carol-new
AJ Juarez is the founder and director of Barrio Dance, a vision brought to life from a lifelong passion for both dance and community. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, AJ was immersed in a culture rich with diverse, high-quality dance training from an early age. Inspired by the concept of “barrio”—a close-knit neighborhood where people support one another—AJ set out to create a space where dancers could experience both exceptional training and a strong sense of belonging.
AJ began training in Latin ballroom before expanding into lyrical jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, and contemporary styles. He studied at the Julio Bocca School of Musical Theatre and quickly transitioned into professional performance, appearing in productions such as Applause and Aladdin on Argentina’s Broadway stage. His career includes being a member of Chet Walker’s Fosse company, performing as a featured dancer with Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, and contributing as both a dancer and choreographer for Argentina’s Dancing with the Stars, Singing for a Dream, and Dreaming to Dance.
In the United States, AJ has continued to build his creative footprint, choreographing commercials, working with Carnival in Los Angeles, and collaborating with leading dance professionals throughout the Midwest. Through Barrio Dance, he brings together his international experience and deep-rooted passion to cultivate a welcoming, high-level training environment grounded in both artistry and community.
IMANI ENGLISH, from Madison, WI, began her dance training under the direction of Jean Adams at the Monona Academy of Dance and moved on to the Madison Professional Dance Center’s pre-professional company for four years. Imani was mentioned in the reviews of the Jazzworks Dance Company’s production of A World Without Walls and has been awarded scholarships from The Anthony Quinn Foundation, Dance Chicago, and a Producer’s Society Scholarship as well as the Rahm Emanuel Scholarship to River North Dance Chicago workshops, among others. In 2012, Imani was selected for the Chicago-area cast of Memoria by Alvin Ailey, performing with the Ailey company at the Auditorium Theatre.
Imani is a 2014 graduate of Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), where she was Valedictorian and had the privilege of performing works by leading Chicago dance companies such as DanceWorks Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Muntu Dance Theater, and the Joffrey Ballet. Imani thanks her parents, Karen Smith-English and Jami English, for always supporting her and being her biggest inspirations in dance and life. She is forever grateful for all they have done to help her achieve her goal of becoming a professional dancer. Imani joined DanceWorks Chicago in August 2014.
Halia began dancing at the age of two and trained in all styles at The Dance Complex in Minnesota. As a teenager, she fell in love with ballet and chose to pursue it professionally. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University, where she studied under renowned faculty including Derek Reid, Cynthia Pratt, Susan McGuire, David Ingram, Ramon Flowers, Rosanna Ruffo, and Marek Cholewa.
While at Butler, she performed in major productions such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. Her favorite role at Butler was the white cat in Sleeping Beauty. Halia is now a trainee with Madison Ballet and looks forward to the year ahead!
Lauryn Bredlau recently graduated Magna cum Laude from Point Park University with a B.F.A in Dance, Concentration in Ballet. During her time at Point Park, Lauryn performed corps de ballet and soloist roles in works such as Serenade by George Balanchine, Paquita staged by Susan Stowe, and Drone on The Open Fifth by Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros. She also had the privilege of learning from esteemed faculty such as Jason McDole, Norbert de la Cruz, Jae Man Joo, and Julia Erickson.
After graduation, Lauryn joined Madison Ballet as a trainee and began teaching at studios across southern Wisconsin. Outside the studio, Lauryn enjoys spending time with her cat Marten.
Liz Luse is a Madison-based dance artist and educator whose practice aims to find ease and efficiency of movement. Recently, she has choreographed and performed for Isthmus Dance Collective’s Shifting Gears Dance Festival, led a movement improvisation workshop at the Goodman Community Center, and performed at Arts + Literature Laboratory for the release of “Speleogenesis.” Liz currently teaches her own classes at the IDC Center for Dance.
Liz enjoyed an 18-year career in performance and teaching in Chicago, Illinois. She toured nationally and internationally as a member of Lucky Plush Productions, originating roles and leading masterclasses. She was privileged to dance for Lyric Opera of Chicago, Winifred Haun and Dancers, Ron De Jesus Dance, Emily Stein Dance, and Dance in the Parks. For six years, Liz was on faculty at the Joffrey Academy of Dance (now Grainger Academy of the Joffrey Ballet). Other teaching credits include Lou Conte Dance Studio, Visceral Dance Chicago, the University of Chicago, Chicago Ballet Arts, and studios across the Chicago-land area.
Liz earned a degree in Ballet Performance from Indiana University.
Classes for week 1 begin on Monday, June 16th at 12:00 pm. Doors will open at 11:30, and dancers should arrive no later than 11:50 am. Please send plenty of healthy snacks with your dancer each day. There will be short breaks between each class so they can “refuel” as needed. Classes will end daily at 5:00 pm.
