Meet the Cannedy Faculty!
Pam Cannedy, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & Studio Owner
Pam Cannedy-Oleksyn & her husband, Stepan Oleksyn, own the Cannedy Performing Arts Centre. Pam arrived in Phoenix in 1981 from the Midwest, where she studied Theatre (directing) from the University of Kansas, and has been in business in Phoenix since 1982. She has well over 100 productions to her directorial, choreographic, and performance credit. She has choreographed for community theatres, dinner theatres, and amphitheatres throughout the Midwest, in addition to performing with the Ballet Midwest Company (the only affiliate of Ballet West from Utah).
She has also choreographed for corporate conventions, was the choreographer/director of the Arizona Wrangler Cheerleaders the first year of the USFL (football league), numerous fashion shows, as well as various schools in the valley (Brophy, Xavier, Bourgade, Madison I, Paradise Valley H.S.), developing choreography for their concerts and musicals. Community service in the performing arts is an integral part of “Cannedy”.
She has also choreographed for corporate conventions, was the choreographer/director of the Arizona Wrangler Cheerleaders the first year of the USFL (football league), numerous fashion shows, as well as various schools in the valley (Brophy, Xavier, Bourgade, Madison I, Paradise Valley H.S.), developing choreography for their concerts and musicals. Community service in the performing arts is an integral part of “Cannedy”.
Stepan Oleksyn, Studio Owner
Stepan Oleksyn grew up in a Ukranian environment in upstate New York. He is the first generation of his family born in the United States. Ukranian Folk dance has always been a big part of his life.Stepan directed the Southwest Ukranian Folk dancers, a Company he founded in 1985, which performed at many community events & conventions throughout the state of Arizona.
Locally, Stepan has been seen on stage in Peter Pan, Man of La Mancha, Hello Dolly, Carousel, My One & Only and local commercials and PSAs. Stepan is passionate about the band at the studio, Cannedy Jazz Ensemble, where as a member, he plays the saxophone.
Locally, Stepan has been seen on stage in Peter Pan, Man of La Mancha, Hello Dolly, Carousel, My One & Only and local commercials and PSAs. Stepan is passionate about the band at the studio, Cannedy Jazz Ensemble, where as a member, he plays the saxophone.
Karen Robinson, Company Director
Karen has been the Company Director at Cannedy since 2001. She began teaching at Cannedy in 1989, where she started the first Competitive Dance Company in 1992 with 12 members. Her performances with a resident Jazz Company in Phoenix includes: Herberger Theatre, Soroptomist, Charity Balls including performances with Ballet Arizona, Phoenix Symphony, opening act for Donna Summer Super Bowl XXX Party. Karen has also performed in several other singing & dancing roles in musical theatre.
Many of the former Company dancers have went on to professional careers & study in dance (Oklahoma City University, Loyola Marymount University, Princess Cruiselines, Broadway Dinner Theatre).
Her choreography has won numerous Best Choreography awards & Overall High Score group and solo awards. Today, Karen focuses on leading the Company in a positive direction through inspiring choreography and teaching her students to work hard & believe in themselves.
Many of the former Company dancers have went on to professional careers & study in dance (Oklahoma City University, Loyola Marymount University, Princess Cruiselines, Broadway Dinner Theatre).
Her choreography has won numerous Best Choreography awards & Overall High Score group and solo awards. Today, Karen focuses on leading the Company in a positive direction through inspiring choreography and teaching her students to work hard & believe in themselves.
Laura Costa, FACULTY TEACHER (All Styles) & Studio Manager
Laura Costa has been teaching for Cannedy Performing Arts since 2001. She instructs dancers ages 3 through Adult and specializes in the following dance studies and fitness practices: Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Pilates, Yoga and Specialty Stretch, Strength & Conditioning classes . Laura began dancing and performing in Phoenix at the age of four.
She has had extensive training and continues her dance and fitness education through various classes, conventions, conferences and certification programs such as: Rainbow Kids Yoga, Physical Mind Institute, The Method Pilates, Balanced Body University, Rhee Gold's DanceLife Teacher Conference and Project Motivate. Laura is very successful in her role as Studio Manager, where she is always available to parents and students in assisting them in class placement, scheduling and answering any questions or concerns. Laura's passion is teaching the love of dance and creating safe, healthy, happy and self-confident dancers.
