Meet Our Faculty

Amber Saraceno – Owner & Artistic Director

Amber has been inspiring dancers in the community for over fifteen years. Her kindness, outgoing teaching style, and patience with dancers of all levels have made her one of the most sought-after teachers in the Chicago land area. Amber’s versatility and ability to teach all ages and styles is a true testament to her natural gift of teaching. In 2009, Amber founded Expression Dance Studio in Westmont, IL and is the proud director of the Expression Dance Company. Her outstanding work and choreography has been awarded at numerous competitions on the regional and national level. She continues to share her passion for tap dancing with her students and enjoys inspiring them to share her love for this style of dance. In 2017 Amber was excited to join the Special Olympics of Illinois by becoming a certified training site for Rhythmic Gymnastics. She also helped create the ground break, first ever Unified Rhythmic Gymnastics performance team. They recently performed on Soldier Field during the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics. Her goal is to share love and happiness through dance in an inclusive environment at her studio. Amber feels very fortunate for having the privilege to live her dream and encourage dancers to express themselves through the arts.

Alyssa Alber – Ballet & Lyrical

Alyssa Alber is originally from Lake Zurich, Illinois. She began her dance training at Trilogy School of Performing Arts and furthered her training at the Academy of Dance Arts. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a BFA in dance as well as a second major of Pre-Physical Therapy. At Iowa she trained with phenomenal faculty in the dance department such as Jennifer Kayle, Melinda Jean Meyers, Eloy Barragan, George de la Peña, and Danielle Russo. She primarily studied ballet, contemporary, and modern techniques. She has also had the opportunity and pleasure of participating in the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago intensives for multiple years, the Giordano Dance Chicago intensive, and the Visceral Dance Chicago trainee program. She has worked with choreographers in her career such as Alice Klock, Florian Lochner, Nick Pupillo, Braeden Barnes, and Shannon Alvis. Alyssa started training at Chicago Movement Collective in the Claire Bataille Legacy Program under the direction of Ethan Kirschbaum while in college. She is currently dancing with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and Bodies of Water.

Amanda Dexl - Expression Dance Faculty-min

Amanda Dexl – Guest Choreographer

Amanda grew up as a competitive dancer in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She has trained in all styles of dance from a young age. Amanda has had the opportunity to perform on TV shows and industry events, some of which include America’s Got Talent, Capezio Ace Awards, and Nigel Lythgoe’s Dizzy Feet Gala. Immediately after high school, she moved to Los Angeles and lived there for two years working as a professional dancer.

She is fortunate to work with some of LA’s top choreographers, such as Matt Steffanina, and also appeared in a music video for the K-pop artist, Shin. She regularly danced in the newest show in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. Amanda danced on the University of Minnesota dance team her junior year of college.

Aside from dancing, Amanda teaches and choreographs award-winning routines for studios and dance teams throughout the entire Midwest. Amanda emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and passion. She hopes to train, challenge, and inspire dancers to follow their dreams.

Ambrielle Talkie – Guest Acrobatic Arts Instructor

Ambrielle began her dance training in the Chicagoland area at the age of 5 and began dancing competitively at age 9 training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater and hip hop. In 2013, Ambrielle continued her dance training with pre-professional contemporary dance company The Kate Jablonski Statement, of which she was a member for 3 seasons. Ambrielle graduated from North Central College in 2017 with a B.A. in psychology, but soon found that her true passion was teaching dance! Upon graduation, Ambrielle followed a long-time dream and participated in the Disney College Program as a character performer, but returned to the Chicagoland area to continue to teach.

Ambrielle began her acrobatics training in 2018 with Acrobatic Arts, an internationally recognized acro dance syllabus focusing on flexibility, strength, limbering, balancing, and tumbling. She completed her training in summer 2021 and is fully certified in Acrobatic Arts through the 8 levels and 3 pre-professional levels. Ambrielle is inspired every day by her students, and is very passionate in helping each and every one of them become the best dancer they can be!

Amy Buono – Office

Amy graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching Kindergarten since 2006. She grew up dancing with studio owner Miss Amber! She has been an EDS parent since 2017 when her daughter Briella started in Express Start 2, and now Briella is one of the EDS Elite Company dancers. Amy loves to greet people at the front desk and assist with all the costumes!

