HOLLY D'ANDREA
Hip-Hop
Miss. Holly is from Midwest City, Oklahoma and has received her B.S. in Political Science from Oklahoma State
University and J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. She studied Dance at Miss Judy's School of Dance,
Furman Gray Isenhour School of Dance, Oklahoma State Ballroom Dancing Organization. Oklahoma State Dance
Championship Top Ten Solosists- self choroeographed, National Cecchetti Convention Summer Camps, Tests Grade
1 & 2, Training grade 1,2,3,4. Annie in Annie at Carl Albert High School. Carl Albert High School Pom Pon Squad,
National Dance Association Summer Camp, and National Dance Association Technique and Showmanship Awards, All
American Pom Pon Nominee, Oklahoma State Dance Team Championship. After moving to Saint Louis to study
Law, Miss. Holly danced at St. Louis Academy of Dance, City Studio, and Caston's Ballet Academie.
Miss. Holly's diversified areas of dance training include, Movement, Musicality, Choreography, Tap, Cecchetti
Ballet, Lyrical Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Pom Pon, Hip-Hop, Techno, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa,
Meringue, Tango and Mambo
Hip-Hop
Miss. Holly is from Midwest City, Oklahoma and has received her B.S. in Political Science from Oklahoma State
University and J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. She studied Dance at Miss Judy's School of Dance,
Furman Gray Isenhour School of Dance, Oklahoma State Ballroom Dancing Organization. Oklahoma State Dance
Championship Top Ten Solosists- self choroeographed, National Cecchetti Convention Summer Camps, Tests Grade
1 & 2, Training grade 1,2,3,4. Annie in Annie at Carl Albert High School. Carl Albert High School Pom Pon Squad,
National Dance Association Summer Camp, and National Dance Association Technique and Showmanship Awards, All
American Pom Pon Nominee, Oklahoma State Dance Team Championship. After moving to Saint Louis to study
Law, Miss. Holly danced at St. Louis Academy of Dance, City Studio, and Caston's Ballet Academie.
Miss. Holly's diversified areas of dance training include, Movement, Musicality, Choreography, Tap, Cecchetti
Ballet, Lyrical Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Pom Pon, Hip-Hop, Techno, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa,
Meringue, Tango and Mambo
MARJORIE BROWN
Hip-Hop
Miss. Marjorie is a former student of Mr. Caston's at Kennard CJA and McKinley CJA! She started a Cheerleading
Squad at 9 yrs old at Kennard CJA. Miss. Marjorie was an All American Nominee Universal Dance Association and
National Dance Association. She has danced with Parkway Central Varsity Poms, and was Captain of Parkway
Central High Steppers. Miss. Marjorie continued her tap and jazz training at Tennessee State University and Coached
Varsity High Steppers at Parkway Central.
Hip-Hop
Miss. Marjorie is a former student of Mr. Caston's at Kennard CJA and McKinley CJA! She started a Cheerleading
Squad at 9 yrs old at Kennard CJA. Miss. Marjorie was an All American Nominee Universal Dance Association and
National Dance Association. She has danced with Parkway Central Varsity Poms, and was Captain of Parkway
Central High Steppers. Miss. Marjorie continued her tap and jazz training at Tennessee State University and Coached
Varsity High Steppers at Parkway Central.
LAURENCE GALIAN
Accompanist
Mr. Galian is the former Senior Dance Accompanist at Hofstra University (Hempstead, New York) where he worked
for twenty-one years before moving to St. Louis with his family in 2004. He has accompanied for Jennifer Muller and
the Works, Natalia Makarova and Company, Joyce Trisler Danscompany, The Daniel Lewis Company, The Eglevsky
Ballet, Dance Theater Workshop, and such artists and teachers as: David Howard, Alexander Bennet (Royal Ballet),
Cherie Noble (Ballet Mistress of the Pennsylvania Ballet), Jean Pierre Bonnefoux (New York City Ballet), Cathy
McCann (Paul Taylor Dance Company), and Regina Larkin and Milton Myers (Joyce Trisler Danscompany).
Laurence Galian began his classical piano studies at the age of six with James Gerard DeMartini a professor of music,
and noted abstract artist, at Brooklyn College (Brooklyn, New York). Laurence Galian has recorded a solo piano album
of ballet music entitled Ballet Music for Barre and Center Floor, available as a double-length CD from Roper Records.
National Public Radio aired his original ballet, Zemzem, on the program “New Sounds with John Schaefer.” In 1999,
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts awarded Laurence Galian a “Regional Certificate of Merit” for his
work as Musical Director at Hofstra University. Laurence is the published author of two books: “Beyond Duality: The
Art of Transcendence” (New Falcon Publications) and “The Sun at Midnight: The Revealed Mysteries of the Ahlul Bayt
Sufis” (Quiddity, Inc.). Laurence Galian is listed in the fifteenth edition of International Who’s Who in Music
(Cambridge, England) as well as Outstanding People of the 20th Century. He is a member of the International Guild of
Musicians in Dance. Laurence is currently accepting new piano students.
