Faculty
Jodi Riley -Artistic Director
Jodi Riley received her BFA with an emphasis on dance performance from Northern Illinois University. She began her training in Genoa, Illinois with Beth Fowler which gave her a solid foundation in ballet and jazz. She continued education as a teenager attending classes at the Judith Svalander School of Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet School and Northern Illinois University. Jodi is trained extensively in ballet, jazz and modern. She also has training in character, tap and ballroom dancing.
She began teaching in 1993 for Beth Fowler. She continued with this school through 1996 running a location in Marengo. Jodi has taught at several dance schools in the Northern Illinois area including: Moves, Lynn Kalita Dance Center, Pam’s Academy of Dance, Northern Illinois University’s community dance program, and Northern Illinois University's Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education for the Dance Education Program. She has choreographed pieces for the Beth Fowler Dance Company, Art for Life, Student Choreography Showcases at NIU, Lynn Kalita Dance Center, and Stage Coach Theatre’s 2004 production of “The Wizard of Oz.” She has also choreographed several productions for the School of Ballet Arts and Dance since opening in 2002.
As well as teaching and choreographing Jodi has had several years of performing experience. She has performed many lead roles including: Cinderella, Firebird, Puss and Boots (“Sleeping Beauty”), Sugar Plum Fairy (“Nutcracker”), Spanish (“Nutcracker”), as well as numerous others. Jodi was fortunate enough to work with Katherine Posin at Milwaukee Ballet on her original piece of “Bauch’s Lunch” which immediately became a part of the company’s repertoire!
Riley continues her education by attending special workshops for teachers and taking class at NIU. She is currently studying for her full certification in Stott Pilates at Elements in Motion of Chicago. She is thrilled to share her knowledge and passion for dance and now Pilates with her students!
Christa McGrath
Christa McGrath has been dancing since a young age. Her professional training includes: School of the Salt Creek Ballet, Peoria Ballet and Northern Illinois University. Christa has several years of performing and teaching experience. She joined the School of Ballet Arts and Dance upon its opening in 2002 and has been a great asset to the school ever since! In addition to her dance education she has a strong background in business management with several years of retail experience. Christa plans on enrolling in courses towards a Pilates Certification in the years to come.
Jennifer Edmunds (Ballet)
Jennifer has been dancing since grade school and trained with Christine Ellis at Ellis Du-Boulay School of Ballet (Chicago), Gus Giordano Jazz Center (Evanston), and attended Northern Illinois University earning a B.A. in Dance. After graduation, she studied at Broadway Dance Center (NY) and performed with Princeton Ballet II (NJ). Jennifer continued to study Balanchine technique and performed with Hamilton Ballet Theatre (NJ) as a corps dancer and soloist. Since returning to Illinois, Jennifer performed with NIU’s Alumni Dance Theatre (1995-2000), taught for the Elmhurst Park District and continues to take class. Jennifer and her family moved to Sycamore six years ago and love being a part of the community.
Sharon Smith (Ballet)
Sharon has been involved with dance and ballet for over 20 years. She also has training as a figure skater and as a gymnast. Sharon received training in ballet, jazz and modern. She completed the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and also received training in Vaganova, Bournonville, Cechetti and Balanchine techniques. She has worked under David Howard, Cynthia Harvey, Kennet Oberly, Wes Chapman and Roger Van Fleteren.
Professionally, Sharon was a principal dancer with Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita and Wichita State Performing Arts Company (Kansas), she also danced with Studio 3100 and ArtisTree in Hutchinson, Kansas and with White Street Arts Center and the Royal Academy of Ballet School (Illinois). Sharon has taught every level of ballet and pointe at various studios in Kansas and Illinois and in addition was co-coach of the Level 5 and Level 6 Junior Olympic Gymnastics Team at the YMCA in Hutchinson, Kansas. Before moving to Kansas, Sharon taught gymnastics and dance at the Illini Gymnastics Club and was assistant choreographer for the Illini Figure Skating Club.
Sharon has experience choreographing large ballets, yearly recitals, high school musicals and community events and performances. Currently, she also teaches ballet at Rockford Dance Company. Students she has taught have gone on to dance with Chicago Ballet, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State Dance program and various summer internships, including Rock School of Ballet and Alabama Ballet.She was the former owner of the Center for Performing Arts, Inc. in Lake in the Hills and artistic director of the studio dance company. While dancing and teaching, Sharon received a B.S. in Ecology, Ethology and Evolution and a M.S. in Wildlife Research/Ornithology from the University of Illinois, a Legal Assistant Certificate from Wichita State University and a Paralegal Degree from Elgin Community College. Eventually, Sharon wants to complete the requirements to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).Sharon is very excited to be a part of the Performing Arts Academy of Sycamore and be able to work with so many talented students!
Ellen Collison
Fara Storaci
Elizabeth Kraus
Elizabeth Brodkorb
Elaine Grief