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Assaf Benchetrit began his dance and music studies at the Rubin Academy for Music and Dance in Jerusalem, Israel. Upon graduation, he danced with the Jerusalem Dance Theater, the Panov Ballet, and later with The Israeli National Ballet Company. During his military service, Assaf received the “Remarkable Dancer” prize from the Israeli government which allowed him to continue dancing while serving. After completing his military service, he arrived to United States to dance with companies such as The Joffrey, Metropolitan Classical Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, Portland Ballet and Gelsey Kirkland Ballet. Throughout his career, Assaf toured through England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and numerous other countries. Assaf holds a joint B.S in computer science and B.F.A in dance degrees with academic honors from Montclair State University, and an M.F.A degree in dance from Hollins/ADF/Frankfurt. He was a faculty member at Yale University, Columbia University (Barnard College), Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and Raritan Valley Community College.

Aiva Berrigan joins Virginia National Ballet as an apprentice for the 2024-25 season. She was formerly a trainee with Cleveland Ballet (2023-24), and a company dancer as well as student with Southern NH Dance Theater for two years including studying with David Sun. She is a graduate of Boston Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program; Regional Dance America named her 2022 Senior Classical Outstanding Soloist of the Northeast region. She trained at summer intensives including American Ballet Theatre, NYC; Boston Ballet; San Francisco Ballet; School of American Ballet; and Philadelphia Ballet. Aiva performed with SundanceX in Sun’s: Solaris in 2021, his Bach Cello Suite 4 in 2022, both at the Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre of Boston’s Dance for the World Community Festival, and now in Wings of Water.

Cara is a New Hampshire native. She grew up dancing with Sole City Dance and New England Dance Project. She performed competitively and in community benefits in both NH & ME. After high school, she joined Boston Dance Theater’s trainee program, where she graduated in April 2022 under Artistic Directors Jessie Jeanne Stinnett and Itzik Galili. With BDT she performed in works by Junichi Fukuda, Isvel Bello, and Maleek Washington. Cara has attended summer intensives at University of New Hampshire, Joffrey’s New York City Jazz & Contemporary program, and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. In April 2022 she joined Ballet Bloom to perform in Rose Hutchin’s Four Seasons project in Portland, ME. In August of 2022 Cara joined Lira Dance Theatre in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and performed as a member of their 8th season. Cara was a part of Lila’s first production in 2021 and is excited to be back this year for their 4th summer festival. She is currently sharing her passion for both dance and clean living on her Instagram Carebycara. 

Alex is a dancer, improviser, conceptual performance artist, teaching artist, and community organizer. They have a unique path to performance that entwines a background in competitive athletics, studies of earth science, a passion for community organizing, and a fascination with alchemizing grief. Their formal studies began at Middlebury College with Christal Brown and Laurel Jenkins. They’ve performed in works by and alongside Sam Kann, C Green, Julian Barnett, Laurel Jenkins and Millie Heckler. With their dance collborater Grace Palmer they’ve choreographed for Burlington’s Highlight and recently produced an evening length show at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts. Their solo theater work has been shown at the Flynn Space. Throughout it all, they dance because when they think about how they want to live each day, they want to live dancing.

Yuval Cohen began dancing at age six, when he joined the Mehola Dance Company, specializing in folk and modern dance. From 2013-2018, Yuval studied ballet and after winning an excellence scholarship in 2017 from the America-Israel Cultural Foundation, he joined the Jerusalem Ballet School under the artistic direction of Nadya Timofeyeva.

In 2018, Yuval won first place in Russia’s famous The Nutcracker competition. That year, he accepted a position at The Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

During his time there, Yuval danced roles including Blue Bird Variation in The Sleeping Beauty and the Prince in The Nutcracker. After graduating from the Academy in 2021, Yuval joined The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia. Yuval joined Philadelphia Ballet II for our 2021/2022 Season and was promoted to apprentice for our 2022/2023 season, debuting as the mean stepsister in Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella.

