| MEET YOUR FACULTY... |
April Joseph-Sykes: Artistic Director/Instructor: 1989-Present. April has established a solid
foundation of quality dance instruction and an outstanding dance curriculum for Suncoast
Academy of Dance and is the Artistic Director and choreographer for the award winning Art In
Motion. April began her classical ballet training locally and continues her dance training with
such greats as Finis Jhung (NYC). April is well respected in the dance industry and has
formed relationships with Suzi Miller (LA), Rhonda Miller (NYC/LA), Chebar Williams( LA),
Jesus Solario(LA) and others through several annual dance conventions. She began her
professional career with Princess Cruise Lines as a dancer and line captain. Her commitment
to the community, the arts, and our students is unparalleled, participating in events including
The Great American Teach In, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Adopt -A- Class,
Relay for Life, and other exciting projects.
foundation of quality dance instruction and an outstanding dance curriculum for Suncoast
Academy of Dance and is the Artistic Director and choreographer for the award winning Art In
Motion. April began her classical ballet training locally and continues her dance training with
such greats as Finis Jhung (NYC). April is well respected in the dance industry and has
formed relationships with Suzi Miller (LA), Rhonda Miller (NYC/LA), Chebar Williams( LA),
Jesus Solario(LA) and others through several annual dance conventions. She began her
professional career with Princess Cruise Lines as a dancer and line captain. Her commitment
to the community, the arts, and our students is unparalleled, participating in events including
The Great American Teach In, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Adopt -A- Class,
Relay for Life, and other exciting projects.
Elizabeth Bliach: Elizabeth began her formal dance training at Suncoast Academy of Dance, advancing from
student, to assistant and currently a very popular teacher. She is well versed in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical
and modern. Previously a member of Art In Motion she was presented the Leadership Award by Company Dance
in 2006. Elizabeth has taken class with Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Chebar Williams, Suzi Miller and Ryan
Lohoff just to name a few. Also involved in drama and musical theater her accomplishments are numerous.
Elizabeth ’s enthusiasm is irresistible, her positive attitude and personality are an asset to our studio.
student, to assistant and currently a very popular teacher. She is well versed in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical
and modern. Previously a member of Art In Motion she was presented the Leadership Award by Company Dance
in 2006. Elizabeth has taken class with Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Chebar Williams, Suzi Miller and Ryan
Lohoff just to name a few. Also involved in drama and musical theater her accomplishments are numerous.
Elizabeth ’s enthusiasm is irresistible, her positive attitude and personality are an asset to our studio.
Jenni Carlson: Jenni has a passion and love for dance that she passes on to the students she teaches. Jenni
began as a student at Suncoast Academy of Dance and since has performed in several industrial shows in the
area including Nexus and attended classes at the Edge and Millennium Dance Complex in California. Jenni has
been involved with our performing company, Art In Motion, attending several conventions and competitions with
our groups throughout the years. Her warmth, encouragement, technical skills and positive attitude towards our
students is a benefit to all.
began as a student at Suncoast Academy of Dance and since has performed in several industrial shows in the
area including Nexus and attended classes at the Edge and Millennium Dance Complex in California. Jenni has
been involved with our performing company, Art In Motion, attending several conventions and competitions with
our groups throughout the years. Her warmth, encouragement, technical skills and positive attitude towards our
students is a benefit to all.
Nick Harris: Nick began his career dancing in Las Vegas , where he performed in many industrial shows and
corporate events. This later led Nick to Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan working several contracts, playing several
parts from Peter Pan to The Snow White Prince. Nick has also had a contract at Busch Gardens in Tampa , FL. His
high energy classes makes him a convention favorite. Currently he is a guest faculty/judge for the Hoctor’s Dance
Caravan, a national convention. Nick has several classes for our dancers to choose from including ballet, jazz,
lyrical and contemporary. Nick also teaches specialty classes including stretch and technique/placement.
corporate events. This later led Nick to Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan working several contracts, playing several
parts from Peter Pan to The Snow White Prince. Nick has also had a contract at Busch Gardens in Tampa , FL. His
high energy classes makes him a convention favorite. Currently he is a guest faculty/judge for the Hoctor’s Dance
Caravan, a national convention. Nick has several classes for our dancers to choose from including ballet, jazz,
lyrical and contemporary. Nick also teaches specialty classes including stretch and technique/placement.
