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Our Artist Directory highlights hundreds of local artists actively working in the Arts – dance, film, literary, music, theatre, visual arts and more. Are you a local artist actively working in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco? List your profile for free.

This directory and website is service of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County.

Anastassia Abramenko

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; term

Accomplished professional ballroom dancer, dancesport competitor, choreographer and dance instructor with over 20 years experience. In 2014, established the Central Florida dance studio – Anastassia Ballroom & Dance – to share the joy of ballroom dancing with others.

JESSICA Albino

Dance; Music; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Theatre; Visual Arts; term

Caribbean Afro Puerto Rican Roots Bomba and Plena Music Performer

Morgan Angelillis

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; term

I am the President and Artistic Director of Tapped In, Inc., a young adult tap dance performance ensemble. Our mission is to invest in the education of young talented tap dancers and offer them the opportunity to perform, to exhibit and enlighten the widest audience possible with our exclusive tap dance repertoire, and to contribute to the preservation and advancement of the American art form of tap dance by creating new works of the highest quality and creativity. We’ve recently performed at Art Slam in Bradenton, Chalk Festival in Sarasota and The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. Call us for Performances, Master Classes, and Lectures or Demonstrations.

Grace Badillo

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Writing; term

Tampa http://www.dancingwithgrace.com and http://www.IsDancingASin.com Email: grace@dancingwithgrace.com Business Line: 813.943.1117 PERSONAL STATS GRACE ALSO HAS REPLACEMENT DANCE INSTRUCTORS Grace A. Badillo Height: 5’ 7” Weight: 150 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Black OBJECTIVES & SELF Dance Educator, Author & Philanthropist. Using Dance For Good Throughout her Community and Nation. DWG is INTEGRITY and MODESTY in dance & promotes the use of people’s hobby for good in their communities. National Winner of the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award from The President of the United States in 2008. DANCE EXPERIENCE TO SEE THE VAST LIST OF LOCATIONS AND EXPERIENCE, PLEASE GO TO THEIR NEWSLETTER ONLINE AT DANCINGWITHGRACE.COM Dance Lessons Throughout The Nation: (13+ years, Continuous) John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (1999-2009 ) Promenade Dance Sport Facility, Baltimore, MD (2003-2009) Royal Caribbean Cruise Dance Lessons Through Fun & Fitness Charter Group (2006-present) ENTERTAINMENT GRACE HAS DONE HUNDREDS OF ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, CORPORATE EVENTS AND HAS PHOTOS OF ALL OF THESE AT DANCINGWITHGRACE.COM TELEVISION/FILM/RADIO/DANCE CONGRESSES: – Co-Chair of the National Dance Day of Tampa, Florida 2012 – Produced Instructional Salsa DVD under Dancing with Grace Productions In Spanish and English for Beginner and Intermediates – Creative Director, New Jersey International Salsa Congress 2010, 2011, & 2012, Berks Salsa Fest in 2011; Mistress of Ceremonies of above. – Creative Director and MC of the Ms. Bella Pageant, Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Produced dance in two Christmas Cantata opening acts in 2001 and 2003. – Appeared in numerous Studio 83 commercials in English and Spanish. Radio – Co-host on The Tom Marr Show, May 1999 – Voice-overs for Public Service Announcements in Spanish and English for over 5 years. Latin Orchestra Performances by La Predilecta feat. Grace Badillo: – 2000 United States Census Festivals – WJZTV-13 Morning Show Mother’s Day Performance – Library of Congress 1999 and many more performances. Freelance Model: Burdines, JC Penny Teen Board, 5-7-9, Sears, and various private businesses. Featured In: Baltimore City Paper (Dance Ad), Front Cover of Baltimore Magazine (Dancing Salsa), Annapolis Broadneck Publisher, posters, postcards, commercials. Beauty Pageant Experience: Trainer of the current Ms. Teen America (2012), MC and Chair of the Ms. Bella Pageant 2011, Judge for Ms. Florida, Ms. Teen Florida, Ms. Teen Orlando, Ms. Teen Tampa, 1989. Ms. Sunburst Pageant and many others: Numerous Trophies for Ms. Congeniality, 1st Place in Evening Wear, Ms. Photogenic, 1st Place in Talent Competition and Speech Competition. DANCE TRAINERS/COACHES – Eddie Torres & J. Rosado, NY – Abel & Zulmara Torres, World Salsa Champions, 3 years, LA – Josie Neglia “The Queen of Salsa”, LA – Tito & Tamara, Puerto Rico – Luis & Joby Vazquez, LA – Jorge Santana, African Dances, Italy REFERENCES AWARDS – Nissim Albaig: Johns Hopkins University Replacement Instructor: Also worked with him for over 5 years in dance in Baltimore. 11460 Cronridge Dr. #102 Owings, Mills, 21117 Email: Niss@salsa-now.net Contact: Nissim Albaig – The Promenade Dance Sport Facility: Dance Instruction: www.mddancesport.com: I worked at this location for over 8 years. 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive Baltimore, MD 21244 Phone: 410-277-0234 Contact: Cindy Sumida, Owner (Call after 4 p.m.) – Studio 83: Voice Overs, Commercials, Radio Ads, Dance Performances/Classes/Hosting. 7-M West Aylesbury Road Timonium, MD 21093 Phone: 410-560-0544 or 1-888-TV-SPOTS Contact: Ron Leverton, Owner Michael Green, Producer/Editor – Jim Seeley, Fun & Fitness http://www.fun-fitness.com/index.php : I did cruises with my students and taught his students as well. Phone: Contact: Jim Seeley: 703-655-4205 – 2011 Diamond Dancers International Award for Promoting Social Work and Good Deeds Through Dance – 2010 Baltimore Dance Leadership Award – 2010 Women of Salsa Award – National Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush 2008 for raising over 1,000,000 dollars for charity through dance and volunteering to help youth and the elderly through dance. – Dance for the Cure Award, 3 years in a row. – Local Competition First Place Awards.