During his two seasons with the company Yuval danced Ali in Le Corsaire, Siegfried in SwanLake, the Prince in Snow White, Gold in The Sleeping Beauty, and more.

In June 2023, Yuval competed in the Jackson International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi where he received a bronze medal. Yuval was the first Israeli citizen to pass to the final round and medal.

Originally from Vermont, Tayler first attended The Boston Conservatory for dance. She has continued to grow her artistic practice through the Bates Dance Festival for the last two decades, with Countertechnique since 2017 and through other modalities such as Graham, release technique, Alexander technique and contact improvisation focused training. Based in New York City for over a decade as a choreographer, performer, and teacher, Tayler has had the pleasure to study with Janet Panetta, David Dorfman, Joy Davis, Michael Foley, Marianne Hraibi, Kathy Young, Jennifer Archibald, Chris Aiken, Gaga teachers and many others. In 2017 she attended Gibney’s Professional Training Program for choreographic process, showing and performing in original works in the program’s initial year. While Arts on Site and Gibney are a home base, more recently she has been focused on travel to study, teach and perform. Simultaneously working towards honing her individual choreographic voice and obtaining a degree in communication and media to expand her knowledge with the evolving art world. She chose to spend time at her coastal home this summer while healing from hip surgery. Excited to create on local dancers, Tayler is always grateful to be a part of Lila Festival as it grows.

Audrey Eastman began her dance training when she was young at Holly Jane Dance Center with Holly Jane Johnson. In high school, she pursued more advanced training at Great Bay Academy of Dance with Elisa Gerasin and Kristen Samson in Kittery, ME. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire in 2020 with a BS in Biomedical Science (Medical/Veterinary Sciences) and a BA in Dance. In December of 2023 she graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Tufts University School of Medicine. Audrey is currently a licensed physical therapist in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While at UNH she trained with Assaf Benchetrit and Susan Endrizzi and performed with the UNH Dance Company. She has attended summer programs with the American Ballet Theatre and the University of Utah. In January of 2019, she traveled to Buenos Aires with DanceAbroad Argentina and trained in ballet and contemporary with various Argentinian teachers. She has had the privilege to perform Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in GBAD’s “An 1836 Portsmouth Nutcracker,” Cinderella with the UNH Dance Company, original choreographed works at Lila Dance Festival, and in City Ballet of Boston’s “Urban Nutcracker.” She is currently performing with Annex Contemporary Dance Company directed by Julie Hebb, as well as various local schools.

Susan Endrizzi received her B.F.A. in dance performance from Butler University. Her professional credits include performances with Ballet New England and Ballet Theatre of Pennsylvania. Endrizzi joined José Mateo’s Ballet Theatre of Boston in 1995 where she danced original choreography for 9 years, taught all levels of ballet, and was a rehearsal assistant. Other teaching credits include University of Massachusetts Boston, Portsmouth School of Ballet and Northeastern Ballet Theatre. Endrizzi teaches Ballet for Athletes, Ballet I, Ballet II, and Pointe. In addition to her courses, she is a rehearsal assistant for the UNH Dance Company and choreographed the following productions in collaboration with the UNH Orchestra: selections from the Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, and Reminiscence for UNH’s 150th celebration at the Music Hall in Portsmouth. Most recently she restaged Michel Fokine’s Polovetzian Dances from the opera Prince Igor in collaboration with the UNH Orchestra and Choir.

Junichi Fukuda holds a BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory and has been a member of Ballet Tech/NY, Oakland Ballet, Smuin Ballet/SF, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, the New York Baroque Dance Company, Nejla Yatkin’s NY2 Dance, Buglisi Dance Theatre and Peridance Contemporary Dance Company where he was featured in numerous principal roles. Back in New England, Junichi became a member of Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre while he maintains his choreographic journey. 

