Cleveland Ballet Conservatory's students have been accepted to some of the most respected dance schools in the country, chosen by audition to perform in professional ballet productions, and recognized at the Youth America Grand Prix.
Meet our Faculty
For additional information on our faculty, please visit Cleveland Ballet Conservatory on your tablet or desktop.
Jazz Technique, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Preschool Ballet, Ballet Technique
GUEST TEACHER & CHOREOGRAPHER
Alexa Pudlinksi
Ballet Technique, Preschool Ballet, Preschool Tap, Pointe/Variations, Jazz Technique, Contemporary,
Hip-Hop
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Emily Borchers
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations
Dance educator & choreographer
Heather McCoy
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Tap, Contemporary, Dance Conditioning, Preschool Ballet, Preschool Tap, TipToes, Tutus & Make Believe
Dance educator & choreographer
Kelly Clymer
Modern Dance, Ballet Technique, Tap, Creative Movement
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Jenny Burnett
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Choreographer, Dance Conditioning, Pilates, Pre-Ballet, TipToes, Tutus & Make Believe
Conservatory Owner/Artistic Director
Kerry Skuderin
When I was three years old old, my my mom enrolled me in ballet classes after watching me twirl and dance around our living room.
How did you get started in dance?
I love inspiring young dancers to reach their technical and artistic goals. Some of my favorite moments are smiles of joy during class, excitement when mastering difficult steps or choreography and students moving on to chase their dreams at a college/university program or professional company.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
My childhood and college dance teachers were my inspiration to open a ballet school. I enjoy sharing my love & passion for ballet just as they did for me. I’m inspired to teach students technical proficiency, musicality, performance artistry and above all, a LOVE and appreciation for dance.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy home decorating and family time/vacations.
What's a fun fact about you?
• B.A. in Dance, Mercyhurst College
• New York State Summer School of the Arts
• Cincinnati Ballet
• Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
• David Howard Dance Center
• Ballet Concerto
Your personal training?
• Lake Erie Ballet Company
• Ballet Concerto
• Erie Ballet Theatre
• Favorite lead roles: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Paquita, Giselle, Coppelia
• Original works by: Douglas Bentz, Elizabeth Nesi, Tauna Hunter, Jay Kirk and Donlin Foreman
Where/what have you performed?
Conservatory Owner/Artistic Director
Kerry Skuderin
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Choreographer, Dance Conditioning, Pilates, Pre-Ballet, TipToes, Tutus & Make Believe
I was 6 years old when I began my dance training. I was painfully shy and had difficulty conversing with people. My parents thought dance class would help me make friends, as well as encourage me to express myself through dance. By the end of my first year of dance training I had fallen in love with dance.
How did you get started in dance?
I love working with young people and encouraging them to find their creative voice in dance. It is such a powerful experience to observe a student grow and develop into not only a proficient technical dancer, but a thoughtful and creative artist.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
My very first dance teacher, Lois Gremore, was my biggest inspiration. She was such a gifted educator and encouraged me throughout my dance education. She treated me with such great respect and had high expectations for me, which greatly influenced how I teach today. She offered me my first teaching job and continued to mentor me through my many years of teaching thereafter. My other inspiration is my students. They inspire me daily to become a better teacher.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
I belong to a traditional German dance group called Schuhplattler und Trachtenverein Bavaria. My husband and children also dance with the group. I currently hold the position of Zweite Vortanzerin, which means second lead female dancer.
What's a fun fact about you?
• Gremore Dance Studio (ballet, tap, jazz, international folk dances)
• Ohio Ballet Summer School (2 summers)
• Texas Christian University Summer School
• Nikolais/Louis Dance Lab, NYC
• B.F.A. in Dance, University of Akron
• M.Ed Secondary Education, Kent State University
• Certification in Evans Modern Technique
• Certification in Level I Orff Schulwerk Music Pedagogy
Your personal training?
Classical and modern favorites have been Graduation Ball by David Lichine and Acts of Light by Martha Graham, but most of my performing career has been as a freelance performer with regional modern companies and choreographers. I have also produced and presented my own choreographic works professionally at venues such as Cleveland Public Theater.
Where/what have you performed?
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Jenny Burnett
Modern Dance, Ballet Technique, Tap, Creative Movement
My mother signed me up for dance lessons when I was just 3 years old. I quickly realized my passion for dance and continued my training throughout college and never stopped!
How did you get started in dance?
