Meet Our Talented Teaching Team
Jolene McPherson has studied dance since she was 4 and has been teaching dance for the past 35 years. Top universities, professional dance companies, and other performing arts organizations have accepted many of her students. She has received numerous awards including Judge’s Awards, Choreography Awards, Costume Choice Awards, and several Certificates of Recognition from Dance Teacher Magazine and has served as a regional competition judge. She was the featured subject in the former Cleveland arts scene magazine “Blu-ize Magazine” which highlighted her contribution and dedication to the arts. Her dynamic choreography has been showcased in her involvement with show choirs, musicals, competition groups, students and synchronized swim teams. She was the assistant director/choreographer for the Miss Greater Cleveland Scholarship Program, a preliminary to Miss Ohio of the Miss America Scholarship Program for 15 years. She also served as a choreographer for 7 counties of the Ohio Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
Dance training includes classes and residencies in Chicago, New York City and throughout the Cleveland area. Among these are Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, NYC Tap City, Tradition in Tap, School of Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, Cleveland City Dance and Dance by Gloria. This included classes with such greats as the late legendary Frank Hatchett, Finis Jhung, Randy Skinner (Broadway Choreographer - 42nd Street, White Christmas), Bob Audy, Bebe Neuwirth(Fosse Technique), Ann Reinking, Avi Miller, Ofer Ben, the late Professor Robert Reed, Diane Walker, the late Dr. Harold Cromer, the late Gus Giordano, Brenda Bufalino, Karen Calloway-Williams, Rob Ashford (Broadway Choreographer - Kiss Me Kate, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Boys From Syracuse), the late David Howard, Mia Michaels, Andy Blankenbueler, and the legendary Silver Belles.
Mime studies took place at Kenyon College with Alithea Mime Theater under C. Nicholas Johnson of Wichita State University, as well as Beyond the Word seminar with the internationally acclaimed Stefan Niedzialkowski of the Warsaw Mime Theater, Studio Mimow and teacher at Corporeal Mime at Marcel Marceas’s L’Ecole Internationale de Mimodrome de Paris.
Theatrical training includes Second City TV and Creative Acting School formerly in NYC. Jolene appeared on local, regional, touring and NYC stages. Some favorite roles include A Chorus Line (Cassie), Oliver (Nancy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Mrs. Meers), Nine (Liliane LaFleur), The Sound of Music (Elsa), Annie (Lily), Chicago (Hunyak), Cats (Jennyanydots) and 42nd Street.
Jolene has directed and choreographed numerous musicals including, but not limited to, Music Man, Annie, Oliver, West Side Story, World Goes Round, Oklahoma, Wizard of Oz, Les Miserable, Titanic, Cinderella, Seussical and 101 Dalmatians. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Brecksville Theater on the Square and worked tirelessly on many of their productions. She is also a trained vocalist having studied in Cleveland and New York.
Jolene is a graduate of The Ohio State University with degrees in Elementary Education and Dental Hygiene (B.S., B.A). She is a member of the International Tap Association, National Dance Educators Organization, Dance Studio Owners Association and is an Actors Equity Candidate.
Dance training includes classes and residencies in Chicago, New York City and throughout the Cleveland area. Among these are Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, NYC Tap City, Tradition in Tap, School of Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, Cleveland City Dance and Dance by Gloria. This included classes with such greats as the late legendary Frank Hatchett, Finis Jhung, Randy Skinner (Broadway Choreographer - 42nd Street, White Christmas), Bob Audy, Bebe Neuwirth(Fosse Technique), Ann Reinking, Avi Miller, Ofer Ben, the late Professor Robert Reed, Diane Walker, the late Dr. Harold Cromer, the late Gus Giordano, Brenda Bufalino, Karen Calloway-Williams, Rob Ashford (Broadway Choreographer - Kiss Me Kate, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Boys From Syracuse), the late David Howard, Mia Michaels, Andy Blankenbueler, and the legendary Silver Belles.
Mime studies took place at Kenyon College with Alithea Mime Theater under C. Nicholas Johnson of Wichita State University, as well as Beyond the Word seminar with the internationally acclaimed Stefan Niedzialkowski of the Warsaw Mime Theater, Studio Mimow and teacher at Corporeal Mime at Marcel Marceas’s L’Ecole Internationale de Mimodrome de Paris.
