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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. He currently serves as Ballet Master for Ballet Nebraska.
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. He currently serves as Ballet Master for Ballet Nebraska.
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 allowing all of her students to experience the joy of dance.
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 allowing all of her students to experience the joy of dance.
Crystal Baker (Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Dance Team Focus, Dance Force)
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, is AACCA and NCA Coaching certified, and is on the
NAIA Emerging Sports: Cheer and Dance committee.
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, is AACCA and NCA Coaching certified, and is on the
NAIA Emerging Sports: Cheer and Dance committee.
Michele Hebda (Ballet, Pointe)
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 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 IcePlex at Tranquility Park. She is also a third year pharmacy student at Creighton University.
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 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 IcePlex at Tranquility Park. She is also a third year pharmacy student at Creighton University.
Kristin Goeringer (Ballet, Pointe, DancePass II, Teen DancePass)
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 dancers of all ages and
watching them grow in their love of dance.
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 dancers of all ages and
watching them grow in their love of dance.
Natasha Grimm (Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical)
Natasha has trained and performed in several genres of dance and is a versatile dancer/instructor. She has studied on scholarship with
Kansas City Ballet and Manhattan Dance. Her professional dance career began at the age of 19 with Omaha Theater Ballet, and she is
currently a dancer with Ballet Nebraska. She has performed the role of "The Sugar Plum Fairy" in The Nutcracker, Titania in A Midsummer
Night's Dream, and as the Coral Snake in Omaha Theater Ballet's production of The Rainforest. Natasha has had noteworthy reviews in
the Omaha World Herald and the Examiner, which stated that she was "one of the most lithe and physically appealing dancers to grace
the stage." She has also performed with the Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha. She has taught ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop,
contemporary dance, and is certified in both Pilates and Zumba Fitness.
Natasha has trained and performed in several genres of dance and is a versatile dancer/instructor. She has studied on scholarship with
Kansas City Ballet and Manhattan Dance. Her professional dance career began at the age of 19 with Omaha Theater Ballet, and she is
currently a dancer with Ballet Nebraska. She has performed the role of "The Sugar Plum Fairy" in The Nutcracker, Titania in A Midsummer
Night's Dream, and as the Coral Snake in Omaha Theater Ballet's production of The Rainforest. Natasha has had noteworthy reviews in
the Omaha World Herald and the Examiner, which stated that she was "one of the most lithe and physically appealing dancers to grace
the stage." She has also performed with the Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha. She has taught ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop,
contemporary dance, and is certified in both Pilates and Zumba Fitness.
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. Mary has
also 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. Mary has
also 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.
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.
Jackie Robinson (Tap, Jazz, Contemporary)
Jackie has an extensive background in dance that spans over 20 years. A native of Colorado, she has worked for and been on the faculties
of Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado Children's Chorale, Colorado Ballet, Loretta Height's Collage, Country Dinner Playhouse,
and others. Jackie has also been a fitness instructor throughout Denver ran her own dance program for daycares in Colorado (Jackie's
Jellybeans.)
She moved to Omaha in 1999 and embarked on a teaching career that included programs such as The Rose Theater, Omaha Theater
Ballet School, the Jewish Community Center, Artistic Academy, Miss Tammy's School of Dance, Iowa Western Community College, as well
as her own studio, Jackie's School of Dance. Jackie is certified in Pilates, Zumba, Personal Training, and is a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Jackie has an extensive background in dance that spans over 20 years. A native of Colorado, she has worked for and been on the faculties
of Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado Children's Chorale, Colorado Ballet, Loretta Height's Collage, Country Dinner Playhouse,
and others. Jackie has also been a fitness instructor throughout Denver ran her own dance program for daycares in Colorado (Jackie's
Jellybeans.)
She moved to Omaha in 1999 and embarked on a teaching career that included programs such as The Rose Theater, Omaha Theater
Ballet School, the Jewish Community Center, Artistic Academy, Miss Tammy's School of Dance, Iowa Western Community College, as well
as her own studio, Jackie's School of Dance. Jackie is certified in Pilates, Zumba, Personal Training, and is a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
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. Shannon has complete rigorous exams after which she is one of only a few
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. Shannon has complete rigorous exams after which she is one of only a few
instructors in the State of Nebraska certified in Irish Dance.