Classes for week 2 begin on Monday, June 30th at 9:00am. Doors will open at 8:30am, and dancers should arrive no later than 8:50am. Classes will end daily at 5:00pm
Bringing all of these incredible guest artists to Madison provides a unique opportunity for the dancers. We are counting on the dancers to represent us well, treat the guests with the utmost respect, and put forth their best effort in every class.
Some reminders regarding classroom etiquette:
Below is what dancers should wear and bring for each class:
We suggest that dancers pack the following in their dance bags:
We feel truly blessed to be able to present this year’s intensive with such a talented group of guest artists. We urge all dancers to wholeheartedly immerse themselves in this experience and make the most of every opportunity!
Avery has been dancing since the age of four, beginning her journey at Storybook Ballet before continuing her training at another Madison studio. In 2016, she joined Madison Pro Dance Center as a company dancer, where her passion for dance truly blossomed.
In 2021, Avery became a member of the Middleton High School Dance Team and was later selected to represent Wisconsin at Dance Team Nationals in Orlando in 2024. She has trained in a wide range of styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz Funk, and Hip Hop, and has had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as Chris Xayarath, Matt Pumanes, Roderick Phifer, and Hannah Brictson.
She closed out her senior year with an incredible season—earning 1st place Senior Solo (twice), being named Miss Legacy, and winning the overall title at AMP Dance Competition.
Over the past two years, Avery has also developed her teaching skills as an assistant to Elizabeth Newberry, where she discovered her passion for mentoring younger dancers. She continues to work with children as an instructor at Achieve Gymnastics and as a teaching assistant at Hickory Hill Academy.
This fall, Avery will attend Grand View University, where she has accepted an offer to join the dance team—part of the university’s athletic program—while pursuing a degree in Nursing.
Avery is excited to bring her energy, creativity, and love for dance to the classroom as a hip hop instructor at MPDC.
Elijah Richardson, originally from San Jose, California, began his artistic journey as a figure skater while building his rapport with the stage as an actor and singer in musical theatre, classical choir, and competitive dance teams throughout his public performing arts schooling. He went onto receive the Musco Scholarship for the Arts and earned his BFA in Dance Performance and a Minor in History from Chapman University in 2018. Additionally, Elijah furthered his education by spending summers on scholarship at renown intensives including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Zion Dance Project, and One Body, One Career Countertechnique Intensive in Amsterdam.
Upon graduation, Elijah joined DanceWorks Chicago for three seasons, where he humbly performed and taught nationally and internationally. At DWC, he was closely mentored by director Julie Nakagawa, and given the opportunity to take on more creative and administrative responsibility in various roles as a peer mentor, restager, and lead contributor on social media design and marketing. Most notably, Elijah curated “An InterVIEW Series with DanceWorks Chicago Alumni,” a showcase of over two dozen short films highlighting previous members’ company experiences and their current life updates amidst the global lockdown.
Elijah has since gone on to freelance as a guest artist, previously working with Anaheim Ballet, The Cambrians, Symbiosis Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Collage Dance Collective’s historic restaging of “Prodigal Son” by George Balanchine.
Throughout his career, Elijah has had the privilege of originating roles and premiering works by several choreographers including Shannon Alvis, Charissa-Lee Barton, Hanna Brictson, Donald Byrd, Joshua Blake Carter, Ron de Jesus, Rubén Graciani, Sean Greene, Will Johnston, Monique Haley, Vincent Hardy, Rebecca D. Huang, Tsai Hsi Hung, Alex Ketley, Joshua Manculich, Stephanie Martinez, Julianne O’Brien, Crystal Michelle Perkins, Wade Schaaf, Bobbi Jene Smith, Kia S. Smith, Ido Tadmor, and Faith von Atzigen. Additional repertory includes works by Alejandro Cerrudo, Frank Chaves, Christian Denice, James Gregg, Ohad Naharin, Christian Spück, and Demis Volpi. Elijah was also fortunate to be the rehearsal assistant to Joshua Manculich in developing new creations and restaging his repertory at Collage Dance Collective in 2019 & 2020.
His choreography has been performed at Chapman University, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Trifecta Dance Festival, The Rooted Space, Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, South Chicago Dance Festival, Loyola University Chicago, Zion Dance Project, and Second City Dance Ministry. In addition, his dance films have been selected at Flatlands Dance Film Festival, Iowa International Screendance Festival, Inaugural Big Muddy Screendance Fest, and four times at the Mobile Dance Film Festival.
As a multifaceted educator, Elijah has frequently taught classes in contemporary, modern, jazz, and improvisation. His affiliations include University of Chicago, Chapman University, James Madison University, Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Northern Illinois University, Sam Houston State University, Zion Dance Project: Summer Series, The Cambrians: Winter Intensive, Common Conservatory, Chicago Movement Collective, DanceWorks Chicago (Dance360 Program), Virtual Dance Lab (Lucky Plush Productions), and studios across the Chicagoland area.
