Motion41 Dance
Matthew Carter & Susan Chowning
Owner/Directors
Owner/Directors
Faculty & Staff
Matthew Carter, Owner/Director
Mr. Carter began his dance training with Sharon Filone at the Lake Erie Ballet
School and Sandra Barnett at Little's Dance Studio in Erie, PA. He went on to
study on full scholarship at North Carolina School of the Arts, Miami City Ballet
School, and the Chautauqua Festival Dancers. Mr. Carter has worked closely
with illustrious teachers such as Melissa Hayden, Duncan Noble, Luigi, Nancy
Raffa, and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux.
Mr. Carter began his dance training with Sharon Filone at the Lake Erie Ballet
School and Sandra Barnett at Little's Dance Studio in Erie, PA. He went on to
study on full scholarship at North Carolina School of the Arts, Miami City Ballet
School, and the Chautauqua Festival Dancers. Mr. Carter has worked closely
with illustrious teachers such as Melissa Hayden, Duncan Noble, Luigi, Nancy
Raffa, and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux.
He began his professional career as a dancer with Ohio Ballet, and went on todance with the Lake
Erie Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo-with which he
performed across the U.S. and in Japan, Italy, Germany, Venezuela, Holland, England, and Austria.
Mr. Carter has performed as a guest artist with Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Neglia Ballet Artists, Ballet
Tucson, and over a dozen civic ballet companies around the country. He has performed leading roles
in works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Merce Cunningham, Donald
Byrd, Heinz Poll, and Laura Dean.
As a teacher, Mr. Carter has served on the faculties of the Lake Erie Ballet, the Dance Institute of the
University of Akron, Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet School of Dance, True
Dance Academy, and Little's Dance Studio. He has been a guest instructor for Mercyhurst College,
Lincoln Midwest Ballet, Walnut Hill School, Brandon Ballet, the Erie Dance Conservatory, and the
Omaha Theater Ballet.
Mr. Carter has choreographed over 20 concert works that have premiered at institutions such as North
Carolina School of the Arts, Lake Erie Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet, First Night Erie, Villa Maria
Academy, Mercyhurst College, and the Chautauqua Institution, among others.
During his time in Pennsylvania, Mr. Carter was not only a Principal Dancer, but also served as
Assistant to the Director, and was the founding director of the Arts-In-Education outreach program.
Erie Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo-with which he
performed across the U.S. and in Japan, Italy, Germany, Venezuela, Holland, England, and Austria.
Mr. Carter has performed as a guest artist with Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Neglia Ballet Artists, Ballet
Tucson, and over a dozen civic ballet companies around the country. He has performed leading roles
in works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Merce Cunningham, Donald
Byrd, Heinz Poll, and Laura Dean.
As a teacher, Mr. Carter has served on the faculties of the Lake Erie Ballet, the Dance Institute of the
University of Akron, Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet School of Dance, True
Dance Academy, and Little's Dance Studio. He has been a guest instructor for Mercyhurst College,
Lincoln Midwest Ballet, Walnut Hill School, Brandon Ballet, the Erie Dance Conservatory, and the
Omaha Theater Ballet.
Mr. Carter has choreographed over 20 concert works that have premiered at institutions such as North
Carolina School of the Arts, Lake Erie Ballet, Omaha Theater Ballet, First Night Erie, Villa Maria
Academy, Mercyhurst College, and the Chautauqua Institution, among others.
During his time in Pennsylvania, Mr. Carter was not only a Principal Dancer, but also served as
Assistant to the Director, and was the founding director of the Arts-In-Education outreach program.
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Susan Chowning, Owner/Director
Susan Chowning began her dance training at North Carolina School of the Arts
in Winston-Salem, NC. Upon graduation, she continued her studies as a
scholarship student with the Harkness Ballet of New York. While in New York,
she embarked on her dance career and danced professionally with Ballet of
Contemporary Arts, Harkness Dance Theatre, Westchester Dance Theatre,
Joffrey II Concert Group, Festival Dance Theatre, American Repertory Ballet,
Metropolitan Opera of New York City, Connecticut Ballet and Ballet Omaha.
