Photos & Bios

OUR TEACHERS

Kathy DeMaira (formerly Kathy Teubert) has a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts from Northeastern Illinois University. She has received talent scholarships from both Northeastern Illinois University and Joel Hall Studios in Chicago. She has worked in dance studios in the Chicagoland area for the past 20 years. She has taught dance at Resurrection High School in Chicago and Trinity High School in River Forest. She currently teaches dance at Notre Dame H.S. in Chicago and is an adjunct professor on faculty at Wright College where she teaches Ballet and Contemporary Dance. To compliment her dance interests, Kathy is the part-time librarian at St. Ferdinand School in Chicago. Kathy teaches jazz, tap, ballet/pointe, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary and children’s classes. She directs The DeMaira Dancers and the performing troupes offering new choreography and amateur performing opportunities. Kathy has won several choreography awards and her work has been showcased at Dance Chicago’s Dance Slam and The Best of Dance Slam. She and husband Joe DeMaira run both dance studios. Joe DeMaira has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is involved in the day to day operation of the dance studio. In 2007 they took over Elysse School of Dance in Oak Park and a year later opened a second location in Chicago. In addition to the studios annual dance recital, they also produce an annual Halloween Show, a Holiday Jubilee Show, and new for February 2010 The Love Show. The studio is residence to The DeMaira Dancers, also a competitive Hip Hop Dance Crew AND our amateur Performance Troupes. The studio also serves as rehearsal space for up and coming professional dance companies.

Jesus Aguilera from Houston Texas, Jesus has danced as a principal dancer in the internationally known Descarga Caribe dance company specializing in Latin dance with a jazz flair under the direction of Sekou McMiller. Jesus's teaching style reflects his passion for Latin dance. Jesus is currently pursuing a degree expanding his studies to all forms of dance. Be on the look out for his outstanding choreography as he is forming his own dance company, Modern Clave'. In addition Jesus is currently an apprentice for Rasa Dance Chicago, a contemporary dance company. He is excited to share his love of dance with the students here.

Elysse Cesario has been teaching in Oak Park for over 30 years. She is a Master Graduate of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. Miss Elysse attended teaching conventions with the Professional Dance Teachers Association, League for the Betterment of Dance, and Take Five Workshops. Miss Elysse also taught dance at Wright Jr. College in Chicago for the Adult Evening Education Program. Miss Elysse has studied dance with Mademoiselle Avna in Paris, France; also in London, England. Further study was with Gus Giordano, Peter Gennero, Tommy Sutton, Ed Parrish, and Ruthann Coesan of ABT for pointe work. She loves and enjoys teaching children and has established an excellent reputation in the community as a caring teacher for the past 33 years.

Colleen Coyne brings over 25 years of teaching experience to the classroom. Her specialty is children’s classes, and training students in jazz, tap, hip hop and leading adult fitness classes. She has taught at Trinity Lutheran Church and local studios in Chicagoland. She was the Owner/director of Body Roc! offering fitness classes for over 13 years. Colleen demonstrates patience and kindness in her classroom and inspires dancers to do their best.

Daniel Desir is the founder and artistic director of the Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company. He has a Bachelor in education from the Normal School of P-A-P in Haiti. He is trained in Dunham technique, Afro-Haitian Dance, Ballroom dance, ballet, jazz, tap, and modern. He has done choreography for Hedwig Dances and Najwa Dance Corps. His teaching experience spans fron Haiti to Florida to right here in the Chicagoland area.

Danielle DiBianco has a BA from Northeastern Illinois University with an emphasis in music and a dance minor. She has over 10 years of teaching experience having taught dance, piano and swimming classes. She is a compassionate instructor who shares her enthusiasm teaching students in an energetic, supportive and challenging environment.

Melissa Giegoldt is a young teacher with lots of enthusiasm. Her love of dance began as a Chicago Rush Jr. Adrenaline Rush Dancer in 2002. She performed at Chicago Rush football games until 2006. Her teacher training has included being a teaching assistant to Kathy DeMaira and other experienced staff members of DeMaira Dance Studios Inc. for over five years. She has performed with the DeMaira Dancers as well as with our Performing Troupes. She continues to study all forms of dance as well as continues to participate in our teaching assistant program. Her energy end excitement is contagious!