Theatrical training includes Second City TV and Creative Acting School formerly in NYC. Jolene appeared on local, regional, touring and NYC stages. Some favorite roles include A Chorus Line (Cassie), Oliver (Nancy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Mrs. Meers), Nine (Liliane LaFleur), The Sound of Music (Elsa), Annie (Lily), Chicago (Hunyak), Cats (Jennyanydots) and 42nd Street.
Jolene has directed and choreographed numerous musicals including, but not limited to, Music Man, Annie, Oliver, West Side Story, World Goes Round, Oklahoma, Wizard of Oz, Les Miserable, Titanic, Cinderella, Seussical and 101 Dalmatians. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Brecksville Theater on the Square and worked tirelessly on many of their productions. She is also a trained vocalist having studied in Cleveland and New York.
Jolene is a graduate of The Ohio State University with degrees in Elementary Education and Dental Hygiene (B.S., B.A). She is a member of the International Tap Association, National Dance Educators Organization, Dance Studio Owners Association and is an Actors Equity Candidate.
Bridget Biliunas was formally trained in Russian Classical Ballet by Cleveland ballet teachers Marguerite Duncan and Nancy Arcury and danced in their company, Northcoast Ballet Theatre from 1990 to 1998. While at their studio, she accompanied children’s ballet classes and student-taught under Sonja Kraljevic. She later studied and danced with Margaret Holden at Cleveland Dance Theater and studied with Kay Eichman of The Cleveland Ballet. She has attended dance and science somatic seminars in Cleveland, Chicago, New York City’s Broadway Dance Center and participated in Food For Thought, an emergent choreography program. Bridget has performed at the Cleveland Playhouse, The Masonic Temple, Cleveland’s Palace Theater, various emerging choreographer showcases, and Tower City Productions. Bridget also has a strong folk dance background. She has danced with Serena Polish Folk Group and Gorale Polish Folk Dancers, appearing in local televised holiday showcases. From 2001 to 2003, she was co-artistic director of Grandinele Lithuanian Folk Assemble and choreographed dances for its 50th Jubilee performance in the spring of 2003.
She taught accredited ballet classes at Lakeland Community College and presently teaches ballet at Cleveland City Dance.
In competition, Bridget’s choreography was awarded Best Showmanship at the Tremaine Dance Competition.
Her former students have danced and performed with Pittsburg Ballet, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Greensboro Ballet, and the National American Miss Pageant.
Bridget holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
She taught accredited ballet classes at Lakeland Community College and presently teaches ballet at Cleveland City Dance.
In competition, Bridget’s choreography was awarded Best Showmanship at the Tremaine Dance Competition.
Her former students have danced and performed with Pittsburg Ballet, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Greensboro Ballet, and the National American Miss Pageant.
Bridget holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Melissa Edington trained in many forms of dance, under both Charlotte Braun and Dee Hillier. Melissa earned her B.F.A. in Dance from The University of Akron. Some of her professional career highlights include Holland America Cruise Line, the Japanese and North American tour of "42nd Street", performing in a variety of musicals at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and touring with the Village People in "Solid Gold Dance Party Tour". Melissa is most proud of her 8 years as a Radio City Rockette. Melissa has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Akron--teaching both jazz and tap. In addition to teaching dance, Melissa is a certified Zumba instructor and the owner of Jeanitas Dance and Actionwear in Parma Hts.
Carmen Bednarski - bio and photo coming soon
Shawna Hicks is a 2008 Magna Cum Laude graduate of University of Akron, with a B.A.in Early Childhood Education and a Minor in Dance Performance. Shawna has also co-choreographed for the BBHHS show choir for 7 years. She is accomplished in jazz, tap, ballet and pointe. She has trained here at Dance by Gloria, studied in New York City at The Broadway Dance Center, American Tap Dance Association, Camp Broadway – CAP 21, Tap City and Traditions in Tap, receiving a certificate of recognition from Dance Teacher Magazine. She appeared at the 42nd Street Studios in NYC in a tap showcase and was a featured performer in The Eastern Michigan University Repertoire.
Caitlin Hirsch has been dancing since the age of 3. over the years, she trained in many different styles of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary. She started competing at the age of 12 and received many top awards and participated at many dance conventions to broaden her skill set. She is a proud alumni of Brecksville Broadview Heights High School and leveraged her training as a 4 year varsity Bee Dancer.
