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Faculty & Staff

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Olivia Neitzel

"As of June 7, 2024, Olivia is the new owner of DDA. I am honored and excited to have someone like Olivia carry on the legacy that I created over the course of 12 years. Please click here to read the official announcement." - Jenny O'Brien

Olivia’s dance career began the same as many young dancers: in her living room. She first took the stage in local theater productions and quickly found that while she loved acting and singing, her heart was firmly in dance. From these early experiences, Olivia was captivated by choreography and inspired by all things dance. 

She began extensive training in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary during her formative years. Beyond competitive dance, Olivia participated in dance throughout the community: competing with her high school’s varsity dance team, choreographing for youth theater productions, and implementing and leading an Orchesis program at her school. 

 

Olivia attended Grand Canyon University to study Dance Performance and Dance Education. In her studies, she took courses in choreography, early childhood education, dance technology, and dance technique. When transferring to online instruction amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Olivia joined the Communications program to further develop her skills in communication, leadership, and marketing.

 

After moving back to the suburbs of Chicago, Olivia taught at multiple studios and most recently served as Assistant Director at a competitive dance studio. In addition to growing a strong competition program and implementing a rich dance curriculum, Olivia focused on developing a supportive and motivating studio culture. Olivia is grateful for the mentorships that dance has provided her along the way and aspires to be a similar mentor for each of her students. 

 

Read more here....

Owner and Artistic Director

Jenny O'Brien

Founder & Visionary

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Instructors
Samantha DeBenedictis

Samantha DeBenedictis

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Kiera Brown

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Joey Fontana

Kelsey Green

Kelsey Green

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Gwen Jones

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Auburn Kilian

Abbey Mastroianni

Abbey Mastroianni

Katie McCall

Katie McCall

Brigid Redmon-Mattucci

Brigid Redmond-Mattucci

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Elizabeth Rivera

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KJ Sheldon

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Kinzie Sheridan

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Larkin Cohrs

Junior
Teacher!

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Ashton Hirth

Junior
Teacher!

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Lily Stevenson

Junior
Teacher!

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