Abby started exploring dance in elementary school with strong interests in ballet and jazz, and she was on her high school's dance team. In college she joined the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company, where she fell in love with modern dance. She's thrilled to continue challenging herself and working with an awesome group of dancers in Outlet.  Abby is an environmental engineer who works on parks and recreation projects, and she enjoys spending time outside. 

Dance has been part of Ali's life for as long as she can remember. Her dance training includes Faughborg School of Ballet, McDonald’s Dance Academy, Visceral Dance Center, and Pavilion Dance Center. Ali keeps dance part of her life by teaching classes, leading competitive dance teams, and dancing as a full-time company member with Outlet Dance Company.  Outside of dance, Ali works full time as a Marketing and Public Relations Manager and enjoys being in nature and working on home projects. 

Allison Duda has been dancing since age 3 and has not stopped since.  She grew up dancing at various studios until finding Principle Dance Studio where she was a student and a teacher after high school.  Allison performed on two companies at Riverside Brookfield High School, as well as the student company and pre-professional dance company for four years at Illinois State University while earning her degree in dance education and physical education.  After college, Allison has taught dance, PE, and has choregraphed for numerous high school musicals and Orchesis shows.  Allison now is one of the dance and PE teachers at Loyola Academy and runs one of there after school dance companies.  This is her 7th year performing and choreographing with Outlet Dance Company and is so ready for another great show!

This is Ally's 9th season as a company member of Outlet Dance Company!  Ally is the full-time dance teacher and Orchesis Director at Regina Dominican, an all-girls private high school in Wilmette. In 2014, Ally graduated Cum Laude from Illinois State University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Dance Education with a minor in Health Education. Throughout Ally’s dance career she has had the opportunity to study abroad in Brazil as well as attend multiple dance conferences, such as the American Dance Festival. Ally has had the pleasure of choreographing seven high school musicals, directing eight high school dance concerts and has set her choreography on multiple companies, studios and schools in the Chicagoland area. Ally is excited to be part of Outlet Dance Company for another year and looks forward to many more years to come!

Amanda Freebeck has been dancing since she was 3 years old.  She received her formal training at Jo’s Footwork Dance Studio with a focus on ballet, modern, jazz, pointe, and lyrical.  During high school Amanda was a member of  Matrix Dance Improv and Eurythmics Dance Company performing works by Randy Duncan, Keith Elliot, Jeff Hancock, Terry Wethington, and Corey Nagel.  She continued her dance studies at the University of Illinois as a performer and choreographer with 3 Spot Dance Troupe. As a graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development/Family studies with a concentration in child/adolescent studies and dance.  After college, Amanda coached Poms Dance at Lyons Township High School, founded Footwork All Star Elite Dance Team, and is currently teaching at Jo’s Footwork. Her additional degree in Occupational Therapy has enabled her to pursue her passion of teaching dance to children of all abilities and needs to reach their goals. When not dancing,  you will find Amanda providing school based Occupational Therapy services and spending time with her husband and dog.  Amanda is looking forward to returning to the stage as a member of Outlet Dance Co.

Andrea Novak began her dance training over 28 years ago. As a young girl, she was a member of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago children’s cast of The Nutcracker, which allowed her to perform over 100 times at Chicago’s Auditorium Theater. Her passion for dance and baton twirling landed her a spot as a member of the 2006 USA Baton Twirling World Competition Team that competed in Netherlands and placed 3rd in the world. In 2009, Andrea was Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen, and she was blessed to be able to dance on stage at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas for the Miss America pageant. Andrea went on to graduate Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration where she majored in Marketing and earned minors in Dance Performance and Public Relations. While in college, she was a 4-year member of the UWW Dance Company and UWW Dance Team. Andrea began her business career at Arlington International Racecourse where she worked in digital marketing was the writer of the track’s fashion blog, The Style Guide. She then went on to earn her Masters of Science (MS) in Communication & Marketing from Purdue University’s graduate program. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Marketing for Auxo Brands, where she oversees the marketing department for RP, FLX/Flexistretcher, Exotic Tea, and produces the 5.6.7.EIGHT Podcast. Andrea is thrilled to be dancing with Outlet Dance Company for her 7th year!

