Abby Lee Miller |
Abby Lee is the Owner and Director of the Maryen Lorrain
Dance Studio in Pittsburgh. In May of 1995, she opened the doors
to her brand new state-of-the-art facility. Ms. Miller is also
the founder and chief choreographer of The Abby Lee Dance Company.
The Year of 2005 celebrates 25 years of unparalleled competition
success. A teacher's reputation is based solely on the
success of her students! And successful they are; she
has students appearing on Broadway, at Walt Disney World in Orlando
and Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, Radio City Music Hall in NYC, Detroit,
Nashville, across the United States and abroad in Italy, Greece, Japan
and Alaska. For every child that has gone on to dance professionally,
there are a hundred more that have traveled to exciting cities, stayed
in four star Hotels and won major competitions. Thanks to her,
there are another thousand that have stood a little taller, spoke a
little louder and learned the value of hard work. She truly
teaches a child that Anything is Possible! Ms. Miller is
an active member of Dance Masters of PA Chapters #10 and #25, Dance
Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. She
received a presidential appointment to the Dance Masters of America's
National Executive Committee. She acts as a consultant to
several Public School Districts and is an advisor to Dancer
Magazine. She is honored to be the Past President of Dance
Masters of Pennsylvania. Abby Lee has made quite a name for
herself in the dance world. She is the teacher and a
choreographer of forty-eight State & Regional Title Holders &
Eighteen National Title Winners!
Favorite Quote
"After twenty-five years of working, I still don't know the
key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody
else!"
~ Bill Cosby
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Mrs.
Maryen L. Miller began dancing in 1933. After graduating from high school her
family relocated to Miami Beach, FL. She began teaching children
in 1944 and has been influencing lives ever since. Maryen
Lorrain built quite a successful reputation in Florida. She was
an active member of every major dance organization and a friend to
all. She chose to marry a boy from her childhood neighborhood,
thus returning to Pittsburgh. Maryen left behind seven thriving
studios in the Miami area. She chose to give them to her
advanced students rather than sell her name. Now - her great
name can grace this building, as her expertise graces each and
every class. Maryen Lorrain is a 50 year member of Dance Masters of
Amerca and the Past-President of Pennsylvania Chapter #10. Her
vast knowledge of dance is an integral part of our Preschool Program
Curriculum each week. Miss Maryen's former students have
appeared on television, in commercials, in the movies and on many
Broadway stages.
They continue to work as choreographers, actors
and dance instructors today. |
Maryen Lorrain Miller
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Introducing
the Creative Team:
Cynthia K. Ridler
Ballet Mistress - Variations - Pointe
Cynthia was born in
Anchorage, AL, and brought up in Salt Lake City, UT, where she studied
extensively with the renowned Willam F. Christensen. As a student,
Ms. Ridler received scholarships to train with Pacific Northwest Ballet,
the Aspen Summer Dance School and the Harid Conservatory. After
attending the University of Utah on the Christensen Scholarship for
Ballet, she joined the company of Ballet West and later the Cincinnati
Ballet. Throughout her career, Ms. Ridler was privileged to
perform for and work with such great contemporary choreographers as Paul
Taylor, Val Caniparoli, John Neumier, Mauricio Wainrot, and Kirk
Petersen. Her classical repertoire includes Swan Lake, Sleeping
Beauty, La Bayadere, Giselle, Paquita and Raymonda. Ms. Ridler
also had the opportunity to perform many of Balanchine’s great works
such as Theme and Variations, Who Cares?, Concerto Barroco, Symphony in
C, Agon, The Four Temperaments, Scotch Symphony and Divertimento #15.
Upon retiring, Ms. Ridler began to teach ballet full time while also
completing a degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati.
She and her daughter Lucy recently relocated to Pittsburgh from Jackson,
MS, where she owned her own ballet studio and served as ballet mistress
for the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet, to be with her husband, Peter
LeBreton Merz. She is currently on the adjunct faculty at Point
Park University.
Peter Merz
Ballet - Partnering -
Men's Class
Peter began his dance training at the Schwartz
School of Dance in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, the official school of
the Dayton Ballet. Subsequently, he danced with the Dayton Ballet,
The Louisville Ballet, and later with the Cincinnati Ballet, performing
works by twentieth-century masters such as Eugene Loring, Ages de Mille,
Paul Taylor, and George Balanchine. Ballets choreographed by Mr. Merz
have been danced all over the US and in Europe, and he has taught at
schools around the country. He holds a B.F.A. in Theatrical Design
and Production from the University of Cincinnati. Before joining
the faculty at Point Park University, Mr. Merz served as the Artistic
Administrator for the USA International Ballet Competition if Jackson,
MS. He has also served on grant review panels for the Mississippi
Arts Commission.
Jerry
Ross
Tap Tech, Musical Theater, Acro/ Gym
Mr.
Ross comes to us from the faculty of the prestigious Pittsburgh High
School for the Creative and Performing Arts. He is part of the amazing
Musical Theater Program where he teaches dance movement to singers and
actors. He is known for his innovative concepts in choreography in both
local and regional productions. Jerry is always prepared to step on
stage to perform when duty calls. Over the years, he has been featured
in musicals receiving rave reviews. Never one to be a starving artist,
Jerry is a pharmacist by trade with a degree from Duquesne University.
