Instructors

She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance while attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She brings extensive experience to the studio within multiple dance disciplines (ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, contemporary and modern). Lacey has trained with several prestigious organizations including New York’s American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Boston Ballet, Cleveland/San Jose Ballet in Ohio, Joel Hall Dance Center in Chicago, and Salt Creek Ballet. Lacey teaches all dance disciplines at all levels. She is certified through ABT’s National Training Curriculum in Pre-Primary through Level 3.

She was born and raised in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois where she received her dance training at Reverie Dance Academy. In 2020, she relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to attend Point Park University on an Artistic Excellence Scholarship, obtaining her B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in Modern and a minor in Business Management, as well as simultaneously receiving her Master’s in Primary Education (PreK-4). At Point Park University, she worked under the guidance of Kiesha Lalama, Garfield Lemonius, Jason McDole, Jesse Factor, Kiki Lucas, Marc Spaulding, and Judith Leifer-Bentz, among others. Through her artistic endeavors, she has had the opportunity to participate in training programs at Visceral Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Point Park International Summer Dance, Indiana University, and Butler University. Through these opportunities, Sophia has landed roles in pieces choreographed by Jess Hendricks, Martha Graham, Maud Arnold, Robert McKee, Kiesha Lalama, Danny Herman, Michelle Van Doren. For the past 6 years, Sophia has held the role of lead assistant with Dupree Dance Convention and Competition where she has worked closely with Kari Anderson, Terrill Mitchell, Craig Black, Kavita Rao, Meghan Way Stinson, as well as other faculty members. In addition to her educational and performance background, Sophia has had many opportunities to train with and set work on young dancers and is excited to continue pursuing her passion at Reverie Dance Academy!

She began dancing at the age of three and is trained in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary and musical theater. She’s honored to have studied under the direction of Joel Hall, Eddy Ocampo, Lane Alexander, Julie Cartier, Cheri Lindell, Sissy Duprima, Mike Gosney, Wilredo Rivera, Kirby Reed, and Elijah Gibson. At the age of 18 she moved to Orlando after receiving a college internship at Disney World, which lead to her first professional job as a performer at the Magic Kingdom and MGM Studios. She went on to tour locally in Orlando as a back up dancer for boy bands; LFO and NSYNC. Daniella received her B.S. in Entertainment Business Management from Point Park University. At Point Park she was able to teach dance, perform and train with the dance and theater departments. While in Pittsburgh, PA., Daniella had the privilege of teaching at Point Park, Carnegie Mellon, CLO Theater Academy, Dance Alloy, and Thomas Performing Arts Academy. During this time she had the opportunity to work with recording artist, “Wiz Khalifa” and audition dancers and choreograph some of his live shows. She went on to pursue her career in Los Angeles, CA where she trained and performed with Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo “Nappy Tabs”, Tovaris Wilson, Mia Michaels, Space Cowboy (opening for Lady Gaga) and R. Kelly. She feels blessed and grateful to share her love of dance and the performing arts with the students of Reverie Dance Academy!

She began dancing at the age of two and it has been her passion since the start. For the past five years, Kristina has been dedicated to teaching dance to children of all ages in competitive and all-star teams. Her favorite styles include lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre. Kristina was a member of the 2021 NFL Ben-Gals Cheerleading team, which gave her the opportunity to perform in Super Bowl LVI. Kristina previously danced with Norwegian Cruise Lines, performing in “Rock You Tonight” and “World Beat”. She has also worked for Masquerade Dance competition. Kristina has trained with the Radio City Rockettes at their invitation only summer intensives, and she has also performed in Dayton Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”. In addition to her extensive dance background, Kristina is also a NASM certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach. We are thrilled to welcome Miss Kristina for our upcoming season!

She is a dance educator, choreographer and director. Jennifer is trained in ballet, jazz, modern (Graham), lyrical and tap. Notable teachers include Pam Tanis, Rory Foster and Eileen Cropley. Over the past 20 years, her career has led her into musical theatre as both a director and choreographer. Jennifer attended the renowned Conservatory of Dance at Barat College on scholarship. Miss Jen is proud to work with the dancers of Reverie!