Ashley Stortz – Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, & Tap

Ashley has been dancing since the age of 2 training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop. She has competed and performed throughout the Chicagoland area. She studied at a local studio in Bolingbrook, IL as well as trained with the Joel Hall Dance Center. As a competitor, she has won several awards and was chosen for many scholarships at various conventions.

Throughout high school, Ashley was apart of the Varsity Pom Squad later becoming captain of the squad her senior year. After high school Ashley went on to Chamberlain College of Nursing and earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Throughout, she continued her love for dance by teaching various classes as well choreographing for competitive companies throughout Chicago.

As a choreographer her awards just keep coming with Outstanding Choreography, Amazing Story Telling, Musicality Awards, and First Place overalls. With over 10 years of teaching and choreography under her belt Ashley drives to push and inspire each of her students not only through dance but life as well.

Angela Savaglio – Contemporary, Jazz & Technique

Angela Savaglio grew up in Addison, Illinois and began her technical dance training at the age of three. She started at Gotta Dance Studio working intensely with Michele Broviak and Rhonda Lofendo. Angela is trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap and hip-hop. She has traveled both regionally and nationally, receiving five Starpower Victory Cups from 2007-2011 with Xtreme Dance Force. Her expertise in dance has allowed her to work with many choreographers such as Jesse Lee Santos, Brooke Pierotti, Chris Jacobsen, Marinda Davis, Melody Lacayanga, TOKYO, Bryan Tanaka, David Moore, NappyTabs, Laura Edwards and many more top LA choreographers. Angela was also a dancer on a professional contemporary dance company, for two years in Chicago. Angela has choreographed and directed for award winning studios such as Xtreme Dance Force, Dance Xplosion and The Dynasty. She has traveled throughout the United States choreographing for other national award winning dance companies. Her unique style of has won numerous awards such as choreography and entertainment awards along with two National Victory Cups. Angela enjoys sharing her vast knowledge with young dancers who share her same passion for dance.

Autumn Douglas – Guest Choreographer

Autumn began her training at Gotta Dance Studio in Addison, Illinois and was a member of the Starlite Dance Company for 12 years. She also has trained and competed with Midwest Movement, under the direction of Ted Jackson, and Xtreme Dance Force, under the direction of Sam Renzetti. As a competitor, she has won over 20 overall first place high score awards at Regional and National levels. She has also won numerous titles for her award-winning solo performance such as Miss Starpower, Miss Starquest, Distinguished Peformer, and Dancer of the Year. As a choreographer her awards just keep coming with Most Entertaining, Top Choreography Awards, Costume Awards, and First Place overalls Autumn’s training, in jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, pointe, hip hop and musical theater, has been with instructors such as Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Ray Leeper, Matt Cady, Dee Caspary, Tabatha and Napoleon, Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh, Tokyo, and Justin Giles just to name a few. In addition, Autumn is a professional model which includes print and runway work. She has been seen various commercials such as McDonalds and her face has been seen in numerous ads across the nation. Autumn is currently working for ZZAZZ Productions where she has the title of Dancer/Model. Not only does she model the latest fashions and trends but she also dances her way through fashion down the runway. Autumn has also done similar work for the John Paul Mitchell hair shows. You can also see Autumn as a principle dancer in Grammy Nominee Steve Aoki’s first music video titled Ooh featuring Rob Roy.

Autumn (Broviak) Douglas – Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical & Technique

Bailey Murray Academy – Irish Dance

Bailey Murray Academy (BMA) of Irish Dance is thrilled to expand to Expression Dance Studio in Westmont, IL, bringing world-class Irish dance training to the heart of the western suburbs.

Led by internationally acclaimed champions Jenny Bailey-Murray and Kevin Murray, BMA is recognized around the globe for its exceptional technique, dynamic performance style, and strong sense of community. With students and studios spanning six countries, our dancers are known for success on the competitive stage and confidence in every setting.

Jenny Bailey-Murray is a Mid-America Regional and National Champion, a multi-World medalist, and an honors-certified TCRG and ADCRG. She has toured globally as a lead dancer in major Irish dance productions.

Kevin Murray is a three-time European Champion and World medal holder with over 30 years of international performing experience. He is a certified TCRG and lifelong ambassador for Irish dance.

Whether your child is taking their first Irish dance steps or training for the World Championships, Bailey Murray Academy at Expression offers elite instruction in a warm, family-focused environment. Our curriculum builds strength, artistry, and discipline—while keeping the joy of Irish dance at the center of it all. Become part of the BMA legacy—where champions are made and friendships last a lifetime.