Susan Chowning began her dance training at North Carolina School of the Arts
in Winston-Salem, NC. Upon graduation, she continued her studies as a
scholarship student with the Harkness Ballet of New York. While in New York,
she embarked on her dance career and danced professionally with Ballet of
Contemporary Arts, Harkness Dance Theatre, Westchester Dance Theatre,
Joffrey II Concert Group, Festival Dance Theatre, American Repertory Ballet,
Metropolitan Opera of New York City, Connecticut Ballet and Ballet Omaha.
She also danced with internationally renowned artists such as Merrill Ashley, John Meehan, Eleanor
D'Antuono, and Gelsey Kirkland.
Ms. Chowning has an extensive background in teaching dance from preschool to professional levels.
She has been a teacher for Harkness Ballet, Rahway Ballet Theatre, True Dance Academy, Omaha
Academy of Ballet, Nebraska Dance, Connecticut Ballet, Omaha Ballet and Omaha Theater Ballet
School of Dance. In addition, Ms. Chowning has been a guest teacher for the professional dancers of
the Omaha Theater Ballet and was a former Ballet Mistress for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet in Lincoln,
NE.
Ms. Chowning has been devoted to sharing her talents and experiences in order to provide
professional instruction and knowledge for over 30 years. She is dedicated to giving all of her
students the excitement of experiencing the joys of dance.
D'Antuono, and Gelsey Kirkland.
Ms. Chowning has an extensive background in teaching dance from preschool to professional levels.
She has been a teacher for Harkness Ballet, Rahway Ballet Theatre, True Dance Academy, Omaha
Academy of Ballet, Nebraska Dance, Connecticut Ballet, Omaha Ballet and Omaha Theater Ballet
School of Dance. In addition, Ms. Chowning has been a guest teacher for the professional dancers of
the Omaha Theater Ballet and was a former Ballet Mistress for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet in Lincoln,
NE.
Ms. Chowning has been devoted to sharing her talents and experiences in order to provide
professional instruction and knowledge for over 30 years. She is dedicated to giving all of her
students the excitement of experiencing the joys of dance.
Michele Hebda (Ballet, Pointe,YogaLates)
Michele began her dance training in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, at the
Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. She went on to study dance at Butler University in
Indiana and the Ruth Page Foundation in Chicago. Michele has participated
in summer intensive programs at BalletMet, North Carolina School of the
Arts, Chautauqua Institution, and Point Park College. Her professional
career began with Ballet Austin and continued with Omaha Theater Ballet.
Some of her favorite roles include the Balcony Pas de Deux from Romeo &
Juliet (with the Omaha Symphony,) the Snow Queen, and Clara Ballet
Austin's The Nutcracker. Michele has been an instructor for the Ruth Page
Michele began her dance training in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, at the
Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. She went on to study dance at Butler University in
Indiana and the Ruth Page Foundation in Chicago. Michele has participated
in summer intensive programs at BalletMet, North Carolina School of the
Arts, Chautauqua Institution, and Point Park College. Her professional
career began with Ballet Austin and continued with Omaha Theater Ballet.
Some of her favorite roles include the Balcony Pas de Deux from Romeo &
Juliet (with the Omaha Symphony,) the Snow Queen, and Clara Ballet
Austin's The Nutcracker. Michele has been an instructor for the Ruth Page
Foundation, Ballet Austin, Omaha Theater Ballet School of Dance, Omaha YMCA, and the IcePlex at
Tranquility Park. She is also a second year pharmacy student at Creighton University.
Tranquility Park. She is also a second year pharmacy student at Creighton University.
