Founded in 1992, the mission of Danceworks, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is to enhance joy, health and creativity by engaging the community through dance.
Our classes, programs and performances are dedicated to helping every student of the arts reach their fullest potential, both physically and mentally. We believe that all people benefit from dance and other arts activities. We strive to create an environment in which each student develops self-discipline, self-confidence and enthusiasm for the performing arts.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are always looking for volunteers to serve as ushers, box office support, and various jobs at our larger events like the Mad Hot Rhythm Competition. For more information, please contact jcook@danceworksmke.org.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are looking for passionate people aligned to our mission who are interested in serving as teaching artists, teaching assistants, front desk and box office support. If you are interested, please fill out this application (coming soon!) or email jcook@danceworksmke.org.
WORK-STUDY
We offer an hour-for-hour exchange for classes. For more information contact Sarah Mesa.
MEET THE TEACHING FACULTY
RICH ASHWORTH
Richard Ashworth (Milwaukee, WI) is an educator, choreographer, and performer whose interest in technical foundation and corresponding social cultures have made him a resource in both African Diaspora social and percussive dance communities.
Richard attended the University at Buffalo, receiving a BFA in Dance in June 2007. After graduating, Rich performed aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and upon returning to the States, danced in several crews for live performances and industrials including for artists such as Flo Rida and The Goo Goo Dolls.
Rich has performed, choreographed, and toured with several internationally celebrated dance companies including Lehrerdance (dir. Jon Lehrer), Chicago Dance Crash (dir. Jessica Deahr), Be The Groove (dir. Stephanie Paul) serving as educational director, and Chicago Tap Theatre (dir. Mark Yonally), where he served as a choreographer and rehearsal director.
As an educator, Rich has been on the faculty of several dance-based organizations including Dance Masters of America, Flow 40 Dance, Beyond the Stars dance convention, and Interdanza of Mexico. He has taught classes and courses at the University at Buffalo, Hope College, and Salve Regina University. Rich most recently attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, achieving a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance in May 2021.
View Mr. Ashworth’s current teaching schedule here.
MELISSA ANDERSON
A native of Milwaukee, Melissa Anderson has performed in Soloist and Principal Roles with companies as diverse as the Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet Teatro Municipal de San Juan, Southern Ballet Theatre (now the Orlando Ballet), Michigan Opera Theatre and the Icelandic National Ballet. After her ballet career, Melissa became a company member of the Danceworks Performance Company (2002-2019). Melissa teaches Ballet at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, Danceworks as well as Chicago and South East Wisconsin.
Melissa is a popular ballet teacher and is well versed in working with large groups. She is a frequent guest Master Teacher at national dance conventions such as Chicago National Association of Dance Masters CNADM, Dance Masters of Wisconsin DMW, Southern Dance Masters, Atlanta’s Ballet Fest, and Texas Association Teachers of Dance TATD.
Melissa is an American Ballet Theatre (ABT®) Certified Teacher, successfully completing the Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. You can connect with her on Facebook at Melissa Anderson Ballet, Pointe, Choreography, Performance. Melissa’s goal is to teach ballet in a kind, body friendly way. Many people have a “love-hate relationship” with ballet and Melissa hopes to keep the beauty and technique but leave some of that “old school” baggage behind.
View Ms. Anderson’s current teaching schedule here.
SEJAIN BASTIDAS
Sejain Bastidas was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She started her ballet training at the age of seven, at the Freddy Reyna Ballet and Music School and finished her training and graduated as a professional ballet dancer at Fundación Gustavo Franklin Ballet Arte School. She has been part of many professional ballet companies, including Ballet Contemporaneo de Caracas (2009), The Metropolitan Ballet in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2010-2011), the Nina Novak Ballet (2011), Ballet Nuevo Mundo de Caracas (2012-2013), and the Compania de Ballet del Teatro Teresa Carreño de Caracas (2013-2016). She has also danced as a soloist dancer with the National Ballet of Ecuador (2016-2017) and The National Ballet of Peru (2017-2022). Sejain participated in the opening gala of the 2019 PanAmerican Games, the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, Florida, and she has been featured in dance history books in her home country of Venezuela. She was involved in a social media campaign with the United Nations about arts and immigration in Latin America and also had a mini-documentary made about her story as an immigrant artist on the Ecuadorian television show “Cara a Cara con Rosalía.”
View Ms. Bastidas’s current teaching schedule here.
JESSICA FASTABEND
Jessica received her degree in education from Alverno College and decided to pair her two passions, teaching and dance. She began dancing at the age of three and studying a range of dance styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, modern and ballroom. Jessica is currently teaching youth classes for Danceworks at the JCC and also teaches both tap and ballroom for the Danceworks Mad Hot program. Jessica is dedicated to helping her students grow in their ability and foster their love of dance.
