Elite Alumni

Ashley Cizmar

I speak for myself, and my fellow alumni, when I say Elite is truly a blessing. I am currently earning a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Illinois and pursuing a professional dance career; I have the amazing faculty to thank for that. They taught us how to be better technicians, artists, students, and people. I am teaching dance through the university and at a local dance studio, and I am so proud to pass on the knowledge Mrs. Andrea and the other teachers have given me. Elite is a non-competitive, encouraging environment and there wasn't a day that I walked out of the studio doors without feeling accomplished and loved. It has given me great confidence, self-discipline, and lifelong friendships that I could not imagine living without.

Laura Frendling

Since leaving Elite I have gone to Iowa to focus on studying Elementary Education/Special Education. The past two years I have danced and performed in shows with the Iowa Dance Department, I am a captain in the University of Iowa Dance Club, and most recently, I have become a Jazzercise instructor. Of course I am missing Elite! Elite completely turned my dance world around. I wish I had more than three years with the studio before I graduated! Dancing at Elite had made me grow as a dancer in such a short amount of time, and given me the confidence to believe in myself as a dancer as well. Thank you for everything!

Jessie Baetz

After leaving Elite, I have been studying Elementary Education at Ball State University with a minor in Dance Performance. Throughout the year I participate in numerous dance shows, choreographing pieces, as well as dancing in other students' pieces. My passion for dance grew tremendously from being surrounded by encouraging and supportive teachers and dancers at Elite. Elite gave me the inspiration and confidence to continue dancing and express my love for it with others.

Morgan Baetz

I have been studying Elementary Education at Ball State University, along with a minor in Dance. Elite really widened my perspective and excitement for dance, and I have the talented, supportive teachers to thank. Following graduation, I hope to teach at both a school and a studio and share my passion with future dancers.

Emilie Stojak

Being a part of Elite Dance Academy was one of the best decisions I've made. Elite set the standard for what my definition of dance is; I'd been involved in many different dance events or organizations but Elite is my home. No other instructor encouraged me or reached out to me like they did at Elite, no other choreography felt as comfortable to me as Elite's did, and no other dancers felt like family like my friends at Elite do. Elite taught me to work hard for something I love, to keep persisting and enduring even when the task seems too hard or overwhelming to tolerate. I learned responsibility in balancing my schedule between school, work, high school clubs and dance. Taking responsibility for any forgetfulness, timeliness and all of my actions was one of the most valuable lessons I learned because it is my responsibility to represent Elite in a positive way and to be an exemplary role model to younger students. I am currently studying life sciences at the University of Illinois in Urbana- Champaign but I am also involved in a dance team. The team is a student run and student choreographed dance troupe called Illini N Motion where we do miscellaneous performances, such as Volleyball games, and also perform in a spring show. I'm so proud to show what I've learned at Elite and contribute to such a large university. Elite will always be a part of my life wherever I go and whatever I do with my life.

Amanda Ouimette

I am currently in the process of receiving my BS in Kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago and hoping to move on to receive my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Elite Dance Academy has helped me get where I am today in various ways. It was there that I was taught the discipline needed to get things done and to strive for the very best. I was also taught that it was okay to do something wrong every once in a while and to not get upset, but to try until it was corrected and then perfected. This philosophy is definitely needed in the majority of the classes at the university level. Elite also sparked my interest in anatomy of the human body, which is the main reason I chose the career path I chose; starting with the anatomical posters hanging throughout the studios to the very informational summer intensives all the way to the knowledge of the staff, muscle names and actions seemed to be of no problem once I graduated from Elite. Dancing has paved the path to who I am and where I am at today and Elite Dance Academy paved it a smooth one.

Paige Deets

Elite Dance Academy is where I discovered my love for dance! I found a second home at Elite and was trained by the best teachers I could ask for. My teachers taught me everything that they knew about dance while truly caring for me and every student as individuals. After graduating, I am now a dance major at Western Michigan University. Thanks to Elite, I got accepted into this selective program and am doing very well. I love dancing at my school, but I am always looking forward to returning to my favorite teachers and my home at Elite Dance Academy!

Annie Duffy

I am currently in my last year of college at the University of Iowa double majoring in Dance and Health and Human Physiology. After dancing with Elite, it became clear I did not want to give up dancing. Although College Dance has its quirks, Elite sent me off with a broad appreciation for performance dance. Through performing, choreographing, working with guest artists and having the opportunity to be apart of a company here at school, I contribute much of my growth from the strong versatile basis of hard work, creativity, dedication, and continuous love for dance that I was influenced and inspired by at Elite. Most studios treat dance as a hobby, Elite gives it whole other level of joy, compassion and professionalism that I still miss even after all these years away at school.

Becca Dankovich

Dancing at Elite and working with Miss Andrea inspired me to continue dancing in college. I realized I had a real passion for dance. There is nothing I would rather do. At Elite, Miss Andrea introduced me to modern dance. It quickly became my favorite style. To this day, Miss Andrea's modern class is one of my favorite dance classes I have ever taken! The class and the style of dance was different than anything I have ever had before. I found it exciting, challenging, and very fun. As a part of Elite's company, Miss Andrea gave us the opportunity to work with one of her college dance professors and experience dance at the college level at the University of Illinois. The experience was life changing and introduced me to a whole new world. I realized that dance was what I wanted to do. I also felt like the dance program at the University of Illinois was a perfect fit for me and would be a great program me to further my dance studies. As the first semester of my freshmen year comes to an end, I am very happy with my decision. I have enjoyed all of my technique classes and have had great opportunities with guest artists, including John Hinrich of Merce Cunningham Dance Company. I am very excited for my future here. I thank Elite Dance Academy and Miss Andrea for getting me where I am today. The faculty are all such inspiring role models and provide excellent technical training for those who seek it. Elite truly is a place where "the studio becomes your home, the people become your family, and dance becomes your life."

We love hearing from our alumni! Please keep in touch and let us know how and what you are doing.