Meet the Studio Dundee

Kara completed her yoga teacher training at Lotus House of Yoga. In March of 2024, she became certified in Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCSTY) after completing a 300-hour yoga teacher training through The Center for Trauma and Embodiment.  Kara is also certified in I AM Yoga Nidra by the Amrit Yoga Institute.

Yoga with Kara:

In this class I will provide the opportunity to explore and choose what works best for your body. You can expect a beginner to moderate level flow with opportunities to find balance, strength, ease, and most importantly fun! 

In 1986, Theresa was introduced to sun-salutations by her dear friend and yoga trailblazer, Judy Vann. Several years later, Theresa stepped up her game becoming a dedicated practitioner and a certified yoga instructor. She’s been offering classes in the Omaha community since 2002 and brings a distinctive sense of whimsy and sincerity to her teaching. If you always do yoga, or never do yoga, you will enjoy Theresa’s class experience.

Yoga with Theresa:

This unique yoga class is led by Theresa Cassaday, who will guide you through sequenced movement and classic postures designed to build strength and improve flexibility. Everyone is welcome in this joyful, hour-long class. Please bring your yoga mat and favorite props.

Erica is an Omaha native and danced as a teen at the Rose Theater before abandoning dance for the boring real world of adulthood. She rediscovered the joy dancing brings as an adult and began teaching adult dance classes in 2022. Her classes are known for being high energy yet welcoming and inclusive. 

Cardio with Erica:

Do you love cutting loose at wedding receptions? Do you dream of the days when you used to hit the club or dance with friends at parties until the wee hours? If so, Erica WAS you and she designed this class with you in mind! Cardio Dance Party was created for the people who think the best way to exercise is by turning up the music and gettin down.  It's a nonstop cardio dance fitness class with dances choreographed to popular music. Rather than stopping to teach dances, the instructor will give cues so students can easily follow along while keeping their heart rates up and their feet moving! If you've been looking for a class you'll leave drenched in sweat with a whole lot of endorphins, this is the class for you! 

Phoebe Perry, an Omaha native, grew up dancing at Omaha Academy of Ballet. She then went on to University of Missouri, Kansas City where she graduated with a BFA in ballet and modern.  Phoebe then went on to dance professionally with San Diego Ballet for 5 years, and has recently returned to Nebraska to focus on sharing her experiences and knowledge of dance with the community she grew up in.  Phoebe currently teaches at Omaha Academy of Ballet, has her own massage practice and recently completed Stott Mat and Reformer Pilates training.

Private Reformer Pilates 

  Pilate Reformer One on One sessions with Phoebe are now available. Email the studio to schedule.   Stott Pilates is a mind-body exercise method that incorporates modern exercise principles. It's designed to be easy on the joints and can be customized for different body types and abilities. Each session is  personalized to address your specific needs and goals, and in-depth instruction to optimize your form and technique, making it suitable for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners seeking targeted improvements. STOTT PILATES places a strong emphasis on scapular stabilization, lumbo-pelvic placement and postural alignment, and optimal muscle activation.

Mary Ann is a former Miss Dance of Mid-America (Dance Masters of America Organization). She has continuously trained in dance for over 30 years, has been teaching her whole adult life, and has been sharing her knowledge with students at STARS since it opened in 2003. Mary Ann's students and choreography consistently take home top awards at local and regional competitions including a "Highest Scoring Overall" trophy from Dance Olympus Regionals in Kansas City. Lyrical- This class will encourage dancers to connect deeply with the music. This free form of dance will blend ballet, jazz and modern create expressive choreography. You will come away feeling fit and inspired.

Paula Zabawa has over 40 years’ experience teaching ballet, jazz and tap. An Omaha native, Paula, began dancing at her mom’s studio, Angie’s Dance Studio, as a toddler. Paula began assistant teaching with her mom at age 14 and continued teaching alongside her mom until 2021, when her mom retired. During her dance career, Paula kept current by attending dozens of dance workshops.

Over the years, Paula has taught dance to thousands of students with Tap being her favorite!

Intermediate Tap: class is designed for people with 5+ years tap experience. It does not matter how long it’s been sense you put on those shoes that muscle memory will return quickly! Class focuses on technique, starts with a warmup followed by intermediate level tap combinations.

Tap- Level 1 Class will focus on the basics of tap and it perfect for beginners. Class starts with a warmup followed by fun combinations. Shoes make the experience complete, but you are welcome to try a tap class or two in hard soled shoes.

Sarah Turner is a professional singer, dancer, actress, and dance educator with a passion for musical theatre and theatre jazz. Having performed professionally and trained with Diana Laurenson, Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen, and through the Broadway Theatre Project, Sarah brings both industry experience and a love of teaching to every class.

She believes dance is for everyone and strives to create an inclusive, supportive, and encouraging environment where dancers of all backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities feel welcome. Whether you’re performing in musical theatre, returning to dance, or simply love Broadway, Sarah’s classes are designed to help you build confidence, connect with others, and experience the joy of movement.

