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Premiere Performance's three primary instructor's have
experience in dance instruction ranging from 25 to 35 years in a variety of settings including private studios, universities,
public and private schools (elementary and high school). In addition to teaching, these instructors have experience
as professional performers as well as choreographers for high school performing groups, college productions, community theatrical
organizations and liturgical events.
Darla Andree
Owner, Director
Darla received
the Faculty Award for Excellence in Dance while earning her Bachelor Degree in Theater and Dance at Southern Illinois University
in Edwardsville. In addition to the training she received at SIU-E, she studied from various professional instructors whose
methods included Checchetti and Russian ballet technique. Darla's modern dance training includes the methods of
Erik Hawkins and Martha Graham, combined with a mixture of other modern dance influences. Following a professional performing
career with MADCO, a St. Louis based modern dance touring company, she earned an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy. Darla
has been a guest choreographer at SIU-E's annual Dance In Concert numerous times. She has choregraphed musical theater
productions for Triad High School in Troy, Illinois and Curtains Up! In 2010, she received Best Choreography award, presented
by the St. Louis based Arts For Life, for her choreography for Curtains Up's production of High School Musical 2. She
has owned and operated a dance studio for 27 years.
Paula
Beals
Paula holds a Master's Degree in Dance Education and is Emeritus Dance Faculty at Southern
Illinois University in Edwardsville. She studied with several ballet masters during her training in New York. Her modern dance
education includes, among others, the techniques of Martha Graham and Lester Horton. Paula has certificates in the Cecchetti
ballet method. For15 years, she studied with Mr. Cecchetti's personal assistant, Margaret Craske. During her career as a professional
performer, she danced with the Baltimore City Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the internationally known and highly
acclaimed company of modern dance pioneer, Martha Graham. Paula choreographs musical productions for Triad Middle School in
Troy, Illinois and Alton Little Theater.
Therese Hembruch
Therese has a B.F.A. in Dance Performance, a M.Ed. in Creative
Arts and a B.S. in Elementary Education. She worked as a guest performer and choreographer for the Springfield Ballet Company
for 6 years. Therese is the founder of the Spirit Moves dance ensemble, a group of local dancers that perform at area
churches and community events. Her choreography has been presented in the Springfield Area Liturgical Arts Festival.
Therese has been teaching at Premiere Performance for 7 years.
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