Being a dance teacher is a truly unique experience in that I often have the opportunity to see students in class for many years. It’s awesome to witness students’ hard work pay off when they achieve their goals – whether it’s learning a new skill, finally nailing a difficult step, or perfecting choreography.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
I'm so grateful for the many passionate teachers that have inspired me over the years. One of my first dance teachers, Margaret Holden, truly instilled a love of dance into all of her students. I learned so much about the dance community - from technical skills to costuming - while in her classes, and I hope to inspire that same love for dance in my teaching.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
I've worked in the events industry for about 10 years and love working behind the scenes on various live events!
What's a fun fact about you?
• Mercyhurst University, B.A. in Dance (Choreography Concentration)
• Cleveland Ballet Conservatory
• Ohio Dance Theatre
• Cleveland Dance Theatre
• Michelle’s Dancing Connection
• American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive
• Cincinnati Ballet Summer Intensive
• Briansky Saratoga Summer Intensive
Your personal training?
•Performed at various venues throughout the US
•The Dancing Wheels Company - Various repertoire as a company dancer (2012-2017)
• Cleveland Public Theatre - various original works
• Mercyhurst University - classical and contemporary works including Les Sylphides, Les Patinueus, Don Giovanni (opera)
• Pennsylvania Ballet's The Nutcracker
Where/what have you performed?
Dance Educator, Choreographer & Rehearsal Assistant
Kelly
Clymer
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Tap, Contemporary, Dance Conditioning, Preschool Ballet, Preschool Tap, TipToes, Tutus & Make Believe
My mother was a ballet dancer and then owned a school. I’ve been surrounded by dance since I was born. I spent most of my childhood in a dance studio, first as the very young daughter of a studio owner and then as a student at her school.
How did you get started in dance?
I love when I can see that a student has taken the time to listen and implement their corrections, even if it’s the tiniest of improvements.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
I’ve always known my mother as a ballet teacher and I’ve spent countless hours observing and/or taking her classes as a child, so she was my first inspiration to become a teacher, which I began doing at age 16. As an older dancer, I was inspired to give my students what helped me the most. Chérie Noble was an integral part of instilling certain training techniques which helped me become a stronger and more well-rounded dancer. I strive to continue to pass on her incredible tools to my students.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
I’ve been a florist for over 20 years and I’ve owned the wedding and event floral company, Fair Rarity Flowers for the past 9 years.
What's a fun fact about you?
• Kathryn O’Connell, Long Island, NY
• Joffrey Ballet, NYC
• Kirov Academy, Washington, DC
• Evee Lynn and Nancy Bielski, NYC
• Nancy Hervey and Jill Landrith, Wichita, KS
• School of the Hartford Ballet, Hartford, CT
• Mark Roxey, Melissa Roxey, Chérie Noble, Marjorie Mussman, Patricia Brown, NJ
• Evee Lynn, Nancy Bielski, Peff Modelski, NYC
Your personal training?
• Various roles in many performances of The Nutcracker
• Soloist roles in the full-length productions of Paquita, La Sylphide, Coppelia, and Cinderella
• A 50 performance Nutcracker season as a corps de ballet dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet
• Dancespace Project at St Mark’s Church, NYC
• Multiple Forsythe-inspired works performed with Stuart Loungway’s Terra Firma Dance Theatre, NY + NJ
• Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland
• Philly Fringe Festival, Philadelphia
Where/what have you performed?
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Heather
McCoy
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Dance Conditioning
I started dancing at the age of 5. My cousin began dancing at an amazing dance studio in our area and encouraged me to start when I was old enough. I went to the first class and never stopped.
How did you get started in dance?
My favorite thing about teaching is being able to share the knowledge that was passed down to me to all of them. I love being able to watch the students grow, become amazing well rounded people, interact in a creative space with them, learn from them, and help them understand dance.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
While in college the dance department would put on certain performances for children to attend. After the performances so performers would go to the lobby to meet the students and during this time you would be able to see the children's eyes light up. They had questions about your shoes, costumes, what dance moves you could do, and what dance moves they could show you. This was when I knew that I wanted to teach, inspire those that had dreams of being a dancer, and be able to guide dancers down a successful path.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
I traveled to China to dance professionally as a part of the NBA 5v5 games the summer of 2018.
What's a fun fact about you?
• Center of Ballet & Dance Arts- Syracuse
• Diane's Dancers- Elbridge
• NYSSSA Summer Dance Program
• Hofstra Summer Dance Program
• Taylor 2 Company Dance Intensive
• Mercyhurst University
• Dancing Wheels Company
• Cleveland Cavaliers
Your personal training?
• Classical & Neo-Classical Repertoire at CBDA, Mercyhurst, Dancing Wheels
• Contemporary & Modern Repertoire at CBDA, Mercyhurst, Dancing Wheels
• Commercial Jazz: Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland & China. Danced with people such as Flo Rida, Machine Gun Kelly, B.O.B, Montell Jordan, Biz Markie, and Tiffany.
