Lauren Abeyta: YBC/BNC 1999-2011, senior undergrad. currently studying Multimedia/ Theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH (slated to graduate May 2018). Hoping to make films and to backpack and help people live life to the full through media and the outdoors!
Bree Addison: I was one of the very first students when Academy of Dance Arts was in a little room in the Northglenn Recreation Center. I graduated in 1999 and proceeded to teach at BNC for a couple years while I attended the University of Colorado studying Business. I graduated from CU in 2004 and moved to Sydney Australia in 2006 and attended the University of Sydney Dental School. I graduated again in 2009, married my husband Jonathan the following year, and have since moved to the Central Coast of NSW, 1.5hrs north of Sydney. I have a beautiful 3 year old daughter and 18 month old son. I work as a Dentist 3 days a week and am starting a Rodan +Fields business on the side. I don’t dance much anymore but had such an amazing experience with my dance family and I hope my daughter will fall in love with dance the dance way I did.
Pilar Allen: RMRE ’93(?) – ’97(?). Graduated from NHS in 1998. Studied Speech Communication at Regis – graduated ’02. Dancing for Tricia and alongside of you ladies completed my soul.
Kaetlyn Arant: I danced with BNC from 2001-2007. I currently attend Amherst College as a French and Biochemistry major. Though I have not continued to pursue dance, I still participate in a lot of musical theatre. I am working for a biotechnology start up company in Boulder for the summer before I head to France in the fall to study abroad. I have lots of fond memories from BNC and miss it dearly 🙂
Emily Bucyk: I studied at BNC/CCD from 2005-2008, from there we moved back to Canada (in Vancouver, British Columbia), where I continued dancing with Joy of movement and XBa Dance company as a competitive dancer until 2013. Though I am currently not dancing, dance has been and always will remain a passion of mine! Since then I have graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University after four years with a degree in Anthropology and certificate in Non-Profit Organizations. I am currently working as an administrator at Delta Controls. And of course I am Missing BNC/CCD and all the lovely dancers and instructors there so much! You’ll always have a place in my heart and mind.
Kaitlan Smallwood Calderwood: I studied at BNC from 2000 (back when it was Colorado Youth Ballet) until 2010. At 16, I was accepted into The Harid Conservatory’s year round program where I spent a year training at the boarding school. After that, I studied as a trainee with Washington Ballet in DC. I got to perform with the company at the Kennedy Center and received training from Septime Webre and Kee Juan Han. In 2012, I joined Ballet West as a trainee where I spent a year studying with the company. After that, I got accepted to BYU where I performed with the schools top ballet company, Theater Ballet, for 2 years. I then finished my degree in Marketing. Right now, I’m living in provo, Utah where I work for a digital marketing agency. I’ve been married to my husband, Dallin Calderwood, for almost 3 years and we are expecting our first child in August.
Amanda Clark: I danced with YBC/BNC from I think 1995 to 2003. Since then I have received my Bachelors in Acting from UNCO, was a company member with Baton Rouge Ballet, and received my MFA in Acting from LSU. I have been teaching dance and acting over the years and recently had my little daughter Clementine. Still try to dance when I can! Love this place and all my memories!
Jessica Clayton: I danced there when it was YBC I was Clara in the 1994 Nutcracker so I think I stared in 92′ and danced one more year. After YBC I went to dance with the Academy of Colorado Ballet for 4 years. I quit for a few years and then started up again as a professional and danced for 7 Seasons as a Company Dancer at Ballet Ariel. Now I’m retired from Ballet but still Dance in musicals with local theaters and own two businesses: Dance Exploration and After School Dance Program and Dancing Princess Parties (a traveling Birthday company).YBC was when I feel in LOVE with Ballet…and the rest is history. I was Clara in 1993 YBC Nutcracker and left in Spring of ‘94. Went on to study at the Academy of Colorado Ballet and danced with the Studio Company. I then went on to dance professionally with Ballet Ariel for 7 seasons before retiring. I still appear as a guest artist in BA shows as well as perform in musical theatre groups around the Denver Metro area. I own three small businesses: Dance to Learn, Dance Exploration, LLC, and Dancing Princess Parties by Dance Exploration, LLC, and I’m a Children’s Book author of the Florrie Flamingo Books for Ballet class series. YBC instilled the love of dance and ballet at a young age and I’ve pursued it ever since.