Junichi was the recipient of the 2012 S&R Washington Award and the Dance Place’s 2012 New Releases Choreographer Commission. His choreography has been presented at 18MASDANZA in Spain, Dance St. Louis’ The Spring to Dance Festival, DanceNow at Joe’s Pub Festival, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival and Bates Dance Festival. Junichi has been commissioned to create new works for Christopher K. Morgan & Artists (Trinitus, April 2013), for Bowen McCauley Dance (Segments, March 2014), and general staging/choreography for Opera (Jeanne: a story of the woman, September 2015, named as best in dance of 2015 by the Arts Fuse). At its premiere, dance critic Sarah Kaufman of the Washington Post called Segments “the evening’s chief pleasure” and went on to say “Fukuda knew exactly what he was doing here: creating a work of easeful harmony…bringing to mind freedom and flight…The real credit was due to Fukuda’s modest, tasteful proposal.”  Junichi is a recipient of 2016 Bates Dance Festival’s Emerging Choreographer Residency, Dance Complex’s 2016 CATALYSTS Artist Residency, Somerville Arts Council’s Professional Development, New England Foundation for the Arts’ New England Dance Fund, and a winner of the 2017 Boston Dance Alliance Rehearsal and Retreat Fellowship.

Deborah Grammatic began her ballet training with the Seacoast Ballet Company, and then trained with both Ballet Theatre Workshop and Ballet New England under scholarship. She danced with the UNH Dance Company for two years in high school at the invitation of the director of ballet. As a student she attended many summer programs including Ballet Magnificat and Ballet Austin, where she was asked by both companies to stay on to be a company trainee. After dancing the title role in The Sleeping Beauty as a senior in high school she was asked to join Ballet New England’s professional company, which she did for 3 years.   Deborah then went on to join both Boston Dance Company and Northeastern Ballet Theatre as a professional dancer.   She performed leading roles in The Nutcracker, Carmina Burana, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Les Corsaire, and Dracula.  She was also a sought after guest artist, performing the roles of the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Aurora in Sleeping Beauty for many companies throughout the seacoast area including Melrose Youth Ballet, Northern Ballet Theater, and Sole City Dance.  In 2009, Deborah was a guest artist for Portland Ballet Company’s Giselle production, jumping into a soloist role two weeks before the show was performed.  She was asked to join Portland Ballet as a professional company member in 2010 and was a company member for 6 years. She was featured in many performances including The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Giselle, La Bayadere, Boy Meets Girl, and as the Sugar Plum Fairy and The Snow Queen in The Victorian Nutcracker. The Portland Press Herald wrote that she performed Sugarplum “with refined joyfulness and precision”.  They also wrote that she had “quicksilver split leaps, neat beats and turns” and was “elastic and precise”.  She was called “stunning” partnering with Joseph Jefferies. “As the Snow Prince and Princess, Joseph Jefferies and Deborah Grammatic were extremely strong.  Grammatic was snowy, crisp and light, and Jefferies partnered her with grace.  Their final lift was magically inventive, with a light snowfall swirling around them.”  She retired from performing in 2016 to have her son and daughter.

Angela Grassie has been dancing since the age of two at Corinne’s School of Dance in Rochester, NH. She also studied ballet, pointe, and modern at Ballet New England in Portsmouth, NH. Angela has also studied many forms of dance at Steps On Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She received a full scholarship for the Rockette Summer Intensive in New York City and performed at Radio City Music Hall. Angela was a Rockette Teacher Assistant for the weekend Rockette Experiences and the Rockette Summer Intensives for over two years. She has traveled to New Jersey to choreograph for the Sophisticated Productions Performance Team in Atlantic City. Angela was the dance choreographer for Noble High School’s performance of The Music Man in 2013. Angela has professionally performed in Ballet New England, The Dance Annex, Great Bay Academy of Dance and Sole City Dance’s The Nutcracker as the Snow Queen, Dew Drop Fairy, Rat Queen, Lead Spanish Soloist, Demi-Soloist Flower, Peppermint Lead, and Snow Corps. She performed in Cabaret as a Kit Kat Dancer at the Rochester Opera House. She has danced professionally with Ballet New England, The Dance Annex and Great Bay Academy of Dance’s modern and jazz companies. Angela has also had the opportunity to be the choreographer for Pippin, Dog Fight and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Player’s Ring in Portsmouth, NH. Angela has recently studied under Rhonda Malkin in NYC for precision dance. Angela is the proud co-owner of Corinne’s School of Dance in Rochester, NH and loves teaching all styles of dance. In 2017, Angela founded CSD Ballet Company and directed her first ballet, The Sleeping Beauty. She has since directed Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard of OZ. 