He has been a company member with South Chicago Dance Theatre since 2021. He has been part of historic company debuts at Jacob’s Pillow, Spring to Dance, Harris Theater, Auditorium Theatre, collaborations with Chicago Opera Theater, Opera Laguna, and Giordano Dance Chicago, in addition to international tours to Colombia, South Korea, and Vietnam.
In 2023, Elijah was honored to be included in the Top “25 to Watch” List by Dance Magazine.
In 2025, Elijah was one of 11 dancers and dancemakers highlighted on the “Players 50: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago” list by NewCity Magazine.
Roderick Phifer is a Charlotte NC native whose artistic passion is realized through choreography, dance education and performance. His experience ranges from commercial and concert dance training, which heavily influences his personal style in movement. He received early training from the North Carolina Dance Theatre under the direction of Jean Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia Mcbride, Dance Productions under the direction of Lori Oxendine, and mentorship of the late Denise Britz-Clark. As a young queer artist, expanding and exploring the language of dance outside of his home was always a major priority, which led to him training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He continued his education and earned his BFA from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Shortly after, he transitioned and joined Philadelphia’s contemporary company BalletX as a company artist for 5 seasons.
During the pandemic, he shifted roles by joining Philadelphia’s Chocolate Ballerina Company as their rehearsal director, where he was also a part of creating and choreographing for Philadelphia’s first all black cast of the Nutcracker. Roderick is currently a freelance company artist with BIGKIDS dance, founded by Mark Caserta(2020), company artist and rehearsal director with Waheed Works, founded by Tommie Waheed Evans(2021). Dance Educator at The Rock School West for Dance Education, and Company Assistant Director at Touch of Class Dance Studio(2023). He has most recently joined as a faculty member with the National Heat Dance Convention in (2023).
Roderick has earned the opportunity to teach and perform on an international level, while also pouring his knowledge and passion back into the new generation of rising dance artists.
Sophie Smith originates from Dubuque Ia where she began training at age six in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet and tap. During the pandemic, she discovered commercial dancing and fell in love with performance styles. She began training at Barrio Dance Studio in the summer of 2020 under the direction of A.J. Juarez and Nicole Nelson. She has been a member of the Barrio Dance Factory Team since that time. The team placed 1st at World of Dance Chicago and also at Prelude Midwest in 2024.
Sophie is an instructor and choreographer at Barrio as well as for the Barrio Factory Team. She has choreographed for Rhumba for Rainbow and taught at various workshops around the Madison area. Additionally, Sophie traveled to Krakow Poland where she attended the FairPlay Dance Camp in 2023. She had the opportunity to train with Jojo Gomez, Kaycee Rice, Sean Lew, Julian Deguzman, J Blaze and numerous other professional dancers. Sophie is excited to join the staff at MPDC and looks forward to working with the Madison dance community.
Meet Your Yoga Guide: Sandy Homburg
With a passionate heart and a devoted spirit, Sandy embarked on her yoga journey over a decade ago, receiving her 200 RYT in 2011. Her dedication to the practice and eagerness to deepen her understanding of its roots led her to achieve the prestigious 500 E-RYT in 2016. Beyond the mat, her role as the Director of Teacher Training allowed her to inspire and mentor countless others on their paths to becoming skilled yoga instructors.
Sandy’s pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop with certifications. She further enriched her expertise by participating in numerous workshops, completing a Duke Integrative Medicine Certificate for Integrative Yoga for Seniors, and traveling to the ancient temples of India. It was there she immersed herself in the philosophy and history of yoga, enabling her to weave authentic insights and practices into her teachings.
Her teaching philosophy mirrors the openness and acceptance that yoga embodies. In Sandy’s classes, everyone is welcome, regardless of their experience level. She encourages students to listen to their bodies, make modifications when needed, and celebrate their own unique journeys.
While Sandy is well-versed in various yoga styles, her heart resonates most deeply with Meditation, Yin, and Slow Flow yoga. These practices, known for their rejuvenating qualities, perfectly encapsulate her belief in the power of gentle movement and mindful stillness. Through her guidance, students discover not only flexibility and strength but also a profound sense of inner peace and balance.
Join Sandy on the mat. Here, you’ll find a community where every breath and movement brings you closer to your truest self, all while being supported and uplifted by a teacher whose life’s work is to light the way for others.
Namaste.
Kaitlin began her dance career in Chicago, IL. She has a true passion for the art that is dance and a passion for teaching.
Kaitlin has pursued her career in the dance convention & competition world working for Dupree Dance, HEAT Dance Convention and Activate Your Artistry. She has also worked as a performer in Chicago at Generation Rescue alongside Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny McCarthy’s Fashion Show, Northern Illinois University’s dance team and several others. While performing in college, Kaitlin fulfilled her dreams of graduating college with a Kinesiology Degree from Northern Illinois University. Chicago has always been home for Kaitlin as she continues to extend her passion and love for dance at various studios and high school dance teams!
Kaitlin always knew teaching was where her heart lies. While her in-vigorous and fearless style has lead her dancers to the industry as well as achieving HEAT’s Supernova National Title with her piece “Lessons”. She believes the true success to a dancer starts with kindness, hard work and trust in your teachers!