Tori Jane Duhaime: Summer student for 2009 + 2010 and RA summer 2013. Currently a graduate of the university of Utah with a bfa in modern dance. Freelance choreographer, photographer, and dancer in Salt Lake City. Co-curator of the Screendance Collective. Working as an administrative assistant to the university of Utah school of dance.
Hali Marie Duran: This is so fun! Love you all! I joined the school of BNC in 2002 when I was in middle school. In 2007, after graduating high school, I worked as the Development Associate for BNC while attending the University of Colorado until 2009. I moved to Juneau, Alaska where I currently work as a choreographer, producer, freelance artist, instructor and active member of the Juneau Dance Theatre board of trustees. Outside of dance, I own a comedy club with my life partner and 4 other stand up comedians, Club Baby Seal, LLC, I work as a healthcare business professional, and I love my outdoors! I to this day I keep in touch with Camcie Foster and owe a lot of my success in the performing arts industry to the foundation set for me at BNC.
Samantha Eichel: I danced at YBC/BNC from about 7/8 years old till I graduated High School in 2007. After graduation I went to college at Western State Colorado University to obtain a teaching degree in Science. Since college I have married my high school sweetheart, bought a house in Arvada and teach 7th grade science at Shadow Ridge Middle School. I no longer dance as much as I once did but still love to go to as many ballet shows as possible and use my dancer brain in Zumba on a weekly basis .
Jennelle TerHar Ertl: I was with Youth Ballet Colorado from 1993 to 1996. I went on to get married earn a degree in economics, have 3 children, and helping to run our family businesses, Sill-TerHar Motors, and Aerosuds Accessories and Detailing.
Brooke Gilliam: I studied at BNC/CCD from 2002-2015. I attended Atlanta Ballet’s summer intensive on merit scholarship and then began studying year round my junior year also on a merit scholarship. My senior year, I danced with the second company of Atlanta Ballet performing in many company productions and I am so excited to continue to dance for the second company this year. In addition to a full professional schedule, I will be taking a few classes at Georgia State University.
Gabriel Grant: I had the privilege of training @ BNC between 2004-2009. Since then, my wife Kristen and I have circulated between CO, MN and Illinois as I have pursued a career in operations management for various electronics companies, including a tech startup that I helped launch during our last stint in Denver. Kristen and I celebrate our ten year anniversary this October and will be spending two weeks in Spain and Morocco next month as part of our anniversary celebrations.
Erica Bicknell Hageman: Day 1-1995. After spent time at Nevada dance Theatre and then in Chicago. Currently owner of RE/MAX Momentum. Still love dance and teach one night a week for fun
Mich Elle Hardy: I was at YBC/BNC from 1998-2010. I studied German and Russian at the University of Iowa, with one year abroad in Freiburg, Germany. I’ve spent the last two years teaching English at secondary schools in Austria, first in Vorarlberg, and now in Vienna. I have several chronic illnesses which advanced to physical disability, so I’m not able to dance anymore, but I go and see shows every opportunity that I can! I’m moving to Washington, D.C. this fall, where I’ll start working towards a PhD in German at Georgetown University.
Emilie Harold: I danced with CCD/BNC from 2011-2017, and just graduated from Fairview High School. I am about to head off to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and am planning on double majoring in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, with an eventual goal of developing prosthesis to help people regain movement that they have lost. I will always remember my time at CCD and am hoping to continue dancing through my life!
Kerry Healy: I studied at BNC/CCD from 2001-2015. I am going into my junior year at Dominican University of California with the Alonzo King Lines BFA program where I will receive a BFA in dance. I am teaching ballet at CCD this summer.
