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ORLANDO BALLET TEACHING STAFF
Nurturing talent through inspired and devoted teaching.
Orlando Ballet School’s exceptional instructors bring diverse backgrounds — from principal dancers and Broadway performers to certified teachers trained at top institutions like Vaganova and American Ballet Theatre®. Their combined expertise ensures classes are both technically rigorous and inspiring. Students of all ages can expect nurturing, disciplined training that fosters growth, creativity and a deep passion for dance, guided by teachers who truly understand the art form.
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Christopher Alloways-Ramsey
Principal Faculty
Director of Education
As a coach and principal stager, Alloways-Ramsey has mentored dancers who have received medals at the South African International Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix (Paris), Puerto Rico Classical Dance Competition, and The American Ballet Competition.
Christopher Alloways-Ramsey
Principal Faculty
Harvard University
ALB
Jacksonville University
MFA
Christopher Alloways-Ramsey is the Director of Education for Orlando Ballet School, where he oversees the organization’s nationally recognized training programs and serves as Director of Orlando Ballet II. He previously held the position of Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Utah, where he also served as Recruitment Director for the School of Dance.
A former professional dancer, Alloways-Ramsey performed with Boston Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet West, BalletMet, and Alabama Ballet, dancing a wide range of roles across the international classical repertoire and works by leading contemporary choreographers. He received much of his training under Mira Popovich and Dame Sonia Arova and studied on full merit scholarships at the School of American Ballet, Kirov Academy, San Francisco Ballet School, and Houston Ballet Academy. Alloways-Ramsey graduated from the high school ballet program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He holds an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University (2019) and graduated cum laude from Harvard University with an ALB in 2003.
As an educator, Alloways-Ramsey has served on the faculties of the University of Utah, American Academy of Ballet, Boston Arts Academy, Boston Ballet, Boston Conservatory, and Florida Ballet Conservatory. His former students perform worldwide in ballet, contemporary, modern, and Broadway companies. In 2013, he received the Surdna National Artists Teacher Fellowship, and in 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Dee Grant at the University of Utah.
From 2014 to 2016, he worked in Cape Town, South Africa, as Ballet Master for Cape Dance Company and Head of the Classical Ballet Department at Cape Academy of Performing Arts. He has also been a frequent guest instructor and répétiteur, staging classical works and teaching both nationally and internationally.
As a coach and principal stager, Alloways-Ramsey has mentored dancers who have received medals at the South African International Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix (Paris), Puerto Rico Classical Dance Competition, and The American Ballet Competition.
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Kim Marsh
Principal Faculty
Head of Preparatory Training Center and ABT/NTC Certification
Kim Marsh
Principal Faculty
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
Kim Marsh began her dance training in Orlando under Edith Royal at the Royal School of Dance, studying ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and acrobatics. Following high school, she continued her education at Virginia Intermont College under Constance Hardinge, and later transferred to the University of Iowa, where she trained with Francoise Martinet, a founding member of the Joffrey Ballet. Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Iowa and attended summer programs at Harkness Ballet on a full scholarship, as well as at Jacob’s Pillow.
After graduation, Kim joined Milwaukee Ballet as a soloist and danced with the company for 14 years, performing a wide range of soloist and principal roles. Her repertoire includes full-length classics such as Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, and Cinderella, as well as numerous works by George Balanchine. She also performed pieces by renowned choreographers, including Anthony Tudor, Gerald Arpino, Robert Joffrey, Michael Smuin, Choo San Goh, Bruce Wells, Jean Paul Comelin, Lisa de Ribere, Martine van Hamel, David Parsons, and Kathryn Posin.
While at Milwaukee Ballet, Kim staged David Parsons’ Bachiana for the company, taught in the school and summer intensive programs, and contributed to the development of a school outreach initiative for local students. She also participated in the inaugural Gathering on the Green, a collaborative summer performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Following her retirement from the stage, Kim returned to Orlando in 2003 and joined Orlando Ballet School. She has served as Principal of the Central School and as Assistant to the School Director. Kim played a key role in developing the OBII, Trainee, and Academy programs at the school.
She is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher through Level 7 and partnering and currently serves on the ABT® National Training Curriculum Board of Examiners. Kim organizes the school’s ABT® exams and works closely with faculty to maintain and advance their certification status.
