverse background to instill an enthusiasm for all forms of dance in her students.

Marcus Bugler

Having a dance knowledge covering a wide range of techniques, MARCUS BUGLER teaches master classes, gives workshops, adjudicates and choreographs in dance schools, camps and conventions across the country; notably University of Nevada Las Vegas, Lindenwood University, and Utica College as guest faculty. He has taught ballroom dance at Dance Charisma in Las Vegas and has been a guest instructor at the Chatauqua Summer Arts Festival, Marin Ballet, Ballet School of Stamford, Steps, Broadway Dance Center, Eastern Virginia School of Performing Arts, Ballet Tennessee, Miss Linda’s School of Dance, Sawnee Ballet School, Festival Dance Camp at UGA, Exclusively Ballet, Balletfest, Dancentre South, South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory, Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre, West Coast Dance Explosion, Dance Educators of America and the Academy and professional company of Nevada Ballet Theatre. Marcus has been a dancer with the Muny Opera in St. Louis; the Harkness Youth Dancers (performing at the White House), The Harkness Ballet, with whom he toured all over Europe, Joffrey II, the Eglevsky Ballet, and the New York Metropolitan Opera where he was a dancer, Dance Captain, Ballet Rehearsal Assistant, and finally Repetiteur in 2001. In 2003 he joined the artistic management team of Cirque du Soleil, opening the production of Zumanity: the other side of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. Before joining Cirque, he was invited, in 2003 and again in 2008, to Japan to choreograph the dances for the Ongaku-Juku production of the opera Die Fledermaus, and in 2007 for the Saito-Kinen Matsumoto production of Queen of Spades; all conducted by the brilliant Seiji Ozawa. He was also brought in as a guest artist of the Chicago Lyric Opera twice; first as Assistant Choreographer to re-stage the dances in the opera The Great Gatsby, and in 2006, as Choreographer for Robert Carsen’s production of the opera Orfeo. Marcus teaches privately and internationally and is on staff as dance instructor for the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre as well as guest teacher for the dancers of the Cirque production of Viva Elvis. His recent performances on stage include Stepsister and Herr Drosselmeyer in Peter Anastos’ ballets Cinderella and The Nutcracker for NBT, and the Widow Simone and Dr. Coppelius in The Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre's presentations of La Fille Mal Gardée and Coppelía.

Kelly Cabrera

Kelly Cabrera, a Miami native, began her professional ballet training at the Harid Conservatory under principal ballerina Marjorie Tallchief of the Paris Opera Ballet. During these early years she was fortunate to study under Claude Bessy, David Howard, Gelsey Kirkland, Helgi Tomasson, Violette Verde and John Taras. At the age of fourteen Kelly was invited to the School of American Ballet in New York City where she continued her classical ballet training under the great Stanley Williams, Marina Stavitskaya and Kay Mazzo. By the age of seventeen she began her professional dance career performing in companies such as Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet Chicago, the Los Angeles Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cirque du Soleil Mystère, Dragóne, and Celine Dion A New Day. She has also worked with some of the world’s top recording artists in entertainment including Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, John Legend and Nicki Minaj to name a few. Her diversity as an artist has allowed her to work in multiple genres of art, theater, dance, fashion and music. Kelly's most recent choreographic works include Cirque Du Soleil's One Night For One Drop at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Kevin Murphy's North American Super Natural Show at the Wynn, Ruka (the musical) at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, America’s Got Talent, Intrigue at the Wynn and Symmetry for Ballet Arts Academy summer gala. Internationally and nationally Kelly has spent many years working in television and film. Throughout her career Kelly has always loved teaching and inspiring young dancers. She has taught on the faculty of schools all over the United States including Ballet Chicago, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Millennium Dance Complex Los Angeles, Edge Performing Arts Los Angeles, Ballet Arts Academy and Dance Masters of America national conventions.

Crystal Danzer

CRYSTAL DANZER is a California native from Carmel. With her undeniable passion for dance at an early age, she continued to study ballet in pursuit of a professional career. Her dedication to dance lead her to seek a BFA in dance at the University of Arizona. She performed various works with the University, leading to a guest appearance in Arizona Opera Theater’s Beauty and the Beast. She also had the opportunity to perform lead roles internationally for four consecutive years after studying ballet in Italy with Philip Beamish and Evelyn Hart. Once Crystal graduated she moved to New York City where she toured with Cirque Le Masque and danced for a contemporary ballet company, Exit 12. Crystal continued her professional dance career here in Las Vegas as a dancer with Donn Arden’s Jubilee! She is excited and passionate about sharing her love for dance with Nevada Ballet Academy dancers.