Becca Bremer has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Becca was involved in orchesis and Poms at Maine West High school and in 2 dance companies while dancing Bataille Academie of the Danse. In 2017, she graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography.  Throughout Becca’s dance career, she danced with Strike Time Dance Company and various showcases. Becca has performed and choreographed in Paris in 2017! Becca currently teaches at Viking Gymnastics and Dance and loves to share her passion for dance with her students! Becca is looking forward to many more opportunities and is thrilled to be back on the stage with Outlet for another season!

Brittany began dancing as a young child and knew in high school that dance would always be a part of her life. She trained at the Dance Center of LaGrange, Lyons Township High School and studied all around the city of Chicago throughout her high school career.  After high school, she continued her dance education as a Dance Performance major at Illinois State University.  While at ISU she had the opportunity to study and perform with many choreographers and artists from all over the country. You can now find her teaching dance to dancers of all ages at the Dance Center of LaGrange, where she has recently taken over ownership with her sister.  Brittany also coaches the Varsity Poms team and directs the Eurythmic Dance Company at Lyons Township High School.  When not dancing and teaching, Brittany is with her baby, enjoying being a new mom.

Brooke Kirschsieper is a fifth year Outlet Company member. She started dancing at the age of 5 through The Dance Company and The American Dance Center. In 2016 Brooke graduated with a Bachelors degree in Dance Performance and Writing. She previously was a dance instructor at Dance Workshop and Dance Images. Through Dance Images she was a competition team choreographer, winning the Choreographers Award in their 2017/2018 season. Outside of dance Brooke held a 4-year career at Orangetheory Fitness and just recently her new full-time career is an Admissions Advisor at Rasmussen University. She loves spending quality time with her boyfriend Tyler and her family. She is extremely grateful for all of their support and encouragement.

Carli began dancing at the age of three and continued all through her twenties. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical, modern, and hip hop. Before college, she participated in a competitive dance company, orchesis, and her high school poms team. During college, she took every opportunity to join dance performances. One her favorite memories was co-choreographing a philanthropy dance performance for her sorority. After college, there were limited options to dance again as an adult. She ended up connecting with a fellow dancer who ran adult classes in jazz, lyrical, and tap. She also had an opportunity to coach 3-5 year old ballet and 7-9 year old poms at a local park district. COVID brought a quick halt to her dance opportunities. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to dance again with Outlet! 

Cassie began dancing at the age of two at Gotta Dance Studio.  At the age of three, she started her competitive dance career with the Starlite Dance Company and continued dancing competitively for 10 years, attending competitions nation-wide.  While attending Elk Grove High School, Cassie was a member of the Grenadette Poms team where she had many opportunities to grow as a choreographer as well as leading her team to the State Contest as Captain her senior year.  Cassie graduated from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Chemistry and is currently working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Cassie is a scientist, but also has a great passion for the performing arts and is very excited to be given the opportunity to be a member of the Outlet Dance Company.

Cydnie began dancing at age 3 at the Streamwood Park District. She continued to dance at Larkin High School in their Performing Arts Dance Academy, and in college on the UWO Dance Team. She worked at the Streamwood Park District as a choreographer for the Starlights Dance Team and now works at the Bartlett Park District running their cultural arts program! Cydnie is excited for her first year dancing with Outlet! 

Danielle started dancing when she was just three years old. When she was five, she was asked to join a pre-professional dance company called Ballet North. Here she studied ballet, and performed in full productions such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and many others. She even had the opportunity of taking classes with Joffrey, Ballet Chicago and ABT over summer intensives and guest classes. Danielle learned other styles of dance through her high school and college dance club called Orchesis. Since graduating from Bradley University with her Bachelor’s in Health Science, she decided to further her education and achieve her Masters in Nursing. Currently she works as a pediatric nurse and is appreciative of the moments she gets to share with her patients. When Danielle is not dancing or working, she finds time to create all types of crafts and enjoys the outdoors.