Natasha Glos
Principal Faculty
Principal Repetiteur
Natasha Glos
Principal Faculty
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Natasha Glos graduated with honors from the prestigious Perfectionist Ballet Master Class at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, earning a Diploma of Professional Ballet Artist. She studied under the legendary Professor Madame I.A. Trofimova, a direct pupil of Agrippina Vaganova, the founder of the modern Russian Classical Ballet system. Natasha also trained under several distinguished professors, including Madame N. Dudinskaya, Mr. K.M. Sergeev, Mr. G.P. Konishev, Madame T.M. Shmirova, and Ms. N.S. Jananis, completing her coursework with the highest distinction.
Her exceptional artistry was recognized early on when she received the “Laureate of the First Category” Award at the National Ballet Competition and Conference in Riga, Latvia.
Natasha performed with the Mikhailovsky Ballet Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, dancing both soloist and corps de ballet roles in all major classical ballets. Her performances spanned classical and contemporary repertoire, touring internationally across Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, and Korea.
As a guest artist with the internationally touring company Start of the Bolshoi Ballet, under the direction of Mr. Alexander Bogatyriev, Natasha continued to perform throughout Europe, including engagements in Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
After relocating to the United States, Natasha joined the Orlando Ballet Organization, contributing to both the Orlando Ballet Company and the Orlando Ballet School in various capacities. She previously served as Ballet Mistress and Coach for Southern Ballet Theater and taught advanced ballet at the Rollins College Dance Department in Winter Park, Florida.
Natasha has directed numerous stage productions, including summer intensive workshops and student showcases. Her students have consistently achieved top honors at elite international ballet competitions such as the Prix de Lausanne, Varna International Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix, IDC/IBC, UBC, and the World Ballet Competition.
In recognition of her dedication to the art of ballet and her success in coaching young dancers, Natasha was named “Outstanding Coach of the Year” at the United Ballet Competition Finals in 2018.
Gonzalo Espinoza
Principal Faculty
Assistant to Director of Education and School Choreographer
Gonzalo Espinoza
Principal Faculty
Gonzalo Espinoza, a native of Venezuela, began his professional career with Ballet Metropolitano de Caracas in 1986. In 1989, he was invited to join the National Ballet of Venezuela, and the following year became a member of Ballet Nuevo Mundo, where he was promoted to soloist in 1991.
Gonzalo has performed principal roles with several prominent U.S. companies, including Cleveland Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley. He also worked extensively with Dancing Wheels, an inclusive dance company featuring both wheelchair and non-wheelchair dancers.
As a prolific choreographer, Gonzalo has created original works for Orlando Ballet School, Sacramento Ballet, Cleveland San Jose Ballet School, and other regional companies. His choreographic voice is known for blending a strong classical foundation with innovative movement and theatricality.
Gonzalo has held several notable leadership roles, including Assistant School Director at Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley and Artistic Director of Western Ballet. He is recognized for inspiring students and elevating their professional standards through mentorship, coaching, and choreography.
In addition to teaching master classes at festivals and conferences, he has worked with the School of Nashville Ballet and Nashville Ballet from 2007 to 2011. From 2011 to 2013, he served as Ballet Master at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia.
Currently, Gonzalo serves as the School Choreographer at Orlando Ballet School, where his choreography and teaching continue to challenge and inspire the next generation of dancers.
Amyia Burrell
Principal Faculty
Head of Preparatory Training Center – Young Dancer
Amyia Burrell
Principal Faculty
Amyia Burrell, Head of the Preparatory Training Center - Young Dancer Program at Orlando Ballet School, brings a dynamic combination of professional stage experience and educational expertise to her role. A former Broadway ensemble member of The Lion King National Tour, Amyia has also performed in major productions at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney, and Busch Gardens.
She holds certifications in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum (Pre-Primary through Level 3), Lester Horton Modern, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Pilates, enabling her to provide well-rounded, developmentally appropriate instruction tailored to young dancers.
At Orlando Ballet School, Amyia leads the training of students from Baby & Me through Level 2, infusing her classes with joy, creativity, and structure. Her diverse background in both ballet and musical theater enriches the early dance experience, nurturing expressive, confident, and technically strong young artists.
Amyia is deeply aligned with the organization’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality dance education and is passionate about guiding the next generation with warmth, energy, and a solid foundation in classical technique.
