Faculty Bios

Erin Stover
Erin Stover has over 21 year of dance training, experience, and expertise to offer. Her background includes classical ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, cheerleading, and partnering.

She began her training at age 4 at the Darla Kash School of dance in Charleroi, PA. At age 10 she joined the Mon Valley Dance Academy under the direction of Dr. Richard Helldobler. In 1996 Erin was selected to perform in Orlando, Florida during the half time show at the Citrus Bowl. During this time Erin danced numerous roles in The Nutcracker at California University along side Andrew Drost - Miami City Ballet Company Member.

Erin attended La Roche College where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in performing arts with an emphasis in classical ballet and a minor in business management. While attending La Roche Erin trained under Ken Nickel, Gerard W. Holt, and Elizabeth Mackin - all former Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Company Members. At La Roche Erin performed with the Buffalo City Ballet Company and the Dance Conservatory. Erin was showcased annually in The Nutcracker; roles include Spanish, Snow, Lead Merlitons, Chinese, and Waltz of the Flowers. Erin has also performed in Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Coppelia. While at La Roche Erin also gained experience in musical theatre, kinesiology, nutrition, and anatomy. In 2001, Erin danced in a benefit for the firefighters of 9-11 under the direction of Ken Nickel, an accomplished artistic director and former Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Company Member.

After pursing her degree Erin began teaching full-time in Pittsburgh. With Students ranging from 3 to 18 years of age, her versatility as a dance teacher can be seen in her choreography that ranges from classical ballet and lyrical to jazz and hip hop in both solo and group performances. Her work is held in high esteem because of her expert eye for technique and meticulous attention to detail. Erin is currently the Artistic Director for the Perrysville after school program. Here she directs and choreographs annual performances. In 2005, Erin choreographed a number of dances that were performed in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Here her students also partook in Disney’s own Magic Music Days Work Shops. Erin has also been a member of the NDEO (Nation Dance Education Organization) for the past 3 years.

Currently, Erin also works with Art Stone Company as a coordinator for its nationally acclaimed “International Dance Challenge,” which travels to many cities a year.
Erin plans to continue to use her abilities to provide artistic educational opportunities for today’s youth.

 

Jennifer Vrabel
Jennifer began training in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she formed her foundation in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and modern. Jennifer then went on to seriously pursue her classical ballet training at Point Park University, where she studied under Marion Petrov, Kenneth Johnson, Nicolas Petrov, Judith Leifer (modern) and Jodi Welch (tap). To further her education, Jennifer later joined the Performing Arts Department at La Roche College, under the Direction of Kenneth Nickel, a former principal dancer for Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Ballet West. While attending La Roche, Jennifer also studied under Lana Novodran, Gerard W. Holt, Elizabeth Mackin, and Ann Corrado - all former Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Company Members. While studying at La Roche Jennifer had the opportunity to perform with the Buffalo City Ballet, in New York where she was featured in Cinderella and The Nutcracker. She also performed in Coppelia with the Johnson City Ballet in Johnson City, Tennessee. Jennifer is also accredited internationally for her role in Les Grande Ballet de Haiti. In Port au Prince, Haiti, Jennifer was directed under Eddy Toussaint - accomplished director and choreographer. While pursuing her degree, Jennifer taught for the La Roche College Children’s Conservatory, and the Challenge Program, an after school elementary dance program. Here she helped to create a greater appreciation and awareness for the arts. While attending La Roche, Jennifer also gained a background in Kinesiology, Dance Pedagogy, musical theater, and nutrition. In May of 2000, Jennifer graduated from La Roche with her B.A. in Performing Arts with an emphasis in classical ballet and a minor in Business Management

Until the start of North Pittsburgh Dance Academy, Jennifer was on staff at The Pittsburgh Community Ballet Company, where she worked side by side with the Artistic Director, Debby Benvin - Former company member for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Virginia Beach Ballet. There, she taught the intermediate and advanced company classes and also had the opportunity to teach the school children. Jennifer is a technically challenging teacher that demands correct technique in her classes. She has choreographed numerous production pieces and new works, rehearsed and encouraged students and advised young dancers on individual career paths.

In 2005, Jennifer choreographed a number of pieces that were performed at “Showcase of Stars” at Idlewild Park, in Ligonier, Pa. She is also a member of NDEO (National Dance Educators Organization). Jennifer will continue to maintain her emphasis on building strong technical dancers who are prepared to meet the challenges of the ever-changing dance world.

 

Sean Burke
Sean, began his training 16 years ago at the Marie Lynn Dance Center under the direction of Marie Lynn Varchulik and Mark Marino. Here Sean studied classical ballet, jazz, lyrical, and acro. Sean went on to win many prestigious titles including Teen Mr. Dance Pennsylvania and Mr. Dance U.S.A. Sean's professional career started when he was just 18. Since then he has danced around the world on several major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Crystal Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruise Line. He has also been a featured dancer in New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Sean has taught Master Classes at the Broadway Dance Center, Steps, The Edge, and Backstage. Sean and his choreography has been featured in many major productions including; Barry Manilow's Copacabana, The Carolina Opry, and the longest running show in Vegas to date, Les Folies Bergere. Sean's work is held to the highest regard, and he has won numerous awards on a national an regional level. Sean has an extensive resume’ and has danced all over the world. He is highly skilled and trained in acro, power tumbling, adagio, jazz, and lyrical. With everything Mr. Sean Burke has to offer, he is truly an asset to the North Pittsburgh Dance Academy.

Kelly Basil
Kelly, originally from Long Island, received her training at Huntington Ballet Theater and Variations Dance Studio where she moved through the ranks to teaching faculty. Kelly also implemented intensive programs at Variations Dance Studio, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and Connecticut Ballet. In addition, she feels fortunate to have studied under the renowned Maggie Black and owes much of her development to Black’s coaching. She attended North Carolina School of the Arts in the B.F.A. ballet program. She then studied contemporary movement and related fields at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Here she graduated with a B.A. in Dance, Magna Cum Laude. While attending UNCG, she polished her performance skills as an apprentice with the Greensboro Ballet, performing soloist as well as principal roles. Miss. Basil is currently a Company Member of Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, under the direction of Maria Caruso. With her exceptional background, and extensive resume, we are pleased to welcome Miss. Kelly to our facility.

Dawn Scherrer
Dawn, a Pittsburgh native, began her dance training at age three at Star Styled Dance Center in Cranberry, Pa. Here Dawn studied Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Dawn was also the Captain of the Seneca Valley Pom Pon Squad. During this time Dawn was chosen to perform in the Pegasus parade at the Kentucky Derby. She was also a featured performer in the Buffalo Bills half-time show. She has also won numerous awards for her dancing and choreography. Dawn is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and continuing her dance education. With her up-beat personality and keen eye for technique Dawn will be a sure fit for the North Pittsburgh Dance Academy.