Bree started dancing at the age of three and immediately found her greatest passion. The majority of her training was under Jeanette Makaroff of Makaroff School of Ballet in Appleton, WI. She was also a company member with the Makaroff Youth Ballet and performed roles including the little match girl in “The Little Match Girl” and Arabian in “The Nutcracker” at the Appleton PAC. She spent her summers going to summer intensive programs with the American Ballet Theater and the Rock School of Dance where she was trained by former professional dancers such as Ted Kivit, Robert La Fosse, and Alaine Haubert.
After high school, she attended UW-Stevens Point and received her BA in Dance, BS in Psychology, and a Pilates teaching certification through Balanced Body. While at UWSP, she was able to expand her dance education under the direction of Jeannie Hill, Joan Karlen, Pamela Luedtke, and Michael Estanich. She enjoyed exploring other dance genres she had never tried before: modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop. Ballet still remains her favorite dance style but she enjoys teaching modern, pointe, improvisation, and Pilates.
After college, Bree performed with Madison Contemporary Dance for four seasons and was an Assistant Director for two. Since stepping away from MCD, Bree is still taking classes and participating in Ballet U’s Nutcracker every year. She strives to continue her dance education so she can share new and helpful information with her students!
Bree is a descendant of the Menominee and Potawatomi Tribes of Wisconsin. Growing up, she danced at powwows as a fancy shawl dancer and has a great cultural tie to dance. Bree understands the cultural significance of dance around the world and aims to bring that knowledge to her students. Being a dancer/teacher of color, she hopes to create more representation and a welcoming dance space for other dancers of color.
Outside of dance, Bree loves to make beaded jewelry, read, hike, and play with her three cats!
Joslynn started dancing at the age of 2 and never stopped. They began at a small studio in their hometown of Rockford, Illinois, called Fine Lines. Unfortunately, the studio closed after a few short years. Joslynn, along with many other dancers and teachers, then moved to Evolve Dance Company. Joslynn started competing at the age of 6 with one duet. The following year, they joined the full competition team, adding group dances and solos. This is the family with whom Joslynn would grow and compete until their sophomore year.
In the middle of Joslynn’s freshman year in 2019, they won the Titans Force scholarship at Titans of Dance. This scholarship allowed them to travel and assist the faculty the following year, a scholarship that would drastically change Joslynn’s life. After some long and hard conversations, Joslynn decided to stop competing in group dances and focus on two solos and a duet with their best friend to take advantage of this opportunity. After assisting the faculty in the first city, they were hooked and never looked back. Some of the faculty that Joslynn assisted (and still assists) include Fik-Shun, Autumn Miller, Alex Wong, Mark Villaver, Mollee Gray, Alexis Warr, and many more. Joslynn continued competing with two solos and one duet for their sophomore and junior years.
During Joslynn’s junior year in early 2021, they won the Titans Force scholarship again and continued traveling with Titans of Dance. In addition, they won the All-Star Scholarship at Artistic Dance Exchange, allowing them to audition for a Noble Assistant position at their nationals. This led Joslynn to become an independent dancer for their senior year after competing with their studio for eleven years. They wanted to travel extensively, which being with a studio wouldn’t allow. Though they stopped competing, Joslynn still did a duet with their little sister and their nine-year-long duet partner for the recital as their final senior dances.
Throughout their senior year, Joslynn traveled with Titans of Dance and Artistic Dance Exchange and attended other conventions for extra training. In November 2021, they auditioned for the CLI Conservatory run by Teddy Forance, hoping to avoid college. After submitting videos and interviewing with Teddy, Joslynn was accepted into the CLI class of 2023. They also started teaching master classes at nearby studios.
At 18, Joslynn moved 15 hours away to Northampton, Massachusetts, where they lived for the next year. They trained 50 hours a week, with up to three new choreographers each week, and participated in video shoots, photo shoots, personal branding seminars, networking seminars, and private agency auditions. They continued traveling with Titans of Dance, assisted Fik-shun and Are You Ready Dance Convention, and became an assistant for Embody Dance Conference, working with many well-known choreographers, including Keenan Cooks, Hayden Fredrick, and Chelsea Hightower. Joslynn performed in the CLI Conservatory’s end-of-year show, Press Play 2, in May 2023, received their certificate of completion, and moved back to Rockford for a year.
Throughout that year at home, Joslynn taught weekly at Miss Andrea’s Dance Factory, taught masterclasses and intensives, traveled with Titans of Dance and Embody Dance Conference, worked with Spotlight Dance Cup, and served on the weekends when they were home. Joslynn found MPDC when they reached out to teach at their summer intensive and had some of the best teaching experiences they’ve ever had. Joslynn felt welcomed and wanted to keep coming back.
