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Fall Classes
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Monday
September 13, 2010

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Karen Flores

	Karen Flores Artistic Director/Owner Karen is a certified dance instructor through Dance Masters of America and the owner and Artistic Director of Encore Studio. Karen's early career allowed her performing opportunities with the Beaumont Civic Ballet, The Houston Ballet, The Concert Ballet of Virginia, and The Richmond Ballet. She performed with the Southwest Regional Ballet Festival and served as an apprentice under Robert Joffrey. Karen has studied with many great dancers over her years of training, but chose to share her passion to educate dancers by opening Encore Studio in 1991. Karen's enthusiasm for dance allowed her the pleasure to work with many students in her first years, but as the demand for classes grew, Karen focused on developing a curriculum for the staff members to implement. Under Karen's direction, Encore Studio services over 1000 students throughout Chesterfield County. Karen has led the students of Encore Studio to stages in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and on Grand Bahamas Island. Karen's students have been accepted at Virginia School of the Arts, Royal Academy of Ballet, local and regional Governor's Schools, as well as Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts. Encore students often continue to dance in College, and some have gone on to a professional career in dance. Currently, Karen focuses on developing continued curriculum for the students of Encore Studio and bringing them the best instruction. Karen continues her work of sharing the love of arts to the community, and produces an annual recital production that has become an anticipated event in Chesterfield County. Karen is entering her 23rd year of teaching and serving her 20th season as Artistic Director. She and her husband "Dondi" will be active in all three studios, and they have an 11 year old daughter, Mallory, who is an aspiring little dancer and part of the Encore Curriculum and the Pink Ladies Competition Team!

Karen Flores
Artistic Director/Owner
Karen is a certified dance instructor through Dance Masters of America and the owner and Artistic Director of Encore Studio. Karen's early career allowed her performing opportunities with the Beaumont Civic Ballet, The Houston Ballet, The Concert Ballet of Virginia, and The Richmond Ballet. She performed with the Southwest Regional Ballet Festival and served as an apprentice under Robert Joffrey. Karen has studied with many great dancers over her years of training, but chose to share her passion to educate dancers by opening Encore Studio in 1991. Karen's enthusiasm for dance allowed her the pleasure to work with many students in her first years, but as the demand for classes grew, Karen focused on developing a curriculum for the staff members to implement. Under Karen's direction, Encore Studio services over 1000 students throughout Chesterfield County.

Karen has led the students of Encore Studio to stages in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and on Grand Bahamas Island. Karen's students have been accepted at Virginia School of the Arts, Royal Academy of Ballet, local and regional Governor's Schools, as well as Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts. Encore students often continue to dance in College, and some have gone on to a professional career in dance. Currently, Karen focuses on developing continued curriculum for the students of Encore Studio and bringing them the best instruction. Karen continues her work of sharing the love of arts to the community, and produces an annual recital production that has become an anticipated event in Chesterfield County.

Karen is entering her 23rd year of teaching and serving her 20th season as Artistic Director. She and her husband "Dondi" will be active in all three studios, and they have an 11 year old daughter, Mallory, who is an aspiring little dancer and part of the Encore Curriculum and the Pink Ladies Competition Team!

Jennifer Anderson

	Jennifer Anderson Administrative Assistant Jennifer is a proud alumnae of Meredith College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Marketing. After working in the Marketing/Advertising industry, Jennifer joined the Encore Team 11 years ago to help facilitate the students of Encore Studio. Jennifer has been at the Chesterfield location the past nine years, and is looking forward to meeting our new students and families at our new Westchester Commons location. Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Chesterfield, and an active member of Beulah United Methodist Church. Jennifer and husband Chris are the proud parents of two dancing daughters.

Jennifer Anderson
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer is a proud alumnae of Meredith College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Marketing. After working in the Marketing/Advertising industry, Jennifer joined the Encore Team 11 years ago to help facilitate the students of Encore Studio. Jennifer has been at the Chesterfield location the past nine years, and is looking forward to meeting our new students and families at our new Westchester Commons location. Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Chesterfield, and an active member of Beulah United Methodist Church. Jennifer and husband Chris are the proud parents of two dancing daughters.

