RSB Alumni

Since 1998 RSB has been offering pre-professional instruction to its students, training them for post-secondary dance study and jobs.  Please find below a list of our current alumni, including students, staff, area directors as well as local businesses to read what they are doing and what they have to say about RSB and how it influenced their lives.

The RSB Alumni are a fantastic group of individuals who are achieving much success!
2010 Highlights Include:

Rebecca Nickos was invited to join VERBS Ballet in Cleveland, Ohio
Nicole Von Enck was invited to join Texas Ballet Theatre, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Anna Li was accepted to Columbia University in NYC to pursue Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Dance
Theresa Bonvissuto graduated from Mercyhurst College and is pusuing a Dance Teaching career in Cleveland
Claire Von Enck continues her ballet training at SAB in NYC.
Renee Rossi begins her third season with the Balanchine Trust at NYCB.
Jo Jo Grahm continues to build Dancing Classrooms North East Ohio with the addition of more classrooms being taught.
Jenni Nalette is planning her wedding for July 2011 while bringing her dancing/teaching expertise to all of Ohio
Kali Tarzanick begins her second season as a CAVS Girl with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Brooke Datko, a 2009 graduate of the US Navel Academy is currently in Flight School in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Kenya Woods Cooper's choreography was adjudicated for performance at Clevleand Public Theatrer Feb., 2011
Kim Holsopple will be performing in Ms. Woods choreography Feb., 2011.
Leanne Wadenpfuhl gave birth to another daughter Mara Autumn in October 2010
Alison Morey married in September 2010 and is now Alison Krejny
Elise Budowanec continues her dance training after a successful summer at Broadway Dance Center.
Kaylee Baker graduated from high school and is attending Kent State planning a careeer as a Nurse.
Emma Von Enck, Emma Brodowski, Julianne Wtulich and Megan Carcippolo continue their studies with Kerry Skuderin at Cleveland Conservatory of Dance
Nina Hoffman is a freshman at Miami Universoty in Ohio majoring in Early Childhood Education
Allison Bonvissuto continues her studies at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio
after studying abroad in Rome, Italy.
Heather Mills begins her Senior year at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania


1998-2000 Lynn Brennan Tabor
Ms. Tabor was a Guest Artist with RSB in 2000 and set "Dance Danube" on the school's Senior and Junior Divisions.  "Dance Danube" premiered at the 2000 RSB Spring Repertory Concert and was re-staged for the 2007 RYBC Spring Repertory Concert.  Ms. Tabor, along with her husband Chris Tabor are formerly from the Cleveland area, where both were  members of Dennis Nahat's Cleveland San Jose Ballet Company and Ms. Tabor was the Director for the Dance program at the Cleveland Musical School Settlement. Currently both Ms. Tabor and her husband, Chris are the Artisitc Directors of the Portland Youth Ballet.  Please see below for Contact Information on the Portland Youth Ballet.

"I had the pleasure to know Joanne Morscher while teaching in Cleveland. She is a consummate professional and her students were of  such a high caliber. She was also a wonderful friend who reached out to the Cleveland dance community in a very positive way. I wish her  all the best and I'm sure she will have great success in all future  endeavors."

Lynn Brennan Tabor, Artistic Director Portland Youth Ballet
Portland Youth Ballet
7901 SW Cirrus Dr. Bldg. 27
Beaverton, OR 97008
(503) 914-8913
www.pybdance.com

1999-2008 Kenya Woods Cooper
Kenya Woods is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, where she first began her training in dance.  She is a graduate from Tenessee State Unversity with a minor in Dance and has studies the Russian classical technique with Marguerite Duncan of North Coast Ballet Theater.  Ms. Woods continued her training NYC with The Alvin Ailey Dance Center, Broadway Dance Center and Dance Space Center.  She has performed with Ballet Highlights and Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company.  She has toured and given workshop classes with Eiffman Ballet through City Center and Pilobolus.  She has been the features dancer  for works created by Antolino Alvarez and Brian Brooks of Donald Byrd - The Group in the Santa Fe Summer Dance Festival.  She has also served as Guest Teacher and Choreographer for Santa FeCommunity College, Cleveland School of the Arts, Hudson Repertory Dance, RSB and Peridance.  In addition to her dance training Kenya is a commercial/sports model and has been featured in Nike Goddess and Olay Products commericlas; Sports Illustrated Women, Dance Spirit, Essence, Heart-N-Soul and Fitness magazines.  Kenya is Mom to son, Jordan age 4years and daughter, Sage who is 20 months old. Kenya is currently working Freelance in the Cleveland community and is on staff at The Cleveland School of the Arts.  She gave many years of her time and loyalty to the success of RSB, where she headed up our Modern Division. Ms. Woods is currently teaching Ballet at Kim's School of Dance in North Royaton, on staff at the Cleveland School of the Arts and will be teaching this summer at the Clevleand Playhouse.

"Your syllabus rocks!  It is the best."

Ms. Woods choreography was adjudicated and invited to perform at Cleveland Public Theater February 2011.
Check out Ms. Woods works at the link below.  Fellow alumna Kim Holsopple will be dancing in Ms. Woods piece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XzrNwVJRYs

. 
1998-2008 Kim Holsopple
Kim Holsopple joined RSB shortly after it opened and in addition to studying ballet she was a guest jazz teacher at RSB. Kim has studied jazz, ballet and modern during her more than 25 years of dance training. Kim's jazz training has been with Dee Hillier and Karen Colabianchi here in the Cleveland area but she has also studied with many other jazz teachers, including some in New York City. Her ballet training has been with Marguerite Duncan, Nancy Arcury and Joanne Morscher. Kim has also had the opportunity to study modern dance with instructors Jen Preis and Kenya Woods. Throughout her dance career, Kim has worked professionally in the Cleveland area, performed in many summer theater productions and has been the choreographer and dancer in many productions that WorldView Community Church (WVCC) and WorldView International (WVI) have produced. Kim has hadthe privilege of traveling with WVI to South Africa, Madagascar, Switzerland and Malawi as the choreographer and dancer in original stage productions presented in these nations. Kim was the Dance Department Director at WVCC for 12 years and founded the Worship Dance Team there. Kim's teaching experience includes a wide range of age groups and technical abilities, as she has been a teacher at several dance studios in the Cleveland area along with her work with WVCC and WVI. Kim resides in Olmsted Falls with her husband and two children.
Kim will be dancing at Cleveland Public Theater in fellow
RSB Alumna, Kenya Woods Cooper's choreography Feb., 2011.