Hope Donnelly

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Visual Arts: 2D; term

As a native Floridian with over 20 years in the Tampa Bay area, a lifelong dancer, wanderer, community connector, creative, and mentor, my art is a celebration of movement, contrasts, and color. Featuring dancers, flora, and mandalas, my pieces often span multiple canvases with a bold color palette of both acrylic and oil paint to explore form and composition. The creative process is therapeutic for me but the results are an effort to add beauty into the world in which they live, which I hope are appreciated as just that.

Pat Fenda

Dance; Music; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Theatre; term

Lizi Franzini, Mimi the Mime and Roan Jivers (Pat Fenda) received her B.S. Ed. from Ohio University and a M.A. in dance from Florida State University, where she began her study of mime. Pat toured the southeast with the Mad Mountain Mime troupe in 1974-75. In 1976-77, Pat taught and performed for the Magic Mountain Mime School and directed the Homemade Mime Troupe of South Carolina. She was awarded a grant to continue her study of mime from the Fine Arts Council of Florida in 1978. In 1990, Pat toured with Dr. Tom & Seus Mime Theatre in South Carolina and New Jersey. She has taught dance or mime at Ohio University, Florida State University, St. Leo College and Eckerd College. She has choreographed numerous productions including “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Our Town”, “Stop the World I Want to Get Off”, “Little Shop of Horrors” and “X Cheerleaders Wanted”. She attended the 1989 Movement Theatre International Festival and the 1991 International Clown Theatre Congress in Philadelphia. Pat was a featured belly dancer at Busch Gardens from 1982-85. She has appeared statewide at corporate events, malls and private parties. Pat received critical acclaims for her co-starring role in “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” in 1994 and “The Heidi Chronicles” in 1995. Pat is the president of Strictly Entertainment, Inc. a Florida licensed talent agency founded in 1984. In 1999, Pat juggled at the Tampa Bay Devil Ray Family Fun Days. She continues to perform many different theatrical characters and is seen regularly at the St. Petersburg Pier.

Nicole Hays

Dance; Music; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Theatre; Visual Arts; term

Nicole Hays is a professional bodypainter, entertainer and entrepreneur who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. Nicole owns The Curiositorium, LLC, St. Petersburg’s Premier Entertainment Company. Nicole and her partner A.J. are the writers, directors and stars of Tank and Tilly’s “Clockwork Cabaret”, a one hour steampunk-themed vaudeville variety show with acrobatics, original music, the “Spinning Sphere” apparatus, and comedy. Nicole also wrote, directed, and starred in “Lumiere”, a one hour circus production with aerial arts, acrobatics, and dance. Nicole is a full time entertainer and visual artist.

Terryle Heffner

Dance; term

Ever since Terryle Heffner can remember he loved creating art anyway he could imagine from school art contests to dance. He has earned a BFA in dance, and was trained at the renowned dance studios of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Since completing his formal education, he has continued creating his artwork. His artwork is conceived by bursts of visions he sees in his mind. He is inspired by the great artists, dancers, designers, fashion connoisseurs and musicians such as Isadora Duncan, Andy Warhol, Bill T. Jones, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Billie Holiday, Picasso, Willie Smith, Andre Leon Tally and Jimi Hendrix. However, Terryle’s number one inspiration is his grandmother. The unconditional love his grandmother presented him with, continues to inspire him on a daily basis. Most of his artwork is 360 degrees. Thus, there is no front or back to his artwork; this is inspired by the phrase “there are two sides to every story — one not more important than the other.” He believes that “art works through other art.” He is passionate about spreading love throughout society – in the form of artwork.

