WBC FACULTY
Allison Wolsey, Owner & Artistic Director
A native of Orem, Allison T. Wolsey always knew she would someday own a dance studio. Upon graduating with a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah with a Teaching and a Performing Emphasis, she and her family moved to New York. There she danced professionally with the Northeast Ballet Company and the Albany Berkshire Ballet while teaching ballet. Having moved back to Utah, Allison opened Wasatch Ballet in 2000. Allison has written and choreographed several original, full-length ballets including It’s a Seussical Life, All Girls are Princesses, Odessa and the Titans, Wonderland and The Good, The Bad, and The Clever. She feels very fortunate to have a loving family (two children and a very supportive husband) and the studio she always hoped for. She enjoys the fulfillment she receives from teaching children to dance and is thrilled about Wasatch Ballet’s current evolution.
A native of Orem, Allison T. Wolsey always knew she would someday own a dance studio. Upon graduating with a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah with a Teaching and a Performing Emphasis, she and her family moved to New York. There she danced professionally with the Northeast Ballet Company and the Albany Berkshire Ballet while teaching ballet. Having moved back to Utah, Allison opened Wasatch Ballet in 2000. Allison has written and choreographed several original, full-length ballets including It’s a Seussical Life, All Girls are Princesses, Odessa and the Titans, Wonderland and The Good, The Bad, and The Clever. She feels very fortunate to have a loving family (two children and a very supportive husband) and the studio she always hoped for. She enjoys the fulfillment she receives from teaching children to dance and is thrilled about Wasatch Ballet’s current evolution.
Stephanie Saul, Assistant Director
Stephanie Saul began her teaching career in Salt Lake City, UT while earning her degree in ballet from the University of Utah with a Character Dance and Teaching Emphasis. After graduating, she moved to Aspen, Colorado where she taught Jazz and Tap for the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet School and the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Company. After leaving Colorado, Stephanie has continued to work with the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Company as a guest teacher and has choreographed two different works ont he company for gala events. Following her time in Aspen, Stephanie moved to New York City to pursue her own dance career where she danced with mostly jazz and contemporary companies, including Synthesis Dance Project, Nina Buission Contemporary Move, and The Albay Berkshire Ballet. Stephanie has been in Utah for the past seven years where she is the Assistant Director and a teacher at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Stephanie Saul began her teaching career in Salt Lake City, UT while earning her degree in ballet from the University of Utah with a Character Dance and Teaching Emphasis. After graduating, she moved to Aspen, Colorado where she taught Jazz and Tap for the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet School and the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Company. After leaving Colorado, Stephanie has continued to work with the Aspen Santa-Fe Ballet Company as a guest teacher and has choreographed two different works ont he company for gala events. Following her time in Aspen, Stephanie moved to New York City to pursue her own dance career where she danced with mostly jazz and contemporary companies, including Synthesis Dance Project, Nina Buission Contemporary Move, and The Albay Berkshire Ballet. Stephanie has been in Utah for the past seven years where she is the Assistant Director and a teacher at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Maureen Laird
Maureen Laird received her early training at Point Park College and the Pennsylvania Ballet School. She continued her studies at David Howard’s School and Melissa Hayden’s Studio in New York and then went on to study at the University of Utah where she earned a master's degree in teaching, choreography and research. Maureen performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet El Paso, and the American Dance Ensemble as a Soloist before dancing with Ballet West from 1980-87. While with Ballet West,
Maureen appeared in the Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, White Girl in Etudes, Waltz Pas de Deux, Lead Merliton, the Doll Solo in Nutcracker, Blue Girl in Les Patineurs, the Moth Fairy in The Dream, Bluebird Pas de Deux in Sleeping Beauty, and the title role in Pineapple Poll. Maureen has always made it a priority to stay active teaching and coaching in the community. She is an Associate Professor of Ballet at the University of Utah where she has designed and taught a broad range of the curriculum including all levels of Ballet Technique and Pointe, Conditioning for Dancers, Choreography, Repertoire, and Graduate academic courses. Her research interests include Dancer Transition, Brain and Gender Studies, and Dance Writing. She has been invited to teach and present her research at a number of international conferences and competitions. She is currently pursuing her research, teaching in the community, and enjoying work as a private coach.