Genna began dancing at the age of three at Jo’s Footwork Studio in Western Springs, IL. While her training has primarily focused on jazz, modern, and ballet, she has also studied tap, musical theatre, and African dance throughout her career. Genna attended Lyons Township High School in La Grange, IL where she was a member of the Eurythmic Dance Company and had the opportunity to work with renowned guest choreographers, including Randy Duncan and Keith Elliot. She was also a member of the Varsity Poms team where she learned and performed competitive jazz and pom. Genna continued her dance career while attending Elmhurst University and received accolades for her dance performance and small group choreography. Most recently, Genna served as the Assistant Varsity Dance Team Coach at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst, IL. Genna is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a member of Outlet Dance Company. When she’s not dancing, you can find her working at CBRE as a commercial real estate advisor or playing with her 15-year-old beagle named Duke.

Hannah grew up dancing at Lively Arts Dance Academy and Thrive Center for Dance, training in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. She was captain of Lyons Township Varsity Poms, captain of BOOM BOX! Dance Company, member of the Eurythmic Dance Company, and member of BOOM CRACK! Dance Company. Hannah’s obsession with dance followed her to college where she graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Physical Therapy. Collegiate performance credits include Charlie Maybee's The Promise of Stormy Weather and the Lyric Theatre @ Illinois production of Crazy for You, directed by Sarah Wigley. During her senior year of college, Hannah danced and choreographed with 3Spot Dance Troupe. Upon graduation, Hannah opened a virtual dance studio, Dance with Miss Hannah, where she taught themed dance classes via Zoom. Hannah is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. Through her future career, she wishes to make dance a vital priority within the sciences by educating young dancers on the importance of well-rounded dance instruction and prioritizing their body’s wellness. Hannah is currently teaching dancers of all abilities at Expression Dance Studio. This is Hannah’s second season with Outlet Dance Company South. She is thrilled to continue her devotion to dance through Outlet!

Holly danced throughout her childhood and teen years before earning her bachelor’s degree in Dance from The University of Iowa in 2005. Holly spent her formative dance years at The St. Charles School of Dance, and was a state champion member of St. Charles Drill Team. Studying dance technique, improv, choreography, and performance at University of Iowa was one of the greatest joys of Holly’s life. Almost 20 years later, it is an absolute thrill to have an opportunity to dance again through Outlet Dance Company. Off the dance floor, Holly is a mom, former teacher and curriculum specialist. 

Jackie started dancing at age 3 so her mom could get some free time each week… little did she know that Jackie would fall in love! She continued to dance and compete in gymnastics throughout Middle School and High School. After taking years off, Alumni and Board Member (Dana Weber) told Jackie to try-out and see what happens. Now, Jackie is dancing for her fourth year with Outlet Dance Company and she doesn’t know what she would do without these amazing women!

Jenna Jensen is a three year member of Outlet Dance Company! She is a 7th grade math teacher and high school dance coach. She began dancing at age 7 at Lisa’s School of Dance in Bartlett, IL. She continued to dance at the studio through high school and spent time at South Elgin High School performing in their musical productions. Jenna went to Augustana College where she danced on the Vikettes Dance Team and Augustana Dance Company. She has a huge passion for coaching, and will be entering her 6th year as a dance coach. She currently coaches at Burlington Central High School where she led her dancers to a 5th place finish at state last year. She is excited to be part of Outlet, as it has given her a place to dance for herself. 