"My time at RSB greatly enhanced my dance career, both as a dancer and a teacher. I greatly appreciate Joanne's extensive ballet knowledge and unique ability to train highly skilled ballet dancers. My technique and ballet knowledge grew significantly during my training at RSB. As an adult dancer, I was welcomed into class and was provoked and inspired by the young dancers in my classes. It was also a joy for me to teach Jazz to the RSB students; their joy of dance and willingness to learn made teaching such a pleasure. Joanne, thanks for all you have given to the world of dance.

Can't wait to see where/when you will get back into dance!" -Kim Holsopple

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul.-Martha Graham"

1998-2000 Julie Speck Miller


Julie graduated from the University of Akron with a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Ballet in 2004.  As a previous Guest Artsist with RSB she has danced lead roles in Swan Lake & Paquita with her partner Buddy Flowers.  Julie has taught at RSB, emjaez in Bay Village and is currently on staff at Excel Dance in Hinckley, Ohio where she will be teaching Ballet & Modern.


Photo by M. Romo

 
1998-2000 Bethany Karas
2005 Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Point Park Conservatory with a B.A. in Advertising  & Public Relations plus a Dance Minor.  Bethany is currently in NYC pursuing a career in Public Relations.

1998-2001 Jenni Nalette
Jennifer Nalette graduated from Ohio University with a dance minor in 2007 and has since taken Cleveland teaching scene by storm.  She is currently teaching and coaching the competition teams at Studio 82, Studio J and The Dance Centre.  Her competition teams have won High Golds and Platinums in Ohio, Penn, and Detriot.  Along with teaching in studios around the Cleveland area, Jennifer is on her second year being a teaching artist for Dancing Classrooms NEO and working along side other RSB alum Jo Jo Graham.  As well as teaching Jennifer just finished her last tour with Azaguno African Dance Company which has brought her to South Korea, Italy, Tiawan,  New Jersey, New York, and cities around Ohio. As a RSB student she danced lead roles in Coppelia & the Nutcracker.  As a graduate, Jenni was an integral part of the RSB Summer faculty, as well as the 2008 RSB Staff. Jenni auditioned for the 2010-2011 Dance Graduate Program at Ohio State University in Columbus and was accepted into their graduate program.  She received many compliments on her ballet training!
Photos by Nathan Telea.
Jenni is planning her wedding to high school sweetheart, Justin July 2011 while bringing
her dancing/teaching expertise to all of Ohio



"There is no better school than RSB.  It was the place where I grew up and was surrounded by love and support."

"Thanks to RSB and Joanne Morscher my life would not be what it is today.  I owe all my success to Joanne because she gave me a chance and believed in me."

Photo by Richard Finklestein.

1998-2001 Kathleen Luschek


2005 graduate from The American University in Washington D.C. with a Bachelor's of Arts.  She is planning on pursuing a graduate education.  While in Washington D.C Kathleen interned with the Washington Ballet and contiuned to study ballet @ the university.  Kathleen is currently working and living in Charlottsville, VA. Kathleen is the daughter of RSB/RYBC Costumer and  Stage Crew, Vicki Luschek.



1999-2001 Sarah Schneider
2005 graduate from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching & Choreography.  Sarah has accepted a job with Ballet Memphis in Tennesee.  She teaches ballet, pointe, repertoire and STOTT Pilates for the Ballet Memphis school, as well as acting as the Co-Artistic Director of the Ballet Memphis Junior Company.  Sarah is also in-charge of the educational enrichments programs for Ballet Memphis.

"During my years with the Royal School of Ballet I was given strong classical ballet technique and so much more.  RSB was a nurturing environment that allowed me to grow and develop as a dancer and as a young woman.  I was encouraged to explore the world of dance and find my place in it.  Mrs. Morscher gave me the tools needed to succeed in this field: technqiue, confidence, discipline, and a true love of movement.  She inspired me to pursue the career of my dreams and I am forever grateful.  The Royal School of Ballet will be missed, but I am confident that Mrs. Morscher's legacy will continue to positively impact the world of dance for years to come."

1999-2007 Renee Rossi 
Renee Rossi joined the staff at RSB in 2003. After graduating from the University of Akron in 2005 with a B.A. in French and Minor in Dance, she made her choreographic debut with the Royal Youth Ballet Company in 2006 with "Facades." Besides guest choreographer, she has held such titles as administrative assistant to the Director, ballet instructor at RSB, RYBC board member, RYBC Artistic Director from September-December 2007 and most recently was an Intern with the George Balanchine Trust in New York City.  Renee spent the 2006-2007 school year teaching English abroad in Nice, France. In her free time, Renee enjoys spending time with her family and studying mambo and latin dance. She recently performed on stage at the 2010 New Jersey International Salsa Congress with Stepping Out's International Latin Dance Company.
Photo by Danny Vega
Renee accepted a full time position in 2008 as the new Coordinator for the New York Choreographic Institute (NYCI), an affiliate of New York City Ballet, in New York City.  In November 2010 NYCI will celebrate its 10th anniversary with, for the first time ever, public performances at the Miller Theater.  She will be working with artists from around the world including members of New York City Ballet.  In addition to her work at the Institute, Renee also completed her certification to become a New York City Ballet Workout Instructor. 

