Char later attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS and is an alumnus of Columbia College, Chicago. While in Chicago, she studied at the Chicago Multi- Cultural Dance Center and the School of Homer Hans Bryant before becoming a student at the Debbie Allen School in Los Angeles. Char began her professional career as a dancer/actress in the theater production of Beauty Shop, produced by Shelly Garrett. Beauty Shop was later adapted into a movie starring Queen Latifah. She toured the US in several theater productions, both on & off Broadway as a principal dancer & actress, danced as a backup dancer for Epic Records and toured with DreamWorks Recording Artists. Her choreography has also been used in Disney animated films. Ms. Petersen has been a dance educator for more than 10 years and has a passion for developing young dancers. She has worked extensively educating dancers and choreographing for dance companies throughout the Midwest. Her dynamic, energetic teaching style and thoughtful guidance has inspired her students and propelled many of them to successful careers in the arts.
Charlaine Katsuyoshi (Ballet/Master Level Teacher) is originally from Kailua, Hawaii. She earned her BFA from the University of California Irvine. In three years, she graduated Cum Laude earning her BFA in Dance Performance. While at UCI, she was a founding member of Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble, as well as the recipient of both the Arts Bridge and Tierney Scholarships. Living in Los Angeles after graduation, Charlaine made her film debut in Paramount Pictures movie “Blade”, and her television debut in the TV series “Fame LA”. Ms. Katsuyoshi then moved east to tour worldwide with MOMIX under the direction of Moses Pendleton and Cynthia Quinn. From 1999 to 2006, Charlaine continued her career, dancing with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago under the direction of Lou Conte and Jim Vincent. In 2006 Charlaine joined the touring cast of Disney’s Broadway Musical “The Lion King”, and made her New York Broadway debut in 2009. From 2006 to 2009, Charlaine was also danced with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. In 2009, She was asked to join Aszure Barton and Artists to collaborate in the creation of a new work, Busk. Since 2005, Charlaine has had the pleasure of being on the faculty of Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu Hawaii, developing curriculum and teaching ballet and modern at the high school level. In 2010 she was on faculty at Peridance in New York City, teaching professional level ballet. In 2011, Charlaine joined the faculties at the Lou Conte Dance School, the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, and Ruth Page Center in Chicago, IL teaching ballet modern and jazz.
Elise Corey (Ballet IV/V Level Teacher) was chosen at age 12 by George Balanchine to attend his prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City. When she graduated at 16 she was immediately taken into the New York City Ballet where she danced corps, solo, and principal roles for 10 years before going to Europe to dance with Rudolf Nureyev. When she returned in the early 80’s, Elise studied Pilates intensely with Judy Kovan and Patrick Strong to compliment her dancing. Upon receiving her Pilates certification in 1999, Elise has been training clients on the authentic Pliates Method. She has worked with clients of all capabilities, and has guided the training of 3 apprentices. Elise enjoys refining clients’ techniques for the method helping clients get the most out of their Pilates practice.
Stephanie Martinez (Contemporary/Jazz & Master Level Teacher) started her dance career with River North Chicago Dance Company under the direction of Sherry Zunker and Frank Chaves. During her 14 years with the company she performed principal roles in the works of Ashley Rowland, Daniel Ezralow and Randy Duncan among others. Martinez has worked independently with directors and choreographers including Mark Robin and Mark Eckstein (Swing), Kenny Ortega and Gus Giordano. She has been featured on several PBS specials including River North Rising and Love in Four Acts. She was director of the dance department at Spence New York City. She is currently collaborating and performing with Concert Dance Inc. under the direction of Venitia Stiffler. Martinez is honored to premiere her first collaborative work with Franciscoar Aviña.Jeanette Richardson - (Dream Company Manager/Artist Director Sole Dance Academy) danced professionally for two years with the Swallow Cliff Dance Company before she shifted her focus to teaching and doing independent performance and choreography projects. She has taught and managed studios throughout the Midwest and has directed and choreographed for several national award winning dance companies.
Jeanette was also a professional Company Member with Rasa Dance Chicago from 2008-2010. She enjoys passing along to her students the knowledge, passion, inspiration, self-discipline, and joy that can be discovered in dance.