Jessica started her dance career at Jo’s Footwork Studio in Western Springs studying under local dancers Corey Nagel (Modern & Improv), Mari Jo Irbe (Jazz), Jackie Farina (Ballet), and Connie (Fagan) Sweeney (Lyrical).  She performed with both Matrix Dance Improv and Eurythmics Dance Company in high school.  She attended Knox College and pursued a minor in Dance.  Additionally, she was the President of Terpsichore Dance Collective and Co-Captain of the Knox College Dance Squad during her college years.  She choreographed two pieces for the American College Dance Festival Association and attended the American Dance Festival six week intensive at Duke University during the summer before her senior year.  Post college, she was the Co-Artistic Director of Progression Dance Company and choreographed an award-winning (“New Voices Choreographer Award”) piece for the Dance Chicago festival.  Jessica works in financial compliance and is a mother of two.  This is her third year as a member of Outlet Dance Company. 

Jordan began dancing at The Dance Studio in Homer Glen at the age of 8. She continued dancing at Lemont High School as a 4-year member of the dance team and a featured dancer in each spring musical. Jordan danced on the dance company and dance team at Augustana College prior to her transfer to Elmhurst University. She was heavily involved in the dance program at Elmhurst, being the first student with a K-12 PE degree to graduate with a Dance Education minor and endorsement. Jordan is extremely grateful for the support and encouragement she received during her time studying under Amy Lyn McDonald there. Both during college and after graduation, Jordan coached the Lemont High School and Neuqua Valley High School dance teams, choreographing 3 state-qualifying routines for Lemont. She has continued choreographing for dance teams in the area and also choreographs for numerous marching bands, both in the area and across the country. Jordan is currently in her 7th year of teaching dance and physical education classes at Neuqua Valley High School, where she appreciates being able to teach dance as a form of lifelong physical activity. Jordan is excited for her 2nd year with the Outlet Dance Company!

Kelley began dancing at the age of three at Dance Motions Inc. During her training, she was a member of Motions Dance Company and Inaside Chicago Dance Youth Training Company where she had many opportunities to perform throughout the Chicagoland area. Kelley graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science and a minor in dance from Western Michigan University. She then earned a Master of Medical Science degree in physician assistant studies at Midwestern University and currently works as a physician assistant in family medicine. Kelley is excited to perform on stage again with Outlet!

Kelly Hume-Geremia was born and raised in Arlington Heights, IL where she began dancing at age 3. Her love of dance started at McDonald Dance Academy. Kelly received her Dance Education degree from Illinois State University and her Dance Performance degree from Ohio University. She is a founding member of Outlet Dance Company. She is currently the assistant director for Wheeling High School Orchesis Company. For the last four years, she has taught at the Gurnee Park District and has choreographed for their competition team, Above the Barre. She taught in Chicago Public Schools for 6 years, mainly at Senn Magnet Arts High School as the Lead Dance Educator. She has taught, choreographed, and judged for numerous high school Orchesis groups in the Chicagoland area. She learned traditional West African Dance in Ghana and taught primary school children during an internship in South Africa. Her piece, Please Don't Leave Me (if we were ever to be) was adjudicated at ACDFA in 2010 at the University of Illinois. She is very excited to be performing with Outlet this year!

Lindsay was always seen dancing at a very young age. She started her training at age 9 at Jo’s Footwork Studio in Western Springs, IL with a focus on ballet, jazz, lyrical, and modern. Lindsay attended Lyons Township High School where she was a member of the Eurythmic Dance Company and the Varsity Poms Team. She had the opportunity to work with well-known choreographers, including Randy Duncan, Keith Elliot, and Corey Nagel. After high school Lindsay attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she danced with the Vitality Dance Team and studied mathematics with a secondary education minor. Since college Lindsay has devoted time to her family and raising four amazing children. She is so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to continue her love for dance and be a member of the Outlet Dance Company.