Check out Renee and NYC Ballet @ http://www.nycballet.com/nyci/about.html 

Renee begins her thrid season as the Coorrdinator  for the New York Choreoegraphic Institute (NYCI), an affiliate of New York City Ballet in New York City. 

This past fall saw the 10th Anniversary of this organization. Check ou tthe New York Times review of this anniversary @ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/arts/dance/08institute.html?_r=1&ref=dance. 
 
"Words cannot begin to describe what RSB has meant to me since I stepped through its doors in 2000. It is there that I developed as a dancer, an artist, and a professional, thanks to the support and encouragement of Joanne Morscher. My experiences at RSB have provided me with the necessary tools and knowledge required to succeed in this profession. I will always hold the memories of the cherished eight years that I spent there close to my heart."


1998-2003 Leah Baxendale


A current graduate of Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA.  As a RSB student, Leah danced lead roles in Coppelia, Nutcracker and Paquita, and was an original cast member in Handel Suites and Preludes. 



Photo by M. Romo


1998-2003 Leanne Breslin Wadenpfuhl
Graduate of the University of Akron with a double major in Business & Dance. Leanne served as the 2007-2008 Interim Director of RSB. As a RSB student, Leanne danced lead roles in the Nutcracker, and was an original cast member in Handel Suites & Preludes. Prelude One was choroegraphed on Leanne and received its premiere in Spring 2002.  Prelude One was invited to be showcased at the  25th Ohio Dance Anniversary in Cleveland, Ohio.  Leanne was also a member of the 2001 Ensemble 3rd Place Finish @ YAGP in Chciago, Illinois. Leanne has accepted a Writing Internship at the University of Akron for 2008.  Leanne gave birth to a daughter Poppy in February 2009. 
Photo by E. Skarl


"RSB was my dance home for almost 9 years. Training, dancing, performing, teaching and growing up in this school have been significant milestones in my life. Joanne Morscher is a knowledgable and caring teacher and mentor. All of the staff at RSB have passed on a love and hunger for dance and dance education that I will carry for the rest of my life."



Photo of Poppy age 1year.
Leanne , her husband Jacob and daughter Poppy welcomed another daughter Mara Autumn in October 2010
Congratulations to the Wadenpfuhls!

1998-2003 Brooke Datko
A student @ RSB from November 1998-November 2003, Brooke participated in many performances and festivals.  Brooke was an original member of the RYBC & traveled to Columbus, Ohio for the premiere of Preludes.  Brooke graduated from the US Navel Academy in May 2009 and was commisioned in the Marine Corps while being stationed in Panama City, Florida.  This past summer she lived and volunteered in Okinawa, Japan. Brooke is currently in Flight School in Corpus Christi, Texas.

"I still attribute many of my successes to you.  You were a wonderful role model.  You taught me self-discipline and perseverence-two traits that I must rely on everyday."

"Mrs. Morscher has been a role model for me.  The discipline I have learned from Ballet has carried with me, and prepared me for the military.   Ballet is very challenging.  It makes you work hard and push yourself past your limits."


1998-2003 Amanda Klusmann
Amanda will graduate in 2008 from Ohio University with degrees in Dance Studies and Exercise Physiology. Amanda plans to pursue graduate study in Dance and Exercise Physiology so she can "can possibley improve the longevity of a dancers career"  As a RSB student she participated  in many Nutcrackers and was an original cast member in Handel Suites & Preludes.  Amanda was a member of the 2001 Ensemble 3rd Place Finish @ YAGP in Chicago, Illinois.

"I spent some of the best years of my childhood at RSB and I cannot believe it won't be open anymore.  You were such an outstanding teacher...it really seemed like when students would come in and start taking classes they were a blob of puddy, and you spent time and molded them into talented beautiful dancers.  You have an astounding knack for training dancers. "
Photo by M. Romo

1999-2003 Jill Laub
A summer school student from 1999-2000, Jill began attending RSB in 2001 and worked her way to full time study in 2002-2003.   At the 2002 Winter Extravagnza Jill performed the role of Mother Ginger in the Nutcracker and opened the performance with a contemporary jazz  number choreographed by Mary Jo Rimke.  She is currently training @ Broadway Dance in NYC and pursuing her undergraduate degree @ Fordham University in Communications and Media Studies with an English minor.  For the 2005-2006 season she will be participating in the first year of the new intensive scholarship, the Professional Program @ Broadway Dance Center.  Additionally, she has been assisting Michele Assaf in class and with her instuctional dance video series. Live! at Broadway Dance Center.  She has performed with the Fordham University Dance Team (2003-2004), @ the Hatch at Jennifer Muller/The WORKS, the DUMBO Arts Festival, in the Boardway Dance Center Showcase, as well original contemporary showcases with Collide and Enfocus dance.  In March 2005 Jill presented a Guest Artist workshop @ RSB teaching AI Strech and Jazz.
* Jill graduated from Fordham University in 2007 then spent the summer studying & teaching in Italy.  In January 2008 Jill moved to Los Angeles where she is finding work as a commerical artist.   Click on Link to see Jill dancing : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-6qbGeHw3g  

"RSB gave me the technical background & professional etiquette to walk into any dance class and be able to work to my fullest potential."         

1998-2003 Alison Morey Krejny
RSB student from 1998, Alison particpated in many Festivals, Nutcrackers, and Competitions.  She has held various corp de ballet (Coppelia, Swan Lake) and princpal/solist roles (Sugar Plum Fairy, Marzipan, Paquita, Handel Suites, Prelude Three) @ RSB. Additionally, she was a member of the 2001 Ensemble 3rd Place Finish at YAGP in Chicago, Illinois.  Lastly, Alison has been a RSB Staff member teaching Ballet & Floor Barre.