She has had extensive training and continues her dance and fitness education through various classes, conventions, conferences and certification programs such as: Rainbow Kids Yoga, Physical Mind Institute, The Method Pilates, Balanced Body University, Rhee Gold's DanceLife Teacher Conference and Project Motivate. Laura is very successful in her role as Studio Manager, where she is always available to parents and students in assisting them in class placement, scheduling and answering any questions or concerns. Laura's passion is teaching the love of dance and creating safe, healthy, happy and self-confident dancers.
Kim Bernard, FACULTY TEACHER (Jazz, Tap & Lyrical)
Kim Bernard was born in Rochester, New York where she began dancing at the age of five, and has continued ever since. Moving to Arizona at the age of twelve, Kim pursued her love for dance at several studios in the Valley, as well as attending dance conventions in California and Las Vegas. Kim joined the Cannedy Faculty in 1997 teaching all ages through Adult in Jazz, Tap, Ballet & Lyrical.
Attending the United States International University in San Diego, CA, she was a member of the Performing and Visual Arts department. Show credits include Pippin, Carousel & The Wiz, in addition to many dance company performances throughout California. Kim is known and respected for her choreography in both regional & national competitive dance competitions.
Attending the United States International University in San Diego, CA, she was a member of the Performing and Visual Arts department. Show credits include Pippin, Carousel & The Wiz, in addition to many dance company performances throughout California. Kim is known and respected for her choreography in both regional & national competitive dance competitions.
Joseph Cavanaugh, FACULTY TEACHER (Ballet, Lyrical & Jazz)
Joseph Cavanaugh pursued his professional training at the Virginia School of the Arts & later graduated with honors from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Professional Division. He worked with & performed for such choreographers as Jose` Garant, Dwight Rhoden & and Jordan Morris. Since joining Ballet Arizona in 2001, Joseph has originated featured roles in Ib Anderson's Elevations, Mosaik and 2B, Vladimir Angelov's Interplays.
He also danced featured roles in Ib Anderson's Amoroso, Indigio Rhapsody, & the Nutcracker and Dwight Rhoden's Ave Maria and George Balanchine's Agon & Seranade. Joseph has performed in many other ballets including Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Ib Anderson's Coppelia. Joseph joined the Cannedy Faculty in 2006 teaching all levels of Ballet & Pointe, as well as technique classes in Jazz & Lyrical.
He also danced featured roles in Ib Anderson's Amoroso, Indigio Rhapsody, & the Nutcracker and Dwight Rhoden's Ave Maria and George Balanchine's Agon & Seranade. Joseph has performed in many other ballets including Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Ib Anderson's Coppelia. Joseph joined the Cannedy Faculty in 2006 teaching all levels of Ballet & Pointe, as well as technique classes in Jazz & Lyrical.
Candy Marquez, COMPANY & FACULTY TEACHER (Tap, Jazz & Lyrical)
Candy Marquez has been teaching for Cannedy Performing Arts Centre since 2003. In addition to teaching Tap, Jazz & Lyrical, Candy is very instrumental in choreographing dance pieces for all of our Company. Candy has taught for the City of Glendale teaching dance and preschool recreational programs. She has taught dance in the Valley for 20+ years. Several of Candy's students have gone on to dance professionally for Disney, Cardinals Dance Line and are presently dancing & working in L.A.
Candy is on staff as a judge for I Love Dance,National Dance Competition, that tours around the US. She brings to Cannedy this expertise in competitions and shares her talent and knowledge with all of our competitive dancers.
Candy is on staff as a judge for I Love Dance,National Dance Competition, that tours around the US. She brings to Cannedy this expertise in competitions and shares her talent and knowledge with all of our competitive dancers.
Jeremy Rangle (Jay R), FACULTY TEACHER (Hip Hop)
BIO TO FOLLOW
Mary Brown, FACULTY TEACHER (Tap & Jazz)
Mary Brown has been dancing and performing since a very young age. She taught tap to both children and adults in Hawaii and Washington, D.C., and she has taught adult tap and jazz at Cannedy Dance since
1992.
She studied and performed flamenco dancing with Lydia Torrea for many years, and currently studies and performs with Bernadette Gaxiola. While living in Hawaii, she performed in Herb Rogers production of "Irene", starring
Jane Powell, as well as other local productions.
1992.
She studied and performed flamenco dancing with Lydia Torrea for many years, and currently studies and performs with Bernadette Gaxiola. While living in Hawaii, she performed in Herb Rogers production of "Irene", starring
Jane Powell, as well as other local productions.