Allison Hicks: I danced with YBC/BNC probably from around 1993 until around 2002. I continued to dance on my high school and college dance team. After college I attended medical school and have just finished my pediatrics residency at Children’s Colorado. I’m staying on for a few more years of training and then hope to stay in Colorado! I still try to squeeze in a ballet class whenever I can and always will cherish my time at YBC/BNC!
Michael Hinton: I studied with BNC from 2003-2011, since then I’ve gotten accepted into the School of American Ballet and currently work as a professional dancer with Verb Ballets!
Antonio Houck: Attended ’06(?)-’14, just finished sophomore year at Indiana University working towards bachelor of science in ballet with outside field in public and environmental policy.
Alexandra Jacobsen: I attended BNC from 2004-2010 since then I have been working on a pre law political science degree at CU Boulder and hope to attend DU Law school, I also started a family of my own and have a beautiful 1 year old! On top of being a mother and soon to be wife I also volunteer with Broomfield county CASA as an advocate for abused/ foster children.
Sarah Jannsen: I danced at YBC/BNC/CCD from ’00-’14. I am entering into my final year at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, studying dance and business. I look forward to all the festivities for the 25th anniversary!!
Lindsey Johnston: I studied at CCD from 2002-2017. I’ve just graduated from high school, and I’m continuing on to Smith College where I hope to get a degree in Government with a certificate in International Finance.
Payton Landers: 1996 was my first year at YBC and 2007 was my last at BNC. Since then I went to Arizona State for college and swam on the synchronized swimming team there for 4 years. I graduated in 2016 with a degree in marketing and urban planning. Last summer I had a sports marketing internship in Ireland. I’m currently working for the family business in Broomfield.
Jessica Rummel Lile: I trained and was apart of the company from 1993-1998. I then attended the University of Northern Colorado and got my BA and then Masters in Psychology an Special Education. While getting my Bachelor’s I performed in many of the universities dan ce showcases in the fall and spring. I got married in 2005 and have 4 beautiful children. I currently own my own business of Juice Plus and homeschool our children.
Kaileah Long: I was with BNC/CCD from 2001-2014. I danced at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School for my senior year (2014-15). Since then I danced as a Pre-Professional at Ballet Arizona, BalletMet and now a Second Year Studio Company Member at Oklahoma City Ballet. I am also Yoga Certified and teach dance and substitute teach Yoga when I can.
Parker Long: I danced at BNC/CCD from 2004-2016. I was in the student company for many years and performend in 9 Nutcrackers. During my senior year in high school, I studied with Colorado Ballet in their Pre-Pro Program. During the 2018-2019 season I became a Studio Company member. For the 2019-2020 season, I will be an Apprentice with Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada.
Gabby Lozano: I danced at BNC/CCD from 2003-2017. I was in the student company for three years and performed in five Nutcrackers. I recently graduated from Ralston Valley HS where I was on the competitive dance team for all four years. This fall, I’ll be attending Creighton University where I plan to minor in dance. I wish dance to be a part of my life forever!
Gracie Lynn: Studied at BNC 2001-2014, graduated CU Boulder with BAs in Integrative Physiology and Psychology. Have been dancing with Jenny Schiff at The Schiff Dance Collective since 2013, been in her professional company for the last 4 seasons and working into next years show already. Also went to culinary school and graduated. Currently in Denver, applying to nursing school and loving it.Â
Bridget Maginity: I started dancing at YBC/BNC in 1996, and was a trainee with the professional company during their 2008-2009 season. After graduating high school I went to the University of Arizona and studied dance and physiology. While there I was given the amazing opportunity to perform the lead role in two Balanchine ballets. Post-graduation I moved to NYC to pursue a career as a freelance dancer and study Pilates. I am currently applying to Physician Assistant master programs to pursue my passion for medicine/ the human body.
Megan Moore: I danced with BNC 2009-2014, with 2 seasons in the Student Company. I am now entering my junior year at Miami University, studying Computer Science. I also am a part of Miami’s Dance Theatre, am active in my professional engineering Fraternity, and am part of a 3-year Leadership Institute for engineering students. This summer, I am living in Chicago and working as a data science intern!