Alison graduated from the University of Akron's dance program with a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Ballet, as well as a a minor in Business Management Technology.  Alison was an active member in the University's dance club Terpsichore, where she particiapted in many student choreographed performances such as  Choreographer's Workshop & Spring into Dance.  Roles have included Cygnet (Little Swan) in Swan Lake, the Emerald Fairy from Sleeping Beauty, as well as original choreography from Andrew Carroll, Cydney Spohn and Marc Ozanich.  Alsion  performed and toured with University of Akrn's Opera Chorus, where she had a featured role in their production of Amahl.  Alison was offered a contract with Jennifer Muller-The Works in NYC for the 2007-2008 Season.  She currently teaches Dance in the greater Cleveland area and is planning her wedding.
Alison married in September 2010 and is now Alison Krejny. 

"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create dreams.  RSB changed my whole outlook on learning and reaching dance goals along with day to day life.  It has been a long, challenging road, but I could not have asked for more."

1998-2003 Kali Tarzanick

A student since 1998, Kali danced as Chinese Tea and a Snowflake in RSB's production of the Nutcracker. She recently taught as a Guest Artist in RSB's Jazz Program.  She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for Musical Theatre in NYC.  She continues her Jazz and Tap studies @ Broadway Dance Center and takes ballet class from American Ballet Theatre.  
Update on Kali!
Kali is currently back in Cleveland and working as a Cleveland Cavalier Girl.  She can be found in the 2010 Cavalier Girls Calendar as the April Cavalier Girl.  In addition to her Cleveland responsibilities as a Cav Girl Kali traveled to China, along with five other team members to perform and judge on the Tsingtao Dance Passion Reality Show. 

Kali begins her second season as a CAVS Girl!

"Joanne, I miss you. I love you.I wouldn't be here without you!  Go Cavs!"
"RSB made me the Jazz dancer I am today.  If it wasn't for RSB I wouldn't have developed such great technique."

2003 Jo Jo Grahm
After studying  at RSB, Jo Jo Graham attended the American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in NewYork City. Upon graduation she was hired by the American Ballroom Theater to train under Pierre Dulaine and has since worked, under his guidance, as a Teaching Artist with their Dancing Classrooms program (Movies Mad Hot Ballroom and Take the Lead) throughout NYC schools. Jo Jo has also worked throughout the city and performed for the 25th Anniversary of Dirty Dancing at the Tribecca Film Festival, Body Wrappers, and as part time dance faculty  with AMDA.

Founding Executive Director, Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio
Building on the groundbreaking work of her mentor, Pierre Dulaine, Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio was launched in 2008 by Ohio organizer and founding executive director, Jo Jo Graham. As an experienced Teaching Artist, Educational Liaison, and Director of the DC Weekend Academy for Dulaine, Jo Jo Graham brings valuable experience to her role as Executive Director for Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio. In addition to her work with Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio, Ms. Graham continues her work with Mr. Dulaine as part of the National Network staff working to bring the Dancing Classrooms program to every child.  Ms. Graham has been recently recognized by ABrT as Teaching Artist of the Year (Award for Excellence 2008), the first ever recipient of the distinguished award. Graham is a graduate of the Musical Theater Conservatory at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City.

Save the Date!
March 25, 2011
Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio
Benefit Gala Dinner Dance

Update on the program in the area:
Now in our second year, Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio (DCNEO) continues to grow at an exceptional rate.  Working to double the numbers achieved in our first year in Northeast Ohio we will work with forty-eight classrooms during the 2009-2010 school year.  DCNEO is also expanding the program into communities outside of Cleveland as we waltz our way into Painesville school district this January and hopefully Akron in the spring.  All communities and schools will come together to participate in our 2nd annual Colors of the Rainbow Team Match on Saturday, May 15, 2010 in the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square where Pierre Dulaine will be in attendance as our event emcee.  This event is free and open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
 
If you are interested in learning more and bringing our program to your school, please visit our website and contact us for more information.
Jo Jo Graham
440-552-3391
jojomgraham@yahoo.com
http://www.dancingclassroomsneo.org/



"I am so sorry to hear of the closing of RSB but am thankful  for the time I was able to spend there. I credit you with providing me  the opportunity to lay a strong foundation in technique and the necessary work ethic without which I would have failed."
 



Check out Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio (DCNEO)accomplishments:

http://www.dancingclassroomsneo.org/press/Article/?l=14

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/05/cleveland_students_compete_in.html

 http://www.wkyc.com/life/programming/shows/seven/news_article.aspx?storyid=105797&catid=45

Cleveland Magazine November 2008 (page 56) at www.clevelandmagazine.com.

2004 Caitlin Macuga
A graduate of John Carroll University, Caitlin joined RSB in 2000.  She has particpated in Nutcracker (Snowflake & Chinese Tea), Spring Repertory (Swan Lake, Recolhimento em Algeria, Objection Tango) & was a member of the 2001 Third Place Ensemble finish @ YAGP in Chicago, Illinois. 

2001-2005 Nina Hoffman
Nina joined RSB in 2001 and continued as a student until 2005.  She participated in numerous Nutcracker (Candy Canes, Chinese Tea and Marzipan) and Spring Repertory performances, as well as performing Preludes at the NorthEast Ohio and Ohio Dance Festivals. She is currently a Junior at Medina High School (MHS) where she has been a member of the JV vollyeyball program.  Nina is presently Dance Captain as well as a performer for the MHS award-winning Show Choir-The Encore Entertainment Company.  Nina is also involved with the Choir program and is a member of a student led all girl acca-pella vocal group.  She keeps her self busy with KetClub, SADDJO, Volleyball and her church choir.  Nina plans a collegiate double major in Dance and Education.

