DMA ALUMNI

Ohio University, Minor in Dance Choreography and Performance

I would say the most formative experience I’ve had has been spending 15 years training at DMA. Not only did I refine and expand my technique in dance, I developed an incredible community at the studio. Friendships with other students made me look forward to class, and the consistent guidance and mentorship from instructors provided the perfect setting to inspire growth. Something that I think sets DMA apart are the opportunities to watch, learn, and perform dance throughout Chicago. I learned professionalism and developed such an appreciation for both the artistry and athleticism of dance by being immersed in all aspects of it. I always look forward to coming back to the studio!

Dancer with The Crimsonettes, Indiana University's Competitive Club Dance Team

My first few months at Indiana University have been nothing short of amazing! I am studying Media Advertising and Marketing and have loved my classes so far! In September, I achieved one of my life long dreams - making a competitive collegiate dance team! The Crimsonettes are Indiana University's Competitive Club Dance Team under the Club Sport Federation. We have had the opportunity to perform at IU soccer and basketball games, Indiana Pacers games, numerous campus events, and are currently gearing up to compete both Jazz and Pom in the D1 category at the Dance Team Union (DTU) College Classic in Orlando, FL this spring! Being a part of this team has allowed me to continue doing what I love most alongside the sweetest and most hardworking girls. I am so excited to keep working toward all of our goals and be able to represent Indiana on the nationals floor. I also recently went through sorority recruitment and am so beyond happy to be a Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) alongside 85 other likeminded, strong girls in my class! I love to give back and be a part of something bigger and am so proud to be a part of the 2026 Indiana University Dance Marathon, one of the biggest philanthropic organizations in the nation that gives back to Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Those who know me know I love to be actively involved in the communities I am a part of and have loved every second of being here! 

DMA has been one of the most essential places in making me the dancer and person I am. Just recently during sorority recruitment, I was asked multiple times what sisterhood and community meant to me, and without a doubt one of the first things that came to mind was my DMA family. The staff at DMA has helped shape me into not only the dancer that I am, but the whole person. I have learned how to balance time management, communicate well, work with others, and to lead with kindness and patience. I’ve learned these traits not only through my lovely teachers over the years, but through my classmates and the young dancers that I have had the amazing opportunity to teach and also hopefully inspire just like the teachers and older dancers impacted me. Knowing that when I can come home, I have a loving and supportive community awaiting me brings me so much joy and gratitude. Besides being able to practice and learn in the dance studio, DMA has brought so much more into my life. I’m so fortunate to have grown up in this community and now have the privilege to watch others do the same. The lessons I have learned here have truly changed me for the better, and I couldn't thank my parents enough for bringing me to my first DMA class 12 years ago. 

A graduate of Fordham University and the Ailey School, currently dancing professionally in NYC

A graduate of Fordham University and the Ailey School with degrees in Dance and Political Science, Paige is currently a professional freelance dancer in New York City. She works full time with Ballet Hispánico 2  as well as DoubleTake Dance Co, Pangea Dance Collective, and other freelance performances and has had the honor to work with choreographers such as Caili Quan, Gregory Dawson, and Jennifer Archibald. She also teaches dance and fitness in NYC! 

At DMA, I learned to be passionate about the process. The supportive and warm environment at DMA created space to be curious and explore as a young artist which laid the groundwork for me to be an artist who finds fulfillment within the hard work and trial and error required within a rehearsal process.

The strong sense of community at DMA inspired my intention today to be an actively giving and inquisitive artist within the larger dance community.

Notre Dame Ballet Club and Notre Dame Dance Company

I am in the Notre Dame Ballet Club and Notre Dame Dance Company! I get to perform and take dance classes, which is something I really wanted in my collegeexperience. I am so glad I get to continue this art form, even after graduating. DMA really prepared me to be a dancer that listens, leads where they can, and respects others. It’s especially important in a student-led group to be focused and engaged in the choreography, otherwise it’s really hard to get anything done. DMA encouraged all of us to listen to each other, be responsible, and work hard, all of which is very applicable in the new groups I am in. For that I am so grateful!