Alex is an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist and 500-hour registered yoga instructor. She holds additional certifications in yin yoga, meditation and mindfulness, breathwork, and relaxation techniques. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Susi Amendola at what was then Omaha Yoga & Bodywork Center. In 2021, she completed her 500-hour teacher certification at the Himalayan Institute, where she also worked as an ayurvedic health coach and yoga instructor. She has been offering ayurvedic workshops and teaching yoga at studios and retreat centers around the country and abroad since 2016. When she is not teaching yoga, you can find her paddleboarding, hiking, and exploring the US in her converted CR-V camper.

Maria Reyes Vazquez (she/her) was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco and raised in Omaha, Nebraska where she began her dance training. She started dancing at age four as a part of the traditional Mexican dance company, “Primavera” and “Chomari”, at El Museo Latino. She performed with El Museo Latino for 17 consecutive seasons and taught technique classes as a senior company member for 3 years. Maria explored other forms of dance as a performing arts major at Omaha South High School, where she was first introduced to modern dance. 

In 2014, she studied modern dance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she had the opportunity to learn from companies like David Parsons Dance, Diavolo Dance Theater, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and many more. Maria’s movement challenges dancers to move with intensity, focus on their musicality and trust their momentum. Currently, Maria is a dancer, teacher and choreographer for Vōx Dance Collective. 

  Laura Theisen grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where she trained at Omaha Academy of Ballet and Creighton University. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University before moving to Southern California where she performed professionally with Golden State Ballet, Temecula Ballet, and Ballet Collective San Diego. Alongside her performing career, Laura taught ballet and pointe at numerous studios across California, working with students of all ages. Most recently, Laura performed at the Tokyo Disney Resort, where she appeared in a world-class production while working alongside artists from around the globe. Now back in Omaha, she is excited to share the knowledge and experience she's gained throughout her career by creating a positive, supportive, and engaging environment where dancers of all backgrounds can grow with confidence.

Camille is a Dominican artist and Creighton University graduate with a degree in Theater and a minor in Musical Theatre. She has performed in productions such as A Chorus Line (PACE) Cabaret (OCP)The Buddy Holly Story (Rave On) etc. Rooted in the rhythms of merengue, salsa, and bachata, Camille discovered her passion for Latin dance early on, performing in the Dominican Republic with Mar y Sol Dance School and later teaching salsa with Creighton’s Salsa Club. She is excited to bring her Latin fusion dance classes to The Studio Dundee, creating a vibrant, welcoming space where everyone can feel confident and enjoy dancing 

Latin Fusion with Camille:

Experience the vibrant energy of Latin Fusion dance! This class combines the lively, marching steps of merengue, the fluid turns and playful movement of salsa, and the smooth, soulful flow of bachata into fun, dynamic combinations. Designed for all levels, it’s an inclusive space to improve rhythm, coordination, and confidence while connecting to the joyful energy of Latin music.

Nicole has a BFA in Dance Performance from Missouri State University and brings over 20 years of experience as a professional dancer and dance educator to her students. She has enhanced her knowledge of anatomy and movement through the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® completing both Level 1 & 2 certifications, and has continued to expand her knowledge through continuing education and development. Because of her passion for sharing the joy and understanding of movement with everyone she works with, and because of her experiences as a dancer, rehearsal director, artistic director, and university adjunct professor, Nicole has the ability to meet her students where they are in order to help them gain.

Contemporary Modern with Nicole:

Contemporary Modern For Dancers Classes are designed to make dance accessible and joyful. Our diverse instructors, drawing from backgrounds rich in modern dance traditions like Graham, Horton, Cunningham, and Limon, will guide you through a fun warm up and dance combinations. "For Dancers" Is taught at the Intermediate level, designed for experienced dancers.

The GYROTONIC® method is an original and unique movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength.

Kelly Hanneman brings an eclectic mix of modalities to the dance studio in the form of Soul-Centered Movement. She was trained in classical ballet at the Omaha Academy of Ballet, then went on to become a professional modern dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She toured internationally with MOMIX dance company and worked with Pilobolus Dance Theatre, David Parsons Dance Company, Omaha Modern Dance Collective, Creighton Dance Company, and many more. 

Kelly strives to create a relaxed and nurturing environment in the studio to support the bridge between the external and internal discipline of dance and guide students towards a deeper and more intimate relationship with and appreciation for themselves and their movement. She embraces dance as both a performing art and a healing art. 

She currently teaches modern dance at Creighton University, is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Health and Wellness Coach. She holds a BFA from North Carolina School of the Arts and MS from Creighton University in Integrative Health and Wellness.

Leigh began dancing at the age of 5, and has been teaching tap for 20+ years. She grew up learning from Beth Gaynes here in Omaha, and continued to tap throughout college and beyond. In addition to teaching at local studios, Leigh has choreographed for show choirs, musical theater productions, and local community events. She loves to continually broaden her education by attending yearly tap festivals and conventions. Leigh’s tap inspiration lies with legends such as Dr. Jimmy Slyde and the Nicholas Brothers, and current greats such as Maud and Chloe Arnold. When not tapping, you can find her nose in a book or hanging out with family!