Accompanist
Mr. Galian is the former Senior Dance Accompanist at Hofstra University (Hempstead, New York) where he worked
for twenty-one years before moving to St. Louis with his family in 2004. He has accompanied for Jennifer Muller and
the Works, Natalia Makarova and Company, Joyce Trisler Danscompany, The Daniel Lewis Company, The Eglevsky
Ballet, Dance Theater Workshop, and such artists and teachers as: David Howard, Alexander Bennet (Royal Ballet),
Cherie Noble (Ballet Mistress of the Pennsylvania Ballet), Jean Pierre Bonnefoux (New York City Ballet), Cathy
McCann (Paul Taylor Dance Company), and Regina Larkin and Milton Myers (Joyce Trisler Danscompany).
Laurence Galian began his classical piano studies at the age of six with James Gerard DeMartini a professor of music,
and noted abstract artist, at Brooklyn College (Brooklyn, New York). Laurence Galian has recorded a solo piano album
of ballet music entitled Ballet Music for Barre and Center Floor, available as a double-length CD from Roper Records.
National Public Radio aired his original ballet, Zemzem, on the program “New Sounds with John Schaefer.” In 1999,
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts awarded Laurence Galian a “Regional Certificate of Merit” for his
work as Musical Director at Hofstra University. Laurence is the published author of two books: “Beyond Duality: The
Art of Transcendence” (New Falcon Publications) and “The Sun at Midnight: The Revealed Mysteries of the Ahlul Bayt
Sufis” (Quiddity, Inc.). Laurence Galian is listed in the fifteenth edition of International Who’s Who in Music
(Cambridge, England) as well as Outstanding People of the 20th Century. He is a member of the International Guild of
Musicians in Dance. Laurence is currently accepting new piano students.
| Master Class at Caston Ballet with Guest Artist KIM COWEN Prima Ballerina with Kansas City Ballet, Kim Cowen taught a master class November 2004 to our intermediate/advanced students. To find out more about the Master class CLICK HERE. Kim Cowen at Kansas City Ballet's Website |
YULIA VLADIMIROVNA MILLER
Repetiteur
Ballet & Character
Ms. Yulia, a Russian Ballerina, was trained and received her certificate from Novosibirsk State
Ballet School (Russian Federation) Vagonova System. She has recieved her Bachelor's Degree
in advertising,public relations and psychology from Moscow State Social University (Russian
Federation).
As a Professional Ballet Dancer with Novosibirsk State Theater of Opera and Ballet she danced
in Portugal, Spain, Egypt and China Classical Performances such as Swan Lake, Sleeping
Beauty, Nutcracker and Giselle. She also performed as a professional ballet dancer with the
Russian Academy of Dramatic Arts, GITIS, in Moscow ballet tours in China and Spain. She
also has toured the USA and St. Louis with the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker"!!
She loves dancing and looks forward to passing on the professional performance skills to ballet
dancers! She has taught Advanced/Intermediate, Intermediate Ballet Classes, Performance
Enhancement, Variations, and Character Classes at Caston Ballet Academie.
Repetiteur
Ballet & Character
Ms. Yulia, a Russian Ballerina, was trained and received her certificate from Novosibirsk State
Ballet School (Russian Federation) Vagonova System. She has recieved her Bachelor's Degree
in advertising,public relations and psychology from Moscow State Social University (Russian
Federation).
As a Professional Ballet Dancer with Novosibirsk State Theater of Opera and Ballet she danced
in Portugal, Spain, Egypt and China Classical Performances such as Swan Lake, Sleeping
Beauty, Nutcracker and Giselle. She also performed as a professional ballet dancer with the
Russian Academy of Dramatic Arts, GITIS, in Moscow ballet tours in China and Spain. She
also has toured the USA and St. Louis with the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker"!!
She loves dancing and looks forward to passing on the professional performance skills to ballet
dancers! She has taught Advanced/Intermediate, Intermediate Ballet Classes, Performance
Enhancement, Variations, and Character Classes at Caston Ballet Academie.
VINCENT GOLOMSKI
Accompainist
Vincent along with his wife Kittie Moller- the lead vocalist, have worked together in Fanfare for over
30 years. As leader of the band, manager and pianist for Fanfare plays Mowtown, R& B, Classic
Rock, Disco, Pop, Country, Standards and Jazz and Big Band. In addition to the diverse musical
selections Vincent also plays the Classics and Contemporary Favorites for Caston Ballet Academie
classes. This will be his second year at Caston Ballet Academie.
He graduated from SIUE with a Degree in Music Education, Piano Performance, and Vocal Music K-
12. Musical Director for seven musicals at DeSmet Highschool, and two musicals at CBC Highschool.
Vincent has been a music teacher and highschool musical director over 30 years.
He has played before all of the St. Louis Rams games at the Dome for three seasons. USO tour to
Africa, Conventions for General Motors in Las Vegas, San Diego, the Mar-a-Lago Trump Mansion in
Palm Beach. Concerts at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Fair St. Louis, the UMB Bank Pavilion, and
Taste of Clayton to name a few. Appeared on KMOX radio, KSDK television, featured in the St. Louis
Post Dispatch Arts and Education Section.
