SUMMER INTENSIVE — Lake Country Dance

We are beyond excited to invite your dancer to an incredible training opportunity at Lake Country Dance!

This summer, we are bringing an unbelievable lineup of professional dancers, collegiate athletes, choreographers, educators, judges, and industry professionals directly to our dancers. These are artists and instructors with experience performing, teaching, and competing at the highest levels across the country and around the world.

From Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York, and beyond, our guest faculty will be sharing their expertise, passion, and knowledge with our dancers in a way that simply isn't available during the regular season.

JUNE GUEST INSTRUCTORS

MADDIE CURTIS

JUNE 22

LYRICAL & TECHNIQUE | Madison Curtis is a Milwaukee-based instructor, choreographer, and dancer. She trained at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and earned her B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance Performance from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2024. Madison has performed with the Panther Dance Team and in numerous faculty dance concerts, while also bringing years of experience in the All-Star dance world as both a dancer and coach. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where dancers feel confident, inspired, and proud of their growth.
AIDAN AROMA

JUNE 22

Jazz Fundamentals | Aidan Aloma is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Sam Houston State University with a BFA in Dance. He began dancing at age two and trained extensively with competitive, ballet, and contemporary programs throughout Texas. Aidan has performed with several pre-professional and contemporary dance companies and is currently entering his second season with Giordano Dance Chicago. He also serves as a Lead Assistant and Social Media Manager for Dupree Dance. Aidan is grateful for the mentors, instructors, and family members who have supported his journey as an artist. (photo: Todd Rosenberg, Courtesy of Giordano Dance Chicago.)
SADIE CURTIS

JUNE 22

BALLET | Sadie Curtiss is a ballerina with Ballet Theatre of Maryland starting this upcoming season. She has performed as an apprentice and guest artist with Wisconsin Dance Theatre and modeled for Raleigh Fashion Week, under Gray Models and Talent. Her dance training covers various styles, including ballet, contemporary, acro, jazz, tap, and hip hop, with formal education from Sarasota Ballet, Boca Ballet, The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, and Wisconsin Dance Theatre Conservatory. She looks forward to sharing her passion for dance and her experience with young dancers.
COURTNEY KOPCHINSKI

JUNE 23

HIP HOP | Courtney Kopchinski is a Milwaukee-based dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor. She currently serves as the Head Dance Coach for the Milwaukee Brewers Dance Crew and earned her BFA in Dance from University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2021. While classically trained, Courtney’s passion lies in commercial dance, blending strong technique, dynamic movement, and expressive performance. She teaches Contemporary, Floorwork, Hip Hop, Femme, and Commercial Dance, creating an inclusive and uplifting environment where dancers are encouraged to grow, connect, and build confidence both in and out of the studio.
TAYLOR SAWATSKY

JUNE 23
GAME DAY POM | With over 18 years of dance experience, Taylor Sawatzky began dancing at age 2 and trained for 10 years at the Academy of Dance Arts under Sherry Moray, Ricky Ruiz, and Carrie Nicastro Ruiz. Her training includes jazz, ballet, contemporary, modern, musical theater, and tap. She is entering her fourth year on the University of Illinois Illinettes Dance Team, performing at football and basketball games, bowl games, and international events including Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This fall, she will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of dance, she is pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois.
AUDREY HENK

JUNE 23
JAZZ | bio coming soon!
SOFIYA JONES

JUNE 24
POM | I grew up competing with dance studios on the Chicago suburbs and have trained in a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, pom, and tap. I also danced on Benet Academy’s Varsity Dance Team throughout high school and have been teaching and choreographing in studio settings since the age of 15. I’m currently a member of the Illinois State University Competitive Dance Team, where my team competed at NDA Nationals last season and earned 2nd place in both the D1 Jazz and D1 Team Performance categories. I’m passionate about creating positive, high-energy classes that help dancers grow in both confidence and performance quality while sharing my love for dance with younger dancers.
COURTNEY KOPCHINSKI

JUNE 24
DANCE FOR FILM | Courtney Kopchinski is a Milwaukee-based dancer, choreographer, and fitness instructor. She currently serves as the Head Dance Coach for the Milwaukee Brewers Dance Crew and earned her BFA in Dance from University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2021. While classically trained, Courtney’s passion lies in commercial dance, blending strong technique, dynamic movement, and expressive performance. She teaches Contemporary, Floorwork, Hip Hop, Femme, and Commercial Dance, creating an inclusive and uplifting environment where dancers are encouraged to grow, connect, and build confidence both in and out of the studio.
MADZ WAMSLEY

JUNE 24
HIP HOP | With a strong foundation in All Star dance, a successful collegiate career, experience on NDA staff, and her current role as a professional dancer with the Chicago Luvabulls, Madelyn brings a diverse and accomplished background to our program. Her extensive training in hip hop and performance experience at the highest levels provide valuable expertise and perspective for our dancers. Madelyn is passionate about developing strong, versatile performers through intentional training, technical excellence, and artistic growth. She encourages dancers to build confidence, refine their skills, and approach movement with both purpose and authenticity.