Bret Samson (Ballet)
Ms. Samson began her dance studies at Lake Shore Dance in Wisconsin. She received her formal ballet training from Melissa Anderson
and Raphael Delgado, and became a founding member of their performing group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While there, she performed in
classical and neo-classical works by Anderson, Delgado, and Master Jean Paul Commelin. Ms. Samson danced with Madison Ballet for
one season before joining Milwaukee Ballet II. She was also an Apprentice with Omaha Theater Ballet. Her favorite role has been that of a
mermaid in W. Earle Smith's production of Peter Pan. Ms. Samson is currently a professional dancer with Ballet Nebraska.
Ms. Samson began her dance studies at Lake Shore Dance in Wisconsin. She received her formal ballet training from Melissa Anderson
and Raphael Delgado, and became a founding member of their performing group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While there, she performed in
classical and neo-classical works by Anderson, Delgado, and Master Jean Paul Commelin. Ms. Samson danced with Madison Ballet for
one season before joining Milwaukee Ballet II. She was also an Apprentice with Omaha Theater Ballet. Her favorite role has been that of a
mermaid in W. Earle Smith's production of Peter Pan. Ms. Samson is currently a professional dancer with Ballet Nebraska.
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 was a charter member of the Motion41 Dance Repertory Ensemble and has appeared in several performances with Ballet
Nebraska.
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 was a charter member of the Motion41 Dance Repertory Ensemble and has appeared in several performances with Ballet
Nebraska.
Shirley Nickel (Receptionist)
*Sandra Barnett (School Advisor)
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Michelle (Shelly) Blanton Strong
Ms. Strong is originally from Houston, TX, and graduated from Texas A & M University with a B.S. in Biology and a Minor in Dance. After
graduating, she joined the Armstrong/Bergeron Dance Company where she performed throughout Texas, Mexico, and New York. Ms.
Strong has attended the American Dance Festival since 2007, and has attended on scholarship several times. She received her Masters
Degree in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Ms. Strong has performed as a guest artist with
the Tikvah Company of Artists in Chicago, IL. She has performed the works of choroegraphers such as Mark Dendy, Trebien Pollard,
Gaspard Louis, and others. She has been teaching for many years and her choreography has been seen throughout the country. Ms.
Strong currently dances with R.E.D. (Real Edge Dance Company) under the direction of Kelli Sanford-Burgoon in Akron, OH.
Ms. Strong is originally from Houston, TX, and graduated from Texas A & M University with a B.S. in Biology and a Minor in Dance. After
graduating, she joined the Armstrong/Bergeron Dance Company where she performed throughout Texas, Mexico, and New York. Ms.
Strong has attended the American Dance Festival since 2007, and has attended on scholarship several times. She received her Masters
Degree in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Ms. Strong has performed as a guest artist with
the Tikvah Company of Artists in Chicago, IL. She has performed the works of choroegraphers such as Mark Dendy, Trebien Pollard,
Gaspard Louis, and others. She has been teaching for many years and her choreography has been seen throughout the country. Ms.
Strong currently dances with R.E.D. (Real Edge Dance Company) under the direction of Kelli Sanford-Burgoon in Akron, OH.
Judy Leppek (Ballet)
Ms. Leppek received her dance training from the Irene Fokine School of Ballet and the School of the Hartford Ballet. She went on to dance
professionally with the Hartford Ballet as well as Ballet Arizona under Ib Anderson. She has danced soloist and principal roles in Giselle,
The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Romeo & Juliet and The Sleeping Beauty, as well as leading roles in contemporary ballets by Kurt
Joos, George Balanchine, Peter Martins, Dwight Rhoden, Agnes DeMille, Paul Taylor, and others. Ms. Leppek has performed all over the
U.S., as well as in Central and South America. She has been a teacher with the School of Ballet Arizona and Mid-Atlantic Ballet School,
among others. Ms. Leppek is also certified by the American Council on Fitness and in Group Fitness Instruction for Zumba, Zumba Gold,
and Zumbatomic.
Ms. Leppek received her dance training from the Irene Fokine School of Ballet and the School of the Hartford Ballet. She went on to dance
professionally with the Hartford Ballet as well as Ballet Arizona under Ib Anderson. She has danced soloist and principal roles in Giselle,
The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Romeo & Juliet and The Sleeping Beauty, as well as leading roles in contemporary ballets by Kurt
Joos, George Balanchine, Peter Martins, Dwight Rhoden, Agnes DeMille, Paul Taylor, and others. Ms. Leppek has performed all over the
U.S., as well as in Central and South America. She has been a teacher with the School of Ballet Arizona and Mid-Atlantic Ballet School,
among others. Ms. Leppek is also certified by the American Council on Fitness and in Group Fitness Instruction for Zumba, Zumba Gold,
and Zumbatomic.
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