View Ms. Fastabend’s current teaching schedule here.
YUMELIA GARCIA
After retiring from Joffrey Ballet in 2014, Yumelia Garcia has not let the grass grow under her feet. While currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she also continues to make guest performances from Florida to Alaska. Ms. Garcia continues her close collaboration with the Jacksonville Symphony this Holiday Season as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Nutcracker after stunning performances in Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella in Jacksonville’s 2014-15 seasons. Garcia was included in Chicago’s Sun-Times best performances for Day of the Gypsy at the Harris Theater in 2015, a ballet created by Gordon Pierce Schmidt. She recently worked in New York with Kathryn Posin Dance Company and Meredith Monk in a commissioned ballet for the Harkness Dance Festival in Manhattan. She has taught for Joffrey Ballet’s teaching workshop in San Antonio, TX and the Joffrey Academy in Chicago as well as teaching and coaching for ballet schools across the country from Buffalo, NY to Los Angeles, CA.
Ms. Garcia was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where she received her professional training at the Escuela de Ballet Gustavo Franklin (Vaganova school). Graduating with honors, Vicente Nebrada invited her to join the National Ballet of Caracas at the tender age of 15, and promoted her to soloist one year later. Ms. Garcia began her U.S. career with Heinz Pohl at Ohio Ballet, soon thereafter she joined Milwaukee Ballet and became principal dancer. In Milwaukee, Kathryn Posin created Scheherazade on Garcia and performed classical roles; Kitri in Don Quijote, Giselle, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, and Carmen. She later moved on to Ballet Florida, where she was featured in contemporary and classical works including Cleopatra, by Ben Stevenson. In 2009, Ms. Garcia was invited by Ashley Wheater to join Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, where she hit the stage to critical acclaim in roles such as Valencienne in The Merry Widow and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Her performance in Ashton’s Cinderella was featured in Point Magazine as one of the “Best Performances of the Year 2010.”
Ms. Garcia’s remarkable versatility, technical prowess, and intensity have given her extensive experience with choreographers that include: Alonzo King, Choo San Goh, David Parsons, Jean Paul Comelin, Mark Godden, George Balanchine, Trey McIntyre, Jimmy Gamonet, Christopher Wheeldon, Lar Lubovitch, Jiri Kylian, William Forsythe, Wayne McGregor, Robert Joffrey and Val Caniparoli.
View Ms. Garcia’s current teaching schedule here.
ALYSSA HARTMAN
Alyssa Hartman grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin where she began training at two years old. Throughout her childhood she trained in many styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, musical theatre, contemporary, and lyrical. During this time, she performed as a part of her local studio’s recital along with competing at regional competitions across the Midwest. She has also attended multiple conventions at regional and national levels. Alyssa has been teaching and choreographing since 2021 and loves helping students grow to achieve their goals. She is currently attending school at Marquette University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology within the direct admit Physical Therapy Program, along with a Dance minor.
View Ms. Hartman’s current teaching schedule here.
KIM JOHNSON-ROCKAFELLOW
Upon graduation in 2000 with high honors from UW-Milwaukee with a BFA in dance, Kim Johnson, a native Yooper, joined Danceworks Performance MKE and Danceworks Studio faculty. In addition to performing and teaching, she served as Associate Artistic Director from 2009-2012 before taking on the role of Director of Engagement at Danceworks until 2021. Kim retired from the company in 2020 and then served as Artistic Support. She has created works for Danceworks Performance Company as well as Milwaukee Ballet II. Kim has helped write curriculum for both Danceworks Studio and Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy where she served as faculty (2000-2010), Branch Manager (2003-2008), and Children’s Division Coordinator (2008-2010). She has thoroughly enjoyed growing Danceworks’ dance fitness and ballet technique program as well as many other facets, including DanceLAB by advocating for emerging and established performing artists in the community through performances, mentorship and space grants, along with studio rentals. Kim was a dance lecturer at UWM from 2006-2022, where she taught modern technique and Body Sense. Kim’s deep passion and curiosity in anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology led to her to continue her education at Blue Sky School of Professional Massage & Therapeutic Bodywork where she completed their 850-hour Medical Intensive Program. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in relaxation and therapeutic massage. She is honored to be a part of a person’s movement and healing journey both in the studio and treatment room. After 27 years in Milwaukee, Kim moved back to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is honored to be teaching at the studio she trained at growing up, Northern Michigan Dance Academy, running her own massager therapy practice, Koivu Massage & Wellness, and still teaching virtual classes at Danceworks.
View Ms. Johnson-Rockafellow’s current teaching schedule here.
