INSTRUCTORS
Carina Schell Artistic Director
Carina began her dance training in the FM area in 1992, studying ballet, jazz, pointe, Irish, and lyrical. When she was 13, Carina began teaching dance and really developed a passion for it. After high school, she continued her training at the world-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet in their full-time, intensive Teacher Training Program. There, she studied ballet, pointe, partnering, jazz, modern, and character genres in the Professional Division. She also studied pedagogy, music, anatomy, dance history, and nutrition. Carina began teaching in RWB’s Recreational Division and satellite program before finishing her first year of training and has substituted for the Professional Division.
After returning to the FM area, Carina went on to become a founder and part-owner of a studio in Fargo. There, she taught ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, ballet/tap combo classes, creative movement and tot’s classes. She has continued her education at Rhee Gold’s Dancelife Teacher Conferences, Dance Masters of America, Dance Teacher Summit, and Dance Teacher Web Live working with infamous teachers and choreographers. Carina is a wife and mother of three children and in her free time enjoys snowmobiling, four-wheeling, baking, and spending time with family.
Carina began her dance training in the FM area in 1992, studying ballet, jazz, pointe, Irish, and lyrical. When she was 13, Carina began teaching dance and really developed a passion for it. After high school, she continued her training at the world-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet in their full-time, intensive Teacher Training Program. There, she studied ballet, pointe, partnering, jazz, modern, and character genres in the Professional Division. She also studied pedagogy, music, anatomy, dance history, and nutrition. Carina began teaching in RWB’s Recreational Division and satellite program before finishing her first year of training and has substituted for the Professional Division.
After returning to the FM area, Carina went on to become a founder and part-owner of a studio in Fargo. There, she taught ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, ballet/tap combo classes, creative movement and tot’s classes. She has continued her education at Rhee Gold’s Dancelife Teacher Conferences, Dance Masters of America, Dance Teacher Summit, and Dance Teacher Web Live working with infamous teachers and choreographers. Carina is a wife and mother of three children and in her free time enjoys snowmobiling, four-wheeling, baking, and spending time with family.
Bailey Bormann Assistant Director
Bailey was introduced to the classic nutcracker at age 3 and hasn't stopped dancing since. She started off training in ballet, but shortly after expanded her dance genres to tap, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, pointe, and modern. She also took some classes in ballroom where she graduated high school in 2019. Bailey has always wanted to continue her growth in dance and performed/trained in multiple places throughout her years growing up. Through dance she has raised money for YWCA and Relay for Life. She participated in the National tour of Wizard of Oz, a New York and Las Vegas dance training seminar, won multiple awards at local dance competitions, and was a principal dancer on NDAOD'S competition team. You may also recognize Bailey as she played Queen of Hearts and Ursula in past NDAOD productions. Bailey started teaching dance at the age of 15 and fell in love with it quickly. Dance is her life, and she continues to strive for perfection and learn all that she can to be a successful dancer and teacher.
Bailey was introduced to the classic nutcracker at age 3 and hasn't stopped dancing since. She started off training in ballet, but shortly after expanded her dance genres to tap, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, pointe, and modern. She also took some classes in ballroom where she graduated high school in 2019. Bailey has always wanted to continue her growth in dance and performed/trained in multiple places throughout her years growing up. Through dance she has raised money for YWCA and Relay for Life. She participated in the National tour of Wizard of Oz, a New York and Las Vegas dance training seminar, won multiple awards at local dance competitions, and was a principal dancer on NDAOD'S competition team. You may also recognize Bailey as she played Queen of Hearts and Ursula in past NDAOD productions. Bailey started teaching dance at the age of 15 and fell in love with it quickly. Dance is her life, and she continues to strive for perfection and learn all that she can to be a successful dancer and teacher.
Ashley Hertwig-Frieler Competition Director
Ashley has been involved with dance since she was four years old. She trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, and musical theater at Lucille Murray's Studio of Dance in her hometown of Monticello, MN for 11 years. She was a competitive dancer for five years and danced on the top advanced competition team from grades 6-12. At 15 years old, Ashley was hired as an assistant dance instructor for students ages 3-11, and co-taught a summer session for high school students after she had graduated. After moving up to Fargo for college, Ashley began instructing creative movement, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop at a studio in the area. Within her three years instructing there, she expanded their hip hop program and has developed a hip hop curriculum especially for her students at the North Dakota Academy of Dance. Ashley continues to expand her dance knowledge and loves to incorporate new ideas that challenge her and her students.
