Rhonda has studied all forms of classical dance, & had her formal teachers training under the direction of Mrs. Karen Rodda, former owner. From her beginnings with the founder of this studio, Billie Jacobson, she continually spends as much time as possible training herself. She studied at The Harkness House of Ballet, The American Ballet Center ( home of the Center City Joffrey Ballet) and Luiji, in New York City. In Chicago, with such greats as Gus Giordano, Nan Giordano Frank Hatchett, Joe Tremaine, Fernando Bujones, Lane Alexander, & Al Gilbert. She attends annually at DMI to study with Janice Barringer(author of The Pointe Book), & Daryl Retter, Mia Michaels & more from “So You Think You Can Dance”.

Locally, at LMC College, with Audre Deckmann Mendel, international, Jelko Yuresha, Richard Ellis & Christine DuBoulay, Eileen Cropley, as well as The Russian Seminar with Jurgen Schneider, & greats of the Bolshoi from 1993 to 1996 & instructors from the American Ballet Theatre (Gelsey Kirkland), and the Alvin Ailey Co. She did the teachers training at the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters in ‘98, the David Howard Intensive at WMU in ‘99 , the Summer Dance Institute at WMU in 2000, & Jazz World Congress in 1994, 2002, & 2005. She has studied at Broadway Dance Center & Steps in NYC.

”Miss” Rhonda has been a performing member of dance companies in both Michigan City & South Bend, and still loves to perform! Since performance is the highlight of learning dance...she founded, & is the artistic director of The Studio Dance Theatre & is excited to continue the performing team - “City Kids” this season. Both groups perform their show publically & privately, from shows with The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Krasl Art Fair, Nursing Homes, & informal concerts. She has choreographed several area musicals and community events, and oversees the Dance Arts Scholarship Committee.

She is a dedicated and devoted teacher for over 40 years at this studio & was honored in the WCA’s “Tribute to Women”. Rhonda, her husband Thom, children Sarah & Garrett, bid you a heartfelt welcome!

Earlene studied under Gail Kivett & Lena Pelio of Flint, as well as Ken Brelsfoard, Audre Deckmann Mendel, Jelko Yuresha, Ken Tepper, & Rhonda Rabbers. She has performed with The Flint Ballet Theatre & the SDT & has attended Dance Masters & Dance Makers workshops. “Miss” Earlene has been the dance instructor of the Renaissance Program in the Benton Harbor Schools and presently in the special ed. dept. She holds a B.A. & M.A. from Central Michigan & Western Michigan Universities and has a lot of discipline & grace to offer her students. “Miss” Earlene has been the SDT’s Costume Mistress since 1984. She & her two children, Nichole & Andrew, live in St. Joseph.

Paige returns to our faculty this year. She is a 2009 graduate of St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN., where she earned a degree in Business Administration with concentration on Marketing, and minors in Advertising and Dance. Paige has danced since childhood under numerous teachers both great & small from Detroit to Chicago. She was a Dance Arts Scholarship winner in 2003, a member of the SDT & City Kids competing at the New York City Dance Alliance. Miss Paige was also honored to be Miss Southwest Michigan Teen in 2004 & was a 2005 Bridgman High School graduate. She & her husband Josh live here to Stevensville. Miss Paige is a delight with the children & is excited to get back to class!!!

Marissa will begin her 5th year on our staff, after demostrating & student teaching under “Miss” Rhonda. “Miss” Marissa was a scholarship winner in 2006 , 2007, 2008, & 2009 and attended The Cecchetti Conference at Hope College. She has been an SDT member since childhood & began competing with the City Kids in 2006, attending the Dancer Makers Convention & Competitions and The Pulse. A senior at Lakeshore High School she is a BCD dancer. Marissa is an accomplished dancer, studying ballet, pointe, tap, modern & jazz & is excited to share her knowledge & love of dance with her students.

Nicole as a student taught for 2 years and is back for her 4th year on faculty. Her years of gymnastic competition really shows off in discipline & dedication... She is creative & brings out the best of our art! Miss Nicole has studied ballet for 12 years and has continued with pointe, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, modern, & tumbling. She is an SDT member & a City Kid competitor. Nicole has been a scholarship winner in 07 to 2011 and attended the Cecchetti Conference at Hope College for ballet & has studied with greats as Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Kourtney Lind, & Dave Scott of “So You Think You Can Dance” in Chicago. Nicole attends St. Joseph High School where she is enjoying being on the pom squad.

Kaitlyn returns to our faculty this season. She is an accomplished dancers of all dance forms, has been a scholarship winner for three seasons, an SDT members, City Kid competitors, LHS Band Color guard & Lancerette pom in school, & will be dancing as an “all star” in Florida this year….She is a dedicated dancer & is looking forward to sharing her expertise with your children!!!! Her energy is contagious!

Breanne did her student teaching the past 2 seasons & is excited to be on faculty this year. Miss Breanne has been a principal soloist with the SDT, is a City Kid competitor, & a scholarship winner attending the Cecchetti Conference, & numerous conventions. She is on the drumline in the SJHS band, in Key Club & Poms. With 12 year of dancing experience, she is knowledgeable & enthusiastic!

Michele will join our faculty this season. Miss Michele is accomplished in ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical & Irish Step dance. If you’ve thought about it...this year is your chance. Michele is a Sr. at SJHS, secretary of Key Club and a Sr. chair of Fashion with Compassion.

Katie begins her first year of teaching. She has been student teaching & subbing for the past 2 seasons & is loving helping the students to become better dancers! A great quality for a great teacher. She has furthered her education at Jazz World Congress & numerous seminars & conventions. She fulfills her love of performance in participating in the scholarship program, City Kids & The Studio Dance Theatre.