REESE JONES
Reese Jones, a self-proclaimed self-taught dancer, saw college as an opportunity to finally start exploring her lifelong passion for dance. As a freshman at Valparaiso University, Reese became the Program Coordinator for the African Students’ Association, where she coordinated and choreographed all dance performances showcased at their cultural events on campus until graduating in 2020. She also participated in the Dance Ensemble for two years, training and then performing in a variety of hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary pieces. After college, she enrolled in a number of workshops through Red Clay Dance Company that were rooted in African diasporic dance. Since then, Reese has collaborated with notable music artists and created choreography for them, as well as showcased that choreography in their music visuals. Reese has been teaching dance for four years, spending most of her time teaching weekly dance fitness classes, occasional drop-in classes at Indie Media Studios in Chicago, or rehearsals for a not-for-profit after-school drama club during the school year. Her passions for dance, youth development and self-discovery, are the driving force behind her commitment to the arts.
View Ms. Jones’ current teaching schedule here.
GINA LAURENZI
Gina Laurenzi graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a BFA in dance. Before beginning her chapter in Milwaukee, Gina performed with Giordano II and Inaside Chicago Dance among other Chicago artists. For seven years, Ms. Laurenzi owned and operated Laurenzi Dance (Kenosha, WI) where she presented work regularly and mentored many youth artists. Gina has set work on UW-Milwaukee dance majors, Makaroff Youth Ballet, Danceworks Youth Performance Company, Danceworks Performance MKE, Water Street Dance Company and Milwaukee Ballet summer intensive students. Gina shares her love of dance with youth and adult students through her classes at Danceworks and directs Danceworks Intergenerational Performance Company. Gina coaches and mentors competitive dancers at Brookfield Center for the Arts, is an Associate Lecturer at UW-Milwaukee and the Artistic Director of the Gina Laurenzi Dance Project. Ms. Laurenzi has performed with Danceworks Performance MKE for eight seasons and while living in the city, has had the privilege of performing the work of many wonderful Milwaukee artists including; Daniel Burkholder, Simone Ferro, Maria Gillespie, Dani Kuepper, Kym McDaniel, Madeleine Schoch, Dawn Springer, Christal Wagner and Morgan Williams. Gina loves sharing the joy of dance and creating movement with dancers of all ages.“I hope that dancers leave my class feeling inspired, energized, appropriately challenged, and proud of what they accomplished.”
View Ms. Laurenzi’s current teaching schedule here.
JACQUI LEFEBVRE
Jacqui joined the Danceworks faculty in 2006 when she began teaching Ballroom and Latin dance classes for the both children and adults. She is also the lead ballroom teacher for the Danceworks Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap program. Originally from England, Jacqui has been in the United States for 20 years. Jacqui’s parents were competitive Ballroom dancers and she followed in their footsteps, competing in Latin American and Ballroom Dancing all over Europe for many years.
Once in the States, Jacqui decided to make teaching her career and in 1999 qualified through the N.A.T.D. (National Association of Teachers of Dancing). She has been teaching both International and American styles of ballroom ever since. In 2002 Jacqui obtained her judging qualification and adjudicates competitions and travels throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana judging competitions. Jacqui became interested in fitness while in the UK back in the early 90’s. Still teaching fitness today, she is currently the Group Fitness Director for Gold’s Gym, Downtown Milwaukee.
View Ms. Lefebvre’s current teaching schedule here.
ERICA MEIER
Erica Meier is a Milwaukee based dancer, educator, and arts administrator. Erica started collegiate dancing at Winona State University where she was on the Hip Hop Dance Team. Uponing transferring to UW-Milwaukee, Erica pursued a BFA in Dance. She trained in contemporary choreography and performance under the teachings of Simone Ferro, Daniel Burkholder, Dani Kuepper and several other professional arti and guest artists. During her education, her movement research was accepted for presentation at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. She has danced with several groups and artists including, Revamped, Lady J, Vicki Lynn Mirage, Milwaukee pride fest and DanceCircus. She has been heavily involved in community arts participating in world water day dance, the ACE program, and Fringe Fest. She has been a judge for Badgerette dance competition and has worked as a guest artist at studios around the midwest. Erica is so excited to watch her students grow in their skill and passion for dance!
View Ms. Meier’s current teaching schedule here.
GABI SUSTACHE
Gabi Sustache, a Milwaukee native, is a performer, choreographer, and dance educator. A graduate from UW-Milwaukee, where she received her Bachelors of Arts from the Dance program in Spring of 2020. Gabi is a company member with Danceworks Performance MKE and enjoys performing with various Milwaukee-based hip hop crews. In 2022, Gabi competed in World Of Dance, Los Angeles. She is also the artistic manager of Danceworks Youth Performance Company. Her choreography has been featured at Milwaukee Bucks halftime performances, for several high school musical theater productions in and around the Milwaukee area and was selected to be adjudicated at the American College Dance Association’s North Central Conference.“A take away for when a student leaves my class is most importantly that they had fun! I hope that they leave feeling like they learned something new and that they feel inspired to take another dance class!”