Kelsey Morris: BNC summer program 2009 – 2011. I’ve since graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in Petroleum Geology and a Minor in Dance. I know work as a Reservoir Engineering Analyst for Macquarie Bank in Houston. I’m not dancing anymore, but I do drag my friends to Houston Ballet performances as often as I can!
Ellen Munsterman: I studied at BNC from about 2000 to 2006. Unfortunately not dancing any longer! But certainly have not forgotten my love of ballet! Now working as an advanced practice nurse at a downtown hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.
Taylor Nicole: I was at BNC from 2001-2009 (I think? haha). I studied dance in college at Saint Mary’s College, and earned a minor in Dance. I also received the Terpeschorian Award for Excellence in Dance. While still in college, I directed and choreographed for the Student Choreographers Showcase, as well as participated in the Dance Ensemble Workshop as a dancer for 3 years. Since graduation, for 2 years I taught dance and coached the competition team for Lori’s Performing Arts Center in Granger, Indiana.
Renée Pichette: YBC/BNC from 1995-2007. I got a degree in Ballet Performance from the University of Oklahoma. Afterwards, I did a 5 month dance program in Israel (Called Masa Israel Dance Journey) with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. I also performed with BalletFleming in Philadelphia.
Chelsea Pierotti: I was with BNC 2001-2002. Then I started coaching high school dance, and now serve as the Director of Education for the National Dance Coaches Association. I have a PhD in Sport Psychology and teach at CU Boulder and my own company bringing sport psychology tools to dancers and cheerleaders Passionate Coach
Frances Purcell: I went to BNC/CCD from 2002 -2014 (graduating in 2014). Since then I have gone to Oberlin College where I am about to be a senior! In addition to dancing and performing in Oberlin’s dance department, I direct the ViBE Tap dance company and teach beginning tap classes through the college.
Marlana Qualls: I started dancing with Academy of Dance Arts in 1994 and joined the company in 1996. After High School I danced professionally with Dance Peninsula Ballet, South Bay Ballet, and Kennth Walker Dance Project before returning to dance professionally with Ballet Nouveau from 2005-2007. I am married with three beautiful children and currently serve as the Ballet Mistress at Tara Cluck Dance Center!
Kate Rauch: I danced at BNC from 2002-2008, when my family moved to Vail. I continued dancing until my junior year of high school when injuries prevented me from continuing. Now I go to CU Boulder and am studying Neuroscience and Molecular Biology with the hope of going to med school. I still take class a couple times a month and drag my mom to shows as much as possible! Incredible grateful for BNC and its part in instilling in me the life long love of dance.
Nikki Ruehrwein: I think around the same as Erica, till I graduated in 97. Took time getting through college, had 3 boys along the way. Lost my job with Adams 12 as a speech language pathologist assistant for next school year due to budget cuts. Was able to find a part time speech job at Mt. St. Vincent for next school year…not sure what else I’ll do. Would love to take a class, maybe when the baby is older. Enjoyed doing the reunion show a few years back.
Angela Momo Sakai: I attended BNC/CCD from 2002 (?) – 2015. I am going into my third season as a senior artist and choreographer’s assistant at Dissonance Dance Theatre in Washington DC.
Cassidy Noel Salazar: I studied at BNC from 2005-2010 and spent 2-3 years in the Student Company. I got married on July 1st, 2016 to a wonderful man I met in high school. He moved with me to Springfield to finish my last year of college. He was in the Army, and now supervises security at Presbyterian St Luke’s Hospital. I graduated, after four years, from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri on May 5th, 2017. I got an Elementary Education degree with a certification in Teaching English as a Second Language. I have spent the last 4 summers as a camp counselor at Rocky Mountain Day Camp in Superior/Louisville. In the fall I will start teaching as the ESL teacher at Weld Central Middle School in Keenesburg.
