Owner / Instructor

Growing up in the competition circuit, Meredith was trained in multiple disciplines including tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary. While attending college she was a guest artist for Dayton Ballet and a member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s 2nd company. After graduating from University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music with a BFA in ballet, Meredith moved to Chicago to pursue her dance career. She came to Chicago on scholarship to study at Giordano Dance School, and was then promoted to Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago’s main company, where she spent six amazing seasons. She has performed works by Mia Michaels, Ron De Jesus, Randy Duncan, Christopher Huggins, Davis Robertson, Rennie Harris and more. While dancing professionally at Giordano’s, Meredith also taught master classes nationally and internationally in Germany, Austria, Turkey, Guatemala and Hawaii. Meredith has been teaching and choreographing all over the country for the past 20 years, teaching dance for the Science and Health program in underserved Chicago Public schools, and has been part of the Master Faculty for Jazz Dance World Congress Kid’s Jazz. She currently adjudicates for the world renowned dance competition, World – Class Talent Experience and is on master faculty for the national workshop, Ambition. Meredith’s passion comes out through her teaching and mentoring, and she prides herself on her ability to help student’s pursue their dreams.

Originally from Ithaca, NY Kate has been training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, contemporary and Hip Hop for more than 20 years. After Graduating high school, she went to the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), studying Performance and Choreography in dance. While in college, Kate studied and performed with many well-known Choreographers, including John Lehere, Charmaine Hunter, Richard Havey, Gail Gilbert, Douglass Dunn, and Susan Quinn. Performing in many concerts throughout college Kate was also chosen to perform with Bay Area Dance Company out of San Francisco; the Choreography Showcase in Madrid, Spain; and The International Dance and Gymnastics Festival in Kiel, Germany. On scholarship at UNLV she was awarded outstanding performer and choreographer her senior year. Moving to Chicago straight out of college in 2005 Kate was asked to be on scholarship with Thodos Dance Chicago in their summer intensive and then moved on the be a full time trainee with the company. After Thodos she then became a member of RASA Dance Chicago where she worked with them for 2 years. After dancing professional she found teaching and choreographing to be her new passion. She has taught throughout the city of Chicago as well as all the United States choreographing and teaching master classes. Loving to teach and choreograph, she feels it is a way to express herself and spread her love and knowledge of dance to others. Kates other passion in life is being a wife and a mom to her husband Mike and 2 amazing Children Abby and Ryan. She wants to thank all of her family for their support in making her dream of a studio come to life

Owner / Instructor

Studio Manager & Instructor

Alex Neil-Sevier (she/her/hers) is a dance educator and artist based in Chicago, IL. Originally from West Michigan, Alex spent her early years competing in regional competitions, attending theatre workshops in New York and London as well as completing Cecchetti Ballet Method student exams I-IV. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with concentrations in Dancemaking and Pedagogy from Columbia College Chicago, and a Masters of Public Policy from DePaul University. Alex is a YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) certified educator and served on their Advisory Panel from 2018-2022. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and has attended trainings through Discover Dance and Building Blocks of Dance. Alex is a performer and guest facilitator with Inclusive Dance Chicago/Unfolding Disability’s Futures. Alex’s passion is working with young dancers, helping them experience movement and foster artistry early in their dance education in a safe and healthy way. She is proud to have worked with movers of all ages and abilities in both traditional and non traditional dance settings.