Marcela De La Vega Luna

Marcela De La Vega Luna was born in beautiful Mexico City. She attended the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes’ professional school Academia De La Danza Mexicana from the age of nine until her graduation. Her dance career began at the world famous Ballet Folklórico De Amalia Hernandez where she was also an instructor. She broadened her performance palate with intense circus arts study and performance with Russian circus laureate Anatoly Loukachouk. In 2003 Cirque du Soleil invited Marcela to Las Vegas to create the Queen of the Wind character in their acclaimed production of Zumanity which she performed until 2014. She continues to perform as well as choreograph in many diverse and exciting situations. Marcela is also a Reiki Master and Pilates instructor practicing from her private studio, inTone. Most of all Marcela is a proud wife and mother of three beautiful kiddos.

Carole Fisher

CAROLE FISHER is an Associate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in London where Carole was born and received her early training with the Royal Academy of Dancing. As a professional dancer and singer, she performed in many Broadway and TV shows, including No, No, Nanette, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and The Bing Crosby Tribute, working for renowned choreographers such as Michael Kidd and ABT's Donald Saddler. She has choreographed numerous shows and television commercials. She is a certified Ballet Teacher of Dance Masters of America, and her teaching career spans twenty years, including owning her own studio in Mendocino, California and teaching at Western Ballet, The School of Alberta Ballet. At the Camarillo Academy of Performing Arts in Southern California, Carole transformed the ballet department resulting in her students winning "Best Overall Technique" awards in competitions. Her students have been awarded scholarships to Juilliard, The School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey, The San Francisco Ballet School and Canada's National Ballet School.

Christina Ghiardi

CHRISTINA GHIARDI is originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, where she received her early ballet training from Morgantown Dance Studio. At the age of 14, she was invited to join the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program on full scholarship where she studied for one year. Ms. Ghiardi attended the School of American Ballet’s 2008 Summer Course and was subsequently invited to attend the School’s Winter Term where she completed four years of pre-professional training. Upon graduating from SAB in 2012, Ms. Ghiardi joined Boston Ballet II where she performed with Boston Ballet and in 2013 appeared as a guest artist with Pennsylvania Ballet in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Ms. Ghiardi joined Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) in 2014 where she is currently a company artist. Since joining NBT, she has performed featured roles in Giselle, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, works by George Balanchine including Serenade, Western Symphony, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Who Cares?, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and she originated a role in Matthew Neenan’s Until December. During Ms. Ghiardi’s final year at SAB, she was one of two advanced students selected by Peter Martins and Kay Mazzo for an inaugural student teacher program. Ms. Ghiardi joined the faculty of Boston Ballet School’s pre-professional division for the 2013-2014 school year and has been on faculty at The Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre since 2016. She appears as a guest teacher for both SAB’s Summer Course and Boston Ballet School’s Summer Dance Program each summer. Ms. Ghiardi has also choreographed works for Nevada Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet School and The School of American Ballet.

Steven Goforth

STEVEN GOFORTH began his training in Vancouver, WA with Jan Hurst and Zachary Carroll. As a high school student, he attended the Regional Dance America Craft of Choreography Conference and the International Dance School at the 2010 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MI. He also spent summers at the Ballet West Academy in Salt Lake City, UT and later joined their Professional Trainee Program. Steven joined Nevada Ballet Theatre in 2012 and has performed many soloist and principle roles including Tybalt in James Canfield's Romeo and Juliet, Demetrius in George Balanchine's A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Spring in Paul Vasterling's Seasons, and most recently, Prince Siegfried in Cynthia Gregory’s Swan Lake. Steven joined the ANBT Faculty in 2015 and performed the role of Franz in the Academy’s 2016 production of Coppelía. Outside of ballet, Steven enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, golfing, woodworking and donuts.