Ashley is also a pharmacist in the area and spends her spare time going on walks with her husband, daughters and son, and two puppies. Ashley's constantly thinking up new dance ideas and is happy she is able to share her love of dance with students at ND Academy of Dance.
Ashley has been involved with dance since she was four years old. She trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, and musical theater at Lucille Murray's Studio of Dance in her hometown of Monticello, MN for 11 years. She was a competitive dancer for five years and danced on the top advanced competition team from grades 6-12. At 15 years old, Ashley was hired as an assistant dance instructor for students ages 3-11, and co-taught a summer session for high school students after she had graduated. After moving up to Fargo for college, Ashley began instructing creative movement, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop at a studio in the area. Within her three years instructing there, she expanded their hip hop program and has developed a hip hop curriculum especially for her students at the North Dakota Academy of Dance. Ashley continues to expand her dance knowledge and loves to incorporate new ideas that challenge her and her students.
Ashley is also a pharmacist in the area and spends her spare time going on walks with her husband, daughters and son, and two puppies. Ashley's constantly thinking up new dance ideas and is happy she is able to share her love of dance with students at ND Academy of Dance.
Zowie Lee Office Manager
Zowie started dancing at the age of 3 and is an alumnus of the studio. She has trained in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern and contemporary. Zowie was a part of the competition team for many years and collected various awards during her time. She also was cast as a variety of lead roles during her dance years including Scuttle, Grandpa Joe, The Scarecrow and Simba. Now, Zowie is often seen leading the office, as well as teaching both recreational and competitive classes.
Zowie is a 2022 graduate of Fargo South High School and now attends MSUM as an Early Childhood Education Major. She hopes to become a Child Life Specialist and continue her love of working with children. Outside of school, Zowie loves to snuggle with her dog and do any type of craft!
Zowie started dancing at the age of 3 and is an alumnus of the studio. She has trained in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern and contemporary. Zowie was a part of the competition team for many years and collected various awards during her time. She also was cast as a variety of lead roles during her dance years including Scuttle, Grandpa Joe, The Scarecrow and Simba. Now, Zowie is often seen leading the office, as well as teaching both recreational and competitive classes.
Zowie is a 2022 graduate of Fargo South High School and now attends MSUM as an Early Childhood Education Major. She hopes to become a Child Life Specialist and continue her love of working with children. Outside of school, Zowie loves to snuggle with her dog and do any type of craft!
Brittany Mark
Brittany started dancing at age six when her parents decided to push her outside her comfort zone, and she fell in love. In elementary school she danced at a studio in West Fargo, and in middle and high school danced on the Kindred Vikettes dance team for 5 years. While on the team Brittany helped choreograph and competed and trained in jazz, pom, hip-hop and ballet. The team also held camps for younger dancers in the community and that's where she found her love for teaching kids.
Outside the studio, Brittany is a 2nd grade teacher in West Fargo. She enjoys spending time with her husband, son and cats, reading, going on bike rides (when it's not freezing!).
Brittany started dancing at age six when her parents decided to push her outside her comfort zone, and she fell in love. In elementary school she danced at a studio in West Fargo, and in middle and high school danced on the Kindred Vikettes dance team for 5 years. While on the team Brittany helped choreograph and competed and trained in jazz, pom, hip-hop and ballet. The team also held camps for younger dancers in the community and that's where she found her love for teaching kids.
Outside the studio, Brittany is a 2nd grade teacher in West Fargo. She enjoys spending time with her husband, son and cats, reading, going on bike rides (when it's not freezing!).
Allison Pillar
Allison began dancing at age three, continuing to study ballet, tap, and jazz at a studio through the 6th grade. In junior high she joined Just for Kix in the small town of Hazen, ND before joining the Hazen Highlights high school dance team for four years. While on the dance team, Allison helped lead her team as a choreographer and team officer, winning state titles all four years in pom, high kick, and lyrical/jazz. She also helped choreograph and teach routines for the annual mini-dance camp held for students in grades K-6.