Maureen Laird received her early training at Point Park College and the Pennsylvania Ballet School. She continued her studies at David Howard’s School and Melissa Hayden’s Studio in New York and then went on to study at the University of Utah where she earned a master's degree in teaching, choreography and research. Maureen performed with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet El Paso, and the American Dance Ensemble as a Soloist before dancing with Ballet West from 1980-87. While with Ballet West,
Maureen appeared in the Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, White Girl in Etudes, Waltz Pas de Deux, Lead Merliton, the Doll Solo in Nutcracker, Blue Girl in Les Patineurs, the Moth Fairy in The Dream, Bluebird Pas de Deux in Sleeping Beauty, and the title role in Pineapple Poll. Maureen has always made it a priority to stay active teaching and coaching in the community. She is an Associate Professor of Ballet at the University of Utah where she has designed and taught a broad range of the curriculum including all levels of Ballet Technique and Pointe, Conditioning for Dancers, Choreography, Repertoire, and Graduate academic courses. Her research interests include Dancer Transition, Brain and Gender Studies, and Dance Writing. She has been invited to teach and present her research at a number of international conferences and competitions. She is currently pursuing her research, teaching in the community, and enjoying work as a private coach.
Kaya Wolsey
Kaya Wolsey is originally from Orem, Utah where she received the majority of her early training at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Ms. Wolsey graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ballet Performance in May 2013. While at the University, Kaya was featured as a soloist in many of the department’s productions of Ballet Showcase and Ballet Ensemble. She was also a member of Utah Ballet, the resident Ballet Company of the University of Utah. As a member of Utah Ballet, Ms. Wolsey had the opportunity to perform a variety of soloist and corps roles in their productions of Giselle, La Bayadere, The Firebird and Swan Lake. Kaya was also a featured dancer in renowned choreographer Ma Cong’s Passion, There as well as had the opportunity to have two new works set on her by Dr. Jung Sik Roh of Roh Dance Project in Seole, Korea. Kaya was also a member of Utah Regional Ballet II and participated in Northwest Dance Project’s Launch:6. Ms. Wolsey also professionally choreographed and performed with Municipal Ballet Company.
She has attended summer intensives at Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. Kaya’s choreography has been featured in University productions of Ballet Showcase as well as in Municipal Ballet Company productions. Her most recent piece “…and so she wore white” was selected by the University to be presented at ACDFA. Kaya has taught many contemporary choreography workshops at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory and was also hired by Ballet West to teach choreography at their Summer Intensive in 2012 and 2013.
Kaya Wolsey is originally from Orem, Utah where she received the majority of her early training at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Ms. Wolsey graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Ballet Performance in May 2013. While at the University, Kaya was featured as a soloist in many of the department’s productions of Ballet Showcase and Ballet Ensemble. She was also a member of Utah Ballet, the resident Ballet Company of the University of Utah. As a member of Utah Ballet, Ms. Wolsey had the opportunity to perform a variety of soloist and corps roles in their productions of Giselle, La Bayadere, The Firebird and Swan Lake. Kaya was also a featured dancer in renowned choreographer Ma Cong’s Passion, There as well as had the opportunity to have two new works set on her by Dr. Jung Sik Roh of Roh Dance Project in Seole, Korea. Kaya was also a member of Utah Regional Ballet II and participated in Northwest Dance Project’s Launch:6. Ms. Wolsey also professionally choreographed and performed with Municipal Ballet Company.
She has attended summer intensives at Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. Kaya’s choreography has been featured in University productions of Ballet Showcase as well as in Municipal Ballet Company productions. Her most recent piece “…and so she wore white” was selected by the University to be presented at ACDFA. Kaya has taught many contemporary choreography workshops at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory and was also hired by Ballet West to teach choreography at their Summer Intensive in 2012 and 2013.
Michaela Pickett
Michaela Marie Pickett began her dance training at the age of 6 at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. During her 12 years at LABA, she studied ballet under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) method, passing all of her exams with Distinction, in addition to training in a variety of jazz and contemporary dance styles. Michaela went on to attend Chapman University in Orange, CA, where she received a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance Performance Major and Nutrition Minor. She not only continued her ballet, jazz, and contemporary training while at Chapman, but also began to heavily train in various classical and contemporary modern dance techniques. Michaela has studied under many world-renowned teachers and choreographers, and has attended an array of summer intensives, including but not limited to: American Academy of Ballet (Westchester, NY), School of American Ballet (New York, NY), Royal Ballet School (London, England), and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL). In the span of her professional career, Michaela has danced as Company Member with Sean Greene’s Shield Wall and JESSICA KONDRATH | THE MOVEMENT, both based in Los Angeles, CA - and has also taken part in commercial dance work in the LA area. Michaela is now living in Salt Lake City, UT and dancing as Company Member with SALT Contemporary Dance II.