Carrie Nicastro Ruiz – Contemporary & Contemporary Technique

Carrie Nicastro Ruiz is a Chicago-based professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Originally from Northbrook, IL, she received her initial training under Cheri Rose, studying the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. Carrie continued her education at the University of Iowa, graduating with honors in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Dance and Psychology. Upon graduation, Carrie was thrilled to accept a Company position with Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre, while also accepting a full scholarship to train at the Lou Conte Dance Studio, under the tutelage of the late Claire Bataille. After dancing with SPDW, Carrie participated in the work/study program at Visceral Dance Center and has since held positions with Hedwig Dances, Thodos Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, LEVELdance, and Hanna Brictson & Dancers. Carrie has also enjoyed performing as a freelance artist with various independent choreographers and has been featured in the New York Times Bestseller, “Dancers Among Us” by Jordan Matter Photography.

In addition to performing, Carrie loves working with the next generation of dancers and has been teaching, coaching, and choreographing around the U.S. for over fifteen years. She has received numerous regional and national awards for her choreography, including two honors from the Industry Dance Awards (2015- People’s Choice Finalist, 2019- Best Convention Performance Winner). In October 2018, Carrie was featured and interviewed in the Dance Spirit Magazine article, “Poetry in Motion”, which explored her choreographic process with young dancers. Carrie has been an adjudicator for World Class Talent Experience and is currently traveling around the country adjudicating for VIP Dance.

At home in Illinois, Carrie is most known for her tenure as the Contemporary/Modern Program Director and Company Director at Steps Dance Center from 2014-2024. Carrie has also been a long standing faculty member at the Academy of Dance Arts since 2011, and recently joined the faculty at Expression Dance Studio. Carrie loves sharing her knowledge and passion for dance, and is super excited to officially join the EDS family!

Christian Sosa – Hip Hop

Christian Sosa started dancing at 15 in high school and since then has trained in various Latin styles such as Salsa, Bachata, & Cumbia being a student/faculty member of Ivangel Dance Studio (Elgin, IL) then broadening his training in classical styles such as Jazz, Ballet & Contemporary with Urban Dance Concept (Elgin, IL).

He’s been a part of various dance companies as a member and in directive roles with Ascension Performing Arts (Chicago, IL), DLD Professional Dance Company (Downers Grove, IL) and CODA (Chicago, IL). He is extremely excited to continue following his dreams and to share his he[art] with the community.

Christian has performed and choreographed for various events around the Chicagoland area such as World of Dance: Chicago, World of Dance: Championships, Prelude Midwest, Elgin Short Film Festival, Elgin Fringe Festival, Nightmare on Chicago Street, Freespace Dance Festival and has performed with world renowned artist OnSean Zion as a backup principal dancer in a Latin Cabaret.

Daryl Barnes – Ballet

At age 5, Daryl Barnes started training in all styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop throughout the Chicago suburbs.

She took part in intensives with top commercial choreographers in addition to a long career in competitive dance. She trained consistently with Avnun Yakubov (Moscow Ballet Theater- Russia) and trained at the Joffrey Ballet Chicago after being selected as a children’s cast member Joffrey Nutcracker in 2006.

Daryl had an extensive competitive dance career, and trained under Gil Mata, Zachary Heller, Sarah Burney, Sam & JC Renzetti, Alvin Ramirez, and Jacquie (Tietz) Renzetti. She had the opportunity to work with several professional dancers and industry choreographers including, but not limited to, Jennifer Grapes, Darren McIntyre, Karl von Rabenau, Laura Edwards, Matt Cady, Jesse Santos, and David Moore. Ms. Barnes decided to exclusively study ballet and contemporary at age 16 under the wing of Jennifer Grapes (of Milwaukee Ballet) and competed both classical and contemporary works in Youth America Grand Prix in 2013.

Ms. Barnes graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet Performance in May of 2017 Cum Laude and with Honors from the Jordan College of the Arts Department of Dance.
She’s performed as Choleric in George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments in addition to numerous lead roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Paquita, and Les Sylphides. Ms. Barnes has originated roles in various contemporary works by Susan McGuire, Derek Reid, and Cynthia Pratt.