After experiencing ANSION SYSTEM® and recognizing its value for all walks of life, Lillian wanted to add it to her teaching skills. While going through certification training courses, she was also preparing for hip resurfacing surgery with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. John S. Rogerson.
I am excited to have founded Madison’s first studio offering Gyrotonic exercise, and I look forward to sharing it with you so that you can experience your body free of pain and full of joy.
Born in the suburbs of Chicago IL, Chris Xayarath started dancing in 2002. His interest in dance grew over the years as well as learning many different styles to this day; hip hop, jazz, jazz funk, and contemporary.
From 2007-2009, he joined Xtreme Dance Force in Naperville, IL where he had the opportunity to work personally with choreographers such as Kevin Maher, Matt Cady, and David Moore. Chris was also given the opportunity to open up for Hip Hop artist Soulja Boy at Northern Illinois University in 2008. He opened up for artist Fat Joe and Bruno Mars at the House of Blues September of 2010.
In 2011 and 2012, Chris performed and shared the stage with artists like Lil’ Jon, Ludacris, and Ciara at Chicago’s radio station 103.5 kiss fm’s fantabuloso concert. He recently worked with the Chicago Bulls Luvabulls dance team and was featured in Chicago artist Chance The Rapper in his music video Angels.
Currently Chris is working at Walt Disney World, Seaworld, and Universal Studios Orlando dancing in Festival Of Fantasy Parade, The Festival of Lion King show, Sesame Street Parade, and DreamWorks Destinations!
Breanna first began dancing at the age of three and immediately found her greatest passion. She trained at Green Bay School of Dance for a few years but later moved on to train under Jeanette Makaroff of Makaroff School of Ballet in Appleton, WI. While with MSB, she was also a company member of the Makaroff Youth Ballet and performed roles including the little match girl in “The Little Match Girl” and Arabian in “The Nutcracker” at the Appleton PAC. She spent her summers going to summer intensive programs with the American Ballet Theater and the Rock School of Dance where she was trained by former professional dancers such as Ted Kivit, Robert La Fosse, and Alaine Haubert.
After high school, she attended UW-Stevens Point and received her BA in Dance, BS in Psychology, and a Pilates teaching certification through Balanced Body. While at UWSP, she was able to expand her dance education under the direction of Jeannie Hill, Joan Karlen, Pamela Luedtke, and Michael Estanich. She enjoyed exploring other dance genres she had never tried before: modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop. Ballet still remains her favorite dance genre but she enjoys teaching modern, basic movement fundamentals, improvisation, and Pilates.
Breanna is a descendant of the Menominee and Potawatomi tribes of Wisconsin. Growing up, she danced at pow wows as a fancy shawl dancer and so has a great cultural tie to dance as well. Breanna understands the cultural significance of dance around the world and aims to bring that knowledge to her students. Being a dancer of color, she hopes to create more representation and welcoming dance space for other dancers of color.
Outside of dance, Breanna loves to make Native jewelry, ride her horse, read, hike, and play with her cats, Nyx and Pumpkin!
Saniyah Jackson began her dance journey at the Madison Professional Dance Center in the fall of 2011. Her passion for dance grew quickly, leading her to join the MPDC Company and Hip Hop team in 2016. Since then, she has competed with MPDC, earning numerous awards and scholarships. In early 2024, she was invited to dance with the HEAT company, traveling to perform across various states. Saniyah has trained in a wide range of dance styles, from Ballet to Hip Hop, and has had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers like Chris Xayarath, Randy Duncan, Matt Pumanes, and Hannah Brictson.
For the past two summers, Saniyah has served as a dance instructor for the Girls Rock camp, where she taught foundational dance skills and choreographed performance pieces for students aged 6-13. Over the last two years, she has also interned with Elizabeth Newberry as an Assistant Teacher in several classes and assisted with the Mini Hip Hop Team for the 2023-2024 season.
In addition, Saniyah completed a Professional Development course at MPDC, further honing her teaching and choreography abilities. She is excited to join the team and looks forward to inspiring young dancers to discover their love for dance!
Hanna Bricston grew up dancing and training in Elgin and Chicago. A graduate of Larkin High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy, Hanna joined River North Dance Chicago (RNDC) in 2004. During her 12 years at RNDC, Hanna served as rehearsal assistant, co-choreographer with Artistic Director Frank Chaves, and solo choreographer in addition to performing all over the world. Hanna danced in works by Mauro Astolfi, Robert Battle, Sidra Bell, Frank Chaves, Kevin Iega Jeff, Harrison McEldowney, Ivan Perez, Julia Rhoads, Anton Rudakov, Luca Signoretti, Lauri Stallings, and Sherry Zunker. Hanna has also worked with ODC (San Francisco) and Northwest Dance Project (Portland). Most recently, Hanna danced and served as assistant rehearsal director for two seasons with Visceral Dance Chicago.