Alexandra Flores

	Alexandra Flores Instructor Alexandra Flores is a recent graduate of Thomas Dale Specialty Center for The Arts with recognition in Academic Excellence. While participating in the Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts, Alex has studied under artists from the Mark Morris Dance Company, The Latin Ballet of Virginia, The Richmond Ballet and The Urban Bush Women. She has also participated in the Virginia High School Dance Festival. While training at the Thomas Dale Specialty Center for Arts she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern. During the program Miss Alex has also studied Irish, Broadway and Contemporary styles of dance. The Specialty Center for the Arts exposed Miss Alex to many opportunities in the Arts profession such as lighting and staging in addition to choreography and performing; during her time in the program she nurtured her talent and her desire to teach children. Alex has participated in the Intensive Dance Program at Encore Studio for 10 of her 15 years and has served as Co- captain and Choreographer for the Thomas Dale Dance Team. She participated in the Universal Dance Camp for 4 years and was the choreographer for Thomas Dale's performance of "Oklahoma". Alex has extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical and Pointe and will continue her training at Broadway Dancer Center. She has been a familiar face to the Students of Encore as a student assistant and substitute instructor at Rivers Bend and Chesterfield. While pursuing her degree in Elementary Education, Miss Alex will continue to work with the students of Encore Studio.

Alexandra Flores
Instructor
Alexandra Flores is a recent graduate of Thomas Dale Specialty Center for The Arts with recognition in Academic Excellence. While participating in the Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts, Alex has studied under artists from the Mark Morris Dance Company, The Latin Ballet of Virginia, The Richmond Ballet and The Urban Bush Women. She has also participated in the Virginia High School Dance Festival. While training at the Thomas Dale Specialty Center for Arts she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern. During the program Miss Alex has also studied Irish, Broadway and Contemporary styles of dance. The Specialty Center for the Arts exposed Miss Alex to many opportunities in the Arts profession such as lighting and staging in addition to choreography and performing; during her time in the program she nurtured her talent and her desire to teach children.

Alex has participated in the Intensive Dance Program at Encore Studio for 10 of her 15 years and has served as Co- captain and Choreographer for the Thomas Dale Dance Team. She participated in the Universal Dance Camp for 4 years and was the choreographer for Thomas Dale's performance of "Oklahoma". Alex has extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical and Pointe and will continue her training at Broadway Dancer Center. She has been a familiar face to the Students of Encore as a student assistant and substitute instructor at Rivers Bend and Chesterfield. While pursuing her degree in Elementary Education, Miss Alex will continue to work with the students of Encore Studio.

Angelina Gallo

	Angelina Gallo Instructor Miss Angel was born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan and studied under the direction of Theresa Valchine and Cyndi Buczek at “Dance Extreme.” Miss Angel participated and won many Regional and National titles. She was “Star Systems” top Regional soloist in 2003, 2004 and 2005; and she was the National Top Soloist winner in 2004 in Las Vegas Nevada. Miss Angel began her career teaching at “Dance Extreme”, and was the recipient of the “California Contemporary Workshop Scholarship” in 2007 and “SHOCK The Intensive Scholarship” in 2005. Miss Angel was a feature performer in the “Make a Wish Celebration of Dance Showcase” and has assisted Kevin “Tokyo” Inoue and Sonya Weast. Miss Angel followed her desire to study dance in New York City where she was enrolled in the work/study program at Broadway Dancer Center. The program allowed her the opportunity to train at the top dance facilities in New York City. Miss Angel credits her training to industry greats such as: Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh, Mandy Moore, Zandra Thomas, Mike Minery, Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, Gil Stromig, Jake McWilliams and Nick Lazzerini. After studying extensively with them in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Ballet for two years in New York, Angel was eager to get back into the classroom to share her style and techniques with students. Miss Angel is widely recognized for her unique and edgy style of dance and her award winning choreography. Recently she has received awards for Overall Junior and Senior Top Scoring Small Groups, Large Groups, and Duo/Trios, Fabulous Feet, Overall Choreography Excellence, Best Original Contemporary and Lyrical Choreography, Best Open Choreography, and Best All-around Choreography. She has had an impressive run with the Pink Ladies and is enthusiastic to continue the journey with them. She not only choreographs and trains the competitive dancers, but she has found comfort in teaching and inspiring dancers of all levels. She has a way of touching her student’s lives with passion, emotional expression and a creative style of dance. Since Angel began the Contemporary trend in the Richmond market, her classes are desired from students from other dance venues. Her classes fill quickly since she can inspire, educate, create unique movement, and make the experience of her class positive and uplifting. She teaches her students to understand their bodies and how they have the ultimate control to create any movement asked or desired. Miss Angel’s forte is giving her students the opportunity to dig deep within themselves and try movement that may not “feel “natural. Miss Angel will be joining the Encore staff for a third year to share her vast competitive background with the Pink Ladies and all the dancers of Encore Studio.