Carsi Hughes has a Ph. D. from Northwestern University. In addition to her impressive academic and professional career resume, Carsi been studying and teaching Authentic Middle Eastern Bellydance (Raks Sharki) since 2002. She continues her studies by attending classes and workshops such as Shimmyfest. She is competent with veil, zils and saidi stick. She is the HipShimmy Girls Troupe Founder and Choreographer.

Crystal Jadczak is our voice teacher. Crystal has a B.A. from Roosevelt University. She’s been singing professionally for nearly 15 years and has studied at the University of Miami School of Music and in private instruction under musical theatre, classical performers and also jazz musicians.

Anne Kasdorf has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from Ohio University. She has been a performer and a teaching artist with Zephyr Dance Company and The Space/Movement Project since 2005. She has experience teaching children, teens and adults. Anne is currently on hiatus.

Ada Marquez

Ada has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has performed with AMBEA Acrobatic and Aerial Dance, Elements Contemporary Ballet and the Peoria Ballet Company. She is a teaching artist with the Joffrey Ballet’s education and community engagement program.

Sidney McNeal III Renowned Hip Hop dance artist and choreographer, Sidney delivers a compelling, masterful, and deeply personal interpretation of today’s latest moves. He has performed at the Park West and Regal Theater, and has won first place in several Hip Hop competitions. Television appearances include the Jerry Lewis Telethon, Just Kidding Around, the Oprah Winfrey show and America’s Best Dance Crew!

Miguel Pagan has danced with the internationally known Descarga Caribe dance company specializing in Latin dance with a jazz flair under the direction of Sekou McMiller. Miguel is currently the Assistant Director of the Modern Clave' Dance Company and is studying all forms of dance here. We are so happy to have him formally join our staff!

Red Hot Annie began as – and remains – a pinup model since 2003. With an extensive performance background to draw on, she turned her attentions to burlesque in early 2008. In short order, she has become one of the most recognizable and visible faces in Chicago burlesque, blending comedy, sexiness, and storytelling into a crowd-pleasing style. She has performed with – among others – Beast Women Cabaret, Varietease Cabaret, and Belmont Burlesque Revue. In July 2008, Red Hot Annie paired up with Dick Dijon to create Vaudezilla Productions, which has become a major force in Chicago by redefining the burlesque bar show and setting a new standard for burlesque variety shows. In 2009, she began expanding her presence beyond Chicago, making appearances at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, the Texas Burlesque Festival, and with the Brew City Bombshells in Milwaukee.

Jenny Susina has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She currently teaches 2nd grade at St. Benedict School in Chicago. She is a member of The DeMaira Dancers Production Company. Jenny wishes to impart and instill to her students the fond memories she obtained dancing as a child. Her teaching style encompasses a learning atmosphere that inspires the youngest dancer to excel.

Judy Teubert, a college student, is a delightful teacher with lots of enthusiasm and brings a renewed energy to the classroom. A member of The DeMaira Dancers Production Company, she has studied under her Aunt (Kathy DeMaira) since she was born. In addition, she continues her hip hop and jazz training at conventions such as Monsters of Hip Hop and The Pulse Dance Conventions with teachers Mia Michaels and Brian Friedman. She has received Gold and 1st place awards competitively. In 2003 she was awarded the title Miss Spotlight from the Spotlight Talent Dance Competition. Judy was a Chicago Bulls Junior Luvabull for four years. She is experienced in teaching jazz, tap, hip hop and children’s classes and is proud to be on our staff.

Support Staff:

Tanji Harper is the co-founder of Blu Rhythm Chicago Dance Ensemble and Artistic Director of The Happiness Club. She has done choreography for the kids portion of the Kanye West Jesus Walks music video and has been a dancer for recording artists Busta Rhymes, R. Kelly and Avant. We are looking forward to having teach monthly workshops at both of our locations. Keep your eye on the schedule for more details!

Kahphira Palmer is a member of the Tamboula Ethnic Dance Company under the direction of Daniel Desir. Kahphira teaches both ballroom dance and modern.

Amanda Vander Kelen is a French major at Northeastern Il. University. Amanda is currently studying all forms of dance here and often substitutes. She has taught for us before and we are happy to have her back.

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