Outside of teaching jazz and tap, Allison works as the Communications Manager for YWCA Cass Clay. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and sons, reading, sewing, and eating ice cream :)
Allison began dancing at age three, continuing to study ballet, tap, and jazz at a studio through the 6th grade. In junior high she joined Just for Kix in the small town of Hazen, ND before joining the Hazen Highlights high school dance team for four years. While on the dance team, Allison helped lead her team as a choreographer and team officer, winning state titles all four years in pom, high kick, and lyrical/jazz. She also helped choreograph and teach routines for the annual mini-dance camp held for students in grades K-6.
Outside of teaching jazz and tap, Allison works as the Communications Manager for YWCA Cass Clay. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and sons, reading, sewing, and eating ice cream :)
Erin Deck
Erin Deck began dancing when she was three years old in her hometown of Grand Forks, ND. She has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, performance heels, contemporary, pointe, and Riverdance. She was on the performing lines of her former studio, performing at half-times of sports games and local events. She was also on the competition team where she attended various competitions, including LADF in Minneapolis and Tremaine in Chicago. She and the competition team performed jazz, contemporary, and lyrical pieces earning gold and silver awards. She started assisting last year at NDAOD and is excited to be an instructor this year!
She has always loved dance and is happy to spread her passion and knowledge to her students.
Erin also teaches second grade and enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dog, watching shows, and traveling.
Erin Deck began dancing when she was three years old in her hometown of Grand Forks, ND. She has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, performance heels, contemporary, pointe, and Riverdance. She was on the performing lines of her former studio, performing at half-times of sports games and local events. She was also on the competition team where she attended various competitions, including LADF in Minneapolis and Tremaine in Chicago. She and the competition team performed jazz, contemporary, and lyrical pieces earning gold and silver awards. She started assisting last year at NDAOD and is excited to be an instructor this year!
She has always loved dance and is happy to spread her passion and knowledge to her students.
Erin also teaches second grade and enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dog, watching shows, and traveling.
Abby Johnson
Abby started dancing when she was 7 years old, and she has loved it ever since. She has danced at local studios doing Jazz and Kick until joining NDAOD in 2017. She danced in Ballet, Lyrical, and Jazz which quickly became her favorite genres to dance and teach. After graduating in 2021, Abby started school at NDSU where she majors in Human Development and Family Science, and Elementary Education. Abby hopes to share her love of dance through teaching and give everyone the experience to express freely through dance.
Outside of dance Abby enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying music, and cozying up to read books.
Abby started dancing when she was 7 years old, and she has loved it ever since. She has danced at local studios doing Jazz and Kick until joining NDAOD in 2017. She danced in Ballet, Lyrical, and Jazz which quickly became her favorite genres to dance and teach. After graduating in 2021, Abby started school at NDSU where she majors in Human Development and Family Science, and Elementary Education. Abby hopes to share her love of dance through teaching and give everyone the experience to express freely through dance.
Outside of dance Abby enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying music, and cozying up to read books.
Abby Loney
Abby began dancing at the age of three and a year later joined a local studio. She moved over to NDAOD in 2016 and over the years has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, pointe, and hip-hop. Abby has been on NDAOD’s Competition Team since 2021 and has been awarded in multiple categories and genres. She has performed in many of NDOAD’s productions and has played Mufasa in The Lion King and Fauna in Sleeping Beauty.
Abby started assisting classes in 2020 and joined the teaching staff in 2023. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the growth that occurs in her students as dancers while having fun and making memories.
Abby attends Park Christian School and is involved in choir and yearbook. Outside of dance, you can find her hanging out with her family and friends, playing games, or relaxing at the lake. Abby is always up for an ice cream run with anyone that asks!
Abby began dancing at the age of three and a year later joined a local studio. She moved over to NDAOD in 2016 and over the years has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, pointe, and hip-hop. Abby has been on NDAOD’s Competition Team since 2021 and has been awarded in multiple categories and genres. She has performed in many of NDOAD’s productions and has played Mufasa in The Lion King and Fauna in Sleeping Beauty.
