Studio for the Dance Arts
The Dance Annex
Cara Burke is a New Hampshire native. She grew up dancing with Sole City Dance and New England Dance Project. She performed competitively and in community benefits in both southern NH & ME. After high school, she joined Boston Dance Theater’s trainee program, where she graduated in April 2022 under Artistic Directors Jessie Jeanne Stinnett and Itzik Galili. With BDT she performed in works by Junichi Fukuda, Isvel Bello, and Maleek Washington. Cara has attended summer intensives at University of New Hampshire, Joffrey’s New York City Jazz & Contemporary program, and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. In Spring of 2022 she joined Ballet Bloom to perform in Rose Hutchin’s Four Seasons project in Portland, ME. In Summer of 2022 Cara joined Lira Dance Theatre in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and performed as a member of their 8th season. Most recently Cara learned Argentine Tango from Alejandro Figliolo and performed in LILA Dance Festival 2024.
Jacqui DeFrança is a Maine-based dance artist originally from Massachusetts. She is a graduate from Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles where she received a B.A. in Dance. She has had the pleasure of performing at venues such as: Ailey Citigroup Theater, St. Mark's Church, Joe's Pub, Milk Studios, Dixon Place, Lightbox, Engine and SPACE Gallery. Jacqui has also danced at various showcases including: ACDF, Western Arts Alliance Annual Conference, Reverb Dance Festival, APAP, and CFDA/Vogue presentation. As well as stage, she has experience with TV and Film, dancing in Video Music Awards performance with Rihanna, Oh Land's music video Renaissance Girls and acting and dancing in the short films Out of Zinc and Big Breakin'. Learning under artistic director Mike Esperanza, Jacqui was a member of Bare Dance Company from 2008-2015. She also has worked with New York City based, Flying Under The Radar (FUTR) with artistic director Marlon Taylor-Wiles since 2014. Alongside performing, Jacqui enjoys choreographing and has had the delight in creating movement for Illesteva’s fashion week presentation 2012, KOPPS’s music video Hottin 2018, The Bones of J.R.Jones' music video Stay Wild in 2020 and continuously developing solo improvisation work. While dancing in Maine, Jacqui has had the honor of working with Subcircle, Michael Figueroa, Scott McPheeters, Liz Mulkey, Rose Hutchins, Kelsie Steil, Hannah Haines, Alison Chase and Ali Kenner Brodsky. She has been performing and training with contemporary ballet company Ballet Bloom Project since 2020. Jacqui also curated and performed in En Route, a two month curbside performance series at Engine in 2021 and co-curated the series second show in 2022. She is currently involved in project based work both in film and live performance.
Audrey Eastman began her dance training when she was young at Holly Jane Dance Center with Holly Jane Johnson. In high school, she pursued more advanced training at Great Bay Academy of Dance with Elisa Gerasin and Kristen Samson in Kittery, ME. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire in 2020 with a BS in Biomedical Science (Medical/Veterinary Sciences) and a BA in Dance. In December of 2023 she graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Tufts University School of Medicine. Audrey is currently a licensed physical therapist in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While at UNH she trained with Assaf Benchetrit and Susan Endrizzi and performed with the UNH Dance Company. She has attended summer programs with the American Ballet Theatre and the University of Utah. In January of 2019, she traveled to Buenos Aires with DanceAbroad Argentina and trained in ballet and contemporary with various Argentinian teachers. She has had the privilege to perform Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in GBAD's "An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker," Cinderella with the UNH Dance Company, original choreographed works at Lila Dance Festival, and in City Ballet of Boston’s “Urban Nutcracker.” She is currently performing with Annex Contemporary Dance Company directed by Julie Hebb, as well as various local schools.
Sarah Flaherty trained and performed with Derry Dance Center from age 5 through 18 in Derry, NH. She continued with ballet classes at UNH while earning a B.A. in English. Following college, she studied ballet and contemporary at Portsmouth School of Ballet before taking a lengthy dance break as she grew her career and started a family. Sarah now spends her days leading an amazing team of learning experience designers at the IAPP. She believes movement is medicine and has been a member of the online functional fitness community MommaStrong for 10 years, and also loves hiking in the White Mountains. Sarah is deeply grateful to Julie Hebb for the opportunity to perform with the Dance Annex, to Trish and Chris for welcoming her, and to her family, her heart: Adam, Summer, and Erin, who founded the “Watch This” dance troupe that performs most nights during dinner.
