Katelyn Altmann, Marketing Assistant & Front Desk Staff
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Katelyn Altmann (she/her) is a movement-based artist, choreographer, and arts administrator currently residing in Milwaukee, WI. She holds her BFA in Contemporary Dance Performance and Choreography from the UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts and currently serves as faculty for the UW-Milwaukee Department of Dance. In addition to teaching, Katelyn has a deep love and appreciation for progressive performance and choreography. She is an active community member within the Milwaukee Community. She is dedicated to progressing and advocating for the advancement of dance everywhere. She is a current performance and collaborative artist with Wild Space Dance Company, Danceworks Performance MKE, Li Chiao Ping Dance, and Hyperlocal MKE.

Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Edward!

Amy Brinkman-Sustache, Director of Education
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I began dancing at the age of three. My parents thought it would be a fun activity for me to do before I started school. Once I began school they thought that I would lose interest in a year or so. They were wrong! I took dance lessons (and they paid for those lessons) for many, many years.

My father really wanted me to open my own dance studio, but I had a different plan. I knew I wanted to dance forever and to teach others to dance, but I didn’t want my own business. Instead, I wanted to be part of a creative team of people who could make a difference in the community through the arts. I really had no idea if/where a job like this existed. Then in 1992 I found Danceworks—or, I should say, Danceworks found me.

I’m proud to be a founding member of Danceworks. I love the challenges and rewards that come with working for a nonprofit. The joy we take in working every day on something we care deeply about is contagious and we hope to spread that joy to every part of our community.

I love Milwaukee for its historical landmarks, museums, markets and its diverse population of people. I also LOVE our city’s willingness and ability to make a festival out of almost anything.  I admire how our community supports the endeavors of young professionals, entrepreneurs, small businesses and the especially the arts. MKE stands behind the individuals in their community and supports them however they can. I enjoy discovering the many partnerships and collaborations in and around our city. It shows me that Milwaukee is the type of place that treats each member of its community as a valued member of its family!

Are you a morning person or a night owl? I think I’m right in the middle. I usually get up pretty early but prefer not to have to be anywhere super early since many of my days go late into the evening. I definitely feel more motivated to get things done in the morning. I like to ease into my day when I can. I feel that this sets the tone for a calm and productive day.

Julia Dorf, Development Director
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I was first introduced to dance at the age of 3, attending Milwaukee Irish Fest. I immediately fell in love with the rhythms, colors and movements of Irish dance and knew that I was going to be up there on stage one day. After 10 years of competitive Irish dancing, I found my home within contemporary dance and went on to get a BFA at Indiana University, where I also studied non-profit arts management. It was this transformative experience that led me down a career path of sharing dance with the community. Prior to Danceworks, I worked for various dance organizations, taught, and managed a performance program.

My love of dance and aspiration to make movement accessible to all bodies is what brought me to Danceworks. I am thrilled for the opportunity to join this organization and strengthen our diverse performing arts community in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is home! I love how even in this small city, there is always something new to discover! Our cultural festivals at the Summerfest grounds and live music venues are some of my favorites.

If you could have any super-power, what would you choose? Breathing underwater. I love being in the water and swimming in the ocean. Plus, it would be a pretty cool way to travel!

Teresa Drews, Artistic Manager – Visual Arts
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I have always admired Danceworks employees for the work they do. Not only do they provide exemplary dance instruction with phenomenal customer service through their studio, they also bring dance and the arts to people of all ages through their outreach programs.  When the opportunity to join the administrative staff arose, I leapt at the chance. Though I had been working as an instructor at the summer creative arts camps, I had only a partial idea of the extent of the wonderful work they do through their outreach programs.  I am so thankful to be a small piece of this amazing institution.

Two things I love about Milwaukee are: it has always given me ample outlets for my creativity, and – of course – the summers.

You are stranded on a desert island; what 3 things are with you? Sunglasses (I have very light sensitive eyes), my running shoes (though I’m old and slow, running makes me feel able), my phone with at least the ability to play Candy Crush (I have a problem).

