Staff Members
Samara Dvorak, Executive Director
Owner, Samara Dvorak began dancing at the age of two at New Prague Dance Company. Throughout her teen years, she studied and excelled in tap, ballet, and jazz. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she studied Marketing and continued her education in dance with an emphasis on tap and hip hop. She had the honor of working with infamous choreographers such as Joe Chvala and Bob Mackie. Samara's professional life lead her to San Francisco. In 2001, she had earned the position as Executive Director of a prominent Modeling/Acting School and Agency in San Francisco. The position allowed her to work closely with casting directors, agents, agencies, and other industry professionals. She was also fortunate enough to attend talent conventions in Los Angeles which allowed her to gain first hand knowledge of the acting, modeling, and dance industry. Throughout her years as Executive Director, Samara traveled throughout the country developing and promoting talent of all ages in dance, acting, singing, and modeling. After the birth of their daughter Theresa, Samara and her husband decided to move closer to family and friends and return back to the wonderful state of Minnesota! She is excited to share her experience and education with the children and families of the South Metro with the opening of Select Dance Academy and Performing Arts Center!
Jennifer Meeh, Executive Director
Owner, Jennifer Meeh has been involved in the performing arts since the age of 2. She began dancing with the New Prague Dance Company in 1980 where she studied, tap, ballet, jazz and pointe. She has won numerous dance competitions throughout her dancing career both as a group and soloist dancer.
After high school she continued to study dance at St. Olaf College where she graduated with a dance degree-concentrating on arts management. (She also studied economics.) There she studied and performed various forms of dance and theater including musical theater, modern, ballet and ballroom. She taught at numerous dance studios throughout the south metro throughout her time at college.
When she graduated from St. Olaf Jennifer began a 10 year career with Wellsfargo as a mortgage banker. She continued to take adult dance classes all over the metro area as well as teaching and performing. Although her corporate career was her main focus, she never gave up her love of dance or her passion for the arts and realized something was missing.
It was her love of dance and the arts that helped bring her success in life. She wanted to set an example for her children to follow their dreams and so she decided to quit her ‘real job’ and follow the dream she’s had since she was a little girl---to own a dance studio. Because of her wide experience in the arts-her dream of a performing arts academy was born.
Jennifer lives in New Prague with her husband Peter and their children Emma, Sofia, Max and Madeline. With her free time (with 4 kids she doesn’t have much) she enjoys traveling, reading and decorating her house. She hopes she can help your kids deveop a love and appreciation of the arts!
Katie Philips, Dance Instructor-Ballet, Jazz, Point, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop
Originally from the Duluth-Superior area, Katie grew up dancing with the School of the Minnesota Ballet and the Madill Dance Center where she studied ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, modern and tap before moving to Minneapolis for college. Katie continued dancing at the University of Minnesota while earning a degree in history. She's been in many theatre, dance and musical theatre productions, including "West Side Story" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. While she loves her day job as a legal assistant, it's wonderful to have this opportunity to still be active in the performing arts -- this is her third year at SDA but her fourth year as a dance teacher. In her spare time, Katie likes to bake, read, plan her wedding, and play with her new puppy!
Deane Tasler, Dance Instructor-Tap
Instructor Deane Tasler trained largely at Larkin Dance Studio, with a little help from the nice folks at Zenon. His training includes tap, jazz, hip-hop, a little ballet, and a lot of musical theatre.
Over the last ten years, Deane has performed in nearly 20 shows with Ashland Productions (Joseph…, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, Children of Eden), Lakeshore Players (Crazy for You, The Laramie Project), Bloomington Civic Theatre (West Side Story, Hello, Dolly! with Sally Struthers, Cabaret), and, most recently on the main stage at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. There, he appeared as a twice-featured dancer in the tap-happy Anything Goes; as the cart wheeling rug in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; as Bernardo in West Side Story; as the sound engineer in Singin’ in the Rain; and most recently in Swing. Other performances include the 2003 St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Mrs. Minnesota America Pageant. No, he was not a contestant.
Deane’s choreography credits include the musicals The Will Rogers’ Follies, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Anything Goes, Jack and the Beanstalk, and HONK!. His tap choreography has been featured at Theatre Latte Da’s Latte Dark; and other pieces have appeared in various variety and revue shows. Additionally, Deane has done show choir choreography, mass choir choreography, and has taught for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ summer camps. His directorial debut came this year when he worked on Ashland Productions’ first In-School Theatre Program. He directed and choreographed Pirates! The Musical with area fourth- and fifth-graders.
