The Teachers and Administration Staff of
The American Dance Institute
Elizabeth Chayer, Founder, Director, Instructor, Mentor
Elizabeth Chayer opened American Dance Institute in Seattle in 1989 and has served as Artistic Director for 26 years. She received her teaching certificate from the School of the Hartford Ballet in Connecticut. Elizabeth has taught for the University of Alaska, Alaska Pacific University and Anchorage Community College. She also taught and served as assistant director to Alice Sullivan at Alaska Dance Theatre, in Anchorage, Alaska for five years.
Dakota Crist, Assistant School Director, Teacher/ Office Manager
Shoreline/Wedgwood
Dakota Crist teaches dance and serves as the Shoreline Office Manager for American Dance Institute.
Dakota relocated to Seattle in 2013 and holds a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts. She received her early dance education at the Creative Dance Center in Helena, MT.
As a young dancer, she attended Joffrey South, American Academy of Ballet, and Ballet West's summer intensives. Her love of dance drove her train pre-professionally with Ballet Montana and as a company trainee with Sacramento Ballet.
After graduating from Cornish, Dakota shifted her focus to dance education. She has been teaching dance since 2009 and has taught for ADI since 2018.
Ainsleigh Orwin, Teacher/ Office Manager
Greenwood/Magnolia
Mommy Daddy & Me, Pre-Ballet, Creative Dance, Jazz, Ballet, Jazz, Modern
Currently finishing up her last year at UW, she has expanded her love for dance by exploring improvisation and choreography.
Ainsleigh has performed in 3 UW Dance Concerts and recently choreographed, filmed, and edited a dance film for the 2021 Dance Majors Concert.
She has taught summer classes and camps in her hometown and with Metropolis Dance in the Seattle area. Ainsleigh graduates this June from the University of Washington with two degrees - one in Dance and one in Biology.
Aside from dancing and teaching, Ainsleigh loves to go on hikes and nature walks, travel (pre- COVID), sing, and play with her roommate’s puppy!
Rebecca Barney, Teacher
Rebecca graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She began her formal Ballet training at Southwest Washington Dance Center. She has completed summer intensives with Summer Dance Lab, Northwest Dance Intensive, Spectrum Dance Theater, and Strictly Seattle.
21 customer reviews.
Rebecca teaches:
Jazz
Contemporary
Adult Ballet
Teen Ballet
Testimonials/Comments
For kids and adults alike, Rebecca is a creative, engaged, inspiring instructor. She clearly has high expectations for her students and it's exciting and rewarding to work hard in her classes. She's a lot of fun and does a terrific job.
Lisa Stiffler
ADI Parent & Student
She is great at knowing when to make corrections without being overwhelming. She's a great dancer to watch and is always able to demonstrate proper form.
A. T.
ADI Student
I always took home something new from her class regarding muscle groups used for various positions, very detailed in explaining movement and I like how she is keen on teaching you the right way if she sees you not getting it. She will focus on you but also involve the rest of the class. I think her choreography at the end of the year is very good.
Miranda F.
ADI Student
Rebecca is really great about breaking down the steps and technique for beginners!
Bobbi T.
ADI Student
She's knowledgeable and supportive!
Irene H.
ADI Student
She has high expectations of the dancers and teaches technique well.
Stella B.
ADI Student
Becca is wonderful.
Melissa K.
ADI Parent
“Great with the kids, knowledgeable.”
Mark W.
ADI Parent
13 additional students rated Rebecca 'Consistently Awesome-5 stars'.
Rebecca's Bio
Rebecca has been teaching dance at American Dance Institute since 2010.
She was graduated Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor Fine Arts degree.
Rebecca Greenfield began her formal Ballet training at Southwest Washington Dance Center with Hugh Bigney and continued her education with Dean Speer, Jehrin Alexandria, and Stephanie Saland.
She has completed summer intensives with Summer Dance Lab, Northwest Dance Intensive, Spectrum Dance Theater, and Strictly Seattle.
Rebecca worked closely under the mentorship of Danielle Brosco and danced with Brosco’s company Blacken Tan Dance for over ten years including performances at the “Seattle Fringe Festival” and “12 Minutes Max” for On the Boards.
She performed a work by Donald Byrd in Seattle’s “Dance This! 2010” and recently completed a season with 127th St Dance.
Over the last 10 years, Rebecca has taught ballet, pointe, partnering, hula and modern. She was a co-director of S.W.D.C’s production of “The Nutcracker” for 5 years.
Interesting Facts
Rebecca was graduated Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor Fine Arts degree.
She was a Co-Director of South West Dance Company's production of 'The Nutcracker' for 5 years.