Jessica Fastabend, Community Programs Director
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I received my degree in education from Alverno College and decided to pair my two passions, teaching and dance. I began dancing at the age of three and studied a range of dance styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, modern and ballroom. I am dedicated to helping my students grow in their ability and foster their love of dance.

I became a part of Danceworks in 2011 when I began teaching for the then named Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap (now Mad Hot Rhythms) program. Prior to that, I did not realize that a community teaching artist was even a job. However, after just a few classes I was hooked and knew this was my place in the dance world. Before I knew it I was involved with residencies, intergenerational work, summer creative arts camps and studio classes.

What I truly love about Milwaukee is the diversity of art and artists. It does not matter what you create, a dance, a sculpture or something completely different, there is a place for it in our city.

What would be the gag reel of your life? The gag reel of my life would be a montage of me laughing so hard that I snort, can’t catch my breath and have to run out of the room to compose myself.

Julia Gray, Executive Director
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I began dancing at the age of 4 at Wempner’s School of Dance in Fond du Lac, WI. Mary Wempner’s first studio was an abandoned, one-room grocery store. I took lessons in ballet, tap, and jazz, including performance with the school’s dance company. While I didn’t pursue dance as a profession, this job is the ideal marriage between my non-profit leadership experience and that youthful passion around movement.

Today I see Danceworks mission to enhance JOY, health, and creativity by engaging the community through dance as my call to service. From the performance company, to studio lessons, and our outreach work – I’m excited to continue this vision of excellence moving forward and deeper into the community. Especially post-pandemic, dance is needed now more than ever to connect our physical bodies with our mental health and the health of the community.

If there was a movie made about your life, who would play you? Ashley Judd

Rachel Griffin, Communications Manager
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Dance has been an important part of my life since the age of 3. From a tap dance to “I’m a Little Tea-Pot” at the Parks and Rec dance class, to competitions every weekend in the spring, I couldn’t imagine my life without dance. It took 3 knee surgeries within a year’s span to realize the importance of dance not only for my physical health, but my mental health as well. I truly believe that dance enhances joy, health, and creativity. 

I earned my B.A in Communication Arts and Digital Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was here that I discovered a student organization named Optima Dance, the largest student dance organization at UW-Madison. This organization gave me a platform to showcase my own choreography, as well as participate in other student choreographed pieces. I loved the creative process and seeing a vision come to life on the stage. Upon graduating and returning back to Milwaukee, I was determined to find a community of dancers and performance artists that were just as welcoming and charismatic. 

I was introduced to Danceworks by a family friend, and was immediately ready to jump in and work after my first meeting with the Director of Education, Amy Brinkman. That summer I worked as a camp assistant at Danceworks Summer Creative Arts Camps, where I was able to be a part of the creative experience and see the positive impact an open and imaginative environment had on the kids as the weeks progressed. I was ecstatic when I was offered a communications position as part of the Danceworks administrative team. I also became involved in the Mad Hot Rhythm program as a teaching artist. I feel so lucky to have a job that combines my area of study with my passion for dance, and to be able to share the many benefits of dance with fellow community members along the way.  

I love Milwaukee because it’s a big city filled with big hearts. MKE celebrates diversity, the many cultures that call our city home and embraces what makes us all unique. I look forward to contributing to Milwaukee’s cultural vitality by sparking a lifelong interest and participation in the arts in my position.

What’s your go to Starbucks order? I LOVE an iced caramel macchiato. Fun fact: When the barista asks for my name, I always give a different alias. Sometimes I’m Sally; sometimes I’m Darla!