Cesar G. Salinas, originally from Portland, Oregon, was named Giordano Dance Chicago’s Associate Artistic Director at the start of GDC’s 60th Anniversary Season. He began his formal studies in dance with Zohar School of Dance, under the direction of Ehud Krauss in Palo Alto, CA. There he was introduced to the classic jazz styles of Gus Giordano, Luigi, and Matt Mattox. He moved to Oregon where he studied at Willamette Ballet Academy under Deborah Higginbotham. Cesar went on to further his training at the University at Buffalo, where he graduated with a BFA in Dance. He received a scholarship to Giordano Dance School in Chicago, IL, in 2004 and 2005. From 2006 until 2011, Cesar joined Giordano Dance Chicago as a full company member performing throughout the United States and Europe. During his tenure, he was proud to be a part of GDC’s educational outreach program, teaching science and health dance classes to 4th and 5th grade students in under-resourced public schools in Chicago. Cesar was honored to be on the cover of Dance Magazine (August 2007) and to teach at the Jazz Dance World Congress in 2007, 2009, and 2012. In 2013, he was chosen as a soloist for BalaSole Dance Company performing “Hunted” in New York City’s Alvin Ailey Citigroup where he received rave reviews: “richly physical performance that drew the audience’s unfettered enthusiasm” – Philip Gordon. Cesar toured the world with Royal Caribbean cruise lines as a performer in the Broadway production of Saturday Night Fever as well as an aerialist. In the January 2018 issue of Dance Teacher Magazine, Cesar demonstrates the Giordano Technique alongside Nan Giordano in honor of the company’s 55th Anniversary Season. Cesar is a certified teacher in the Giordano Technique at the Basic, Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Professional Levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® (NGCP®). Most recently Cesar returned to the stage at the Auditorium Theatre to perform Gus Giordano’s 1978 iconic solo Wings in honor of Nan Giordano’s 33 years at the helm and 25th Anniversary as Artistic Director for GDC. Lauren Warnecke of See Chicago Dance wrote, “…you could almost imagine Gus himself up there performing the piece he made 40 years ago.” He currently teaches master classes and workshops, as well as choreographs for universities and studios across the country. This is Mr. Cesar’s eighth season with Definition Dance Academy and loves teaching, educating, and pushing his students in jazz.

Instructor

Instructor

Adam began his early training in his hometown of Boone, Iowa. Upon graduating high school, he moved to Tucson, Arizona where he continued studying at The University of Arizona. There Adam began his professional training in ballet with James Clouser and Melissa Lowe, along with modern and jazz. During his time at U of A, Adam performed works by James Clouser, Elizabeth George, Doug Nielsen, Susan Quinn, Michael Williams, and Sam Watson. He also performed in works by guest choreographers Larry Keigwin, Ann Reinking and Gary Chryst’s CHICAGO Suite, and George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante and Rubies, as the Principle Male. Adam graduated magna cum laude from The University of Arizona receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. He was also named Outstanding Senior by the School of Dance for the graduating class of 2013. Upon graduating from the University of Arizona, Adam began his professional career with Giordano Dance Chicago as a Performing Associate. He was then promoted to Senior Performing Associate. During his time as a PA, he performed with the main company regionally, nationally, and internationally. Going into his fourth season with Giordano, Adam has had the opportunity to perform works by Autumn Eckman, Liz Imperio, Roni Koresh, Ray Leeper, Randy Duncan, and Gus Giordano, to name a few. In addition to dancing, Adam is a part of GDC’s Jazz Dance/Science & Health outreach program; teaching 4th & 5th grade students in Chicago Public Schools about dance, health, and fitness. He also teaches and choreographs in Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Following two years as a Senior Performing Associate, Adam is excited and honored to be in his second season with Giordano Dance Chicago as a main company member.

Zachary Heller started his training in ballet and jazz in Alexandria VA. During his early training he performed with the American Dance Company under the direction of Mark Marino. He accompanied ADC on several tours to Europe and Central America. While dancing with ADC he was recognized as the Grishko Outstanding Male Dancer at the Prague International Dance Festival in 2003. His choreography of the musicals “A Chorus Line” and “The Boyfriend” received Cappies Awards for outstanding musical theater choreography in 2003 and 2004. He attended the University of Arizona and in 2008 graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance; he also fulfilled all the requirements for Pre Med. At U of A, he performed works choreographed by Susan Quinn, Michael Williams, Sam Watson, Douglas Nielson, Frank Chaves, James Clouser, and George Balanchine. This is currently his eighth season performing with Giordano Dance Chicago. He is a resident choreographer for Midwest Dance Collective in Barrington, IL. He also teaches at ACDFA and choreographs for studios and youth companies in the Chicago area and around the U.S. Zachary would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.