Abby started assisting classes in 2020 and joined the teaching staff in 2023. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the growth that occurs in her students as dancers while having fun and making memories.
Abby attends Park Christian School and is involved in choir and yearbook. Outside of dance, you can find her hanging out with her family and friends, playing games, or relaxing at the lake. Abby is always up for an ice cream run with anyone that asks!
Ashley Manske
Ashley Manske began dancing when she was seven at a private studio studying ballet, pointe, jazz and tap and also did some choreography in her hometown of Sioux Falls, SD. After high school, she attended South Dakota State University and was on the dance team. A year later, she continued her training at the University of Montana in Missoula and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, emphasis in dance. It was here that she was introduced to Modern dance, and she fell in love with the genre. She created numerous dance pieces that expressed her love for dance while in college and the following year in Sioux Falls before moving to Fargo.
Ashley taught Modern at a local studio in the area from 2009-2015, and is continuing her journey with ND Academy of Dance. Modern dance is a different way to move and express the emotions one feels through the body and she is excited to share her creativity with the students. Outside of dance, Ashley works at NDSU and is married with two beautiful girls.
Ashley Manske began dancing when she was seven at a private studio studying ballet, pointe, jazz and tap and also did some choreography in her hometown of Sioux Falls, SD. After high school, she attended South Dakota State University and was on the dance team. A year later, she continued her training at the University of Montana in Missoula and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, emphasis in dance. It was here that she was introduced to Modern dance, and she fell in love with the genre. She created numerous dance pieces that expressed her love for dance while in college and the following year in Sioux Falls before moving to Fargo.
Ashley taught Modern at a local studio in the area from 2009-2015, and is continuing her journey with ND Academy of Dance. Modern dance is a different way to move and express the emotions one feels through the body and she is excited to share her creativity with the students. Outside of dance, Ashley works at NDSU and is married with two beautiful girls.
Caitlyn Sullivan
Caitlyn began dancing at the age of three years old. she began at a local competition studio until joining NDAOD in 2016, where she trained ballet, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, pointe, and was on the competition team. Her teams would go on to win many awards. While at NDAOD she participated in many of the winter productions and stared as, queen trident in The Little Mermaid, Micha's mom in Willy Wonka, the Professor in The Wizard of OZ, Rafiki in the Lion King.
Caitlyn began assisting classes in 2019 and would switch to teaching in the summer 2021. Throughout her years she did many theater productions and would even take on student choreographer in many of those productions. She graduated in 2022 at West Fargo High School. In her free time, she loves drinking coffee while playing card games with her family.
Caitlyn began dancing at the age of three years old. she began at a local competition studio until joining NDAOD in 2016, where she trained ballet, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, pointe, and was on the competition team. Her teams would go on to win many awards. While at NDAOD she participated in many of the winter productions and stared as, queen trident in The Little Mermaid, Micha's mom in Willy Wonka, the Professor in The Wizard of OZ, Rafiki in the Lion King.
Caitlyn began assisting classes in 2019 and would switch to teaching in the summer 2021. Throughout her years she did many theater productions and would even take on student choreographer in many of those productions. She graduated in 2022 at West Fargo High School. In her free time, she loves drinking coffee while playing card games with her family.
Chani Tretbar
Chani was a competitive and sideline cheerleader for four years of high school, then moved onto become a cheerleader for the NDSU Bison for three years. Chani graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's in hospitality and Tourism with minor in business. She has been with NDAOD since 2018. Chani teaches Acro and loves being able to carry her passion of tricks and tumbling into the dance world.
Chani and her husband have two cats and their Samoyed puppy, (Winston!) She loves the NDAOD family and spends her free time reading or gardening.
Chani was a competitive and sideline cheerleader for four years of high school, then moved onto become a cheerleader for the NDSU Bison for three years. Chani graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's in hospitality and Tourism with minor in business. She has been with NDAOD since 2018. Chani teaches Acro and loves being able to carry her passion of tricks and tumbling into the dance world.
Chani and her husband have two cats and their Samoyed puppy, (Winston!) She loves the NDAOD family and spends her free time reading or gardening.
