| Faculty & Staff |
Rachel Tan - Director / Instructor / Choreographer
Ms. Rachel Tan is a certified teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (London) and qualified to
enter pupils for Royal Academy Grades and Major examinations. She taught, choreographed
and performed in the Pacific Northwest area and Asia before coming to the Bay Area. Rachel
is a graduate of University of Washington with a major in Communications and a minor in
Dance and Education. She was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society
techniques. She is a member of Dance Masters of America. Rachel is artistic in choreography
and teaches beautifully disciplined ballet.
Ms. Rachel Tan is a certified teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (London) and qualified to
enter pupils for Royal Academy Grades and Major examinations. She taught, choreographed
and performed in the Pacific Northwest area and Asia before coming to the Bay Area. Rachel
is a graduate of University of Washington with a major in Communications and a minor in
Dance and Education. She was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society
techniques. She is a member of Dance Masters of America. Rachel is artistic in choreography
and teaches beautifully disciplined ballet.
Isabelle Sjahsam - (Instructor) Ms. Isabelle Sjahsam studied the rigorous Royal Academy of
Dance system with Connie Vaughan, and at thirteen, moved to England to continue her training and
complete her major examinations in London. While in the United Kingdom, she competed in the
All England Dance Competition, reaching the Quarter Finals with her ballet solo. At the age of
eighteen, she completed her Advanced examination, receiving her certification to teach the Royal
Academy of Dance. She has an International Baccalaureate from the American Community School
in Cobham, England. She also graduated from Mills College with a degree in Dance. Since then
Isabelle has taught dance to all ages, performed, and shown her work at a range of venues. At the
present time, she dances with DanceElixir and appears as a dancer in her own company, ArtFace.
Teaching dance is Isabelle’s passion; she has taught ballet, modern, creative movement, and
stretch and strength conditioning classes.
Dance system with Connie Vaughan, and at thirteen, moved to England to continue her training and
complete her major examinations in London. While in the United Kingdom, she competed in the
All England Dance Competition, reaching the Quarter Finals with her ballet solo. At the age of
eighteen, she completed her Advanced examination, receiving her certification to teach the Royal
Academy of Dance. She has an International Baccalaureate from the American Community School
in Cobham, England. She also graduated from Mills College with a degree in Dance. Since then
Isabelle has taught dance to all ages, performed, and shown her work at a range of venues. At the
present time, she dances with DanceElixir and appears as a dancer in her own company, ArtFace.
Teaching dance is Isabelle’s passion; she has taught ballet, modern, creative movement, and
stretch and strength conditioning classes.
Leigh Ann Koelsch - (Instructor) Ms. Leigh Ann Koelsch is a graduate and licentiate of the
College of the Royal Academy of Dance, London. She was the only graduate in her year to be
awarded Honors for teaching both Graded and Vocational students. She is an associate of the
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in the Modern Theatre and National branches, and an
affiliate of the American Academy of Ballet. She received her early training and taught for
thirteen years at the Susan Hayward School of Dancing in Montara, CA, coaching students for
RAD examinations from Pre-Primary through Solo Seal Award, and preparing students for the
Adeline Genee International Ballet Competition and the Youth America Grand Prix. Leigh Ann
has served as a guest teacher at several RAD schools in California, including summer
programs with Katie Heil School of Ballet and Tahoe Dance School.
College of the Royal Academy of Dance, London. She was the only graduate in her year to be
awarded Honors for teaching both Graded and Vocational students. She is an associate of the
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in the Modern Theatre and National branches, and an
affiliate of the American Academy of Ballet. She received her early training and taught for
thirteen years at the Susan Hayward School of Dancing in Montara, CA, coaching students for
RAD examinations from Pre-Primary through Solo Seal Award, and preparing students for the
Adeline Genee International Ballet Competition and the Youth America Grand Prix. Leigh Ann
has served as a guest teacher at several RAD schools in California, including summer
programs with Katie Heil School of Ballet and Tahoe Dance School.