Instructor

Instructor

Felicity Lyon Nicholson began her formal dance training at the Fort Wayne Ballet under the direction of Karen Gibbons-Brown. She went on to receive a BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University, during which time she performed works by Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Paul Taylor, Susan McGuire, Derek Reid, and Patrick Hinson among others. Upon graduation Felicity moved to Chicago where she studied on scholarship at Visceral Dance Chicago and at the Lou Conte Dance Center. She performed work including Thodos Dance Chicago’s New Dances, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s The Nutcracker, and the Moroccan tour of BDE’s Scheherazade. In 2016 Felicity became a member of Project606 Dance and Trifecta Dance Collective, where she was made Rehearsal Director in 2017. After performing Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain” with the Fort Wayne Ballet in the Fall 2018, Felicity returned to Chicago to join Chicago Repertory Ballet and perform and teach in the Chicagoland area.

Nick Lampson grew up in Massachusetts as a competition dancer. He started his training at the age of 3 and he trained at a few different studios in the North East including Artistic Dance Conservatory, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center. He continued his training at the University of Arizona as a scholarship recipient. During his time at university he had incredible opportunities to perform pieces from renowned choreographers such as; Darrell Moultrie, Christopher Wheeldon, Sam Watson, Larry Kegwin and Nacho Duato to name a few. After graduating in 3 years, he danced professionally with Giordano Dance Chicago, then Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre. Nick is also a well known figure in the fitness industry as a Solidcore Coach and works with other fitness companies in the city.

Instructor

Instructor

Claire Calloway was born and raised in Louisiana. She began her dance training in jazz, ballet, tap & hip hop at a local studio in Baton Rouge. In 2016, Claire relocated to Pittsburgh to pursue her formal training, graduating cum laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from Point Park University. Studying under the direction of Garfield Lemonius, she had the pleasure of performing numerous works by Stephanie Martinez, John Higginbotham, Dan Karasik, and Kiesha Lalama, among others. While studying at Point Park, Claire trained with San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and Movement Invention Project. During this training, she had the honor of dancing with Summer Lee Rhatigan, Alex Ketley, Stefanie Batten Bland, Francesca Harper, Stephanie Pizzo, and Molly McMullen. After graduating in the Spring of 2020, Claire continued her dance career in Pittsburgh as a performer with RCL Entertainment under Susie Gustin and Elisa-Marie Alaio. Claire is ecstatic for her first season with Inaside Chicago Dance and for the opportunity to continue following her performance dreams!!

Originally from the Western Suburbs of Chicago, Dani began her dance training at the age of 5. Dani went on to pursue a B.F.A. in Dance and Minor in Education from The Ohio State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with Distinction in Dance. While at Ohio State, she performed in works by Susan Petry, Ann Sofie Clemmensen, Crystal Michelle Perkins, and Edward Taketa. Additionally, Dani has spent two summers studying contemporary and hip hop at American Dance Festival where she performed in work by Ronald K. Brown. In 2017, Dani travelled to Denmark where she taught at various Danish youth programs and performed at Landsstævne and Gerlev Idrætshøjskole.

After leaving Ohio State, Dani spent three seasons as a Company Dancer for Hixon Dance Company in Columbus, OH. She was the recipient of the Artists in the Community Resource Grant and the Margaret Noell Kindberg Award for her artistic endeavors in Columbus. Since moving back to Chicago, she has performed in New Dances with DanceWorks Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago. Currently, Dani works with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and South Chicago Dance Theatre, where she teaches dance in over nine Chicago Public Schools. On top of creating dance residencies in public schools, Dani shares her love of dance with hundreds of students in various Chicagoland studios.