Maggie Wambach
Maggie grew up in Three Forks, MT, a small town near Bozeman, MT. When she was four years old, her mom enrolled her in dance lessons and she hasn't wanted to stop since. Throughout ages 8-13 she travelled to multiple competitions across the country with her studio. While she competed in all genres, her favorite was always tap, with hip hop a close second. Maggie started teaching dance at a local studio when she was 17. At that studio, they attended competitions in the MT area, and she has since been working as a tap, hip hop, and jazz instructor in the FM area. She is excited to continue teaching dance and learning more from her colleagues.
Maggie also attends Concordia College where she is majoring in English Education. She will graduate in May 2021, and hopes to stay in the area. In her free time, she likes to be outside as much as possible, and down at the lakes whenever the sun is out.
Maggie grew up in Three Forks, MT, a small town near Bozeman, MT. When she was four years old, her mom enrolled her in dance lessons and she hasn't wanted to stop since. Throughout ages 8-13 she travelled to multiple competitions across the country with her studio. While she competed in all genres, her favorite was always tap, with hip hop a close second. Maggie started teaching dance at a local studio when she was 17. At that studio, they attended competitions in the MT area, and she has since been working as a tap, hip hop, and jazz instructor in the FM area. She is excited to continue teaching dance and learning more from her colleagues.
Maggie also attends Concordia College where she is majoring in English Education. She will graduate in May 2021, and hopes to stay in the area. In her free time, she likes to be outside as much as possible, and down at the lakes whenever the sun is out.
Reegan Weitnauer
Reegan began ballet dancing at five years old with Bonnie Haney School of Dance & Performing Company. Later after switching to a different studio, she added jazz, hip hop, and pointe, then after finally joining North Dakota Academy of Dance in 2017, she started lyrical. Throughout her dancing career, Reegan participated in plenty of unique dance performances including the National Tour of the Wizard of Oz where she was a munchkin, danced at a Timberwolves game, and participated in Dance the World where she danced down Main Street at Disney’s Magic Kingdom with hundreds of other dancers from around the world. She began assisting classes back in 2018 for two years before moving on to teaching after graduating high school in 2020.
Reegan now attends NDSU where she is majoring in Business Administration. In her free time, she likes hanging out with her friends, family, and pets. She also loves to go to the lake as much as possible during the summer.
Reegan began ballet dancing at five years old with Bonnie Haney School of Dance & Performing Company. Later after switching to a different studio, she added jazz, hip hop, and pointe, then after finally joining North Dakota Academy of Dance in 2017, she started lyrical. Throughout her dancing career, Reegan participated in plenty of unique dance performances including the National Tour of the Wizard of Oz where she was a munchkin, danced at a Timberwolves game, and participated in Dance the World where she danced down Main Street at Disney’s Magic Kingdom with hundreds of other dancers from around the world. She began assisting classes back in 2018 for two years before moving on to teaching after graduating high school in 2020.
Reegan now attends NDSU where she is majoring in Business Administration. In her free time, she likes hanging out with her friends, family, and pets. She also loves to go to the lake as much as possible during the summer.
Carly Bleth
Carly started dancing at a local studio when she was 2 years old. In 2016 she joined NDAOD where she has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Modern, Acro, Hip-Hop, and Tap. She is currently a member of the competition team which she joined in 2023. She began assisting at the studio in 2022 and started teaching in the summer of 2024. Her favorite part about teaching is watching her dancer’s confidence blossom.
Carly goes to Horace High School where she will graduate in 2025. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dance family, going to the lake, and playing with her dogs.
Carly started dancing at a local studio when she was 2 years old. In 2016 she joined NDAOD where she has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Modern, Acro, Hip-Hop, and Tap. She is currently a member of the competition team which she joined in 2023. She began assisting at the studio in 2022 and started teaching in the summer of 2024. Her favorite part about teaching is watching her dancer’s confidence blossom.
Carly goes to Horace High School where she will graduate in 2025. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dance family, going to the lake, and playing with her dogs.
Alexia Elkins
Tatum Sand
Tatum has been dancing for 15 years and has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater, heels, pom, and game day dance. She danced for North Dakota Academy of Dance her senior year, and has found her dance family. She spent over a decade as a competitive dancer, being part of the highest scoring routine of the competition multiple times. She has been assisting dance classes for four years and teaching for two. Tatum loves watching her students grow as dancers and humans. She is excited for memories to come, teaching them skills while fostering a positive and rewarding environment in class.
