Leeanne "Dixie" RairamoArtistic DirectorDixie Rairamo received most of her early training with Barbara Lotsberg and the Minnesota Dance Theatre where she performed with the Urban Arts Dance Program. In 1981, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance from Kansas State University and was a recipient of a Mistler Creativity Scholarship.
Ms Rairamo began directing the ballet program at JAS Dance Centre in Burnsville in 1981 and held that position until 2000. The Youth Dance Ensemble was created in 1991 as a youth performance dance company. The training school followed in 2001. In addition to her responsibilities with the Youth Dance Ensemble, Ms Rairamo continues to instruct and choreograph throughout the metro area. Her work has been seen at Edina, Sibley and Shakopee high schools. She had the privilege of working at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Lee Massachusetts from 1986-1989. There she worked along side such greats as Judith Jamison, Mark Morris, and members of the New York City Ballet. Ms Rairamo continues her dance studies in Minneapolis and New York. |
Bekah Gudim BerryAssociate DirectorBekah is a professional choreographer and director, holding a BPA in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University. Most recently she was cast as the Female Swing in The Ordway's 42nd Street, choreographed by Jared Grimes. She returns from New York City where she directed, choreographed, and taught at Artistree Performing Arts, and produced The Campy Cabaret at The West End Lounge. Her favorite project was directing the first production of Island Song in New York City, working closely with the composing duo, Carner and Gregor for Smallest One Productions. She also directed the first production of Caveman 2.0, A New Musical for Young Artists with a book by Emmy-winning writer, Sherry Coben. Favorite local projects include Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl, Bloomington Civic Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Choreographer, Lake Harriet Players), and White Christmas (Assistant Director to Michael Matthew Ferrell, Duluth Playhouse). She received her first dance training from Dixie Rairamo at Youth Dance Ensemble and is happy to return from whence she came!
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Kirsten IiamsBallet InstructorKirsten Iiams comes to us after 12 years and 21 shows at The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Favorites include Cats(Victoria), Seven Brides For Seven Brothers(Dorcas), Oklahoma(Dream Laurie), and Brigadoon. She has also performed with Ballet Of The Dolls, Red River Dance & Performing Company, Riverside Ballet Arts, at Radio City Music Hall, the theaters of Russia, and on the seas in between. She was also co founder and artistic director of Bismarck Dance Theatre and school, Teaching credits include Red River Dance, Bismarck Dance Theatre, The Lundstrum Center, Chanhassen Theater camps, River Valley, & Riverside Ballet Arts. Choreography credits include The Music Man, South Pacific, Anyone can Whistle, and assistant for Evita, Cats, Seven Brides, Annie, & Anything Goes; just to name a few! Kirsten has trained with The Joffrey Ballet, The San Francisco Ballet, Hartford Ballet, Riverside Ballet Arts, David Howard, Luigi, and Nanette Charisse.
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Elly StahlkeJazz InstructorElly grew up dancing both competitively and non-competitively at various Twin Cities dance studios. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, studying Theatre Arts and Dance, finishing with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance. Elly is currently a teaching artist in various capacities throughout the Twin Cities. She teaches and choreographs for several studios in the area, as well as teaching theatre and dance for several companies like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Hennepin Theatre Trust. In addition to theatre and dance, Elly also enjoys making and teaching music and visual art. Elly is excited to share her passion with the students at YDE!
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Lauren WarmkaBallet InstructorLauren is very excited to return to Youth Dance Ensemble for her 4th year as a Ballet Instructor. A YDE alumnus, Lauren studies ballet at the University of Minnesota where she is a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering. Last year she assisted Dixie in a new production of ALICE'S JOURNEY TO WONDERLAND, choreographing the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, and Queen of Hearts. She has performed in CAROUSEL at Bloomington Artistry, and with Continental Ballet's SLEEPING BEAUTY. Lauren has extensive experience working with youth as both a dance instructor and swimming instructor/coach.
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Melaina Rairamo Guest Teaching Artist
Melaina is a 2016 YDE alum. The Chanhassen Dinner Theater: Music Man. The Fulton Theatre: MAMMA MIA, Madagascar. Maine State Music Theatre: I Love a Piano, Beauty and the Beast, Saturday Night Fever, Singing in the Rain, Bye Bye Birdie. The Guthrie Theater: A Christmas Carol and Cabaret* (production cancelled due to COVID 19). Melaina is a grad from The University of Alabama with a degree in Musical Theatre and a proud member of Actors Equity Association.
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Julia LarsonGuest Teaching ArtistJulia Larson, from St. Paul, Minnesota, studied with Youth Dance Ensemble under Dixie Rairamo. She was a part of the Repertoire program, and worked with many notable choreographers including Michael Matthew-Ferrell, Kirsten Iiams, and Kelli Foster-Warder. Julia attended Oklahoma City University's Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment and attained a Bachelor of Science in American Dance Pedagogy. During her college career, she trained in ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre, and also studied anatomy and physiology, ballet, tap, and jazz pedagogy, various choreography courses, and taught in the university's Community Dance Center. Julia has worked in multiple dance studios across the Midwest. As an arts manager, Julia has held many leadership roles in the areas of choreography, costuming, fly work, and house management. Currently, Julia is living in the Twin Cities area as the Spotlight education Coordinator at Hennepin Theatre Truest and as a dance instructor and choreographer.
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