Cory-Jeanne Houck-Cox

Dance; term

Cory-Jeanne Murakami Houck-Cox is a choreographer, teacher, and retired prima ballerina. She began her ballet training in New Mexico with Mariko, Suzanne Johnston, followed by international medalists Arvola & Ahonen. She began dancing professionally at fifteen receiving scholarships to Ballet West, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Nagoya, Japan. She performed with Ballet West & Pajarito Ballet Theatre. Her expertise is in ballet, but she has also studied and performed jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, musical theater, flamenco, studied hip-hop with Tabitha & Napoleon, and tap. Cory-Jeanne who has danced and performed internationally in Mexico and London, was the first American ballerina to be chosen to dance with ballet superstar Irek Mukhamedov, International Grand Prix Awardee, of the Royal Ballet, for his premiere tour as a Guest Artist to the United States. They received rave reviews for their roles in “La Bayadere” and “Tarantella.” Cory-Jeanne has been a Guest Artist/Adjunct Faculty for USF, LaRoche College, Armand Hammer United World College, Cal State Los Angeles, and Lichine’s of Beverly Hills. She has staged ballets for Pacific American Ballet Theatre, Phoenix Ballet, Ballet Arts of Tucson, Colorado Ballet, and Ballet Theatre International. Cory-Jeanne worked with Pacific American Ballet Theatre, Los Angeles, CA. An ardent advocate for youth & minority concerns, she co-founded an art in education program, “A Beginning Chance” (ABC) for high-risk disadvantaged youth in the LA Unified School District. Over four years, CJ devoted over 1,000 volunteer hours. She was appointed by Mayor Riordan to the LEARN Task Force, 2000 Partnership, and to the Arts and Racial Harmony Task force for Rebuild LA. By special invitation, Robert Redford invited her to attend the Sundance Institute’s Choreographers &Video Lab, as well as the Sundance Institute’s Producers Lab. She has co-authored two screenplays, both of which made the prestigious Sundance Screenwriter Lab finals. In 1996 and 1998, she was honored by the New Mexico Governor and awarded the Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of America. In 1997 CJ was invited to perform at the Presidential Inauguration Gala & Balls. In 1998, CJ performed with Ballet Theatre International at the Kennedy Center for the Historic First Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Cinco De Mayo Celebrations in the critically acclaimed ballets that she helped create, “Winter War” and “Proud Heritage.” Both ballets were recipients of The Irvine Foundation and prestigious National Endowment for the Arts awards. For her work in arts and multicultural organizations, Cory-Jeanne was named a 2000 Scholar Fellow to the renowned Aspen Institute. Cory-Jeanne has been a District Governor and National Board Member of the Japanese American Citizens League, and as such, has been a leading spokesperson on multi-racial issues around the country. December 2002, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She was a recipient of the Deserving Academic Merit Scholarship, Dean’s List both her Junior and Senior years, and is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, and Omicron Psi Honor Societies. Summer of 2007, Cory-Jeanne received the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts Teacher of Excellence Award for her work as a dance educator in the state of Virginia. Her students are currently at: Ballet West, Odyssey Dance, and Alvin Ailey, Broadway & Cruise tours. Her students have been with: Paris Opera, Royal Ballet of London, Ballet Hispanico, Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet II, Royal Winnipeg, Eugene Ballet, Dallas Met, Margo Sappington, Joffrey-NYC, Melissa Thodos and Maria Benitez. Her students have attended with scholarship and/or apprenticed at: Kirov Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Nutmeg Ballet, CPYB, Ballet Austin, Washington Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, North Carolina School for the Arts, Interlochen, Jacobs Pillow, Gus Giordano, Miami City Ballet, and Houston Ballet. Her choreography awards include: Crystal Awards for her original choreography “Bella Luna” in 2014 and “The Awakening” in 2015; “People’s Choice Award 2013,” by the Federated Dance Competition: five works awarded “Top 12 Ensemble Finalist” 2013-Regional Youth American Grand Prix; “Top 12 Ensemble Finalist” 2012 –Regional YAGP; StarQuest 2009 Overall First Place with her restaging of “La Bayadere”; and Hall of Fame Overall First Place Choreography with her original work “1000 Cranes.” Cory-Jeanne is an ABT® Affiliated & Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. In 2016, Cory-Jeanne was elected to the national Board of Directors (Policy) for the prestigious National Dance Education Organization, the leading U.S. organization of dance educators that sets national standards for dance and is the parent organization for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.

Alex Jones

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; term

Alex is a graduate of the University of South Florida’s Dance Department with a BFA in Dance Performance and a current graduate student Hollins University studying dance both nationally and internationally. Prior to his collegiate training at USF, Jones received training from the LINES Ballet BFA Program under direction of Marina Hotchkiss. He has had the opportunity to work with Alonzo King, Bill T. Jones in Serenade/The Proposition, and Doug Varone in The Rite of Spring. He has performed in Tunisia, Africa with the University of South Florida on behalf of the American Embassy and the Tunisian Dance Federation. He is currently an equity dancer at Walt Disney World and has performed in Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, and Dream Along with Mickey. He is an alumnus of ArchCore40 in NYC and works closely with choreographer Jennifer Archibald as her choreographer assistant in the Florida Dance Festival. In 2012, he choreographed and directed his first evening length work entitled First You, Then The Rest at the Studio@620 in St. Petersburg, FL. In the Spring of 2013, Jones joined Yow Dance Company and had the honor of choreographing works on the company for both Spring Into Dance and the Orlando International Fringe Festival. Later that Fall, he returned to the Studio@620 to premiere his second evening-length work, Contact. Jones participated in Project GenYes! at the Studio@620 made possible by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation premiering his third evening-length work, Uncovered: Power of the Being at the Studio@620. In 2016, Jones became the Artistic Director of Collective Soles Dance making it his mission to connect the Tampa Bay area through collaboration. The following year Alex was one of the resident choreographers at the Florida Dance Festival where he premiered his latest work behind the Front.Jones is on faculty at the University of Tampa teaching Partnering for Stage and Musical Theatre both concert and commercial stages. Currently, Jones is the Dance Artist in Residence at the Studio@620 and founder of St. Pete based dance company, projectALCHEMY.