Nina a freshman at Miami University in Ohio majoring in Early Childhood Education, and is a member of the   Collegiate Chorale and The Mergers, a mixed a-capella group and made both. 

"RSB gave Nina a strong foundation of Ballet Technique so that she was able to continue dance at other studios stepping into the higher level classes."

2005 Rebecca Nicklos  
Rebecca joined RSB in the summer of 2002 and spent the next 3 years immersing herself in ballet.  She has participated in numerous concerts, performances, competitions with the school & youth ballet company.   An original member of RYBC, she danced the role of the Prelude One soloist  in Columbus, Ohio @ the 2003 Ohio Dance Festival.  Rebecca was part of the fourth place Handel Suites ensemble that qualified as a finalist @ YAGP 2004 in Chicago, Illinois.   In 2004, she danced the Nutcracker Pas de Deux with Mac Dang from Dancing Wheels @  RYBC'S  Winter Extravaganza.  In addition to her ballet taining, Rebecca was a member of the North Royalton Royalettes under the direction of Karen Colabianchi.  Rebecca graduated from the residency program in 2007 from the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts and accepted a contract with MOMIX.

Rebecca and her sister Megan have performed original choreography the 2009 NorthEast Ohio Dance Festival and at the 2009 Ohio Dance Festival Saturday April 4th at Ohio Universityin Bowling Green, Ohio.
Photos  by J. Von Enck


Update on Rebecca!
Rebecca moved back from Connecticut after Nutmeg and MOMIX and is currently dancing with two dance companies right now, Morrison Dance (www.morrisondance.com )a modern company in Cleveland and VERBS Ballet (www.verbballets.org) Cleveland's National Repertory Dance Company.  Rebecca is fullfilling her lifelong dream of dancing full time and loves of minute.  Verb Ballets brings new choreographers in to set pieces onand performs all around the city (Cain Park, Tremont  Festival

"I am also teaching in the Cleveland area which I love.  I tell my kids stories about RSB.  I really do miss you alot, it is because of you that I am now living my dream.  
Much Love Rebecca "
"Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It's the rhythm of your life. It's the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.  Dancers aren't made of their technique, but their passion.  Mrs. Morscher has always taught me that when I am on the stage I should dance for the audience and no one else.  She has taught me so many things I can't even begin to write dow.  All I know is I am truly thankful that I had the chance to experience every moment with her."

2005 Suzanne Ponomarenko
Suzanne is a 2005 graduate of RSB.  She has participated in many summer programs & danced in the 2004 Spring Repertory Concert in Swan Lake.  Suzanne joins other RSB alumni, Kali Tarzanick as a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy of Musical Theatre in NYC.  Suzanne has been studying in NYC with the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

2002-2006 Heather Mills
Heather began her training at Lisa Wilhelm Academy of Dance at a very young age.  In 2002 she became a RSB student and RYBC member training until 2006.  Heather then returned to the Lisa Wilhem Academy of Dance, where she became a member of the Civic Ballet of Cleveland and complete her training.  She has attended summer programs around the country including BalletMet, ABT Detroit, Pointe of Departure under Karen Gabay & Raymond Rodriguez and at RSB. 

Heather danced in many roles as both a student and company member.  These include:  Nutcrcaker roles; Chinese, Marzipan, Flowers with RYBC, the Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux with Artour Bajanov at the Lisa Wilhelm Academy of Dance , Ana Lobe's "Onda 9," Swan Lake Pas de Quatre/Corp, Nadeen O'Conner's 'Recolhimento en Algeria," and many original pieces of choreography by Artour Bajanov with the Lisa Wilhem Academy of Dance. She has competed in the YAGP in an Ensemble with RYBC and as a soloist under Artour Bajanov with the Lisa Wilhem Academy of Dance.

Heather is currently a student at Mercyhurst College majoring in Dance, where she also dances with the Lake Erie Ballet in Erie, PA.  Heather has steadily been moving up through the dance division levels and was cast in two numbers in the school's annual student choreography performance in February 2010.


"I love dancing and my aspiration is to become a professional dancer... then become a dance teacher and inspire others like my  teachers inspired me.  I owe alot of my success's to Joanne Morscher, Lisa Wilhelm and Artour Bajanov.  It is very sad to see RSB close.  Many great dancers came for the passion and hard work of Mrs. Joanne Morscher.  She is a great dancer, teacher and person.  I am blessed to have known her."










2001-2006 Theresa Bonvissuto

A 2006 RSB graduate and RYBC Alumna, Theresa trained at RSB for 5 years dancing most soloist and principal roles in the repertoire. She twice participated in the YAGP Ballet Competition and was on the award winning Group Ensemble number "Handel Suites." Other roles include Sugar Plum Fairy, Dewdrop and Marzipan in Nutcracker, Nadeen O'Conner's 'Recolhimento en Algeria, Ana Lobe's Scherzo as a soloist, Renee Rossi's Facades, Soloist in Paquita and has created original roles in Mrs. Morscher's "Welcome to the Big Tent."  

Theresa is a recent graduate of Mercyhurst Collerge and is working in the Cleveland area as a Ballet/Jazz Instructor at the OPA Dance Academy and Clevleand City Dance.

She continues to train with Ana Lobe at the Great Lakes Youth Ballet.  Theresa can be reached at theresabonvissuto@yahoo.com for employment inquiry.


"I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely express my gratitude for the recommendation you gave to Bourn Academy of Dance.  I have to thank you for giving me the structure; incorporating strengthing and dance material." - Theresa

"Thank you for all you have done to teach her/guide her/prepare her for this time of her life.  I am truly grateful for your input and guidance throughout the years. " -Donna Bonvissuto (Theresa'a Mom).


