LaGrange Dance Studio, Impact Dance, Chicago, Illinois | Directory of Dance Instructors and Office Staff

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	Diane Fotino (DF) is the owner and director of the award winning Impact Dance Studio. She purchased the studio from her mentor, Sue Wagoner, in July of 2000. As a student, Diane took her very first dance class at Impact. From the beginning of her dance training, it was always a dream of hers to one day have a studio of her own. Along with her training at Impact, she furthered her studies with intensives and classes in London, New York, and Los Angeles, California. After dancing professionally for a few years, Diane purchased Impact Dance Studio at the age of 21. In addition to owning the studio, Diane is also the director and one of the main choreographers for the Impact Dance Studio Performance Company. As a choreographer, she has won numerous regional and national titles, including: Entertainment, Choreography, and Top Teacher awards with various organizations. Six years later in 2007, Diane opened her second location in Countryside. Diane has a unique ability to help her students reach their fullest potential while instilling a strong work ethic and passion for the art of dance. Her students have gone on to dance professionally for the Radio City Rockettes, musical artists such as Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga, to name a few. E-mail: dfotino@impactdancestudio.com

	Amanda Piagnarelli (AP)'s passion for dance started at the age of three. She danced at St. Charles School of dance as well as Hubbard Street Lou Conte in Chicago. She was a captain of the State Champion Pom team, the Montini Broncettes, as well as choreographed the 2003 Spring Musical at Montini Catholic High School. After High School, Amanda continued her education at Hope College in Holland Michigan. She majored in Dance and Business. She performed in faculty dance shows as well as choreographed her own piece's in student run shows. After graduating in 2007, Amanda followed her passion of dance to New York where she participated in a Joffery Ballet Jazz Summer Intensive. After dancing in New York she taught at various studios in Oak Park, Naperville, Wheeling and La Grange. She danced with Hip Hop Connxion, a professional Hip Hop Company that has competed in the World Championship of Hip Hop. Amanda is currently getting her M.A.T in Special Education and will graduate in Spring of 2011. Amanda has taught at Impact Dance Studio for 3 years and plans to be there for years to come. Amanda's dedication and passion as led her to a life of educating children in school and in dance. She enjoys working with all children and is very excited to start another dance year at Impact Dance Studio.

	Beth Netzly (BN) was born and raised in Holland Michigan. She began her training under Rick and Lara Faucher and performed many lead roles with the Turning Pointe Ensemble for seven years. Her technique advanced as she attended various summer intensives across the country including Ballet Mag, Ad Deum, and Paul Taylor. Beth attended Grand Valley State University and was selected as a freshman to perform in the ensemble. In addition to college classes Beth trained under James and Lucia Martin and performed as a guest artist in Grand Rapids Michigan. She has been teaching for eight years, from beginning level to master classes. Beth has choreographed for many dance studios, as well as high school dance and theater competitions. Her choreography won Michigan’s state competition for Holland High Theater in 2006 as well as second place in 2007. She lead the Midwest Edge Ballet Ensemble to many awards through the past two years and has enjoyed being the rehearsal director for several studios in the area. Beth continues to dance professionally and is thrilled to pass on the knowledge she has learned over the years to her students.

	Cecilia Bravo (CB) is a native Chicagoan and a former ballet dancer turned AFAA and Zumba Fitness certified fitness instructor. She began ballet classes at age 6 and continued training for 7 years. Cecilia credits those early years as an important foundation for her future years as a performer and instructor. Though the ballet classes ended, she continued to dance throughout high school and college, ranging from dance team performance to university-level dance classes. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana with a B.S. in Human Relations and Family Studies, Cecilia pursued her career in human resources; but her love of dance continued to call out to her. After realizing that Lou Conte Dance Studio was located across the street from her office, she quickly became a regular student, primarily with hip hop dance. After several years as a student, Cecilia jumped at the opportunity to become a ballet and hip hop dance instructor at a studio in the south suburbs. In 2003, she became a performer with the professional dance troupe, Hip Hop ConnXion, for nearly 2 years. Cecilia attained certification with AFAA in 2007 and with Zumba Fitness (a Latin dance inspired workout) in 2008. She also completed certificate workshops for yoga, Pilates and capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial arts). After four years on the team, she decided to focus her talents primarily towards fitness instruction, teaching no less than four classes per week at fitness centers and studios throughout the western suburbs. Cecilia's friendly, enthusiastic and energetic teaching style caters to students of all levels. She teaches not only because of her continued love of dance and fitness, but also to serve as a balance with her work life as a human resources manager.