Angela Grassie has been dancing since the age of two at Corinne’s School of Dance in Rochester, NH. She also studied ballet, pointe, and modern at Ballet New England in Portsmouth, NH. Angela has also studied many forms of dance at Steps On Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She received a full scholarship for the Rockette Summer Intensive in New York City and performed at Radio City Music Hall. Angela was a Rockette Teacher Assistant for the weekend Rockette Experiences and the Rockette Summer Intensives for over two years. She has traveled to New Jersey to choreograph for the Sophisticated Productions Performance Team in Atlantic City. Angela was the dance choreographer for Noble High School's performance of The Music Man in 2013. Angela has professionally performed in Ballet New England, The Dance Annex, Great Bay Academy of Dance and Sole City Dance's The Nutcracker as the Snow Queen, Dew Drop Fairy, Rat Queen, Lead Spanish Soloist, Demi-Soloist Flower, Peppermint Lead, and Snow Corps. She performed in Cabaret as a Kit Kat Dancer at the Rochester Opera House. She has danced professionally with Ballet New England, The Dance Annex and Great Bay Academy of Dance's modern and jazz companies. Angela has also had the opportunity to be the choreographer for Pippin, Dog Fight and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Player's Ring in Portsmouth, NH. Angela has recently studied under Rhonda Malkin in NYC for precision dance. Angela is the proud co-owner of Corinne's School of Dance in Rochester, NH and loves teaching all styles of dance. In 2017, Angela founded CSD Ballet Company and directed her first ballet, The Sleeping Beauty. She has since directed Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard of OZ.
Hannah Haines is a dancer, choreographer and educator based in Southern Maine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Anthropology, and Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography from Skidmore College in May 2019. While at Skidmore Hannah had the opportunity to perform works by Skidmore Faculty, and repertory by Earl Mosley, Ohad Naharin, Paul Taylor, Danny Grossman, and Isadora Duncan. She has studied as an Apprentice with Lori Belilove and the Isadora Duncan Dance Company, and performed as a freelance artist with with Ballet Bloom Project under the direction of Rose Hutchens, and in works by Holly Stone, Amanda Whitworth, and Kelsie Steil. Hannah has presented her own choreography in film and live performances at numerous venues including Space Gallery, Engine Gallery, and the American Dance Festival's Movies by Movers film festival. Hannah teaches ballet, modern dance, and yoga throughout Southern Maine. She is currently the director of Biddeford Movement Map—a collection of virtual and live movement-based events and offerings that explore the history and development of Biddeford, ME. Hannah is thrilled to be joining the Annex Contemporary Dance Company for Now, New, Next!
Elyssa Moyer started her training at the age of six at The Robertson's School of Classical Ballet with Larry and Colleen Robertson. She continued her training at various schools in the seacoast area with teachers such as Susan Duffy, Christine Simes, Elisa Gerasin, Edra Toth, and John Ling. She has attended summer intensive programs at Festival Ballet Providence, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and Burklyn Ballet Theatre where she was one of few chosen to perform in Aladdin at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. She has danced professionally with companies; Northeastern Ballet Theatre, Boston Dance Company, Carolina Ballet Theatre, SundanceX, and is a current company member with Annex Contemporary Dance Company. Elyssa continues to perform as a guest artist with companies and schools across New England. She is assistant director of DanceAbroad Argentina,a study abroad program that allows dancers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Argentina, studying Spanish, mastering the art of tango, and delving into the country's rich history. Elyssa co-founded the LILA Dance Festival which has since blossomed into LILA Productions a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to foster genuine appreciation for dance in New Hampshire.