In addition to pursuing a professional dance career of her own and serving as Creative Assistant for Francisco Gella Dance Works, Michaela possesses an immense passion for teaching dance. She has taught at The Art of Dance and Ballet Academy in Placentia, CA and quite heavily at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. She is currently teaching at Creative Arts Academy in Bountiful, UT and is so thrilled to now be joining the teaching faculty at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Michaela Marie Pickett began her dance training at the age of 6 at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. During her 12 years at LABA, she studied ballet under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) method, passing all of her exams with Distinction, in addition to training in a variety of jazz and contemporary dance styles. Michaela went on to attend Chapman University in Orange, CA, where she received a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance Performance Major and Nutrition Minor. She not only continued her ballet, jazz, and contemporary training while at Chapman, but also began to heavily train in various classical and contemporary modern dance techniques. Michaela has studied under many world-renowned teachers and choreographers, and has attended an array of summer intensives, including but not limited to: American Academy of Ballet (Westchester, NY), School of American Ballet (New York, NY), Royal Ballet School (London, England), and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (Chicago, IL). In the span of her professional career, Michaela has danced as Company Member with Sean Greene’s Shield Wall and JESSICA KONDRATH | THE MOVEMENT, both based in Los Angeles, CA - and has also taken part in commercial dance work in the LA area. Michaela is now living in Salt Lake City, UT and dancing as Company Member with SALT Contemporary Dance II.
In addition to pursuing a professional dance career of her own and serving as Creative Assistant for Francisco Gella Dance Works, Michaela possesses an immense passion for teaching dance. She has taught at The Art of Dance and Ballet Academy in Placentia, CA and quite heavily at Los Angeles Ballet Academy in Encino, CA. She is currently teaching at Creative Arts Academy in Bountiful, UT and is so thrilled to now be joining the teaching faculty at Wasatch Ballet Conservatory.
Andrea Kirk
Andrea Kirk is an artist and illustrator who has always had a passion for the arts. She specializes in oils, painting portraiture, large wall murals, fantasy art, landscapes, animals, etc. She has studied art throughout her life, receiving the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art at Spanish Fork High School, and graduating with High Honors. She then furthered her education by pursuing her studies through scholarship at Utah Valley University. She has illustrated three published children's books: "No One is More Wonderful Than You Are" by Nita Epoc, as well as, "Santa's New Job" and "Beating the Bully", by Michael J. McLelland. Along with illustrating Children's books, Andrea has completed several commissioned jobs painting portraiture and large wall murals for clients. She has also taught private lessons to hundreds of children of all ages, over the past 15 years. Many of her students have also pursued art, receiving multiple awards in the Reflections Program and local art shows, as well as winning the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art.
Andrea is a wife and a mother of four children, ages four to thirteen. She enjoys boating, wake boarding, hiking, exercising, gardening, cooking and spending quality time with her family. While attending the art program at UVU, she grew to love a quote given to her by one of her favorite art professors, who later passed away. She has since, applied this quote to every aspect of her life..."Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is joy, it is art." -Bliss Carman
Andrea Kirk is an artist and illustrator who has always had a passion for the arts. She specializes in oils, painting portraiture, large wall murals, fantasy art, landscapes, animals, etc. She has studied art throughout her life, receiving the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art at Spanish Fork High School, and graduating with High Honors. She then furthered her education by pursuing her studies through scholarship at Utah Valley University. She has illustrated three published children's books: "No One is More Wonderful Than You Are" by Nita Epoc, as well as, "Santa's New Job" and "Beating the Bully", by Michael J. McLelland. Along with illustrating Children's books, Andrea has completed several commissioned jobs painting portraiture and large wall murals for clients. She has also taught private lessons to hundreds of children of all ages, over the past 15 years. Many of her students have also pursued art, receiving multiple awards in the Reflections Program and local art shows, as well as winning the "Sterling Scholar Award" for art.