Bambi Fleeman - (Instructor) Ms. Bambi Fleeman was trained in London in the style of
the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. She is a Royal
Academy of Dance registered teacher, holds a teaching diploma from the Stella Mann
College, England, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance with a Minor in Nutrition and Food
Science from San Jose State University. Bambi has been teaching ballet to children and
adults in the Bay Area since 1983. Working with young people has been especially rewarding
and she enjoys utilizing her educational and professional experience to train future dance
professionals.
the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. She is a Royal
Academy of Dance registered teacher, holds a teaching diploma from the Stella Mann
College, England, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance with a Minor in Nutrition and Food
Science from San Jose State University. Bambi has been teaching ballet to children and
adults in the Bay Area since 1983. Working with young people has been especially rewarding
and she enjoys utilizing her educational and professional experience to train future dance
professionals.
Coreen Danaher - (Instructor) Ms. Coreen Danaher studied the RAD syllabus under the
teaching of Patricia O’Reilly at the Vallejo Ballet Conservatory, and has passed all of the
Vocational examinations. By achieving Honors on her Advanced 2 Vocational exam, she
qualified for the Adeline Genee International Ballet Competition, in which she participated in
2004. Coreen danced professionally with Peninsula Ballet Theater in San Mateo for five
years under the directorship of Michael Lowe. Currently, Coreen is a dancer and Rehearsal
Assistant for the Black Diamond Ballet Theatre in Pittsburgh, CA, and also a dancer with
Moving Arts Dance in Walnut Creek.
teaching of Patricia O’Reilly at the Vallejo Ballet Conservatory, and has passed all of the
Vocational examinations. By achieving Honors on her Advanced 2 Vocational exam, she
qualified for the Adeline Genee International Ballet Competition, in which she participated in
2004. Coreen danced professionally with Peninsula Ballet Theater in San Mateo for five
years under the directorship of Michael Lowe. Currently, Coreen is a dancer and Rehearsal
Assistant for the Black Diamond Ballet Theatre in Pittsburgh, CA, and also a dancer with
Moving Arts Dance in Walnut Creek.
Carol Howard - (Instructor) Ms. Carol Howard has an elementary teaching credential
from California State University, Los Angeles. She received her ballet training in Southern
California from Yvone Cusock, a former RAD children’s examiner. She is an Affiliate
Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
from California State University, Los Angeles. She received her ballet training in Southern
California from Yvone Cusock, a former RAD children’s examiner. She is an Affiliate
Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Jeanie Pors - (Instructor) Ms. Jeanie Pors began her ballet training at age 5 and trained with
Maria and Serge Dare of Portland, Oregon. At age 17, she was awarded a Ford Foundation
scholarship to San Francisco Ballet School, later joining Alan Howard’s Pacific Ballet company
of San Francisco. In 1986, Jeanie opened Benicia Ballet School in Benicia, CA, and has served
as owner and director for 21 years. She also founded Benicia Ballet Theatre (BBT) and has
produced and directed the annual BBT Nutcracker for the past 16 seasons. Jeanie is a Royal
Academy of Dance registered teacher and has coached students in RAD grades 1 to 8 and
vocational Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2. She has placed students in Anaheim Ballet
(soloist) and Sacramento Ballet. She began sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with
the students at Rachel’s Ballet in Fall 2008.
Maria and Serge Dare of Portland, Oregon. At age 17, she was awarded a Ford Foundation
scholarship to San Francisco Ballet School, later joining Alan Howard’s Pacific Ballet company
of San Francisco. In 1986, Jeanie opened Benicia Ballet School in Benicia, CA, and has served
as owner and director for 21 years. She also founded Benicia Ballet Theatre (BBT) and has
produced and directed the annual BBT Nutcracker for the past 16 seasons. Jeanie is a Royal
Academy of Dance registered teacher and has coached students in RAD grades 1 to 8 and
vocational Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2. She has placed students in Anaheim Ballet
(soloist) and Sacramento Ballet. She began sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with
the students at Rachel’s Ballet in Fall 2008.
Sandra Burnham - (Instructor / Examiner in Residence) Ms. Sandra Burnham received her
RAD training in Yorkshire England. At the age of 16, she danced with “Ballet For All”, an education
unit of the Royal Ballet. Following this, a contract was offered to dance in Paris, France, with the
famous “Bluebell Girls” at the Paris Lido, where she stayed for 7 years. After working in New York
as a television production assistant, she returned to England to open her ballet school, to which
she dedicated 23 years. Many pupils went on to gain scholarships and places at England’s most
prestigious vocational schools including the Royal Ballet School. Due to the success of her
school, Sandra was invited to become a Graded Examiner and Tutor for the Royal Academy of
Dance, a position which she has held for the past 19 years. She began coaching our students in
Fall 2008 for the 2009 YAGP - Youth America Grand Prix Competition and coached again for
2010. Dusty Button, a former student of Sandra's, gained the 3rd Place for the 2006 YAGP and is
now dancing professionally with the Royal Ballet.