She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. While there, she furthered her passion for dance as a member of the university's Dance Team, performing at various collegiate events. Beyond the dance floor, Caitlin joins renowned magician Rick Smith Jr. on tours, serving as his magician's assistant. Thrilled to contribute her expertise, she thrilled to be part of Interpretations Dance Academy’s staff.
She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. While there, she furthered her passion for dance as a member of the university's Dance Team, performing at various collegiate events. Beyond the dance floor, Caitlin joins renowned magician Rick Smith Jr. on tours, serving as his magician's assistant. Thrilled to contribute her expertise, she thrilled to be part of Interpretations Dance Academy’s staff.
Nicole Hirsch began her dance journey at the age of 3 and has continued to dance since. In her childhood, she competed in competition dance focusing her training in jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and ballet traveling to go to conventions along with competing around the country and winning various awards. At the age of 13, she began her focus on ballet training, under direction of Ana Lobé and appeared in several performances at Cleveland’s own Playhouse Square. Nicole is currently studying at Mercyhurst University where she is a double major pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance and B.A. in Marketing. She has performed in the Mercyhurst Dance Department's production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act II of The Nutcracker, along with the original production of Raw Edges and is a member of the Mercyhurst University Dance Team. She has been to Dallas, Texas to train with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. She is very grateful for the opportunities she has gotten and is eager to spread her knowledge in the field to our youth.
Jamie Holkovic graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School and is attending John Carroll University studying Education and World History. She is a member of the Blue Streaks dance team during the school year for basketball and football games. She was also accepted into the Arrupe Scholars program where she currently works on many service and justice projects. She has been dancing for the past 16 years , and has been at IDA the past 7 years and a member of the the award winning mini, junior, tap, and senior performing groups over the years. Jamie would like to thank everyone who has been apart of her dance journey to get her to where she is today. Jamie has received many dance awards over the years, and is proud to have earned the title of Miss Dance Xplosion. She is loves teaching dance and plans to continue to stay involved in teaching and continuing her own dance education.
Courtney Kissel trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, tap and danced competitively. Courtney is a 2019 graduate of Baldwin Wallace University and holds a B.S. Neuroscience and a B.S. in Psychology as well as a B.S.N, and R.N in Nursing from the University of Akron.(2023)
She has extensive experience working with adults and children. She serves as a Psychometrist at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute and works with patients cognitively, behaviorally, and muscularly for a variety of conditions such as Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism, developmental and cognitive delays.
She currently works as an OR nurse at Hillcrest hospital doing both adult and pediatric surgeries. When not in the OR or in the dance studio, she can be found working as a photographer -C Kay Photos, often working with kids and newborns.
She is inspired and excited to be back in the dance studio and share her love of the dance with her students!
She has extensive experience working with adults and children. She serves as a Psychometrist at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute and works with patients cognitively, behaviorally, and muscularly for a variety of conditions such as Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism, developmental and cognitive delays.
She currently works as an OR nurse at Hillcrest hospital doing both adult and pediatric surgeries. When not in the OR or in the dance studio, she can be found working as a photographer -C Kay Photos, often working with kids and newborns.
She is inspired and excited to be back in the dance studio and share her love of the dance with her students!
Samantha Kost began dancing at age 4 and hasn't stopped since. She competed in the areas of contemporary, jazz, tap and hip hop and trained in ballet and conditioning classes. Throughout the years she has won numerous awards and scholarships including Kar Kid and Hall of Fame All-Star Dancer. She has had the opportunity to study under the most sought after choreographers including: Sonya Tayeh,Travis Wall, Justin Giles, Chris Dupre, Mandy Moore, Andres Fuentes, Leslie Scott, Joey Tarwater, Leslie Farmer and Erica Sobol. She is a graduate of the University of Akron with a major in Exercise Science (concentration on Strength and Conditioning) and a minor in Dance. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to do what she has such a passion for and feels privileged to work with such talented dancers.
Rachelle Kucharski started dancing when she was 13. It did not take long for dance to become her passion which led to her quickly being offered a teaching role at Dance By Gloria, now Interpretations Dance Academy. Rachelle is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University where she earned her degree in Dance and Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing and Psychology. She later continued her education to receive her MBA in Human Resources and received her SHRM-CP certification. Rachelle was previously the coordinator/instructor for the Middleburg Heights Recreation Center dance program, a member of the Urban Dance Association through BW, dance educator for the North Royalton Saturday Enrichment Program, and was proud to be an original member of Dance by Gloria's first Tap Performing Group. Rachelle currently works full time in HR. She continues to practice her craft by dancing/choreographing with Cleveland Dance Project, taking master classes throughout the Cleveland area. Rachelle has continued her dance and fitness training achieving her Acrobatic Arts Pre School, Module 1 and Module 2 Certifications, Alixa Flexibility Module 1 Certification and Function Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist Certificate. Rachelle is proud to be a member of the Interpretations Dance Academy Teaching Team; a place she considers her home.