Roxanne Nielsen (Tap)
Roxanne Nielsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in dance and
theater to Motion41 Dance. She has served as both Resident Choreographer
and Director of Education and Outreach for the Omaha Community
Playhouse-one of the top civic theaters in the United States. Roxanne has
received numerous awards for both her choreography and performances. She
has been teaching dance for over 25 years and is highly in demand as a dance
teacher. Roxanne is on the teaching artist roster for the Nebraska Arts Council
and ArtsREACH. She is also currenlty a teaching artist for the Diavolo Project:
Nebraska. Her teaching credits include Omaha Public Schools, University of
Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, Very Special Arts, Girl Scouts of
Roxanne Nielsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in dance and
theater to Motion41 Dance. She has served as both Resident Choreographer
and Director of Education and Outreach for the Omaha Community
Playhouse-one of the top civic theaters in the United States. Roxanne has
received numerous awards for both her choreography and performances. She
has been teaching dance for over 25 years and is highly in demand as a dance
teacher. Roxanne is on the teaching artist roster for the Nebraska Arts Council
and ArtsREACH. She is also currenlty a teaching artist for the Diavolo Project:
Nebraska. Her teaching credits include Omaha Public Schools, University of
Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, Very Special Arts, Girl Scouts of
of American, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Utah Halee, among others. Roxanne has had the privilege of
teaching as special guest instructor for the National Dance Institute in New Mexico and the famous
Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
teaching as special guest instructor for the National Dance Institute in New Mexico and the famous
Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
Shannon Ryan (Irish dance)
Shannon is a native Nebraskan and began dancing at age 4. She studied ballet,
tap, jazz, and clogging, but found her true passion in Irish dance when she
became one of the first students at Craoi na Tire Studio of Irish Dance in 1996.
At age 11, she began challenging her abilities against other dancers from all
over the U.S. in monthly competitions. She swiftly progressed through the ranks
and competed at the championship level. Shannon has competed twice in
Ireland at the All Ireland Regional Championships. In addition, she has been
assisting, teaching, and coaching dance for over 10 years. Soon Shannon will
complete rigorous exams after which she will be one of only two instructors in
the State of Nebraska certified in Irish Dance.
Shannon is a native Nebraskan and began dancing at age 4. She studied ballet,
tap, jazz, and clogging, but found her true passion in Irish dance when she
became one of the first students at Craoi na Tire Studio of Irish Dance in 1996.
At age 11, she began challenging her abilities against other dancers from all
over the U.S. in monthly competitions. She swiftly progressed through the ranks
and competed at the championship level. Shannon has competed twice in
Ireland at the All Ireland Regional Championships. In addition, she has been
assisting, teaching, and coaching dance for over 10 years. Soon Shannon will
complete rigorous exams after which she will be one of only two instructors in
the State of Nebraska certified in Irish Dance.
Alicia Taubert (ballet)
Ms. Taubert received her dance training at the Omaha Theater Ballet School
of Dance, and went on to become a Trainee to the professional company,
Omaha Theater Ballet. She has performed featured roles in works such as
La Fille Mal Gardee, The Sleeping Beauty, and excerpts from Matthew Carter's
French Songs. Ms. Taubert has also participated in intensive summer study
programs at Boston Ballet, The Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and
Texas Ballet Theatre.
Ms. Taubert is also a member of the Motion41 Dance Repertory Ensemble
and is in her second season as a Faculty member at Motion41 Dance.
Ms. Taubert received her dance training at the Omaha Theater Ballet School
of Dance, and went on to become a Trainee to the professional company,
Omaha Theater Ballet. She has performed featured roles in works such as
La Fille Mal Gardee, The Sleeping Beauty, and excerpts from Matthew Carter's
French Songs. Ms. Taubert has also participated in intensive summer study
programs at Boston Ballet, The Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and
Texas Ballet Theatre.
Ms. Taubert is also a member of the Motion41 Dance Repertory Ensemble
and is in her second season as a Faculty member at Motion41 Dance.