Leighann Flores: Leighann attended Maine State High School for the Performing Arts and has a Bachelor of Arts
degree from the University of Southern Maine . She was a company member of the Maine State Ballet for 4 years.
Leighann relocated to Florida a few years ago and remains connected to the Performing Arts by teaching at
Suncoast Academy of Dance. You can find Leighann currently as an instructor for PreSchool, Jazz, and Tap. Her
classes are enjoyed by all of our students.
degree from the University of Southern Maine . She was a company member of the Maine State Ballet for 4 years.
Leighann relocated to Florida a few years ago and remains connected to the Performing Arts by teaching at
Suncoast Academy of Dance. You can find Leighann currently as an instructor for PreSchool, Jazz, and Tap. Her
classes are enjoyed by all of our students.
Lauren King: Lauren's high energy classes will leave you tired and inspired! Her training includes Suncoast
Academy of Dance/Aim Alumni (FL), Millennium Dance Complex/Work-Study Scholarship student(CA),
Broadway Dance Center (NYC), and she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood on
scholarship. Her credits include Kids Dance LA, Surrey Festival of Dance, Just Chillin Stomp Girl, and Disney. A
true triple threat with a kick, Lauren models, acts, dances, and has earned a black belt in martial arts.
Academy of Dance/Aim Alumni (FL), Millennium Dance Complex/Work-Study Scholarship student(CA),
Broadway Dance Center (NYC), and she attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood on
scholarship. Her credits include Kids Dance LA, Surrey Festival of Dance, Just Chillin Stomp Girl, and Disney. A
true triple threat with a kick, Lauren models, acts, dances, and has earned a black belt in martial arts.
Jenny St. Arnold: Jenny’s passion for dance is obvious in her exuberant classes. She began her dance
education at Suncoast Academy of Dance and enhanced her training by attending The Edge, Millennium Dance
Complex and American Performing Arts in California . Upon her return she enrolled at USF where she continued
her studies in Ballet, Modern and Improvisation while earning a BS in Industrial Engineering. Her performing
experience includes: Super Bowl XXXV Pre-game Show, The Art & Spirituality Festival, The Oft Told Story Stage
Prod., and Katurah & Co., a modern Dance company. Jenny's exciting classes and personality are loved by all.
education at Suncoast Academy of Dance and enhanced her training by attending The Edge, Millennium Dance
Complex and American Performing Arts in California . Upon her return she enrolled at USF where she continued
her studies in Ballet, Modern and Improvisation while earning a BS in Industrial Engineering. Her performing
experience includes: Super Bowl XXXV Pre-game Show, The Art & Spirituality Festival, The Oft Told Story Stage
Prod., and Katurah & Co., a modern Dance company. Jenny's exciting classes and personality are loved by all.
Amy Rhoda-Taylor: Amy has an impressive and extensive dance education background. Her dance training
includes the Erie Civic Ballet, Chautauqua Summer Program, National Academy of Dance, Haydee Gutierrez,
Tampa Ballet, and the University of South Florida Dance Department. Amy's teaching experience includes Artistic
Director of Florida West Ballet Company, Moscow Ballet Nutcracker Children's Rehearsal Mistress, and USF Dance
Adjunct Faculty. Amy has had numerous students accepted to major ballet companies across the country and
continues her support and contact with these dancers. She brings her passion , experience, technique and
knowledge of dance to our classical ballet classes.
includes the Erie Civic Ballet, Chautauqua Summer Program, National Academy of Dance, Haydee Gutierrez,
Tampa Ballet, and the University of South Florida Dance Department. Amy's teaching experience includes Artistic
Director of Florida West Ballet Company, Moscow Ballet Nutcracker Children's Rehearsal Mistress, and USF Dance
Adjunct Faculty. Amy has had numerous students accepted to major ballet companies across the country and
continues her support and contact with these dancers. She brings her passion , experience, technique and
knowledge of dance to our classical ballet classes.