Haley McCormick-Kirchner grew up dancing at IDA. The influence from the studio pushed her to pursue a professional performing career. She attended Elon University’s prestigious music theatre conservatory, and graduated in 2019 with a BFA in Music Theatre and a BA in arts administration. Here she studied all dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, Fosse, and hip hop. After graduating, she moved to New York City and was assistant director for the off Broadway show, No Strings, with choreographer Deidre Goodwin. Shortly thereafter she began working for Disney Cruise Lines as a main stage performer where she headlined as Cinderella, Cruella Devil, Sleeping Beauty, and understudied for Elsa. She has performed in musicals throughout the country including Ariel in Footloose at Cortland Repertory Theatre, Marty in Grease and dance captain for Catch Me If You Can at New London Barn Playhouse, Zaneeta in The Music Man at Weathervane in Granville, Star to Be in Annie and ensemble in The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, and Can Can Girl at Cedar Point Live Entertainment. The covid pandemic shut down the theatre industry and she has found herself back home working at Vantage Financial Group in employee benefits, and of course found a love for teaching during this time. She is so excited to share her passion for dance and music theatre with her students.
Julie Sneltzer has been studying ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical & hip hop styles of dances for over 30 years. She has been choreographing and instructing since 1998. Julie was a member of the International Hockey League Cleveland Lumberjacks dance team. She was the founder of the Cleveland Barons American Hockey League dance team where she was choreographer and a performer. She has choreographed multiple award winning dances performed at prestigious dance competitions and has won several choreography awards. In 2012 she received the best overall Choreography out of 436 dances. Julie has trained in all ballroom styles of dance and finds much joy in choreographing for weddings. She has also choreographed for numerous events. TV Commercials, Northcoast 99, Baldwin Wallace College Dance Team, Brecksville/Broadview Heights Variety Show, High School Dance Teams, just to name a few. Julie holds licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant and is a certified Senior Fitness Trainer. She is the Owner of Dance Again, where she travels to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide our greatest generation with seated dance classes. No matter the age, her passion is to spread the love of dance. It means so much to her to be part of this amazing IDA family!
Jesse Sumers holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Ohio University. She has taught at numerous studios throughout Ohio, California, and Illinois throughout the past 20 years. Jesse specializes in lyrical, ballet, contemporary, jazz, and modern. She was the director of the Axis Competition Team in Chicago, Illinois. Her work has led this jazz and contemporary company to numerous choreography and specialty awards throughout their seasons together. Jesse is a passionate and warm teacher who loves challenging and nurturing young dancers to be their absolute best.
Jessica Zawada is a 2024 graduate of the University of Akron earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Media Production. Jess has been dancing since she was 3 years old and studied at Interpretations Dance Academy for 4 years leading up to her college career.
At the University of Akron, she has been training and performing in ballet, modern, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, post-modern, and jazz. Jess has had the opportunity to perform in pieces by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, and Dance Heginbotham. Along with UA, she has also been training with Levitated and Elevated since the fall of 2022, allowing her opportunities to compete at World of Dance on the regional level and perform in Los Angeles California. In 2023 she participated in the 10k Movement Summer Street Dance Intensive, performed at Lord of The Land 3 and studied the history and technique of various street dance styles including, popping, breaking, hip-hop, house, and krump. Jess is thrilled to have the opportunity share her love of all styles of dance at Interpretations Dance Academy.
At the University of Akron, she has been training and performing in ballet, modern, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, post-modern, and jazz. Jess has had the opportunity to perform in pieces by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, and Dance Heginbotham. Along with UA, she has also been training with Levitated and Elevated since the fall of 2022, allowing her opportunities to compete at World of Dance on the regional level and perform in Los Angeles California. In 2023 she participated in the 10k Movement Summer Street Dance Intensive, performed at Lord of The Land 3 and studied the history and technique of various street dance styles including, popping, breaking, hip-hop, house, and krump. Jess is thrilled to have the opportunity share her love of all styles of dance at Interpretations Dance Academy.
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