Andrea is a wife and a mother of four children, ages four to thirteen. She enjoys boating, wake boarding, hiking, exercising, gardening, cooking and spending quality time with her family. While attending the art program at UVU, she grew to love a quote given to her by one of her favorite art professors, who later passed away. She has since, applied this quote to every aspect of her life..."Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is joy, it is art." -Bliss Carman
Allison Farnsworth
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Allison Farnsworth received her ballet training and began teaching at Ballet Memphis School, where she performed with the Ballet Memphis Junior Company. She also attended summer programs at Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts and Kansas City Ballet. She received her B.A. in Dance from Brigham Young University, where she performed with Ballet Showcase Company, and was featured as a soloist in works such as Paquita and Le Corsaire. She also explored choreography by setting multiple pieces on the company, and earned the Ballet Division Achievement in Choreography award. During her undergraduate years, she supplemented her studies by performing two seasons with Burklyn Ballet Theatre.
Allison continued her studies at the University of Utah, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ballet Teaching and Choreography. She also worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Ballet Department, where she primarily taught the Musical Theatre Production majors in their ballet and jazz classes. She served as Ballet Mistress for Utah Ballet, the U's ballet performing company, and in this capacity organized Utah Ballet's outreach program for children in Title I elementary schools. In addition, Allison was invited to guest teach for summer programs at Brigham Young University and Ballet West.
After graduation, Allison was hired as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the U and taught technique classes for the department. After the birth of her first child, she focused her attention on studio teaching, directing local ballet programs and choreographing and setting full-length ballets.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Allison Farnsworth received her ballet training and began teaching at Ballet Memphis School, where she performed with the Ballet Memphis Junior Company. She also attended summer programs at Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts and Kansas City Ballet. She received her B.A. in Dance from Brigham Young University, where she performed with Ballet Showcase Company, and was featured as a soloist in works such as Paquita and Le Corsaire. She also explored choreography by setting multiple pieces on the company, and earned the Ballet Division Achievement in Choreography award. During her undergraduate years, she supplemented her studies by performing two seasons with Burklyn Ballet Theatre.
Allison continued her studies at the University of Utah, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ballet Teaching and Choreography. She also worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Ballet Department, where she primarily taught the Musical Theatre Production majors in their ballet and jazz classes. She served as Ballet Mistress for Utah Ballet, the U's ballet performing company, and in this capacity organized Utah Ballet's outreach program for children in Title I elementary schools. In addition, Allison was invited to guest teach for summer programs at Brigham Young University and Ballet West.
After graduation, Allison was hired as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the U and taught technique classes for the department. After the birth of her first child, she focused her attention on studio teaching, directing local ballet programs and choreographing and setting full-length ballets.
Jennifer Cowley
Jennifer started dancing at the age of three and was one of the first dancers to join Wasatch Ballet Conservatory when it opened. While growing up, she studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and many other genres of dance, in addition to several years of tumbling and competitive cheerleading. After graduating, she continued on to Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Wellness with a Contemporary Dance minor. While at BYU she had the opportunity to be part of several performing companies including: Ballet Showcase, DancEnsemble Contemporary Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Kinnect. She also performed as a guest artist in BYU Theatre Ballet’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” in 2016. In 2014, she participated in a dance study abroad in Italy, which involved daily classes at places such as La Scala School of Ballet, Hamlyn School of Ballet, and World Dance Movement Intensive.
Since her first teaching position in 2011, Jennifer has grown to love working with, and training students. She is certified in advanced Pilates, and has worked at Elevate Fitness and rehab, studying functional training through NASM and ACSM. She has a strong background in Dance Kinesiology and Health through school, and continues to learn what she can about the art form.
Jennifer started dancing at the age of three and was one of the first dancers to join Wasatch Ballet Conservatory when it opened. While growing up, she studied Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and many other genres of dance, in addition to several years of tumbling and competitive cheerleading. After graduating, she continued on to Brigham Young University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Wellness with a Contemporary Dance minor. While at BYU she had the opportunity to be part of several performing companies including: Ballet Showcase, DancEnsemble Contemporary Company, International Folk Dance Ensemble and Kinnect. She also performed as a guest artist in BYU Theatre Ballet’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” in 2016. In 2014, she participated in a dance study abroad in Italy, which involved daily classes at places such as La Scala School of Ballet, Hamlyn School of Ballet, and World Dance Movement Intensive.
Since her first teaching position in 2011, Jennifer has grown to love working with, and training students. She is certified in advanced Pilates, and has worked at Elevate Fitness and rehab, studying functional training through NASM and ACSM. She has a strong background in Dance Kinesiology and Health through school, and continues to learn what she can about the art form.