PATRICK RODDY joined Creighton University’s dance faculty in 1993 and has directed the dance program since 2010. In addition to serving as a faculty member at Creighton, Patrick has a well-developed connection to the Omaha dance community, having presented annual workshops for the Omaha Dance Teachers Association, taught in local studios, and has choreographed for numerous local theatre and dance companies over the past half-century. From 1978-1992, he worked and studied professionally in New York and Los Angeles and has been a faculty member of many nationally recognized dance intensives, including Luminary Dance Project, Dance Olympus, and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. Master Classes/JAZZ & TAP - See Class schedule for details.

Originally, Sue certified in Stott Pilates® in Matwork, Reformer, Total Barre™, with training in Chair and Cadillac. She taught mat, reformer, barre, and TRX regularly at the Pilates Center of Omaha. She also taught at the UNL rec center for two years and at a Lincoln YMCA.

She then spent the next ten years teaching in her own studio and training under Shari Berkowitz, owner of The Vertical Workshop out of New York state. TVW is a more classical style of Pilates.

Years of dancing and jogging had left Sue with back, neck, and shoulder injuries and three choices--surgery, painkillers, or a new life-style. She was fortunate enough to be able to choose a new life-style. Her desire as a Pilates instructor is to help others find similar freedom, healing, and core strength within their particular exercises, hobbies and/or careers.

Lauren Simpson is an artist based in Omaha. Her creative interests lie at the intersection of bodies and objects, resulting in dances that emphasizes the materiality of the body and the agency of things.

Lauren's work has been presented by Joslyn Art Museum (Omaha), deYoung Museum (San Francisco), Minnesota Street Project (San Francisco), and ODC (San Francisco). She was an ODC Artist in Residence from 2018-2022. She danced for Liz Lerman, choreographer and MacArthur Genius recipient,  and Risa Jaroslow, New York City/Oakland-based choreographer. Lauren has taught dance at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Harvard College and University of San Francisco. Lauren works in development for a local arts nonprofit, Amplify Arts. She has an M.F.A. from the University of Colorado-Boulder, Ed.M. from Harvard University, and B.A. from Carleton College.

Andrea is an experienced fitness professional with over 18 years in the industry. She is STOTT Reformer Certified and has specialized training in STOTT Pilates Injuries and Special Populations, Cadillac and Barrels. Additionally, Andrea holds an AFAA Group Exercise Instructor Certification. 

Throughout her career, she has taught a diverse range of fitness formats, including barre, Zumba, aqua fitness and functional strength. Andrea is passionate about helping people feel better through movement and loves Pilates systematic approach to building core strength and better functioning bodies.

Outside of teaching, Andrea enjoys being with family, traveling and learning Spanish. During the summer months, she can often be found sailing with her husband, John, and their dog, Bear.

Greetings friends. I came to yoga 12 years ago to fix an aching back. I received that and so much more! Yoga has become a whole way of life for me and I’m always excited to share with others all the amazing benefits of the 8 limbs of yoga.  My offerings include focus on breath, meditation, movement, and building a better understanding of the body as well as getting more comfortable with discomfort. I bring a lot of love and acceptance and encourage everyone to take what works for them and leave the rest. Hope to see you soon! 

CLASSIC VINYASA  

Classic Vinyasa is a flowing journey through a sequence of poses linked together in a rhythmic dance. Each class will start with a gentle warm up and build in complexity. Focus will be on breath and development of a better understanding of how to feel deeper into the body’s transitions through postures.

All levels are welcome! Modifications will be offered for more challenging poses and students are always encouraged to rest or skip poses.

Bree is originally from Westminster, Colorado. Growing up, she received classical ballet training through the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, and completed all exams through Advanced 2. She also received training in jazz, modern, lyrical, and tap. Creighton University brought Bree to Omaha, where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in biology and a minor in dance. She decided she liked Creighton so much that she stayed to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy! She is currently completing an Orthopedic Physical Therapy residency program with Creighton University. With her dance background, Bree is planning on further specializing in Performing Arts Physical Therapy. She has been teaching dance and performing in the Omaha area for the past 9 years. Bree is very passionate about advocating for appropriate strengthening, conditioning, and injury prevention for all dancers. When she is not dancing or in the PT clinic, you can find Bree enjoying nature, playing the harp, or cozying up with a good book and some tea.

 Michelle Cooper, MPT, BScEd, is a licensed physical therapist with 28 years of experience and a certified Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor who teaches all levels from beginner to advanced.  Her physical therapy background includes pelvic floor health, persistent/chronic pain, acupuncture, and treating patients with physical symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress alongside mental health providers.  She incorporates her passion for Tai Chi and Qigong with her experience as a physical therapist and her background in education to ensure her classes are fun, progressive, and easy to follow with modifications and challenges given for all levels