Darcy Rould, FACULTY TEACHER (Tap, Jazz & Tumbling)
Darcy joined Cannedy Faculty in 1991 through 1997, where she took a sabbatical to work professionally with Disney. Darcy returned to Cannedy in 2006 specializing in all levels of Tap, Jazz and Tumbling. An award winning musical theater actress and choreographer, and Arizona native, Darcy made her performance debut at age three, ice skating in shows with her entire family! Darcy spent her early years developing her talents, with extensive training in dance and gymnastics, voice, drama, and baton twirling! Yes, baton twirling! (She was an Arizona State Champion twirler in 1983 and 1984, her specialties twirling knives and fire!)
At the age of 18, Darcy began her TV and film career earning her membership into the Screen Actors Guild. She is part of the office staff, as well the Director of Cannedy's Summer Musical Theatre series. In addition to teaching at Cannedy, Darcy choreographs for Industrial & Corporate Events across the U.S.
At the age of 18, Darcy began her TV and film career earning her membership into the Screen Actors Guild. She is part of the office staff, as well the Director of Cannedy's Summer Musical Theatre series. In addition to teaching at Cannedy, Darcy choreographs for Industrial & Corporate Events across the U.S.
Velva Bellah, FACULTY TEACHER (Jazz, Lyrical & Ballet)
Velva has been dancing at Cannedy since the age of three and formerly competed as a memeber of the Company for fifteen years. She has been a member of the Cannedy Faculty since 2005, with training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical and Contemporary.
Velva has a Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in Sociology. Some of her dancing achievements include: 10 year member of the liturgical dance group, Ballet Sanctus, musical theatre choreographer and choreographer & coach for the Arcadia High School Colorgaurd and Danceline, of which she was a member. Throughout her years of competitive dancing, Velva has received scholarships & awards such as Most Distinguished Senior Soloist and Dance Caravan's - Miss Senior Stars of Tomorrow. Velva toured with Dance Caravan and studied under numerous professional choreographers. Velva is also a member of the office staff.
Velva has a Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in Sociology. Some of her dancing achievements include: 10 year member of the liturgical dance group, Ballet Sanctus, musical theatre choreographer and choreographer & coach for the Arcadia High School Colorgaurd and Danceline, of which she was a member. Throughout her years of competitive dancing, Velva has received scholarships & awards such as Most Distinguished Senior Soloist and Dance Caravan's - Miss Senior Stars of Tomorrow. Velva toured with Dance Caravan and studied under numerous professional choreographers. Velva is also a member of the office staff.
Jennifer Sander, FACULTY TEACHER (Ballet)
Jennifer received her formal Ballet training as a protege under the highly respected Ballet Master, Mr. Paul Koverman at the Phoenix School of Ballet. At a young age, she received numerous scholarships to prestigious ballet schools & companies. Although a medical condition prevented her from continuing her professional Ballet career, Jennifer developed a passion for teaching at the age of 15 and has been teaching ever since. She specializes in teaching Ballet Technique. Many of her students have gone onto professional careers with reputable companies such as Ballet Arizona, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Washington Ballet & Alvin Ailey.
Jennifer holds a Masters of Counseling degree. She has taught at many studios throughout the Valley. However, she is delighted to call Cannedy "home" since she joined the Cannedy Faculty in 1997. Jennifer feels that being a teacher at Cannedy has provided her the ability to teach Classical Ballet in a healthy & loving environment. In addition to teaching Ballet, Jennifer is also happily married, a proud mother and a licensed Psychotherapist, specializing in children.
Jennifer holds a Masters of Counseling degree. She has taught at many studios throughout the Valley. However, she is delighted to call Cannedy "home" since she joined the Cannedy Faculty in 1997. Jennifer feels that being a teacher at Cannedy has provided her the ability to teach Classical Ballet in a healthy & loving environment. In addition to teaching Ballet, Jennifer is also happily married, a proud mother and a licensed Psychotherapist, specializing in children.
Barby Rhind, FACULTY TEACHER (Ballet, Tumbling & Pre-School Combos)
Barby has been a professional dancer and teacher for many years, in New York, Seattle, Portland and Phoenix. Her early training began at the age of 7, and she mastered a variety of dance styles and acrobatics at Verla Flowers Dance Arts in Seattle, which culminated in an apprenticeship with Pacific Northwest Ballet Company.
She went on to study Modern Dance at the University of Washington and became a Northwest Regional Balance Beam and Floor Exercise Champion. She continued her studies at the New York Conservatory of Dance under Sallie Wilson and Nina Stroganova. Barby joined the Cannedy Faculty in 2000.
She went on to study Modern Dance at the University of Washington and became a Northwest Regional Balance Beam and Floor Exercise Champion. She continued her studies at the New York Conservatory of Dance under Sallie Wilson and Nina Stroganova. Barby joined the Cannedy Faculty in 2000.