Beth LaBaren-Root

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; term

DANCE EDUCATOR – CHOREOGRAPHER – ARTS ADMINISTRATOR 2920 Alternate 19, North Dunedin, Florida 346698 269) 330-9687 / blroot@yahoo.com ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Facebook Page: Beth LaBaren-Root/Dancer You Tube: Southwestern Michigan College Dance EDUCATION MPA / Non-Profit Leadership, Western Michigan University, 2007 BA / Dance, Western Michigan University & Lee Honors College, 1996 AA / Grand Rapids Community College, 1994 Muskegon Community College, Full-Tuition Dance Scholarship, 1983-85 DANCE TRAINING Gus Giordano Dance Center, Evanston, IL – 1987 – 91 Lou Conte Dance Studio, Chicago, IL – 1990 – 91 Joel Hall Studio, Chicago IL – 1990 – 91 Hope College, Holland, MI – 1989 Nancy Baum, Ballet, Grand Haven MI, 1988-89 Giordano Dance Center, Summer Programs 1987, 1988, 1989 Interlochen Arts Academy,Joseph Holmes Dance Company Residency, 1988 Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Workshops 1987 & 1988 Muskegon Community College, Joe Orlando Jazz Dance Workshop, , 1987 Muskegon Civic Theatre, Musical Theatre Workshop, 1986 Danceworks, Grand Rapids, MI Jazz and Modern, 1988-89 Summerfest School, Grand Rapids, MI – Don Smith, Tap 1987-88 Blue Lake Community School of Arts, Muskegon, MI – Modern 1985-88 Grand Rapids School of Performing Arts – Robert Estner, Ballet/Jazz, 1983 Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Rich Rahn, 1980-83 Dance Factory / Ken Tepper Studio, Grand Rapids, MI, 1978-81 Grand Rapids Civic Ballet, Grand Rapids, MI Sally Seven School of Dance, Grand Rapids, MI Rita Harris, Ballet, East Grand Rapids, MI TEACHING / COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY Southwestern Michigan College -Director of Dance, Fine & Performing Arts Dept., 2001 to 2012, -Lead Faculty – Physical Education, 2004 to present Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 2007, 2008, 2010 Grand Valley State University, Movement to Music, K-12 In-Service Seminars, 2001-03 Western Michigan University, Dance Department, Adjunct Faculty, 1997-99 Kalamazoo College, Adjunct Faculty, Jazz / Modern 1997-2001 Kendall College of Art and Design, Faculty, Discovery Program, 1992-94 TEACHING – PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, STUDIOS Gus Giordano Dance Center, Dance Center Director/Faculty, Evanston, IL 1989-1991 Grand Rapids Public School District, Teacher In-Service Programs, 2003 Wayland Union School District, K-12 Dance Director 1999 – 2001 Education for the Arts, Artist-in-Residence, Music Theatre Workshop & After-School Arts Programs, 1997-99 Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Faculty – Musical Theatre/Jazz/Tap 1997-2000 Allegan Public Schools & Arts Council, Summer Fine Arts Camp 2000 Moving Company, Faculty, East Grand Rapids, Mi. 1992-94 Kentwood Gymnastics, Dance Consultant, Kentwood MI, 1992-94 West Michigan Academy of Dance, Faculty 1998-99 Blue Lake Community School of the Arts, Faculty – Muskegon, Mi. 1986-89 Southold Dance Theatre, International Summer Intensives, South Bend, IN. 2007-08 VanBuren District Library, Rhythm Dance Workshop, June 2005 Kalamazoo Public Schools, Tap into School, 1997-2001 Kalamazoo Boys and Girls Club, Rhythm Dance Residency, 1999 YMCA, Rhythm Dance Residency, Portage, MI 1999 Indian Prairie Elementary School, Music -Dance Residency, Kalamazoo, MI 1999 MAHPERD Conference, Jazz, Traverse City, Mi., 1996 Ballet Arts, Modern Workshop, Kalamazoo, Mi., 1996 Academy of Dance Arts, Jazz and Modern, Kalamazoo, Mi,1996 Master Arts Theatre, Summer Youth Arts Program, Grand Rapids, MI 1994-95 Dance Arts Academy, Jazz, Traverse City, Mi. 1992 & 1995 Step Ahead Dance Company, Jazz, Grand Rapids, Mi., 1993 Northeast School of Dance, Jazz/Modern, Ft. Wayne, Ind., 1991 Golden’s School of Dance, Tap/Jazz, Schaumburg, Il., 1991 The Dance Factory, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Mundelein, Il. 1990 & 1991 Grand Haven Community Theatre, Actors’ Dance Workshops, 1989 Grand Haven Public Schools, SPARK Program, 1987-89 EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH & TOUR PROGRAMS Elementary Dance Tour Programs, Southwestern Dance Ensemble -Minds in Motion, 2009. -Dancing on Your Desk, 2007 -Dancin’ Through the Decades, 2003 -Elementary Dance Tour I – 2002 Program design, choreography and instruction of tour program material to college level dance ensemble; performed for 6 area elementary schools with each program. Created and provided supplemental materials for K-6 teachers to supplement tour program and further learning. Performing Arts Tours – Southwestern Michigan College, 2001-09 Choreography of tour material, instruction and rehearsal for college level dance ensemble; performed annually for 10-12 area high school assemblies during a 5-7 day tour program including SMC Dance, Bands, Choir and Theatre. TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS – COLLEGE COURSES DANC 101-Jazz I, DANC 102-Jazz 2, DANC 201-Jazz III DANC 103-Modern I, DANC 104-Modern II DANC 105-Tap I, DANC 106-Tap II, DANC 205-Tap III DANC 107-Ballet I, DANC 108- Ballet II DANC 130-Dance Improvisation DANC 211-Choregraphy DANC 120 – Dance for Musical Theatre DANC 