Teachers Make the Difference
Our staff is the heartbeat of our studio. This team of talented professionals bring life and personality to movement. They all have extensive training and performance backgrounds. Each has their own unique teaching style. They bring their passion for dance to the studio every day and share it with the students. Many of these instructors have an established history of teaching at the studio and have developed relationships with generations of local families. Their commitment to the studio and to their art sets us apart from other studios. Their expertise strengthens the quality of training we provide and anchors strong relationships within our studio and within the community.
Meet Our Staff
Pat Doyle
Pat has taught in the area for the past 40 years. Her training was at Stone Cameron, Gus Giordano, and Anida Sedala. Pat studied with Bruce Stegman and has received her Grade One Cecchetti teacher’s degree. She has choreographed a number of community productions including ones at Morten Jr. College and Stevenson High School and is the costumer for Prospect High School and the District 214 Summer Musical program. Pat also taught for Stevenson High School’s Odyssey program and is a CDE Lifetime member of CNADM. She is celebrating 28 years as director of Kids Dance Express, Pre-school Creative Dance Program and is the proud co-owner of D & G Dancewear. Pat has received her jazz teacher certification in Giordano Jazz technique.
Pat Doyle
Pat has taught in the area for the past 40 years. Her training was at Stone Cameron, Gus Giordano, and Anida Sedala. Pat studied with Bruce Stegman and has received her Grade One Cecchetti teacher’s degree. She has choreographed a number of community productions including ones at Morten Jr. College and Stevenson High School and is the costumer for Prospect High School and the District 214 Summer Musical program. Pat also taught for Stevenson High School’s Odyssey program and is a CDE Lifetime member of CNADM. She is celebrating 28 years as director of Kids Dance Express, Pre-school Creative Dance Program and is the proud co-owner of D & G Dancewear. Pat has received her jazz teacher certification in Giordano Jazz technique.
Casey Gunther
Casey began her dance training at McDonald Dance Academy at the age of 3. From childhood through high school, Casey was a member of the Arlington Dance Ensemble, where she was a part of many performance opportunities including The Winter Gala, The Giordano Dance Showcase, Dance for Life Next Generation, and many others. Casey also was the lead choreographer for Dynamite Dancers, a Special Education dance group at John Hersey High School. Upon graduating, Casey received the Distinguished Artist Award Scholarship at Hope College, where she received her BA in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as psychology. Casey trained in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and choreography. Casey has been fortunate enough to work with many wonderful choreographers including Matthew Farmer, Sharon Wong, Steven Iannacone, and Linda Graham. She has also performed in local choreography showcases including Dance X, the Student Dance Showcase at Hope College and the Inaside Choreography Competition. In her spare time, Casey loved to volunteer at a local arts Center in Michigan for adults and teens with various cognitive and physical abilities. Casey is beyond excited to be back in Chicago and find out where her dance career will take her next. She is also full of gratitude to be back at the studio that ignited her passion for dance, but this time as a teacher working with the next generation of dancers.
Casey Gunther
Casey began her dance training at McDonald Dance Academy at the age of 3. From childhood through high school, Casey was a member of the Arlington Dance Ensemble, where she was a part of many performance opportunities including The Winter Gala, The Giordano Dance Showcase, Dance for Life Next Generation, and many others. Casey also was the lead choreographer for Dynamite Dancers, a Special Education dance group at John Hersey High School. Upon graduating, Casey received the Distinguished Artist Award Scholarship at Hope College, where she received her BA in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as psychology. Casey trained in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and choreography. Casey has been fortunate enough to work with many wonderful choreographers including Matthew Farmer, Sharon Wong, Steven Iannacone, and Linda Graham. She has also performed in local choreography showcases including Dance X, the Student Dance Showcase at Hope College and the Inaside Choreography Competition. In her spare time, Casey loved to volunteer at a local arts Center in Michigan for adults and teens with various cognitive and physical abilities. Casey is beyond excited to be back in Chicago and find out where her dance career will take her next. She is also full of gratitude to be back at the studio that ignited her passion for dance, but this time as a teacher working with the next generation of dancers.