View Ms. Sustache’s current teaching schedule here.
JASMINE URAS
Jasmine Uras is a performing artist, educator, and researcher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance supplemented by studies in the Early Childhood Education department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the spring of 2022. Jasmine was a Teaching Artist with Parts of the Whole- The Body is Home where she taught somatic practices at Vel R. Phillips Youth Justice Center underneath the guidance of Maria Gillespie. Jasmine recently taught and performed at Centre National de la Danse in Paris, France during the summer of 2022. Her work “Strings of Healing” was presented in the American College Dance Association Conference in 2022 as well as the Centre National de la Danse.
Jasmine’s current works are influenced by the sound, relationships, and environment that we experience in our daily lives. Her research focuses on how we use music and sound to heal, overcome, and prosper as a form of therapy for artists and humans within a community. She loves collaborating with live music as well as unique spaces and other dancers!
Jasmine is currently completing her Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee She also teaches at DanceWorks, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and the Schauer Arts Center. She is a performing artist with Wildspace Dance Company and Gina Laurenzi Dance Project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
View Ms. Uras’s current teaching schedule here.
ALEX VANISSAVETH
Alex Vanissaveth is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee where he received his degree in education. He began his journey into dance early on while learning from his mom traditional Lao and Thai dances. This journey continued while attending the university when he took his first dance class after attending the UWM Hip Hop Showcase. From there he gained new connections and experiences from becoming a part of a dance community in Milwaukee. He took that likeness for dance and continued to grow as a dancer by taking classes at the university and at studios like Danceworks. He was able to dance with different groups and learn the necessities of preparing for a performance. His true passion for dance comes from the performance style that Kpop has to offer. In 2017, Alex was able to become a part of KASPER Dance Crew that dedicates their time to learning both Kpop and Hip Hop choreography. In 2019, Alex began teaching at Danceworks as a Kpop Instructor and is currently teaching the Adult Kpop classes for Danceworks.
“My hope for those who take my class is to become exposed to the different styles that Kpop has to offer. I want the class to be a space where new and old fans of Kpop can come together and learn the moves that the artists do. I hope that those who take my class leave with learning something new and maybe want to add the Kpop song to their playlist.”
View Mr. Vanissaveth’s current teaching schedule here.
CHRISTAL WAGNER
Christal a skilled visual artist versed in Movement, Choreography, Video and Photography. Upon receiving her BFA in dance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2007, she joined Danceworks Performance MKE and has performed in over 40 regular season shows with the company. She is an 8 time Jerry award recipient for her work in Musical Theatre and has choreographed for Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet II, Present music, and Danceworks Performance MKE. Christal is a cofounder of the music and dance trio Cadance Collective, co-creating pieces through processes where music and dance are worked on simultaneously through improvisational practices and original soundscapes. Her Video work has been presented in collaboration with Danceworks Inc, Milwaukee Dance Theatre Network, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, UWM Dance, The Saint Kate Arts Hotel, The Cactus Club, and Li Chiao-Ping Dance where she was a 2020 SEED Creation Fund grant recipient. In 2020 Christal Wagner became the Saint Kate Art Hotel’s FIRST artist in co-residence and their weekly resi-dancer. Christal’s mission is to support and elevate the voices of her community, collaborators, and fellow artists. “I hope to create movement practices with students and community members that bring them to be at balance in the present moment while teaching integrity through intention.”
View Ms. Wagner’s current teaching schedule here.
MEET THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
JULIEANE COOK
Executive Director
414.277.8480
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Julieane Cook has been passionate about dance from a young age, studying ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Julieane pursued dance and elementary education at the University of Iowa, graduating with a BFA in Dance and BA in elementary Education. Following college, Julieane taught elementary school and led a dance studio before moving back to the Milwaukee area. Since then, Julieane has made significant contributions in education, holding leadership roles in Milwaukee including school principal, teacher and principal coach, human resources, professional development, and marketing. She holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on integrating fine arts into language arts, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a doctorate, specializing in leadership, feedback, and K-12 educational systems. Her belief in dance as a transformative force drives her commitment to Danceworks, where she aims to help the city reach its full potential through Danceworks’ performance companies, studio classes, and outreach programs.
ANASTASIA ALTO
Business Director
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Anastasia Alto holds a degree in Social Services with a focus on the aging population from Oregon State University, complemented by her background in non-profit management and statistics. Her first degree from the University of Oregon included studies in architecture, web design, women’s studies, and movement. Anastasia’s diverse career began in the design field at Nike and has since spanned social services, consulting, and the arts. With 10 years of experience in HR—encompassing compensation, systems, financial analysis, and organizational development—she also brings a decade of expertise in non-profit and municipal work to her professional endeavors.