Ms. Barnes performed in and contributed choreography to the Indianapolis StreamLines Project, a Multimillion-dollar art and science collaboration with The National Science Foundation and Butler University for environmental awareness and education. In May of 2016, Ms. Barnes toured with the Butler Ballet, taught modern classes, and performed original contemporary works throughout Poland, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Ms. Barnes attended the LINES Ballet Summer Intensive in 2018, and recently performed as a Company Trainee with Charlottesville Ballet in the 2018-2019 season. Upon Returning to Chicago in 2019, Ms. Barnes performed in RAWartists Chicago under the direction of Melissa Lobes.

Daryl Barnes has an extensive teaching background with all ages & levels in the Chicago Suburbs in ballet, pointe, classical variations, private instruction, and contemporary dance. Daryl was commissioned by DeForest Dance Academy in December 2019 to create and direct “Clara’s Dream”- a brand new production of The Nutcracker made for young suburban families to enjoy. She is CPR and CDC Heads-Up certified, and earned her 200 Hour Yoga certification in 2017. Ms. Barnes is newly certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), a cross training program for dancers.

Amber “Destiny” Whaley – Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical & Technique

Amber “Destiny” Whaley started her dance career at the age of 2 years old. She started competing at the age of 5. She began assisting dance classes at the age of 13. Amber attended Montini Catholic High School and became the first African American to compete on the Broncettes dance team. She was a part of the Broncettes state champion team for 3 years straight. Her senior year, she started teaching dance classes. Once she graduated from Montini, she attended College of Dupage and received her Associates of Arts and Certified Nursing Assistant Certification. She also was a part of the dance showcases at College of Dupage. Amber has been a recreational and competition dance teacher for 10 years. She teaches Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical. Amber has had multiple competition routines that have won special awards and overall placements. In addition to dance, she has also taught Poms and Gymnastics at a park district for 3 years. Amber also coached the Varsity and Junior Varsity poms/dance team at Glenbard East High School for 3 years, where she was the first African American head JV dance coach. Amber has enjoyed teaching dance and looks forward to sharing her knowledge, skills and passion at Expressions Dance Studio.

Diana Alcantara – Technique

Diana Alcantara is a passionate and accomplished dancer, educator, and yoga instructor based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Psychology and a Minor in Business, she was an active member of 3Spot Dance Troupe and Dance 2XS.

Diana’s professional dance journey began with Rodriguez Dance Theatre as a principal dancer and continued with The Kate Jablonski Statement (KJS), where she performed for six years in numerous productions, including Dance Chicago and The Xperience with Tyce Diorio.

Diana currently leads the Varsity Dance Team at Niles West High School and has over a decade of experience teaching dance and yoga at local dance studios in the Chicago suburbs. She has also served as a teacher for the Chicago Dance Institute, a non-profit arts education organization promoting social-emotional development through movement at Chicago schools. Additionally, Diana is a dedicated yoga instructor, previously teaching at CorePower Yoga and Yoga Six. With over 10 years of experience as an educator, Diana’s dedication to dance education has earned her numerous choreography awards, including the Power of Dance Competition Choreography Award (2017), Nuvo Dance Competition Studio Pick Award (2018), Bravo Dance Competition Choreography Award (2019), and her choreography qualification for the 2022 IHSA Dance State Final as a Varsity coach.

Diana is devoted to helping dancers prevent injury and improve technique through her well-rounded classes, fostering confidence and new skills. She cherishes the opportunity to connect with others through dance and yoga, embracing the balance they bring to her life.

Emerald Whaley – Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Tap

Emerald Whaley – Acrobatic Arts, Ballet, Creative Movement, Dancers of All Abilities, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Special Olympics

Emerald Whaley grew up in Lombard, Illinois and began her dance career at the age of 3 years old at Aspirations Dance Company. Emerald is trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap and hip-hop. As her journey of dance continued, Emerald took part in the award winning dance team at Montini Catholic High School. Throughout her competitive career, she has won numerous solo titles, championships, and more. Emerald’s bubbly and strong personality is integrated in her teaching style which allows her students to respect her while easily connecting with her.

Gianna Pulia – Apparel & Costume Director

Griffin Chapman – Hip Hop

Griffin started dancing at Expression during its second season when he was 8 years old. He began by taking recreational hip hop courses and became one of the original members of the All Boys Hip Hop Company in 2013. Griffin competed until 2021, taking part in many award-winning dances over the years with the All Boys and Elite Senior Companies. Now, two years later, Griffin is a senior at North Central College double-majoring in Mathematics and Secondary Education. He couldn’t be more excited to return to the studio and help teach some of the very same classes he took many years ago!