Sarah Mesa, Front Office Manager
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Milwaukee has an exciting, vibrant, and professional place to learn dance… Danceworks Inc. Here we welcome everyone, no dancer is left behind and dance is fun, professional, and the people that work here are passionate about the Art they teach. This is a part of the Danceworks experience that pulls everyone in as you walk in the front door, the diversity of music fills the air, and even if you have never danced before you will eventually find yourself trying out a dance class or two. I have always wanted to work at Danceworks, not just because I have danced my whole life and dance runs through me daily… Danceworks is a place to work that brings smiles to children and adults of all ages and I love seeing the growth & development of all the dancers. Danceworks is a place that gives back to our community and provides the arts to all. I have been coming to Danceworks for years to support my daughter’s growth in her dance career. Danceworks has taught me how to guide my daughter into a professional dance career; they have modeled her into becoming the professional dancer that she is now going to UWM to be, yet she is still also at Danceworks having professional performance opportunities to dance.

I am also a full-time teacher at the UWM Children’s Learning Center of children between PreK-3rd grades and I love to see the connection movement and music has with growth and development of children. Since I have been a teacher of 15 years at UWM I have learned a lot from my dance background which has influenced the way I teach the arts in my daily classroom. I teach dance, music, movement for all, and I really promote Danceworks Inc. for all my students to continue the Arts outside of my class room. Dance has always been a part of my life and has helped me to get through many hard times and good times. Dance has taught me how to get in touch with my emotions, learn about my body, learn about health, and as a teacher I am able to share every day these traits with my students. All our social/emotional and life skills that I learned in life somehow came back to a dance experience that I have had, or one that I will in the future. I am so proud to say that I am a Danceworks employee.

If you had to choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life it would be pepperoni pizza.

Daniel Persino, Front Desk Staff
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My first introduction to the study of dance began most recently and most locally. While only having some experience with certain stylized theatrical movement, my dance journey began fully at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Musical Theatre BFA program. I engaged in a curriculum with rich history, extensive technical studies, and dedicated professors. I had the opportunity to engage in different dance styles such as Tap, Musical Theatre Dance, Ballet, and Jazz– all expanded my understanding of dance as a communal expression. This environment of togetherness and creativity was fostered by my teachers, all of which had a place at Danceworks. Whether it was instructing, performing, or directing, my instructors always spoke highly of the Danceworks mission.

Now, in working at the front desk, I find myself a part of an incredible artistic learning community. Freedom for creativity, diversity in culture, age, and experience as well as an opportunity to grow are all things that Danceworks embraces. There is a home for all those to communicate with themselves and each other beyond language. I am excited to be working with such a prominent pillar of Milwaukee art.

Milwaukee can be loud and bold as well as warm and quaint. I adore this city, especially the people. We may complain about the cold but we always make it through the winter, we celebrate the individuals, and we always make sure people are fed. I look forward to all more art in the evolution of Milwaukee.

If you could have any super-power, what would you choose? Teleportation because sometimes it’s just too hard to walk.

Gabi Sustache, Outreach Manager & Artistic Manager-DYPC
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I “joined the dance” because I fell in love with it ever since I was young. I remember coming to see Danceworks Performance Company and Danceworks On Tap as a little girl. Sitting front row, on the mat seating, I knew even back then, that this is what I wanted to do when I “grew up.” Now I am proud to say that I am an instructor at Danceworks, and even am a part of our tap company, Danceworks On Tap. I hope that through my teaching and performing, I am able to inspire someone the same way that the performers at Danceworks inspired me – and continue to inspire me every day.

I absolutely love MKE in the summer! I love how there is so much to do; street festivals, Summerfest, NEWaukee Night Market. I love being able to spend time by Bradford Beach or go exploring in Seven Bridges. Milwaukee is the best place to be in the summer!

Beach or north woods? That is a good question. I would definitely have to go with beach, since in Milwaukee we are only able to enjoy the beach for about 4 out of the 12 months. In the summer, I always try to get to the beach as much as possible so I can soak up the summer sun before another long winter.

Gloria Villazaez, Community Education Coordinator
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Dance has always been a significant part of my life. I’ve been passionate about it since childhood, but my introduction to dance properly started when I was 15 years old. Choosing to pursue it as a career early in college, I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today specializing in contemporary dance. One of my goals is to make dance and dance education more accessible to everyone, as I missed out on opportunities when I was younger.