Tatum graduated from Sheyenne High School in 2023 and went on to dance for Saint Cloud State University, placing in the top 5 at nationals for all three routines. She is now studying pre-architecture at NDSU and hopes to work as an architect in the future. Aside from dance, Tatum loves spending time at the lake, spending time with her friends, family, and cats, and playing the violin!
Tatum has been dancing for 15 years and has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater, heels, pom, and game day dance. She danced for North Dakota Academy of Dance her senior year, and has found her dance family. She spent over a decade as a competitive dancer, being part of the highest scoring routine of the competition multiple times. She has been assisting dance classes for four years and teaching for two. Tatum loves watching her students grow as dancers and humans. She is excited for memories to come, teaching them skills while fostering a positive and rewarding environment in class.
Tatum graduated from Sheyenne High School in 2023 and went on to dance for Saint Cloud State University, placing in the top 5 at nationals for all three routines. She is now studying pre-architecture at NDSU and hopes to work as an architect in the future. Aside from dance, Tatum loves spending time at the lake, spending time with her friends, family, and cats, and playing the violin!
Luci Suckert
Luci's dance journey began at the age of three with Just For Kix, and she started training in ballet at a local studio at the age of five. Throughout the years, she has added jazz, tap, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, and modern dance to her repertoire.
Luci is an alumnus of NDAOD, and during her time here, she was a member of the competition team, performed lead roles in winter recitals, danced in The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, and started assisting and eventually teaching classes.
After graduating high school, Luci attended Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, AZ where she received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance. In her time with the GCU Dance Department, she danced in multiple faculty and student-choreograhed works, and choreographed her own pieces for student spotlight shows. Luci also had the opportunity to dance with Southwest Ballet Theatre in The Nutcracker (snow corps, flower corps, party parent, Snow Queen) and Charles Maple's Snow White (Evil Queen's minion).
Luci is excited to be back at her home studio to continue teaching and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers, and she hopes to continue dancing for as long as she can.
Luci's dance journey began at the age of three with Just For Kix, and she started training in ballet at a local studio at the age of five. Throughout the years, she has added jazz, tap, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, and modern dance to her repertoire.
Luci is an alumnus of NDAOD, and during her time here, she was a member of the competition team, performed lead roles in winter recitals, danced in The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, and started assisting and eventually teaching classes.
After graduating high school, Luci attended Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, AZ where she received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance. In her time with the GCU Dance Department, she danced in multiple faculty and student-choreograhed works, and choreographed her own pieces for student spotlight shows. Luci also had the opportunity to dance with Southwest Ballet Theatre in The Nutcracker (snow corps, flower corps, party parent, Snow Queen) and Charles Maple's Snow White (Evil Queen's minion).
Luci is excited to be back at her home studio to continue teaching and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers, and she hopes to continue dancing for as long as she can.
Grace Quam
Grace began dancing at age four in Devils Lake, ND, where she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical, and modern at Miki’s School of Dance. She performed with her studio in recitals and halftime performances at basketball games, while also dancing competitively for many years. Along with her love of performing and dancing with her friends, Grace shared her love of dance with the younger generations by assisting in class and instructing at dance camps over the summers. After graduating high school, Grace continued her dance journey by choreographing musicals at the University of Jamestown as well as the Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts. She has loved getting to perform in many of these shows as well.
Outside of dance, Grace is currently a student in University of Jamestown’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. She has graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2024 and will be graduating from the PT program in 2027. In her free time, Grace loves spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and spending some time in the sun.
Grace began dancing at age four in Devils Lake, ND, where she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical, and modern at Miki’s School of Dance. She performed with her studio in recitals and halftime performances at basketball games, while also dancing competitively for many years. Along with her love of performing and dancing with her friends, Grace shared her love of dance with the younger generations by assisting in class and instructing at dance camps over the summers. After graduating high school, Grace continued her dance journey by choreographing musicals at the University of Jamestown as well as the Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts. She has loved getting to perform in many of these shows as well.