Katie Calandra Kritek
Katie graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a BS in Dance and Dance Education and completed her M.Ed. from National-Louis University. She has been an active member of the Chicago dance community as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer for 25 years. She is the Dance Coordinator and a teacher in New Trier High School’s Dance Division. Katie is the recipient of the 2021 Shape America National Dance Teacher of the Year award after being named the 2019 Illinois AHPERD Dance Educator of the Year. She has taught dance at McDonald Dance Academy for 23 years and is excited to be a part of the staff at Arlington Dance Academy. She lives locally with her husband and two kids.
Katie Calandra Kritek
Katie graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a BS in Dance and Dance Education and completed her M.Ed. from National-Louis University. She has been an active member of the Chicago dance community as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer for 25 years. She is the Dance Coordinator and a teacher in New Trier High School’s Dance Division. Katie is the recipient of the 2021 Shape America National Dance Teacher of the Year award after being named the 2019 Illinois AHPERD Dance Educator of the Year. She has taught dance at McDonald Dance Academy for 23 years and is excited to be a part of the staff at Arlington Dance Academy. She lives locally with her husband and two kids.
Caroline Kuhl
Caroline began her training at Hubbard Street and the Gus Giordano schools. Since graduating with honors from I.S.U. with a B.S. in theater and dance she has enjoyed teaching, choreographing and performing. Experiences include: Light Opera Works, Pheasant Run Dinner Theater, Zebra Crossing Theater, Temporary Theater, Motivity, Zephyr Dance, Ameba Dance, Duets for my Valentine, Chi-Town Jazz Dance, several Las Vegas shows and a tour in Japan. A long time teacher on the north shore, Caroline keeps busy taking tap and jazz class with Julie Cartier and Pilates/yoga with Jennifer Alesi as well as chasing after her teenage daughter.
Caroline Kuhl
Caroline began her training at Hubbard Street and the Gus Giordano schools. Since graduating with honors from I.S.U. with a B.S. in theater and dance she has enjoyed teaching, choreographing and performing. Experiences include: Light Opera Works, Pheasant Run Dinner Theater, Zebra Crossing Theater, Temporary Theater, Motivity, Zephyr Dance, Ameba Dance, Duets for my Valentine, Chi-Town Jazz Dance, several Las Vegas shows and a tour in Japan. A long time teacher on the north shore, Caroline keeps busy taking tap and jazz class with Julie Cartier and Pilates/yoga with Jennifer Alesi as well as chasing after her teenage daughter.
Tatum Lang
Tatum began dancing at the age of three in the small town of Waconia, Minnesota. Throughout her teen years, Tatum attended summer intensive programs, including Joffrey Ballet School NYC, School of Ballet Arizona, and Kansas City Ballet School. Tatum graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship. During her time at UI, she worked with reputable choreographers including: Shannon Alvis, Christopher Rasheem-McMillan, Eloy Barragan, Britt Juleen,
and Armando Duarte. While at UI, she performed in the Iowa Dance Festival, the Harvest Contemporary Dance Festival in Chicago, and at Hollins University for Eloy Barragan’s Master’s Thesis “Ashes in the Air.” One of the highlights of her college career includes working closely with Shannon Alvis as a soloist in her work The Love of Souls in 2018. Following graduation, she promptly moved to Chicago to further pursue her love of dance. She danced as an ensemble member of Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre for the 2022-2023 season, where she trained with, and performed works by Shannon Alvis, Katlin Bourgeois, and Monique Haley. In addition, she also freelances around the Chicago area. With over 7 years of teaching experience, Tatum is so grateful for the role dance plays in her life and finds joy in sharing her knowledge and love of dance through finding connection with her students. She strives to create a healthy and fun classroom environment where students can be their genuine selves as they pursue excellence in dance.