Nichole Balus (Kinderdance, Jazz II-III)
Nichole Balus received her early training from Beth Gaynes and Mary Lorraine
Miller. She studied dance at the college level while attaining her BS in
Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Nichole has
studied with Gary Hubler, Amy Shulke, Sarah Jo Fazio, and continues to take
workshops around the country. She has danced in productions of the Winter
State Games Opening Ceremony, the Aksarban Coronation, and for the Jimmy
Wilson Jr. Foundation. Nichole was also a founding member of the Mid
America Theater Dance Company-Omaha's first jazz and tap company. She has
Nichole Balus received her early training from Beth Gaynes and Mary Lorraine
Miller. She studied dance at the college level while attaining her BS in
Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Nichole has
studied with Gary Hubler, Amy Shulke, Sarah Jo Fazio, and continues to take
workshops around the country. She has danced in productions of the Winter
State Games Opening Ceremony, the Aksarban Coronation, and for the Jimmy
Wilson Jr. Foundation. Nichole was also a founding member of the Mid
America Theater Dance Company-Omaha's first jazz and tap company. She has
been a dance instructor for over 10 years in the Omaha community. Outside of dance, Nichole is the
mother of two, a kindergarten teacher, and is working towards her Masters Degree in Elementary
Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
mother of two, a kindergarten teacher, and is working towards her Masters Degree in Elementary
Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Kristin Goeringer (Creative Movement, PreSchool Dance, Kinderdance)
Kristin Goeringer began her dance training as a young girl in Rapid City,
South Dakota. Kristin went on to study ballet at the University of Utah, where
she completed her BFA in Ballet Performance with a Business Minor, under
teachers such as Conrad Ludlow, Sharee Lane, and Maureen Laird. Kristin
has spent several summers teaching at the Academy of Dance Arts in Rapid
City, and has also served as their Stage Manager. Kristin has performed for
the last three years with the Omaha Theater Ballet, and danced the role of
Aurora in Julie McFarland's The Sleeping Beauty. She has also been an
instructor at the Omaha Theater Ballet School of Dance and has taught in
numerous Metro area elementary schools as part of the Rose Theater's
Kristin Goeringer began her dance training as a young girl in Rapid City,
South Dakota. Kristin went on to study ballet at the University of Utah, where
she completed her BFA in Ballet Performance with a Business Minor, under
teachers such as Conrad Ludlow, Sharee Lane, and Maureen Laird. Kristin
has spent several summers teaching at the Academy of Dance Arts in Rapid
City, and has also served as their Stage Manager. Kristin has performed for
the last three years with the Omaha Theater Ballet, and danced the role of
Aurora in Julie McFarland's The Sleeping Beauty. She has also been an
instructor at the Omaha Theater Ballet School of Dance and has taught in
numerous Metro area elementary schools as part of the Rose Theater's
outreach program. Kristin enjoys teaching children of all ages and watching them grow in their love of
dance.
dance.
Melinda Newton (Zumba)
Melinda Newton is a native of Omaha. She is licensed to teach Zumba, an
energetic and upbeat dance/fitness program that uses Latin and International
music and continues to gain popularity around the world. Melinda is certified
Zumba Basic 1 and 2, Zumbatomic for kids, and is working towards her
Zumba Gold certification. She teaches Zumba around the Metro Omaha area,
and is passionate about fitness, including kickboxing and running half
marathons.
Melinda holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Bellevue University and
received her paralegal certificate from the Nebraska College of Business.
Melinda Newton is a native of Omaha. She is licensed to teach Zumba, an
energetic and upbeat dance/fitness program that uses Latin and International
music and continues to gain popularity around the world. Melinda is certified
Zumba Basic 1 and 2, Zumbatomic for kids, and is working towards her
Zumba Gold certification. She teaches Zumba around the Metro Omaha area,
and is passionate about fitness, including kickboxing and running half
marathons.
Melinda holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Bellevue University and
received her paralegal certificate from the Nebraska College of Business.
Crystal Fitch (Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Kinderjazz)
Crystal Fitch began dancing at a young age and has studied with numerous
teachers in Omaha and around the Midwest region. She was a member of the
nationally ranked Millard West Dance Team, was an "NDA All American" dancer,
and garnered many 1st place awards in national conventions and competitions.