Photo of Theresa in performance

2006 Anna Li
Anna trained at RSB for 8 years as a student and original youth company member.  She was a member of the fourth place Handel Suites at the YAGP competition and has held most principal and soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Nadeen O'Conner's 'Recolhimento en Algeria, Renee Rossi's Facades, Ana Lobe's Onda 9 and  Scherzo, Swan Lake, Paquita, and the Gershwin Preludes. She also was an assistant teacher for Ballet I and II for one year.

As a National Merit Finalist, she was accepted to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, and received her B.S. in Chemistry in May 2010, graduating as a member of the Science and Humanities Scholars and the Health Professions Program. In Pittsburgh, she worked at the Jewish Community Center, teaching Adult and Pre-Teen/Teen ballet classes, choreographing a number for the spring showcase.  She was a director, choreographer, and dancer for the student-run Dancers’ Symposium at CMU and continued to take dance classes whenever she could both in Pittsburgh and at RSB.  Under her direction, a new dance troupe, "DS Company", has been added for the more experienced dancer, looking for a more professional dance experience.  The company performs RADs (Random Acts of Dance), where they perform a short piece somewhere on campus, in street clothes, and then finish dancing, and walk away to class just as normal.

“RSB was a second home to me, as I grew up with all of the staff constantly supporting and teaching me, shaping me into the person I am today.  I learned more than dance at RSB; I was taught determination, perfection, practice, discipline, expression, and most of all to go for my dreams.”

Update on Anna!
Anna is now working towards earning her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Columbia University in New York City.  She is a choreographer and dancer for the student-run P&S Dance Club, and takes dance classes in the city in her spare time.  When she graduates in May 2013 with her Doctorate, she is hoping to use her physical therapy degree combined with her dance background to work with dancers.

Please find below updated videos, along with last season that you can watch!
-"Silenced" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJKAAW4k4dE
-"Hazy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7pmgtoJY8
-"Dance of the Tartans (RAD)" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klnLVjq1GSc
-"Patience Lies" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ0nRGhT2Bo

Anna's Original Choreography:
-"How It Ends" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgD72zrH5RI
-"Part of the List" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_z6sf2_JLU
-"Ordinary People" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wljq7BByr6k
-"The Puppet Dance" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiggnhK4ivc

2006 Rachel Mihalko
A 2006 RSB graduate and RYBC Alumna, Rachel is a student in the University of Akron's Dance Program. Rachel is currently living  in North Carolina.

Megan Nicklos 2003-2008 
Megan Nicklos is a native of Cleveland, Ohio where she began her training in 2003 at the Royal School of Ballet under the direction of Joanne Hughes Morscher and at Uptempo Dance under Karen Colabianchi. In addition, Megan studied at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, BalletMet, performed with The Pennsylvania Ballet in their Nutcracker and participated in several Northeast Ohio and Ohio Dance Festivals. Her roles at RSB included: Lead roles in Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Napoli, Paquita. 
Megan has also choreographed original works with her sister Rebecca Nicklos, which have been performed in the 2009 OhioDance and Northeast Ohio Dance Festivals.  Megan is currently pursuing a BFA in Performance and Choreography at Ohio University. Megan’s original choreography “In Between” was selected to premier in the Movement Lab Concert during the fall of 2009. While studying at OU, Megan has performed the reconstruction of Alwin Nikolais piece Noumenon Mobilus, under the direction of Alberto (Tito) del Saz, the artistic director of the Murray Louis and Nikolais Dance Company as well as co-director of The Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance. Megan is also currently teaching dance throughout the greater Cleveland area as a guest artist and summer faculty at Fairmount Center for the Arts, Dance Dimensions, The Beck Center, and Hathaway Brown. Winter of 2010 Megan received a creative research grant from the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University to attend an international summer intensive during July in London, England at Laban Centre, London’s leading center for the training of professional contemporary dance artists.

Megan also has a website that can be viewed at  http://meganleenicklos.webs.com

"Just wanted to let you know that you have really left an impression with many people. Rebecca and I auditioned our piece for NorthEast Ohio Dance Festival and they called us to let us know they have accepted our piece for the show on March 28th. She said that after looking at our resumes, before even looking at our piece, they saw your name and immediately were impressed and remembered the very professional work that you contributed to the shows. So I just wanted to thank you for all your help, through teaching, and through giving us opportunities in the community".  -Megan Nicklos

"Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion."  “You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”      –Martha Graham-  
                                                                                             
“If there is one thing that I have learned so far during my years of dancing, it would be this. Don’t ever lose yourself. Find who you are meant to be and run wild with it.  Hold it tight and be the best you can be.  Inspire one another, learn from one another, and laugh with one another.”     -Megan Nicklos-    

2006-2008 Gina Katsaros
A 2008 RSB graduate and RYBC Alumna, Gina joined the RSB Program in 2006.  She danced roles in Handel Suites, Nutcracker and Napoli.  Gina will be attending the University of Cincinnati to pursue a degree in Pharmacy. 

2000-2008 Nicole Von Enck

A 2008 RSB graduate and an original member of RYBC.  Nicole began her Ballet Training in 2000 and was cast in most solost and principal roles in the repertory.  Her roles included:  Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux, Coffee and Dewdrop in The Nutcrcaker, Paquita Pas de Deux, Onda 9, Das Weben, Scherzo, The Race, Facades, Napoli, Gershwin Preludes, Handel Suites, Swan Lake, Friends and Enemies and Welcome to the Big Tent.

A two time YAGP competitor, Nicole was a member of the 4th Place award winning Handel Suites in 2004 and placed 2nd Place in the Junior Contemporary Solo Category in 2005 where she went on to compete in the NYC Finals.  She has participated in several NorthEast Ohio and Ohio Dance Festivals throughout the state of Ohio.  Additionally, Nicole has attended summer ballet programs at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet , the Chautauqua Institution and Richmond Ballet as as an Apprentice in the summer 2010.