RAD training in Yorkshire England. At the age of 16, she danced with “Ballet For All”, an education
unit of the Royal Ballet. Following this, a contract was offered to dance in Paris, France, with the
famous “Bluebell Girls” at the Paris Lido, where she stayed for 7 years. After working in New York
as a television production assistant, she returned to England to open her ballet school, to which
she dedicated 23 years. Many pupils went on to gain scholarships and places at England’s most
prestigious vocational schools including the Royal Ballet School. Due to the success of her
school, Sandra was invited to become a Graded Examiner and Tutor for the Royal Academy of
Dance, a position which she has held for the past 19 years. She began coaching our students in
Fall 2008 for the 2009 YAGP - Youth America Grand Prix Competition and coached again for
2010. Dusty Button, a former student of Sandra's, gained the 3rd Place for the 2006 YAGP and is
now dancing professionally with the Royal Ballet.
Maria LaMance – (Artist in Residence) Ms. Maria LaMance, a Bay Area native, received her
classical ballet training at the San Francisco Ballet School. As a dance major at San Francisco
State University, she broadened her training into Modern Dance, anatomy, and kinesiology.
Maria has performed professionally in numerous ballet, modern, and dance theater companies
throughout the Bay Area for over a decade and currently dances with Peninsula Ballet Theatre,
Huckabay McAllister Dance, Lowe Ballet, and Moving Arts Dance, with whom she has recently
performed principal roles on tours to Belarus, France, and Scotland. She has instructed
children, teens, and adults in ballet, modern, drama, and character dance for 15 years. In her
teaching, Maria respects the individual anatomical and developmental capacities of every
student, and emphasizes the importance of musicality and self-expression in the goal of going
beyond technique to connect with the hearts of the audience.
classical ballet training at the San Francisco Ballet School. As a dance major at San Francisco
State University, she broadened her training into Modern Dance, anatomy, and kinesiology.
Maria has performed professionally in numerous ballet, modern, and dance theater companies
throughout the Bay Area for over a decade and currently dances with Peninsula Ballet Theatre,
Huckabay McAllister Dance, Lowe Ballet, and Moving Arts Dance, with whom she has recently
performed principal roles on tours to Belarus, France, and Scotland. She has instructed
children, teens, and adults in ballet, modern, drama, and character dance for 15 years. In her
teaching, Maria respects the individual anatomical and developmental capacities of every
student, and emphasizes the importance of musicality and self-expression in the goal of going
beyond technique to connect with the hearts of the audience.
Connie Vaughan - (Guest Instructor) Ms. Connie Vaughan began her training in Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada then continued at the Hammond School in Chester, England where she passed
her major exams and teacher training. Prior to her teaching career, she danced professionally in
Europe and the USA. She opened her first ballet school in Aspen, Colorado, where some of her
students have become professional dancers with opera ballets in Germany and a soloist with the
National Ballet of Canada. After moving to California, she taught at the Marin Ballet School and
Sonoma State University for seven years. An offer she could not refuse prompted a move back to
Canada to run the Ballet Department at Mount Royal College, Calgary, Alberta. Connie later returned
to Napa, California where she ran her own ballet school for 11 years. She commutes a long
distance to Rachel’s Ballet in Fremont but enjoys the students and the school’s direction. She
shares her love and joy of dance with its discipline and challenges that come along with the
training.
Alberta, Canada then continued at the Hammond School in Chester, England where she passed
her major exams and teacher training. Prior to her teaching career, she danced professionally in
Europe and the USA. She opened her first ballet school in Aspen, Colorado, where some of her
students have become professional dancers with opera ballets in Germany and a soloist with the
National Ballet of Canada. After moving to California, she taught at the Marin Ballet School and
Sonoma State University for seven years. An offer she could not refuse prompted a move back to
Canada to run the Ballet Department at Mount Royal College, Calgary, Alberta. Connie later returned
to Napa, California where she ran her own ballet school for 11 years. She commutes a long
distance to Rachel’s Ballet in Fremont but enjoys the students and the school’s direction. She
shares her love and joy of dance with its discipline and challenges that come along with the
training.