She recently completed a season with the 127th Street Dance company in Seattle.
Rebecca has performed in many Seattle iconic performances.
Working out in a contemporary dance class.
Rebecca's graduation photo from Cornish College of the Arts.
Amy Beck, Teacher
In 1991, at the age of 4 began dancing with American Dance Institute. She participated in and taught dance classes while she attended the University of Portland. She is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching.
9 student reviews.
Classes Amy Teaches
Ballet
Parent Toddler
Pre-Ballet
Children's Ballet
Testimonials /Comments
I like how she works with the girls, firm but not mean. She has a fun way of showing of correcting them by using examples of the difference.
Heather B.
ADI Parent
Amy is consistently awesome and she has boosted my daughters confidence and love for ballet!! She has a would quiet teaching style that is fun and enjoyable!!!
Xanasha R.
ADI Parent
Consistently awesome!
Johnna E.
ADI Parent
6 additional students rated Amy 'Consistently Awesome -5 stars'.
Amy's Bio
In 1991, 4 year old Amy boldly announced to her mother that she was ready to be a dancer. Her mother obliged and Amy has been dancing with American Dance Institute ever since progressing through our Creative Dance, Pre-Ballet, Children’s Ballet, Junior Ballet and Teen/Adult Ballet programs.
She participated in and taught dance classes while she attended the University of Portland, but she pursued her passion for language, majoring in English and German. She is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching.
She has always loved the welcoming atmosphere at ADI, and was thrilled to join the teaching staff at ADI in 2011. Amy teaches Parent/Toddler, Creative Dance, Pre-Ballet and Children’s Ballet.
Amy executing an attitude derriere position with the Pacific ocean as her backdrop.
Amy playing at the beach and showing off her attitude devant ballet position.
Amy executing a grand plie in the first position.
Michaelene De La Serna, Teacher
Michaelene De La Serna studied flamenco dance intensively for many years with Flamenco Chicago Artistic Director Ms. Rosetta Magdalen. She has also studied with flamenco greats Carmela Greco and Marija Temo. In addition to teaching adults, Michaelene was the Director of the Flamenco Kids Program at Flamenco Chicago.
Michaelene Vrlec De La Serna
Beginning & Intermediate Flamenco
Michaelene De La Serna studied flamenco dance intensively for many years with Flamenco Chicago Artistic Director Ms. Rosetta Magdalen. She has also studied with flamenco greats Carmela Greco and Marija Temo. In addition to teaching adults, Michaelene was the Director of the Flamenco Kids Program at Flamenco Chicago and worked as an Artist-in Residence/Flamenco Teacher for Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music’s “Bailamos” Arts Education Residency Programs.
Ms. De La Serna is also extensively trained in Ballet, graduating from Boitsov Classical Ballet School in Chicago as both a professional dancer and teacher of the Vaganova Ballet syllabus. She has danced solo roles in Le Spectre de La Rose, Fountain of Bakhchiserai, Les Sylphides, as well as many variations from Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Raymonda and Sleeping Beauty.
Michaelene served as Associate Artistic Director of Boitsov Classical Ballet School & Company in Chicago for three years before relocating to Seattle. She joined American Dance Institute’s staff in 2017.
Susan Sinclair, Administrative Assistant
Susan Sinclair is an Administrative Assistant for American Dance Institute.
Susan brings 10 plus years of office support experience in business, academic and dance organizations to American Dance Institute.
And she wears a completely different hat when not at American Dance Institute--or maybe it's a magic cloak...Susan is a professional intuitive reader, a Reiki Master, sound healer and "urban shaman."
Actually, Suzan is an entrepreneur in her own right and has been building her own business for the past ten years, alongside her work at ADI.Her business is now growing and demands more of her time, so she will be leaving her position at ADI in the not to distant future.
Website:
Description:
Susan works with spiritual seekers of many different backgrounds who need:
— guidance for difficult decisions
— clarity on their life purpose and best path forward in life
— release of emotional or mental blocks to personal and professional success
— spiritual counsel and soul healing
— deep clearing of unwanted energies from themselves or their homes/businesses.
Services:
Intuitive Readings—guidance on personal issues, life purpose, relationships, career.
Energy Clearing—release of negative energies affecting health, prosperity, relationships. Acts like a “re-set” for mind, body, and spirit!
Membership Circle—personal energy work and support in live group sessions plus extra gifts and access to meditations and classes. Please contact Susan for details: susan@graceflow.me
Complimentary Breakthrough Session:
https://susansinclaircalendar.as.me/Breakthrough
To learn more about her work, please visit her website at www.graceflow.me
Victoria Gutierrez, Teacher
In 2007 she moved to Seattle where she continued her training with the International Ballet Academy.