121-Dance Ensemble THEA 110-Theatre Appreciation THEA 130 – Voice and Movement for Actors DANC 110- Dance Appreciation DANC 150-Dance Special Projects DANC 290-Creative Dance Concepts DANC 291-Teaching Methods in Dance DANC 295-Dance Career Seminar ART 148-Direct Encounter with the Arts PHED 103-Life Fitness/Dance PHED 103-Life Fitness/Sportwalking ARTS ADMINISTRATION / ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGMENT Organizational management experience includes program development, implementation, budgeting, promotion, and faculty/staff supervision. Founder, Michiana Dance Alliance, 2005 to 2012 Dance Education Coordinator, Education for the Arts, KRESA 1996-98 Residency Coordinator, DANCE KALAMAZOO Residency with Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Kalamazoo Public Schools, 1998 Business Manager, Kalamazoo Bach Festival, 1997-88 Program Coordinator, Hillside Dance Project 1997, Education for the Arts Dance Coordinator, Kendall College of Art and Design, Continuing Education, Grand Rapids, MI, 1992-94 Housing Coordinator, Jazz Dance World Congress, 1990-99 Dance Center Director, Gus Giordano Dance Center, Evanston, IL, 1990-91 Owner/Director, Center Stage Dance & Fitness, Grand Haven, Mi., 1987-89 Dance Director, Superior Gymnastics and Dance, Grand Haven, Mi., 1986-87 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CONFERENCES Presenter, Faculty Collaborations Across the Curriculum. National Dance Educators’ Organization, Minneapolis, MN 2011 Presenter, Faculty Collaborations Across the Curriculum and VOICES: Extraordinary Voices of the Ordinary. Innovations Conference for Community Colleges, San Diego Ca, 2011 Presenter, Interdisciplinary Projects: Language Arts and Dance, Innovations Conference for Community Colleges, New York City, NY 2003 Presenter, MAHPERD, Annual Conference Jazz Technique Workshop, 1997 MAHPERD, Annual Conference, 2000, 2002 Innovations Conference for Community Colleges, Baltimore, MA 2010 National Dance Educators’ Organization, Tempe, AZ 2010 Brenda Buffalino – One on One, Professional Mentoring Residency, New York – 2000 ADF – Workshop for Professionals, American Dance Festival, Duke University 1999 Tappin in the Twin Cities, Tap/Percussive Dance Conference 1999 “Approaching the Millenium” – Seminars in Arts Management, Western Michigan University, 1996 Jazz Dance World Congress, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999 Michigan Dance Teacher’s Conference, Interlochen Arts Academy, 1988 Small Business Development Center: Muskegon Community College, 1986-87 -How to Open a Small Business in Michigan -Small Business Management -Advertising for Small Business -Taxes and Bookkeeping GRANT WRITING AND AWARDS Authored and awarded the following grants to support my independent work as well as for the arts organizations listed. Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant, Independent Artist, 1999 Education for the Arts Professional Development Grant, Independent Artist 1999 – 2001 Arts Outreach Grant, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Independent Artist 1999 Pharmacia & Upjohn Community Arts Grant, Independent Artist, 1999 PTO Grant, Indian Prairie Elementary School, Independent Artist, 1999 Lee Honors College Study Grant, 1994-1996 Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Arts and Learning Grant, written for Education for the Arts 1997/98 Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Arts and Learning Grant, written for Kalamazoo Bach Festival, 1998/99 PRODUCTION / DIRECTION AND CHOREOGRAPHY Responsibilities included all aspects of production, choreography, rehearsals, costuming, promotion, collaborations with technical directors. Fall Concerts of Dance, Southwestern Michigan College, 2002 to present Spring Concerts of Dance, Southwestern Michigan College, 2001-present Dance Café, Southwestern Michigan College, 2001-present That’s Entertainment, Wayland High School, 2001 Welcome to the Future, Wayland High School, Fall Concert of Dance 2000 Planet Dance, Wayland High School, 2000 Rhythm and Shoes, Tap Concert 2000 Soviets Meet Middle America, Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce, 1990 Dance Showcase, Center Stage Productions, 1988 Act I, Center Stage Productions, 1987 CONCERT CHOREOGRAPHY A partial list of notable concert works 1984 to present -various dance genres. Produced at Southwestern Michigan College unless otherwise noted. Recital choreography for dance classes is not included. CONTINUUM – 2012 UNA DIA LLEGARA – 2011, restaged for 7 dancers. TURKISH DELIGHT – 2011 IDENTITIES: A SEARCH FOR SELF, Extraordinary Voices of the Ordinary, 2011 VOICES – Extraordinary Voices of the Ordinary, 2010 BRAINSTORM – 2010 / Interdisciplinary- physics/dance ELEMENTS – 2010 / Interdisciplinary – visual art/dance VERVE FOR VIOLINS – 2009 CARNIVAL – 2008 SYMBALI – 2009 QUEEN AND COURT – 2008 FRISKY BUSINESS – 2008 HA! – 2007, Southold Summer Intensive Concert, South Bend, IL NUEVO LATINO – 2007 UNA DIA LLEGARA – 2007 LIVES IN THE BALANCE – 2006 ORBS – 2005, Michigan Dance Council Showcase Concert, Hope College, Holland, MI PICK YOUR SEAT – 2005 THE EDMUND REMEMBERED: A Michigan Maritime Memorial, 2005 OF MANY ONE – 2004 BECAUSE – 2004 Interdisciplinary / Language arts & dance INCANTATION – 2003 HITTIN’ THE BOARDS – 2003 OCEANIC – 2003 FUSION – 2002 ODE TO RIVERDANCE – 2001 DESERT ROSE – 2000 BROADWAY REVUE – 2000 NIGHT TERRORS – 1998 – Wellspring Forum, Kalamazoo MI, Premiere. PASSAGE – 1998, Kalamazoo College Dance Showcase, Premiere Dec. 5, . WIDOWS’ WALK – 1996, Michigan Dance Council Showcase, Lansing, MI UMOJA – 1995 -Western Michigan University, Dance Department, Faculty Concert, 1995 -Jazz Dance World Congress, Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington D.C., 1996 STACCATO SI – 1989 -Overbrook Dance Theatre Concert, Muskegon Comm. College CURLEY SHUFFLE – 1988 -Mayfest, Muskegon Community College, 1988 BANDSTAND – 1988 -Overbrook Dance Theatre Concert, Muskegon Comm. College WEIRD SCIENCE – 1987 – Mayfest, Muskegon Comm. College, 1987 MOVING FAST FORWARD – 1986 – Overbrook Dance Theatre, Muskegon Community College MUSICAL THEATRE CHOREOGRAPHY Anything Goes, Southwestern Michigan College, 2009 West Side Story, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2007 Grease, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2006 Little Shop of Horrors, Southwestern Michigan College, June 2005 Annie Get your Gun, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2005 Anne of Green Gables, Southwestern Michgan College, June 2004 Music Man, Southwestern Michgan College, June 2003 Blood Brothers, Southwestern Michigan College, Feb 2002 Oliver!, Gull Lake Community Schools, Performing Arts Center 1999 The Velveteen Rabbit, Kalamazoo Civic Youth Theatre 1999 Oliver!, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 1998 Wizard of Oz, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 1998 Grease, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 1997 The Sound of Music, Blue Lake Professional Theatre Festival, 1990 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Muskegon Civic Theatre Guys and Dolls, Grand Haven Public Schools, 1990 Nickolodean Song and Dance Review, Tri-Cities Children’s Chorus, 1990 Brigadoon, Spring Lake Public Schools, 1990 Kiss Me Kate, Spring Lake Public Schools, 1989 Miss Liberty, Spring Lake Public Schools, 1988 CHOREOGRAPHY COMMISSIONS Saint Mary’s College, new work in progress, 2012 Saint Marys’ College, Notre Dame, IN – Of Many One, 2005, The Edmund Remembered, 2007 , Pick Your Seat, 2009 Encore Dance Companry, Dowagiac, MI – Pick Your Seat, 2010 Frelon Dance Company, Kalamazoo College, Umoja, 1989 Ballet Theatre, Kalamazoo College, Tableau Premiere: May 23, 1998 Kalamazoo Valley Intermediate School District, Education for the Arts/ Dance Exploration Program – Gatherings, Premiere: April 16, 1996 Montage Dance Company, Otsego MI., Gatherings re-staged 1997 Northeast School of Dance Team, Ft. Wayne, Ind., Twilights 1990 Muskegon Seaway Pageant, Muskegon MI, Jump Shout Boogie,1990, Maelstrom,1989 Teen USA Pageant, Orlando Florida, Step by Step, 1989 PERFORMANCE Michiana Dance Alliance – founding company member 2005- present Second Wind Dance Company, “Sierra” with Marcia Heinztberger, Nov 2004 Guest Artist, Ballet Theatre Kalamazoo College, December 1998 Michigan Dance Council Showcase Concert, 1996 Western Michigan University, Orchesis Concert, 1996 Western Michigan University, Annual Concert, 1995, It’s Your Move” by Claire Bataille, Hubbard Street Dance Company Grand Rapids Transit Authority Commercial 1994 Danskin Industrial Shows, Grand Rapids 1992 MC Sporting Goods Industrial Shows, Grand Rapids 1992 Adidas Shoes Industrial Shows, Chicago, 1990 Vandenburg Foods Industrial Shows, Chicago 1990 TAP: A Tribute to Movement with Special Guest, Honi Coles, 1989 Muskegon Community College, Overbrook Dance Theater Concert 1989 Greater Grand Rapids Dance Alliance, Fall Showcase, 1989 Westshore Christian Fellowship, Muskegon Mi. 1989 Danceworks Concert Dancers, Grand Rapids MI, 1988-89 Muskegon Community College, Repertory Dance Tour Company 1985-86 Muskegon Community College, Overbrook Dance Theater Concert 1986 HONORS 1996 Jazz Dance World Congress, “Umoja” selected by adjudication for Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington D.C. 1995 Annual Faculty Concert, Western Mich. “Umoja” selected by adjudication as only student work presented. Western Michigan University, Distinguished Community College Scholar, 1994-96 Dorothy U. Dalton Exceptional Dance Major, Western Michigan University Dance Department, 1995 Member, Alpha of Michigan Honor Society, 1994-1998 Dean’s List, Grand Rapids Community College 1992-94 Lotte Rachel Peters Arts and Humanities Awards, Grand Rapids Community College, 1992 – 94 Member, Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Chapter, 1992-94 Muskegon Community College, Full Tuition Dance Scholarship 1985/86 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS National Dance Educators Organization – current Michigan Dance Council – current Partners in Dance, Western Michigan University – current Michigan Dance Council – Regional Representative 1996-99 Michigan Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo Grand Rapids Dance Alliance, Workshop Committee Chair, 1989-1995 Michigan Dance Association, 1985-88 Muskegon Community College, Small Business Dev. Center, Advisory Board Member, 1987-89