Kaitlin trained from 2013-2018 at Southern NH Dance Theatre. While a student, Kaitlin attended several summer intensives on merit scholarships including Boston Ballet, Kirov Academy of Ballet in D.C., and the Joffrey Ballet in New York. She attended the University of New Hampshire graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2022. During her time there, she was a member of the UNH Dance Team. Kaitlin has been a member with Ballet Misha since 2022.

Aisilyn Guivens is a local performing artist and freelance stage manager based out of Lebanon, Maine. A graduate of Plymouth State University, Guivens studied Dance Theory and Pedagogy along with Stage Management during her undergraduate career. During her senior year, Guivens took on an Independent Study, where she choreographed, staged, costumed and performed a number for the American College Dance Association Festival. Later, she would go on to costume and stage manage a piece for the Contemporary Dance Ensemble at PSU. After graduating, Guivens continued her education in Library Information Science and Technology, while continuing her dance training at Sole City Dance. Guivens has appeared in several lead roles in Sole City Dance’s The Nutcracker, including Spanish, Candy Cane, Russian Soloist and Clara’s Mother. Her most recent performance was as Nikki’s Mother in Sole City Dance’s Moon-Spinners Mystery.

Tina Forés-Hitt (lover of rythm and movement) was raised between Spain and the US. At a young age, her mom signed her up for dance lessons at the neighborhood studio in Valencia, which is where her curiosity (or passion?) for dance sparked. She spent six formative years at the Professional Conservatory of Dance in Valencia, focusing on contemporary dance. In Austin, Texas, she joined the Diverse Space Dance Theater. She went to arts colleges and studied contemporary dance and performance at ArtEZ (Holland) and at SEAD (Austria). The BODHI Project took her on a dreamlike world tour, and performing under the direction of Jan Lauwers at the Salzburger Festspiele was a remarkable experience.

Currently, Tina studies tap dance under the direction of Linda Joy Sullivan. She is a member of Entity Dance in Vermont and is also in the making of a movement research project with a marine biologist in Colombia with CoME (Colectivo Movimiento Expansivo). Today, Tina stands fortunate and grateful. She thanks VDA for this beautiful opportunity and Millie for including her in this transformative journey.

Millie Heckler is an interdisciplinary artist who merges movement, voice and original music to tell stories of empowerment through sensuality. Her practice lies in unlocking voices of the body. Through a practice of (re)opening embodied instruments—such as movement, vocalization, storytelling and imagination—she leans into self-remembrance: What am I capable of creating? 

Heckler holds an MFA in Dance and Social Justice from University of Texas Austin and a BFA in Dance from University of Colorado Boulder. Her work has been supported by Vermont Arts Council, Cultural Arts Funding Program in Texas, New York Live Arts and Vermont Dance Alliance, among others. Heckler is co-founder of the Vermont-based interdisciplinary female collective, lunch, exploring multiple shades of intimacy. She is also co-founder of the Austin-based Yes Body dance and music event dedicated to relentless self-progression and the pursuit of fearlessness. Her dance-for-camera project Pink Booth Confessions, dealing with the complexities of sexual harm and healing, has received international laurels and recognition. She is currently in the process of building a new evening-length dance theater work exploring the sensuality of rage as the recent recipient of the Vermont Dance Alliance Residency Program. 

