Where Every Young Performer Can Learn to Believe in Themself - Midwest Dance Academy Motto

 Todd Weeks - Artistic Director

Attended East Central Oklahoma State University where he majored in music education and studied dance.  He later moved to Dallas, Texas where he studied classical ballet for six years with Joyce Seaborne-Bader an accredited teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance in London.  While in Dallas, Todd performed in Videos, Industrial shows, and Cabaret Performances.  He also danced principal roles with Dancers' Unlimited Repertory Company, a contemporary dance company located in Dallas.  Todd has lived in  St. Louis for 20 years, during which he has performed with the Muny, dancing in over 30 productions, some of which include "Singing in the Rain", "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" where he played Jeb and Luke, and "Show Boat" where he was the understudy for Frank, the shows comedic dancing character.  Todd has been Dance Captain on numerous shows for the Muny and Assistant Choreographer for " An Evening with Richard Rogers".  Todd also choreographed the Midwest premiere of "Xanadu Live" for Michael Clarkston productions an L.A. based Production Company.  The following are his concert dancing credits.  Todd has danced with Suzanne Grace's Burning Feet Dance Company, danced guest performances with Gary Hubler and Webster University's Webster Dance Theater and danced for 10 years with the Modern American Dance Company.  Todd is now the Associate Artistic Director for the Modern American Dance Company (MADCO).  He has choreographed numerous full length works for the company including the critically acclaimed "Cinderella the Untold Story". In 2006 he choreographed a full length work based on dreams entitled "Chimera" which included ariel work and flying; this work was again re-staged in 2009.  Todd was the 1999 and 2000 recipient of the sign of the Arrow/Pi Beta Phi Emerging Choreographer's Award.  In 2004 he was chosen as one of the local choreographer's to showcase his work in the Dance St. Louis Contemporary Moves Concert.  He is on the Dance faculty at the University of Missouri St. Louis.  Todd has taught master classes for several Universities including New York University at Fredonia, as well as a master class for Cirque d' Soliel in Florida.  Todd has also taught master classes at the University of South Florida, and Disney.  His most recent credits include choreographing for the United Methodist Womens conference which was held at the Edward Jones Dome and was ask to be apart of the 60X60 project from New York, which was repeated in St. Louis with local choreographers. Todd has over 20 years of teaching experience and it is his belief, that all children have a hidden talent and as a dance instructor it is his job to help them find the confidence to believe in themselves so that they can discover their own inner possibilities.

 
 David Carnaghi - Business Director

David has been the Business Director for the past 13years and brings to the Academy it's Organized and Professional atmosphere.  His 20+ years in the airline industry gives him the skills and ability to keep the business side of things in order and running smoothly.  Dave's caring and concern also helps to make our family here whole and keeps us grounded.  He is what gives our school a heart and makes sure we never lose sight of our original goals.  To Provide an Academy that is not only the best in instruction, but never forgets the true purpose of what we do...to help mold young people into confident individuals who have the skills to achieve their dreams and aspirations in life.

Jennifer Reilly -  co-Artistic Director

Graduated from Lindenwood University where she received a B.A. in Dance, Secondary Education, and Math.  Jennifer also received the 2001 Dance Award from Lindenwood.  Before attending Lindenwood University she received a Full Dance Scholarship to attend South Florida University, but decided she wanted to stay closer to home and the man who became here husband.  Jennifer has been dancing since the age of three and as Ms. Dance St. Louis she received several Ballet Scholarships.  She completed a Residency with the Paul Taylor Dance Company in 2002. Jennifer is currently a  dancer with the Modern American Dance Company.  Jennifer also serves as the Rehearsal Director for that company (MADCO) and instructs classes and teaches repertory works as well as some of her own choreography for them. Jennifer as taught master classes at the University of New York Fredonia, the University of South Florida, and Disney.  Jennifer believes that it is important to share her love of dance with young people to inspire the dancers of tomorrow.

Other Teaching Staff:  

Angie Ingenthron

Angie has 20 years of teaching experience in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.  Angie studied Dance at Webster University with Jan Feager-Cosby and Chris Donaldson.  She teaches both Broadway and Rhythm styles of Tap and is a very energetic and important part of the teaching team at Midwest Dance Academy Inc.  Angie's teaching goal is not only to instruct her students in the technique of dance, but also to "inspire them to love the art of dance and all that it has to offer".

Tawnya White

Tawnya attended Stephens College and Webster University where she majored in Theatrical Dance.  At Webster, she was a member of the Webster Dance Theatre and Terpsicore.  She is certified by NDEITA (National Dance Exercise Instructors Training Association).  She has over 15 years of teaching experience and has also worked as a choreographer and performer with the West Side Dance Troupe in Germany, as a Professional Cheerleader with Steam Heat and the Cardinal Red Line Dancers in St. Louis, and as Dance Choreographer for Hal Jackson's Miss Talented Teen and Miss Black Teenage World of Missouri Pageant Associations.  She was also the Artistic Director fo the Dance Program at Grand Forks Air Force Base and the Cheer-leading Coach at Offutt Air Force Base.  Her belief is, if you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can become it.    

Jennifer Joergensen

Jennifer has her Bachelors Degree from SIUE and holds an Illinois Teaching Certificate.   She has trained with us for six years in our teaching technique and syllabus for our Combo classes here at Midwest Dance Academy Inc.  Jennifer has become a very qualified and sought after teacher and we are very fortunate to have her on our staff.

Kari Ann Knobloch

Kari Ann studied at Midwest Dance Academy, Inc.  and went on to receive a degree in dance from Lindenwood University.  She as been teaching and Choreographing in the St. Louis area. At SIUE she  has Choreographed for their summer musicals.  Kari Ann is a former company member with MADCO. She has taken leave from the Company to return to Lindenwood and work on her Masters Degree. We are very proud to welcome her home and back to her family here at Midwest Dance Academy, Inc.

R.Vance Baldwin

R. Vance Baldwin holds a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education from Missouri Western State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from University of Missouri-Kansas City.  Vance has performed professionally for Shoji Tabuchi Theater, Shawnee Mission: The Theater in the Park, and performed/choreographed for Missouri Western State University Dance Company, Reach....a Movement Collective Inc., 940 Dance Company, Eubank Productions, and Robidoux Resident Theater. Currently, Vance resides with Modern American Dance Company.  He has also been a master teacher for the Lawrence Arts Center and Dance Arts Center.  He is very excited about joining the Midwest Dance Academy.

Midwest's objectives

It is our goal as a team to create an atmosphere where both the student and their families feel apart of our extended family.  While doing so share our knowledge with our students and ensure  their growth both as dancers and young people who are our next generation.  We know here we teach much more than just dance moves.  It is very important that we understand our effect on the young people that we teach on a daily basis.  Providing them with the confidence they need to accomplish their future goals.