Melanie began dancing at a very young age when she became interested while watching  her older sisters in their dance classes. She spent her youth training in various dance techniques including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, tap, and musical theater at the Geneva Park District under the instruction of Katie Behrens, Heidi Heneks, and Colleen Eddy. She then danced in her teen years at St. Charles School of Dance under Kelly Del Principe and Blair Vaudelle. Throughout high school she was a member of both JV and Varsity dance teams at Geneva High School. Melanie’s passion for dance continued into college when she graduated with a minor in dance in December 2018. While at Loyola University Chicago, she learned a lot from her professors, Mari Jo Irbe, Amy Wilkinson, Deborah Goodman, Mei-Kuang Chen, Cora Mitchell, and Lauren Warnecke. Outside of her classes, Melanie continued to follow her passion by being involved in The Dance Company for two and a half years. She was also involved in several student composition pieces as well as a mentor after she graduated. Throughout her college years, Melanie also participated in a local performance where local Chicago choreographers would come together called Freespace. Melanie is excited to continue to be able to share her love for dance with everyone as she enters her second year with the Outlet Dance Company. 

Melissa began dancing at the age of 3 and has been loving and continuing her training ever since. For 8 years she performed and competed with Ambition Dance Company. She later graduated from Illinois State University in May 2016 with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in dance. During her time at ISU she performed with the Illinois State Dance Theatre and Dance Association. She now currently teaches 2nd grade at Lake Louise Elementary in Palatine. She also has worked at the Streamwood Park District as a choreographer for the Starlights Dance Company. Melissa is excited to be back on stage for her 6th season and is grateful to continue her love of dance with Outlet!

Meg has been dancing since she was 5 years old studying ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, tap funk, and acrodance at the Pavilion Dance Center. She continued her training under the direction of Lisette Rodriguez-Narang as a part or the Orchesis program at Elk Grove High School. While she earned her bachelors degree in Business Management from Hope College, she performed and taught in the Holland area as well. She now works for a software company and teaches dance at night. This will be her 5th year teaching at multiple studios in the Chicago suburbs. This will be her 4th year with the Outlet Dance Company and is beyond thankful to have this dance family. 

Meredith is thrilled to be performing with Outlet Dance Company for her 9th season as a dancer and choreographer. Meredith's other recent credits include performing in Croatia at the Sibenik Dance Festival with the Kate Jablonski Statement in July of 2022. This was a revival performance of KJS's "Dream State" which Meredith also performed in 2019. Meredith began her dance training at the Pavilion Dance Center and continued training both with Elk Grove High School Orchesis and Jagged Edge Dance Company at Dorothy's Dancing Unlimited during her high school years.  Meredith was a member of the 2010-2011 UIC Dance Team who placed in the top 10 at UDA's national dance competition during her undergrad.  Meredith was also a choreographer for Elk Grove Orchesis, RDT's Community Dance Project, Woodlawn Dance Academy, and placed as a national finalist for young choreographer at the Dance Olympus Dance Competition.  She now works as a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness. Meredith can’t imagine life without her Outlet Dance family and is so grateful for the opportunity to keep dancing.

Nichole has had the pleasure of training in various dance disciplines since she was a young girl. She pursued her passion through high school and was blessed to be a part of the University of Illinois Dance Program, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She then earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Illinois University. Throughout the years, Nichole has continued to find avenues to support her passion in dance by teaching classes, choreographing for musicals, and coaching high school dance teams. Currently, she teaches high school English and is extremely excited to begin this next chapter of her dance journey with the Outlet Dance Company! 

Nikki has been dancing ever since she can remember. She started formally taking dance classes at her local park district at age three and joined their competitive dance team in fourth grade. After a few years of dancing there, she joined Jagged Edge Dance Academy where she trained in various styles of dance, and competed at both regional and national competitions. She was also a four year member of her high school's Orchesis team where she not only performed in yearly performances but also choreographed many pieces for the company. In college, Nikki tried to dance as often as she could but she missed being part of a group and performing on stage. Nikki is so excited to be a first year member of Outlet Dance Company where she can express her love of dance all over again. 