Jade Whaley – Contemporary & Hip Hop

Jade started her dance career at Aspirations Dance Company, where she trained for 12 years. She proceeded to dance throughout college at the University of St. Thomas on the dance team, where she received USTDT Rookie of the Year. Currently, she is a 3 year member of the NBA’s Chicago Luvabulls. She has danced for Disney, Justin Timberlake’s Super Bowl Halftime show, international commercials and as a backup dancer for Chicago artists. Other awards and recognition that she has achieved throughout her career are the All American Team, Dance Spirit Future Star, & Capezio Special Dancer Award. She has also choreographed routines for Just For Kix, University of Iowa, and various high schools in the US.

Jamie Alonzo – Office

Jana Fix – Office Manager

Jana graduated from Miami University (OH) with a degree in Business/Economics and had a career in IT Consulting and Project Management before leaving the workforce to raise her 3 daughters. She has been involved with EDS as a parent since it opened in 2009 – her middle daughter, Ella, was one of the founding members of Expression Dance Company at age 6 – and her youngest daughter, Abby, took the very first Express Start class on the first day the studio opened. Jana became involved as an employee in 2010, taking over all of the studio billing and company administration and her role has grown from there. Her daughters are now teenagers but are still actively involved in Expression Dance Company. You can find Jana at the front desk during the daytime classes, at all the recitals and competitions supporting her girls, and even on stage at recital with her Adult Tap class! She is thankful to Miss Amber for this amazing studio that her children have grown up in and for the chance to be so involved. EDS really is “Where Family and Dance go Hand in Hand”!

Judy Kostal – Creative Movement, Jazz, Tap

Judy has been dancing with Expression Dance Studio since 2009 and joined their competition team in 2013. She is trained in multiple styles including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater. Since joining EDS, Judy has attended numerous competitions and conventions taught by exceptional teachers and choreographers. She has experience assisting and teaching classes for an assortment of levels. Judy is thrilled to be a part of Expression Dance Studio and is honored to join their staff. She is excited to share her love for dance and to inspire young dancers!

Karen Arreola – Hip Hop & History of Hip Hop

Native to Mexico City, Mexico, Karen emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 6. She’s a multi-talented creative who is deeply passionate about effecting social change through her work.

Karen Arreola began her training in dance at the age of 17 and has continued ever since. In that time Karen has been a member of Ivangel Dance Studio’s performance team, Urban Dance Concept’s competitive and pre-professional companies, Ascension Performing Arts Professional Company, and DLD Professional Company. All in which she took on leadership and directorial roles.

Proficient in Jazz, Contemporary, Latin, and Hip Hop, Karen’s performances have graced renowned stages such as World of Dance Chicago, Prelude Midwest, Freespace Dance Festival, Nightmare on Chicago Street, Elgin Short Film Festival, Ascension Performing Arts Annual Benefit, Fox Valley Showcase, and many more. Notably, she has also starred as a principal dancer in OnSean Zion’s Latin Cabaret production.
Karen has been teaching dancers of all ages and levels for over 6 years. From early childhood to adult dance, competitive to recreational, Karen is deeply passionate and invested in her students’ development.

Katie Taylor – Ballet

Katie has been dancing since she was four years old. She focused on ballet in her youth, and danced at Von Heidecke Dance Center. After a break during high school, she returned to dance in college. At University of Illinois, she took classes in ballet, modern and jazz. While attending graduate school at Penn State for history, she was able to continue her study of dance and assistant teach at a local ballet school in State College. After graduate school, Katie became a middle school science teacher and continued to take classes at Boston Ballet School, until she started having her children. Now that her four kids are older, she has returned to taking dance classes, even starting tap when her oldest son did. She has loved introducing dance to all of her children, and is now very excited to share her love of dance with students at Expression Dance Studio.

Michelle Balsamo – Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, & Technique

Michelle Balsamo began dancing at three years old. She danced competitively until the age of eighteen and studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop and contemporary. From the age of eighteen and on she has been teaching and choreographing pieces for competitive dancers. Her work has been awarded many 1st places at national competitions, as well as choreography awards. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2017 with a Bachelors of Art in dance. She studied modern techniques, ballet, West African, jazz, hip-hop and improvisation under the Columbia faculty. Through Columbia’s Repertoire Performance Workshop Michelle had the opportunity to work with and perform the choreography of Carrie Hanson, Thomas DeFrantz, and Vershawn Ward. She has also performed the works of Gil Mata, Cameron Mathe, Alvin Ramirez, Matt Pilalis, Julian Carmolinga, and Dionna Pridgeon at the Carnival Choreographer’s Ball in Chicago. She hopes to continue training, teaching, and performing in all different styles and work with new artists and students in the future.

