Its not too late to Register for our new and exciting Fall Season – call 559-6786

About your Director :

 

 

 

 

VALARIE SIMPSON – Valarie’s dance training began in Florence, SC.  She was a soloist with the Florence Civic Ballet Company and twice danced the leading role in their production of ‘The Nutcracker.’ In Charleston, SC Valarie danced with the Robert Ivey Ballet Company.  Valarie’s special training includes The Koslovs, Patricia Miller former principal with the Joffery Ballet, Gus Giordano, Roland Dupree and others.  She has owned and operated her own dance studios in Nebraska and North Carolina.  Since living in Richmond, she has taught classes at the Richmond Dance Center, directed a dance program for competitive gymnasts at the Virginia International Gymnastics School, Inc. and taught classes as a member of the adjunct faculty of J.S. Reynolds.  Valarie has also worked as a producer and host of several radio and television programs in the Richmond area.  Valarie has done special choreography projects for University of Richmond, as well as HS show choirs and musicals in VA, NC, SC and NE.  She was also a regional and National judge for Showstoppers Talent Competition in the mid 80’s.  School of Dance Arts is now in its tenth year.  Valarie is married and the mother of three.

Instructors :

 

 

 

 

 

Tracey Clevenger – Tracy has studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Pointe.  While at Ferrum College she performed with the Ferrum College Dance Company.  Tracey holds a degree in Child Development and minor in Psychology.  Tracey has worked as a kindergarten teacher, assistant Director of a Day Care, and as a Child Care provider.  Tracey is married and the mother of three girls. 

 

                                

 

 

 

 Shannon Taylor – Shannon is a native of Williamsburg Va. And a graduate of VCU.  Shannon has been dancing since she was a child in her mom’s studios in West Point and Williamsburg.  She has trained in Ballet, Jazz and Tap.  She also was an instructor in both West Point and Williamsburg.  Shannon has studied through DMI teacher training since being at SODA.  She is married and the mother of 2 daughters.  She resides in Mechanicsville.

 

 

 

 

 

Sara Hill – Sara has been dancing at School of Dance Arts for 10 years.  She began her teaching as an Assistant Instructor, and in 2007 taught her first class as an Instructor at School of Dance Arts.  She has attended workshops through Dance Revolution and DMI to enhance her training.  She currently is attending College and working towards a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Education.

 

 

 

 

 

Karen Engel – Karen began her early training with Margaret Johnson School of Dance and later with James Lowell both in Richmond.  At age 14 she began studying with Nat’l Academy of Dance in NYC.  Karen has owned and operated her own studio in West Point, Virginia and held satellite studios in King William, Deltaville and Gloucester.  She has also danced professionally in a number of roles throughout Virginia like Coppelia, The Nutcracker,  and Swan Lake as well as others.  Karen is the mother of Instructor Shannon Taylor and has 2 beautiful granddaughters!

 

 

 

 

Mary Manzari – Our newest Instructor comes to us from Northern VA and VCU’s dance department.  She has a love for dancing and teaching the art!  Welcome Mary to SODA!!

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Pfeiffer Ulm, originally from Washington, NC, she began her serious training with Joseph Carow and Cyndi Mancini.  After attending NC Govenors School, Trish attended NC School of the Arts and while there danced in the Bates Dance Festival and with BeBe Miller.   Pat also performed in Mark Morris’  ”A Lake.”  Pat has danced with the Contempra Dance Theatre in Wayne, PA where she assisted in choreography and taught modern dance.  Trish is married and has three awesome kids.