Rachel began her dance training at age 3 at the Itasca Park District. She later began taking classes at the Pavilion Dance Centre for 6 years, and was part of the Moving Force Dance Company. She trained under the direction of Lisa, Kimmy, and Lori Pendzimaz with Jagged Edge Dance Company. She was part of Lake Park High School’s Dance Ensemble and the 2014 state champion Varsity Lancettes Dance Team. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary throughout this time. In 2018, Rachel graduated with a B.S. in psychology from Loyola University Chicago, where she was part of The Dance Company. In 2020, she graduated with her MEd in School Counseling at Loyola and is now a full-time middle school counselor. Over the years she has had the opportunity to choreograph a number of performance pieces. Currently, Rachel is a dance instructor at the Pavilion Dance Centre. Rachel is very excited to be back on stage and continue doing what she loves with Outlet this year!

Rebecca began dancing at Pavilion Dance Centre when she was five. After taking classes for six years, she joined Jagged Edge Dance Company where she had the opportunity to compete at both regional and national competitions. Throughout junior high and high school, Rebecca trained at Dorothy’s Dancing Unlimited, Cimino’s Dance Studio, Joel Hall Dancers & Center and The Edge Dance Academy. When she reached high school, Rebecca joined Elk Grove High School’s Varsity Dance Team, which she was on for four years, served as a captain for two years, and worked with the team on ballet and jazz technique throughout her time on the team. In college, Rebecca was a member of Ignite Dance Company at DePaul University for one year and performed contemporary and jazz pieces. After several years off from dancing, Rebecca is grateful to have an opportunity again to express her love of dance as a first-year member of Outlet Dance Company.

Stacy began dancing at the age of four and continued to dance with various studios and companies around Illinois.  As a graduate of Northern Illinois University, she spent four years dancing with Northern Dance Theatre, studying under Randall Newsom, Judith Chitwood, and Paula Frasz.  Highlights of her college dance career include dancing as a soloist for Keith Elliot as part of NIU’s branch of Dance for Life, dancing a wide variety of styles and roles in semester concerts, and being a selected performer for the 2008 American College Dance Festival.  When Stacy is not dancing, you can find her supporting clinical nursing education, orientation, and professional development as Clinical Practice Specialist with Northwestern Medicine.   As a returning member, Stacy is excited to share the stage with the talented members of Outlet Dance Company for the 9th year. 

Stephanie grew up dancing in small studios in Northeast Ohio and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance degree from Lake Erie College. After college she taught lyrical, musical theatre, tap, and jazz to dancers of all ages at local dance studios while searching for her next right thing. In 2016 Stephanie moved to Chicago to pursue her Master of Arts degree in dance/movement therapy and counseling at Columbia College Chicago. Stephanie is a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist and currently works with individuals exploring their identity and navigating a variety of mental health challenges with Mind Body Connections. Stephanie has worked with various park districts in the Chicagoland area teaching dance classes and takes aerial classes for fun! This is Stephanie's second year with Outlet and she is grateful for the opportunity to dance and perform with these beautiful humans. Stephanie is looking forward to many years to come as part of the Outlet family!

Stephanie found her love for dance at the age of 5 and spent her time dancing at Dance Motions Inc. where she joined Motions Dance Company in 2005. Through Motions Dance Co. she had opportunities to perform throughout the Chicagoland area in shows such as Dance for Life and Dance Chicago. Stephanie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in dance. During her time at UW-Madison, Stephanie was a member of Premiere Dance Team and served as a captain and choreographer for multiple semesters. In 2020, Stephanie received her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and currently works as a Behavior Analyst for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After taking a few years off, Stephanie is excited to start dancing again! 

Taylor began dancing at the age of three at the Pavilion Dance Center where she stayed for 13 years.  Taylor continued dancing as a member of Elk Grove High School’s Orchesis for 3 years under the direction of Lisette Rodriguez-Narang. She performed in annual shows as well as the District 214 Showcases and Illinois State Dance Festival. While on Orchesis, Taylor expanded her creativity by assisting with costume design for the annual shows as well as Elk Grove’s Community Theater shows.  Taylor graduated Cum Laude from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Spanish. While in college, Taylor performed on the Wartburg College Dance Team. She is fulfilling her lifelong passion of helping others by working as the Development Officer for the Children's Advocacy Center in Hoffman Estates. When she's not dancing, Taylor enjoys going on walks with her husband and dog, Layla. Taylor is excited to continue dancing with Outlet for her 6th season!

