Current & Past Guest Teacher
Lillian Devlin
Christine Ormseth
Christine Ormseth
ACTING
Lillian Devlin is at the renowned Boston University School of Theatre, where she is currently attaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting. She has been studying theater since she was eight years old from The American Conservatory Theater, created the drama / improv club at her high school and has studied with The Groundlings Comedy School.
Christine Ormseth
Christine Ormseth
Christine Ormseth
STAGE MAKEUP
Christine is a local Hair and Makeup Designer who designs for mostly musical theatre and works for companies such as South Bay Musical Theatre and West Valley Light Opera since 2013. She has also worked for Sunnyvale Community Players and Palo Alto Players. She is a freelance makeup artist, wig stylist and cosplayer and really
STAGE MAKEUP
Christine is a local Hair and Makeup Designer who designs for mostly musical theatre and works for companies such as South Bay Musical Theatre and West Valley Light Opera since 2013. She has also worked for Sunnyvale Community Players and Palo Alto Players. She is a freelance makeup artist, wig stylist and cosplayer and really enjoys her craft. She has taught workshops & designs shows at various high schools. She teaches theatrical makeup classes at Leigh High School. Check out her work on Facebook and Instagram at @creativelychristine17.
Chris Vettel
Christine Ormseth
Chris Vettel
ACTING/Vocal Technique/Voice Coach
Chris Vettel - A performer and teacher for over thirty-five years, Chris grew up in the shadow of New York City, on the north shore of Long Island, in the small village of Oyster Bay. Receiving his master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music in Vocal Performance, he sang for four seasons with the Opera
ACTING/Vocal Technique/Voice Coach
Chris Vettel - A performer and teacher for over thirty-five years, Chris grew up in the shadow of New York City, on the north shore of Long Island, in the small village of Oyster Bay. Receiving his master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music in Vocal Performance, he sang for four seasons with the Opera Company of Boston, its touring branch, Opera New England, and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (in the final concert conducted by Leonard Bernstein). His musical theater performing credits include National Broadway Tours (Annie, Sunset Boulevard), the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Santa), Off-Broadway (Cactus Flower, Wanda’s World), at many regional theatres across the U.S. (Papermill Playhouse, Goodspeed Musicals, Stages St. Louis, etc.) and in the Bay Area (TheatreWorks, San Jose Rep, Berkeley Rep, San Jose Stage, etc.) As a teacher, he has been a private voice instructor for forty years, was on the faculty of the State University of New York, taught musical theatre workshop for ACT’s ‘Young Conservatory’ and has, for the past eight years, taught in the music department at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill.
C.K. Edwards
Christine Ormseth
Chris Vettel
AUDITION PREP/SINGING
C.K. Edwards has been in over 60 unique theatrical stage productions spanning from dinner and community theaters and festivals to Off-Broadway, Broadway, National Tours and even a 26-country/ 70-city cruise. Some of his highlights include, Broadway: Shuffle Along, After Midnight, & Billy Elliot. National tours: Book
AUDITION PREP/SINGING
C.K. Edwards has been in over 60 unique theatrical stage productions spanning from dinner and community theaters and festivals to Off-Broadway, Broadway, National Tours and even a 26-country/ 70-city cruise. Some of his highlights include, Broadway: Shuffle Along, After Midnight, & Billy Elliot. National tours: Book of Mormon and Frozen. Off-Broadway: The Visitor, Sophisticated Ladies, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, Cotton Club Parade, I Heart Bob, & Songs about Trains. Regional: Scottsboro Boys, 42nd Street, My One and Only, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, and he most recently received a best leading actor Berkie nomination for his performance of Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. C.K. considers himself a lifetime student in the arts of music, theatre and dance, and is excited for the many opportunities to unleash what he knows on the up and coming talent around the country as he returns to the American tour of Disney’s Frozen. He is also eternally grateful for his lovely, unbelievably talented and powerful wife, Tia DeShazor, and their beautiful 1yr old son, Lexington.
Pete Litwinowicz
Pete Litwinowicz
Pete Litwinowicz
JAZZ, Sub
Pete Litwinowicz is a choreographer and filmmaker whose interest is the combining both art forms. Pete started his study of Luigi-style jazz at Zohar "way-back when" and has extensive experience with modern and contemporary techniques. His style mixes lyricism and softness with the seemingly disparate qualities of power and physi
JAZZ, Sub
Pete Litwinowicz is a choreographer and filmmaker whose interest is the combining both art forms. Pete started his study of Luigi-style jazz at Zohar "way-back when" and has extensive experience with modern and contemporary techniques. His style mixes lyricism and softness with the seemingly disparate qualities of power and physicality. As a choreographer and filmmaker, Pete has worked with Lizz Roman and Dancers from 2017 to the present, worked as co-artistic director of Dance Continuum SF from 2007-2012, and danced for Company Chaddick from 1996-2006. Pete has also works as a visual effects software developer and artist for the motion picture and video industries; winning several awards including an Academy Award©; a Primetime Emmy® Award, an Ars Electronica Golden Nica (Austria); and an Imagina Award (Monaco) for Best Visual Effects and Visual Innovation.