Michelle Balsamo – Hip Hop, Jazz & Technique

Mimi Perley – Contemporary

Mimi began dancing at the age of 2 at Dance Dynamics Dance Studio in Batavia, Illinois. Up until she graduated at 18, she trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and contemporary. She became a part of the competition team around age 7 and continued to be a member for the next 11 years where she received many scholarships, special awards, and overall placements. She was also a member of the Oswego High School Varsity halftime dance team for 3 years and during that time got to regularly choreograph for the team in jazz, pom, and hip hop styles. Junior year of high school she traveled with heat convention as a member of their company and got to take various classes from Helene Phillips, Heather Morris, Roderick Phifer, and many other professionals in the industry as well as performing at the end of every convention weekend. She began teaching at Dance Dynamics at a young age and has continued to teach throughout her high school years at dance dynamics teaching various levels and styles. Mimi always has a positive attitude and is ready to work hard. Her ability to connect with others has helped her have strong connections with her students and build a fun learning environment.

Matt Pumanes – Guest Choreographer

Matt Pumanes is the artistic director of Chicago’s “Piecemakers” and “The Puzzle League”. Since 2010, Matt has led The Puzzle League to numerous dance championships including World of Dance, Prelude, and Chapkis’ Collaboration. He has earned many scholarships from Debbie Reynolds, Millennium Dance Complex, Urban Jamm, and Monsters of Hip Hop. Some credits include The Luvabulls, ABC7 New Years, and Jennifer Hudson. Currently, Matt teaches weekly classes at The Puzzle Box Dance Studio and travels across the US to share his craft!

Morgan Williams – Guest Choreographer

Morgan Williams is a talented international performer, choreographer, and creative director. At the young age of 18, he landed his first professional contract with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis, IN. After his time with the company, Morgan performed with several other concert dance companies like Momenta Dance Company, Cerqua Rivera, Joel Hall & Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Deeply Rooted, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and Visceral Dance Chicago. He has also lent his dancing expertise to commercial projects like SYTYCD, Catapult Entertainment, Black-eyed Peas, Fox TV show Empire, and Pretty Lights.

In 2021, Morgan opened his studio in the greater Milwaukee area – The Studio – home to his professional repertory dance company, Water Street Dance Milwaukee. Recently named Dance Magazine “25 to watch”. He has choreographed many professional concert dance works and toured the United States. Morgan’s choreography has earned him recognition and accolades, and he has been commissioned to set works on several prestigious dance companies and institutions. Some of these include Madison Ballet, Noumenon Dance Ensemble, Visceral Dance Chicago, Milwaukee Ballet II, and Illinois State University. Critics have praised his unique and expressive choreographic style, and he has garnered acclaim for his contributions to the dance scene in Milwaukee.

“Morgan Williams choreography is so unique and expressive that I would be happy if he choreographed every show in Milwaukee.” – (Milwaukee Magazine)

Rachel Benzing – Tap, Lyrical & Technique

Rachel Benzing (she/her), a native of South Elgin, IL, began her dance training at Copeland Dance Academy and continued her dance education studying at Joel Hall Dance Center, Visceral Dance Center, the American Rhythm Center, and as a member of Xtreme Dance Force. Her dance career has led her to learn from and perform for many great teachers and choreographers such as Sarah Burney, Brooke Pierotti, Tony Tzar, Laura Edwards, Lane Alexander, Lillian Barbeito, Rosalynde LeBlanc Loo, Sarah Savelli, and many more proficient teachers from diverse backgrounds and styles.

Rachel graduated from Loyola Marymount University (2014) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and a Bachelor’s Degree in History, where she was able to work with professional dance artists such as Lillian Barbeito (BODYTRAFFIC), Barak Marshall, Tony Czar, and Rosalynde LeBlanc (Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company). She choreographed numerous works, one of which was featured at the American College Dance Festival (2014). Rachel is a graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance where she received a Master of Fine Arts Degree (2016) in Dance: Creative Practice and was able to pursue a performance art-based creative process.