Sofia Abenanty
Principal Faculty
Performance Coordinator
Sofia Abenanty
Principal Faculty
A native of Bulgaria, Sofia Tsutsakova-Abenanty was a distinguished ballet dancer with both the Sofia National Opera and Ballet and Orlando Ballet. Over the course of her performance career, she toured internationally and danced numerous notable leading roles with both companies. Among her many accolades is a bronze medal from the prestigious Varna International Ballet Competition.
Sofia holds a Master’s Degree in Vaganova Pedagogy from the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She is also a certified teacher through the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum and is additionally certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
Now fully dedicated to teaching, Sofia brings her wealth of international stage experience and pedagogical training to Orlando Ballet School, where she is committed to developing the next generation of dancers. Her teaching specialties include ballet technique, pointe, variations, character, historical dance, partnering, and PBT, all delivered with a strong foundation in classical Vaganova methodology.
Shane Bland
Principal Faculty
Head of Community Enrichmentc
Shane Bland
Principal Faculty
As head of Orlando Ballet’s Community Enrichment Division, Shane is a dynamic theater artist with an accomplished career spanning Broadway, national tours, regional theater, television, choreography, and directing. His Broadway credits include Bombay Dreams, Show Boat (Harold Prince), and Disney’s The Lion King. In Orlando, Shane has starred in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cabaret (as the Emcee at Orlando Shakes), and Beauty and the Beast (as The Beast at the Garden Theatre). His choreography credits include Frozen Jr., Matilda (Broadway World Nominee), and Hairspray. Shane also serves as an adjudicator for the Applause Awards, supporting young performers across the region.
Heath Gill
Principal Faculty
OBS Faculty and OB Rehearsal Director
Heath Gill
Principal Faculty
Originally from Southern Illinois, Heath Gill spent much of his performance career with Atlanta Ballet, rising quickly to principal roles in works by renowned choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Christopher Wheeldon, and Ohad Naharin. He was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” and ArtsATL’s “30 under 30.” Heath co-founded Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, where he served as Resident Choreographer and Production Director. His acclaimed work, Marley Was Dead, To Begin With, was named ArtsATL’s “Best Dance Production of 2020.” Now Rehearsal Director at Orlando Ballet, Heath continues to choreograph and coach with passion, shaping the next generation of artists.
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Allison Baber
OBS Faculty
Allison Baber
OBS Faculty
Allison Baber has been with Orlando Ballet since 2018. Raised and trained in Central Florida, she danced professionally with companies including Hartford Ballet, Smuin Ballet, Ballet Met, and the national tour of Movin’ Out. She has performed across the U.S., Canada, and Japan in works by Michael Smuin, Dwight Rhoden, Twyla Tharp, and George Balanchine. Allison’s repertoire includes classics like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, with notable soloist roles such as Lilac Fairy and Medea. Certified in the ABT Training Curriculum, she teaches ballet, Pilates, Gyrotonic®, and Gyrokinesis® methods at various schools and studios nationwide.
Ani Boer
OBS Faculty
Ani Boer
OBS Faculty
Ani Boer began her ballet training in Baltimore, MD, and graduated on scholarship from the Kirov Academy in Washington, DC. She earned her BFA at SUNY Purchase while performing with companies in NYC. Selected by Bruce Marks for Orlando Ballet’s summer intensive, she joined the company in 2007 and danced soloist and principal roles until 2021. A nationally recognized guest teacher, she is certified in ABT’s National Training Curriculum and Progressing Ballet Technique. Ani has choreographed for numerous organizations, judged competitions, coached Olympic-level gymnasts, performed with Mariah Carey, and collaborated with Debbie Allen and Cirque du Soleil.
Lisa Buono
OBS Faculty
Lisa Buono
OBS Faculty
Lisa is a dedicated children’s dance instructor from New Jersey with a rich foundation in classical ballet. Trained with The New Jersey Ballet and Garden State Ballet, she holds over 15 years of Nutcracker performance credits. A Boston University graduate in Political Science, she also studied acting and dance through the College of Fine Arts. Her diverse teaching spans ballet, jazz, tap, and more, with faculty roles at institutions including the Orlando Ballet. Certified in adaptive dance, Lisa mentors K–12 students and leads community youth programs. She is passionate about sharing the joy, discipline, and transformative power of dance and performance.
