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BELLY DANCING

Sports Ballet

Faculty/Staff

Terry Irion Founder ~The Turning Pointe School of Dance

Terry Irion along with her husband Bruce founded The Turning Pointe School of Dance in October 2004 with the goal of providing an enviornment that would instill the joy of dance and also provide the level of training needed to pursue a professional career. Having two daughters who danced since the age of three, attending dance program acoss the U.S., Terry and Bruce saw the need to provide students of Northeast Ohio the opportunity to challenge their dance skills in a nurturing enviornment. Wanting dancers to have the opportunity to pursue multiple interests, The Turning Pointe brings back the focus on the individual dancer goals not that of the institution. We are here to help our dancers not just Dream...but reach their Dreams.

Dani Aleman  is the Ohio Youth Ballet Dance Team Artistic Director. Dani is currently a senior at the University of Akron, pursuing a BA in Dance with a Business Cognate in Consumer Marketing. She started dancing at the age of four, training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, and Hip Hop. She travels around with Ill’u’syn, a hip hop group based in Akron. The past two years she has danced locally with the University of Akron Dance Company, as well as nationally, appearing on BET, 106 & Park Live, Madison Square Gardens, and ESPNU. She has also danced at the Rucker Park Tournaments in Harlem, NY. This past year her team took first place at “Blaze the Stage Talent Showcase” hosted by BET, judged by MTV choreographer- Laurie Ann Gibson, Jive Records artist- Papoose, as well as music producers from Virgin Records and Atlantic Records. After college, Dani plans to push her way into the entertainment industry, focusing strongly on achieving her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Following the years of her performance age, she plans to use her dance business degree to open and run her own dance studio. Dani hopes that her passion for dance will encourage other dancers to achieve their ambitions and live their dream.

Hollie Barcheck is a resident of Canal Fulton., Ohio. This has been her home town for the past eight years. She grew up in North Canton and is a graduate of Hoover High School. Dancing and gymnastic have been a part of her life since the age of three. Her love for dance began at the Susan Lloyd Vasbinder School of Dance, where she participated in ballet, jazz, tap, tumbling and baton. She attended Gymnastics of Ohio and the YMCA Gymnastics. While in college she minored in dance at the University of Akron. Currently she is coaching part time at the YMCA Gymnastics Center. She is the President of the the non-profit OHIO YOUTH BALLET Board of trustees. Hollie believes in preserving arts in our community is important. Inspiring children to be active and to have fun through dance are Hollie's main goals as a teacher.

Desmond Beasley is currently 21 years old and is in his third year of study at the University of Akron where he is pursuing a Dance/ Business major. Desmond’s technical dance history just began about two years ago when he first enrolled at the University. Originally from Cleveland, Desmond began dancing is his middle school and high school show choir. Desmond won many awards at various show choir competitions in and out of Ohio, including outstanding performer, most dynamite performer, and best male soloist. Just last semester at the University Desmond was awarded a dance scholarship from one of the dance faculty members. While in college Desmond has performed with the University of Akron Dance Company and various students works. He is also a member of the Akron based hip-hop group ILL’U’SYN. This group performs all around the Akron, Canton, and Cleveland area but has also traveled to New York, Florida, and Nashville for various hip-hop competitions. ILL’U’SYN has been seen on BET’s 106 & Park, BET’s Spring Bling, and BET’s Blaze the Stage. Desmond specializes in Hip-Hop but also studies ballet, modern, tap, jazz, african dance, and jazz phunk. Desmond’s passion for dance grows stronger each day and he loves sharing that passion with each of his students. Desmond hopes to someday become a professional choreographer and make dances for people who truly love the art of dance.

Angela Irion is a gradurate of Miami University with a degree in marketing. Currently employeed by  Procter & Gamble of Cinninati OH. Angela started ballet at the age of 4 at Canton Ballet then at the age of 12 began training with OHIO YOUTH BALLET for the next 7 years. Her favorite summers were spent in New York City at American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive, where she trained for two summers. Angela also attened Pacific Northwest Ballet Summer Program on Scholarship as well as ABT in Detroit. In 2002, Angela placed in the top twelve at the YAGP Sr. Division Regional Philadelphia Ballet Competition. The following year she received 3^rd place in both classical and contemporary ballet at YAPG’s Sr. Division Regional Chicago Ballet Competition. Angela was also awarded The National Federation of Music Clubs, Senior Dance Award for Ballet. Angela enjoyed performing the role of “Tea” in the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker in both 2002 and 2003. She has a passion for dancing and teaching. At school, she is a 4^th year member of the Miami Shakerettes Dance Team. She was selected as captain for 2007 -2008 Season. Angie is the founder of Miami Ballet, a student run ballet program that offer high level ballet classes filling the missing gap for many ballet dancers. An oringinal Youth Ballet members, Angela has an appreciation and love for dance that will last forever. Her enthusiasm for all forms of dance is contagious! Angela enjoys sharing her love of dance with the Turning Pointe Students. She continues to teach at the Turning Pointe as a visting instructor.