Now, Hanna is creating her own company of work called Hanna Brictson and Dancers, which was honored to perform in Dance for Life 2018. She also directs and choreographs for her student group, Integrity Dance Company, based in the suburbs of Chicago. Hanna’s choreography has been set on River North Dance Chicago as well as Dance in the Parks (Chicago), MADCO Dance Company (St. Louis), and University of Iowa Dance Department. Her work can be seen in Kmart commercials (national), high school dance teams, and competitive dance studios throughout the country. Hanna has taught all over the U.S. as well as in Germany, Israel, and Russia. Recognized by Dance Magazine for her dedication to dance, Hanna has been nominated for Princess Grace Awards as a dancer and choreographer.
Jazmin has been teaching dance for ten years, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. She has also choreographed for local high school dance teams. She took a short break after having her two daughters who now also attend MPDC! She is excited to be back in action!
Jess is a Madison based aerial dancer and coach. She is passionate about safely bringing the expressive freedom of aerial dance to all. She values continuing education striving to adapt and grow as an instructor and artist, and bring new and innovative ideas to her students.
Her classes are inclusive and offer a supportive learning environment for every body. Instruction is adjusted to individual student needs so that each can safely build a strong technical foundation, progress through skills at a comfortable pace, and explore movement and artistic expression in new ways. She has completed teacher training in Aerial Fabrics, Trapeze, and Lyra through New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), in Rope (corde lisse) through Born to Fly-Paper Doll Militia, and in aerial straps through Aaron Koz.
Born in Cincinnati Ohio, Cummings began her formal trading at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts under the instruction of Patricia Rozow, Daryl Bjoza, and Ka-Ron Lehman. At age 16 she received a scholarship to train year-round at the Sarasota Ballet’s Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, directed by Nancie Woods. Cummings was selected to perform alongside the Sarasota Ballet in performances of George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes” and Matthew Hart’s “John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker”. She then advanced her training at the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, where she had the opportunity to train under Cuban ballet master teachers: Ariel Serrano, Ramona de Saá, Ana Julia Bermudez de Castro, Delia Ballart, Tania Vergara, and others. In 2017, Cummings represented the U.S. in the International Ballet Competition in Havana, Cuba, and was awarded the Bronze medal in the Advanced Female division. This trip also gave her the chance to train at the Cuban National Ballet School.
Cummings joined Ballet San Antonio in 2018 as Corps de Ballet and danced with the company for four years. She was fortunate to work with choreographers such as Edwaard Liang, Brian Enos, Patrick Armand, Easton and Haley Smith, and Bruce Wells. Her favorite roles to perform with the company included Princess Flourine (Sleeping Beauty), Pas de Trois (Swan Lake), Harlot (Romeo & Juliet), Eaglet and Lead Card (Alice in Wonderland), and Spanish Girl (The Nutcracker). Cummings had her professional choreography debut with her piece entitled “Classically Elated”, performed by company members of Ballet San Antonio as part of the “Resilient” digital series. She was also hired as a guest artist with American Dance Company, being featured as the Sugarplum Fairy (The Nutcracker), Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), and Princess Flourine (Sleeping Beauty).
In 2021, Cummings became the Resident Choreographer of American Dance Company. Her role was to cast, choreograph, and stage productions of 60+ dancers. In her two years in this position she successfully choreographed and produced 16 shows at the Brauntex Theater, including multiple sold-out productions. CC Cummings co-founded the professional ballet company Ballet Texas in 2023 and has served as their Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer ever since. She has choreographed and directed 10 productions with her 12 professional dancers accompanied by a children’s cast of 60+ dancers. Crowd favorites included “Dracula”, “The Nutcracker”, “Peter Pan”, and most recently “Romeo and Juliet”. CC is thrilled to be working with Madison Pro Dance this summer!
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Samantha began her journey at the age of four with classical dance training and later went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Shortly after graduation in 2007, Samantha began training with several national champions and has been teaching all styles of ballroom and Latin for over fifteen years. From social to competitive, she makes patterns and technique clear and easy to understand so her students can reach their dance goals in the fastest way possible. Samantha competed in the Professional American Smooth division and is a Rising Star and Open Finalist.
Sarah is the former coach of the nationally ranked University of Wisconsin Dance Team and a former member of the nationally ranked University of Minnesota Dance Team. Sarah is also a former instructor for West Side Performing Arts in Madison, Wisconsin under the direction of Sharon Butler. Sarah currently teaches for the Madison Professional Dance Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Sarah acts as a choreographer and consultant for studio-based, elementary, high school, all-star and collegiate dance teams across the Midwest. Sarah is also a former instructor and choreographer for Universal Dance Association, and is a veteran judge for the National College Dance Team Championships and National High School Dance Team Championships hosted by UCA/UDA and televised on ESPN.
Sarah is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Sarah possesses over 30 years of dance experience in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip hop, and pompon.
Isaac Knuteson
Contemporary
Isaac Knuteson (Perm, Ru) was adopted from Perm Russia, and started dancing at a local competition studio training in multiple styles of dance & attending national events.