Victoria has performed for various dance companies such as International Ballet Theater, Evergreen City Ballet, ARC Dance, City Opera Ballet, Olympic Ballet Theater and Katy Hagelin Dance Project.As a choreographer she has collaborated with the Seattle International Dance Festival, Katy Hagelin Dance Project, Bohemia, Drybones Artist Collective and Le Faux.
Victoria truly enjoys teaching and has been doing it since 2009 for numerous schools in Seattle.
Ria Llanto Martin, Teacher
Ria holds a teaching certificate from DeLa Salle University, a Masters Degree in Christian Leadership from Every Nation School of World Missions, a Graduate Diploma in Intercultural and Urban Studies from the Asian Theological Seminary, and is a Doctoral candidate from Western Seminary.
Ria grew up in the Philippines and began her dance studies when she was 7 years old. She trained in Ballet, Hip-Hop, and Jazz with Power Dance Company under the direction of Douglas Nierras.
She then moved more into commercial dance attending multiple workshops with Hotlegs. Though Ria was invited to audition for the performing company, she did not see herself as a full-time performer. But her love for dance continued and she has had several opportunities to teach, perform and work backstage.
She was the resident choreographer and dance teacher in a Philippine High School for three years before moving to Seattle in 2012. Ria is currently a dance instructor at the University of Washington.
Jay Tan, Teacher
Hip Hop & Urban Dance
Jay Tan’s love for dance and movement began at 15 years old, in Singapore, when he participated in a cultural festival that incorporated various art forms to promote peace. From there, he dabbled in both modern contemporary and hip hop for two years, before fully immersing himself in hip hop and its culture.
Jay found his first dance family with Singapore’s Soka Youth Dance Crew and has competed and performed internationally.
He became Artistic Director of NTU MJ Hip Hop and eventually produced and directed a 2-hour dance musical production involving 120 dancers in the company.
Jay’s other accomplishments include providing artistic direction for the opening ceremony of the first inaugural Youth Olympic Games, Artistic Director of Hip Hop Connxion Indiana, and founder/director of the ‘Jaywalkerz’ an Indiana based kids hip hop dance company.
He also had the opportunity under Boogiezone, to learn and perform alongside Napoleon and Tabitha (Nappytabs), Emmy Award-winning choreographers who are best known for their choreography on the television show So You Think You Can Dance.
Jay has mentored close to 150 dancers, using movement to instill positive values and life lessons. His classes focus on foundational techniques as well as choreography that fuses elements from different dance forms.
Jay believes that dance is more than just movement. It is an expression of the soul that needs to be seen and heard and a powerful tool that can instill positive change in our society.
When Jay is not dancing, he is either reading to expand his perspectives or exploring the beautiful outdoors in Washington and getting inspiration from his surroundings for his next creative endeavors."
Becky started her Irish dancing career with the American Dance Institute as a young child in the late 90's after watching the highly acclaimed Riverdance performance over and over and over again on VHS.
Decked out in her Irish dance outfit.
Her fondness for Irish Step only grew from there and she remained an ADI student through high school.
In her down time Becky enjoys crocheting, playing board games, watching her husband barbeque, and reluctantly rooting on the Mariners. She works for a local non-profit that provides camps and programs for families impacted by childhood cancer.
Becky Leary Seattle Mariners Fan
Brinn Coleman-Kjesbu, Teacher, Administrator
Brinn Coleman attended Humboldt State University where he graduated with honors with his degree in Dance Studies.
He was born and raised in Arcata, California where he grew up in a studio and was trained in ballet.
At the age of ten...
he began training in hip hop, modern, and contemporary dance styles.
During his time at Humboldt State University, he had the pleasure of working with talented choreographers such as Sharon Butcher, Kyleigh Carlson, and Emmy-award winning choreographer, Daryl Thomas.
Brinn attended the 2020 Western regional conference of the American College Dance Association in Arizona.
Alexandra Flanagan, Administrative Assistant Greenwood/Magnolia
Alexandra received a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in History from Western Washington University in 2019.
Alexandra began dancing when she was 4 with the Webby Dance Company.
She has participated in many genres of dance throughout her childhood, including Irish Step and Jazz.
When she isn’t working, Alexandra spends her time crocheting, reading a good book, or spending time with her cat, Tiki.
Alexandra is also a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America in the Snohomish area.
Alexandra and Tiki
Margaret Kenrick, Teacher
Greenwood/Wedgwood
Margaret Rose Kenrick has happily found a home in American Dance Institute to continue her love for dance.