Through out their career Fanfare has been rated one of the top musical groups in the St. Louis area.
Produced four albums for Fanfare, the Latest CD is “Millennium Musical Tour”.
Accompainist
Vincent along with his wife Kittie Moller- the lead vocalist, have worked together in Fanfare for over
30 years. As leader of the band, manager and pianist for Fanfare plays Mowtown, R& B, Classic
Rock, Disco, Pop, Country, Standards and Jazz and Big Band. In addition to the diverse musical
selections Vincent also plays the Classics and Contemporary Favorites for Caston Ballet Academie
classes. This will be his second year at Caston Ballet Academie.
He graduated from SIUE with a Degree in Music Education, Piano Performance, and Vocal Music K-
12. Musical Director for seven musicals at DeSmet Highschool, and two musicals at CBC Highschool.
Vincent has been a music teacher and highschool musical director over 30 years.
He has played before all of the St. Louis Rams games at the Dome for three seasons. USO tour to
Africa, Conventions for General Motors in Las Vegas, San Diego, the Mar-a-Lago Trump Mansion in
Palm Beach. Concerts at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Fair St. Louis, the UMB Bank Pavilion, and
Taste of Clayton to name a few. Appeared on KMOX radio, KSDK television, featured in the St. Louis
Post Dispatch Arts and Education Section.
Through out their career Fanfare has been rated one of the top musical groups in the St. Louis area.
Produced four albums for Fanfare, the Latest CD is “Millennium Musical Tour”.
| SHANNON CASTON School Director CCB Ballet Mistress Mrs. Caston received her certification from the Missouri Department of Education. While completing her B.S. and B.A. from the University of Missouri at Columbia Biology - Anatomy & Physiology and Art. She studied classical ballet under Michael Simms, modern ballet under Rob Davidson, and Tap under Katherine Kramer at Stephen's College, and Columbia Preforming Arts (home of the Original CedarLake!) through a ballet scholarship. In 2008 attained her Cecchetti Grade I Teaching Certification from the CCA. It is this strong educational background in anatomy and physiology that she uses as a building block for her classes with the utmost concern for developing young bodies. Her 15 years of teaching various forms of dance at many institutions in Columbia and St. Louis. Was the Director of Dance Department for Parkway School District. Throughout her Dance teaching career she has taught at Ballet Midwest, Girls Incorporated, Parkway, and Saint Louis Community School, outside of the dance realm she has taught Biology, Anatomy & Physiology at Lindbergh High School and Yeatman Middle. Mrs. Caston has experience in Ballet, Pas de Deux, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Ballroom, Hip-Hop and Dance Squad. In addition to teaching, choreographing, designing & constructing costumes, and set design. Mrs. Caston also performs for local dance companies and Dance St. Louis with American Ballet Theater and Stuttgart Ballet. She is currently working on more Contemporary dance studies while interning with MADCO (Modern American Dance Company). Her dance students enjoy her enthusiasm for all forms of dance and theater arts. She has developed her classes to stimulate the mind and spirit of her young dancers. Her high energy, creativity and love of dance are used in her unique technique for developing the young dancer's appreciation for Musicality and the Magic of dance. Story time has become one of the many highlights of Ms. Shannon's younger classes. Her students truly sparkle with the joys of dance. Some of her original choreographic works inlcude Dwarfs & Creatures in SNOW WHITE, Town Scene and Flower Garden BEAUTY and the BEAST, MARBLE HALLS, THEY DANCE ALONE, FAR and AWAY, CARRIBBEAN BLUE, and POINTE TANGO. She has recently helped set and performed in works such as Pas de Quatre, Waltz of the Flowers, Arabian Coffee and excerpts from LES SYLPHIDES, TILLIE'S SMILE, LESLIANNA, SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIO, and SANTANA SUPERNATURAL. |
TORRIS CASTON
Artistic Director
Mr. Caston, a "Native" St. Louisan, was trained in ballet by St. Louis legends - Richard
Martin, Doris Dieu, Ron Hansford, Stanley Herbert, Nathalie Levine and Mrs. Michael Simms.
While in New York he completed his Masters Degree from Long Island University in
Anatomy & Physiology and studied at the Joffrey Ballet School. Returning home he
subsequently received his certification as a dance instructor from the Missouri Department of
Education and from the Cecchetti Council of America. Performed numerous ballets as a
Corps and Soloist, Metropolitan Ballet of Saint Louis and St. Louis Ballet Theater.
His over 20 years of teaching ballet credits include: McKinley Classical Leadership Academy -
grades 6 thru 11 - St. Louis magnet School for Gifted and Talented Children, Hosted many
Dance Residencies with Touring Companies (Alvin Ailey, Pilobolus, Paul Taylor, and
Complexions juast to name a few) through Dance St. Louis, several private schools in
Missouri and Illinois, St. Louis Community College and Maryville University.
He has experience in Karate - Tae Kwon Do, Gymnastics and Flamenco. In addition to
teaching, Mr. Caston also performs and choreographs for local dance companies and has
toured both Europe and Russia. Through Dance St. Louis and Muny has performed with
international ballet companies American Ballet Theater, Stuttgart Ballet,
and La Scalla Ballet.