Adrienne Foley
Pete Litwinowicz
Pete Litwinowicz
CONTEMPORARY, BALLET, JAZZ
Adrienne FoleyContemporary, Ballet
Adrienne specializes in modern and contemporary movement - emphasizing speed, efficiency, and an aggressive spatial dynamic that supports a more advanced artistic sensibility. Contemporary fundamentals, including the use of weight and thoughtful attention to transitions result in
CONTEMPORARY, BALLET, JAZZ
Adrienne FoleyContemporary, Ballet
Adrienne specializes in modern and contemporary movement - emphasizing speed, efficiency, and an aggressive spatial dynamic that supports a more advanced artistic sensibility. Contemporary fundamentals, including the use of weight and thoughtful attention to transitions result in a quality of movement that enhances all dance styles and disciplines, as well as cultivating versatility and joyful expression.
Adrienne Parker Foley is a former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company member, having performed works by such renowned choreographers as Twyla Tharp, David Parsons, Margot Sappington, Daniel Ezralow, Bob Fosse and Lynn Taylor Corbett. Adrienne has taught ballet technique, modern and contemporary classes at Lou Conte Dance Studio, STEPS-NY, and Stanley Holden Dance Center, as well as heading the HSDC Master Class Series on tour. She has appeared in numerous film and television projects, and has most recently performed with Garrett/Moulton Productions, Dance Continuum SF, and Deyo Dance. Ms. Foley is a member of Actors Equity and SAG-AFTRA.
Rika Onizuka
Pete Litwinowicz
Anton Pankevich
BALLET
A native of the Bay Area, Rika Nina Onizuka trained locally with Ayako Takahashi, Richard Gibson and Zory Karah. She then went on to study at the San Francisco Ballet School, and as a scholarship student at the Joffrey Ballet School and David Howard Dance Center in New York. As a founding member of Smuin Ballets SF, Ms. Onizuka danc
BALLET
A native of the Bay Area, Rika Nina Onizuka trained locally with Ayako Takahashi, Richard Gibson and Zory Karah. She then went on to study at the San Francisco Ballet School, and as a scholarship student at the Joffrey Ballet School and David Howard Dance Center in New York. As a founding member of Smuin Ballets SF, Ms. Onizuka danced many leading roles such as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Miranda in The Tempest, Shinju, and many other roles created for her by Michael Smuin. Ms. Onizuka most recently danced with Ballet San Jose where she enjoyed leading roles in the Nutcracker, Who Cares?, Death and Eros, and Appalachian Spring. She also danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Ohio Ballet, and San Francisco Opera, and worked with such choreographers as Alonzo King, Donald Byrd, Laura Dean, and Donald Mckayle. She appeared in the nationally televised “Ira Gershwin at 100” at Carnegie Hall and appeared in feature films such as The Fantastiks and The Matrix Revolutions. After her ballet career, Ms. Onizuka attended Stanford University where she earned her undergraduate degree in human biology and master’s degree in Psychology. Ms. Onizuka has taught ballet throughout the Bay Area, including Western Ballet, Ballet San Jose School, and Stanford University.
Anton Pankevich
Pete Litwinowicz
Anton Pankevich
BALLET
Anton Pankevich received his ballet training at Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia and later on went to study at School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet School. Has danced with New York City Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Royal Ballet of London, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet San Jose. Has worked as a ballet master an
BALLET
Anton Pankevich received his ballet training at Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia and later on went to study at School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet School. Has danced with New York City Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Royal Ballet of London, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet San Jose. Has worked as a ballet master and a guest teachers with: English National Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Wiesbaden Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Leipzig Ballet.
Peli Woods
Casey Kitazumi
Casey Kitazumi
MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE
Peli Woods is a recent graduate from The Boston Conservatory (BoCo) in Musical Theater. She performed in Regional theaters: Once on the Island, Hairspray. Soon after graduating from BoCo, she was cast in Frozen, The Musical. She performs in the ensemble and understudies for Bulda. Peli is a triple threat who loves to
MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE
Peli Woods is a recent graduate from The Boston Conservatory (BoCo) in Musical Theater. She performed in Regional theaters: Once on the Island, Hairspray. Soon after graduating from BoCo, she was cast in Frozen, The Musical. She performs in the ensemble and understudies for Bulda. Peli is a triple threat who loves to dance and is excited to teach this class. Zohar looks forward to having Peli offer her professional experience in musical theater.