Cynthia Zaeske (Ballet Teacher )began her dance training with Louise Engstrom of Ballet Russe and continued to study with Ruth Page, Ellis DuBoulay and Homer Bryant. Her dance studies also include Lou Conte and Joel Hall. She performed with Chicago City Ballet, received scholarships to Northeastern University and Interlocheon Arts Academy. She can also be seen in the music video “Love Comes Down,” for Rez Band. She has choreographed a myriad of professional musicals including the Midwest Premiere of Wild Goat for Mark Hollman and Jack Helbig at Steel Beam Theatre. Cynthia has developed ballet programs and taught dance for the last 20 years and has served on various boards including WMC Production, Actor Factor Theatre and Steel Beam Theater as well as other pre-professional ballet schools. Her students have gone on to perform and study with the Joffrey, Broadway Tours, professional theatre, Las Vegas, North Carolina School of the Arts, Broadway Theatre Project, Carnegie Mellon and Catholic University.
STEVE EWING (Choreographer/Master Level Teacher): Steve Ewing began his dance career at 12 at the well-known Bryant Ballet in Chicago. At the age of 16, Steve was teaching students of his own. After completing his B.A. in Theatre from Millikin University, Steve became a part of the largely successful Broadway smash-hit musical, WICKED, where he performed the role of Chistery for nearly 3 years. Along with performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, his other credits include numerous industrials with such employers as Cirque Du Soliel, Discover Card, and The Pampered Chef; yummy! You can even find Steve in the Encyclopedia Britannica for Health under Dance. Also a faculty member of Street of Dreams dance convention, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and Guest Faculty at EDGE P.A.C. in LA, Steve’s unique style combines his classical training with a new, edgy feel that evokes emotions in all whom he encounters!
Monique Haley (Master Level Teacher)(Springfield, VA) is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performing arts specializing in jazz dance. This is Monique’s eighth season with River North Chicago Dance Co. after training and performing with the Company as an apprentice part of the first year. Her 24 years of training in competitive and professional dance experiences include Chris Collins Dance Studio (Alexandria, VA); Gary Pates Superstars Show Troupe (Waldorf, MD); participating in workshops sponsored by Dance Theatre of Harlem and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago; training with Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Company; and working as an instructor at Rivernorth Chicago Dance Co. workshops and Marching Auxilaries and dance camps in Plano, Tx. Monique is a former member of the Bermuda Dance Company and the Eleone Dance Theatre of Philadelphia. In Chicago, she keeps busy choreographing for various projects, teaching all age groups thru the professional level, and performing in a variety of commercial and industrial events
Nick Gonzalez (Guest) is the Co-Creator & Director of NRG danceProject. He embodies the talent of not only a great performer, but also an innovative choreographer and skilled instructor. The NRG in his class is one of a kind. He will inspire you, get you laughing & make you dance like you never knew you could! His performance credits include:
Season 1 and 2 of FOX Networks smash hit “So You Think You Can Dance”. Music Video Credits include: Usher’s “Yeah,” Recording Artist Tomi in “Baby Get Down,” The Ying Yang Twins, “Pitbull,” Red Man, Fat Joe.
Eye opening choreography for: “HYPE” & “Move It’’ in London, England. “Best Of The Midwest” in Chicago IL, Dance Carnival 3 in Hanno, Japan & The latest edition of NBA Ballers 2 and 3. Nick was also the Lead Judge for ‘’Got Dance’’ the Hit TV Show in the Grand Cayman Islands.
Corey Dunn (Contemporary Teacher/Choreographer & Master Level Teacher) Corey Dunn Worley at the late of 14 began exploring the arts with Moves Dance Studio in the suburbs of Chicago. Corey has studied under Kim Farrah , Terry Fox, Homer Bryant, Meg Snider, Mme Peff Modelski and many others. Corey has also attended the Ballet Intensive Moscow. Two years into his training, Corey was accepted into Interlochen Fine Arts’ eight-week program on full scholarship where he flourished in the techniques of classical ballet, Alexander Technique, Improvisation and Pas De Duex under Shellie Cash and Thomas Morris. He was a work-study participant at Giordano in Chicago, under the late Gus Giordano and under Nan Giordano. In addition to his training Corey entered the competition world of dance with Excel Dance Productions under Rachelle Roehlk-Ochsner, where he earned many scholarships, and recognition for award winning performances. He later began assisting conventions with Joey Tarwater. Corey attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Since returning to Illinois in 2007 he has been teaching as a master level teacher, choreographing and performing. Corey is currently with NOMI LAMAD- a new up and coming professional dance company downtown Chicago- under direction of Laura Kariotis and Madeline Renwick. He also performs as a guest artist with DANCE CRASHIn fall of 2010, Worley and Co. director Sarah Burney founded a new company, Prevail. Eager and constantly evolving Corey undoubtedly amplifies this gift for the arts and directly bestows to all who he encounters.