Katy started her dance career at age 6 at Lively Arts Dance Academy where she explored all styles of dance from ballet and pointe to tap to modern until she graduated High School. In High School she added musical theater to her dance career in shows such as Guys and Dolls and Oklahoma at Lyons Township High School. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University and continued her dance studies while also performing with Theater of the Highlands community theater troupe. After college, Katy has continued to take class and is thrilled to continue this as a member of Outlet South. Katy is Chief Program Officer of The Nora Project, a non-profit focused on creating classroom curriculum and teacher training that promotes disability inclusion.

Ogechi’s passion for dance started at a young age when she began taking classes in many different dance styles. Ogechi was a 4-year member of Huntley High School’s Orchesis where she performed under the direction of Outlet Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Leslie Spear. Ogechi went to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology with minors in Dance and Psychology. She continued her education at Marquette and received a Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology. While at Marquette, Ogechi was a member of a student-led organization, Dance Inc. She choreographed several pieces for the group over the course of 5 years and served on the group’s executive board as the Social Chair during her junior year of undergraduate studies. During her time in Milwaukee, Ogechi had many other dance teaching and performance opportunities. In 2021, Ogechi performed as a guest artist with the Catey Ott Dance Collective in a performance titled ‘Resilience.’ She currently works as a speech language pathologist and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family in her free time. Ogechi is excited about continuing to express her love for dance with Outlet Dance Company! 

Rebecca began her dance training at Arlene Cassara's Dance and Theater Center in North Olmsted, Ohio while in elementary school. In addition to training here, Rebecca enjoyed dancing in musicals at North Olmsted High School. Rebecca attended Elmhurst College where she majored in Elementary Education. While at Elmhurst College, Rebecca took many dance classes through the dance program and was a member of the Elmhurst College Dance Team. It was during this time of her dance career that Rebecca fell in love with choreographing in addition to dancing. Rebecca is now an elementary school teacher and loves leading a dance club at her school.

Shannon Morley started dancing at the age of 3 when her parents registered her at Galina Dance Studio. She started with ballet but switched to tumbling around the age of 5. Her experience in tumbling pushed her to pursue gymnastics in high school. During that time, Shannon began to pick up dance classes again, specifically jazz. After graduating high school, Shannon decided to retire from tumbling and begin pre-pointe ballet, alongside her jazz classes. Ballet reignited her passion for dance. It was also at this time, she began assistant teaching for the tumbling classes at Galina. Around the age of 21, she began taking pointe classes which became one of her favorite things to do! At 22, she took over the tumbling classes where she choreographed for their winter and summer shows. Teaching her tumblers was the highlight of her every week. She choreographed a specialty jazz number for Galina’s 2021 June show which led her to take over the advanced jazz class for Galina’s final 2021-2022 season. Shannon also took contemporary classes taught by a current member of Outlet, Jackie Higgason, who convinced Shannon to try out! This is Shannon’s first year with Outlet and she couldn’t be more excited and grateful for the opportunity. 

Taylor Chwae found her passion for dance at age three and grew up studying many styles of dance at recreational dance studios in the Madison, Wisconsin area. She spent some time in high school studying with Madison Ballet and has attended dance intensives and workshops at Ballet Chicago, the Academie Americaine de Danse de Paris, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, to name a few.  During college, she performed in many works by faculty and peers at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and with the Madison Contemporary Dance Company. Taylor graduated with honors from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Arts Management in 2016. She also holds a Master’s of Education in Early Childhood Development from DePaul University (2019). Taylor taught as a freelance instructor in Chicago schools, parks, and studios for seven years but now brings her passion for dance, teaching, and leading to her roles at Tutu School Franchises as Director of Corporate Locations, Franchise Coordinator, and Tutu Teacher.