Shauna Grasso

SHAUNA GRASSO started dancing at the age of four and never stopped. She began her training in ballet, modern and contemporary at several local studios in Portland, Oregon. She also attended summer intensive programs at Boston Ballet and the Cecchetti Council of America. For the 2007-2008 season, Shauna was fortunate enough to spend a year as a member of the Colorado Ballet Studio Company, where she took part in performances of Le Corsaire and The Nutcracker, and understudied for roles in Coppelía and Dracula. Most recently in her dance career she earned her Minor in Dance from Pacific University, where she performed and choreographed with the Pacific University Dance Ensemble. While in the Ensemble she performed works from Northwest Regional choreographers including Jennifer Camp, Mary Hunt, Robert Guitron, Amy Beth Frankel, Habib Iddrisu, M'Liss Stephenson, TJ Maheras, Timothy Johnson, and James Healey. Shauna loves sharing her passion and love for dance with each student.

Jamie Grover

JAMIE GROVER is proud to call Las Vegas home and to be a part of the dance community. She started dancing at the age of 3 in her grandmother’s studio, Carol Lee Dance, in Spokane, WA. It was there she developed her love for competition dance with her dance team competing at New York City Dance Alliance and Star Power. At the age of 17 she moved to Las Vegas to star in her first professional show, Jubilee!, at Bally’s Casino. After establishing her roots in Las Vegas, she hit the high seas performing for Jean Ann Ryan Productions on Norwegian Cruise Line and P&O Cruise Line. Having traveled the world, she was ready to return home to Las Vegas and re-join her family in Jubilee! Being back home has afforded her wonderful opportunities to dance on stages with Britney Spears and most recently, Jennifer Lopez’s New Year’s Eve 2015 show at Caesar’s Palace. In addition to Jamie’s dance career, her TV appearances include Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay, Housewives of Atlanta, Ellen’s 12 Days of Christmas and photo shoots with Rod Stewart and Heidi Klum. She is beyond ecstatic to return to her competition roots and be on staff with Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre.

Dolly Kelepecz

Ms. Kelepecz has been a member of UNLV Dance faculty since 1983, teaching Ballet, Pilates, Kinesiology for Dance and Care and Prevention of injury for Dance. Her first love is teaching ballet. She was a professional dancer for over 30years, working with Nevada Dance theater, Houston Ballet, Zurich Opera Ballet to name a few. She now provides the educational materials for Pilates studios around the world including Japan, Mexico and Korea. She has published a Pilates’ book in both Korean and Japanese that is in its third printing and includes an instructional DVD. As well as teaching ballet, she developed the Pilates program for the UNLV dance department, two semesters of Pilates are required for the BFA students to graduate and she developed a Pilates Certification program and a Minor in Pilates for both Dance students as well as the general UNLV student population. She had her own television show that aired 5 days a week in Las Vegas called “Healthy Lifestyles” and has produced 7 Pilates DVD's for the U.S. Market.

Erica Kirby

With training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, ERICA KIRBY attended college at The University of South Dakota, in Vermillion, South Dakota. There, she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education (with concentrations in both Special Education and Spanish). After moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, Erica earned her Masters of Education degree in Literacy from Lesley University. Erica has been a teacher with the Clark County School District for nineteen years and is currently a fourth grade teacher at Dondero Elementary School. She was named Dondero’s Teacher of the Year during the 2012-2013 school year. Erica has been employed as a dance teacher for Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Future Dance Program for eighteen years. As a part of NBT’s outreach dance program, she is responsible for the daily organizational tasks, classroom management, dance training, and choreography for over two hundred third, fourth, and fifth grade dancers. She has further taught both Hip-Hop Babies and Hip-Hop Kids, at the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre, for a period of five years. Ms. Erica Kirby is thrilled to be a part of NBT’s teaching staff. Teaching young children the art form of dance is one of the greatest joys of her life.