Instructor

Instructor

Catherine Stegemann grew up training all over the Chicago-land area. During her earlier years she performed with Elements Contemporary Ballet, and in cameos with ABT, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, and the Lyric Opera. She continued her training in New York City and West Florida, training in ballet and musical theater. Catherine currently studies at DePaul University, working on a degree in Sports and Recreation Management. She also works as an Event Supervisor for Revel Dance Convention, where she travels the US working with world renowned choreographers.

Logan Spellacy is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer born and raised in Cleveland, OH. She began dancing at the age of 3 and has continued her training in all styles of dance throughout her life. Logan recently graduated from The Ohio State University where she studied Education and Dance. She was a member of The Ohio State Club Dance Team for 4 years and competed at NDA nationals in the D1A jazz and hip-hop categories. She has taught, choreographed, and adjudicated auditions for many studios and programs in the Cleveland area. In addition to adjudicating auditions for dance studios and teams, she has experience as a dance competition judge for the Turn It Around Tour. In 2020, Logan became co-founder of Barre Dance Academy, an elite competitive program for junior dancers to excel in their technique and performance. Logan is also an assistant coach for Magnificat High School Dance Team where she has choreographed nationally ranked routines and teaches the team in many genres of dance. The genres include jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and modern. Logan hopes to make a positive impact on each dancer she has the opportunity to work with and finds an abundance of joy whenever she is working with the art of dance.

Instructor

Instructor

Krista is the Artistic Director of BANG BANG Dance Company and a long-standing choreographer and performer of BOOM CRACK! Dance Company (BCDC). She has been a guest choreographer for Hubbard Street’s Adult and Teen Create Summer Intensives, Hubbard Street’s Professional Program (HSPro), the Chicago Luvabulls Dance Team, Whitney Young High School, St. Ignatius, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas, and Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. Krista teaches annually for Hubbard Street’s Summer Intensives. She has taught workshops across the Midwest, including Visceral Dance Center, the Lou Conte Dance Studio, and Millennium Dance Complex Chicago, among others.

Nominated for the 2018 Monsters Show Cast, Krista has trained in various styles, including hip-hop, contemporary, ballet, jazz, musical theater, horton, and tap. She has performed at many local and regional showcases, including Dance Chicago, Dance for Life, Chicago Live, Urbanite Chicago, Chicago Carnival, Columbia College Faculty/Grad Showcase, Mad Expressions Showcase in Atlanta, and World of Dance Live in Universal City, CA. She has competed with BCDC, receiving top accolades at World of Dance Dallas, Chicago, and Houston, Prelude Midwest, and Hip Hop International Championships. Additionally, she has performed as a guest performer for the Chicago Bulls.

Krista holds a degree from The University of Iowa, Tippie School of Business, specializing in Business Management & Organizations. She also received a Performing Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate and a Minor in Dance. Furthermore, she is pursuing a Master’s in Business focusing on Leadership and Marketing from the University of Iowa, which she expects to receive in May 2025.

Fernando Rodriguez, of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, is a main company member entering his fifth season with Giordano Dance Chicago. He attended Grand Valley State University and Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage. He has danced with River North Dance Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Paramount Theatre (West Side Story), DITP, Owen/Cox Dance, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, dancing from South Korea to Lincoln Center in New York City. In 2016 Fernando became Resident Choreographer at Missouri Contemporary Ballet for 5 years. He won the 2019 Inaside Chicago Dance Choreography Competition with his piece, “Pass Me By.” Fernando also owns a photography business specializing in portrait and dance photography.

Instructor

Instructor

Analysse is originally from Springfield, IL, where she began her dance training with Dance Arts Studio and the Springfield Ballet Company. During her upbringing, she danced many principal roles with her local company, enjoyed performing in musical theater productions, and was a competitive diver and gymnast. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2023 with a BFA in Dance and BSBA in Marketing. At the University, she had the opportunity to perform in George Balanchine’s “Four Temperaments” and various faculty works. Analysse has also choreographed for student productions at the University of Arizona and other dance organizations in Illinois.