Heckler has taught House, hip hop, contemporary, improvisation and created original choreography at University of Vermont, University of Texas Austin, University of Texas El Paso, El Paso Community College, Texas A&M, and Community College of Aurora Colorado, as well as many other schools and studios nationally and abroad. She currently teaches improvisation at the Women’s Correctional Facility in South Burlington, VT. She danced for Charles O. Anderson/dance theater X and was a principal dancer for Rennie Harris Grass Roots Project. Working for Rennie Harris, she assisted with dance projects for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Bates Dance Festival, Earl Mosley Institute for the Arts, and Institute for Dunham Technique Certificate, among others. Heckler uses art as a catalyst for claiming the sensuality of her authentic experience and as an instrument for building community.

Makenzie Margerison has been dancing since the age of 4 and has trained in the styles of ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, and hip hop. She recently received her BA in Dance and an AS in Health Sciences from Dean College. This is Makenzie’s first year dancing at the Lila Dance Festival. She has enjoyed her time rehearsing for this show and learning from local choreographers. 

Meghan McCoy Seedner received a BA in theater and Dance from The University of New Hampshire. Upon graduation she began her professional career with Portland Ballet in Maine. While a company member she also appeared in many local productions as a guest artist. In 2013 she joined the Ballet Theater of Sibu in Romania for a year. In 2014 she returned to the states and began her teaching career while still participating as a guest artist with Portland Ballet and local schools. It was throughteaching that Meghan fell in love with choreographing. First only choreographing on her students but then branching out to choreographing on the local professionals in the area. Her notable works include original story ballets; Alice in Wonderland, Liesle and Gretel, The Little Mermaid, for Brixham Danceworks and choreographic pieces within Sole City’s productions of the Nutcracker, Treasure Island and The Moonspinner’s Ballet. In 2023 she created a new Christmas production for Brixham titled Twas the night before Christmas. She was honored to create Cinderella’s Waltz with six couples for a friend’s wedding celebration and most recently a contemporary ballet piece for Julie Hebb’s ACDC company titled Zephyr which has been performed in both Maine and Massachusetts at Jose Mateo Ballet Theater.

Emily Lutts began dancing at the age of 3, taking classes from Hollie Lowery at the York Dance Academy. She continued her dance training at Ballet New England, the Boston Ballet School, and The HARID Conservatory. She has danced professionally with The Albano Ballet, Portland Ballet, Safe Haven Ballet, and as a supernumerary with the Bolshoi Ballet in their production of The Pharaoh’s Daughter.

Elyssa Moyer started her training at the age of six at The Robertson’s School of Classical Ballet with Larry and Colleen Robertson. She continued her training at various schools in the seacoast area with teachers such as Susan Duffy, Christine Simes, Elisa Gerasin, Edra Toth, and John Ling. She has attended summer intensive programs at Festival Ballet Providence, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, and Burklyn Ballet Theatre where she was one of few chosen to perform in Aladdin at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. She has danced professionally with companies; Northeastern Ballet Theatre, Boston Dance Company, Carolina Ballet Theatre, SundanceX, and is a current company member with Annex Contemporary Dance Company. Elyssa continues to perform as a guest artist with companies and schools across New England. She is assistant director of DanceAbroad Argentina,a study abroad program that allows dancers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Argentina, studying Spanish, mastering the art of tango, and delving into the country’s rich history. Elyssa co-founded the LILA Dance Festival which has since blossomed into LILA Productions a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to foster genuine appreciation for dance in New Hampshire.