Mr. Caston’s passion for ballet and scientific background has lead to the creation of a series
of exercises aimed at developing beautiful strong feet, has evolved over years of professional
observation using sound physiological principles while keeping anatomical development a key
factor in his series of exercises.
Examples of some of his vast range of works range from re-staging of the classics such as COPPELIA, LA
BOUTIQUE FANTASTIQUE, excerpts from SWAN LAKE and LE CORSAIRE.
Some of his original full length classic and contemporary choreographic balletic works include:
THE NUTCRACKER, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, SNOW WHITE, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE.
Short works such as SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIO, LESLIANNA- Bach, ROMANCE SUITE- Mozart &
Satie, SCHUBERT'S SERENADE, TILLIE'S SMILE - Pachabel's Cannon in D, SISTERS,
NINE INCH NAILS, VINCENT- Starry Starry Night, AMERICAN PIE, SANTANA SUPERNATURAL.
Artistic Director
Mr. Caston, a "Native" St. Louisan, was trained in ballet by St. Louis legends - Richard
Martin, Doris Dieu, Ron Hansford, Stanley Herbert, Nathalie Levine and Mrs. Michael Simms.
While in New York he completed his Masters Degree from Long Island University in
Anatomy & Physiology and studied at the Joffrey Ballet School. Returning home he
subsequently received his certification as a dance instructor from the Missouri Department of
Education and from the Cecchetti Council of America. Performed numerous ballets as a
Corps and Soloist, Metropolitan Ballet of Saint Louis and St. Louis Ballet Theater.
His over 20 years of teaching ballet credits include: McKinley Classical Leadership Academy -
grades 6 thru 11 - St. Louis magnet School for Gifted and Talented Children, Hosted many
Dance Residencies with Touring Companies (Alvin Ailey, Pilobolus, Paul Taylor, and
Complexions juast to name a few) through Dance St. Louis, several private schools in
Missouri and Illinois, St. Louis Community College and Maryville University.
He has experience in Karate - Tae Kwon Do, Gymnastics and Flamenco. In addition to
teaching, Mr. Caston also performs and choreographs for local dance companies and has
toured both Europe and Russia. Through Dance St. Louis and Muny has performed with
international ballet companies American Ballet Theater, Stuttgart Ballet,
and La Scalla Ballet.
Mr. Caston’s passion for ballet and scientific background has lead to the creation of a series
of exercises aimed at developing beautiful strong feet, has evolved over years of professional
observation using sound physiological principles while keeping anatomical development a key
factor in his series of exercises.
Examples of some of his vast range of works range from re-staging of the classics such as COPPELIA, LA
BOUTIQUE FANTASTIQUE, excerpts from SWAN LAKE and LE CORSAIRE.
Some of his original full length classic and contemporary choreographic balletic works include:
THE NUTCRACKER, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, SNOW WHITE, THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE.
Short works such as SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIO, LESLIANNA- Bach, ROMANCE SUITE- Mozart &
Satie, SCHUBERT'S SERENADE, TILLIE'S SMILE - Pachabel's Cannon in D, SISTERS,
NINE INCH NAILS, VINCENT- Starry Starry Night, AMERICAN PIE, SANTANA SUPERNATURAL.
| -------Faculty Alumni---------------------------------- |
| -Ms. Shannon offers very special- DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTIES & GIRL SCOUTS!!! Memories that Last a Lifetime for more details inquire at torris@castonballet.com |
LYNETTE KHOO-SUMMERS, DPT
Modern Jazz Ballet
Lynnette is an instructor/clinician at Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Orthopedic Surgery at
Washington University School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Colorado State
University in Public Relations and Dance and then her clinical doctorate in Physical Therapy from
Washington University School of Medicine. Before embarking on her career in physical therapy, Lynnette
danced for 17 years starting with the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus and then professionally in Chicago.
With her background in dance, her expertise in physical therapy is in the prevention and rehabilitation of all
musculoskeletal conditions especially performing artists (dancers and musicians) as well as performance day
coverage.
Instructor in Physical Therapy 314-286-1586
Program in Physical Therapy http://pt.wustl.edu/
Washington University School of Medicine
4444 Forest Park Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108-2212
Modern Jazz Ballet
Lynnette is an instructor/clinician at Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Orthopedic Surgery at
Washington University School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from Colorado State
University in Public Relations and Dance and then her clinical doctorate in Physical Therapy from
Washington University School of Medicine. Before embarking on her career in physical therapy, Lynnette
danced for 17 years starting with the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus and then professionally in Chicago.
With her background in dance, her expertise in physical therapy is in the prevention and rehabilitation of all
musculoskeletal conditions especially performing artists (dancers and musicians) as well as performance day
coverage.
Instructor in Physical Therapy 314-286-1586
Program in Physical Therapy http://pt.wustl.edu/
Washington University School of Medicine
4444 Forest Park Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108-2212
MARISEL SALASCRUZ
Flamenco
The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society company founder and artistic director, Marisel Salascruz, is a native of
Granada, Spain. She started her dance training at age 5, and has studied in Spain as well as central and North America.