Kimberly Paiser
Kimberly Paiser is from Pueblo, Colorado and has been dancing in all styles for the past 18 years, with a passion for ballet. She has been to various summer intensives including Ballet West, Kirov Academy, Ballet Austin and more. Now married and living in Provo, Kimberly is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University with a bachelor degree in dance. Kimberly teaches ballet at BYU as well as Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Dance has always been a love in her life and knows that whether it’s performing or teaching, it will remain so for many years to come.
Kimberly Paiser is from Pueblo, Colorado and has been dancing in all styles for the past 18 years, with a passion for ballet. She has been to various summer intensives including Ballet West, Kirov Academy, Ballet Austin and more. Now married and living in Provo, Kimberly is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University with a bachelor degree in dance. Kimberly teaches ballet at BYU as well as Wasatch Ballet Conservatory. Dance has always been a love in her life and knows that whether it’s performing or teaching, it will remain so for many years to come.
Lauren Griffiths, Ballet & Children's
Lauren started dancing at the age of 4 and never stopped. She loves all kinds of dance and will continue to learn her whole life. While growing up, she had the opportunity to work with and perform with members of Odyssey Dance Theater, Ririe-Woodbury, and the Salt Lake Symphony. Lauren came to BYU and received a BA in Dance with a Minor in Family Life. While attending BYU, Lauren performed with BYU’s Ballet Showcase Company and Theatre Ballet. She also taught beginning ballet courses at BYU for three semesters. Lauren loves teaching and had the opportunity to teach at BYU’s Modern and Jazz Summer Dance Camps for two summers.
Not only is Lauren a fantastic teacher, she is also a talented piano player, organizer, and interior designer. She loves Broadway musicals and wishes she could sing so she could perform in one. Not afraid to admit she is a chocoholic, Lauren has a love for life and dance which she loves to pass on to her students.
Lauren started dancing at the age of 4 and never stopped. She loves all kinds of dance and will continue to learn her whole life. While growing up, she had the opportunity to work with and perform with members of Odyssey Dance Theater, Ririe-Woodbury, and the Salt Lake Symphony. Lauren came to BYU and received a BA in Dance with a Minor in Family Life. While attending BYU, Lauren performed with BYU’s Ballet Showcase Company and Theatre Ballet. She also taught beginning ballet courses at BYU for three semesters. Lauren loves teaching and had the opportunity to teach at BYU’s Modern and Jazz Summer Dance Camps for two summers.
Not only is Lauren a fantastic teacher, she is also a talented piano player, organizer, and interior designer. She loves Broadway musicals and wishes she could sing so she could perform in one. Not afraid to admit she is a chocoholic, Lauren has a love for life and dance which she loves to pass on to her students.
GUEST FACULTY
Annie Breneman
Annie Breneman received most of her early ballet training from Joan Miller's Palm Beach Ballet Center, Florida. She received a scholarship to attend the University of Utah, and later graduated with a BFA in Ballet. After her freshman year, she was hired by Ballet West as an Apprentice. She was promoted to Soloist in 2005. Annie recently retired from Ballet West after dancing with them for 13 years. Some of her favorite roles were "Giselle," in Jonas Kåge’s Giselle, "Snow Queen," in Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, "Fairy Godmother," in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, "Lilac Fairy," in Jonas Kåge’s Sleeping Beauty, and "Liberty Bell," in George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes. She also enjoyed working on contemporary choreography, such as works by Christopher Bruce, William Forsythe, Hans van Manen, Val Canaparoli, James Canfield, Nicolo Fonte, and many others. Annie has taught over the last fourteen years at various local dance studios in Utah and most recently spent the last year teaching in the Ballet Department at University of Utah, while pursuing her Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. She is constantly inspired by students wanting to learn about ballet and how their body moves.
Annie Breneman received most of her early ballet training from Joan Miller's Palm Beach Ballet Center, Florida. She received a scholarship to attend the University of Utah, and later graduated with a BFA in Ballet. After her freshman year, she was hired by Ballet West as an Apprentice. She was promoted to Soloist in 2005. Annie recently retired from Ballet West after dancing with them for 13 years. Some of her favorite roles were "Giselle," in Jonas Kåge’s Giselle, "Snow Queen," in Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, "Fairy Godmother," in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella, "Lilac Fairy," in Jonas Kåge’s Sleeping Beauty, and "Liberty Bell," in George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes. She also enjoyed working on contemporary choreography, such as works by Christopher Bruce, William Forsythe, Hans van Manen, Val Canaparoli, James Canfield, Nicolo Fonte, and many others. Annie has taught over the last fourteen years at various local dance studios in Utah and most recently spent the last year teaching in the Ballet Department at University of Utah, while pursuing her Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. She is constantly inspired by students wanting to learn about ballet and how their body moves.