JESSICA FASTABEND
Community Education Director
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Jessica Fastabend has been a dedicated dancer since the age of 3. From grade school, she aspired to become a dance teacher, turning that dream into reality through her studies in English and education at Alverno College. She combines her passion for dance with her love for teaching, feeling fortunate to share her enthusiasm for dance every day.
GINA LAURENZI
Co-Artistic Director
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Gina Laurenzi is a versatile mover, maker, researcher, and educator, currently serving as academic teaching staff at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and on faculty at Danceworks and the Milwaukee Ballet. She earned her BFA in 2013 and MFA in 2024 from UWM. Prior to attending UWM Gina trained as a scholarship student at Giordano Dance Chicago where she received extensive training in Giordano Jazz Technique before moving into the Giordano II company. In Chicago, Gina focused on ballet and jazz and at UWM, Gina had the opportunity to study a range of movement practices, composition, and improvisation. Gina previously owned a dance studio in Kenosha, WI, where she mentored local artists through groups like Project Innovate, Captivate Dance Co., and Momentum Dance Project. Actively performing with DPMKE and Wild Space Dance Company, Gina thrives on collaborating with a diverse range of artists.
CHRISTAL WAGNER
Co-Artistic Director
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Christal Wagner grew up attending Richards School of the Dance in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where she received her early dance education. At Richards she trained in vaudeville and theatrical dance. Her training was furthered by her time on the Panther Dance Team at UWM and partner dance styles such as Ballroom Latin styles, Salsa, West Coast Swing, and Lindy Hop. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2007. She has danced locally with Your Mother Dances, Danceworks Performance MKE, Dawn Springer, and Gina Laurenzi Dance Projects and has choreographed for Skylight Music Theatre, Danceworks, Milwaukee Ballet II, and is a founding member of the trio Cadance Collective. She is a movement photographer and screendance film maker working prominently with Dance For Diversity, Li Chiao-Ping and the UWM Dance Department.
LISA WENZLER
Design & Advertising Director
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Lisa Wenzler has contributed her creative talent to Danceworks since 2006, providing graphic design expertise and communication guidance with the aim to strengthen the organization’s brand and reputation. Lisa oversees Danceworks’ branding and visual identity, and creation and execution of brand collateral, advertising, and development and marketing campaigns. She attended UW-Milwaukee where she was a member of the Panther Dance Team, and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design,. From there she interned at a small design agency in London, England and then worked for 7 years as an art director at Mindspike Design in Milwaukee, WI before joining the dance at Danceworks!
GABI SUSTACHE
Studio Education Director
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Gabi Sustache, a Milwaukee native, is a performer, choreographer, and dance educator. A graduate from UW-Milwaukee, where she received her Bachelors of Arts from the Dance program in Spring of 2020. Gabi is a company member with Danceworks Performance MKE and enjoys performinging with various Milwaukee-based hip hop dancers. In 2022, Gabi competed in World Of Dance, Los Angeles. She is also the artistic manager of Danceworks Youth Performance Company. Her choreography has been featured at Milwaukee Bucks halftime performances, for several high school musical theater productions in and around the Milwaukee area and was selected to be adjudicated at the American College Dance Association’s North Central Conference.
SARAH MESA
Front Desk, Box Office and Facilities Manager
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Sarah Mesa holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught at the UWM Children’s Learning Center for 20 years. Before this, she was a Dance major at UWM, with dance being a central part of her life. Her background in dance and education has shaped her belief that children learn best through movement, hands-on experiences, and music. At Danceworks, Sarah integrates these principles into her role, which includes serving as the Front Desk Manager, Box Office Manager, and Outreach Teacher. She is passionate about being involved in various aspects of Danceworks and continues to grow as an educator within the community.
GLORIA VILLAZAEZ
Community Education Coordinator
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Gloria Villazaez earned her BA in Creative Arts in Practice from Alverno College in 2024, where she trained in dance and theater, focusing on contemporary, jazz, and ballet, and exploring African diaspora dance. She now continues her dance journey at Danceworks as a member of the Community Education team and an outreach teaching artist. Additionally, Gloria remains active in Milwaukee’s community through her involvement in a K-pop cover group.
KATELYN ALTMANN
Marketing Coordinator & Front Desk
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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. She has performed from the East Coast to the West Coast but finds the most joy having her home nestled in the Greater Midwest. She loves being active within the Milwaukee arts community and dedicated to progressing and advocating for the advancement of dance everywhere. Katelyn is a current performance and collaborative artist with Wild Space Dance Company, Danceworks Performance MKE, Li Chiao Ping Dance, and Hyperlocal MKE. Everything is a dance, never stop moving!