	Jaybo Dixon (JD) has been performing since the age of six. He began performing at student showcases and assemblies all through grade school in downtown Chicago. From there, Jaybo began auditioning and accepted roles in feature films with his brother Bril. At age 11, his mother enrolled him into Sundance studios, a local performing arts company. There Jaybo took his first African, Hip Hop, Carribean, and vocal classes. He continued to take classes there until he was 15. In late 2000, his brother Bril founded the group M.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms and recruited Jaybo and their younger sister, Star, to be in the group. Jaybo continues to dance and study with M.A.D.D. Rhythms today. He has appeared on Television (local news & the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance”), and can also be seen in the features films “Save the Last Dance” with Julia Stiles & “Shall We Dance” with Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez & Susan Sarandon. Jaybo has also performed at numerous tap dance shows throughout the United States and Europe. He has been featured in Dance Spirit Magazine and ads for Leo’s Dancewear. Jaybo frequently teaches master classes to both students & teachers.

	Kelly Rowe (KR), originally from the 'South-side' of Chicago, brings extensive dance experience and training in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Musical Theatre to her students at Impact Dance Studio. Kelly earned a BFA in Musical Theatre, with minors in Dance and Creative Writing from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Over the past 5 years, Kelly has instructed dance for many studios and schools including Mother McAuley's 99th Street summer theatre program, St. Xavier University, The Dance Workshop of Orland Park, Dance Gallery of Beverly, American Dance Center of Homewood, and the Southwest School of Dance in Orland Park. In addition to extensive dance and performance training in college, Kelly has also trained with Lou Conte Dance Studio of Chicago, home of Hubbard Street Dance Company. Kelly loves to instruct classes, choreograph, and perform as well. Kelly has performed in Oak View's Theatre program in "The Sound of Music", as Leisl, and trained with the exclusive pianist for the famous "Red Head Piano Bar", in Chicago. Kelly has also appeared in the Illinois Theatre All-State production of 'Pirates of Penzance', as well as performed on NBC's 2006 reality show: "Grease - You're the one that I want". We are excited to welcome Kelly to our staff.

	Kristi Przybylski (KP) has over 20 years of dance experience. She started her dance career at the age of 7 as a competitive gymnast trained in classical ballet. As a teen, she continued her dance studies at Gus Giordano dance studio in Evanston and was a member of her high school dance team. At the age of 18, Kristi worked as a dance instructor for the National Cheerleaders Association, teaching High School and College dance camps all over the country. She later moved to Florida where she danced professionally for several years, including Bush Gardens Tampa and Disney World. She also danced for professional teams such as the Tampa Bay Storm and Orlando Predators, as well as for the Orlando Magic. Kristi moved back to Chicago in 1997 where she danced for the Chicago Bulls for three years. In 2001, she joined the Chicago Rush arena football dance team where she was a captain and assistant choreographer for two years. Throughout her professional career, Kristi has traveled all over the world and has made many television and video appearances. She is currently working as a choreographer and teacher for various Nationally-ranked dance teams, as well as a choreographer for the Chicago Bulls organization. She is excited to be working at Impact Dance and hopes to use her experience to inspire all of her students.

	Kelley Pennington Rozelle (KPR) started dancing at a very young age and has always loved being involved with dance, whether it was competing with the company, partaking in musicals, or dancing on her high school dance team. She attended Barat College in Lake Forest, IL and graduated with a degree in Dance. She has performed in nationally televised events, Momentum Dance Company, and various pieces throughout Chicago and DC. In 2007, Kelley received a Yoga certification from Moksha Yoga. With 12 years of teaching experience under her belt, she emphasizes proper alignment and technique in every class. Kelley is a nurturing teacher who wants her students to love who they are and what they do.

	Logan Lipton (LL) is a native of Phoenix, AZ, where she began her training at the Dance Connection under the direction of Lisa and Lori Waddell. She was awarded a full tuition scholarship to The University of Arizona, where she received a BFA in dance summa cum laude and continued on to receive a MFA in dance and choreography. She has performed works by several internationally recognized choreographers including: Susan Quinn, Sam Watson, Doug Nielsen, James Clouser, Ray Leeper, Dee Caspary and Wes Veldink. Logan also had the opportunity to travel to China to perform at the Shanghai International Performing Arts Festival. She has served as a guest teacher/choreographer at The University of Arizona, Glendale Community College, Highland Park High School and several dance studios across the nation.

	Maegan Baetz (MB) graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Entrepreneurship and a Minor in Dance Performance. Dancing since the age of seven, she has trained in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, and Contemporary. Over the years, Maegan has performed with Dance Chicago, Motivity Dance, InFlight Dance Collective, and many Ball State Choreography Showcases.