Tatum Lang
Tatum began dancing at the age of three in the small town of Waconia, Minnesota. Throughout her teen years, Tatum attended summer intensive programs, including Joffrey Ballet School NYC, School of Ballet Arizona, and Kansas City Ballet School. Tatum graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship. During her time at UI, she worked with reputable choreographers including: Shannon Alvis, Christopher Rasheem-McMillan, Eloy Barragan, Britt Juleen,
and Armando Duarte. While at UI, she performed in the Iowa Dance Festival, the Harvest Contemporary Dance Festival in Chicago, and at Hollins University for Eloy Barragan’s Master’s Thesis “Ashes in the Air.” One of the highlights of her college career includes working closely with Shannon Alvis as a soloist in her work The Love of Souls in 2018. Following graduation, she promptly moved to Chicago to further pursue her love of dance. She danced as an ensemble member of Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre for the 2022-2023 season, where she trained with, and performed works by Shannon Alvis, Katlin Bourgeois, and Monique Haley. In addition, she also freelances around the Chicago area. With over 7 years of teaching experience, Tatum is so grateful for the role dance plays in her life and finds joy in sharing her knowledge and love of dance through finding connection with her students. She strives to create a healthy and fun classroom environment where students can be their genuine selves as they pursue excellence in dance.
Sarah O’Keeffe
Sarah is originally from Boulder, Colorado where she began her dance training with Reverence Academy of Dance. Sarah continued her training at the University of Kansas where she earned her BFA degree in Dance. During her time at KU Sarah was appointed president of the University Dance Company as well as being honored with the Lee Family scholarship, the Kick-start award, and the Elizabeth Sherbon Award for Dance. Sarah has been honored to perform works by Melissa Thodos, Regina Klenjoski, Lane Gifford, David Justin, Talia Beck, Robert McKee, and Autumn Eckman. Since moving to Chicago Sarah has worked with Inaside Dance Chicago and is currently a principal company dancer for the Trifecta Dance Collective. She also works as a free-lance dancer and choreographer for many projects in the city. When not dancing herself Sarah loves sharing her passion for dance with her students around Chicagoland.
Sarah O’Keeffe
Sarah is originally from Boulder, Colorado where she began her dance training with Reverence Academy of Dance. Sarah continued her training at the University of Kansas where she earned her BFA degree in Dance. During her time at KU Sarah was appointed president of the University Dance Company as well as being honored with the Lee Family scholarship, the Kick-start award, and the Elizabeth Sherbon Award for Dance. Sarah has been honored to perform works by Melissa Thodos, Regina Klenjoski, Lane Gifford, David Justin, Talia Beck, Robert McKee, and Autumn Eckman. Since moving to Chicago Sarah has worked with Inaside Dance Chicago and is currently a principal company dancer for the Trifecta Dance Collective. She also works as a free-lance dancer and choreographer for many projects in the city. When not dancing herself Sarah loves sharing her passion for dance with her students around Chicagoland.
Case Prime
Case Prime, originally from the Adirondack Mountains of New York, started his
professional tap dance career with Chicago Tap Theatre in 2018, under the direction of Mark Yonnally. He soon started taking classes from Starinah Dixon and Bril Barrett at MADD Rhythms, and after two years at CTT, started as an apprentice with MADD. That same year, Case had the opportunity to work with Jumaane Taylor in his work-in-progress Ugly Flavors. In 2021, Case was chosen to attend The School at Jacob’s Pillow’s Tap Dance program and was made company member at MADD Rhythms. Case continues to be a student of the dance and is excited to share what he’s learned so far with the students at Arlington Dance Academy.
Case Prime
Case Prime, originally from the Adirondack Mountains of New York, started his
professional tap dance career with Chicago Tap Theatre in 2018, under the direction of Mark Yonnally. He soon started taking classes from Starinah Dixon and Bril Barrett at MADD Rhythms, and after two years at CTT, started as an apprentice with MADD. That same year, Case had the opportunity to work with Jumaane Taylor in his work-in-progress Ugly Flavors. In 2021, Case was chosen to attend The School at Jacob’s Pillow’s Tap Dance program and was made company member at MADD Rhythms. Case continues to be a student of the dance and is excited to share what he’s learned so far with the students at Arlington Dance Academy.