He then later started training heavily in ballet & trained with Madison Ballet as a pre professional/trainee, under the direction of Rachelle Fochs and Central Midwest Ballet with Marguerite Luksik. Isaac attended Nashville Ballet SI in 2021, then later becoming a pre-professional student for a few months, working with Nick Mulllikin, Anaïs Chalendard, Julia Eisen & Aeron Buchanan.
In 2022 Isaac attended Miami City Ballet SI where he became a pre-professional, and also where he worked with Lourdes Lopez & Herman Payne. Isaac then trained with Oklahoma City Ballet In the summer with Ryan Jolicoeeur-Nye, Oliver Muñoz, Jason Ambrose & Chloe Jenson, where he then became a Postgraduate student in 2023. Isaac then danced professionally with Water Street Dance Milwaukee under the direction of Morgan Williams for a season in 2023-2024, where he got to perform & work with multiple choreographers. Isaac has performed at “APAP”, “Trifect Dance Festival”, “Collective Contemporary Awards”, “Wisconsin Dance Festival”, “Midwest Arts Expo” & “World Of Dance Chicago” to name a few a places.
Isaac also danced professionally as a guest artist for Madison Contemporary in 2021 Dance & New Brese Dance Company in 2023. Isaac has also signed with Go2talent Agency in 2023 & was an assistant for Dupree Dance in 2021-2023. He is currently an assistant for Showstoppers Dance convention, and is featured in their magazine for 2024. Isaac currently teaches all around the Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire & Minneapolis area. His choreography was nominated for the “Industry Dance Awards” in 2023 & 2024. Isaac is currently dancing professional with Regenerative Beings in Texas under the direction of Brian Stevens & Nova Linea in Milwaukee under the direction of Jared Baker.
Elizabeth Newberry began dancing at the Madison Professional Dance Center at the age of 3. Her passion for dance grew quickly and by the age of 10, Elizabeth was traveling to different states attending rigorous dance intensives such as Joffrey Ballet and River North Dance Chicago. Throughout this time Elizabeth continued her training with the Madison Professional Dance Center in various styles of dance.
Elizabeth was a member of MPDC’s Senior Company for 8 years. She competed in numerous dance competitions receiving over 15 titles as well as multiple scholarships for further extensive training at studios such as Broadway Dance Center in New York City and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.
Over the past 4 years, Elizabeth has traveled to Los Angeles to train with the top instructors in the commercial industry including, Brian Friedman, Dana Alexa, Hamilton Evans, and many more.
Elizabeth was fortunate to participate in WE Day, a youth empowerment event created by Marc and Craig Kielburger, as a part of their talent crew performing for thousands of people and alongside Ciara and Paula Abdul. She also has participated in other dance events/performances such as The Nutcracker and MPDC’s annual Dance for Hunger. In 2015 Elizabeth and her sister Jeanette Newberry won the adult dance category for Rising Stars Competition for their duet, choreographed by Carol Ceniti.
Elizabeth has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to train in various styles of dance over her years of training and is excited to begin her journey as a part of the MPDC staff.
Nicole Nelson is a hip-hop teacher and dancer in the greater Madison area. In her students, she values a global mindset, hard work ethic, and an openness to explore and express. Her pursuit of dance and sense of adventure has taken her beyond the Madison area and even the U.S. to cities such as Florence, Italy, and Buenos Aires, Argentina to participate in shows, workshops, and conventions.
Her dance experience, however, began with musical theater, where she discovered her love of the arts, and dance in particular; her intensive dance training began much later when she was 19. When she isn’t teaching dance, Nicole is typically managing Barrio Dance and her clothing line, 1LIFE, or planning her next chance to travel.
She is excited to join the MPDC staff this year and share her passion for hip hop & street/social dance styles!
VALERIE HOMBURG
Owner/Director
Valerie’s journey into the world of dance began at age two due to her inability to avoid running into inanimate objects. Unbeknownst to her parents, this problem-solving tool would quickly become one of the most essential aspects of her life. Valerie danced at several studios in Madison until finding her home at The Madison Professional Dance Center, where she studied under the care of Carol Marion Ceniti. Valerie has also trained with Jazz Dance World Congress, River North Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, and Central Midwest School of Ballet among other summer programs.
Valerie has performed in several of Madison Ballet’s productions of The Nutcracker and was The Sugar Plum Fairy in Verona Youth Ballet’s production in 2011. She also had the opportunity to perform with the late company Jazzworks. Valerie graduated from UW-Madison with degrees in Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies. While at UW, she had the opportunity to study many different styles of dance and choreography through elective courses and clubs. Additionally, she played an integral role in putting together and performing in a multi-faceted performance through UW-Madison’s OMAI First Wave, which combined contemporary and break dance with original music.
In 2016, Valerie co-wrote, produced, choreographed, and danced in “Pursuit,” a full-length show, telling the story of sacrifice and growth through movement accompanied by live original music written by Lo Marie and Invisibleman. Through this endeavor, she was able to provide paid performance opportunities for pre-professional dancers in the Madison area. Valerie has choreographed and danced in music videos for artists Lo Marie and Madison Malone.