“Scuba” started dancing at the young age of 2. He received his training from Stage Door Dance Academy and Impact Dance Studio. Steve has won many titles, scholarships and awards and was also featured in the December 2007 Dance Spirit Magazine as a “Future Dance Star.” Steve attended Oklahoma City University as a Dance Performance major at the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management under the direction of John Bedford and Jo Rowan. Steve holds a B.P.A from Oklahoma City University. While in Oklahoma, Steve has performed in the Oklahoma Centennial Parade and the Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular. He was member of the professional dance company at OCU, The American Spirit Dance Company and was elected the Deputy of the company. He has starred in shows at OCU such as, Life of the Party, Home for the Holidays, The American Spirit Spring Show, and, as a freshman, was selected to be a part of the American Spirit Tour Cast. After graduating from OCU, Steve joined Inaside Chicago Dance as a performing apprentice and media director. Steve joined S.L.A.T.E. Theater’s cast of Legally Blonde where he was cast as Nikkos, ensemble & dance captain. Steve has also performed with Michigan Ballet Theatre in their production of Copellia (Fiancé) and The Nutcracker (Rat King/Russian/Spanish). Steve choreographed Kankakee Valley Association Theatre’s production of The Wedding Singer which was raved about in the Kankakee press. Steve’s choreography has appeared on CBS, FOX, ABC & NBC for the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, received numerous choreography/entertainment awards, and several students hold national titles with Steve’s choreography. Steve’s students have gone off to perform in various productions. Several graduates of Steve’s have gone on to join the University of St. Thomas Dance Team (UDA Hip Hop & Jazz Champions) & Grand Valley State University Dance Team (DTU Hip Hop & Jazz Champions). His students have been awarded scholarships to Joffrey, Alvin Ailey, Lines Ballet, River North, Inaside Chicago Dance & Mandala Dance Company(Italy). Several of Steve’s students are currently represented by MSA talent agency in Los Angeles and have been booked for industrial performances and national commercials. Steve currently teaches throughout the suburbs of Chicago and Northwest Indiana at several studios and high schools sharing his love of dance to those around him.

He began dancing at the age of 6 and received his training from Encore Dance Productions in Shorewood, IL, where he trained under Steven Gorski, Paige Gliwa, Callie Gliwa, Drew Gliwa, Jen Laino, and Kylie Filotto. Kevin was also a part of the LA Dance Magic Dance Convention’s Men’s & Senior Company from 2018-2020. Kevin has been recognized as a part of Radix Dance Convention’s National Finals for being a part of the top 10 Senior Male Core Performers in both 2018 and 2019. Kevin is currently continuing his dance education at Chapman University, pursuing a BFA in Dance Performance, as well as a minor in business administration. He is also excited to lead the Chapman University Dance Team as the newly appointed Co-President into their 15th consecutive national title!

She is from Chicago, Illinois. She is a proud graduate from Point Park University with a BA in Jazz and a minor in business. While at Point Park, she was privileged to learn from Kiesha Lalama, Garfield Lemonius, Jason McDole, Matthew Powell, Kiki Lucas, and Kimberly Anderson. She had the opportunity to perform works by Joshua Manculich, Colleen Hooper, Vanessa Figueroa, Callie Luckenbach, Nikki Morath, Alan James Libert, and understudy for Kiesha Lalama and Jose Limon’s Missa Brevis at the Byham Theater. Alexa had the honor of staging her own choreographic piece “find and seek” for Point Park University’s student showcase. She was the president of Point Park’s Hip Hop Club, Impluse, where she organized weekly classes and performance opportunities throughout the community. Alexa is currently a member of BOOM CRACK! Dance Company, a hip hop company led under the founder and artistic direction of Trae Turner. Within the past two years on the company, she has performed on WGN Chicago News and numerous shows including; Dance Chicago, Spring to Dance Festival St. Louis, and the Harris Theater. She has a passion for teaching and is looking forward to what’s to come!

