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.
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, daughter 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, daughter 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.
Chani Tretbar
Chani was a competitive and sideline cheerleader for 4 years of high school, the moved onto become a cheerleader for the NDSU Bison for 3 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.
She 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 4 years of high school, the moved onto become a cheerleader for the NDSU Bison for 3 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.
She and her husband have two cats and their Samoyed puppy, (Winston!) She loves the NDAOD family and spends her free time reading or gardening.
Ashley Manske
Ashley Manske began dancing when she was 7 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. She 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 also works at Bell Bank and is married with two beautiful girls.
Ashley Manske began dancing when she was 7 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. She 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 also works at Bell Bank and is married with two beautiful girls.
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 her high school drill team for four years. While on the team, Allison helped lead her team as a choreographer for three years and an officer for two, winning state titles all four years in pom, high kick, and lyrical/jazz. While on the drill team she 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 Communication Manager for YWCA Cass Clay. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and son, 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 her high school drill team for four years. While on the team, Allison helped lead her team as a choreographer for three years and an officer for two, winning state titles all four years in pom, high kick, and lyrical/jazz. While on the drill team she 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 Communication Manager for YWCA Cass Clay. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and son, reading, sewing, and eating ice cream :)
Zowie Lee
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.
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.
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 6 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 6 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!).
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. She 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. She 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.
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.
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.
Bailey Bormann
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 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. Her dance even won 1st overall at a local competition. 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 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. Her dance even won 1st overall at a local competition. Dance is her life and she continues to strive for perfection and learn all that she can to be a successful dancer and teacher.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
GUEST ARTISTS
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.
Shelby Rice
My name is Shelby Rice. I started my training at just 2 years old at a prestigious competitive dance studio in Southern California. Over my years of training, I have studied in ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, clogging, modern, contemporary, musical theater, Pom, and many more! I began competing at the age of 4 and continued all the way through high school, dancing over 30 hours a week. Between school and my dance training, I was lucky enough to be picked up by a dance competition/convention company and traveled all over the country assisting in master classes. After graduating high school, I went on to college and joined the 17x national champion dance team at California State University, Fullerton. While in college, I began working as a competitive dance teacher. I went on to win multiple choreography and teaching awards including being nominated for the Industry of Dance Awards. Alongside my teaching career, I began traveling with Thunderstruck Dance Competition and I continue to travel with them during the competition season! After my 23 years of growing up in California, I decided I was ready to live closer to my family, which brings me here! I’m so very excited to get started as a teacher at ND Academy of Dance.
My name is Shelby Rice. I started my training at just 2 years old at a prestigious competitive dance studio in Southern California. Over my years of training, I have studied in ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, clogging, modern, contemporary, musical theater, Pom, and many more! I began competing at the age of 4 and continued all the way through high school, dancing over 30 hours a week. Between school and my dance training, I was lucky enough to be picked up by a dance competition/convention company and traveled all over the country assisting in master classes. After graduating high school, I went on to college and joined the 17x national champion dance team at California State University, Fullerton. While in college, I began working as a competitive dance teacher. I went on to win multiple choreography and teaching awards including being nominated for the Industry of Dance Awards. Alongside my teaching career, I began traveling with Thunderstruck Dance Competition and I continue to travel with them during the competition season! After my 23 years of growing up in California, I decided I was ready to live closer to my family, which brings me here! I’m so very excited to get started as a teacher at ND Academy of Dance.
Luci Suckert
Luci started dancing with Just for Kix at the age of three, and has been training in ballet since the age of five. Throughout the years, Luci added tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe to her repertoire. She is currently a member of the NDAOD competition team and has competed in many competitions earning various awards. She began assisting classes at NDAOD two years ago, and loves helping her students grow as dancers. Luci also performed with the Moscow Ballet in the Great Russian Nutcracker in 2017 and 2018. She attends Park Christian School where she participates in cheerleading, band, Philanthropy and Youth, and yearbook. Luci is also first aid and CPR certified. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Chloe.
Luci started dancing with Just for Kix at the age of three, and has been training in ballet since the age of five. Throughout the years, Luci added tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe to her repertoire. She is currently a member of the NDAOD competition team and has competed in many competitions earning various awards. She began assisting classes at NDAOD two years ago, and loves helping her students grow as dancers. Luci also performed with the Moscow Ballet in the Great Russian Nutcracker in 2017 and 2018. She attends Park Christian School where she participates in cheerleading, band, Philanthropy and Youth, and yearbook. Luci is also first aid and CPR certified. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Chloe.