Nicole graduated form her Apprenticeship with North Carolina Dance Theater (NCDT) http://www.ncdance.org/ in Charlotte, NC under the guidance of Jean Pierre Bonnefoux and accepted a contratc with Texas Ballet Thetare www.texasballettheater.org under the direction of Ben Stevenson for the 2010-2011 season.  Nicole will be performing with the comapny in the Fort Worth/Dallas area of Texas.



"I want to thank you for the past eight years of support and training.  They are truly the reason why I'm where I am today.  You helped me grow not only as a dancer, but as a person as well.  Your guidance and your words of wisdom will always live in my memory and will be a constant reminder to never let go of my dreams.  Please accept my appreciation and admiration as well as the words I can not even begin to say "



2000-2008 Kaylee Baker
Kaylee has been dancing since the age of three. In 2000 she joined Royal School of Ballet to focus more on ballet. She danced roles in the Nutcracker from Polichinelles up to Sugar Plum Fairy. She also danced roles in: Handel Suites, Paquita, Scherzo, Facades, Napoli, Swan Lake, Diamonds, Friends and Enemies, and Welcome to the Big Tent and more. While dancing at RSB she also went to summer intensives at Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, and Walnut Hill School of the Arts. She performed with Ballet and Modern Companies including; Pennsylvania Ballet, Momix, and Cincinnati Ballet. When RSB closed its doors she continued her dance education under the direction of Ana Lobe. Although not formally training anymore Kaylee still dances with her school dance team and recently performed at Disney World. She is currently finishing her senior year of high school and plans to attend Kent State University in the Fall 2010 and major in Nursing.

“Thank you for not only providing me with an excellent understanding and foundation for dance but for being the mentor you were. I learned so much from you other thandance that will help me throughout my life. Although I am not continuing my dance training, I know that dancing will always be a part of my life. You were like a second mom to me and your words will always remain in my heart. Thank you so much for these eight years.”

2000-2008 Claire Von Enck

A RSB student since 2000 and RYBC member since 2003. Claire began her Ballet Training in 2000 and was cast in most corp and some soloist/principal roles in the repertory.  Her roles included:  Clara, Chinese Tea, Marzipan, Snow, in The Nutcrcaker, Paquita corp and soloist, Swan Lake Hungarian, Scherzo, Facades, Handel Suites, Friends and Enemies and Welcome to the Big Tent.  Claire has participated in several NorthEast Ohio and Ohio Dance Festivals throughout the state of Ohio.Upon RSB's closing Claire continued her training under the direction of Gladisa Guadalupe at the Cleveland School of Dance for the 2008-2009 season.  She is currently training and living in NYC at School of American Ballet (SAB), where she received a merit
scholarship.  Claire was nominated for the 2010 OhioDance Outstanding Student Dance Award.  Claire recieved an Honorable Mention and was recognized at the 2010 OhioDance Festival May 14th and 15th in Oberlin, Ohio.

Claire continues to train at SAB moving up a level for the 2010-2011 season.

Pictures of Claire Von Enck 2010 were taken at the SAB Studios in NYC

"I don't know what words to say to a person who has been such a mentor to me for almost my whole life.   You have not only helped me grow to become a better dancer, but you have helped me become a better person.  You have taught me so many lessons and given me so many words of wisdom that I will take with me wherever I go.  You are an amazing teacher  and I am so honored  to have studied under you.  My life has really been impacted by you."

2003-2008 Kelly Korfhage
A 2010 graduate North Royalton High School Kelly is a freshman on scholarship in the BFA program in ballet at the University of Cincinnati. A student at RSB from 2003-2008, as well as RYBC Member Kelly continued her studies at the Great Lakes Youth Ballet under the direction of Ana Lobe when RSB closed in 2008. Kelly danced most roles in the RYBC repertoire including the role of the Dewdrop in Rene Rossi's Nutcracker in 2007.  She has attended summer programs at RSB, American Ballet Theatre and BalletMet.  Kelly was offered an apprenticeship at North Carolina Dance Theatre for the 2010-2011 season, but chose college instead.

"Dancing has really become an important part of my life, and I would really just like to thank you so much for giving me great ballet technique. You really were an awesome teacher, and honestly, I have not come across anyone else who is as precise or has such a good quality. Nobody else can put on a performance like you! Without learning ballet from you, I wouldn't be the same person or dancer!  I have a very picky and precise quality which I know came from your teachings, and I'm glad I am that way! Mostly I just wanted to let you know how RSB has affected me, and without it, I would be nowhere."
 
2003-2008 Elise Budowanec
Elise first began her training at RSB in 2003 and became a RYBC Company Member in 2006.  She performed in many concerts holding roles in Renee Rossi's Nutcracker, and Mrs. Morschers's Welcome to the Big Tent.  She is currently studying Jazz with Dee Hillier at Dance Dimensions and

Ballet with Poppy Dinse at the DNA of Dance in Independence. She will be graduating from high school in June and plans to take the Ohio State board of Cosmetology exam prior to graduation. She works at Augies Pizza and as an assistant at Salon Bella Vie in Strongsville. Elise was invited to attend the 2010 Broadway Dance Center Summer Internship Program in NYC. After her studies in NYC she plans to return to the Cleveland area to begin college at Tri-C and
continue dancing. Elise was recently awarded a scholarship from Harlequin Floors for $5,000. Her picture is on therewebsite and will be issued in all Harlequin's ads in the major Dance Magazines. The money can be used towards college tuition or dance tuition, such as a Ballet Summer Intensive. Check out the Harlequin website atttp://www.harlequinfloors.com/us/en/dance-area/56-scholarship/201-scholarship-winners-2009.html

Elise has returned home to Cleveland after summer study at Broadway Dance Center.
Read about her adventures below!