DANIEL PERSINO
CRM Coordinator & Front Desk
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Daniel Persino’s dance journey began at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Musical Theatre BFA program, where he delved into a rich curriculum of Tap, Musical Theatre Dance, Ballet, and Jazz. This comprehensive training expanded his understanding of dance as a communal expression. His experience was deeply influenced by dedicated professors, many of whom were connected with Danceworks, instilling in him a strong appreciation for the Danceworks mission through their teaching, performing, and directing roles.
AMY BRINKMAN-SUSTACHE
In Memoriam
Founder & Director of Education
We are deeply saddened by the passing of founding Danceworker Amy Brinkman-Sustache, who contributed immensely to Danceworks for over 30 years. We are mourning the loss of a remarkable visionary leader, teacher, artist, and friend. Amy enriched countless lives through her steadfast commitment to Danceworks and her deep compassion for others. Amy’s legacy will live on through the foundation she built for us, as we carry forward the mission of Danceworks. She will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working with her.
Read the article about Amy written by Jim Higgins in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
In Amy’s Words…
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 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!
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RENEE GRISWOLD | INTERIM PRESIDENT
Wisconsin Cycling League Director
National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)
President, ACTIVE Consulting, LLC
I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors because as a former dancer with the Company and long-time subscriber, I have had a long-standing relationship with Danceworks. I am excited to bring expertise in dance education and arts administration to my Board position to help Danceworks continue to develop into the community gem it has become.
As a level-headed leader, I have worked closely with boards, department heads, faculty & coaches, volunteers, students and their parents/guardians. Managing large staffs, I have developed systems and procedures emphasizing organization and communication for all types of constituents. Nationally, I have served as a site evaluator, trainer and frequent presenter and moderator for schools of dance and other art forms.
Following my career in the dance world, I continued to volunteer extensively in the youth swimming and baseball worlds, in which my teenage sons are deeply involved and started a consulting company dedicated to improving the administration of youth organizations.
Most recently, I began to focus on my passion for being on a bike and spending time outdoors. I am currently the Wisconsin League Director for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which is an organization dedicated to using mountain biking as a tool to develop middle and high school students into individuals with strong minds, bodies, character and communities through cycling.
JASON WENDT | TREASURER
Vice President of Accounting
BMO Harris Bank
MARISA GRECO | SECRETARY
Marketing Campaign Manager
Badger Meter
Growing up, dance, particularly ballet, shaped me into who I am today. Beyond learning the beautiful art of ballet and developing self-confidence, I learned many life lessons I still carry with me today – how to be a respectful listener, how to communicate through movement and emotion, and the most pivotal being, there is beauty that comes with hard work.
I am a passionate, driven, hardworking marketing professional. I am a constant connector and a problem-solver known for effective collaborations. I listen to understand all perspectives, remain curious in all I do and am personally committed to making a difference.
I am honored to serve the Danceworks Board of Directors so I can share with our community the positivity and joy dance brings to my life.
CRAIG BENNET
Business Performance Advisor
Insperity HR Solutions
I help small to mid-sized businesses with Strategic HR service solutions / Technology / Payroll solutions / Cost contained/Benefit solutions / Help minimize their employee risk/Workers comp relief. I joined the Danceworks Board of Directors because I’m excited to give my time and talents to help find solutions that can help the Danceworks organization grow. I’ve long been a fan of the arts and have recently gained an appreciation for how much work goes on behind the scenes. That work, especially at the developmental level, continues to pay dividends over a whole lifetime. I’m proud to align myself with an organization that brings individuals from all levels of ability to an environment that instills confidence, supportive behaviors and free spirits to all.
DR. DEBORAH BOWLING
Manager of Fine Arts
Milwaukee Public Schools
By joining the Board of Directors, my professional life seems to have come full circle. I began my career, 23 years ago, as an art teacher in MPS. My school was one of the first to participate in Mad Hot Ballroom and Tap. I remember watching my students practice and the excitement of the Saturday’s at the Bradley Center. A few years later, I was still able to enjoy these events, but as my role as a Principal in MPS. Now I am the proud Manager of Fine Arts for the district, overseeing visual art, music, physical education, health, and science. My life has been shaped by my experiences and students through the arts in Milwaukee. I have been a lifelong resident of the city of Milwaukee and hope that I have contributed, in some small way, to the joy that our students feel in school.
In my time away from work, I make the most of family time by enjoying the outdoors, golfing, festivals, concerts, and dining out. My husband and I love to travel to new places and try new things. Some of our favorite travel destinations have been Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, and the Dominican Republic. Our next destination is Panama!