Alison Kravenko

ALISON KRAVENKO-JOHNSON is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada. As the daughter of a third generation dancer and ballet teacher, Alison started early at the Robert Gilbert School of Ballet. Formal pre-professional tutelage was under the mentorship of Garold Gardner (ABT), Jacqueline Douguet (Paris Opera Ballet), legendary coach Joanna Kneeland and master teacher David Howard. Alison studied Jazz and Graham technique with Rick Milland (Luigi) Winston Hemsley, Rich Rizzo, Nick Navarro and Ronnie Lewis. Her exposure to Jack Cole and Bob Fosse expanded her training and in 1980, with a MGM contract in hand, she became the youngest member of the original cast of "Jubilee". Alison's dancing career continued for over 20 years and she performed as a corps member, soloist and principle in stage productions which include Lido De Paris, Bally's Jubilee!, Siegfried and Roy, Le Hot Tokyo Japan, Cabaret Circus and many more. Musical theater work includes A Chorus Line, The Pajama Game and Gypsy. Throughout her stage career, Alison remained a devoted student of ballet and in 1981 she was introduced to Balanchine's choreography and the teaching theories of Stanley Williams. A private mentorship with a noted NYCB dancer made the biggest impact on her life and ballet remained her strength and passion. In 1996, Alison began teaching at her mother's Kravenko School of Ballet and formed the first youth ballet company in Las Vegas. As the Artistic Director of KYB she created over 150 new works which include neo-classical ballets, contemporary works, musical theater and full-scale ballets and productions. She holds a teacher’s workshop certificate from Pacific Northwest Ballet and is a fellow of SAB. Alison has trained students who are working professionals today in companies such as Ballet West, Dance Theater of Harlem, San Francisco Ballet and Complexions. Many of her former students have graduated with BFA and MFA degrees in dance from BYU, UC Irvine, Cornish, CalArts, Howard University, Marymount Manhattan and NYU. She has choreographed and entered Las Vegas and Huntington Beach students with success at Youth America Grand Prix and continues to create new works. Alison was an Artist-In-Residence for the University of Nevada Las Vegas Dance Department and in 2003, she was nominated five times by her colleagues for the Nevada Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Arts and between 2005-2008 held a position as Adjunct Professor at UNLV teaching Dance Theory. She is currently a certified para-professional teacher for the Clark County School District and is a ballet adjunct at Las Vegas Academy and musical theater adjunct at KO Knudson Middle School. She teaches master classes and stages works throughout the United States. Alison returns to Steps On Broadway several times a year and attributes her ongoing passion for teaching and new ideas to her guru maestro Willy Burmann.

Crista Leopardi

Crista Leopardi is a local freelance dancer and aerialist, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from Oklahoma City University’s Dance Program, she spent several years performing in and around Los Angeles. In 2009 Crista left the US to join the inaugural cast of Universal Studios Singapore as an aerialist. She then spent time on tour in China with Lyrabird Dance Company, did a regional tour of Victoria, Australia as a vocalist and enjoyed three years as a production show dancer and aerialist on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Crista feels some of the best memories are made when you’re upside down!

Gene Lubas

GENE LUBAS is a show business “lifer.” With over 25 years of experience, Gene has contributed his time and talent to the arts and entertainment industry all over the world. After receiving a full dance scholarship to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gene began a performing career which led him to study dance in Europe, performing with several dance companies, regional theatres, cruise ships and various Broadway shows, including the North American touring productions of the 50th Anniversary of Oklahoma!, 42nd Street, and The Will Rogers Follies to name a few. Gene was also fortunate to live and perform overseas in the first European Tour of the Broadway show 42nd Street. Upon his retirement as a performer, he was offered a production assistant position where he trained for stage management, casting many shows including The Osmond Second Generation Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease with Chubby Checker and Frankie Avalon, and Smokey Joe’s Café with Gladys Knight. During this time, he also taught tap, character and musical theatre as well as directing and choreographing shows along the East Coast and Canada. In 2000, he joined the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. Since then, he has worked on four different Cirque du Soleil productions, holding various positions including general stage manager for the touring show Alegría during its Asia-Pacific Tour of New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. Upon returning to America, he moved to Las Vegas and began his career with the resident Cirque du Soleil shows on the Las Vegas Strip, starting as general stage manager for the water spectacular, “O”, then artistic director for Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil and most recently as Artistic Director for Viva ELVIS. As an artistic consultant for Cirque du Soleil, Gene has created performances for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance among others. He has been in a 21 year relationship with his life partner Jerry and together they are the proud fathers of twin boys, Harrison and Wilson. He finds that mentoring and sharing his experiences with young performers gives him the most gratification.