"While I was in NYC I did a couple cool things, but the two coolest by far was filming a dance scene on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. About 15 dancers including myself went to long island were they were filming an episode and danced inside the house and in front of it as they were knocking it down! It was unreal. The show will air Sunday September 26th, I am so excited to see it! We got to meet the whole crew and watch them literally level the land were the house was in a day. It was crazy, I've attached pictures.


Another Cool thing I did was a photo shoot for dance spirit magazine.. yes you read correctly.. I'm in DANCE SPIRIT!!!!!!!!! Talk about a dream come true. Literally thats crazy. The shoot was amazing we had such a blast. It still doesn't even seem real, even when I look at the issue it doesn't seem real. I'm in the back to school fashion section in the September October issue. I've also attached the picture from the shoot.

"RSB was such a big part in my life, you and the school made me into the dancer and person I am today"

2003-2008 Emma Brodowski
Coming soon!

2003-2008 Emma Von Enck
Emma started her ballet training at RSB in 2003.  She was invited to join the Royal Youth Ballet Company (RYBC II) for the 2005-06, 2006-07and 2007-08 seasons, participating in their Winter and Spring Repertory Concerts.  In the summer of 2007 Emma began training at the Cleveland School of Dance.  She performed the role of Clara in CSD’s 2008 The Little Nutcracker Tea. She also danced in their 2009 Annual Spring Performance at the Allen Theatre in Cleveland.

Interested in theatre, Emma started attending acting classes at the Beck Center for the Arts in July, 2009.  She was cast in the Beck’s production of The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe in November 2009.   Emma is continuing her dance training at the Cleveland Ballet Conservatory and most recently performed the role of Clara in CBC’s The Nutcracker Suite in December 2009.

 “RSB has given me a strong foundation in ballet technique.  I just want to say ‘thank you’ to Mrs. Morscher and all the RSB staff for helping me become a better dancer.”

2005-2008 Julianne Wtulich
A RSB student from the age of 5,  Julianne participated in our highly regarded Children's Program studying under Mrs.Morscher as well as Mrs. Wadenfphul.  Julianne performed in Nutcrcaker with RYBC, as well as having children's roles in "Welcome to the Big Tent" and "Friends and Enemies."  Julianne continues her ballet training at the Cleveland Dance Conservatory under the direction of Kerry Skuderin.

"According to Julianne's Dad, Raymond RSB's strong foundational instruction has allowed Julianne to excell nicely, in fact she earned a small solo part in the past spring performance."
 

2004-2008 Allison Bonvissuto
As a RSB student and RYBC Company member Allison participated in many Nutcracker and Spring Concert performances. dancing the following roles: Chinese Tea, Spanish Dance, Waltz of the Flowers, Snow, Germany in Nutcracker, as well as Friends and Enemies, Welcome to the Big Tent and Renee Rossi's Facades, which premiered at the 2006 NorthEast Ohio Dance Festival. 

Allison is currently attending Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio and finishng her spring term.  She is an elementary education/special education major and is doing well after her first semester.  She has a work study job, is a member of the Walsh University Chorale and recently performed with members of the Canton Symphony Orchestra. She is also is learning to play a baritone (low brass instrument) and is in the Walsh pep band, playing at home basketball games.

This summer she is applying for summer jobs, and she will be a summer orientation leader for the incoming freshmen at Walsh.  Allison is also taking two classes at Tri-C to get ahead (she has to take a lot of classes for her Pre-K-3 teaching license and Special Ed certification). She also plans to study abroad in Italy next summer (May, 2011).  Walsh has a campus 25 miles from Rome, so they get to spend a lot of time in Rome and other Italian cities.  She is looking forward to this experience.
 
"I can not believe how much I have learned and improved since coming to RSB in 2004.  RSB has helped me to be tough, disciplined, and hard-working.  All of the show opportunities were great and experiences I will never forget.  Although I know for a fact that I do not want to dance professionally, I dance for fun and for the learning experience.  I know that dance has an impact on my life now and will help me in the future.  I truly believe that dancing will be a part of my life forever."
2005-2008 Nicole Roberts
As a RSB Adminstrative Assistant, Cleveland native Nicole began studying dance at the age of five.  She studied with RSB,   Pam Hindall @ Classical Academy of Dance & Jazz @ Lisa Wilhem Dance Academy. Nicole assisted backstage at all of RYBC's Winter Extravaganzas and Spring Repertories.  Nicole completed one semester at LCCC before she moved to Tenessee in the summer of 2008.

"Joanne has helped me to grow in my ability in dance, with her love and support.  Joanne's passion for this art form, is taught and developed in her students as she teaches, and is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.  She is dedicated to seeing her students excel both as dancers and as individuals!"

1998-2008 Pat Lamb
RSB Student since its inception and a former RYBC Board Member. Pat, along with her husband Greg is are the owner's of Select Insurance Services in North Royalton, Ohio.

"I enjoyed your ballet program very much. As an adult student, you always welcomed me in class and allowed me to work within my ability. I found your studio to be supportive by allowing students to grow in their art of dance and encouraging them to be their very best."

"You were born to teach and you will be missed."

1998-2008 Kim Wasielewski
RSB Student since its inception and owner of Kim's School of Dance in North Royalton, Ohio.

"Joanne Morscher is the best ballet teacher in the Cleveland area. Her compassion and knowledge are a wonderful mix for instilling the skills and strength necessary to produce professional ballet dancers. Joanne's years of knowledge and experience allow her to teach from a place of caring as well as motivating the dancer to achieve his/her highest potential.  I trust her with my child as well as referring many of my students."

Kim ATP ®Reiki Master,
Herbalist,
Angel Inspirations,
Angelic Kreations,
Kim's School of Dance www.misskimsschoolofdance.com
Yoga by Kim  www.yogabykim.com


 
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e-mail:  rsb@morscher.com