Andi Schaefer: Started at ADA and then with RMRE day 1-’96 ish! Tricia was amazing. Graduated from Colorado State University in 03 and sell real estate in Northern Colorado at The Group, Inc for 13 years now! Dancing and the dance family we have was the best part of growing up. You ladies are incredible. Love to you all.
Kelsey Schwenker: I graduated in 2006! I believe I danced with YBC and then BNC from about age 9 through high school. I attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Ballet Performance in 2010. Since then I have been dancing professionally with Ballet Nebraska in Omaha for 7 years so far! I also teach dance around the city and am a teaching artist for Disney Musicals in Schools.
Anna Simpson: I studied with BNC from 2001-2013. After that I pursued musical theater and performed and competed in various shows and singing competitions. I auditioned for Disney last summer 2016, and took musical theater classes for a few months over the summer. I am currently getting my Associate of the Arts at front range and working full time. Being a part of BNC has changed my life and will always be a part of who I am today. It has helped me through the hardest of times and I still cherish all of the memories made.
Bayley Smallwood: I studied with BNC/CCD 2004-2015 since graduating i am currently earning my BFA in Modern Dance at the University of Utah i will also be attending San Francisco Conservatory of Dance’s summer intensive this summer! Thanks CCD!!
Julie Sorensen: I was Julie Sniffin then haha…and I don’t remember exactly when I started, but it was ADA when I started (probably ’92 or so), then Rocky Mountain Repertory Ensemble and I was there with YBC until I graduated from high school in 1997…then I taught for a few years while going to school at CU-Boulder and also worked at Boulder Bodywear…I haven’t danced now in a long time, which is very sad. I still live locally, am married with two amazing kiddos, a 4yo son and 2yo daughter. I am in sales management and run a division with a staffing firm in Denver and have been with them for 12 years.
Mikki Stewart: I was with ADA, from day 1- thru my 19th year on this planet. Along with being a RMRE original and YBC thru its 18yr old cap. I was offered to come and study with John Passifume in NYC after my second year at Walla Walla summer dance labs. Had a dance studio for 5yrs, continued teaching dance in different settings, designed some afterschool creative movement/dance programs for certain DPS schools and Hyland Hills locations. I have 3 daughters 20, 12, 12 and went to school to become a nurse. Currently, agency manager of Visiting Angels homecare.
Jeremy Studinski: Studied at BNC 2004-2011, joined Colorado Ballet Studio Company from 2012-2013, then spent two years in Orlando Ballets second company, then a year as an Apprentice, a year as a Company Member, and now this will be my first season in the Corps with Colorado Ballet. And lots of great projects along the way.
Inara Wheeler: I studied at CCD from age 5 to 13. I am currently 15 and this will be my third year (10th grade) studying and dancing at Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto. I miss CCD but I love NBS! Next summer, I hope to study abroad in an international NBS sister summer program. No matter where I go, I always love returning to CCD to see my Colorado family!
Michelle Martineau Wofford: I graduated in 2006 (can’t remember when I started…), taught Preschool ballet with the school for a few years as I went to college at Metro State to become a teacher, then got a job as a middle school teacher in Adams 12. I currently teach 7th grade literacy at Shadow Ridge Middle School, tutor at Sylvan Learning Center, run a two week summer reading camp in Broomfield, and attend dance shows as much as I can!
Falletta Wood: I danced with BNC/CCD from 2011-2015 and danced two of those years in Student Company. I graduated from Holy Family High School in 2015 and now am going on my third year as a BFA dance scholarship student at the University of Kansas. I spent last year, and will teach again this upcoming year, at a dance studio (Sunflower State Dance) in Kansas where I have been setting dances on my students to perform in a competition setting as well as dances for their recital!
Michelle Marie Vieira: I was at BNC/CCD from ’96-’07ish. I majored in psych and Spanish and minored in dance at CU Boulder. I worked at a big 4 consulting company for 3 years and now work at a tech startup in Denver! I got married last month. I don’t dance as much now, but ballet taught me so much about discipline and body awareness. I’m able to draw on my dance background often with what I love to do now (Crossfit, yoga, etc). Miss you all so much!