Her teachers include Olga Franco, Pilarín Muñoz, Matilde Coral, Mireya Carballo, and Daniel de Córdoba. Her rich
background gives her the means to provide the purest interpretation of the Classical, Regional and Flamenco Dances of
Spain.
The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society was founded in 1984, and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1987
to perform and teach Spanish Dance in the St. Louis area. Our first annual concert was also in 1987. In 1993 we
expanded our events to include a large centrally located student concert which has regularly reached between 600 and
1400 students. We also give smaller performances at individual high schools where students are unable to travel to a
larger performance. In 1997 we expanded to audiences beyond the St. Louis area with engagements in Branson and
Sikeston.
Click Here to find out more about the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society
Flamenco
The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society company founder and artistic director, Marisel Salascruz, is a native of
Granada, Spain. She started her dance training at age 5, and has studied in Spain as well as central and North America.
Her teachers include Olga Franco, Pilarín Muñoz, Matilde Coral, Mireya Carballo, and Daniel de Córdoba. Her rich
background gives her the means to provide the purest interpretation of the Classical, Regional and Flamenco Dances of
Spain.
The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society was founded in 1984, and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1987
to perform and teach Spanish Dance in the St. Louis area. Our first annual concert was also in 1987. In 1993 we
expanded our events to include a large centrally located student concert which has regularly reached between 600 and
1400 students. We also give smaller performances at individual high schools where students are unable to travel to a
larger performance. In 1997 we expanded to audiences beyond the St. Louis area with engagements in Branson and
Sikeston.
Click Here to find out more about the St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society
JEANNE ENGEL
CCB Board President
Jeanne Engel received her early training in St. Louis with Nathalie LeVine and Michael Simms, then
attended Indiana University where she studied with Marina Svetlova, John Kriza, Anton Dolin and
Nicholas Beriozoff. During that time, she performed in numerous ballets and operas, including
Giselle, Graduation Ball, The Firebird, Pas de Quatre, and the role of Juliet in the premiere of
Beriozoff’s Romeo and Juliet.
After receiving a B.S. in Ballet from the School of Music in 1975, Ms. Engel joined Indianapolis
Ballet Theatre (later Ballet Internationale) under the direction of George Verdak and Dace Dindonis.
Upon returning to St. Louis, Ms. Engel served as Co-Artistic Director of Metropolitan Ballet of St.
Louis from 1980 to 1988, staging numerous original and classical ballets such as Nutcracker, Act II of
Swan Lake and Act III of Sleeping Beauty. She has served as faculty and board member of Alexandra
Ballet and taught pre-professional classes throughout the Midwest. Her costume designs were
featured in Ballet Eclectica’s The Little Dancer in 2006 at the St. Louis Art Museum and in 2007 at
COCA, including those for Michael Uthoff’s Chihuly-inspired ballet and Christine O’Neal’s Tango.
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988, Ms. Engel has remained active in both personal and
professional endeavors. She studies Tai Chi, designs quilts, and participates in a therapeutic creative
writing group through St. Louis University Medical School. Jeanne received a Masters of Liberal Arts
degree from Washington University in May of 2008. She coordinated a special program featuring
Alvin Ailey artist St. Louis native and former ballet student of Torris Caston's - Antonio Douthit
performed in St. Louis in November of 2008.
CCB Board President
Jeanne Engel received her early training in St. Louis with Nathalie LeVine and Michael Simms, then
attended Indiana University where she studied with Marina Svetlova, John Kriza, Anton Dolin and
Nicholas Beriozoff. During that time, she performed in numerous ballets and operas, including
Giselle, Graduation Ball, The Firebird, Pas de Quatre, and the role of Juliet in the premiere of
Beriozoff’s Romeo and Juliet.
After receiving a B.S. in Ballet from the School of Music in 1975, Ms. Engel joined Indianapolis
Ballet Theatre (later Ballet Internationale) under the direction of George Verdak and Dace Dindonis.
Upon returning to St. Louis, Ms. Engel served as Co-Artistic Director of Metropolitan Ballet of St.
Louis from 1980 to 1988, staging numerous original and classical ballets such as Nutcracker, Act II of
Swan Lake and Act III of Sleeping Beauty. She has served as faculty and board member of Alexandra
Ballet and taught pre-professional classes throughout the Midwest. Her costume designs were
featured in Ballet Eclectica’s The Little Dancer in 2006 at the St. Louis Art Museum and in 2007 at
COCA, including those for Michael Uthoff’s Chihuly-inspired ballet and Christine O’Neal’s Tango.
Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988, Ms. Engel has remained active in both personal and
professional endeavors. She studies Tai Chi, designs quilts, and participates in a therapeutic creative
writing group through St. Louis University Medical School. Jeanne received a Masters of Liberal Arts
degree from Washington University in May of 2008. She coordinated a special program featuring
Alvin Ailey artist St. Louis native and former ballet student of Torris Caston's - Antonio Douthit
performed in St. Louis in November of 2008.
| MORGAN CAMERON Artist in Residence is a native of St. Louis who began her dance training at the age of six under the tutelage of Nathalie LeVine at Metropolitan Ballet and Ballet Conservatory of St. Louis. Ms. Cameron also received at schools such as The Joffrey Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, The Kirov Academy, and Harid Conservatory. She went on to dance professionally with Milwuakee Ballet and Atrek Dance Company. Sugar Plum Fairy in Caston's Nutcracker 2008. Ms. Cameron currently performs and teaches dance around the St. Louis area. She recently started the Jackson Piano Company with her husband and is a stay at home mom with her daughter, Isabelle and a new son born Sepetember 2009. |
PATTY KINEALY
Administrative Assistant
Dispatch Supervisor for Six Police/EMS Fire and EMS Departments. BA from Loyola University of
New Orleans. She was a Volley Ball Coach for 4 years and Girl Scout Leader.
Mother of Imani Kinealy new Caston Chamber Ballet Junior Company Member.
Administrative Assistant
Dispatch Supervisor for Six Police/EMS Fire and EMS Departments. BA from Loyola University of
New Orleans. She was a Volley Ball Coach for 4 years and Girl Scout Leader.
Mother of Imani Kinealy new Caston Chamber Ballet Junior Company Member.
PAULA DAVID
Jazz & Ballet "Hubbard Street Style"
Paula’s performing credits include Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Lynda Martha Dance Company and the Lake
Shore Dance Theatre. While performing with HSDC, under the artistic direction of Lou Conte, she worked with
choreographers Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Margo Sappington, David Parsons, Richard Levi, John McFall, Rick Hilsabeck,
Lou Conte and Claire Bataille.
In 1988, Paula began full time teaching and choreographing. During the next 20 years, she taught at several Chicago area
studios including the Lou Conte Dance Studio, Dance Centre North, Northbrook Dance Centre, Sedala School of
Dance, School of Dance West Ballet, and Bonnie Ardelean School of Dance. In 1997 she co-founded the Dance
Academy of Libertyville, where she taught ballet and jazz, and directed the Terpsichore Dance Ensemble. Paula
successfully choreographed 10 original contemporary pieces for the company as well as co-produced the ballets,
Coppelia and Giselle. She has also set works on the Boca Ballet Theatre and Dance West Ballet. In 2002, Paula was
asked to revive “Rodin Impressions”, an original piece performed by Hubbard Street and choreographed by Lou Conte,
on dancers, Iasabele Melo Elefson (former soloist with Sao Paulo Ballet of Brazil) and Michael Anderson (former
soloist with the Joffrey Ballet) for the Boca Ballet Theatre.
Since leaving Chicago and moving to the St Louis area, she has been busy guest teaching and choreographing, and
returns each year to her former studio to work with the students.
Paula’s jazz teaching style is ballet based with an emphasis on movement and energy dynamics. She also feels working
with the dancers on artistic expression through movement helps them to grow from a student to a more professional
level dancer.
http://www.hubbardstreetdance.com/home.asp
Jazz & Ballet "Hubbard Street Style"
Paula’s performing credits include Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the Lynda Martha Dance Company and the Lake
Shore Dance Theatre. While performing with HSDC, under the artistic direction of Lou Conte, she worked with
choreographers Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Margo Sappington, David Parsons, Richard Levi, John McFall, Rick Hilsabeck,
Lou Conte and Claire Bataille.
In 1988, Paula began full time teaching and choreographing. During the next 20 years, she taught at several Chicago area
studios including the Lou Conte Dance Studio, Dance Centre North, Northbrook Dance Centre, Sedala School of
Dance, School of Dance West Ballet, and Bonnie Ardelean School of Dance. In 1997 she co-founded the Dance
Academy of Libertyville, where she taught ballet and jazz, and directed the Terpsichore Dance Ensemble. Paula
successfully choreographed 10 original contemporary pieces for the company as well as co-produced the ballets,
Coppelia and Giselle. She has also set works on the Boca Ballet Theatre and Dance West Ballet. In 2002, Paula was
asked to revive “Rodin Impressions”, an original piece performed by Hubbard Street and choreographed by Lou Conte,
on dancers, Iasabele Melo Elefson (former soloist with Sao Paulo Ballet of Brazil) and Michael Anderson (former
soloist with the Joffrey Ballet) for the Boca Ballet Theatre.
Since leaving Chicago and moving to the St Louis area, she has been busy guest teaching and choreographing, and
returns each year to her former studio to work with the students.
Paula’s jazz teaching style is ballet based with an emphasis on movement and energy dynamics. She also feels working
with the dancers on artistic expression through movement helps them to grow from a student to a more professional
level dancer.
http://www.hubbardstreetdance.com/home.asp
| Pictures to come soon |
| Pictures to come soon |
ROBYN HAHN
Ballet
Mrs. Robyn, was a ballerina with the Alabama Ballet. She was trained in Cecchetti, RAD, and
Vagonova ballet methods as well as the Balanchine Style. She attended workshops with State
Ballet of Missouri, Hartford Ballet, Boston Ballet, SAB, Joffrey Ballet, ABT, and Ballet Magnificat!