Outside of dance, Grace is currently a student in University of Jamestown’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. She has graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2024 and will be graduating from the PT program in 2027. In her free time, Grace loves spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and spending some time in the sun.
Tacy Crawford
Tacy Crawford is from a small town in Colorado. She started dance in the first grade and continued to dance through high school. She is experienced in many styles of dance including tap, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, and modern. When she graduated high school, she moved to the area to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre at the University of North Dakota, and graduated recently with her BFA in Musical Theatre with a dance minor.
In her free time, she loves to sing musical theatre songs and act in theatrical shows. She also loves to draw and do Madlibs!
Tacy Crawford is from a small town in Colorado. She started dance in the first grade and continued to dance through high school. She is experienced in many styles of dance including tap, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, and modern. When she graduated high school, she moved to the area to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre at the University of North Dakota, and graduated recently with her BFA in Musical Theatre with a dance minor.
In her free time, she loves to sing musical theatre songs and act in theatrical shows. She also loves to draw and do Madlibs!
Guest Artists
Elly Foner
Elly began dancing when she was 2 and has loved it ever since. Her styles include tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical/contemporary (her favorite). 15 years of her dance career was done at Northern Force Dance Company in Blaine, Minnesota. There she danced competitively in a team and was chosen to be in multiple small groups as well as a few solos. Now she is attending college at Concordia Moorhead. There she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Spanish. Outside of dance and school, Elly loves reading, puzzles, long drives, getting ice cream, and spending time with friends and family.
Elly began dancing when she was 2 and has loved it ever since. Her styles include tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical/contemporary (her favorite). 15 years of her dance career was done at Northern Force Dance Company in Blaine, Minnesota. There she danced competitively in a team and was chosen to be in multiple small groups as well as a few solos. Now she is attending college at Concordia Moorhead. There she is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Spanish. Outside of dance and school, Elly loves reading, puzzles, long drives, getting ice cream, and spending time with friends and family.
Leah Roeske
Leah began dancing ballet when she was five years old, and quickly fell in love with it. Over time, she added in lyrical, pointe, jazz, and modern. Leah joined NDAOD’s competition team in 2020 and is currently a member of the senior team. She has competed and been awarded in small group numbers, trios, and solos. She had danced in many winter performances, including playing Sarabi in The Lion King and Flora in Sleeping Beauty.
Leah began assisting classes at the studio in 2019 and joined the teaching staff in 2021. She loves getting to share her knowledge and joy for dancing with others. She also has enjoyed exploring the choreography side of teaching.
Leah is a Shanley High School graduate of the Class of 2023 and is excited to stay connected to the studio as much as possible.
Leah began dancing ballet when she was five years old, and quickly fell in love with it. Over time, she added in lyrical, pointe, jazz, and modern. Leah joined NDAOD’s competition team in 2020 and is currently a member of the senior team. She has competed and been awarded in small group numbers, trios, and solos. She had danced in many winter performances, including playing Sarabi in The Lion King and Flora in Sleeping Beauty.
Leah began assisting classes at the studio in 2019 and joined the teaching staff in 2021. She loves getting to share her knowledge and joy for dancing with others. She also has enjoyed exploring the choreography side of teaching.
Leah is a Shanley High School graduate of the Class of 2023 and is excited to stay connected to the studio as much as possible.
Molly Brekke
Molly started dancing at the age of 3 and is an alumnus of the studio and has trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap and contemporary. She was a part of the competition team for many years and collected various awards during her time. Molly also was cast as a variety of lead roles during her dance years including a white rabbit, an evil stepsister, Sebastian, August, Dorothy and Nala.
Molly is a 2022 graduate of Davies High School and now attends NDSU as an Exercise Science Major. She hopes to become a physical therapist and work particularly with kids. Outside of school Molly loves to go for walks and spend time with her family and friends.
Molly started dancing at the age of 3 and is an alumnus of the studio and has trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap and contemporary. She was a part of the competition team for many years and collected various awards during her time. Molly also was cast as a variety of lead roles during her dance years including a white rabbit, an evil stepsister, Sebastian, August, Dorothy and Nala.