Heidi Green
Heidi Green was born singing. Known to have a song for every occasion, she is passionate about infusing a love of music with young learners. Heidi studied Elementary and Music Education at Utah State University singing on vocal scholarship for two years. She has taught in upper grades, gifted and talented, home studio piano lessons, children’s chorus and currently teaches art and music on the elementary level. Heidi believes that each of us are creative in our own rite and she seeks to help others find and celebrate their unique creative talents.
Heidi Green was born singing. Known to have a song for every occasion, she is passionate about infusing a love of music with young learners. Heidi studied Elementary and Music Education at Utah State University singing on vocal scholarship for two years. She has taught in upper grades, gifted and talented, home studio piano lessons, children’s chorus and currently teaches art and music on the elementary level. Heidi believes that each of us are creative in our own rite and she seeks to help others find and celebrate their unique creative talents.
Jessica Liu
Jessica is from Sandy, Utah. She graduated cum laude from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Exercise Physiology. In 2012, Jessica was awarded the Visual & Performing Arts Award by Golden Key International Honour Society for her artistic and academic achievements. She has trained with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Washington School of Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and Ballet West.
Jessica is currently a member of Oakland Ballet Company and has also performed with Municipal Ballet Co., Salt Lake City Ballet, and Utah Ballet. She was also featured in Rebirth, a screen dance film by Ben Estabrook. In addition, Jessica has performed the work of Ohad Naharin, Kyle Abraham, Eddy Toussaint, Shaun Boyle, Carmen Rozenstraten, Alex Kettley, Alessio Silvestrin, and Rick Tjia.
Jessica has choreographed for Ballet West Academy, Municipal Ballet Co., and the University of Utah’s Ballet Showcases. Her work was nominated to represent the ballet department at the American College Dance Festival in the Northwest region.
Jessica is from Sandy, Utah. She graduated cum laude from the University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet as well as a BS in Exercise Physiology. In 2012, Jessica was awarded the Visual & Performing Arts Award by Golden Key International Honour Society for her artistic and academic achievements. She has trained with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, the Washington School of Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and Ballet West.
Jessica is currently a member of Oakland Ballet Company and has also performed with Municipal Ballet Co., Salt Lake City Ballet, and Utah Ballet. She was also featured in Rebirth, a screen dance film by Ben Estabrook. In addition, Jessica has performed the work of Ohad Naharin, Kyle Abraham, Eddy Toussaint, Shaun Boyle, Carmen Rozenstraten, Alex Kettley, Alessio Silvestrin, and Rick Tjia.
Jessica has choreographed for Ballet West Academy, Municipal Ballet Co., and the University of Utah’s Ballet Showcases. Her work was nominated to represent the ballet department at the American College Dance Festival in the Northwest region.
Angel Nunez
Angel was born in Cordoba Argentina in the early 70s and began his dance studies at the age of 5. At the age of 16, he graduated with honors from the National School of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was awarded a dance diploma from Colon Theatre's The Advanced Art's Institute in Argentina. He has been taught by greats such as Jorge Tomin, Irupe Pereyra Parodi, Olga Ferri, Enrrique Lommi, Lydia Segnni, Liliana Belfiore, and Manolita Suarez Herrera. Angel won Danzamerica's Cooper Award (1990) and Gold Award (1996), the Jose Neglia Award from the Cultural Foundation of Buenos Aires (1993), and he also received a Ballet Teaching Certificate from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina (1994). During the 90s, he performed with different companies around the world in productions such as Swan Lake and Giselle as well as many other productions. He performed at the Julio Bocca Ballet Company (Ballet Argentino) under the direction of Lydia Segnni, on the production of Paquita, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Manuel de Falla's Songs, and Che Tango. Angel has lived in Utah since 2000, receiving a degree in accounting from BYU. He is excited to share his talents with a new generation of dancers and make teaching ballet his full-time career.