Laura Irion - is a sophmore Musical Theatre Major at Michigan University. She is a gradurate Jackson High School. She has been dancing since the age of 3, with the past seven years training with the OHIO YOUTH BALLET. She had been selected as a National Training Scholar of American Ballet Theatre (ABT) her past three years of High School. She has won National/International Dance Competitions including the 2003 Thelma A. Robinson Award for Dance from the National Federation of Music Clubs ($2000), Cleveland 2003 Center Fest Overall Winner ($350) and Youth American Grand Prix-1st Place Senior Ballet, 1st Place Contemporary Dance and 2nd Place in the Pa de deux, “Vivified”. Laura also received the 2003 National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Dance Award ($150) and the 2004 National Federation of Music Clubs Senior Dance Award ($250). Laura has performed roles with many professional companies such as “Clara” with the Radio City Rockettes in Cleveland. In 2002 and 2003 she was chosen to perform the role of “Tea” with the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker. Laura was also among 12 local Cleveland dancers chosen to perform with the Kirov Ballet’s La Bayadere. Laura attended Chautauqua’s Summer Intensive in the summers of 1999 and 2000. Laura also attended American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive in New York City in 2003, 2004, 2005 and in 2006, she attended on full scholarship the past three summers. In addition to dance Laura loves to sing. She is the recipient of Voices of Canton’s (VOCI )High School Student Voice Scholarship($400) for three years in a row and the High School Senior recipient of 2007 $1000 college scholarship. Laura is thrilled to be able to share her love of dance and arts with others. She is thrilled to be able to continue to teach at the Turning Pointe during her visits home from Michigan.

Mary Rothman began her ballet training as a young child at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. She is a graduate of Skidmore College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance. Her studies included classical ballet performance, methods and materials of teaching dance, choreography, a special workshop with Twyla Tharp. Mary has performed with the Lake George Opera Company in New York state and North Atlantic Ballet in Boston. After returning to Pennsylvania she spent several years studying and performing flamenco and Hawaiian dance. Mary is the mother of two young girls who enjoy dancing with her. In addition to teaching classes at The Turning Pointe Studio, Mary also heads the Turning Pointe's Rivertree enrichment classes. She hopes to instill a love of dance in all of her students.

Dre Borders .. Break Dance.... Dre`is also known as “Dre Live” started dancing in the early 1980’s. Dre is one of the only B-boys left that is still representing from Ohio’s 80’s era. As a co-founder of Illstyle Rockers, Dre came up with the name Illstyle Rockers in 1996, after the group had been searching for an identity and represented under other names for nearly two years. Dre’s theatrical credits include Virtual Reality; From 8 Track to CD (Prestigious Productions), An Evening of Tap and Hip-Hop (Cleveland Public Theater), and Hit the Breaks (FSB Productions). Video credits include Kid Rock’s Welcome to the Party. Besides dancing, Dre has a natural talent for acting. In 1996, he landed the lead speaking role of Mitch in an independent feature film called Fishtales. He has taught classes and workshops on B-boying at Crawford Dance Academy, Canton Players Guild, Oberlin College, The Turning Pointe School of Dance and other renowned institutions. Currently, Dre continues to represent at jams, perform, teach, and host hip-hop functions. Dre is looking forward to another great year working with the students of The Turning Pointe School of Dance .  CLICK HER TO SEE DRE` LIVE BREAKDANCE IN AKRON .

Heather Mihal is a Junior at the University of Akron studying Arts Administration and Dance. As a graduate of Jackson High School she was very active in the instrumental music department as a percussionist. She was a member of the nationally recognized Tri-M Honors Society. She was also accepted to participate in the University of Akron’s Honor Symphonic Band. Her dance training began at Vivian Munson Dance Studio and then Canton Ballet. She discovered her passion for dance when switching in 2001 to the OHIO YOUTH BALLET, where she took her dance training to a whole new level. Heather finished her high school dance training with The Turning Pointe School of Dance, when it became the Home of the OHIO YOUTH BALLET in 2004. Heather has had great performance opportunities that inclued, the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Blue Bird pas de duex and Paquita.

Heather danced with the member of OHIO YOUTH BALLET in the America Grand Prix Ensemble Division in Chicago and New York City, placing 1^st in regional and as a finalist in NYC. She has been accepted to study with American Ballet Theatre, BalletMet and the School of American Ballet (SAB).

With recently being accepted this Fall to join the University of Akron Dance Company, Heather is looking forward a great year of dance performance. Heather also in thrilled to continue to share her dancing passion with the students of The Turning Pointe School of Dance. She plans to earn a masters degree in Arts Administration and hopefully work for a professional arts organization and of course, continue teaching!