Angelina Gallo
Instructor
Miss Angel was born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan and studied under the direction of Theresa Valchine and Cyndi Buczek at “Dance Extreme.” Miss Angel participated and won many Regional and National titles. She was “Star Systems” top Regional soloist in 2003, 2004 and 2005; and she was the National Top Soloist winner in 2004 in Las Vegas Nevada. Miss Angel began her career teaching at “Dance Extreme”, and was the recipient of the “California Contemporary Workshop Scholarship” in 2007 and “SHOCK The Intensive Scholarship” in 2005. Miss Angel was a feature performer in the “Make a Wish Celebration of Dance Showcase” and has assisted Kevin “Tokyo” Inoue and Sonya Weast.

Miss Angel followed her desire to study dance in New York City where she was enrolled in the work/study program at Broadway Dancer Center. The program allowed her the opportunity to train at the top dance facilities in New York City. Miss Angel credits her training to industry greats such as: Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh, Mandy Moore, Zandra Thomas, Mike Minery, Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, Gil Stromig, Jake McWilliams and Nick Lazzerini. After studying extensively with them in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Ballet for two years in New York, Angel was eager to get back into the classroom to share her style and techniques with students.

Miss Angel is widely recognized for her unique and edgy style of dance and her award winning choreography. Recently she has received awards for Overall Junior and Senior Top Scoring Small Groups, Large Groups, and Duo/Trios, Fabulous Feet, Overall Choreography Excellence, Best Original Contemporary and Lyrical Choreography, Best Open Choreography, and Best All-around Choreography. She has had an impressive run with the Pink Ladies and is enthusiastic to continue the journey with them. She not only choreographs and trains the competitive dancers, but she has found comfort in teaching and inspiring dancers of all levels. She has a way of touching her student’s lives with passion, emotional expression and a creative style of dance.

Since Angel began the Contemporary trend in the Richmond market, her classes are desired from students from other dance venues. Her classes fill quickly since she can inspire, educate, create unique movement, and make the experience of her class positive and uplifting. She teaches her students to understand their bodies and how they have the ultimate control to create any movement asked or desired. Miss Angel’s forte is giving her students the opportunity to dig deep within themselves and try movement that may not “feel “natural. Miss Angel will be joining the Encore staff for a third year to share her vast competitive background with the Pink Ladies and all the dancers of Encore Studio.

Brittany Whitmoyer

	Brittany Whitmoyer Instructor Brittany grew up dancing in Landisville, Pennsylvania. She studied under Lancaster School of Ballet, and Ballet Theatre of Lancaster. She is trained in Cecchetti technique. Brittany took her training to East Carolina University where she graduated in 2008 Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance with a Contemporary Concentration. After graduating, Brittany continued her Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Modern training in New York, New York. She joined the Mariana Bekerman Dance Company and preformed professionally with them. She then founded the bnw:dance Contemporary Ensemble where she currently serves as Artistic Director. Under her direction, her choreography has been presented at the Uptown Performance Series, Galapaganos Art Space, South Street Seaport and a fully funded season at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange. She has also performed at the Bates Dance Festival, ADCFA and at the opening of the Democratic Convention. bnw:dance performs regionally and nationally and continues to offer performances in Richmond, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Miss Brittany has become a sought after instructor in the Richmond area and has served as a guest artist at Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts and the Z.Mullins Dance Company. A few of Brittany's professional ballet credits include "The Nutcracker", "Alice in Wonderland", Snow White", and "Chippolino". Brittany will use her enthusiasm to oversee the classical ballet program at Encore Studio. She teaches a blended style of ballet technique and will continue her work with bnw:dance while inspiring the dancers of Encore Studio. Brittany is happy to call Virginia her home and looks forward to continuing the development of the Ballet and Modern programs at Encore Studio.

Brittany Whitmoyer
Instructor
Brittany grew up dancing in Landisville, Pennsylvania. She studied under Lancaster School of Ballet, and Ballet Theatre of Lancaster. She is trained in Cecchetti technique. Brittany took her training to East Carolina University where she graduated in 2008 Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance with a Contemporary Concentration.