Margaret has trained in the Vaganova and Cecchetti Methodologies and completed her major exam in the Royal Academy of Dance.
She has been a health and biology professor and bench scientist for many years in the Northern California bay area while supporting the development of performing arts communities for youth.
Recently, she returned to Seattle, retired from her role as Artistic Director of Benicia Ballet Theatre, and Managing Partner/Director of Benicia Ballet School, LLC.
While in California, she also co-founded the School of Valley Dance Theater in Livermore, CA, and initiated the dance program for the Community Youth Center in Concord, CA.
Currently she is the Director of Commercial Education at NanoString Technologies in South Lake Union. She fell in love with Seattle when she had the honor to train and perform with Pacific Northwest Ballet. From Seattle, Margaret went on to perform with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, PA.
She returned to school to complete her degrees in Biology at UCLA and UC Riverside, and Doctorate in Education, Organizational Leadership, from Chapman University, Brandman Division.
She has two amazing young adult children and loves biking and hiking on her weekends.
Rachell Hedman, Teacher, Shoreline
Rachel Hedman trained in Irish Dance at Haven Dance Academy and will teach Irish Step Dance at our Shoreline studio location.
Originally from Southern California, Rachel moved to the Seattle area to attend the University of Washington, and she is now going into her final year studying Music Education to teach elementary music. Rachel's love for Irish dance began...
She has participated in many genres of dance throughout her childhood, including Irish Step and Jazz.
When she isn’t working, Alexandra spends her time crocheting, reading a good book, or spending time with her cat, Tiki.
Alexandra is also a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America in the Snohomish area.
Alexandra and Tiki
Sandy Schmelzle,
Shoreline Admin Office
Sandy Schmelzle has come on board as an administrative assistant in Shoreline.
She has an amazing work history spanning 40 years, including veterinary medicine, the regional veterinary pharmaceutical rep for the ten western States, ...
crisis counseling, residential property management, income tax preparation, the Episcopal church, human resources, talent acquisition, Expedia, naturopathic medicine, and now dance & music. (where she will likely need to bring all this experience to bear :)
area.
Elana Skeers, Teacher
Elana Skeers served as admin assistant and instructor at the American Dance Institute last year but took some time off to focus on her college studies. She returns this fall. Welcome back, Elana!
She is a dancer from Southern California who is currently a student at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Since she started dancing at 2 years old, Elana has ...
...had many opportunities to follow her passion and grow as a dancer through her home studio and the Joffrey Ballet School.
She has attended many dance intensives, conventions, and competitions over the years to expand her dance training.
She loves sharing her education and passion for dance with young dancers. Elana is continuing her dance education as a dance major at the UW; taking classes and participating in many performance opportunities.
On top of dancing, Elana enjoys camping with friends, family, and her dog, spending time at the beach, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Madison (Madi) Au, Teacher,
Madison (Madi) Au, is a recent graduate from Cal Poly with a Dance Minor. Madi will teach Modern Dance, Hip-Hop, KPOP, Mommy/Daddy and Me, Creative Dance, and Pre-Ballet at our Greenwood, Magnolia, and Wedgewood locations.
She graduated from Cal Poly SLO, where she studied Psychology, Child Development, and Dance.
Madi has been dancing for over 20 years!
She teaches Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip Hop.
She has lived in California her whole life, and is new to the Seattle area.
She is also a Marketing Coordinator for Launch Pop, and enjoys many other art forms such as crochet, painting, drawing, and singing.
She look forward to getting to know everyone and spreading my love for dance!
Alyssa Bruce, Teacher
Pre-ballet, Children's creative dance, and Mommy & Me classes
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like many others': growing up watching Riverdance. She started dancing her senior year of high school, and her skills have grown along with her love for Irish.
Outside of dance, Rachel loves musicals, playing with her cats, going to Husky football games, and traveling.
She recently studied abroad in Ireland, finally seeing Riverdance in its country of origin (not once, but three times), along with experiencing other dance and music shows and travelling around the country visiting sites she had dreamed about for years.
You can also regularly find her seeing musicals at the Paramount or 5th Avenue theatres, and she loves talking about how she achieved a lifelong dream of visiting London and seeing 8 shows in the span of four days.
Rachel has such a heart for teaching and cannot wait to share her love of Irish dance and foster it amongst others.
Emma Rupert, Teacher
Given that she is of Hawaiian heritage and has family in Hilo and Kona with whom she has spent time, it was no surprise that she would love the Hawaiian art form.
Over the years, Kalena expanded her dance training to include Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, and Modern.