Dion DiDonna
OBS Faculty
Dion DiDonna
OBS Faculty
Dion is a professional dancer, fire and LED performer, stilt walker, competition judge, and dance teacher with over 30 years of experience. She teaches and choreographs for dance schools, theaters, and educational institutions across the country. Known for her versatility and dynamic stage presence, Dion also collaborates with photographers, dance stores, and national brands. Her work bridges performance and education, and she is recognized for inspiring dancers of all ages and levels. With a passion for movement and creativity, Dion continues to bring energy, artistry, and professionalism to every stage, studio, and collaboration she takes part in.
Jennifer Dzuranin
OBS/FTD Faculty
Jennifer Dzuranin
OBS/FTD Faculty
Jennifer spent her early years of dance training at New Tampa Dance Theatre in Tampa, Florida. At the age of 13, she was accepted into the Joffrey Ballet Academy’s Pre-Professional Program under Anna Reznik and Alexei Kremnev.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet where she had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Penny Saunders, Katie Scherman, Jeff Rogers, and Melonie B. Murray. Additionally, Jennifer was a member of the Character Dance Ensemble, a student group that studies character and folk dances from around the world. She served as President of the Character Dance Ensemble for two years and ultimately traveled internationally to perform repertoire in Hungary, Ukraine, Spain, and Italy.
Upon graduating, Jennifer began dancing professionally with regional ballet companies in North Carolina and Virginia before making her way to Orlando to perform for Universal Studios Orlando and Walt Disney World.
Jennifer shares her passion for performing with a passion for teaching, which she has been doing for more than 8 years. In 2020 she decided to go back to school to earn her graduate degree from New York University. In August of 2021, Jennifer graduated with a Master of Arts in Dance Education: Teaching Dance in the Professions and ABT Ballet Pedagogy. Alongside her degree, Jennifer is an ABT® Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 7 and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
This is Jennifer’s first year teaching for Orlando Ballet School and she is thrilled to share her love of dance with all her students.
Andrea Faria
OBS Faculty
Andrea Faria
OBS Faculty
Andrea Faria, originally from Brazil, began her ballet training at age 3 at Ballet Cristina Helena. After moving to the U.S., she danced professionally with Columbia Classical Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Orlando Ballet, and, most recently, Cirque du Soleil.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Ms. Faria specializes in ballet technique, pointe, variations, conditioning, and PBT. She is an ABT Certified Teacher, Pre-Primary through Level 5.
Currently teaching throughout Central Florida, her students have earned top honors at competitions, including YAGP. In 2025–2026, she is excited to return for her fourth season as a teacher at Orlando Ballet School, teaching levels 1A, 2A, 4B, 5, and 6.
Heather Fryxell
OBS Faculty
Heather Fryxell
OBS Faculty
Heather Fryxell is a distinguished ballet dancer, educator, and adaptive dance innovator. Trained by Thomas Armour in Miami, she earned degrees in English literature and educational psychology on a full ballet scholarship. She danced professionally with Atlanta Ballet and Orlando Ballet, where she was a principal dancer and educator, and later co-founded Central Florida Ballet. Heather developed Movement Mentor®, an adaptive dance program for individuals with special abilities, now used in outreach programs in Florida and Utah. She spent 15 years at Ballet West Academy as principal faculty and campus principal and currently teaches at Orlando Ballet and Xplosive Dance Academy.
Bonnie Gombos
OBS/FTD Faculty
Bonnie Gombos
OBS/FTD Faculty
Bonnie Gombos, the former Director of the Darien Arts Center’s Dance Department & DAC Summer Workshops, has been teaching for over thirty years in New York and Connecticut. She was previously with the Darien Arts Center for 26 years working with students from age three through adult, and covering a wide range of dance styles from classical ballet to jazz and modern. She also worked for many years at Connecticut Ballet as a teaching artist, Kids in Crisis, Trailblazers, and for a non-profit providing classes in juvenile detention centers. Bonnie is one of the founders and directors of the Reach Dance Project, a group that uses dance productions to raise funds for local charities. She was involved with DanceAbility, which dissolves barriers and connects people with and without disabilities through dance and movement. Bonnie was a Dance-Theater major at Queens College N.Y. and received most of her training from Hannah Kroner, Finis Jhung, and the New York School of Ballet. Outside of ballet, she has received a degree in Avionics from the College of Aeronautics.
