STAFF
TANYA WAITS
BA in Dance: University of Kansas
Tanya has taught various styles of dance, cheer, and pom across the country as well as receiving national recognition for her award-winning choreography and dance curriculum. She has been featured in various newspapers and magazines throughout the country including Dance Teacher Magazine. Tanya is devoted to creating a warm and engaging environment for all ages of dancers, and believes that dance should be fun and inspiring. Her love of teaching dance has led her to create A Fairytale Ballet and now Starbright Dance.
ALAINA MURRAY
BA in Dance: Western Michigan University
Training: Classical Dance, Hip-Hop,
Lyrical & Yoga
WENDY PARK
BA in Dance: Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
Training: Classical Dance, Lyrical, Musical Theater & Ballroom
ASHLEY ALVAREZ
Extensive Dance Training
Ashley is thrilled to be teaching hip hop, jazz, and tap at Starbright Dance. Originally from Miami, Florida, Ashley began taking ballet classes at the age of 3 and went on to pursue different styles of dance for the next 18 years. Growing up around her mother, who owned her own dance studio, Ashley quickly found a love for teaching and working with young girls. She has been teaching dance for the past 6 years, specializing in ballet, jazz, and choreography for young girls ages 3-12.
ANNE MARIE LOESCH
BA in Dance: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Training: Classical Dance & Yoga
OLIVIA MAY
BA in Dance: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Olivia moved to Chicago from North Carolina in 2008 to pursue a career in dance and currently dances with Dance COLEctive here in the Windy City. While at UNCG, she spent six months in Cape Town, South Africa as a dance exchange student, and also learned to surf! At UNCG Olivia cheered for the Spartans as a member of the Spirit Squad and Dance Team, and looks forward to teaching and dancing with the young creative spirits at Starbright Dance.
*We are thrilled to have Miss Olivia as the new Manager for Starbright Dance!
She keeps all of our little stars shining on!
Artistic Director
Staff
Guest Teachers
JENNIE BECKER
BA In Dance: Luther College
Jennie came to Chicago in 2010 to follow her passion in dance and is privileged to dance with The Massive and Aerial Dance Chicago. Jennie trained for several years in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, musical theater, and pointe at a studio in the Twin Cities. There she learned to have a love for all dance and furthered her training in ballroom, latin, and swing. Jennie is very excited to be able to teach and inspire the dancers who share a passion in such an amazing art form at Starbright!