The past couple of years brought Deane’s focus to tap shoes and all the incredible music they can make. Deane attended the 2006 Maui International Tap Festival in Hawaii. While there, he took classes from tap greats Yukiko Misumi, Grant Swift, Jimmie Payne, Jr., Mark Yonally, Chloe Arnold, and Jason Samuels Smith. More locally, he has taken class with Rick Ausland of Buckets and Tap Shoes, Anthony LoCascio, who appeared in Tap Dogs, and Phil Alesso. He has taught at Elite School of Dance, Barbi Lee Dance Studio, Chanhassen Dance and Performing Arts Center, Dance Arts Centre, Deauxmensions Dance, and is a regular guest-teacher at River Valley Dance Academy.
Deane looks forward to sharing his passion for rhythm and clarity with the dancers here at Select Dance Academy. Thanks for welcoming him aboard!
Jerrell Armstrong, Hip Hop and Breakdancing Instructor
Jerrell Armstrong is part of the I Rep Warriors Crew. His experience is never ending. He was self taught for his first two years and then was taught by his crew mate-B.Boy Los Boggie (mad props to him). Jerrell is a featured performer at Timberwolves half-time shows, Patrick's Caberet, Solara, Soundset and a long list of Mpls. clubs. He is currently attending the Art Institute studying graphic design. This will be Jerrell's second year with Select Dance Academy and we are so lucky to have someone with his talent and experience be a part of our team!
Brandon Reese, Piano, Acting, Musical Theatre and Singing Instructor
Brandon Reese, an experienced dancer, singer, pianist and actor has an extensive performing background with Minneapolis's most well known theatres. Brandon has been a reoccurring actor at the Children's Theatre Co., The Guthrie, Stages Theatre Co. and Generations Theatre. Performing credits include; Romeo & Juliet, The Lion, Witch & The Wardrobe, High School Musical, Peter Pan, Sound of Music and Oliver. Brandon has performed with the Metropolitan Boy's Choir, played the piano for 11 years and is currently attending the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. We are excited to have Brandon share his expertise and talent with our students!
Janelle Madsen-Nordvedt
Dance Teacher
Janelle began dancing at the age of 8 at her local dance studio in Cottage Grove. She excelled in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical,character, and her favorite dance style of clogging. Janelle started attending dance competitions at the age of 10. She went on to study dance at another studio in Hastings for 6 years. She had the opportunity to showcase her talent by dancing at the pre-game of the Super Bowl that was hosted in Minneapolis. Throughout her high school years, Janelle assisted with choreography for local dance productions. Janelle went on to attend the University of St. Thomas where she earned a B.A. in Political Science. Throughout her college years she taught all ages of dance at a local dance studio. Janelle currently is a 5th grade teacher in Shakopee. She will be graduating from Saint Mary's University of MN with a Master's in Instruction this October. Janelle and her husbnd are also expecting their first child this January. This will be her third year teaching at Select Dance and looks forward to continuing to share her love of dance with her students!
Emmy Heimerl
Dance Instructor
Emmy began dancing at the age of 8 at her local dance studio. Throughout her teen years she studied tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe, and musical show. She began competing at the age of eight in a group and as a soloist at regional and national competitions. Emmy currently holds a degree in Child Development and works in a preschool with toddlers. She would like to thank Samara and Jen for giving her this amazing opportunity to share her passion of dance with the students of Select Dance Academy and Performing Arts Center.
Mark Tietz Acting Coach
Mark began acting at the age of 7 with a starring role in “Peter Pan”. Excelling at a young age on stage and off, he gained a love for theatre and the performing arts. He continued his theatre education by attending drama camps throughout the state. Since he was 7 years old, Mark has performed in over 10 musical productions including Oliver, Peter Pan, Joseph, The Wizard of Oz, Alice In Wonderland, Singing In the Rain, Honk and a Christmas Carol. Mark is now a Thea-tre major at Mankato State University and continues to help educate children in the performing arts. He is thrilled to be part of something that he truly believes in. We at Select Dance Academy feel honored to have him as part of our staff. We look forward to Mark’s role growing in the years to come!
Select Dance Academy and Performing Arts Center
5240 12th Ave East
Shakopee, MN 55379
office: 952-233-5297
fax: 866-313-1885
jennifer@selectdance.com
samara@selectdance.com