Kalena has been a dental assistant for five years and plans to further her education and become a dental hygienist.
Here at ADI, Kalena shares her love and passion for dance. She enjoys teaching Hula, Hip-Hop, and Modern and looks forward to a great year at American Dance Institute and meeting all the lovely students.
Emma has shifted her focus from pursuing professional ballet after being offered a ballet contract to teaching and attending school.
Emma attended the University of Washington, where she pursued a B.A. in political science and international security and a minor in international affairs in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
She is excited to teach for the American Dance Institute.
Emma enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, attending football games, and chilling nights in front of a cozy fireplace.
Emma Rupert, Teacher
In March 2020, Emma began training with former Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz.
Emma spent her summers training at ballet summer intensives around the country, such as Oregon Ballet Theatre, Ballet West, and Ballet Austin.
Emma has shifted her focus from pursuing professional ballet after being offered a ballet contract to teaching and attending school.
Emma attended the University of Washington, where she pursued a B.A. in political science and international security and a minor in international affairs in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
She is excited to teach for the American Dance Institute.
Emma enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, attending football games, and chilling nights in front of a cozy fireplace.
Coming Soon
name: Emma Holbert
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American Dance Institute
Substitute Teachers & Staff
Ballet, Mommy Daddy & Me, Pre-Ballet, Creative Dance, Jazz, Tap, Modern
Alyssa has a BA in English from Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she minored Dance. While at Hope, she studied under instructors associated with the Ailey School, Alonzo King LINES training program, the Joffrey Ballet, Lehrer Dance, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Nikolais/Louis, and Pilobolus.
Instructor Alyssa Brillinger
Allyssa Brillinger teaches tap dance classes for American Dance Institute
6 Student reviews.
Classes Alyssa Teaches
- Ballet
- Children's Pre-Ballet
- Tap Dancing
- Parent Toddler
- Children's Creative
Alyssa Brillinger's Bio
Alyssa is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and she began her dance training there at the Academy of Dance Arts. She hold a BA in English from Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she minored Dance.
While at Hope, she studied under instructors associated with the Ailey School, Alonzo King LINES training program, the Joffrey Ballet, Lehrer Dance, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Nikolais/Louis, and Pilobolus.
She danced in several faculty and student-choreographed performances, and she choreographed several pieces that were performed on campus and within the community.
Alyssa is trained in the Cecchetti Ballet technique as well as in tap, jazz, modern, and pointe. She teaches creative movement classes within various Seattle schools and day care centers.
Testimonials
Emily H. Seattle
We just finished our parent and toddler class with Miss Alyssa. As a former early educator with a little one who is on the tender/sensitive side, I believe we couldn't have had a better experience and teacher. It was a creative, casual environment where our daughter could watch the other children and adults until she was comfortable participating. Additionally, our daughter went from observing most of the time to doing all the movements and songs at home and participating in the entire class. As parents, it was truly rewarding watching our daughter gain confidence and enthusiasm in expressing herself through dance in front of others.
Miss Alyssa is warm, personable, and knows how to involve and engage the toddlers with their different personalities. She keeps things moving along, with enough predictability for the toddlers to anticipate the next part of the class. I had other friends do the parent and toddler class, and when they hear about our class experience, they say they wish they had Miss Alyssa too! I can't say enough positive things about her, especially if you have a slow-to-warm little one as we do.
This was a wonderful experience for our whole family. Our daughter gained so much confidence and excitement for creative movement through this experience. Thanks, ADI and Miss Alyssa! We hope to be back
"Very patient Instructor and teaches at a nice pace. ""Consistently Awesome 5 stars" Trisha Creaven
"Consistently Awesome 5 stars " Annalisa Steinnes
"Consistently Awesome 5 stars " Brenna Steinnes
"Consistently Awesome 5 stars " Erica Crane
'Consistently Awesome - 5 stars' Anonymous
xAmerican Dance Institute
Teachers Emeritus
Rubina Carmona taught Flamenco Dance at American Dance Institute for 22 years.
Janelle Jones began Irish dancing at the wee age of 5 and competed on the West Coast and in Canada until the age of 13 at both the local and national level. In 1998 she rekindled her passion for competition and rejoined the Comerford School of Irish Dance.
Ines taught a multitude of children's classes Dance at American Dance Institute for 23 years.
Moira Bugler taught Hip Hop Dance at American Dance Institute for 17 years.
Kara Rochelle (Dominick) Burrows graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Cornish College of the Arts in 2006. Kara is in her ninth year of teaching ballet, pointe, and contemporary at American Dance Institute in Seattle, WA.