AUGUST GUEST INSTRUCTORS

LEAH MUSKA

AUGUST 17

TEAM PERFORMANCE | Hi! My name is Leah Muska and I am from Lockport, IL. I’ve been dancing for 15 years, and am a third year member of the Illinois State Competitive Dance Team. We are 2x NDA national runner-ups in D1 Jazz and Team Performance! I can’t wait to share my passion for dance with you!
TIFFANY KADANI

AUGUST 17 & 18

BALLET & INJURY PREVENTION | Tiffany Kadani is a ballet and contemporary dance educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has taught at The Washington Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she currently teaches Ballet, Modern Dance, and Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology.
Tiffany earned her Bachelor's Degree in Dance from Brigham Young University and holds American Ballet Theatre Teaching Certification in Levels I–III. She is also a Certified Movement Analyst through Performance Pilates and a Pointe Safe-certified instructor.
Drawing from her expertise in dance science and kinesiology, Tiffany specializes in injury prevention, anatomical awareness, and healthy technique. Her classes help dancers build strength, confidence, and longevity while supporting both technical and artistic growth.
KYLEIGH HILL

AUGUST 17
COLLEGE GAME DAY | Kyleigh Hill is a graduate of Alma College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Sports Management and Dance. During her time at Alma, Kyleigh was a dedicated member of the Alma College Dance Team and served as captain for three years. She helped lead her team to nine national championship titles. As an experienced dancer, instructor, and choreographer, Kyleigh is passionate about sharing her love of dance with students of all ages and skill levels.
KYRA LASTER

AUGUST 18

JAZZ | Kyra is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she received a BFA in Dance and a BBA in Marketing. During her time at WMU, Kyra participated in numerous Department of Dance concerts where she performed works choreographed by faculty, peers and by guest artists, BAIRA and Mike Esperanza. In 2019, she became the Artistic Director of Hip Hop ConnXion Michigan, a branch of the professional hip hop company based in Chicago. Kyra is currently a company member with Dance in The Parks Chicago and Hot Crowd Dance and her choreography has been showcased in Detroit Dance City Festival and Alluvion Dance Chicago Choreography Festival. Additional training includes Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Summer Intensive, University of Illinois Summer Intensive and Ruth Page Choreography Intensive. She is also the Studio Manager for American Dance Center and co-directs their senior performance team.
ASHLEY TOMASZEWSKI

AUGUST 18
ATHLETICISM & ARTISTRY | Ashley is a dance educator, choreographer, and arts leader with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University, where she graduated cum laude with departmental honors. Her choreography has been presented internationally and featured at festivals and professional programs across the country, including L.A. Contemporary Dance Company’s Choreographic Institute and MashUp’s International Women’s Day Festival. Ashley is the Founder and Director of Three Point Project and its Professional Training Company, the Artistic Director of Studio One Dance Company in Wales, Wisconsin, and the Founder and Director of Redefine Dance Convention. She is passionate about creating meaningful artistic experiences that challenge, inspire, and empower dancers to reach their full potential.
KIERA HINES

AUGUST 19
CONTEMPORARY | Kierra Hines began her dance training in the Chicago area before pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Modern at Point Park University, graduating in the Spring of 2024. Throughout her training, she had the privilege of performing works by Martha Graham, Al Blackstone, Jess Hendricks, among others. Along with performing, she is passionate about teaching and choreography. She had the honor of receiving the Outstanding Student Choreography Award from the Tomayko Foundation in Pittsburgh, PA. Kierra previously danced as an associate with Winifred Haun & Dancers and is in her third season as a company member with The LAUNCH Chicago. Throughout her professional experience she has had the privilege of working with Ricky Ruiz, Michelle Meltzer, Jessica Deahr and more. Kierra is dedicated to sharing her love of dance with the next generation and continues to inspire through both performance and education.
KENDALL LARSON

AUGUST 19
COMPETITIVE POM | Hello! My name is Kendall Larson, and I'm an upcoming junior on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's dance team. I have been dancing for 15 years, in both studio and competition training. Within my time of dancing, I have been able to work with teams and individuals on elevating their skills and confidence through this sport. I'm super excited to share my passion for dance with you all!
CAYLA SKURAN

AUGUST 19
FLOW & FLOORWORK | Cayla Skuran (She/Her) is a current Chicago-based professional dancer, performing in productions and festivals throughout the city with The LAUNCH Chicago and Ardent Dance Company. In her freelance work, she collaborates on dance films and interdisciplinary projects with fellow artists in Chicago’s dance community. Cayla approaches performance and choreography as a reflection of exploration, where athleticism meets expressive storytelling. Cayla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Communication Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Alongside her professional dance career, she works as the Administrative Associate for the professional jazz dance company, Giordano Dance Chicago.

Classes will be broken into Mini, Youth, and Junior/Senior divisions, ensuring age-appropriate instruction and training for every dancer. Our guest faculty will tailor material to each group's developmental level and experience, allowing dancers to be challenged, inspired, and successful regardless of age.

This is an opportunity to train with some of the best minds in dance, gain exposure to new styles and techniques, learn what it takes to succeed at the collegiate and professional levels, and leave inspired, motivated, and more confident than ever before.

Whether your dancer dreams of competing at a higher level, dancing in college, pursuing professional opportunities, or simply becoming the strongest dancer they can be, these intensives are designed to challenge, inspire, and transform them.