TJ COBB
I’m T.J., a Milwaukee native and a seasoned executive leader with over a decade of experience in leading business strategy, impact measurement, and community engagement. I’m excited to bring my expertise to the board of directors at Danceworks Milwaukee, where I’m eager to apply my skills to advance the organization’s mission of enriching lives through dance. My commitment to expanding visibility and interest in the performing arts aligns seamlessly with Danceworks’ values, and I am honored to contribute to its continued success.
My dedication to creating positive outcomes for communities has been recognized through multiple awards for contributions to population health and social impact efforts. With a Master of Public Health degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, I integrate my understanding of human movement and wellness with public health principles to design and deliver innovative solutions for complex social and environmental challenges.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I am passionate about sustainable fashion and women’s empowerment. I curate clothing swaps to promote sustainable practices and empower women through fashion.
In my time away from work, I make the most of family time by enjoying the outdoors, golfing, festivals, concerts, and dining out. My husband and I love to travel to new places and try new things. Some of our favorite travel destinations have been Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, and the Dominican Republic. Our next destination is Panama!
VICTORIA GONZALEZ
My love for dance stems from my Colombian roots. Even before I could walk, my father instilled in me a passion for dancing and taught my sister and me how to dance. Growing up, our house was always filled with music, with records playing tropical Colombian songs and international music. I also practiced several instruments at the local music academy throughout my childhood. This early exposure to music and dance sparked a lifelong love for both, which I enjoy along with my daughter and friends every opportunity I get.
I moved to Milwaukee from Colombia in 2004 after completing my bachelor’s degree in marketing. I started my professional journey in the US in the service industry, before transitioning to become a legal assistant at a personal injury and criminal law firm. In 2012, I had the opportunity to join the Johnson Controls legal department and quickly moved into the Public Affairs team, where I took on the responsibility of managing community involvement programs, employee engagement initiatives, and workplace giving campaigns. I had the privilege of working with organizations such as UPAF and United Way, which opened my eyes to the incredible impact that dance and the arts have on our community. I then transitioned to Talent Acquisition, where I collaborated on branding campaigns, university recruiting programs and as a vendor relationship manager. When Johnson Controls sold their battery division business to Clarios, I joined their customer-facing team and was able to again lead employee initiatives in the community, including partnerships with UPAF and Danceworks.
In my most recent role as a communications strategist at Northwestern Mutual, I supported internal communications within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space. I also actively contributed to the internal UPAF campaign and was deeply involved in fostering an inclusive work environment across my team and the organization.
Beyond my professional achievements, I am proud to be the mother of a talented 18-year-old student athlete at Whitefish Bay High School. In my free time, I enjoy engaging in stimulating conversations, exploring new destinations through travel, indulging in movies and cooking, cherishing moments with my family, participating in golf, and enthusiastically cheering for my daughter from the sidelines during her soccer games.
In my time away from work, I make the most of family time by enjoying the outdoors, golfing, festivals, concerts, and dining out. My husband and I love to travel to new places and try new things. Some of our favorite travel destinations have been Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, and the Dominican Republic. Our next destination is Panama!
TIM HUNTER
Tim Hunter, Ph.D., P.E.
President, Wolf Star Technologies, LLC
Tim Hunter, Ph.D., P.E.
President
Wolf Star Technologies, LLC
I an honored to be on the Danceworks Board of Directors. I have had a passion for dance since I was a teenager. As a teenager I was a costumed character at Great America (Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, etc.). Through Great America’s show department, I was exposed to dance by being a sub for The Bugs Bunny Show. Working with dancers, performing, and doing warms hooked me for life. In college, I took dance every semester and nearly got a minor in dance. I am the winner of the Physics category of the 2013 Dance Your PhD competition in which Christal Wagner was a huge part of that success. I live on the East Side and am proud to have a 115 year old home retrofitted with solar panels.
I grew up in Gurnee, IL. I went to college at Marquette University and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering. I went on to get a Masters and Ph.D. in Engineering from UW-Milwaukee. I have been married for 39 years and have two grown daughters both working in technical fields.
I spent most of my career (22 years) at Harley-Davidson where I was Chief Engineer of Vehicle Structures and had responsibility for the vehicle side of the motorcycle. I worked with engineering, styling marketing and manufacturing for delivering products. My fingerprints are all over the motorcycles delivered through 2010 when I left the company.
In 2010 I founded Wolf Star Technologies, an engineering consulting and software development firm which concentrates on complex mechanical engineering problems. I bring 40 years of product development experience to my client’s projects. I have launched a first to market software called True-Load which is used to obtain real world product loading.
I currently take 55+ Ballet at Danceworks.