Molly is a 2022 graduate of Davies High School and now attends NDSU as an Exercise Science Major. She hopes to become a physical therapist and work particularly with kids. Outside of school Molly loves to go for walks and spend time with her family and friends.
Maisy Jablon
Maisy’s dance education began at the age of four with ballet and over the years, pointe, lyrical, and jazz have been added to her repertoire. In high school she was a member of the NDAOD competition team competing as a Soloist and as a Principal dancer. In addition to her many years of recital performances, Maisy has performed with the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, in leading roles in NDAOD winter shows, as well as performing in various exhibition and competition pieces. She has attended the International Music Camp School of Dance and participated in area dance intensive workshops which further enhanced her ballet and pointe training.
Teaching dance has been a joy, and Maisy is excited to continue sharing her passion for dance with her students at NDAOD. Maisy attends Concordia College where she studies Spanish and TESOL Education. She participates in her campus sorority Lambda Delta Sigma, the Concordia Cheer team, and Philanthropy Forward. She has also completed a semester study abroad at the Universidad de Alicante in Spain. Outside of school and dance, Maisy enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and traveling.
Maisy’s dance education began at the age of four with ballet and over the years, pointe, lyrical, and jazz have been added to her repertoire. In high school she was a member of the NDAOD competition team competing as a Soloist and as a Principal dancer. In addition to her many years of recital performances, Maisy has performed with the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, in leading roles in NDAOD winter shows, as well as performing in various exhibition and competition pieces. She has attended the International Music Camp School of Dance and participated in area dance intensive workshops which further enhanced her ballet and pointe training.
Teaching dance has been a joy, and Maisy is excited to continue sharing her passion for dance with her students at NDAOD. Maisy attends Concordia College where she studies Spanish and TESOL Education. She participates in her campus sorority Lambda Delta Sigma, the Concordia Cheer team, and Philanthropy Forward. She has also completed a semester study abroad at the Universidad de Alicante in Spain. Outside of school and dance, Maisy enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and traveling.
Genevieve Wodrich
Genevieve began her dance career doing tap and ballet at three years old, in her hometown of Dubuque, IA. In 2010, she moved to the Fargo-Moorhead area and started training at a local ballet studio and soon joined NDAOD in 2021. She has studied ballet, pointe, modern, tap, hip hop, and lyrical through her years as a dancer. Genevieve is a 2024 graduate of Oak Grove Lutheran High and has dreams of becoming a medical lab scientist.
She has always loved dance and she can't wait to bring the joy and peace dance has brought to her life to other young dancers. When not dancing, Genevieve enjoys playing in the local youth symphony, reading, and weight training.
Genevieve began her dance career doing tap and ballet at three years old, in her hometown of Dubuque, IA. In 2010, she moved to the Fargo-Moorhead area and started training at a local ballet studio and soon joined NDAOD in 2021. She has studied ballet, pointe, modern, tap, hip hop, and lyrical through her years as a dancer. Genevieve is a 2024 graduate of Oak Grove Lutheran High and has dreams of becoming a medical lab scientist.
She has always loved dance and she can't wait to bring the joy and peace dance has brought to her life to other young dancers. When not dancing, Genevieve enjoys playing in the local youth symphony, reading, and weight training.
Ella Kooyer
Ella began dance at age 5 and never looked back. She started with Ballet, then eventually added Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop and Lyrical. Ella has also been involved in Musical Theatre, performing in various shows at her high school and at Trollwood Performing Arts School. Last summer, she was the Choreography Student Leader at Trollwood where she worked closely with a professional mentor. She is currently taking a year to apply and audition for colleges, pursuing a BFA in dance. In her free time, Ella loves to watch documentaries, sing, write, and cook delicious vegetarian food.
Ella began dance at age 5 and never looked back. She started with Ballet, then eventually added Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop and Lyrical. Ella has also been involved in Musical Theatre, performing in various shows at her high school and at Trollwood Performing Arts School. Last summer, she was the Choreography Student Leader at Trollwood where she worked closely with a professional mentor. She is currently taking a year to apply and audition for colleges, pursuing a BFA in dance. In her free time, Ella loves to watch documentaries, sing, write, and cook delicious vegetarian food.