• Workshops/Residences: Hofsta, American Dance Theatre, Boston Ballet, NYSSSA, Paul Taylor 2, Les Ballets Jazz De Montreal, John Lehrer
Where/what have you performed?
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Emily
Borchers
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Jazz Technique, Contemporary, Hip-Hop
I grew up in a military family and moved a lot when I was young. My mom signed me up for ballet class as a way to meet other children in our new community.
How did you get started in dance?
I love being witness to a dancer's confidence growing and their pride when they achieve a personal goal.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
I loved being a teaching/rehearsal assistant at my dance studio when I was in high school. The positive experiences I had with younger students stuck with me and I knew that teaching was something I would want to do.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
I love to doodle and have thousands of pens/markers collected for my doodling pleasure.
What's a fun fact about you?
I spent my high school years living on Long Island. I studied at my home dance studio/company Amy Tyler School of Dance and The Harbor Ballet Theatre but also traveled to New York City for master classes regularly.
Your personal training?
• Harbor Ballet Theatre
• Lake Erie Ballet
• Mercyhurst University Dancers
Where/what have you performed?
Maureen has been a part of the CBC family since it's inaugural season
How long have you been with CBC?
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Maureen Crane
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Dance Conditioning
I started dancing at the age of 3. My mom put me into classes, and I loved it from the start! I always enjoyed going to see ballets and watching the professional dancers as I got older. That inspired me and made me want to become a professional ballet dancer, so I continued to dance and train throughout my school years.
How did you get started in dance?
My favorite thing about teaching is helping spread the love of dance to my students through the artistic form that I myself fell in love with. Watching young dancers grow and learn is so special to me, and to say I had a part in their training is really meaningful! Ballet has been such a huge part of my life, and I am so happy to share it with others. I feel the discipline ballet requires is something many carry with them throughout all their other activities, and it truly teaches them more than just dance!
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
My biggest inspirations were a lot of the teachers I had growing up and training with as a young artist and the directors of the ballet companies I danced with. They taught me so much and helped to form me into the dancer I became, and that has inspired me to instruct others. Taking classes and learning from them are some of my best childhood memories and to work with so many amazing directors and choreographers throughout my career has been so inspiring!
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
A fun fact about me is, I love to craft. Some of my favorite crafting activities are making jewelry, earrings mainly, and scrapbooking. I really enjoy crafting with my kids now that I am a mom to 3 amazing little ones, and we have so much fun doing weekly themed crafts!
What's a fun fact about you?
I trained at the School of Cleveland San Jose Ballet, and at summer ballet intensives Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and North Carolina Dance Theatre.
Your personal training?
Professionally, I danced and toured various classical ballets and repertoire works with the following ballet companies:
Minnesota Ballet
Ohio Dance Theatre
Fargo Moorhead Ballet
Sierra Nevada Ballet
Tasmanian Classical Ballet Company
Where/what have you performed?
Dance Educator & Choreographer
Courtney Bakula
Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations
My parents enrolled me into a ballet class at the early age of three. At a very young age my parents saw how consumed I was with dance. They knew they had to do everything they could to keep me dancing and performing. There was no stopping my drive and passion for dancing.
How did you get started in dance?
It’s hard to beat the feeling of walking into a studio full of excitement and smiles from all my dancers. Knowing I get to share my passion and knowledge is something I hold very special to my heart.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
I was inspired to be the best teacher I could be by all of my amazing teachers, instructors and coaches throughout my 22 years of dancing. I would not be the person I am today without their guidance and inspirational motivation.
Who/what inspired you to teach dance?
I have two fun facts about myself. The first one being, I was CBC's very first student. My second is I also share a true passion for caring for sick people. I am currently in nursing school along with working at the Cleveland Clinic as a nurse assistant.
What's a fun fact about you?
• Trained in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Hip-hop and Contemporary
• Trained at Cleveland Ballet Conservatory for 8 years
• Attended summer dance intensives
• Dance/theater workshops at the Playhouse square
• Competed in competitive dance for 2 years
• Invited to Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders workshops
• Danced professionally for AHL, NBA and MLB for 4 years
Your personal training?
I have performed with the Southwest Youth Ballet Company under the direction of Kerry. Also, during my time dancing at CBC I performed the lead role in our Alice In Wonderland & Peter Pan productions. I’ve performed with the Cincinnati Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet productions of the Nutcracker at Playhouse Square. I’ve also danced with the dance teams for the Lake Erie Monsters, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and Cleveland Indians.
Where/what have you performed?
GUEST TEACHER & CHOREOGRAPHER
Alexa Pudlinksi
Jazz Technique, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Preschool Ballet, Ballet Technique