Katy Harter, FACULTY TEACHER (Tap, Jazz & Pre-School Combos)
A Phoenix Native, Katy began dancing at Cannedy when she was four years old. She has training in all styles of dance including Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Ballet. Katy was a former member of the Cannedy Dance Company, where she competed at numerous Regional and National competitions. Katy earned several Judges Specialty awards. She has also furthered her dance education by attending a tap dance intensive at the Broadway Dance Centre in New York City.
Katy joined the Cannedy Faculty in 2004. She teaches Tap and Ballet to pre-school aged students and Tap & Jazz to older students. She can't choose which she likes more! Katy was a member of the liturgical dance group, Ballet Sanctus, where she performed all throughout the Valley. She has also had the great opportunity to judge many artistic figure skating competitions in Arizona through The Skating Club of Phoenix. Katy is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a degree in Education. She loves spending time with children and sharing with them the things she loves to do the most.
Katy joined the Cannedy Faculty in 2004. She teaches Tap and Ballet to pre-school aged students and Tap & Jazz to older students. She can't choose which she likes more! Katy was a member of the liturgical dance group, Ballet Sanctus, where she performed all throughout the Valley. She has also had the great opportunity to judge many artistic figure skating competitions in Arizona through The Skating Club of Phoenix. Katy is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a degree in Education. She loves spending time with children and sharing with them the things she loves to do the most.
Marija Martinic, FACULTY TEACHER (Ballet/Pointe)
BIO TO FOLLOW
Paula Steward, FACULTY TEACHER (HIP HOP)
BIO TO FOLLOW
Joanie Lambert, FACULTY TEACHER (Adult Jazz & Ballet)
BIO TO FOLLOW
Mike Wheat, FACULTY (Cannedy Jazz Ensemble Band Director)
BIO TO FOLLOW
Michèle Ceballos Michot, GUEST TEACHER (Ballet, Jazz & Contemporary)
Michèle Ceballos Michot is an accomplished artistic director, educator, choreographer, performance artist, visual artist and dancer. Her dance performance history includes numerous international ballet companies & dance productions. She is also the founder and director of Opendance (www.opendanceaz.org), a multi-cultural dance company which performs in established theatrical venues & community settings.
She's been a pivotal figure in the Phoenix arts advocacy for over 15 years. Prior to her arrival in Phoenix, Ceballos danced professionally in Colombia, England, Germany, Russia, and throughout South America & the US. As a student, Ceballos toured with the Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet. Born in New York, Ceballos began studying ballet at the age of six in Bogota, Colombia under the exiled dancer Vladimir Volski of the Bolshoi Ballet. Prior to focusing full-time on her Opendance company, Michele was a member of the Cannedy Faculty and is excited to be able to return to Cannedy as a Guest Faculty Teacher.
She's been a pivotal figure in the Phoenix arts advocacy for over 15 years. Prior to her arrival in Phoenix, Ceballos danced professionally in Colombia, England, Germany, Russia, and throughout South America & the US. As a student, Ceballos toured with the Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet. Born in New York, Ceballos began studying ballet at the age of six in Bogota, Colombia under the exiled dancer Vladimir Volski of the Bolshoi Ballet. Prior to focusing full-time on her Opendance company, Michele was a member of the Cannedy Faculty and is excited to be able to return to Cannedy as a Guest Faculty Teacher.
Lynn Haeseler, GUEST TEACHER (Musical Director/Workshops)
Pianist Lynne Haeseler is a versatile artist who has
performed internationally and nationally as a soloist, accompanist and dance
pianist with major dance companies, festivals, theater groups and numerous
instrumental and choral ensembles. Although trained as a classical concert
pianist, she has introduced classical music through other creative stagings.
Last February, 2011, she produced Mysterium, a contemplative concert which integrated solo piano, chanting choir and chamber ensemble with the sunset. With her new collaboration at Cannedy Performing Arts Centre, she is initiating ARC, an “artreach” program which connects young performers with community.
A New York native, Dr. Haeseler received her degrees from the State University of New York at Purchase and the University of Arizona.
Last February, 2011, she produced Mysterium, a contemplative concert which integrated solo piano, chanting choir and chamber ensemble with the sunset. With her new collaboration at Cannedy Performing Arts Centre, she is initiating ARC, an “artreach” program which connects young performers with community.
A New York native, Dr. Haeseler received her degrees from the State University of New York at Purchase and the University of Arizona.