After graduating, Brittany continued her Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Modern training in New York, New York. She joined the Mariana Bekerman Dance Company and preformed professionally with them. She then founded the bnw:dance Contemporary Ensemble where she currently serves as Artistic Director. Under her direction, her choreography has been presented at the Uptown Performance Series, Galapaganos Art Space, South Street Seaport and a fully funded season at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange. She has also performed at the Bates Dance Festival, ADCFA and at the opening of the Democratic Convention. bnw:dance performs regionally and nationally and continues to offer performances in Richmond, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Miss Brittany has become a sought after instructor in the Richmond area and has served as a guest artist at Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts and the Z.Mullins Dance Company.

A few of Brittany's professional ballet credits include "The Nutcracker", "Alice in Wonderland", Snow White", and "Chippolino". Brittany will use her enthusiasm to oversee the classical ballet program at Encore Studio. She teaches a blended style of ballet technique and will continue her work with bnw:dance while inspiring the dancers of Encore Studio. Brittany is happy to call Virginia her home and looks forward to continuing the development of the Ballet and Modern programs at Encore Studio.

Cheryl Lynn Brower

	Cheryl Lynn Brower Instructor Born and raised in Point Pleasant, NJ, Cheryl Brower started her extensive training with Denise Daniele Dance Studios where she trained for 15 years. There she participated in the "City Lights Dance Company" and participated in competitions throughout the East Coast. On the competitive circuit, Miss Cheryl was a standout and won scholarships in Jazz and Tap from conventions such as, *Jump, NYCDA* and the Tremaine Dance Series. Miss Cheryl continued her training throughout high school where she focused her training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern dance styles. She attended East Carolina University's Dance program where her choreography was well received due to her intensity and high energy style. She has recently graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance with a Concentration in Jazz Dance. Miss Cheryl has trained with dance masters such as: Michael Minery, Doug Caldwell, Desiree Robbins, and Keri LaGrand. Growing up close to the many performing outlets in New York City, Miss Cheryl took advantage of as many opportunities to train and perform as she could. She continues to take classes to provide her students with stimulating and innovative material. Miss Cheryl will be sharing her unique talents in Tap and Jazz with the students of Encore. Her professional credits include participation in the annual "Dancers Responding to Aids Benefit" in Bryant Park, NYC for an audience of over 3,000. She has also performed in the Broadway production of "Broadway's Greatest Showstoppers" featuring the New York Philharmonic, Marvin Hamlisch, and Tony Award winners Kristin Chenoweth, and Raul Esparza. Miss Cheryl has also performed as part of Mike Minery's tap intensive in the off Broadway production of "SLIDE" accompanied by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The Encore family is honored to have Cheryl's expertise, extensive training and choreographic abilities on staff. She is anxious to meet all the dancers of Encore Studio and share her talent with the competitive and novice dancers. She has planned her curriculum to progress each student to a higher level of training and is prepared to push and challenge each class. Cheryl is extremely excited to make Richmond her home and join the family at Encore Studio. She can't wait to get started on a productive and fun year!

Cheryl Lynn Brower
Instructor
Born and raised in Point Pleasant, NJ, Cheryl Brower started her extensive training with Denise Daniele Dance Studios where she trained for 15 years. There she participated in the "City Lights Dance Company" and participated in competitions throughout the East Coast. On the competitive circuit, Miss Cheryl was a standout and won scholarships in Jazz and Tap from conventions such as, Jump, NYCDA and the Tremaine Dance Series.

Miss Cheryl continued her training throughout high school where she focused her training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern dance styles. She attended East Carolina University's Dance program where her choreography was well received due to her intensity and high energy style. She has recently graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance with a Concentration in Jazz Dance. Miss Cheryl has trained with dance masters such as: Michael Minery, Doug Caldwell, Desiree Robbins, and Keri LaGrand.

Growing up close to the many performing outlets in New York City, Miss Cheryl took advantage of as many opportunities to train and perform as she could. She continues to take classes to provide her students with stimulating and innovative material. Miss Cheryl will be sharing her unique talents in Tap and Jazz with the students of Encore. Her professional credits include participation in the annual "Dancers Responding to Aids Benefit" in Bryant Park, NYC for an audience of over 3,000. She has also performed in the Broadway production of "Broadway's Greatest Showstoppers" featuring the New York Philharmonic, Marvin Hamlisch, and Tony Award winners Kristin Chenoweth, and Raul Esparza. Miss Cheryl has also performed as part of Mike Minery's tap intensive in the off Broadway production of "SLIDE" accompanied by the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

The Encore family is honored to have Cheryl's expertise, extensive training and choreographic abilities on staff. She is anxious to meet all the dancers of Encore Studio and share her talent with the competitive and novice dancers. She has planned her curriculum to progress each student to a higher level of training and is prepared to push and challenge each class. Cheryl is extremely excited to make Richmond her home and join the family at Encore Studio. She can't wait to get started on a productive and fun year!