Sawyer McNamara (she/her), originally from Alpena, MI, is a dancer, choreographer, and educator currently based in Chicago, IL. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University, as well as a Certificate in Dance Studio Management in the spring of 2023. Throughout her time at Western, Sawyer has gotten the opportunity to perform works by Seyong Kim, Monique Haley, Jeremy Blair, Kaitlyn Pollock, Kiki Lucas, Katy Copeland, and Kimberly Cooper of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. In addition to these notable performances, Sawyer served as a company member of Western Dance Project (2022-2023) under the direction of Kelsey Paschich. After completing her time at Western, Sawyer served as an apprentice for ConteXture Dance Detroit (2023) under the direction of Tracy Halloran. In addition to performing and working within dance companies, Sawyer enjoys sharing her passion through educating and sharing movement with others. Sawyer has been working as an educator and choreographer for The Dance Centre in Alpena, MI since 2017. In addition to this, Sawyer also served as president of Movement Exchange at Western Michigan University from 2021-2023. Being in this role allowed her lead an entire chapter of members in providing free, sustainable movement education to underserved populations in Kalamazoo, MI and Panama City, Panama. She now continues her work with Movement Exchange as a University Chapter Coordinator, which enables her to establish Movement Exchange chapters nationwide! Sawyer looks forward to continuing her teaching journey at Reverie Dance Academy!

She is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher residing in the Chicagoland area. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with her BFA in Dance through which she was awarded the Lisa Carducci Memorial Scholarship for Overall Excellence, the Talented Student Tuition Award. Lauren had the opportunity to perform in works by several faculty and graduate students including Linda Lehovec, Rebecca Nettl-Fiol, Dr. C. Kemal Nance, Leah Wilks, Charlie Maybee and Kendra Portier. Lauren is also a collaborator and performer for Polymath Performance Project, an organization bringing tap dance to contemporary dance. As a teacher, her experience ranges from young children to adults. Her classes explore creative movement while providing a strong technical foundation. Lauren’s work as an artist stems from tradition, community, and togetherness, values she holds in high regard in her life.

She is a dancer and choreographer originally from Wixom, Michigan. In April of 2020, Hayley received a BFA in Dance from Western Michigan University where she has performed works by Jackie Nowicki, Monique Haley, Carolyn Pavlik, Kelsey Paschich, Jeremy Blair, Joseph A. Hernandez and BAIRA MVMNT/PHLOSPHY. Hayley was also a company member of Western Dance Project, under the direction of Whitney Moncrief. Hayley has trained in a variety of styles including contemporary, jazz, ballet, and modern. The Michigan Dance Council awarded Hayley the Maggie Allesee Choreography Award for her piece “Dear Larry,” in 2019. Hayley also performed her work at the 2020 ACDA East-Central Regional Conference where she was selected to perform at the National Conference in Long Beach, California. Hayley has been teaching and choreographing dance throughout Michigan since 2015 and is excited to expand into the Chicagoland area! Along with teaching dance, Hayley will be an Emerging Artist with South Chicago Dance Theatre for their 2020-2021 season.

She grew up training in her hometown of Redding, California. She is a graduate from Butler University with a major in Dance Pedagogy and a minor in Strategic Communications. She spent summers training at The Jillana School, Long Beach Ballet, Ballet West, Ballet Met, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and River North Dance Chicago. She has been fortunate to work with teachers and choreographers such as Susan McGuire, Frank Chavez, Lesley Telford, Mike Gosney, Ronn Stewart, Hanna Brictson, Noelle Kayser, and Jessica Miller Tomlinson among others. Since moving to Chicago in 2016, she has danced with Elements Contemporary Ballet, Cocodaco Dance Project, and Little Fire Artist Collective as well as freelanced throughout the city participating in dance festivals such as Take Up Space, Going Dutch, and Detroit Dance City Festival. She has danced with Moonwater Dance Project since its inception in 2018 and serves as the company’s Executive Director.