In 2011, she turned her focus towards teaching and choreographing and has taught Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical at MPDC and other studios around the Madison and Milwaukee areas. Through her work with competitive companies, she has been able to choreograph award-winning pieces for dancers of all ages. Her hands-on approach and her focus on the development of the whole child lend themselves to mentorship, which is the most fulfilling part of her work. The rewards of teaching are boundless, and she is beyond grateful to have found her life purpose.
Throughout her teaching career, Valerie continued to receive mentorship from Carol Marion Ceniti.
In 2023 Valerie transitioned into ownership of the studio and is eager to continue learning and growing alongside her students and incredibly skilled faculty.
Allison has been dancing for over 35 years and teaching for over 20 years. She received her training at West Side Performing Arts in Madison; the EDGE and the Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles; the Broadway Dance Center in New York; and Ballet Chicago. She is trained in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, and musical theater and has taught a variety of ages and styles. Her classroom emphasizes technique, core strength, and encourages students to “dance with intent!”
Allison’s experiences include teaching dance at multiple studios in the Madison and Milwaukee areas, dancing competitively with teams and as an individual, choreographing award-winning pieces for several high school, college, and studio dance teams; performing in scholarship shows in Los Angeles and New York, and traveling nationwide for numerous convention circuits – both as a student and assistant. At these conventions, Allison received over 15 scholarships to study at studios in Los Angeles and New York.
Allison received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Edgewood College and lives in the Madison area with her husband Tom and their three children, Ryan, Simon and Lucy.
Bailey began dancing at the age of three.
From any early age it was clear that dance was the best outlet for her self-expression. Bailey’s dance development took place at Madison Professional Dance Center where she competed with the senior company for six years. She has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop.
While at MPDC, Bailey worked as an assistant for classes in ballet, modern and hip hop. She expanded her training further by participating in summer intensives with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, and Alonzo King Lines Ballet.
She is a rising senior at University of Wisconsin – Madison where she is studying neurobiology, psychology and global health.
Bailey remains active in the Madison dance community and is excited to share her passion for dance!
Carol Marion Ceniti
Founder of the Madison Professional Dance Center (MPDC)
JAZZ – ACRO – BEMOVED – LEAPS/TURNS
Carol Marion Ceniti received her B.S. in Physical Education & Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been active as a dance instructor, performer, & choreographer nation-wide since 1982; training with professionals from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, River North Chicago Dance Company, Wats On Dance, Jump Rhythm Jazz, Spectrum Dance Theatre, Nicholais/Murray Louis Dance Company, Joseph Holmes Dance Company and many more.
Carol served as Jazzworks Dance Company’s Artistic Director & principle choreographer since 1985, contributing 66 works to the company’s repertoire. Under her direction, the company has earned a reputation for being “sophisticated, technically proficient, & tremendously entertaining…” (The Wisconsin State Journal), & “one of the gems of Madison’s performing arts landscape” (The Overture Center). Carol’s choreography often combines movement vocabulary from ballet, modern & jazz dance. Her work has been described as “Innovative…charming & breezy…no clichés” (Dance International).
Some of the organizations that Carol has choreographed for include: The Amsterdam School of the Arts in Holland, The UW-Madison Dance Department, The University of Massachusetts, Bay View Performing Arts College, UW Whitewater Dance Department, Deerfield Prep Academy, The Overture Center, Ormao Dance Company, The Madison Opera, The Isthmus Jazz Festival, Tim Weisberg (music video), The UW Varsity Band Concert, The UW Dance Team, Illinois’ Dance for Life, Presentence DansTheatre, Milwaukee Kid’s Corps, CUNA Mutual Group (promotional videos), Wisconsin Dance Masters Association, The Wisconsin Dance Council, Madison Ballet, Kanopy Dance, Park City Dance Studio, as well as local high schools and churches. She has collaborated with numerous musicians and choreographers – creating multi-media works for stage and video.
Career highlights include: being commissioned to choreograph and perform at the Overture Center Symphony Hall’s Grand Opening Night in 2004; receiving 1 bronze & 2 silver medals at the International Choreographer’s Competition at the Jazz Dance World Congress; performing her work at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall as well as in Wiesbaden, Germany; receiving the Wisconsin Dance Council Leadership Award; being awarded two Choreographer’s Fellowships from the Wisconsin Arts Board; choreographing 2 winning pieces for the Overture Center’s Rising Stars Talent Competition, and receiving many overall awards and accolades at dance competitions throughout the years.
Carol was a personal trainer, gymnastics coach, and fitness program coordinator at CUNA Mutual Group ( as well as a dance instructor) prior to founding The Madison Professional Dance Center (MPDC) in 2001. She served as the owner & director of MPDC until June of 2023. She is now excited to focus on teaching and choreographing for MPDC.
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