Gina Hatch
OBS/FTD Faculty
Gina Hatch
OBS/FTD Faculty
Gina Smith Hatch was born in Provo, Utah, and began training at age 4 with Colleen Collins Smith School of Performing Arts. At 15, she joined The Company, dancing lead roles in Swan Lake, Carmen, Nutcracker, and Jekyll and Hyde. Gina received the William F. Christensen scholarship to the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and teaching there for two years. She performed with Utah Ballet and Ballet West before joining Hubbard Street Dance Company. In 1994, Gina moved to Florida to perform at Walt Disney World and became a Radio City Rockette. She also served as Universal Studios Orlando’s head choreographer and remains active in teaching, judging, and performing.
Monica Heiz
OBS/FTD Faculty
Monica Heiz
OBS/FTD Faculty
Monica Heiz is a pioneer in the fitness industry with over 25 years of experience. She earned her degree in Nutrition & Fitness from Florida State University and went on to become a National Aerobic Champion, training with six World Champions before winning gold at Nationals. Monica received a STOTT Pilates scholarship to open the first STOTT Training Studio in NYC. Her career expanded into Wellness Coaching, where she developed inclusive lifestyle programs. She has owned a Pilates and Wellness Studio in Forest Hills, NY, and is trained in Anatomy Trains and as a Metagenics Lifestyle Advisor. Monica champions holistic, balanced health.
Elaine “Lanie” Hoxie
OBS/FTD Faculty
Elaine “Lanie” Hoxie
OBS/FTD Faculty
Elaine “Lanie” Hoxie grew up in the Midwest and earned her BA in dance from Western Michigan University. Some key moments from her early days are dancing at the American Dance Festival at Duke University and performing in a “Modern Innovators” concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Upon graduation, she danced with a collaborative group of musicians and dancers, known as Separations. In her early Orlando years, she danced and choreographed for DRIP, danced and acted as rehearsal director for VisualEFX Productions, danced for CineDance (Orlando’s first concert jazz dance company), and assisted and performed as a guest artist for Nao Dance.
From Michigan to Florida, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and back to Florida, Lanie has had a successful career as a dancer, teacher, stunt performer, actor, fire performer, choreographer, and producer. She has performed the works of Paul Taylor, Gus Giordano, Frank Chavez, Cris Judd, Shane Sparks, Nappytabs, and Oth’than; danced in music videos for Wisin, Daddy Yankee, Robin Thicke, Limp Bizkit, Colette Carr, Dawn Richards, 21 Pilots, KT Turnstall, and Erika Jayne; was seen on 90210, American Horror Story, 1600 Penn, Mobbed, and Lizzie McGuire; performed 2 show contracts in Las Vegas; danced with The Toledo Show, Little Miss Nasty, Flash Mob America, Lucent Dossier Experience, and Zen Arts in L.A.; and has had the opportunity to stand in and double the one and only, Pink.
Lanie currently teaches her all-levels female empowerment heels and burlesque class, Feeling Foxy, and has also created a company, Live In Love Movement, which uses movement as a tool for women to love themselves from the inside out. She teaches tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and heels at several dance studios, performs as Duvessa in Phantasmagoria, helps bring stories to life with IBEX Puppetry, and alongside her husband, continues to create stage shows. Lanie is excited to share, learn, and grow with everyone.
Patrick Ingram
OBS/FTD Faculty
Patrick Ingram
OBS/FTD Faculty
Patrick Ingram began his dance training at 15 at the Joel Hall Center of Dance in Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up. A graduate of Chicago Academy for the Arts, Chicago’s only private high school for the arts, Patrick trained with some of the brightest minds in dance, including Natalie Rast, Deborah Goodman, Guillermo Leyva, and Randy Duncan. Patrick has also trained at Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, New York Institute of Dance and Education, Ruth Page Dance Center, Visceral Dance Center, and Milwaukee Ballet; learning from amazing artists like Fabrice Camels, Derrick Agnoletti, Erica Edwards, Birute Barodicaite, Laura Wade, and Michael Pink to name a few. Patrick is a recent graduate of Illinois State University; however, before earning his Bachelor of Arts in Dance, he danced professionally with Elements Contemporary Ballet, Inaside Dance Chicago, and Dallas Contemporary Ballet, as well as being a guest artist and teacher with multiple dance companies across the Midwest. Before moving to Orlando, Patrick worked at Tulsa Ballet, where he served as Jazz and Contemporary instructor to various age levels, including adults. He also helped initiate the school’s Performance Ensemble program, designed to allow young dancers to perform and showcase their hard work and artistry.