She has attended numerous prestigious summer and winter intensive programs, including those at Giordano Dance Chicago, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Chicago Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, BalletX, Complexions, Soul Escape, A&A Ballet, Carolina Ballet Theatre, and Rochester City Ballet.

Currently, Analysse is in her second year teaching at Definition Dance Academy. She recently completed her first season with Giordano II and is beyond excited to start her second season as a main company member with Giordano Dance Chicago.

Andrea began her dance journey at 10 years old. Prior to that, she grew a passion for movement through music, tv shows, YouTube, etc, and would teach herself the basics from home. As her passion kept growing, so did her eager to become a student and learn proper technique. Finally making the decision, she would soon join several studio company’s such as Intrigue Dance Center, Extensions Dance Center, and Visceral Dance Center. Although growing up her main focus was ballet and contemporary, she still studied tap, jazz, and hip hop. She had the pleasure of training under Pia Hamilton, Robert Mckee, Lizzie McKenzie, Chris Xayrath, Laura Wade, and Nick Pupillo. After a couple of years of being involved as a competitive dancer, she then got exposed to more hip hop and wanted to deeply explore that specific style. She would then spend the next 3 years taking hip hop classes and participating in hip hop community performances such as Choreographers Carnival and Urbanite. Throughout this time, she was also accepted in The Chicago Highschool For The Arts where she would continue studying ballet/pointe, contemporary and modern. Being able to understand and excel in many different styles, contributed to her passion and specialty today in hip hop.

Instructor

Instructor

Brittany Latta, originally from the Chicago suburbs, received her BA in Dance at Western Michigan University. She trained intensively in ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop, fusing the techniques together to create a unique style. Her Holistic Health Care minor compliments her dance portfolio by providing a distinctive understanding of movement mechanics in the human body, creating methods in approaching performance through a mind-body connection to herself and those around her. While in undergrad she worked with renowned choreographers Gabrielle Lamb and Rennie Harris as well as under WMU faculty members David Curwen, Whitney Moncrief and Monique Haley. At WMU she received the Luscombe Grant where she was able to collaborate with composers, musicians and poets, which further supported her dance endeavors. Post grad, Brittany trained as a scholarship student at Visceral Dance Center under the direction of Nick Pupillo. In 2017 Latta joined Hot Crowd under the direction of Emily Rayburn. With Hot Crowd, she has had opportunities to work with dancers and choreographers of various styles including Joseph Hernandez, Jessica Miller Tomlinson, Katie Carey of Purus Motus and Jessi Stegall. In 2021, Brittany joined Banks Performance Project under the direction of Elysia C. Banks where she had the pleasure of performing pieces by Grant Hill and Elysia C. Banks, adding to her experience of performing various styles. In August of 2021, Brittany took over as Co-Artistic & Programs Director of Hot Crowd where she has choreographed for each self produced show and continues to focus on the success of the organization alongside Co-Artistic and Operations Director, Devon Lloyd. When Brittany is not in rehearsal, you can find her teaching or choreographing, using movement as a platform for inspiration and change in the community.

Talia Howard started her dance career in Chicago, Illinois where she was born and raised. She started dancing at the age of 3 years old. She started as a young child with ballet and furthered her dance education through the years taking jazz, hip hop, contemporary and various techniques of modern dance. Talia graduated in 2023 from the University of Iowa with her degree in Dance and a certificate in Enterprise and leadership. She has been in pieces choreographed by faculty such as Stephanie Miracle and Armando Duarte. After graduation, Talia then danced with Inaside Dance Chicago as her first year as a company member. She is currently dancing with Joel Hall Dancers and Center in their 51st season doing a multitude of pieces choreographed by co-founder Joel Hall himself. She is also currently teaching a various number of styles such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, tap and majorette. Talia is very excited to go from being a sub to a teacher at Definition Dance Academy and offer her knowledge from her dance experience.

Instructor