Irfan Qurashi
Born in India, raised in New York and dancing in Chicago, Irfan Qurashi, found his passion for dance at 13 years old, Irfan Qurashi has taught in the Chicago Community at various workshops, company classes & studios for the past 10 years with a specialization in hip-hop, street styles, commercial dance, as well as contemporary fusion. Irfan is currently teaching at Dance and Music Academy, where he serves as the director of the hip-hop program. Irfan also currently teaches at All About Dance in Chicago, serving as an instructor for the recreational program as well as a choreographer for their upper division hip-hop company. Irfan also teaches recreational hip-hop at Dance Center Evanston and serves as a choreographer for Evanston Dance Ensemble. Irfan also directs & films his own passion-project, Deja Reve – a convergence of dance & film to showcase talented pre-professional young students through a cinematic lens.
Irfan Qurashi
Born in India, raised in New York and dancing in Chicago, Irfan Qurashi, found his passion for dance at 13 years old, Irfan Qurashi has taught in the Chicago Community at various workshops, company classes & studios for the past 10 years with a specialization in hip-hop, street styles, commercial dance, as well as contemporary fusion. Irfan is currently teaching at Dance and Music Academy, where he serves as the director of the hip-hop program. Irfan also currently teaches at All About Dance in Chicago, serving as an instructor for the recreational program as well as a choreographer for their upper division hip-hop company. Irfan also teaches recreational hip-hop at Dance Center Evanston and serves as a choreographer for Evanston Dance Ensemble. Irfan also directs & films his own passion-project, Deja Reve – a convergence of dance & film to showcase talented pre-professional young students through a cinematic lens.
Julie Senft
Julie grew up in Mt Prospect, IL and graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Sociology. She performed in a variety of works at Iowa, trained with many talented artists, and also got to study Samba Dance and Music abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Julie went on to dance professionally with Inaside Chicago Dance for 7 years and got to perform locally as well as internationally. She was also Inaside’s Rehearsal Director as well as the Youth Program Director. Julie was a judge in both regional and national dance competitions for Applause Talent Competition for several years. While Julie has always loved to perform, she loves sharing her passion for dance with her students through her teaching and choreography.
Julie Senft
Julie grew up in Mt Prospect, IL and graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Sociology. She performed in a variety of works at Iowa, trained with many talented artists, and also got to study Samba Dance and Music abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Julie went on to dance professionally with Inaside Chicago Dance for 7 years and got to perform locally as well as internationally. She was also Inaside’s Rehearsal Director as well as the Youth Program Director. Julie was a judge in both regional and national dance competitions for Applause Talent Competition for several years. While Julie has always loved to perform, she loves sharing her passion for dance with her students through her teaching and choreography.
Corinne Sigler
Corinne started teaching dance and choreographing at the young age of 12. She earned her BFA from the University of Illinois and was a faculty member in the Dance Department. Her choreography was chosen to close the university’s annual Studio Dance II performance for four consecutive years. Corinne’s work wasn’t limited to campus; she taught and choreographed for students at local studios for education and performances. For the past 20 years she has taught ballet, tap, pointe, modern and lyrical to dancers ages three through adult. Corinne has worked with many dance legends, including Debbie Allen, Dianne Walker, Mark Morris, Lynn Simonson, Robert Reed, Sam Weber, Gregory Hines, and Savion Glover. She received scholarships from Dance for Life, Joel Hall Dance, Cal Arts and Melissa Thodos. In addition to performing for U of I and Chicago-based choreographers, she performed in NYC, Minnesota and Disneyworld. She was featured on NBC with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. Corinne’s passion for dance is contagious to her students, and she’s excited to start her first year at Arlington Dance Academy.