Patrick is currently on faculty for Orlando Ballet School, where he is a jazz instructor for students aged 9-12, in addition to working in Orlando Ballet’s Marketing Department as Patron Services and Sales Coordinator. He is also a guest artist for Kaley Pruitt Dance, a project-based modern dance company based out of New York City. Patrick is very excited to be in Orlando and looks forward to sharing his love of dance with all that he meets.
Krista Ledden
FTD Faculty
Krista Ledden
FTD Faculty
Krista Ledden is a certified BeMoved® Artistry dance instructor, philanthropist, and community volunteer. She was previously a professional dancer traveling the world with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
She joined the Orlando Ballet Board of Directors in 2017, serving on the School Committee and founding the Development (now Stewardship) Committee, pioneering efforts to cultivate and steward donors and stakeholders, which resulted in doubling individual contributions and average gift amount. She introduced and currently teaches BeMoved® at Orlando Ballet School, a dance and fitness technique for dancers of every age and skill level. Krista accepts no fee and 100% of the proceeds benefit Orlando Ballet. Krista’s efforts reinvigorated adult-class offerings, ultimately leading to the Fitness through Dance program. Upon completion of her tenure on the Board, Krista was elected the first Director Emeritus in the Company’s 48-year history.
Together with her husband Jonathan, the Leddens have contributed over $3 million to the Orlando community. In addition to Orlando Ballet, they are major donors to Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando Health Foundation, and Opera Orlando. Krista and Jonathan were recognized amongst the “15 to Watch” in Orlando Magazine’s 2019 “50 Most Powerful” survey. In 2019, they received the Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. Award for Outstanding Philanthropist in Central Florida.
Krista was raised outside Chicago, Illinois, and began dancing at age 5. Her first professional experience was at age 11 as Clara in the iconic Ruth Page Nutcracker in Chicago. She attended performing arts high school at Interlochen Arts Academy, an internationally recognized conservatory in Michigan. She was accepted to both The Juilliard School and New York University Tisch School of Arts but was immediately recruited at the age of 17 to dance professionally in the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, touring in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
In 1990 she joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, an internationally acclaimed company recognized for a broad and accessible repertoire of ballet, jazz, and Broadway-based works. During her 8 years with the Company, she was featured in a wide array of repertoire. Krista originated roles in Twyla Accompli, Baker’s Dozen, The Fugue; Sue’s Leg, and Nine Sinatra Songs; and Jyri Kylian’s Sechs Tanz. Other roles she originated include Danny Ezralow’s Lady Lost Found and In Praise of Shadows; Kevin O’Day’s Hellblondegroove; Mauricio Wainrot’s Perpetuum Mobile. Krista also performed works by David Parsons, Margo Sappington, and Alonzo King. She was the Featured Performer in the Company’s signature work, Lou Conte’s 40s. Because of her mastery of the repertoire, she also served as Rehearsal Assistant, responsible for staging company works and maintaining its high standards on tour. Krista retired from dance to raise her children and support her community.
Annie Lewis
FTD Faculty
Annie Lewis
FTD Faculty
Annie Lewis is a Pilates instructor and performer based in New York City, originally from upstate New York. She studied dance, theater, and voice, continuing her training at Adelphi University, where Pilates became central to her practice. Annie earned her certification through The Pilates Standard under Gina Papalia at Grasshopper Pilates, completing over 600 hours of training. She has worked with esteemed instructors, including Cary Regan and Phoebe Higgins. While performing in NYC, she taught at Equinox and the Joffrey Ballet School. Annie now teaches at the Pilates Loft and Crosby Wellness Center, helping clients feel stronger, taller, and more energized.
Cyndi Litz
OBS Faculty
Cyndi Litz
OBS Faculty
Cyndi Litz is a native Floridian who has enjoyed dancing all of her life. She studied under the direction of Edith and Bill Royal and has had the opportunity to perform as a dancer at many of the theme parks and local theaters in Orlando. She has been an educator in Orange County for 18 years and was instrumental in creating a program to offer dance to students at the elementary school level. She was a Teacher of the Year in 2006 and is an advocate for keeping the arts in the public school system. She continues to dance and performs with the Still, Moving-Dance Company under the direction of Ellie Potts-Barrett. She is married to Conrad and has two wonderful sons, Aaron and Alex.