Nathan Moyer was born in Concord, New Hampshire. He began his dance training at Colby-Sawyer College at the age of 18. In his sophomore year, Nathan went to Paris with Wells College for the Arts. He lived in Paris, and trained in modern dance with Thierry Verger. In 2003 Nathan enrolled at the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, Nathan studied ballet with Larry Robertson and Ballet New England director David Drummond. Nathan graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2005 with a bachelor degree in theater and dance. Nathan performed with Ballet New England as a company member in 2005 and 2006. In the summer of 2006, Nathan furthered his training at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. In late 2006, Nathan moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina to widen his understanding and expand his training in dance. While living in Buenos Aires, Nathan studied with Maria Chichi Diaz, and he was accepted into the Teatro Colon's Men's ballet program. In April 2007, Nathan founded DanceAbroad Argentina, a groundbreaking study abroad program designed to provide dancers with immersive experiences in Argentine culture and dance. Today, Nathan dedicates his time to performing and teaching as a guest artist in New Hampshire, the New England region, and Argentina, sharing his passion for dance and nurturing the next generation of dancers. He is a company member of Annex Contemporary Dance Company, and is the co-founder of the Lila Dance Festival and LILA Productions, an organization that is dedicated to bringing quality professional dance and engaging new audiences in New Hampshire and the region.
Lily Neher began dancing in Saratoga Springs, NY, studying ballet and modern dance at Saratoga City Ballet, and performing with Nacre Dance Group. She has attended programs at the Joffrey Ballet School and Steps. Lily is a graduate of UNH where she received a B.A. in dance and a B.A. in Communication as well as a Masters of Businesses Administration. There, she danced with the UNH Ballet company, freelanced around the Seacoast, and studied aerial silks. She danced in several works at Lila Dance Festival in summer 2022 and 2023. Recently, she spent her summer in Singapore and took classes at the Singapore National Ballet and One Dance Asia. Lily is excited to return to the area and dance with Dance Annex!
Emily Pleadwell grew up in Buffalo, NY where she trained with the American Academy of Ballet under director Maris Battaglia. She attended ballet summer intensive programs including Chautauqua Institution, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She danced with the UNH Ballet Company for 5 years while completing degrees in nutrition and dance. Emily has had the pleasure of guest performing roles including Snow Queen, Arabian, and Spanish in "The Nutcracker" for Sole City Dance (2021), Northeastern Ballet Theatre (2021), and Peoria Ballet Academy (2022). She is excited to be dancing with Annex Contemporary Dance Company and working as a Registered Dietitian.
Olivia Robbins dances professionally and teaches Pilates on the Seacoast of NH. She began her career with Peterborough Dance Theatre at the age of 13, then continued more serious training at Great Bay Academy of Dance in Kittery, ME under Elisa Gerasin. For the rest of her training, she expanded her education at Northeastern Ballet Theatre and University of New Hampshire with their Ballet Company. Entering the professional world, Olivia danced for Safe Haven Ballet for two contracted seasons.
Focusing on expanding her diversity, she attended classes and workshops at The Block Collaborative, NSquared, STYX, Ballet RI and most recently, traveled to Argentina under Nathan Moyer’s DanceAbroad program. In Spring 2022, Olivia stepped into theater, working and choreographing with New World Theatre, playing the lead of “The Unborn” in David Beardsley’s world premiere of “Holy and Unruly.”
Olivia has taught Ballet and Strength/Condition to all levels throughout her career, currently guest teaching at The Dance Annex Studio. She dances in Julie Hebb’s Annex Contemporary Dance Company and freelances locally. She is also a Pilates instructor at FORM in Portsmouth, NH, teaching adults of all ages. Olivia loves storytelling and bringing the art of movement to audiences.
Ian Rodgers began his dance training when he took his first ballet class at the University of New Hampshire at the age of 19. What started as a way to meet the general education requirement for Arts quickly transformed into a passion for artistic expression through movement. Ian credits his ability to start dancing later in life to the years spent training and teaching gymnastics, which helped to develop instincts for body control and spatial awareness.
Over the last two decades Ian's love of dance has grown into a diverse professional career in which he has collaborated with many studios and dancers throughout the Seacoast area. Though ballet is the foundation of his training, Ian has also studied contemporary ballet, modern, Ballroom, Latin, jazz, lyrical, and traditional folklore dance styles. He is a company member of the Annex Contemporary Dance Company.
