DMA Alumni
The DMA alumni are making significant and long-lasting impacts in the fields they are passionate about, including dance, choreography, teaching, business, law, and medicine. Our programs have equipped them with the necessary skills, creativity, and confidence to pursue their goals. We are extremely proud of the contributions our alumni are making to their communities and beyond, and we eagerly anticipate their continued success in all aspects of their lives.
Avery A.
Ohio University, Minor in Dance Choreography and Performance
“I would say the most formative experience I’ve had has been spending 15 years training at DMA. Not only did I refine and expand my technique in dance, I developed an incredible community at the studio. Friendships with other students made me look forward to class, and the consistent guidance and mentorship from instructors provided the perfect setting to inspire growth. Something that I think sets DMA apart are the opportunities to watch, learn, and perform dance throughout Chicago. I learned professionalism and developed such an appreciation for both the artistry and athleticism of dance by being immersed in all aspects of it. I always look forward to coming back to the studio!”
Paige F.
Currently dancing in the BFA program at The Ailey School and getting a BA in Political Science at Fordham University.
Professional work includes:
▪ ON THE WAY TO MATURITY by Mikhail Ilyin | iDEA in Movement by Mikhail Ilyin- 2022 (ensemble performance)
▪ THE RITE OF SPRING by Wade Schaaf | Chicago Repertory Ballet - 2021 (Company Apprentice Dancer)
▪ RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER | Splinter Musical Theater Group - Spring 2022- Present
DMA was an environment where I learned how to persevere, serve as a leader, and create with the artists around me. Collaborating with teachers and learning from choreographers allowed me to further develop my work ethic towards the professional level it is at today. DMA was a supportive environment that taught me the importance of loving and encouraging fellow artists.
Sarah P.
Texas State University: BFA in Dance: Performance and Choreography
“The biggest value I took with me from DMA was to remember that dancing is not always about getting the biggest trophy. Of course, as dancers, we all work to be the best that we can be, and to represent our studios and teams in competition scenarios, but DMA taught me to remember that I can also dance for myself and can create to help others. DMA taught me that I can use my creativity to be a light for others as well as staying sane as someone who was never able to sit behind a desk for too long in school. Using this tool in college, to hold myself up while being so far from family, is the best tool and value that I learned from my DMA family.
Marialena T.
UMember of Legend Dance Company at University of Illinois and Vice President of Pointe Shoe Lab.
“My time at DMA has taught me many valuable skills that translate outside of just dance and the studio. Working in a team has allowed me to develop collaborative skills that help me in my work. Further, I was encouraged to use my creativity and get out of my comfort zone at DMA and that not only helped me grow as a dancer but as a person. I continue to develop my choreography skills and are becoming more confident in it as well. I also try to incorporate creative options in my teaching of English as well as I know how important it is to have a way to express oneself beyond just words!”
Maura H.
Macalester College - Geography and Urban Studies (will start work as a transportation/urban planner)
“DMA (and dance in general) made me a spatial thinker, hence my interest in geography. I was always aware of my own body and space, as well as the space I was in while dancing. I have always been interested in how people move through space-- whether that's a combo across the floor or a train across the city! DMA also taught me a lot about community, and placing value in the connections we have to our community. The arts are simply one way we contribute to the community, and that passion for giving back has translated into my urban planning work.”
Keely M.
University of Missouri - (Dancing competitively in club and school teams)
“Leadership has translated into my current schooling as a I am involved in multiple leadership roles both through my dance team and my sorority. Kindness has also translated into my schooling. At DMA everyone is so kind and accepting of everyone and that is very useful with everything I do in college and will also help me in my future career as a nurse. Authenticity has also played a huge role in my current life. Both through dance and my regular life, I always try to be who I am and not let other tell me who I can and cannot be and I learned a lot of that from Krissie, Carrie, and the rest of the teachers at DMA.”
Megan S.
University of Minnesota - BA in Dance (danced with Trifecta Dance Collective throughout college and a current DMA substitute teacher)
“DMA taught me the values of community and creativity! This is valuable to me wherever I go!”
Lauren S.
James Madison University - BS in Chemistry with minors in Dance and Math
“Teamwork, respect for others, and confidence in myself. I didn’t realize chemistry would require so much group work, but because I was so used to dancing with a group I knew how to do it as well as respecting everyone while doing it. Chemistry and all sciences are male-dominated and dance taught me that you have to jump all in and be confident in yourself for something to turn out the way you want.”
Megan M.
University of Missouri Competitive Dance Team, Phi Mu’s dance troupe, DMA camp director.
“I can confidently say the best experience I ever had was spending 15 years at DMA, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The Dance and Music Academy gave me once in a life time opportunities, an environment that fostered personal growth and creativity, and friends for life. The community at DMA is filled with kindness and encouragement which makes me so excited to come back over breaks and the summer to continue teaching the younger generations. I want to create the same loving environment for them I grew up with. Without DMA I would not be the woman I am today. I was taught how to be a leader on and off the stage. I was taught to be responsible for myself and others. I was taught to be respectful to all around me. I was taught that loving dance comes from your heart, and at the end of the day it is about having fun and sharing your passion with others. Today, I am still dancing daily at my University, and have great plans for the young kiddos at DMA over the summer. I can’t wait to be back with my DMA family, I truly have so much love for all the students and teachers”
Bridie L.
Attending the University of Minnesota and majoring in Entrepreneurial Management, member of the University of Minnesota Premier Dance Team
“I owe so much to DMA. Not only did I learn all of my dance ability from the instructors, but they practically raised me. I was raised alongside people who I’m proud to call my lifelong friends. I learned self motivation, adaptability and most notably self love from this studio. Thank you DMA for gifting me my forever passion.”