Shawn Lowe
OBS Faculty
Shawn Lowe
OBS Faculty
Shawn Lowe, a Florida native, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New World School of the Arts. He is extensively trained in contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theatre. Shawn has taught at numerous institutions across Central and South Florida, including Kidzdance, Valencia College, and X-Factor Dance and Gymnastics. As a choreographer, he has collaborated with Central Florida Vocal Arts, Opera Del Sol, Theater West End, and others. Shawn has performed with Disney, Universal, Odd-O-T’s Entertainment, and more. He continues working as a freelance performer, teacher, and choreographer in the Central Florida area.
Trish Marijanich
FTD Faculty
Trish Marijanich
FTD Faculty
Trish is a seasoned performing arts professional with over three decades of experience in Entertainment, Education, and Leadership, including a 35-year career with Walt Disney World. Currently serving as a Community Enrichment Teaching Artist, she is also a certified BeMoved® instructor for Orlando Ballet.
Trish’s early ballet and jazz training, combined with music and theater, led her to roles in summer stock theatres and, eventually, into roles at Disney in Entertainment, Costuming, and Cosmetology operations across the Orlando-based theme parks. Trish is a former professional dancer and swing and holds a B.S. in Communications from Florida State University with minors in Dance, Theatre, and Music. Trish enjoys teaching students of all ages and believes that joy can be found through dance. She and her husband enjoy traveling and have two adult daughters and a loving dog, Zoe.
Mila Markarova
OBS/FTD Faculty
Mila Markarova
OBS/FTD Faculty
Mila Makarova continues a rich family dance legacy, training initially with her Bolshoi-trained parents, Juanita and Nikolai. She further studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts and Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. Mila danced principal and soloist roles with leading choreographers, most
Brittany Marcell Monachino
FTD Faculty
Brittany Marcell Monachino
FTD Faculty
Brittany Marcell Monachino is a dancer, singer, creative, and educator. Her credits include her most recent performances with the National Tour of Wicked The Musical and an appearance on Saturday Night Live. Her Broadway debut in King Kong: Alive on Broadway (OBC) earned her a Chita Rivera Award for Best Ensemble with choreography by Drew McOnie. Other credits include: Rob Ashford’s Carmen The Opera with The Houston Grand Opera, Come Fall In Love: The DDLJ Musical (workshop) with direction by Aditya Chopra and choreography by Rob Ashford, as well as productions of Kiss Me Kate, West Side Story, and Saturday Night Fever.
Before entering the world of theatre, she was a member of Philadanco under the direction of Joan Myers Brown, where she performed pivotal works by Christopher Huggins, Milton Myers, Matthew Rushing, George Faison, and Harold Pierson. Other notable credits include Why I Had to Dance with choreography by Dianne McIntyre and choreopoem by Ntozake Shange of For Colored Girls at The Cleveland Playhouse and Oberlin College, as well as her work with Norwegian Cruise Lines across the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, Mediterranean, and North Africa.
Susan Olson
Level 4B - OBS
Susan Olson
Level 4B - OBS
Ms. Olson loves teaching at OBS and holds a high school diploma and a BFA from UNCSA. She is a member of Equity. She has performed various principal roles for the Agnes de Mille Heritage Dance Theatre. Some highlights include the Diamond Jubilee for Impresario Sol Hurok at Lincoln Center, the 1980 CBS Kennedy Center Honors, the City of New York Museum, and two national tours, to name a few. Other accomplishments include the Broadway production of Brigadoon at the Majestic Theatre in NYC, Artistic Director of Ballet San Angelo, and Dean of Dance at Harrison School for the Arts.
Elizabeth Shook
OBS Faculty
Elizabeth Shook
OBS Faculty
Elizabeth began her ballet training at Marin Ballet in California, studying with esteemed teachers and performing works by notable choreographers like Norbert Vesak and Saeko Ichino. After accelerating through high school, she attended Pennsylvania Ballet School on a full scholarship and performed with the company. She later joined Boston Ballet II, dancing a diverse repertoire including Balanchine works. Following an injury, Elizabeth freelanced in New York, collaborating with emerging choreographers and participating in Betsey Johnson’s Fashion Week show. Since 2000, she has worked as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Elizabeth is an ABT Certified Affiliate Teacher and one of fewer than thirty Level 3 Certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructors nationally.