Graduate of New York University with a BFA in Drama and a minor in Entertainment Business

I am forever grateful to Dance & Music Academy for introducing me to the world of performing arts when I first became a student at just three years old. Through DMA’s musical theatre dance classes, Krissie encouraged me to discover my true passion for theatre.

DMA provided me with invaluable job experience and autonomy as a Director and Teaching Artist for their Musical Theatre Summer Camps. Now, I’ve recently graduated from New York University with a BFA in Drama and a minor in Entertainment Business.

Growing up in a dance community rooted in love and respect has deeply inspired the work I do today with the production company I co-founded in NYC. DMA taught me how to be a compassionate artist who gives back, gave me the opportunity to visit New York City for the first time long before I moved here, and provided the foundational training that made my journey possible. I truly would not be where I am today without them.

Macalester College - Geography and Urban Studies (will start work as a transportation/urban planner)

DMA (and dance in general) made me a spatial thinker, hence my interest in geography. I was always aware of my own body and space, as well as the space I was in while dancing. I have always been interested in how people move through space-- whether that's a combo across the floor or a train across the city! DMA also taught me a lot about community, and placing value in the connections we have to our community. The arts are simply one way we contribute to the community, and that passion for giving back has translated into my urban planning work.

Dancer with The Miami Dance Team at Miami Ohio

Right now I am dancing with The Miami Dance Team at Miami Ohio! We are deep into our nationals prep, practicing daily and cleaning our national routines to get them ready for NDA! DMA has helped me get ready for college dance by training in all styles. Versatility is essential to a college team, so by taking classes ranging from acro to ballet to Pom I was able to develop new skills and my own individual style. I am so thankful for all of the training  I received because DMA led me to be  a fearless and confident dancer. I also learned how to manage school work and dance which made the transition from high-school to college a lot easier.

Student at Arizona State University studying for my BFA in Dance Education

Right now, I’m a student at Arizona State University studying for my BFA in Dance Education, and I’m about to start my internship teaching dance in elementary, middle, and high schools around the Arizona area. At ASU, I train in a lot of different styles of dance and stay really involved in student choreography projects. I also love being part of the production side of performances through our ASU project presentations, where I’ve worked as a stage crew and a soundboard operator. This opened my eyes to opportunities within the production side of dance. Dance is something I truly love, and it’s still such a huge part of my life. I feel really lucky that I get to keep growing in it every day.

DMA helped shape me in so many ways! My teachers were always so supportive and constantly pushed me to believe in myself and go after things that sometimes felt impossible. They helped build my confidence not just as a dancer, but as a person, and really helped me feel comfortable and confident in my own skin. DMA also taught me the importance of community. The connections I made in the studio were so special, and having that kind of support made such a difference, especially when transitioning to college and being away from home. I carry so many of those lessons with me in everything I do now! 

Attending the University of Minnesota and majoring in Entrepreneurial Management, Member of the University of Minnesota Premier Dance Team

I owe so much to DMA. Not only did I learn all of my dance ability from the instructors, but they practically raised me. I was raised alongside people who I’m proud to call my lifelong friends. I learned self motivation, adaptability and most notably self love from this studio. Thank you DMA for gifting me my forever passion.

University of Missouri Competitive Dance Team, Phi Mu’s Dance Troupe

I can confidently say the best experience I ever had was spending 15 years at DMA, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The Dance and Music Academy gave me once in a life time opportunities, an environment that fostered personal growth and creativity, and friends for life. The community at DMA is filled with kindness and encouragement which makes me so excited to come back over breaks and the summer to continue teaching the younger generations. I want to create the same loving environment for them I grew up with. Without DMA I would not be the woman I am today. I was taught how to be a leader on and off the stage. I was taught to be responsible for myself and others. I was taught to be respectful to all around me. I was taught that loving dance comes from your heart, and at the end of the day it is about having fun and sharing your passion with others. Today, I am still dancing daily at my University, and have great plans for the young kiddos at DMA over the summer. I can’t wait to be back with my DMA family, I truly have so much love for all the students and teachers.