Rachel has performed on stage in the Chicago Human Rhythm Project Rhythm World Festival with the reunion of the all-female tap ensemble Rhythm ISS (2018) and performed with M.A.D.D. Rhythms in “A Journey Of The Dance Through Rhythm” (2019) and award-winning tap ensemble Tapman Productions original work “What It’s Like To Be Human” (2019).

Rachel currently teaches in the Chicagoland area and choreographs for dance studios and competition teams around the country. Her work has won numerous awards for Choreography, Entertainment, Creative Concept, and Overall Presentation, and has been chosen as a contending nominee for the Industry Dance Awards (2022). She is an Adjunct Faculty member of the College of DuPage Dance Program where she teaches Jazz and Tap. Rachel is also a writer for SeeChicagoDance.com, writing reviews of professional dance performances in the greater Chicago area.

Star Dixon – Tap

Star Dixon is an assistant director, choreographer, and original principal dancer of world-renowned tap company, MADD Rhythms.

She has taught and performed at the most distinguished tap festivals in the country including The L.A. Tap Fest, DC Tap Fest, RIFF Dallas, Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Rhythm World, and MADD Rhythms own Chicago Tap Summit. She’s taught and performed internationally in Poland, Japan, and Brazil to name a few.

Outside of MADD Rhythms, she’s performed as a guest with such companies as Michelle Dorrance’s Dorrance Dance and as apart of Savion Glover’s All Funk’d Up. Star is currently on staff at numerous dance studios, schools, and a teen arts program called After School Matters.

Tony Wilder – Hip Hop

Inspired by Michael Jackson, Tony began dancing at a very young age. From 2009-2019 Tony danced professionally with DLD Dance Company and served as the assistant choreographer for the company. He has trained under renowned choreographers such as: Les Twins, Ian Eastwood, Keone and Mari Madrid Kyle Hanagami, Bam Martin, Brian Puspos, Tobias Ellehammer, CJ Salvador, Vinh Nguyen, Antoine Troupe, Alexander Chung, Marie Poppins and Andye J. Tony has taught and directed elementary through high school level recreational classes and competitive companies since 2010. In 2015 Tony began directing Future Legacies, a Jr High/High School pre-professional Hip Hop company based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Under his direction they placed in various Hip Hop competitions such as World of Dance Chicago, Prelude Midwest, Monsters of Hip Hop, Kaos, and have qualified for the World of Dance Finals for the past 3 years. While proud of his accomplishments he will always be most proud of his relationships with his students and the people that they are. He is excited to continue to share his passion for dance and help build up the next generation.

Trevor Loritz – Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical & Technique

Trevor Loritz was born and raised in Green Bay, WI and grew up dancing at Barb’s Centre for Dance. He also studied under Ted Jackson at Midwest Movement in Chicago and with Bruce Campbell at Motivation 2 Dance in Indianapolis. After attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA for two years, he decided to leave college to pursue his dance career. He later went back to school and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Some of Trevor’s performance credits include Paula Abdul (Forever Your Girl Las Vegas Residency, 2020 Dick Clark New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, 2019 Billboard Awards, 2018 Straight Up Paula! Tour), Lady Gaga (51st SuperBowl Halftime Performance and 58th Grammy Awards), 65th Primetime Emmy’s with Neil Patrick Harris, spot performances with artist Maty Noyes and German artist Helene Fischer, Austin and Ally, Fuller House, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Masked Singer, Speechless, Arrested Development, 2014 Kid’s Choice Awards, 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, This Halloween in Dance on The Ellen Show, 2014 National Memorial Day Concert on PBS with Megan Hilty, RuPaul’s Drag Race Reunited, and the 2010 MDA Telethon. Trevor has performed in a few Las Vegas shows: Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers, Surf the Musical, and America’s Got Talent Live.

He has had the opportunity to assist Tyce Diorio on Season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance. Before moving from Los Angeles in 2020, he assisted Jennifer Hamilton (Choreographer/Dance Educator/Dancer) on projects, including the 92nd Academy Awards.

Willa Okon – Creative Movement

Willa has been dancing since the age of three. She has always found a home at Expression Dance Studio, as it is walking distance from her house! Willa has trained in numerous styles of dance including Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater Since joining the competition team, she has trained under many amazing instructors and mentors. Outside of dance she loves playing volleyball and spending time with loved ones. During her time in the company she has participated in master classes, conventions, and competitions. Willa can often be seen at the studio teaching classes and summer camps. She is thrilled to join a staff of instructors whom she respects and admires. Her passion for dance and teaching grows with each season!