Pendu Malik

KISHEMA “PENDU” MALIK is a professional dancer, choreographer and instructor originally from New York City and currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. From 2008 until the end of 2013 she was featured in Cirque Du Soleil’s production of the Beatles LOVE and in 2016 she became one of the main choreographer's for Cirque's One night for One Drop, “Amanzi”, which opened more doors for her in the choreography and instructor realm. Pendu’s training spans many styles including West African, Horton, Dunham, Ballet, Body Percussion, Hip Hop, Latin, Dancehall, Jazz, Funk styles and Capoiera. Some of Pendu’s credits as a dancer include Cirque Du Soleil Beatles LOVE, Cirque Du Soleil Movie “Worlds Away”, Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Molodi Body Percussion, Paul McCartney, Demi Lavatto, Stevie Wonder, Summer Jam in LA featuring Mya and Ashanti, NIKE, WNBA/NBA All Star games, GAP, Dodgers Baseball games, many fitness commercials and much more. She is also internationally known as a choreographer/instructor and her services have been used in many conventions, circus schools, dance schools, shows and videos worldwide. Some countries include Brazil, Sweden, Peru, Argentina, Sydney, South Africa, Ghana and others. Pendu wants to be known for her unique style of always fusing West African dance with any style of dance and has even patented her own dance style called “Afro Sexy” (West African, Jazz funk and Burlesque fusion) and has premiered a full review show in Las Vegas and looking for it to be a regular occurrence on the strip. Pendu currently teaches at many Las Vegas studios including the Academy at Nevada Ballet and has been doing so for the past four years. She is also a kinesiology and fitness specialist who holds a BS Bioengineering and an M.S. in Kinesiology and has presented at international conferences including IADMS (International Association of Dance Medicine and Science) in Singapore in 2012.

Angel Mammoliti

Originally from Buffalo New York, ANGEL MAMMOLITI is a dancer/choreographer/educator recently currently based in Los Angeles. She is a member of The Difference Between directed by Talia Favia and The Phoenix Ballet directed by Slawmoir Wozniak Sr. in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Entity Contemporary Dance directed by Marissa Osato and Will Johnston. She graduated from the University at Buffalo in May of 2016 earning a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelors degree in Psychology while training with the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York City and The Conteur Academy in Toronto, Canada. Angel has taught and performed internationally in Hong Kong and Singapore, as well Master Ballet Academy in Arizona, Edge Performing Arts Center, Kinjaz Dojo, and Movement Lifestyle in Los Angeles. She currently is on staff with Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention as a professional assistant, teacher, and adjudicator.

Maggie Mart

MAGGIE MART is a versatile artist specializing in acrobatics, aerial work, stunts, and dance. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, Maggie has performed all over the United States and has had the opportunity to share her diverse skills and energetic spirit with millions. To date some of Maggie's credits include Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba, The Beatles "LOVE", KA, MusiCares with Sir Paul McCartney, MTV Video Music Awards with Diddy, Dodger's Baseball Game, Nascar Awards, UCLA Halftime at the Rose Bowl, WNBA Half Time, Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Disneyland. She began her professional performing career in Orlando, Florida working for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2005 and soon after joined the cast of the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" for Walt Disney World. Maggie's training spans many different skill sets including: Dance (Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary), Gymnastics, Tumbling, Aerial apparatuses (Tissu, Hoop, Body Loop, Partner Bungee, single bungee), various circus apparatuses, Fight Choreography, Clown, Improvisation, Pilates, and Yoga. Maggie is currently performing as an acrobat and puppeteer in the Cirque Du Soleil show “KA” live at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jordan McIntosh

JORDAN MCINTOSH, originally from Michigan, moved to New York City to pursue her professional dance career. She worked closely with choreographers in the city, such as Twyla Tharp and Zvi Gotheiner. Jordan was a founding member of Willow Oak Contemporary Ballet, based in Baton Rouge, LA. While working in NYC, Jordan toured with West Coast Dance Explosion as a dance assistant during the 2010 Dance season. Following her year with WCDE, Jordan joined New York City Dance Alliance as a dance assistant and judge. During her years with NYCDA, she was head of the Ready, Set, Dance Program. Jordan was also involved with numerous industrials and projects in NYC, including a guest artist with Larry Keigwin's, Keigwin + Company. Jordan is currently dancing with Nevada Ballet Theater in Las Vegas under the direction of Roy Kaiser, also has also worked closely with James Canfield, Sandra Jennings, Richard Tanner, Cynthia Gregory and Jorden Morris. Jordan is happy to be in her second season with Nevada Ballet Theatre.

Sara Orrells

SARA ORRELLS attended the Northern Ballet School in Manchester, UK, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts. After teaching ballet in Italy and England she embarked on a career as a dancer across Europe. After settling in Las Vegas, Sara began teaching at Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre for its Academy classes and Education & Outreach programs. Currently a faculty member at Doral Academy of Nevada, Sara is honored to be able to teach the foundation of dance to her students. There, she also is partnered with ANBT’s Go-Move-Dance!! Program, where she exposes students to dance, theatre, and live performances.