Jennifer
Snyder Zeitler
Tap, Ballet/ Pointe, Jazz, Acrobatics, Gymnastics,
Stage stunts =
web, silks, combat, aeriel work
Jennifer
was our first Miss Dance of PA, 1992. She
was trained in all genres of dance at The Maryen Lorrain Dance Studio,
and as a thriving member of The Abby Lee Dance Company, she went on to
dance professionally for 12 years. Jennifer’s first job was dancing at
Busch Gardens, from there it was a rapid succession of famous theme
parks and luxury cruise ships, as near as Hershey Park and as far as
Europe. She has been to four continents and every one of our United
States, with long stints in Nashville, TN and Branson, MO. Dance
has literally taken her around the world. She is a multi-faceted
performer who can do a lot more than dance… she has been trained on
the Spanish Web, Taiko Drums, Trick Roping, Adagio Work and Flying
with Foy. Upon retiring from the spotlight, Miss Jen is now a Mrs. and
the very proud mom of Zachary! We are glad to have Jennifer back at the
studio where she brings years of experience and expertise!
Matt
Saffron
Tap & Hip Hop Instructor/
Choreographer
Tap Dog
Matt
Saffron is a Native of Morgantown, WV and has been dancing since the age
of six. He has had extensive training in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop.
He won world honors as a member of the 2000 USA Tap Dance Team! Matt has
been the featured dancer and Dance Captain of the West Virginia Public
Theater's summer stock productions of Guy and Dolls, Will
Rogers Follies, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, Mame, Beauty and the Beast,
Thoroughly Modern Millie and A Chorus Line. Mr. Saffron has won numerous
prestigious awards for performing as a tap dancer. In addition he has
received Over-all High Score Honors and Cash Awards as a choreographer
and teacher. Matt had the pleasure of touring with the 10th
Anniversary Tap Dogs 2006 as a dancer and musician. Recently, in
Montreal, he performed as an original member of
Tap' d Out in their premier show!
Sean Burke
Jazz
-Acrobatics - Tumbling
Sean
began his training 16 years ago under the direction of
Marie Lynn Varchulik, and the late Mark Marino. Sean's professional
career began at the age of 18 when he was contracted by Opryland
Entertainment. Since then he has danced around the world on several
major cruise lines as well as Vegas and Europe. Sean and his
choreography both have been featured in such major productions as Barry
Manilow's Copa Cabana, the Carolina Opry, and the longest running show
in Las Vegas - Les Folies Bergere. Growing up as a competition kid, he
is now in demand as a teacher and choreographer, Sean’s work has
earned him numerous state, regional, and national honors.
Marissa
Balzer
Contemporary, Pilates, Ballet & Pointe, Modern
Marissa
is
the Founder and Artistic Director of rEvolve Dance Theater. Her Company
debuted to rave reviews in April of 2007. Marissa is a graduate of the
Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and has her
BS in Dance from Point Park University. Marissa’s classes are always
innovative. She is beautiful to watch, a true inspiration to every
student. Her award winning choreography encompasses ballet technique,
modern, and jazz – she is most well known for her unique floor work
choreography. Marissa is an asset to our Team.
James
Washington
Contemporary Jazz, Hip
Hop
Lucinda
Bird
Ballet - Pointe - Character
Lucinda is a seasoned Dance Instructor with over 25 years of teaching
experience. She trained at the Cleveland
School of Ballet and The Cleveland Dance Institute. She has also been a
studio owner
for several years.
Lucinda is
also certified fitness instructor and teaches yoga and Pilates.
Danielle Gray
Gymnastic Coach
A highly experienced gymnast with state and regional titles. Danielle began her interest at The Maryen Lorrain Dance studio for 8 years, and then trained as a competitive gymnast for 12 years. She holds several records for her performances as a gymnast, and has made a name for herself as a well accomplished athlete. Danielle is also USA Gymnastics Professional Instructor Member. Ms Gray is a full-time student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Administration. She is also a Division II Track & Field athlete, currently ranked tenth in the state for long jump!
Erica
Highlands
Jazz,
Hip Hop, Tap, Acrobatics
Erica Rae has been dancing
since the age of 3. Erica completed the Pre-Professional Dance
Program at Point Park College. She has won numerous titles and overall
high scores at many regional and national competitions. The
highlight of her competition days was her trip to
the World Dance Championships in Reise, Germany as a member of
The USA Dance Team. She
brought home the Silver medal for her solo and Bronze for her duet. As
a teacher, she has won regional and national choreography awards.
She is taking a break to wow audiences every night aboard the ms
Ryndam for the Holland America Cruise Line. She loves being on stage
performing again.
EJ
Ferensak
Hip Hop, Tap, Gymnastics
EJ is exciting, athletic and energetic in every Hip Hop Class. A
Competition kid, EJ is well known as an all around dancer in addition to
his masculine Hip Hop Style. He has won countless Over-all High Scores
and Top Honors. He traveled to Europe as a representative in the USA
Dance Team. As we go to print - he is in Las Vegas working on So You
Think You Can Dance. He shares his passion for dance with all of his
students.
Emma
Neal
Jazz,
Lyrical, Contemporary,
All Styles
Sandy
Powers
Front Desk Manager
Christine Ice
Business Manager
Adrienne Prestogeorge
Private Voice
Rob Pruitt
Private/ Group Voice,
Audition Coach
Laura Ferguson
Acting Classes, Audition Coach
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