When he’s not dancing, Ian enjoys spending his free time being active outdoors and is a serious nature enthusiast. He graduated UNH with a degree in Zoology and works for a federal land conservation agency helping to protect important farmlands, wetlands, and forests across the country.
Lorelei Samon began her training at age 7 and soon knew she wanted to keep dance in her life forever. She decided to pursue a career in the arts and graduated from DeSales University in Center Valley, PA with a BA in Dance in 2007. During her time in college, Lorelei was cast in numerous classical ballet productions, both for the college and for Repertory Dance Theatre (Emmaus, PA). Since graduating, she has had the privilege of dancing with several local companies, including Solecity Dance (Rochester, NH), Corinne’s School of Dance (Rochester, NH), The Dance Annex (York, ME), and was among a small group of local dancers to perform with Janis Brennar and Dancers (NYC) in “Lost, Found, Lost” at The Dance Hall in Kittery, ME. In 2018, Lorelei was a principal dancer in “Vanity Lane,” a production of Harvard University’s BlackCAST Productions. Lorelei is also a seamstress and an aerialist, specializing in Aerial Tissu in which she has been training since 2008. She has recently started competing in the Aerial Arts, receiving a Second-Place award in 2019 and a First Place award in 2020, both in the Advanced category of the National Aerialympics Competition. For the last 2 years, Lorelei has been living in Germany with her husband, traveling Europe and experiencing all the wonderful things those cultures have to offer. Lorelei is so happy to be back onstage performing with The Dance Annex and would like to thank Julie Hebb for all her work. She would also like to thank her mother, her grandmother, and her husband Jeff, for all their support over the years. Ich liebe dich!
Janelle Abbott Staley is a dancer and educator based in southern Maine. She has performed on stages nationally and internationally with dance companies, in theater and in film. In New York City, Janelle danced with Salim “Slam” Gauwloos (assistant), Terra Firma Dance Theatre, Andrew Palermo and Taye Diggs’ dre.dance, Adam Cates, John Byrne, and Ballet for Young Audiences, among others. Janelle was featured in Elton John's The Red Piano (soloist on-screen in "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me”) and in Norah Jones' "Those Sweet Words" music video, both directed by David LaChapelle. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and on Broadway stages in Broadway Cares’ Red Bucket Follies (award-winner with Aida cast) and Easter Bonnet. Her regional credits include Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Twelfth Night directed by Tony Award-winner Rebecca Taichman and choreographed by Seán Curran (Dance Captain), Peter Pan at the Sondheim Center (Tiger Lily/Dance Captain), A Chorus Line, and Cabaret. Most recently, she worked with Boston-based artists Peter DiMuro/Public Displays of Motion, Lorraine Chapman, and Kat Nasti Dance. Janelle is a member of Annex Contemporary Dance Company and performs with Articine, a New England-based touring company that integrates performance and arts education with healthcare.
Janelle began her early career as a company member of the Grand Rapids Ballet in Michigan, and went on to receive a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah. She has taught at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Phillips Exeter Academy, and for Fluid Dance Conventions. A certified Pilates instructor, she has taught at major fitness studios in NYC and Boston, and has led movement workshops for Amazon and Audible in Seattle. Janelle has been a faculty member of The Dance Annex since 2016, where she has had the great fortune of working closely with Julie Hebb. Janelle’s favorite role of all time is Mama to her daughters Willoughby and Penelope.
Rhianwen Watkins is very excited to be dancing in her second season with the Annex Contemporary Dance Company. Growing up, Rhianwen trained in ballet with Julie Hebb and contemporary with Janelle Abbott Staley at The Dance Annex. She received her degrees in dance and journalism from the University of New Hampshire last year where she trained with Assaf Benchetrit and Susan Endrizzi and was a member of the UNH Dance Company. Upon graduating, Rhianwen attended the four-month professional semester at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. In addition to ACDC, Rhianwen is also in season 25 of Danceworks Boston. Outside of dancing, Rhianwen is an investigative reporter with the Granite State News Collaborative writing for newspapers across NH.