Cornelia Sampson, Artistic Director Emerita of Michigan Ballet Theatre, began her training in Detroit with Violette Armand. She was trained and examined in the National Academy of Ballet Syllabus. She continued her studies at Les Grand Ballet Canadienne in Montreal, in New York at the School of American Ballet, official school of New York City Ballet, and as a scholarship student at Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo where she was accepted into the company. Ms. Sampson has taught master classes for many organizations including, Interlochen Arts Academy, American Ballet Theatre, Oakland University, Flint Institute of Music and Dance and Burklyn Ballet Theatre. She founded the Rochester School of Dance, Cornelia’s School of Dance and Michigan Ballet Theatre. Ms. Sampson has staged and choreographed many works for MBT including a TV version of the Nutcracker that aired prime time on national TV. Her students have been accepted into major companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet Co. Pacific Northwest Ballet Co., Miami City Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. As a private coach, her dancers have won numerous 1st place awards and medals in recognized competitions. Ms. Sampson was named Outstanding Choreographer for her piece titled “After the Ball” and received the awards for Best Teacher and Best School at the Youth America Grand Prix competition.
Ballet
Jennifer Ristoski, Artistic Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre, and Rochester School of Dance ballet instructor, began her journey in dance at the young age of four with the Rochester School of Dance and at the age of twelve, was accepted into Michigan Ballet Theatre under the direction of Cornelia Sampson. During her six-year tenure, Jennifer performed numerous soloist roles in full length ballets including Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsaire, Paquita and The Nutcracker Ballet. Ms. Ristoski also received additional training at summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. After graduation, Jennifer continued her professional career at North Carolina Dance Theatre working directly with artistic director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride and Mark Diamond. Jennifer has been on faculty at the Rochester School of Dance since 2008, is a certified teacher with American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum and is currently the Director of Michigan Ballet Theatre. Ms. Ristoski has choreographed several original works that have competed at YAGP and local competitions, receiving great accreditation and multiple overall wins. Under her coaching, students have placed Top 24 and Top 12 at YAGP regional competitions, high placings at World Ballet Artistic Competitions, hope awards and scholarships to prestigious summer intensives.
Andrew Kaczmarek, ballet instructor, trained with Cornelia Sampson at the Rochester School of Dance and was a principal dancer of Michigan Ballet Theatre, Rochester School of Dance’s resident ballet company. Andrew has been featured in soloist and principal roles in MBT’s Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia and contemporary works choreographed by Michael Hicks and Deborah Dawn. Andrew was asked to participate with National City’s Stars of Ballet and Broadway with Meg Paul and Ron DeJesus and in 2008 was awarded 3rd place at Youth America Grand Prix Semi-finals in Chicago, Illinois performing Nutcracker Snow Pas de Deux. He later studied on full scholarship with American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and School of American Ballet. Andrew was accepted into Boston Ballet in 2009 as a trainee. In 2010, he joined GKA in New York City as a studio company member. Andrew currently teaches at Rochester School of Dance after returning from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
Nia Silao began her dance training under the direction of Jan McDonald, Lisa Evans, Michael Hicks, and Michelle Draper. She also had the honor of training with professionals Chet Walker, Judy Rice, Desmond Richardson, Scott Jovovich, Debbi Dee, Lane Alexander, and Jason Samuels Smith to name a few. After accepting a full Presidential Scholarship to Wayne State University, Nia studied under Meg Paul, Doug Risner, Jeff Rebudal, Samantha Shelton, and Leslie Williams. Nia also trained with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and at the Detroit Opera House. Nia also earned her certification with Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School in New York, and Dance Masters of Michigan Chapter 4. Nia teaches pre-ballet through advanced beginning ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop.
Lyrical, Contemporary & Jazz
Jamie Marino, a three times 1st place, overall top score winner of the Senior Solo Division at Applause, LA Dance Force, Headliners and Dance Masters Competitions. Jamie received a full scholarship to The Edge Performing Arts Studio in Hollywood, CA, where she studied with professionals, Bill Prudish, Keith Clifton among other notables and performed with Mandy Moore, now affiliated with “So You Think You Can Dance” in several productions. Her career continued in New York where she received a full scholarship to the Alvin Ailey School. Her professional work in NY included performing in the Fringe Festival, The Cosby Show, the off Broadway production of “The Amy Goodheart Show” a Coke commercial that aired on TV and modeling for Dance Spirit Magazine.
Kaitlyn DeLeon, has been dancing since the age of six and has trained in all areas of dance. Beginning at Glenn’s School of Dance, she grew up dancing and competing and was a shining light at her home studio, performing, leading, demonstrating, and teaching. She has continued training as a student through Wayne State University in Detroit where she currently resides, taking on a minor in Dance as well as working with different choreographers and artists throughout the Detroit community. This is her first year teaching with the Rochester School of Dance and she is deeply grateful for how welcoming and kind the dancers, faculty, and parents have been! She is currently teaching ballet, jazz, and tap.
Shanna Fry, is a dedicated dance professional, with a passion for teaching and choreography. Her love for dance began in her early childhood, and she has since honed her skills over a span of 25 years of training. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance from Wayne State University, accompanied by a K-12 teaching certification. Since 2010, Miss Shanna has been sharing her knowledge and nurturing the talents of students across various age groups and proficiency levels. After graduating from Livonia Churchill’s CAPA Dance Program, she continued to pursue further artistic growth through numerous avenues. Miss Shanna holds certifications from such reputable institutions as Dance Masters of Michigan and Dance Masters of America, specializing in ballet, jazz, and modern dance forms. Furthermore, she has obtained certifications to teach Cecchetti Ballet Grade One and Grade Two, and in Module One and Two of Acrobatic Arts. She has trained under the tutelage of distinguished instructors including Meg Paul, Biba Bell, Sonya Tayeh, Garth Fagan, Tracy Halloran, and participated in master classes by Complexions, among many others. As both a teacher and choreographer, Miss Shanna aspires to leave an indelible impact on the world around her through her instruction and artistic creations, empowering her students to realize their full potential and fostering a deep appreciation for the art form.
Tap
Catherine Pearson, has been an instructor at the Rochester School of Dance since the Fall of 2016. She was a member of Michigan Ballet Theatre for several seasons, performing and competing with the Company in local venues and at YAGP. Catherine has had the opportunity to study with American Ballet Theatre and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy for multiple summer intensive programs, as well as countless other exceptional instructors in nearly every genre of dance for over twenty years. Most of her earliest training in tap dance was at vaudeville veteran Charmaine’s School of Dance. Catherine has won awards for her involvement in local film and community theater projects and is currently pursuing an accelerated BSN degree through Oakland University. Her choreography has been favorably recognized at local competitions. Catherine instructs Tap, Adult Ballet & Pointe, and Musical Theatre at RSD and finds great joy in teaching. She hopes to provide each student with the tools, knowledge, and passion to take their dancing to the highest levels that they choose in the life-long pursuit of their art.