She has taught dance to students of all ages and created dance curriculum for numerous dance
schools. Staged Coppelia, Swan Lake, La Fille Mal Gardee, La Boutique Fantasque, La Sylphide,
The Stone Flower. Set numerous variations from Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet,
Cinderella, Raymonda, La Bayadere.
* Original works include:Rose Waltz, Spectrum Exploded, Haulocost, Temps de Bach, Trina x 3,
Isolation,
Hansel and Gretel (a complete ballet)
* Musical Theatre: State Fair, Calamity Jane, Mikado, Guys and Dolls, Cinderella, Amahl and
the Night Visitors
Ballet
Mrs. Robyn, was a ballerina with the Alabama Ballet. She was trained in Cecchetti, RAD, and
Vagonova ballet methods as well as the Balanchine Style. She attended workshops with State
Ballet of Missouri, Hartford Ballet, Boston Ballet, SAB, Joffrey Ballet, ABT, and Ballet Magnificat!
She has taught dance to students of all ages and created dance curriculum for numerous dance
schools. Staged Coppelia, Swan Lake, La Fille Mal Gardee, La Boutique Fantasque, La Sylphide,
The Stone Flower. Set numerous variations from Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet,
Cinderella, Raymonda, La Bayadere.
* Original works include:Rose Waltz, Spectrum Exploded, Haulocost, Temps de Bach, Trina x 3,
Isolation,
Hansel and Gretel (a complete ballet)
* Musical Theatre: State Fair, Calamity Jane, Mikado, Guys and Dolls, Cinderella, Amahl and
the Night Visitors
| PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS FOR ALL CLASSES CASTON CHAMBER BALLET Torris Caston - Artistic Director Shannon Caston - Ballet Mistress Jeanne Engle - Board President Yulia Miller- Repetitour Octavio Nieto-Jacobo- Artist in Residence Morgan Cameron - Artist in Residence Leslie Williams - Costume Mistress Ralph Butler - Publicity Sarah Hotaling - Advertising Patty Kinealy- Administrative Assistant CASTON'S BALLET ACADEMIE FACULTY Creative thru Dance II - Shannon Caston Ballet- Torris Caston Shannon Caston Yulia Miller Lynette Khoo-Summers Robyn Hahn Jazz- Paula David Lynette Khoo-Summers Shannon Caston Character - Yulia Miller Tap - Shannon Caston Modern - Lynette Khoo-Summers Dunham Technique- Theodore Jameson Accompanist - Vincent Golomski Administrative Assistant - Patty Kinealy |
FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES
THEODORE JAMESON
Dunham Technique
Jazz, Modern, African, Caribbean, Latin, Lyrical
NEW in January 2010!
Program Director Southern Illinois University East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts.
Theodore H. Jamison (Theo) is a Program Director for Southern Illinois University East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts,
formerly known as the Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts. Theo received a B.S. in Theater and Fine Arts/Dance from
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is certified by Katherine Dunham to teach the Dunham Technique as a master
instructor and performer. He also served as her demonstrator for over 20 years.
Theo has been trained by original members of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, including Lucille Ellis, Tommy Gomez,
Archie Savage, Lenwood Morris, Pearl Reynolds, Vanoye Aikens, Wilburt Bradley, Norman Davis and Lavinia Williams. His honors
include the Outstanding Young Men of America, Outstanding Achievement Award (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) and Credos
Artist Award - Mexico, D.F. Theo has choreographed and performed with Les Ballet Bacoulou in Petionville, Haiti, Eugene Joseph
Dance Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Joyce Ballet of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Theo has also served as guest artist for Darlene Blackburn
Dance Company, Joseph Holmes Dance Company, Muntu, Uhuru Dance Company, Nashiville, TN, American College Dance
Festival, Katherine Dunham Seminar, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Philadanco, Lula Washington Dance Company,
Fundisha Dance Company, Colorado Springs University Fine Arts Program, Tennessee State University Theater Program, Lincoln
University Dance Troupe and the Contemporary Dance in America Black Influence and Expressions Conference, Port-Au-Prince,
Haiti. Theo taught and performed at the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference. He was also guest artist
at Carnegi Hall in New York for the Katherine Dunham Gala and Faces of Love Gitano Productions and the St. Louis Municipal
Opera. He performed at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company as a singer, dancer, and actor and has performed and
choreographed at an International Dance Festival in Vienna Austria.
http://katherinedunham.org/Certified.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/dunham.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Dunham
Dunham Technique
Jazz, Modern, African, Caribbean, Latin, Lyrical
NEW in January 2010!
Program Director Southern Illinois University East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts.
Theodore H. Jamison (Theo) is a Program Director for Southern Illinois University East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts,
formerly known as the Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts. Theo received a B.S. in Theater and Fine Arts/Dance from
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is certified by Katherine Dunham to teach the Dunham Technique as a master
instructor and performer. He also served as her demonstrator for over 20 years.