She is a dance Artist hailing from Buffalo Grove, IL. In May 2016, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. At U of I, she had the pleasure of performing in works by faculty members Jan Erkert, Kirstie Simson, Abby Zibikowski, and Sara Hook, as well as guest artists Jennifer Archibald and Earl Mosley. Her junior year, Pauley attended the Jerusalem Academy of Dance where she trained in Gaga with Batsheva Company members. When she returned to Dance at Illinois, Pauley studied creative movement for children under the direction of Kate Kuper, and became a teaching assistant for Kuper her senior year. These experiences have contributed to Pauley’s quirky contemporary aesthetic and love of improvisation. Pauley values individuality, and her goal as a teacher is to foster original dance artists.

He is from Toronto, Canada and has been dancing since a young age. He has choreographed for such projects as The Toronto Film Festival as well the tap scenes in movies such as Honey (Universal Pictures) and Save The Last Dance 2 (MTV). Devon’s music video credits include Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Timbaland, Snoop Dogg, K-OS, Mark Ballas and many more. He has performed on TV and stage for many shows including: the Billboard Awards, VMA’s, BET Awards, DWTS, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, as well as multiple commercials in the U.S. and Canada. He also danced on Chris Brown’s Carpe Diem Tour. Devon now resides in Chicago and teaches at studios and workshops across Canada and the U.S., passing on his skills to younger generations of dancers.

He grew up dancing, singing & performing theater in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and got his start dancing professionally in high school with Especially Tap Chicago (dir. Julie Cartier). He furthered his education at Western Michigan University; received a bachelor’s degree in Dance, with concentrations in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Musical Theater. During his college summers, Matt performed at Six Flags Great America – Gurnee, IL. After college Matt returned home to dance with Inaside Chicago Dance (dir. Richard Smith), Chicago Tap Theatre (dir. Mark Yonally), Chicago Human Rhythm Project – BAM! (dir. Lane Alexander), Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Company (dir. Amy Giordano) and Chicago Human Rhythm Project – Stone Soup Rhythms (dir. Dani Borak). Some of his memorable performances are Chicago Tap Allstars (2022), Dance for Life (2015, 2017, 2019), Dance in the Parks (2017), The Fly Honey Show (2017), Audible Odyssey (2015, 2016), and The Green Mill Poetry Slams (2013-2022). Matt currently is a Judge for Starpower National Talent Competition. He has previously adjudicated for Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, Edge Talent Competition, Dreamstar Dance Competition, and has taught for the Wild Dance Intensive – National Touring Convention. He currently is the director of Steps Tap Company at Steps Dance Center – Aurora, IL, as well as performing with music acts throughout Chicago. Matt’s latest endeavor is producing & hosting a variety show at The Den Theatre: Heath Mainstage called the Maximus Variety Hour.

She, MSW, LSW has been a professional dance educator and choreographer for over 14 years. Stephanie trained in the pre-professional program at Giordano Dance Center and was versed in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, Tap and Giordano Jazz Technique. Stephanie graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University where she was a dance scholarship recipient and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Stephanie went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Aurora University. Stephanie is the founder and director of Dancing for Dancers, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to connect communities, provide opportunities, and to support dancers in need. Stephanie has been growing the organization since 2014 to include scholarship programming, community outreach and yearly benefit concerts. Stephanie is excited to begin her seventh season with RDA and RDC!

She was born and raised in a small suburb of St. Louis, MO. Her love of entertaining started with her first dance class at age 2. From there she grew to develop a love for all the arts: singing, acting, dancing, and musical theatre. Christina has toured the world dancing for artists like: Lady Gaga, P.Diddy, Mariah Carey, Nicky Minaj, Will.I.Am, Ne-yo, Enrique Iglesias, Space Cowboy, Keri Hilson, Cassie, Avril Lavigne, Jody Watley, many Disney/Nickelodeon stars & more. She can be seen in countless TV performances such as the Super Bowl 51 Half Time Show, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, MTV VMAs, Saturday Night Live, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, American Music Awards any may more! Christina also has a passion for teaching and to spread her knowledge of the entertainment industry and “What it Takes” to be a part of it and maintain success. She feels passionate about bringing back what it “really” means to dance, the benefits knowing the history of dance brings, and what “true” performing as an individual entails. Christina looks forward to spreading her knowledge of the entertainment industry to both the existing and upcoming generations!