Corinne Sigler
Corinne started teaching dance and choreographing at the young age of 12. She earned her BFA from the University of Illinois and was a faculty member in the Dance Department. Her choreography was chosen to close the university’s annual Studio Dance II performance for four consecutive years. Corinne’s work wasn’t limited to campus; she taught and choreographed for students at local studios for education and performances. For the past 20 years she has taught ballet, tap, pointe, modern and lyrical to dancers ages three through adult. Corinne has worked with many dance legends, including Debbie Allen, Dianne Walker, Mark Morris, Lynn Simonson, Robert Reed, Sam Weber, Gregory Hines, and Savion Glover. She received scholarships from Dance for Life, Joel Hall Dance, Cal Arts and Melissa Thodos. In addition to performing for U of I and Chicago-based choreographers, she performed in NYC, Minnesota and Disneyworld. She was featured on NBC with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. Corinne’s passion for dance is contagious to her students, and she’s excited to start her first year at Arlington Dance Academy.
Micki Smolenski
Micki began her training at 3 years old with Studio Impulse and the Mount Prospect School of Classical Ballet, and was a part of their dance troops, Ballet Expressions and Impulse. In high school, she was a member of Orchesis, show choir, and served as dance captain for many of the school musicals. She studied modern, jazz and choreography at Miami University alongside Theatre Arts. There, she choreographed 4 musicals, performed in the dance film, Squared, and devised her own six part dance concert featuring both dance and poetry for the Miami University Independent Artist Series. Post-graduation, Micki has been choreographing for the theater company Sigman Brothers’s original musicals, and also teaches with the Mount Prospect Park District.
Micki Smolenski
Micki began her training at 3 years old with Studio Impulse and the Mount Prospect School of Classical Ballet, and was a part of their dance troops, Ballet Expressions and Impulse. In high school, she was a member of Orchesis, show choir, and served as dance captain for many of the school musicals. She studied modern, jazz and choreography at Miami University alongside Theatre Arts. There, she choreographed 4 musicals, performed in the dance film, Squared, and devised her own six part dance concert featuring both dance and poetry for the Miami University Independent Artist Series. Post-graduation, Micki has been choreographing for the theater company Sigman Brothers’s original musicals, and also teaches with the Mount Prospect Park District.
Christine Wellner
Christine grew up dancing at the North Suburban School of Dance in Northbrook, Illinois. She continued her training in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She performed in and choreographed numerous musical theater productions such as West Side Story, Hair, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, and Grease. After a career in nonprofit administration, she returned to the dance studio as a teacher, specializing in early childhood ballet and creative movement at various locations around the northern suburbs. Christine currently serves as the choreographer for Harmony Youth Theatre of Arlington Heights. She’s excited to move joyfully with the newest generation of dancers here at Arlington Dance Academy!
Christine Wellner
Christine grew up dancing at the North Suburban School of Dance in Northbrook, Illinois. She continued her training in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She performed in and choreographed numerous musical theater productions such as West Side Story, Hair, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, and Grease. After a career in nonprofit administration, she returned to the dance studio as a teacher, specializing in early childhood ballet and creative movement at various locations around the northern suburbs. Christine currently serves as the choreographer for Harmony Youth Theatre of Arlington Heights. She’s excited to move joyfully with the newest generation of dancers here at Arlington Dance Academy!
Office Manager
Tabatha O’Beirne’s history with the dance studio began 20 years ago when her daughter first took classes with Katie Kritek. A family move made St. Louis home for ten years, where she was busy being a dance, soccer, and violin mom while working at a law firm. After moving back to Arlington Heights a few years ago, joining the dance studio was a nice opportunity to be involved in the community again with Linda and McDonald Dance Academy. She has enjoyed getting to know many of the dance families over the past four years and especially loves to see the little ones and their parents come in, so excited to wear their ballet shoes. She appreciates being a part of the new Arlington Dance Academy and looks forward to continuing working with the studio and families.
Office Manager
Tabatha O’Beirne’s history with the dance studio began 20 years ago when her daughter first took classes with Katie Kritek. A family move made St. Louis home for ten years, where she was busy being a dance, soccer, and violin mom while working at a law firm. After moving back to Arlington Heights a few years ago, joining the dance studio was a nice opportunity to be involved in the community again with Linda and McDonald Dance Academy. She has enjoyed getting to know many of the dance families over the past four years and especially loves to see the little ones and their parents come in, so excited to wear their ballet shoes. She appreciates being a part of the new Arlington Dance Academy and looks forward to continuing working with the studio and families.