| Also included in our faculty are our assistants and demonstrators. These dancers assist the teachers with the younger level classes by taking roll, assisting the dancers, demonstrating movements and many more tasks. The assistants and demonstrators are chosen based on their commitment to dance and Suncoast Academy of Dance, their exemplary leadership skills and dance technique. The students in the class really enjoy the girls involvement and look forward to seeing them each week!. Ashley Ackerman, Katelyn Adams and Annie McKeever have been promoted to assistant s joining Danielle Griglock and Phillipa Tuckey. Please join us in congratulating these dancers for their hard work. |
| Suncoast Academy of Dance 2330 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor, FL 34683 727-786-8111 www.suncoastacademyofdance.com |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tracy Carter: Tracy has toured the east coast performing and educating with Tap Team Two & Co. Her passion
for dance, TV and film then led her to LA where she has been living and working for the past 10 years. Credits
include teaching hip hop and tap at the world famous Millennium Dance Complex & Debbie Reynolds Studios
where she instructed celebrities such as Brittney Spears, B2K, Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl) and Corbin Bleu (High
School Musical). She has appeared on shows for MTV, VH1, the WB, Oxygen & HBO. Tracy feels extremely
excited and blessed to return to her Home Studio to share her love of all things dance. Welcome Home Tracy!!
for dance, TV and film then led her to LA where she has been living and working for the past 10 years. Credits
include teaching hip hop and tap at the world famous Millennium Dance Complex & Debbie Reynolds Studios
where she instructed celebrities such as Brittney Spears, B2K, Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl) and Corbin Bleu (High
School Musical). She has appeared on shows for MTV, VH1, the WB, Oxygen & HBO. Tracy feels extremely
excited and blessed to return to her Home Studio to share her love of all things dance. Welcome Home Tracy!!
Amy Stankewich: Amy comes to us from Youngstown Ohio where she began dance at age 5 and has been teaching
for over ten years. She has trained with top professionals in the industry such as Mark Goodman, Cory Finn, Mia
Michaels, Dee Caspery and personally worked alongside John Crutchman, Alan Sherfield and Ray Leeper to name a
few. Amy modeled for the dance magazine Tia's Dancewear in 2004 and has performed on stage in Vegas with the
faculty of West Coast Dance Explosion. Amy has taught all ages in tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and ballet. Her
passion for dance truly enhances her student's performances and she is very excited to begin a new chapter of her
life here at Suncoast Academy of Dance.
for over ten years. She has trained with top professionals in the industry such as Mark Goodman, Cory Finn, Mia
Michaels, Dee Caspery and personally worked alongside John Crutchman, Alan Sherfield and Ray Leeper to name a
few. Amy modeled for the dance magazine Tia's Dancewear in 2004 and has performed on stage in Vegas with the
faculty of West Coast Dance Explosion. Amy has taught all ages in tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and ballet. Her
passion for dance truly enhances her student's performances and she is very excited to begin a new chapter of her
life here at Suncoast Academy of Dance.
Colleen Patterson: Colleen began dancing at a young age, taking many forms of dance. Colleen auditioned and was
accepted into Art In Motion performing company for numerous years . Colleen became an assistant instructor and then
promoted to an instructor based on her technique and dedication. Colleen is a recent graduate of Florida State
University with a degree in Family/Child Sciences . She is very excited to be back in Palm Harbor teaching pre-school
dance at Suncoast. Please join us in welcoming Colleen back to our teaching staff!
accepted into Art In Motion performing company for numerous years . Colleen became an assistant instructor and then
promoted to an instructor based on her technique and dedication. Colleen is a recent graduate of Florida State
University with a degree in Family/Child Sciences . She is very excited to be back in Palm Harbor teaching pre-school
dance at Suncoast. Please join us in welcoming Colleen back to our teaching staff!
Cleo Sykes: Cleo has been dancing for ten years. She is a member of our performing company and was previously a
teachers assistant. Cleo has been accepted to The Sarasota Ballet and The Orlando Ballet at The Patel Conservatory.
Cleo has been the coordinator for our Relay for Life team the past three years. She is currently a senior at East Lake
High School and is also a peer connector.
teachers assistant. Cleo has been accepted to The Sarasota Ballet and The Orlando Ballet at The Patel Conservatory.
Cleo has been the coordinator for our Relay for Life team the past three years. She is currently a senior at East Lake
High School and is also a peer connector.
| Photo Coming Soon |
| Photo Coming Soon |
| Photo Coming Soon |
