| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 will coach them 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 will coach them 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.
Sharman Seely - (Jazz/Hip Hop Instructor) Ms. Sharman Seely states that dancing has
been a lifelong pursuit of joy, freedom and exercise. She began dancing at the age of 4 in a
creative dance program that focused on individuality and creative movement. After 7 years in
this contemporary dance program she moved to a more structured dance environment and
began studies in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Tumbling, and Hip Hop. She also joined a break dancing
crew and performed for local events and competitions. Sharman danced competitively for 6
years winning several national awards and scholarships. She also became a member of the
National Championship Team, the Brigham Young University Cougarettes. She danced
professionally for Jean Ann Ryan Productions on board NCL Cruise Ships. Dance has taken
her to new levels as a performer and a person. She joined Rachel’s Ballet in Fall 2008 as the
Jazz / Hip Hop Instructor.
been a lifelong pursuit of joy, freedom and exercise. She began dancing at the age of 4 in a
creative dance program that focused on individuality and creative movement. After 7 years in
this contemporary dance program she moved to a more structured dance environment and
began studies in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Tumbling, and Hip Hop. She also joined a break dancing
crew and performed for local events and competitions. Sharman danced competitively for 6
years winning several national awards and scholarships. She also became a member of the
National Championship Team, the Brigham Young University Cougarettes. She danced
professionally for Jean Ann Ryan Productions on board NCL Cruise Ships. Dance has taken
her to new levels as a performer and a person. She joined Rachel’s Ballet in Fall 2008 as the
Jazz / Hip Hop Instructor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Lowe - (YAGP Modern Choreographer) Mr. Michael Lowe was a scholarship
student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City. He has performed with
Pacific Ballet Company, Gilbert Reed Ballet Company, Los Angeles Chamber Ballet,
Sacramento Ballet, North Dakota Ballet and the Old Souls New Shoes Dance Company with
Mark Morris. Michael joined Oakland Ballet in 1974 and was promoted to principal dancer in
1976. In recent years, he has revealed himself as a gifted choreographer. He has created a
number of striking ballets, six of which have been presented by Oakland Ballet: "Table for
Two", "Witness", "The Emperor and the Nightingale", "Dim Sum", "Bamboo" (for which he
received the Isadora Duncan Award, or Izzy Award, for Best Choreography 2001-2002) and
"Double Happiness". In addition to his dancing and choreography, he served as Assistant
Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet from 1997-2000, and coordinated the Company’s
outreach program throughout the East Bay from 1982-1999. After Michael's 20 year career
with the Oakland Ballet, he served as Co-Artistic Director of Peninsula Ballet from 2004 to
2009. He continues his association with Peninsula Ballet Theatre as choreographer.
Currently Michael is the Artistic Director for Black Diamond Ballet Theatre in Pittsburgh, CA,
and also the Resident Choreographer for Moving Arts Dance where his works have been
showcased in Belarus, Poland, Paris and Hawai’i.
student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City. He has performed with
Pacific Ballet Company, Gilbert Reed Ballet Company, Los Angeles Chamber Ballet,
Sacramento Ballet, North Dakota Ballet and the Old Souls New Shoes Dance Company with
Mark Morris. Michael joined Oakland Ballet in 1974 and was promoted to principal dancer in
1976. In recent years, he has revealed himself as a gifted choreographer. He has created a
number of striking ballets, six of which have been presented by Oakland Ballet: "Table for
Two", "Witness", "The Emperor and the Nightingale", "Dim Sum", "Bamboo" (for which he
received the Isadora Duncan Award, or Izzy Award, for Best Choreography 2001-2002) and
"Double Happiness". In addition to his dancing and choreography, he served as Assistant
Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet from 1997-2000, and coordinated the Company’s
outreach program throughout the East Bay from 1982-1999. After Michael's 20 year career
with the Oakland Ballet, he served as Co-Artistic Director of Peninsula Ballet from 2004 to
2009. He continues his association with Peninsula Ballet Theatre as choreographer.
Currently Michael is the Artistic Director for Black Diamond Ballet Theatre in Pittsburgh, CA,
and also the Resident Choreographer for Moving Arts Dance where his works have been
showcased in Belarus, Poland, Paris and Hawai’i.
Copyright 2009-2010 Rachel's Ballet, Fremont, CA 94539 - 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.
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.
"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 - (Guest 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.
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.