Amani Maharet

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; term

Amani (Elizabeth) began bellydancing over 14 years ago, at the age of 9. Before branching out into tribal she studied cabaret and cabaret fusion bellydance with Afet. In her nearly 10 years with Afet, Amani became an assistant instructor and assistant troupe manager of Afet’s Dancers of The Desert Sun. She is currently a member of Troupe Zahara, an ITS troupe based in Plant City, FL. She is also a featured dancer at the restaurant Persia House of Kabobs in Tampa and has danced at many other well-known events and venues, including Acropolis Greek Taverna, Jackson’s Bistro, The Florida State Fair, MacDill Air Force base, Spirit of The Tribes, and the Bellydance Superstars show Club Bellydance. Amani is continuously pushing herself to learn more about dance and has studied ballroom, ballet, Bollywood, burlesque, hip hop, jazz, Latin, pole, tap and yoga in addition to bellydance. You may have even seen her perform burlesque under the stage name Jess Indeed. Amani is also an avid workshop attendee and has studied intensively with world-renowned dancers including Amaya, Artemis Mourat, Carolena Nerriccio, Heather Stants, Jill Parker, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour, Unmata, and many more. Through her rigorous study she has obtained numerous certifications including Zumba instructor training, FatChanceBellyDance® general skills and teacher training, Suhaila Salimpour format level 1, and Rachel Brice’s 8 Elements™ phase one: Initiation. Amani also has the current honor of being the only official FatChanceBellyDance sister studio in Tampa. Amani teaches throughout Tampa & St. Pete. She is available for performances at both private & public functions, & teach group & private lessons as well as workshops. Please visit Amani’s website for her current teaching & performance schedule. FatChanceBellyDance®, FCBD®, ATS® and American Tribal Style®, are federally registered trademarks of FatChanceBellyDance, Inc.