Theo has been trained by original members of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, including Lucille Ellis, Tommy Gomez,
Archie Savage, Lenwood Morris, Pearl Reynolds, Vanoye Aikens, Wilburt Bradley, Norman Davis and Lavinia Williams. His honors
include the Outstanding Young Men of America, Outstanding Achievement Award (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) and Credos
Artist Award - Mexico, D.F. Theo has choreographed and performed with Les Ballet Bacoulou in Petionville, Haiti, Eugene Joseph
Dance Port of Spain, Trinidad, and Joyce Ballet of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Theo has also served as guest artist for Darlene Blackburn
Dance Company, Joseph Holmes Dance Company, Muntu, Uhuru Dance Company, Nashiville, TN, American College Dance
Festival, Katherine Dunham Seminar, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Philadanco, Lula Washington Dance Company,
Fundisha Dance Company, Colorado Springs University Fine Arts Program, Tennessee State University Theater Program, Lincoln
University Dance Troupe and the Contemporary Dance in America Black Influence and Expressions Conference, Port-Au-Prince,
Haiti. Theo taught and performed at the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference. He was also guest artist
at Carnegi Hall in New York for the Katherine Dunham Gala and Faces of Love Gitano Productions and the St. Louis Municipal
Opera. He performed at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company as a singer, dancer, and actor and has performed and
choreographed at an International Dance Festival in Vienna Austria.
http://katherinedunham.org/Certified.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/dunham.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Dunham
OCTAVIO NIETO-JACOBO
Artist in Residence
is from Guadalajara, Mexico. His dance training includes ballet, Mexican folklore, Spanish/Flamenco,
tap, jazz, ballroom, and modern. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, as well as the
American Ballet Center (Joffrey Ballet School), David Howard Studio, and the New York Conservatory
of Dance, and Mexico’s national dance company, C.N.D./Inba under Alicia Alonso. Ocatvio has taught
throughout the U.S., Mexico and has been an instructor in the Missouri Folk Arts Program.
Principal dancer and Assistant Ballet Master at St. Louis Ballet. Octavio is an instructor and
choreographer in Missouri, Illinois, and Mexico.
Performances with Caston Chamber Ballet include:
The Cavalier and Mr. Silberhaus in Caston's The Nutcracker and Tango at Gundaker Theater and The
Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Artist in Residence
is from Guadalajara, Mexico. His dance training includes ballet, Mexican folklore, Spanish/Flamenco,
tap, jazz, ballroom, and modern. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, as well as the
American Ballet Center (Joffrey Ballet School), David Howard Studio, and the New York Conservatory
of Dance, and Mexico’s national dance company, C.N.D./Inba under Alicia Alonso. Ocatvio has taught
throughout the U.S., Mexico and has been an instructor in the Missouri Folk Arts Program.
Principal dancer and Assistant Ballet Master at St. Louis Ballet. Octavio is an instructor and
choreographer in Missouri, Illinois, and Mexico.
Performances with Caston Chamber Ballet include:
The Cavalier and Mr. Silberhaus in Caston's The Nutcracker and Tango at Gundaker Theater and The
Touhill Performing Arts Center.
AKARI MANABE
Artist in Residence
Born in Japan she began her dance training at the age of six under Hiraki Ballet School Yoshikazu Hiraki,
and English National Ballet School under Kathryn Wade. International Ballet Competition at Brno 1st Prize.
Akari has performed professionally with National Theatre of Prague and Brno National Theatre in the
Czech Republic. Slovak National Theatre Bratislava. Columbia Classical Ballet USA director Radenko
Pavlovich.
Some of the classics she has performed: The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire 3rd
Odalisque Variation, La Bayadere 3rd Shade Variation, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, La Fille
Mal Gardee,.
Some of the neo-classical and contemporary works:
The Taming of the Shrew Choreography John Cranko, The Child and Magic, Romeo and Juliet, Onegin,
Bolero, Ivan the Terrible, Streetcar Named Desire, The Merry Widow, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,
Good Witch in Wizard of Oz.
Choreography - My Favorite and Fluid.
Guest Taught Ballet Classes and Vairations at Caston Ballet Summer Intensive 2010.
Artist in Residence
Born in Japan she began her dance training at the age of six under Hiraki Ballet School Yoshikazu Hiraki,
and English National Ballet School under Kathryn Wade. International Ballet Competition at Brno 1st Prize.
Akari has performed professionally with National Theatre of Prague and Brno National Theatre in the
Czech Republic. Slovak National Theatre Bratislava. Columbia Classical Ballet USA director Radenko
Pavlovich.
Some of the classics she has performed: The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire 3rd
Odalisque Variation, La Bayadere 3rd Shade Variation, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, La Fille
Mal Gardee,.
Some of the neo-classical and contemporary works:
The Taming of the Shrew Choreography John Cranko, The Child and Magic, Romeo and Juliet, Onegin,
Bolero, Ivan the Terrible, Streetcar Named Desire, The Merry Widow, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,
Good Witch in Wizard of Oz.
Choreography - My Favorite and Fluid.
Guest Taught Ballet Classes and Vairations at Caston Ballet Summer Intensive 2010.
| Pictures to come soon |
| Pictures to come soon |