Melissa Ridley

MELISSA RIDLEY has been dancing since the age of three and has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, theater and ballroom dance. She acquired her training at the Langley Fine Arts School as a dance major, The Academy of Dance and Harbour Dance Center in Vancouver BC, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School summer intensives, and Ballroom Addiction in Las Vegas. Melissa began teaching in 2002 in Vancouver British Columbia where she also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She began teaching with the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theater in 2013 and is thrilled to be able to share her love of dance with her students at ANBT. Melissa is an ABT Certified Teacher and has successfully completed the ABT teacher training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT National Training Curriculum.

Monika Rostomian

MONIKA ROSTOMIAN began teaching ballet at Nevada Ballet Theatre in 2001. She came to the Academy from Russia where she received her training in the Vaganova method at the St. Petersburg (Kirov) Ballet Academy under the tutelage of famed prima ballerina Natalia Dudinskaya. She has performed throughout Europe, Asia and North and South America as soloist with many ballet companies, including Moscow Festival Ballet and Ballet of Russia. During her career she had also served as a ballet mistress and choreographer. Monika later graduated from the Moscow State Institute of Theatrical Art and was awarded its coveted teaching diploma. Her teaching skills encompass all levels of ballet and character dance, ranging from five year old beginner to advanced-professionals. She also qualifies in special training for figure skaters and in dance therapy for the psychological rehabilitation of children. Monika is dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in every aspect of her teaching.

Stelly Rodriguez Vega

STELLY RODRIGUEZ VEGA began her training at the National School of Art in Cuba where she trained in Classic Ballet under the tutelage of renowned dancer Alicia Alonso. Stelly danced with the National Ballet of Cuba, directed by the Prima ballerina Alicia Alonso, and she also participated in numerous tours through Latin America and Europe, including dancing as a Principal for the Ballet company “Rey de Viana” in Spain. In 2006 Stelly arrived in Las Vegas to be part of the Latin production Havana Nights, and later she took a principal role in the American tours of Cirque du Soleil’s Cirque Dreams and Cirque Éloize in Canada. In 2012 Stelly became a dancer and assistant choreographer and Casting Director for Cirque du Soleil under Giulio Scatola, working for him in several projects in Europe and Las Vegas (Gotta Dance and A tribute to life!) In 2017 Stelly was cast to perform with International singer Robin Thicke during his life Concert tour in Philippines. She also was a dancer in the Emmy Award winning BENISE “Fuego!” - Spirit of Spain. Stelly currently teaches at ANBT while continuing to perform.

Skylar Schultz

SKYLAR JOY SCHULTZ from Racine, WI received her BFA degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in the PPU Conservatory Dance Company, she was given the opportunity to work with Keigwin & Co, Jess Hendricks, Troy Powell, Garfield Lemonius, and Bennyroyce Rayon. After graduation she relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada to pursue her professional dance career. Skylar is now performing with the Aces WNBA Wild Card Crew, and in December she will be performing in The Holiday Show at the Wynn.

Kurtis Sprung

KURTIS W. SPRUNG is a Dancer/Choreographer/Educator born in upstate New York to a small town with big aspirations. He is signed with MSA talent agency on both the east and west coasts. His passion stems through the connectivity of free flow, athleticism and Neo Classical Contemporary/Ballet movement. He has trained for twenty years under the direction of Mara and Marlene Merritt, Master Ballet Academy's Slawomir Wozniak, Irena Wozniak, Zherlin Ndudi and San Francisco Ballet member Bill Gentes. He has received his B.F.A at the University at Buffalo in dance and choreography. Kurtis has worked with choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Albert Cattafi, Spencer Liff and Rasta Thomas. He has performed with artists such as Nicole Scherzinger, Ray Parker Jr. and live on the Neil Patrick Harris Show. He has performed with companies such as The Bad Boys of Dance, Phoenix Ballet and in Galas with New York City Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet members. Kurtis has appeared in Music Videos under Matthew Tseng and Anthony Garguila and has taught countless master classes on faculty at Dance Masters of America, LA Dance Magic and regional studios across the country during his "Evolve Dance" Summer Studio Tour. After leaving New York City he traveled to Phoenix as the Assistant Choreographer/Director and soloist in the Phoenix Ballet where he helped to start the Master Ballet Academy Performance Company. Currently he is performing in Las Vegas as "The Eggman" of Cirque Du Soleil's The Beatles Love. He wants to continue his growth, education and creation as he moves towards more opportunities to dance and choreograph around the world.