I graduated from Alverno College with a B.A. in Creative Arts in Practice, focusing on dance and theater. I began working as a Mad Hot Rhythm teacher during the 23-24 school year, which eventually led me to my current role as Community Education Coordinator at Danceworks. Here, I continue to support the organization’s mission of promoting lifelong interest and participation in the arts.

Originally coming from San Antonio, Texas I find Milwaukee has a lot to offer! One of my favorite things to do is walk through the Historic Third Ward and go to Milwaukee Public Market.

What is your favorite breakfast cereal? This changes depending on my mood, but currently it is Coco Krispies and Golden Grahams! But the Golden Grahams original recipe; they recently brought back the “retro recipe” and it’s the best!

Christal Wagner, Artistic Director
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I found my love for dance from a very young age at Richards School of the Dance in Oshkosh, WI. The standard Tap, Ballet, and Jazz were what I studied there, but also I trained in Can Can and Kickline. It really was a wonderful introduction into rhythm, teamwork, and highlighted that I was a special case of a student, far more interested in my dance studies than anything else. I was always a motivated athlete from a young age and artist as well. I am so grateful for the well rounded arts and athletic education I had growing up. I also spent 4 nights a week at the local roller rink and speed team competitions on the weekends from the age of 2 until I was 12 when my roller rink shut down in my home town of Ripon, WI. My love for dance intensified as I abandoned confirmation class at my local church and opted for private ballroom dance lessons at age 16, training with dance instructors Frank Gillitzer and Denis Lopez in various latin styles. My parents also partook in ballroom lessons as a couple starting in their late 40’s at a studio in Oshkosh and I remember endless hours exploring how to fight boredom, waiting for them to finish their lessons in the lobby of the ballroom studio. They shortly after joined a West Coast Swing dance club in Oshkosh and just as the roller rink closed, my love for West Coast Swing started.

I have since traded in my love for west coast swing for a love of modern dance and musical theatre. I joined the Danceworks team in 2007 as a member of the performance company under the Artistic Direction of of Dani Kuepper after receiving my BFA in dance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I am proud to say that I have performed every single regular season show with DPMKE since my start with the company. I also proudly have taught for the Mad Hot Rhythm (formerly Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap) program for the 13 years I’ve been with DPMKE. Through the Mad Hot Rhythm program I definitely see myself in these young artists and am thrilled year after year to help young dancers start their interest in dance as I did.

My training under Dani Kuepper the past 14 years (18 years total if you include my time at UWM) has shaped me into being exponentially imaginative and optimistic about creating art. Her legacy lives on each day I choose to create something new. You can see this influence not only in my stage work but also in my developing skills as a cinematographer and photographer. Danceworks is a huge part of my established roots in Milwaukee.

What is your favorite TV series of all time? Star Trek: Discovery (seriously it’s the best show)

Lisa Wenzler, Design & Advertising Manager
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I love great design, and I especially love great design with a purpose. Prior to “joining the dance” at Danceworks, I worked as an art director and graphic designer for a wide array of clients. Those who most inspired my heart, and in turn my work, were the ones doing something with meaning, serving others or their community—making a difference. As a part of the Danceworks team, I may only have one “client,” but now I also have the opportunity be a part of an organization whose mission is ALL about serving others and the community. That mission informs and impacts every single piece I create, and I feel honored to play a part by making others aware of the work being done here.

Danceworks embodies what makes Milwaukee so awesome! I’ve lived here for nearly 17 years and have loved watching this city come into it’s own. The energy and creativity flourishing here is inspiring, and my favorite aspect is how MKE sort of flies under the radar of coolness, yet we have everything going on and more that other more notoriously hip cities have. I’m proud to be a part of a place where new businesses emerge, educational opportunities abound, neighborhood initiatives are inspired and cultural experiences are always underway. 

To buy the shoes, or to not buy the shoes? Hmmm… If they’re cute, comfortable, go with more than one outfit, and preferably on sale, then sure! Does that mean I’m too practical? I probably need to go shoe shopping!