University of Missouri - (Dancing competitively in club and school teams)

Leadership has translated into my current schooling as a I am involved in multiple leadership roles both through my dance team and my sorority. Kindness has also translated into my schooling. At DMA everyone is so kind and accepting of everyone and that is very useful with everything I do in college and will also help me in my future career as a nurse. Authenticity has also played a huge role in my current life. Both through dance and my regular life, I always try to be who I am and not let other tell me who I can and cannot be and I learned a lot of that from Krissie, Carrie, and the rest of the teachers at DMA.

Dancer with CODA-one of Chicago’s premiere hip hop and urban dance companies

Jake is currently balancing a Master’s in Social Work at Loyola University with his fifth season at CODA-one of Chicago’s  hip-hop and urban dance collectives.

I’ll never forget DMA, where I was introduced to the world of competitive dance. I was given  a dance family I could rely on. At DMA, I learned that growth in dance doesn’t come easily; it takes dedication, perseverance, and giving your absolute best to reach the next level. Krissie  never stops pushing for her dancers to have  new experiences for growth.

Texas State University: BFA in Dance: Performance and Choreography

The biggest value I took with me from DMA was to remember that dancing is not always about getting the biggest trophy. Of course, as dancers, we all work to be the best that we can be, and to represent our studios and teams in competition scenarios, but DMA taught me to remember that I can also dance for myself and can create to help others. DMA taught me that I can use my creativity to be a light for others as well as staying sane as someone who was never able to sit behind a desk for too long in school. Using this tool in college, to hold myself up while being so far from family, is the best tool and value that I learned from my DMA family.

Graduate with B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, current professional singer, actor, and songwriter

Aurora Penepacker (she/her) is a mixed Filipina-American actor, singer, and songwriter. After growing up in Glenview, Illinois, she earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and is represented by Stewart Talent.

Offstage, she finds inspiration in writing, strumming her guitar, and exploring the great outdoors alongside her beloved dogs.

Notable credits include Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Natasha) at Writer’s Theatre, The King and I (u/s Tuptim) at Drury Lane, Seagulls (Nina) at Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Fantasticks (Luisa) at Citadel Theatre, and Oklahoma! (Laurey) at the Encore Musical Theatre Company.

DMA absolutely helped me get ready for life in the arts! My first acting experience was in the DMA summer camps. Learning how to put on a show, to lift others up through collaboration, and to strive for excellence were all ingrained in my DMA experience. And growing up with you as a role model was indispensable! It inspired me to see you make your life in art, teaching, mentorship, and community-building!

James Madison University - BS in Chemistry with minors in Dance and Math

Teamwork, respect for others, and confidence in myself. I didn’t realize chemistry would require so much group work, but because I was so used to dancing with a group I knew how to do it as well as respecting everyone while doing it. Chemistry and all sciences are male-dominated and dance taught me that you have to jump all in and be confident in yourself for something to turn out the way you want.

Professional Dancer, Trifecta Dance Collective.

My time at DMA has taught me many valuable skills that translate outside of just dance and the studio. Working in a team has allowed me to develop collaborative skills that help me in my work. Further, I was encouraged to use my creativity and get out of my comfort zone at DMA and that not only helped me grow as a dancer but as a person. I continue to develop my choreography skills and are becoming more confident in it as well. I also try to incorporate creative options in my teaching of English as well as I know how important it is to have a way to express oneself beyond just words!

Student at Fordham University- Ailey School

I am currently in my second year in the Ailey/Fordham BFA program pursuing a degree in Dane performance and a minor in marketing. During my time in NYC,  I’ve had incredible opportunities working with top industry choreographers, training with The Rockettes, and training and performing with The Verdon Fosse Legacy. 

From a young age, DMA encouraged and supported my growth as a dancer and performer. At DMA I explored every style of dance alongside singing which gave me an initial foundation I still carry with me today. I also learned how to perform - not just at competitions but also in non-competitive events where I learned how to entertain and share my happiness with an audience.

I will always be grateful to DMA for being my first home studio, and for shaping me as the dancer and performer I am today!