Karen Millar - (Guest Instructor) Ms. Karen Millar has taught ballet in Europe and the United
States over the last 30 years. During her tenure in the Bay Area, she has placed students with
San Francisco Ballet and with the Boston Ballet. She is a graduate and Licentiate of the Royal
Academy of Dance in London. She holds her Advanced Executant with both the Royal Academy
of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. While at the Royal Academy she
studied ballet, character dance, Spanish dance, historical dance, English folk dance, national
dance choreography, jazz and contemporary dance with a special emphasis on dance pedagogy.
Karen settled in the South Bay where she owned and operated Ballet Capriole for 10 years
before becoming Director of Ballet at East West Music and Dance.
States over the last 30 years. During her tenure in the Bay Area, she has placed students with
San Francisco Ballet and with the Boston Ballet. She is a graduate and Licentiate of the Royal
Academy of Dance in London. She holds her Advanced Executant with both the Royal Academy
of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. While at the Royal Academy she
studied ballet, character dance, Spanish dance, historical dance, English folk dance, national
dance choreography, jazz and contemporary dance with a special emphasis on dance pedagogy.
Karen settled in the South Bay where she owned and operated Ballet Capriole for 10 years
before becoming Director of Ballet at East West Music and Dance.
Copyright 2011-2012 Rachel's Ballet - Fremont, CA & Dublin, CA - Phone (510) 656-0920 - www.rachelsballet.com |
Carolyn Littlejohn - (Director's Assistant) Ms. Carolyn Littlejohn joined the staff of Rachel's
Ballet in September 2009 as the Director's Assistant. She handles administrative and
facility-related matters and also coordinates communication with our ballet families.
Ballet in September 2009 as the Director's Assistant. She handles administrative and
facility-related matters and also coordinates communication with our ballet families.
"Training and Inspiring Dancers and Teachers of Tomorrow" |
Howard Burnham - (Drama Instructor) Mr. Howard Burnham holds an honors degree in
History from the University of Durham, England. He was a co-founder of England’s 1812 Theatre
Company and of the Ryedale Arts Festival. Since moving to the States, he has been for the past
several years a Literary Artist in Residence of the Richland County Public Library (US Library of the
Year, 2001). Much of his drama work is historical characterization for the National Park Service.
Howard filmed the role of Lord Cornwallis for the BBC-PBS series “Rebels and Redcoats”. He
has nearly forty years experience of drama coaching young people. You can visit him at www.
howardburnham.com
History from the University of Durham, England. He was a co-founder of England’s 1812 Theatre
Company and of the Ryedale Arts Festival. Since moving to the States, he has been for the past
several years a Literary Artist in Residence of the Richland County Public Library (US Library of the
Year, 2001). Much of his drama work is historical characterization for the National Park Service.
Howard filmed the role of Lord Cornwallis for the BBC-PBS series “Rebels and Redcoats”. He
has nearly forty years experience of drama coaching young people. You can visit him at www.
howardburnham.com
Vivian Aragon - (Instructor) Ms. Vivian Aragon is a recent graduate of SUNY Purchase in New
York where she earned a BFA in Dance and a BA in Art History. Upon her return to California, she
danced with Peninsula Ballet Theatre for two seasons, performing soloist roles. During her college
years, she also studied in the Netherlands at the Rotterdam Dance Academy. Her early training
followed the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus at the Susan Hayward School of Dance in Montara,
California. She completed all of the RAD examinations attaining the status of Associate of the Royal
Academy of Dance and was invited to compete as a semi-finalist in the Adeline Genee International
Ballet Competition in Sydney, Australia. She has also performed in other international venues, such
as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, as a principal with Burklyn Ballet Theatre, and the
Springboard Montreal Professional Project in Canada. Vivian has been a ballet instructor for ten
years, and is also a talented and accomplished choreographer.