Angel was born in Cordoba Argentina in the early 70s and began his dance studies at the age of 5. At the age of 16, he graduated with honors from the National School of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was awarded a dance diploma from Colon Theatre's The Advanced Art's Institute in Argentina. He has been taught by greats such as Jorge Tomin, Irupe Pereyra Parodi, Olga Ferri, Enrrique Lommi, Lydia Segnni, Liliana Belfiore, and Manolita Suarez Herrera. Angel won Danzamerica's Cooper Award (1990) and Gold Award (1996), the Jose Neglia Award from the Cultural Foundation of Buenos Aires (1993), and he also received a Ballet Teaching Certificate from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina (1994). During the 90s, he performed with different companies around the world in productions such as Swan Lake and Giselle as well as many other productions. He performed at the Julio Bocca Ballet Company (Ballet Argentino) under the direction of Lydia Segnni, on the production of Paquita, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Manuel de Falla's Songs, and Che Tango. Angel has lived in Utah since 2000, receiving a degree in accounting from BYU. He is excited to share his talents with a new generation of dancers and make teaching ballet his full-time career.
Deborah Rocha, Ballet & Flexibility
Deborah was born in Mexico City and graduated from Royal Academy of Dance, London in classical ballet. Her professional performing experience includes the National Ballet of Cuba, Metropolitan Dance Company in Mexico City, special guest dancer with Luxembourg Ballet and San Diego City Ballet. During her professional career she performed classical and contemporary works, including La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardee, Coppelia, Rubies and Serenade. After her second baby (the incredible Isabella, joining the equally talented Marcielo) she decided to transition from dancing professionally to become Pilates Certified and to coach Rhythmic Gymnastics. Debi will be joining our WBC faculty to teach Ballet and Flexibility Training.
Deborah was born in Mexico City and graduated from Royal Academy of Dance, London in classical ballet. Her professional performing experience includes the National Ballet of Cuba, Metropolitan Dance Company in Mexico City, special guest dancer with Luxembourg Ballet and San Diego City Ballet. During her professional career she performed classical and contemporary works, including La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardee, Coppelia, Rubies and Serenade. After her second baby (the incredible Isabella, joining the equally talented Marcielo) she decided to transition from dancing professionally to become Pilates Certified and to coach Rhythmic Gymnastics. Debi will be joining our WBC faculty to teach Ballet and Flexibility Training.
Justine Sheedy-Kramer
Justine Sheedy-Kramer received her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Utah Ballet Department, with emphases in Teaching, Choreography, Performance, and Character Dance. She also studied and performed with Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Washington Academy of Performing Arts, Burklyn Ballet Theatre, Utah Contemporary Ballet, Exit 12 Dance Company, Ballet Theatre Company, and CONNetic Dance. Justine toured nationally and internationally with Character Dance Ensemble and Eastern Artists, including performances as both a dancer and choreographer in Beijing, London, Los Angeles, New York City, St. Petersburg, and Vancouver. Justine currently teaches Ballet, Pointe, Character Dance, Senior Capstone, and Music for Ballet Dancers at Utah Valley University. Her variety of teaching and choreographic experience includes staging the full-length productions of Coppélia and Don Quixote for Saint Mary’s Hall; establishing collaborative projects between the Department of Ballet and School of Music at the University of Utah; and partnering with the Turnaround Arts initiative as part of the President’s Committee on the Arts & the Humanities.
Justine Sheedy-Kramer received her BFA and MFA degrees from the University of Utah Ballet Department, with emphases in Teaching, Choreography, Performance, and Character Dance. She also studied and performed with Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Washington Academy of Performing Arts, Burklyn Ballet Theatre, Utah Contemporary Ballet, Exit 12 Dance Company, Ballet Theatre Company, and CONNetic Dance. Justine toured nationally and internationally with Character Dance Ensemble and Eastern Artists, including performances as both a dancer and choreographer in Beijing, London, Los Angeles, New York City, St. Petersburg, and Vancouver. Justine currently teaches Ballet, Pointe, Character Dance, Senior Capstone, and Music for Ballet Dancers at Utah Valley University. Her variety of teaching and choreographic experience includes staging the full-length productions of Coppélia and Don Quixote for Saint Mary’s Hall; establishing collaborative projects between the Department of Ballet and School of Music at the University of Utah; and partnering with the Turnaround Arts initiative as part of the President’s Committee on the Arts & the Humanities.