She also has a background in musical theater, and has appeared in
productions of West Side Story, Camelot, and Oklahoma!. Crystal has coached
and choreographed for dance teams all over the area, and has been a
champion for her teams' involvement in working with non-profit organizations
such as Race for the Cure, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Autism Speaks, and
Crystal Fitch began dancing at a young age and has studied with numerous
teachers in Omaha and around the Midwest region. She was a member of the
nationally ranked Millard West Dance Team, was an "NDA All American" dancer,
and garnered many 1st place awards in national conventions and competitions.
She also has a background in musical theater, and has appeared in
productions of West Side Story, Camelot, and Oklahoma!. Crystal has coached
and choreographed for dance teams all over the area, and has been a
champion for her teams' involvement in working with non-profit organizations
such as Race for the Cure, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Autism Speaks, and
others. She holds a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and coaches both the Cheer and Dance
Team at Dana College. She is AACCA and NCA Coaching certified and is on the NAIA Emerging
Sports: Cheer & Dance committee.
Team at Dana College. She is AACCA and NCA Coaching certified and is on the NAIA Emerging
Sports: Cheer & Dance committee.
Shirley Nickel (Receptionist)
*Sandra Barnett (School Advisor)
Amanda Middleton (Hip-Hop, Adult Sampler, Adult Ensemble)
Dancing since age 5, Amanda has trained in several dance styles. She was
an NDA All-American Dancer in 2004 and participated in Master Classes with
Sarah Fazio, Leigh Wencker, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and many
others. Amanda has performed with Project Diva Dance Company and for
several commercial events, such as engagements for Hilton Hotel
Corporation. She is also a member of the Omaha Beef dance team. In
addition, Amanda created and implemented an after school dance program
for Holling Heights Elementary in Omaha. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in
Advertising Management from Bellevue University. This is her second year
with Motion41 Dance.
Dancing since age 5, Amanda has trained in several dance styles. She was
an NDA All-American Dancer in 2004 and participated in Master Classes with
Sarah Fazio, Leigh Wencker, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and many
others. Amanda has performed with Project Diva Dance Company and for
several commercial events, such as engagements for Hilton Hotel
Corporation. She is also a member of the Omaha Beef dance team. In
addition, Amanda created and implemented an after school dance program
for Holling Heights Elementary in Omaha. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in
Advertising Management from Bellevue University. This is her second year
with Motion41 Dance.
Mary Makdissi (Belly Dance)
Mary comes to us from Massachusetts. She began dancing at age 3 and has
had many years of training in tap, jazz, and performance. Mary studied with
various masters of Middle Eastern dance after falling in love with the art form
in 1996. She toured for 6 years as a soloist with Mirsa Near East Ensemble,
perfecting the techniques of Egyptian, Lebonese, and Middle Eastern Folkloric
dance and props under the direction of Shadia Tohme Maalouf of Boston, MA.
She also has years of experience dancing in "Cabaret Style" venues in Boston,
New York, and Providence. Mary has been teaching belly dance for 12 years
and continues to study and participate in workshops. Recently, she has
performed with Daughters of Nefertiti dance troupe, under the direction of
Sanet Halck. Mary is very excited to be teaching the Cabaret and Folkloric
styles of belly dance at M41 in Omaha.
Mary comes to us from Massachusetts. She began dancing at age 3 and has
had many years of training in tap, jazz, and performance. Mary studied with
various masters of Middle Eastern dance after falling in love with the art form
in 1996. She toured for 6 years as a soloist with Mirsa Near East Ensemble,
perfecting the techniques of Egyptian, Lebonese, and Middle Eastern Folkloric
dance and props under the direction of Shadia Tohme Maalouf of Boston, MA.
She also has years of experience dancing in "Cabaret Style" venues in Boston,
New York, and Providence. Mary has been teaching belly dance for 12 years
and continues to study and participate in workshops. Recently, she has
performed with Daughters of Nefertiti dance troupe, under the direction of
Sanet Halck. Mary is very excited to be teaching the Cabaret and Folkloric
styles of belly dance at M41 in Omaha.