York where she earned a BFA in Dance and a BA in Art History. Upon her return to California, she
danced with Peninsula Ballet Theatre for two seasons, performing soloist roles. During her college
years, she also studied in the Netherlands at the Rotterdam Dance Academy. Her early training
followed the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus at the Susan Hayward School of Dance in Montara,
California. She completed all of the RAD examinations attaining the status of Associate of the Royal
Academy of Dance and was invited to compete as a semi-finalist in the Adeline Genee International
Ballet Competition in Sydney, Australia. She has also performed in other international venues, such
as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, as a principal with Burklyn Ballet Theatre, and the
Springboard Montreal Professional Project in Canada. Vivian has been a ballet instructor for ten
years, and is also a talented and accomplished choreographer.
Lindsey Salvadalena - (RAD Instructor in Training) Ms. Lindsey Salvadalena, a native of
New Orleans, Louisiana, began her training under Bolshoi Ballet Academy graduate,
Constantin Apetrei, and his wife, Kelly Apetrei. Lindsey attended New Orleans Center for
Creative Arts, studying under RAD trained and former Joffrey Ballet dancer, Jan Miller. Her
summers were spent training at Boston Ballet School and Washington School of Ballet. She
attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in New York.
Immediately upon graduation, Lindsey relocated to perform with San Francisco-based
contemporary company, Liss Fain Dance. With Liss Fain Dance, she performed throughout the
U.S. and internationally, including Jacob's Pillow, Silesian Dance Festival, and International
Dance Forum. Since leaving Liss Fain Dance, she has performed with Oakland Ballet, and
currently dances for Peninsula Ballet Theatre as a soloist. Lindsey has taught in New York and
throughout the Bay Area, including Western Ballet and Peninsula Ballet Theatre Conservatory of
Dance. Lindsey will join our school for Fall 2011.
New Orleans, Louisiana, began her training under Bolshoi Ballet Academy graduate,
Constantin Apetrei, and his wife, Kelly Apetrei. Lindsey attended New Orleans Center for
Creative Arts, studying under RAD trained and former Joffrey Ballet dancer, Jan Miller. Her
summers were spent training at Boston Ballet School and Washington School of Ballet. She
attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in New York.
Immediately upon graduation, Lindsey relocated to perform with San Francisco-based
contemporary company, Liss Fain Dance. With Liss Fain Dance, she performed throughout the
U.S. and internationally, including Jacob's Pillow, Silesian Dance Festival, and International
Dance Forum. Since leaving Liss Fain Dance, she has performed with Oakland Ballet, and
currently dances for Peninsula Ballet Theatre as a soloist. Lindsey has taught in New York and
throughout the Bay Area, including Western Ballet and Peninsula Ballet Theatre Conservatory of
Dance. Lindsey will join our school for Fall 2011.
Katrena Cohea - (Guest Instructor) Ms. Katrena Cohea received her early training with
Jeanie Pors at Benicia Ballet School. She danced with the San Francisco Conservatory of
Dance under Summer Lee Rhatigan for 4 years, working with notable Bay Area
choreographers including Alex Ketly, Robert Moses and Cheryl Chaddick. A trained Spanish
and Flamenco dancer, Katrena was an apprentice and company member of Brisas de Espana
Flamenco and Spanish Dance Company under the direction of Carolina Lugo for 3 years. She
has passed both grades and vocational Royal Academy of Dance exams, including Advanced
2, making her an Associate of the RAD. A soon to be registered RAD teacher, Katrena recently
completed the RAD’s Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program. She has taught at
Benicia Ballet School and Orinda Community Center, and was the Head Dance Instructor at
Community Youth Center in Concord. Katrena will join our school for Fall 2011.
Jeanie Pors at Benicia Ballet School. She danced with the San Francisco Conservatory of
Dance under Summer Lee Rhatigan for 4 years, working with notable Bay Area
choreographers including Alex Ketly, Robert Moses and Cheryl Chaddick. A trained Spanish
and Flamenco dancer, Katrena was an apprentice and company member of Brisas de Espana
Flamenco and Spanish Dance Company under the direction of Carolina Lugo for 3 years. She
has passed both grades and vocational Royal Academy of Dance exams, including Advanced
2, making her an Associate of the RAD. A soon to be registered RAD teacher, Katrena recently
completed the RAD’s Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program. She has taught at
Benicia Ballet School and Orinda Community Center, and was the Head Dance Instructor at
Community Youth Center in Concord. Katrena will join our school for Fall 2011.