Jessica Springer
OBS Faculty
Jessica Springer
OBS Faculty
Jessica Springer began her ballet training in Central Florida and continued at the Russian Academy of Ballet under Iryna Depler, focusing on the Vaganova Method. She has performed in classical works including Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and Cinderella. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Jessica currently teaches Pre-Primary 3, Primary A–1, and the STEPS outreach program at Orlando Ballet School. She is passionate about making ballet accessible and meaningful for every student. Jessica fosters discipline, creativity, and joy in the studio, helping young dancers grow with confidence both as artists and individuals.
Heidi Towle
OBS/FTD Faculty
Heidi Towle
OBS/FTD Faculty
Heidi Towle has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theater for Orlando Ballet School for 18 years. She graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts in Dance. She tap danced her way through Europe with the Wolfgang Bocksch 1st European Tour of 42nd Street before moving to Orlando to perform as a dancer, singer, actress, and stunt woman at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. She also danced internationally with the band Dance Express.
She currently teaches K - 5 dance for an Orange County Public School and has recently choreographed for local elementary, middle, and high schools. She is an Applause Award winner for best choreography for West Side Story at Lake Nona High School and is an ABT® Certified Teacher for levels Primary - 5. She enjoys every opportunity to share her love of dance with the next generation.
Stephanie Towle
OBS/FTD Faculty
Stephanie Towle
OBS/FTD Faculty
Stephanie Towle is a versatile dancer and educator who taught ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, and acro for two years in Oklahoma City. A 2024 graduate of Oklahoma City University, she is a two-time National Champion with the OCU Pom Competitive Dance Team and currently serves as their strength and conditioning coordinator. Stephanie performs with P’zazz Productions, with highlights including New Year’s Eve at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square and Cabernet Cabaret in Napa, CA. She was an assistant for Rent at Dr. Phillips Center and has performed in A Chorus Line and Chicago on the same stage.
Marianna Tzanova
OBS Faculty
Marianna Tzanova
OBS Faculty
Mariana Tzanova graduated from one of the most prestigious Folk Dancing academies in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. From the Bulgarian Academy, Mariana gained knowledge and experience in performing and teaching character dances. For 14 years, Mariana has choreographed and taught international character dances and methodologies from beginner to advanced levels at Orlando Ballet School.
Giovanni Villalobos
OBS Faculty
Giovanni Villalobos
OBS Faculty
Giovanni Villalobos was born in Puerto Rico, where he began dancing at the age of eight under the guidance of Roberto Rodriguez. He studied at the School of American Ballet (with Peter Boal, Jock Soto and Andrei Kramarevsky) and the Royal Danish Ballet (as part of the D.A.N.C.E student exchange program), and he choreographed for the New York Choreographic Institute. In 2003, he was awarded the Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise, and a year later, he joined New York City Ballet. He has worked with prominent choreographers, including Christopher Wheeldon, Susan Stroman, Eliot Feld, Benjamin Millepied, and Alexei Ratmansky, and he appeared in the film version of Jerome Robbins’ Opus Jazz. In 2014, he was chosen to become a member of the Teachers Fellowship at SAB. Mr. Villalobos was a guest teacher at Pacific Northwest Ballet School in 2015 and joined PNB School as a year-round faculty member in the fall of 2018. In June 2019, he became a rehearsal director for Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he continued to serve until the summer of 2024. After 20 years of traveling the world, he has chosen to make Orlando his home and is excited to share his experience with the local dance community.
Randee Workowski
OBS Faculty
Randee Workowski
OBS Faculty
Randee Workowski began her training as a dancer with A Dancer’s Place Company under the direction of Victoria Leigh and James Franklin. Ms. Workowski studied on a full scholarship with the Houston Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet. She also attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the American Musical & Dramatic Academy on scholarship in New York City. Ms. Workowski has been a featured guest artist of Orlando Ballet, Florida Grand Opera, and Gold Coast Opera. Her varied professional credits include lead roles in classical ballet, musical theatre, film, and television. While still a student, Ms. Workowski spent four consecutive seasons as a Mouseketeer for Walt Disney Productions. Ms. Workowski began teaching at OBS in 2007. She is the former Artistic Outreach Coordinator who is also an ABT® Certified Teacher in Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® NTC.