Suzanne Swanson

SUZANNE SWANSON began her formal dance training in Louisville, Kentucky at the Youth Performing Arts School at the University of Louisville Dance Academy (official school of The Louisville Ballet). She then went on to dance professionally with the St. Louis Ballet, Louisville Ballet, and The San Diego Ballet. Suzanne had the opportunity to dance in many wonderful ballets, including; The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, Gaite Parisienne, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and George Balanchine's Serenade. While dancing with each of these companies, Suzanne also followed her passion to teach. She taught Ballet, Jazz and Pilates for the San Diego School of Ballet. Suzanne later became the Director for the San Diego School of Ballet's “Junior Company” where she also choreographed and received several awards for her neoclassical pieces. After moving to Las Vegas, Suzanne joined the cast of Donn Arden's Jubilee!. She was promoted to dance captain (teaching and rehearing the show) and years later she was promoted to the Assistant Company Manager. As a dancer and educator for over 20 years, Suzanne strives to provide dancers of all ages and all levels with quality, caring instruction. Ms. Suzanne began teaching at The Rock Center for Dance in 2014 where she teaches and choreographs for all levels of ballet. Most recently, she was honored at The Dance Awards for “Best Ballet Performance” with her piece “24 Violins”. Suzanne is excited to start a new journey teaching at The Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre.

Sean Viator

SEAN VIATOR grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he began his training at De Frances Academy of Dance under the direction of Cathy, Gwyn and Angie De Frances. Before attending college, Sean had the honor of performing in two original Debbie Allen productions and worked closely with many well-known choreographers like Mark Meismer, Stacy Tookey and Mia Michaels. Sean went on to receive his BFA in dance, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Arizona. While at the University, Sean performed works by George Balanchine, Ann Reinking, Charles Weidmen & Larry Keigwin, among many others and apprenticed with River North Dance Chicago. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in May of 2013 and was awarded the university’s top dance award – The Triple Threat Award, which is awarded to the person who most excels at Ballet, Modern and Jazz. After college, he danced with Odyssey Dance Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah. As one of the countries premiere contemporary dance companies, Sean traveled around the US and Europe performing works by Mia Michaels, Christian Denice and Derryl Yeager to name a few. In the summer of 2014, Sean moved to Las Vegas, NV where he performed in Las Vegas’ longest running show, Donn Ardens’ Jubilee! He was also a part of Cirque Du Soleil’s One Night for One Drop, an all original show conceived to help raise money for clean water. In the summer of 2016, Sean performed at Tuacahn Ampitheater, where he was able to perform original Broadway choreography by Patti Colombo in Peter Pan. Also while at Tuacahn, Sean performed in Disney’s Tarzan and Hunchback of Notre Dame. Upon returning to Las Vegas, Sean joined Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers at the Wynn Hotel and Casino, choreographed by Marguerite Derricks. Since moving to Los Angeles, Sean can be seen dancing for Todrick Hall and Pentatonix in their music video for “Black and White”. Most recently, Sean danced for Alessia Cara and Logic at the Latin GRAMMY’s and at the Billboard Music Awards for Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato! Sean is also proud to teach at IDA Hollywood and is on faculty at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Alex Yonkovich

Born & raised in Orange County, CA, Alex began her dance training at a young age. After dancing both competitively & artistically, she is now a graduate of The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance. Her time in school allowed her to work closely with choreographers such as Ann Reinking, Sherry Zunker, Douglas Nielsen, & Michael Williams, performing their many acclaimed works. Alex has spent inspiring summers with Interlochen Arts Camp, Brockus Dance Project, Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, & River North Dance Chicago. She also had the opportunity to tour 14 cities of China with Art.If.Act Dance Project in The Great American Dance Tour, as well as assisting Sam Watson at the Bolzano Summer Dance Festival in Bolzano, Italy. Aside from performing, In the fall of 2016, Alex assumed Guest Artist in Residency for the UNLV Department of Dance for two semesters. Currently, Alex is performing as a full-time ensemble character and occasional soloist in Cirque Du Soleil's The Beatles LOVE (est. 2015).