Michelle Walker is a graduate of the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with the class of 1996. Some of the teachers she trained under are, Marc Ozanich, Jerry Burr, Tom Smith, Inna Stabrova and Priscilla Wagoner. Michelle's performance background includes, The Repertory Company, Touring Ensemble, and Shakespeare & Company at Stan Hywet. Her 9 years plus of teaching experience includes such schools as, University of Akron Dance Institute, Wadsworth School of Ballet, and Michelle's Dance & Twirl Academy. Michelle Conley (her maiden name), began her early training with Canton Ballet where she performed in the productions of the The Nutcracker and Spring Performance of Swan Lake. Recalling her teenage years and the importance dance played in life, inspired Michelle to pursue a dance/teaching/choreography degree. Sharing her deep passion of the arts brings her enormous joy. Michelle is a very dedicated teacher with a great love for ballet and she believes ballet provides dancers with grace, beauty, discipline, and strength. She enjoys helping dancers grow more confident as they successfully develop proper body alignment and movement execution. Michelle has stated, "I am so grateful for the help I received from so many excellent teachers. They all possessed such a professional demeanor, with such style and grace, I strive to pass that along to my students." Michelle is also a mother of two small daughters and she is married to Michael and they reside in Jackson Township, Ohio.

Duane Gosa a gradurate of Pickerington High School Central, is now a senior at the Univerisity of Akron working on his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a projected graduation date of May 2008. He has many noted awards and honors inclulding , Deans List (2004-2007), Unirversity of Akron Mary Albrecht Endowed Scholarship in Dance, Akron University Director's Endowed Scholarship in Dance and Outstanding Student (2004-2007) .His experience overlaps both theatre and dance. He is a member of the University of Akron Dance Company and has performed extensively during his college career in Words,Music, and the Seven Dirty Words, Choreographed by Tom Smith; Ladies Night, choreographed by Kim Lawver, Peter's Park, choreographed by Cydney Spohn; Fiddle Celebratons,choreographed by Andrew Carroll; Jass, Chroeographed by Tom Smith, Landscape I, Choreographed by March Ozanich Bebop, choreographed by Tom Smith;and many other performances. Some of Daune's more recent Theatre performances include, West Side Story, with the role of Luis, directed by Teri Kent, Choreographed by John Crawford and performed at Porthouse Theatre, and Dames at Sea, directed by MaryAnn Black performed at the University of Akron Daum Theate. Duane states he loves all dance forms but has a special passion for Modern and Jazz..

Melody Sprague has enjoyed dancing since she was very young. She has been taking advanced classes from the Turning Pointe School of Dance for the past two years and has enjoyed working with the talented staff immensely! Also, she has danced with Praise His Name with Dancing for the past five years and studied classical ballet from Tamara’s Dance Academy for the previous eight years. Melody has taken classes by David Howard and Tamara Buel and twice competed in the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus.
In the summers of 2006 and 2007, Melody attended Ballet Magnificat’s summer intensive where she studied under Kathy Thibodeaux, Jiri Sebastian Voborsky, and Sol Nazario. There she took classes in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, staging, choreography, costuming, and methods of teaching. Currently, she is taking Vaganova ballet classes with The Turning Pointe School of Dance, the home of OHIO YOUTH BALLET, as well as Praise His Name with Dancing. Melody holds a current Adult/Child CPR certification. Melody enjoys working with children and teaching ballet. She has taught ballet to children from beginner levels through intermediate for the last four years and is looking forward to another year of dancing and teaching!

Ashley Studer is a gradurate of the  University of Akron. She took her first dance class at the age of 4 and began dancing competitively at 8. She was a member of her studio’s Performance Company where she danced many lead roles including Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and both Sandy and Rizzo in Grease. Ashley has performed at many national dance competitions and was a scholarship recipient with Urban Jamm. Ashley loves contemporary dance but also studies ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She was chosen “Best Student Choreographer” at the University of Akron in Fall 2006. Her piece was submitted to the American College Dance Festival in Spring 2007.Ashley spent a semester volunteering with the R.O.A.D. (Reach Out and Dance) Program and has been an instructor/choreographer for the Joy Park Outreach Program sharing her passion for dance with underprivileged youth ages 5-17. Ashley instructs and choreographs as a staff member for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as well as several marching bands and winter guards throughout Ohio. Ashley is a dance major and upon completing her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance she plans to obtain her Master’s Degree in Choreography. She hopes to spend part of her career as a performer but would eventually like to work in the creative process through design and choreography.

SAMI WONG: Check Back Soon for Bio

Assitants

Molly Wiedig is a senior at Jackson High School. She is the Dance Captain of the Jack n Jill's, Jackson's select performing group. Was the lead "Millie"in her Jackson H.S. Play, Thoroughly Modern Millie,  this november 2007. Molly trains at the The Turning Pointe School of Dance in the pre-professional dance divison and is a member of OHIO YOUTH BALLET's DANCE TEAM.

Ashanti Murdock is a senior at Jackson High School. She is the a member of Jackson School for Arts, had a lead role of "Rita" in Jackson  H.S. play. Thoroughly Modern Millie, this past November 2007.  She is in the pre-professional dance division in both classical ballet and dance team division at The Turning Pointe School of Dance. Ashanti is a current member of OHIO YOUTH BALLET's  BALLET & DANCE TEAM this 2007 -2008 Season. In addition to dance Ashanti is an intern at Jackson local Elementary Schools. She enjoys using this experience to help  connect with  her  young students in her Turning Pointe Classes.

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