	Monique Haley (MH) is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performing arts specializing in jazz dance. Recently Monique completed her ninth and final season with River North Chicago Dance Company. Her 25 years of training in competitive and professional dance experiences include: Chris Collins Dance Studio (Alexandria, VA); Gary Pates Superstars Show Troupe (Waldorf, MD); participating in workshops sponsored by Dance Theatre of Harlem and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago; training with Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Company; and working as an instructor at Rivernorth Chicago Dance Co. workshops, as well as Marching Auxiliaries and dance camps in Plano, TX. Monique’s choreography has been featured in the honorable aids benefit Dance for Life Chicago, and she has been a featured dancer in Dance Spirit Magazine, along with small comments featured in Dance Magazine. Monique is a former member of the Bermuda Dance Company and the Eleone Dance Theatre of Philadelphia.

	Mickey Sullivan (MS) has been dancing since she was three years old. She began assisting as a dance teacher in high school while dancing on a competitive team. She also danced in several national and local television commercials. Mickey earned a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University where she was a cheerleader and performed with the dance team. While working at an advertising agency she was also a member of a professional dance company in St. Louis, MO. Mickey has been teaching for Impact Dance Studio for 14 years. Helping children to overcome shyness and gain self-confidence is her greatest reward and the reason she loves her job! Dance has always been a part of her life, and being fortunate enough to teach young children the art she loves is her true passion. E-mail: msullivan@impactdancestudio.com

	Reginald Harris (RH) began his dance training at age five with his uncle and mentor Marshall Lindsey. At age twelve, he began his classical ballet training with former Dance Theatre of Harlem principal dancer Homer Bryant. After high school, Reginald studied year-round as a professional division student at The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Reginald has danced professionally with the River North Chicago Dance Company, Dances Patrelle and Ballet Austin, dancing the works of Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Stephen Mills, Thang Dao, Thaddeus Davis, Viktor Kabaniev, Sidra, Bell, Gina Patterson, Frank Chaves, Harrison McEldwoney and Kevin Iega Jeff. Reginald is also a teacher and choreographer. He has taught at the Ballet Austin Academy, and various studios around the country. He has also been commissioned by Ballet Austin to create five ballets for Ballet Austin II. Reginald was named Resident Choreographer for the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas for the 2006-2008 seasons. He was the 2008 recipient of the Gem City Ballet’s choreographic competition. Currently, Reginald is on faculty at the Chicago High School for the Performing Arts and a regular guest teacher for the River North Chicago Dance Company.

	Rebecca King (RK) grew up in Colorado where her dance training began at the Academy of Colorado Ballet. In 1997, she graduated from the academy with honors and moved to perform in New York. Rebecca is a critically acclaimed artist in ballet roles such as Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Cinderella, Swan Lake and many more. During her professional career, Rebecca developed a love for Pilates and teaching. Her Pedagogy training began five years ago at that time she also went through her Pilates instructors program. Rebecca is a well known and recognized dancer, dance teacher and Pilates instructor throughout North America.

	Sarah Burney (SB) has been a part of the dance world for over 25 years. She began dancing at the age of three. By twelve, she was training each summer in Los Angeles, CA on scholarship with choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Terry Beeman, John Crutchman & Wade Robson. Travel, performing, and training became her life. She was the four time winner of West Coast Dance Explosions Edge Performing Arts Scholarship, and in 1998 and 1999 she was also presented with Star Light Productions and LA Underground’s Performer of the Year, as well as the LA Agent Award. In 2001, Sarah began attending college in Chicago, where she acquired a degree in Interior Design and Architecture. She continued to dance throughout college, training at both River North and Lou Conte/Hubbard Street. After graduation, she was privileged enough to work with amazing educators and choreographers such as Sonya Tayeh, Brooke Pierotti, and Chris Jacobsen. She began her career as a teacher and choreographer in 2004. Sarah has been a faculty member for the Street of Dreams Dance Convention for the last two years and has judged several competition circuits. Sarah was featured as the Co-Director for the national award winning Xtreme Dance Force Jazz Division in the June 2009 issue of Dance Teacher Magazine. She is thrilled to continue her journey as a choreographer and master class instructor for studios all over the country.

	Sue Wagoner (SW) is the original owner of Impact Dance Studio. She started Impact in the Brookfield community center back in 1987 with just a handful of students. The studio continually grew and she soon moved it from Brookfield to the current LaGrange location. Sue was the director until 2000. She retired from teaching in 2002 to spend more time with her twin daughters and husband. Now that her daughters are grown and pursuing their own careers, she is very excited to return to teaching again. Sue is a native of London, England where she started her dance training at age three. She went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dance in London. After earning her degree in dance and movement therapy, she traveled all over the world as a professional dancer. Sue has wonderful warmth with children, as well as a sense of humor that they are drawn to. She teaches with radiant positivity and knows how to encourage every student to do and be their very best. We are so excited to welcome Sue back home to Impact!

OFFICE STAFF

	Carol Merson


	Marisa Fotino