KELLY KNOKE
Thank you so much for the warm welcome to the Danceworks Board of Directors. I am so grateful to my friend and former co-worker Renee Griswold for connecting me to your important work. My love affair with dance started with “just a job” that I accepted at Milwaukee Ballet in 2005. As an audience member, I quickly realized the transformative strength that dance provided to me and in turn, my daughter who just completed her MFA in dance. My decade plus years at the Ballet was such a passionate and fun time – I miss the classical music from all corners of thing!
I bring my operational fundraising skills to Danceworks in hopes that I can help to elevate your connection to Milwaukee’s philanthropic community.
FRANK KREJCI
President & CEO
Strattec Security Corporation
Frank Krejci is President and CEO of STRATTEC. It is a publicly traded international automotive parts manufacturer with $500 million in annual sales and about 4000 employees. He also very involved in the Milwaukee area, including:
For Profit Boards of Directors: Florence Eiseman (children’s clothing); Jones Dairy Farm (breakfast meats); Banner Welder (automation equipment)
Non-Profit Boards: Milwaukee Development Corp. (catalytic real estate projects like Milwaukee Center, Yankee Hill, East Pointe Commons, The Avenue); Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (real estate for First Stage and MYSO); Danceworks
Krejci was on the wrestling team through college and played on a rugby team 10 years after college. Currently, Frank enjoys running and water skiing during his free time.
Frank has enjoyed working with former Danceworks Executive Director, Deb Farris, and was excited about the impact of the Mad Hot Rhythm Program and the opportunity to grow it.
JEFF MCCLELLAN
Sr. Vice President Creative
Branigan Communications
I’m currently the Senior Vice President, Creative at Branigan. I work with our clients on branding, communications strategy and creative execution. My background is as a copywriter and agency principal. I get my biggest kicks from working with start-up entrepreneurs to develop their positioning and messaging. I’ve also been an adjunct professor in strategic communications at Marquette University since 2006.
I believe in giving back and doing good. I’ve been privileged to find success in marketing and advertising, and I feel strongly that I need to use my knowledge and expertise to help make Milwaukee a better place. And Danceworks is an organization dedicated to improving our community in many different ways. I’m proud to serve with and support an organization that has a vision for bringing joy and creativity to the city.
TIM MOSS
Owner & CEO
Bronze Optical
Tim Moss is an optician and is the owner of Bronze Optical Gallery in Milwaukee. He started as an optician at D.O.C. in Bayshore Mall in the late 1990’s, and went on to be a buyer and store manager for luxury optical boutiques in Houston and Minneapolis before purchasing Bronze Optical in January 2020.
Prior to working in the optical field, Tim received his MFA in Stage Management from UWM in 1992. Part of his graduate work entailed working as the Stage Manager for the UWM Department of Dance, a role he continued after graduation until 2001 when he moved out of state. It was during this time that he met Sarah Wilbur, Dani Kuepper and Amy Brinkmann as undergraduate students, and began a life-long love of Modern Dance as an art-form. This relationship with the Milwaukee dance community resulted in him becoming the Stage Manager for Danceworks Performance Company, Wild Space Dance Company and the UWM Department of Dance until 2001.
When Tim returned to Milwaukee he knew that he wanted to support the arts organizations that supported him early in his career, and joining the Danceworks Board of Directors was one way that he hoped he could make a contribution. He is dedicated to helping Danceworks move forward in the 21st century, while staying true to the artistic vision of its founders and its legacy in the community.
ALEXANDER NG, PHD
Professor
Exercise Science Program
Department of Physical Therapy
Marquette University
I am honored to be on the Board of Directors of Danceworks. I have had a passion for music, art, and dance since high school and college. Having grown up with music, I began learning violin/fiddle as an adult and played in the Wisconsin Intergenerational Orchestra. I enjoy the artistry of professional ballet, modern dance, and folk dance and over the years have enjoyed participating in social/ballroom, country-western, and folk dance, including contra and Irish céilí. I have a particular interest in traditional percussive dance.
I am a professor at Marquette University, in the Exercise Science Program, and, among other things, I study the physiological and psychological benefits of dance for individuals with chronic disease. Danceworks instructors have been instrumental in carrying out this work. Along with this research I have presented to varied audiences on the benefits of partnered social dance and ballet for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). I believe that dance should be for everyone, and I have led efforts to provide community opportunities for dance for persons with MS, also with help from Danceworks.
Danceworks is a tremendous asset to the greater Milwaukee area. I have attended Danceworks performances and have taken classes in social, tap, and ballet. The Mad Hot programs are wonderful assets to our schools, and Danceworks programming for older adults provides needed opportunities for informed artistic physical activity. I am excited to contribute as a board member in any way I can to help further the mission of Danceworks.
LINDSAY OLSON
Human Resources
Rockwell Automation