Casey Kitazumi
Casey Kitazumi
Casey Kitazumi
CONTEMPORARY
Casey started her dance training at the age of three in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, lyrical and acrobatics. Currently Casey is a BFA candidate at San Jose State University and is a company member of UDT. At San Jose State, Casey studies under Heather Cooper, Raphael Boumaila, Mark Foehringer, Dominique Serapio, Ji
CONTEMPORARY
Casey started her dance training at the age of three in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, lyrical and acrobatics. Currently Casey is a BFA candidate at San Jose State University and is a company member of UDT. At San Jose State, Casey studies under Heather Cooper, Raphael Boumaila, Mark Foehringer, Dominique Serapio, Jill Yager and Chafin Seymour. She has also worked with artists such as Paul Vickers, Mike Esperanza, Kyle Abraham & Company (AIM), Sean Dorsey Dance, Gallim, and Rickey Trip. Casey has danced with several companies in the Bay Area including The Fancy Dancers, Acuity and Cabaret San Jose and has taught as a guest teacher at institutions such as T & Co, Montage Dance Studios, and Bay Area Dance School. In 2017 Casey became a member of PERSpectives Dance Company under the direction of Lindsey McLevis and has been a member of ArcTangent Dance since its inception in 2018.
Adriee Wong
Casey Kitazumi
Adriee Wong
CONTEMPORARY
Adriee began dancing at age 4 thanks to her parents starting her off in pre-school ballet. From there she took off dancing in full stride throughout her grade school years performing and choreographing jazz, lyrical, and contemporary pieces. Next she leaped over to San Diego to earn her bachelor's degrees in Dance and Biology
CONTEMPORARY
Adriee began dancing at age 4 thanks to her parents starting her off in pre-school ballet. From there she took off dancing in full stride throughout her grade school years performing and choreographing jazz, lyrical, and contemporary pieces. Next she leaped over to San Diego to earn her bachelor's degrees in Dance and Biology (Separate degrees. However, wouldn't it be such an interesting combined major?) at UC San Diego while dancing with Ascension Hip Hop and Finesse Dance Company. She took a break from dance to earn her dental degree in Detroit but soon resumed teaching while completing her dental residency in Oklahoma City. Adriee loves how dance brings people of all backgrounds together and she strives to create a welcoming space for all dancers of all levels.
Jill Harris
Casey Kitazumi
Adriee Wong
PILATES, FITSPRINGS
Jill Harris has been an innovator in the Pilates world since 1996. As a part-time dance instructor, she realized that her desire "to move" and teach made sitting at a desk all day seemingly impossible. Jill was drawn to the benefits of Pilates and received her classical Pilates certification in San Francisco. Creative m
PILATES, FITSPRINGS
Jill Harris has been an innovator in the Pilates world since 1996. As a part-time dance instructor, she realized that her desire "to move" and teach made sitting at a desk all day seemingly impossible. Jill was drawn to the benefits of Pilates and received her classical Pilates certification in San Francisco. Creative movement inspired Jill to teach Pilates in her own unique way and has led to the development of workshops and trainings based on these creative ideas.
In 2013 Jill created FitSprings equipment and workouts as a solution to keeping clients in her studio to meet all of their workout needs. FitSprings addresses the limitations of traditional Pilates equipment and enables people of all ages and levels of fitness to take their workouts and rehabilitation to the next level, while minimizing impact on their joints. What makes this system so innovative is that it's not limited to a single use case or practice. It is designed to be used by athletes, dancers, physical therapists, trainers and any other individual that is working to perfect performance, recover or get fit in a fun and effective manner.
Lisa Allaire
Lisa Allaire
Lisa Allaire
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Hama
Lisa Allaire
Lisa Allaire
A native of Japan, Hama moved to New York in 1964 where he studied with famed jazz dance instructor, Luigi. Hama’s credits include lead dancer at Radio City Music Hall, as well as various Broadway productions. In 1991, Hama opened his dance studio in Studio City, and has dedicated himself to teaching. He has taught at many universities, a
A native of Japan, Hama moved to New York in 1964 where he studied with famed jazz dance instructor, Luigi. Hama’s credits include lead dancer at Radio City Music Hall, as well as various Broadway productions. In 1991, Hama opened his dance studio in Studio City, and has dedicated himself to teaching. He has taught at many universities, and was nominated for the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award at USC.
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Lisa Allaire
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Lisa Allaire
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