Samantha Dahowski

	Samantha Dahowski Instructor Samantha Dahowski is a recent transplant to Virginia from New York. She began her training in Poughkeepsie, NY and trained with the New Palz School of Ballet under the direction of Lisa and Peter Nauman of the New York City Ballet. She also trained with Tara Sommerville of the Joffery Ballet. Samantha’s commitment allowed her the opportunity to start competitive dance at the age of 5. With her extensive competitive background, Samantha was selected as one of the “Top 20 of 2007” dancers by the Dance Olympus Summer Tour. She was selected by Mignon Furman to attend the American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive program and participated during the summers of 2000-2006. Brian Friedman and Tyce Diorio, judges from “So You Think You Can Dance” personally selected Samantha for the Clear Talent Group Agency Award in 2006 for her jazz performance to Janet Jackson’s “Just Wait Awhile”. Samantha received her Associates in Performing Arts from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York. After graduating top of her class, she was asked to return to the College as a guest artist and choreographer, where she was able to develop her choreographic style and technical curriculum. Her artistry inspired dancers to interpret feelings through music and movement. Samantha has developed a strong training system which emphasizes on correct body alignment, abdominal and core strength, centering and hip placement. Her approach is to instruct while offering diversified and challenging choreography and the opportunity for a dancer to free their body of bad habits and expand their ability. Miss Samantha’s students will be prepared for the demands of advanced training and future auditions for competitive programs, performing arts high schools and pre or professional summer programs. While mastering her choreographic skills, Samantha worked for Stephen Press, of the original Broadway Pulitzer Prize winning production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” and choreographer for his musical “Brundibar”. She has worked with competitive students of all ages and abilities choreographing work for competition; and she is privileged to add many choreographic honors to her name. Samantha is an educator, choreographer and performer in the Dance Arts and her distinctive style and technical perfection will be an asset to the students of Encore Studio. Her passion for dance combined with her love for teaching has led her to the floors of Encore Studio and she is eager to help each dancer individually obtain their personal goals in dance and performance. Students of all ages will be captivated by her smile and intrigued by her eagerness to dance; Samantha’s personality will motivate and inspire the dancers of Encore Studio and we are honored to have her on staff.

Samantha Dahowski
Instructor
Samantha Dahowski is a recent transplant to Virginia from New York. She began her training in Poughkeepsie, NY and trained with the New Palz School of Ballet under the direction of Lisa and Peter Nauman of the New York City Ballet. She also trained with Tara Sommerville of the Joffery Ballet. Samantha’s commitment allowed her the opportunity to start competitive dance at the age of 5. With her extensive competitive background, Samantha was selected as one of the “Top 20 of 2007” dancers by the Dance Olympus Summer Tour. She was selected by Mignon Furman to attend the American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive program and participated during the summers of 2000-2006. Brian Friedman and Tyce Diorio, judges from “So You Think You Can Dance” personally selected Samantha for the Clear Talent Group Agency Award in 2006 for her jazz performance to Janet Jackson’s “Just Wait Awhile”.

Samantha received her Associates in Performing Arts from Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York. After graduating top of her class, she was asked to return to the College as a guest artist and choreographer, where she was able to develop her choreographic style and technical curriculum. Her artistry inspired dancers to interpret feelings through music and movement. Samantha has developed a strong training system which emphasizes on correct body alignment, abdominal and core strength, centering and hip placement. Her approach is to instruct while offering diversified and challenging choreography and the opportunity for a dancer to free their body of bad habits and expand their ability. Miss Samantha’s students will be prepared for the demands of advanced training and future auditions for competitive programs, performing arts high schools and pre or professional summer programs. While mastering her choreographic skills, Samantha worked for Stephen Press, of the original Broadway Pulitzer Prize winning production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” and choreographer for his musical “Brundibar”. She has worked with competitive students of all ages and abilities choreographing work for competition; and she is privileged to add many choreographic honors to her name.

Samantha is an educator, choreographer and performer in the Dance Arts and her distinctive style and technical perfection will be an asset to the students of Encore Studio. Her passion for dance combined with her love for teaching has led her to the floors of Encore Studio and she is eager to help each dancer individually obtain their personal goals in dance and performance. Students of all ages will be captivated by her smile and intrigued by her eagerness to dance; Samantha’s personality will motivate and inspire the dancers of Encore Studio and we are honored to have her on staff.