Dance Teachers

Meet Our Dance Instructors

Meet Our Dance Instructors
Our dance instructors are highly trained, positive and enthusiastic individuals. They all love to teach and enjoy passing along their love of dance.

	Krissie Odegard Geye Krissie graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with degrees in Vocal Performance, Public Relations and International Studies, was “Tapadictorian” at the American Tap Dance Institute, and is certified as a Grade III teacher through the Cecchetti Council of America (CCA). She has been on staff for Goliard Concerts in New York City, The Ethnic Dance Theatre in St. Paul, MN, and Barbi Lee Dance Arts Center in Minneapolis, MN as well as clinician at the ATDI “Spirit of Tap” Conference, faculty member for the New York City Public School system, and Director of Dance at Island Lake Summer Arts Camp. She has received the prestigious "Most Outstanding Choreography" award from Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance Competition, American Dance Awards, and Chicago Dance Connection. Her students have received scholarships from Hollywood Vibe Conventions, Chicago Dance Connection, Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance, American Dance Awards, Talent On Parade, The Midwest Cecchetti Council, the Minnesota Ballet, and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. She is currently an active member of the Midwest Council of the CCA and the the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
	Jenna Wagner Jenna graduated from The University of Akron in 2006 with a BA in Dance and a minor in Business Administration. During college, she performed with The University of Akron Dance Company and also choreographed several tap pieces for student performances. She moved to Chicago after graduation to pursue her career goals of teaching and dancing professionally. She spent a year training and performing with Joel Hall Dancers II, and is currently in her first season with Rasa Dance Chicago. Jenna feels that rehearsing and taking class regularly helps her relate to her students and inspires her to be a better teacher. She recently passed her Cecchetti Grade I teacher exam, and is excited to begin her third year and Dance & Music Academy.
	Christal Post Christal graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. The degree program focused on ballet, jazz and modern dance. Soon after graduating she joined the Bruce Wood Dance Company in Fort Worth, Texas. She performed and toured the country with the company for two years. Christal moved to Chicago in June, 2005 and began dancing on scholarship at the Lou Conte Dance Studio, home of the acclaimed Hubbard Street Dance Company. She has performed with The House Theatre Company and the Baliwick Theatre Company as well as teaching at studios in the Chicagoland area.
	Trish Strong Trish Strong is certified as a Grade IV ballet teacher through the Cecchetti Council of America. She studied ballet and jazz at the University of Notre Dame while earning her BBA. She has danced at the Ruth Page School of Dance and Gus Giordano studios. She has a strong ballet background and has been trained by respected dance professionals such as Rory Foster, Rodney Irwin, and Karla Harris. Trish continues to pursue her Teacher’s Elementary certification through the Cecchetti Council of America and remains an active member of the organization serving as co-treasurer. She is currently on the faculty of the The Joffrey Ballet’s Academy of Dance and has taught at various North Shore studios for the past several years.

	Maria Tate Maria relocated to Chicago in Aug 2008. Since her arrival in Chicago, she has performed with Joel Hall Dancers 2, Rasa Dance Chicago, and danced in the Chicago Pride Parade. She has taught at several dance schools in the Chicagoland area. Maria has danced with Kansas City Contemporary Dance, Reach - a Movement Collective, Alithea Mime Theatre, and Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre. Her choreography has been seen at Radio City in Dublin, Ireland, Kansas City Fringe Festival, and Kansas City Dance in the Park. She has choreographed for the Great Plains Theatre Festival, Music Theatre for Young People, Horsefeathers and Applesauce Summer Dinner Theatre, and several high school productions. Maria received her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Wichita State University.

	Gloria Camilli Gloria is a graduate of Barat College, where she studied ballet, modern and jazz. She received an MA in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix. Gloria began teaching dance at age 16 and has always enjoyed passing along her love of both dance and music. She is also a musician, playing flute, piccolo and piano, as well as singing. Involvement in musical theatre throughout high school and college was a great way to blend both her loves into one activity. Gloria enjoys helping students to explore their special talents and encouraging them to continue to learn.