We are lucky enough to bring in some of these world-renowned dance educators into our studio for these one time master classes. Check them out and register to reserve your spot, space is limited.
Master classes are $20 each, open to ages 16 and up.
Musical theater with tess larchian
Sunday Dec 1, 11:30am-1pm
Tess Larchian is a former CDP Company member who has been dancing since she could walk. She got her BFA in Musical Theatre with a focus in dance at Coastal Carolina University. After training and performing with CDP and CDP Company, she went on to perform as a dancer and singer for Carnival Cruise Lines. She is there currently and will be starting her fourth contract with them after the holidays.
Contemporary with Gretchen Ziolek
Sunday Dec 8, 11:30am-1pm
Gretchen Ziolek began dancing at a young age, and soon began dancing with the Competitive Companies at her studio. She continued her dance training at Ohio University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Her training included Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Choreography,
Kinesiology, Pedagogy, and Movement Improvisation. She received her training from Zelma Badu-
Young, Travis Gatling, Sean Curran, Gladys Bailin, Mickie Gellar, Marina Walchli, Ruben Graciani, Mariah Maloney, and John Bohuslawsky. While at Ohio University, she performed in numerous
faculty, student, and guest artist works. Gretchen received a scholarship to attend Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, where she trained with renowned artists, and performed in pieces choreographed by Karen Arceneaux, Princess Mhoon Cooper and Earl Mosley. Gretchen also had the opportunity to study as an intern with Verb Ballets during the summer of 2007. She taught, choreographed & directed competitive teams at Dance FX for eleven years, and earned her teams
and studio numerous high point and choreography awards. She recently started teaching at Candance Academy and Above the Barre, teaching technique, ballet, and contemporary classes, as
well as running several rehearsals for their competitive teams. She also choreographed three full length musical productions at Orange High School under director Elaine Sonnie. Gretchen has
performed at Big River Dance Festival in Huntington, West Virginia, Station Hope in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been dancing with Cleveland Dance Project for the past 6 seasons. Gretchen loves teaching and watching young dancers grow and thrive, in the classroom, and on stage!
jazz with Abigail emery
Sunday Dec 15, 11:30am-1pm
Abigail is a passionate and dedicated dance instructor currently teaching at the Cleveland Ballet Conservatory, where she specializes in jazz, contemporary, and ballet for students of all ages. She brings a unique approach to her teaching, emphasizing both technical proficiency and the mental well-being of her students. With experience at Dance Force-1 in Tucson and Expressenz Dance Center in Indianapolis, Abigail has worked with dancers in a variety of styles, including jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, progressions and tumbling. She strives to instill a growth mindset and build confidence in her students, preparing them for diverse career paths beyond dance. A graduate of the University of Arizona’s College of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Abigail has developed a strong foundation in performance, choreography, and education. Her time at the university was crucial in shaping her artistic voice and refining her skills as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. She remains committed to continuous growth in her craft, having recently taught a series of master classes in jazz and progressions at The Dance Hub at Four Walls in Tucson, Arizona. With a passion for both teaching and artistic development, Abigail is excited to continue her journey as a dance educator in Cleveland, Ohio.