Maureen Patrick

Dance; Music; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Theatre; Writing; term

A Tampa native, Maureen Patrick holds an M.A. in Cultural History. She has been a dancer/actor/singer for over 30 years, including 16 years at Walt Disney World and 7 years of touring/residence abroad. A pioneer in juvenile theater, she founded Performance Preparatory, a performing arts instructional program for 5-16 year olds, in 1984 and directed the company for 30 years. She is the lead singer of Pooka Irish Band and directs the Galway Workhouse Doxies, an Irish dance and theater ensemble. A museum professional as well as a performance artist, Patrick was a founding member and lead in the museum theater program at H.B. Plant Museum (Tampa) for many years, was Curator/Education Curator at the Ybor City Museum, and was President of Tampa Historical Society, Inc. for 15 years. Patrick is well-known locally for combining her acting/directing skills to local history, which she enlivens with walking tours and lectures in period dress and persona. Most of her creative energy now is directed toward historical novel writing.

Irene Rimer

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; Writing; term

IRENE RIMER is a doctor in Philosophy, metaphysical counselor, experienced accountant and international Flamenco performer whose passion is the study of form and rhythm. She devotes her time to her passion for the arts, fascination with a wide variety of subjects and love of learning. She advocates the acquisition of rhythmic precision, which she calls “emotional mathematics,” As a Flamenco performer, Ms. Rimer was privileged to study at the prestigious Amor de Dios studio in Madrid under Maria Magdalena, Paco Fernandez, El Guito, Ciro, and La Tati among many great masters of Flamenco. As a young adult, she lived among the gypsies in Andalusia studying their life style and art. She later performed in the Ferias in Andalusia, and in tablaos in Spain and abroad. Irene Rimer was El Chino de Malaga solo flamenco dancer and the dance partner of Jose Serrano and Paco del Puerto. She has performed with Estrella Morena, La Tati, El Nano de Jerez, Antonio Montoya, La Morita, La China, Manolo Vargas, Leo Heredia, Pedro Genil, Gabriela Ortega, Paco Fonta, Antonio and Emilia, and Pepe de Malaga, Jose Luis Zorrilla, Juan de Alba, Emilio Prados, Fernando Toledo, and El Naguela to name a few. Ms. Rimer studied Ballet under Madam Nina Novak, prima ballerina at the Ballet of Monte Carlo. She developed and taught the Belly Dance Isolations technique workshop, a method for fast learning of the belly dancing form. She has taught and choreographed Israeli dance. She founded the Irene Rimer Dance Academy (IRDA) in Miami, Florida, serving as Artistic Director for ten years. During its operation, IRDA had a faculty of seventeen instructors and was recognized as one of the best dance studios in South Florida. In 2005, Ms. Rimer formed Corazon Flamenco in Alabama. She taught regular classes in the area, produced Flamenco performances, and served as choreographer for the Birmingham Opera. She also formerly sat on the advisory board of the Alabama Dance Council. As of 2014, Irene lives and teaches in the Tampa Bay area. Among other interests, Irene studied several Martial Arts styles and received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do from Grand Master Jhoon Rhee in 1991. She is the mother of two. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ARTIST, OR FOR LECTURES, MASTER CLASSES AND PERFORMANCES, Please visit our web page and contact us.

Jennifer Rosoff

Dance; Teaching Artist/Instructor; term

The Creative Movement Company (TCMC) was created by Owner and Director, Jennifer Rosoff. She created her company to combine her love for dance with a way to help people and to show how dance and movement have the ability to transform lives. TCMC focuses on teaching, choreographing, dance consulting, arts event planning and specializes in Creative Movement Healing, where movement is used as a form of healing to rehabilitate and empower individuals mentally and physically. Jennifer’s experience in the artistic community includes Empowerment Through Movement workshops, Dancing Without Boundaries classes for individuals with disabilities, organizing Tampa’s first annual National Dance Day event, choreographing Flash Mobs for Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Gasparilla International Film Festival and was an artist for Lights on Tampa, where she created Shadow Plays, an interactive dance portion of the event for all ages and abilities to participate in. She is an active Board Member for the Hillsborough Artist Advisory Committee, helping to coordinate events such as Art After Dark at the Tampa Museum of Art.

Amanda Sieradzki

Dance; Writing; term

My body speaks in fragmented syntax. It is vibratory, suspended, anticipatory, released. I am an interdisciplinary dance artist whose works are largely collaborative and rooted in social and political landscapes, waxing poetic on issues such as identity, mental health, gun control, and performativity. I believe situating dance in neighborhoods, parks and public places empowers and strengthens the community. Furthermore, as an artist, I know that stronger communities can be built by changing an audience from spectators into collaborators. My previous projects build environments where the audience is invited to participate physically, vocally, or as witnesses. This has taken the form of chanting popular song lyrics, curating shows for community artists, and leading post-performance talkbacks. I direct and choreograph material with a poet’s keen eye and construct bridges between knowledge and empathy through creative movement explorations. I founded my dance company, Poetica, with the goal of championing dance in public places and enlivening everyday spaces. My projects combine creative movement, writing, and brain compatible dance methods that boost mind-body connections and creativity in all ages and abilities. I pursue this research as adjunct dance faculty at the University of Tampa and feature writer for Creative Pinellas’ Arts Coast Journal, the Tallahassee Council on Culture & Arts, The Tallahassee Democrat, DIYdancer Magazine, & ArtsATL.

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