She is a performer, teacher and choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA. Her raw talent and intensive training under the direction of Abby Lee Miller and the faculty at the ALDC earned her regional and national high score awards as well as numerous titles. At 16, Gianna began choreographing routines alongside Ms. Miller as well as on her own which led her to discover her passion for teaching and choreography.Gianna has been on faculty at the ALDC for 12 years and has been a guest instructor around the world and judge on competition circuits. Her award-winning routines have earned her regional and national titles, overalls and choreography awards. Balancing her academic and dance opportunities with great success, Gianna graduated from Point Park University in 2011 with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. Most recently you can see Gianna’s choreography in the movie, “Dance-Off,” Go90’s ‘Crashed’ series and music and dance videos for Alexx Calise, Meghan Trainor, Todrick Hall, Nia Frazier, Kendall Vertes, and MackZ. You can also catch her choreography every week on Lifetime’s hit reality series, “Dance Moms.”

She has turned dance into unique works of passion & beauty on both stage and screen. In 2015, Mia joined forces with a dream team for the hugely successful Broadway musical Finding Neverland. Mia choreographed the 68th Tony Awards featuring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson. In 2016, Mia directed and choreographed the celebrated Summer Spectacular featuring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. She also served as a guest artist & mentor for Broadway at the White House, hosted by Michelle Obama. Included in Mia’s diverse experience is the critically acclaimed New York based dance company, RAW; for which she was the founder, artistic director, & choreographer. On television, Mia has served as an ever-popular judge & contributing choreographer for Fox’s award winning TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD). Not only has Mia won three Emmy awards for Outstanding Choreography for the television series SYTYCD, but she was also made huge contributions towards the show receiving the “Best Reality TV Show” award at the 2008 Reality TV Show Awards. She has numerous other TV and movie credits. Mia has had the privilege to hold faculty positions at prestigious institutions of dance around the world including Alvin Ailey & the Joffrey Ballet. Mia continues to teach inspirational master classes worldwide known as Mia Michaels Live (MML) where dancers are taught to move from the inside out. Mia has a way of touching each human she encounters with passion, emotional expression, confidence, and self-love. Mia continues to use her influence, platform and her voice to be a champion of change in the areas of body image, self expression & acceptance, gun violence prevention and safety, women’s empowerment & equality that promise to have an impact and leave a legacy for future generations to come.

He formally was the Owner/Artistic Director of Award winning, and nationally recognized B-Discovered Dance Company in Chicago IL. After a decade of owning/developing his own company he has transitioned into a freelance teaching career. At 15 years teaching experience, Brian continues to strive, share his knowledge, and personal experiences with his students-providing not only exceptional technique fundamentals but also to develop a strong work ethic. His choreography/training has won dancers countless awards, including top scores, and many national titles. His students have gone on to the countries top Universities and Conservatories such as USC, Juilliard Summer Program, Boston Conservatory, ChuThis, and University of Arizona. Along with training dancers Brian is a master adjudicator for top conventions and competitions around the country. Brian is known for pushing his students to their ultimate potential, allowing them to flourish in and out of the classroom. His movement comes from his heart, creating, and refining works of art to share with his audience.

She was born and raised in the Chicago Area, where she received her interdisciplinary dance training from Reverie Dance Company. In May of 2022, she went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from New York University with a BFA in dance as well as minors in the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology, and Social and Cultural Analysis. Alex has received additional training from the artists of RUBBERBANDance Group, Peter Chu – ChuThis, and at Orsolina 28 in Italy where she learned the Repertoire of Crystal Pite. Her most recent performances include works by Stephen Petronio, Yin Yue, and Chelsea Thedinga. Alex currently resides in New York City where she dances as a member of CoreDance Contemporary, teaches at multiple competitive dance studios, and coaches Pilates and Group Fitness at Equinox.