Nathan Moyer was born in Concord, New Hampshire. He began his dance training at Colby-Sawyer College at the age of 18. In his sophomore year, Nathan went to Paris with Wells College for the Arts. He lived in Paris, and trained in modern dance with Thierry Verger. In 2003 Nathan enrolled at the University of New Hampshire. While at UNH, Nathan studied ballet with Larry Robertson and Ballet New England director David Drummond. Nathan graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2005 with a bachelor degree in theater and dance. Nathan performed with Ballet New England as a company member in 2005 and 2006. In the summer of 2006, Nathan furthered his training at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. In late 2006, Nathan moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina to widen his understanding and expand his training in dance. While living in Buenos Aires, Nathan studied with Maria Chichi Diaz, and he was accepted into the Teatro Colon’s Men’s ballet program. In April 2007, Nathan founded DanceAbroad Argentina, a groundbreaking study abroad program designed to provide dancers with immersive experiences in Argentine culture and dance. Today, Nathan dedicates his time to performing and teaching as a guest artist in New Hampshire, the New England region, and Argentina, sharing his passion for dance and nurturing the next generation of dancers.  He is a company member of Annex Contemporary Dance Company, and is the co-founder of the Lila Dance Festival and LILA Productions, an organization that is dedicated to bringing quality professional dance and engaging new audiences in New Hampshire and the region.

Jake Pleadwell is a dancer and performer from the New Hampshire Seacoast. He began his performing career at 9 years old with the New Hampshire Theatre Project, appearing in his first professional production, The Mysterious Case of Walter Mitty, in 2005. In 2015, he had the opportunity to portray Justin Bieber in an episode of Hawaii 5.0.

Jake’s introduction to dance came later in life during his time at Plymouth State University, where he performed in several contemporary dance pieces. Since then, he has guest-starred roles including The Nutcracker, Snow King, Arabian, and Spanish in various local productions of The Nutcracker. Jake has also performed with the University of New Hampshire Dance Company in productions such as The Artist and Sleeping Beauty. His experience and passion for dance continue to grow as he explores new roles and opportunities.

Emily Pleadwell is a dancer and Registered Dietitian in the New England Seacoast area. She began her training at the age of 3 at American Academy of Ballet in Buffalo, NY under direction of Maris Battaglia and Carol Klocke-Murphy. She attended summer intensive programs including Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Chautauqua Dance. Emily continued her training at University of New Hampshire with Assaf Benchetrit and Susan Endrizzi, performing originally choreographed ballet and contemporary works with the UNH Ballet Company. She graduated with degrees in Dance and Dietetics in 2021, and with her master’s in Nutritional Sciences in 2022. Emily has had the pleasure of guest performing roles including Snow Queen, Arabian, and Spanish in “The Nutcracker” for Sole City Dance (2021), Northeastern Ballet Theatre (2021), and Peoria Ballet Academy (2022). She is currently dancing with Annex Contemporary Dance Company directed by Julie Hebb, working as a Clinical Dietitian, and teaching at local studios. She is thrilled to be performing in the Lila Dance Festival for a third year.

Ashleigh Tucker Pollock, a Seacoast NH native, started her dance training at Ballet New England. After graduating from the dance department at SUNY Purchase, Ashleigh became a company dancer with several companies in NYC, including CorbinDances. Upon moving back to the Seacoast, she became the General Manager at Great Bay Academy of Dance, where she had the opportunity to choreograph and teach students in ballet and modern. In 2011, Ashleigh continued her career at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH, where she is currently the Associate Executive Director. 

Olivia Robbins is a professional dancer and Pilates instructor on the Seacoast of NH. She began her training with Peterborough Dance Theatre at the age of 13. At 16, she continued here on the Seacoast at Great Bay Academy of Dance. For the rest of her training years, prior to dancing professionally with Safe Haven Ballet for two seasons in 2021, she expanded her education at various companies; Northeastern Ballet Theatre, University of New Hampshire with their Ballet Company and Safe Haven Ballet.

To become a more diverse artist, Olivia attended various workshops and intensives at The Block Collaborative, NSquared, STYX The Company, Ballet RI and more. In Spring 2022, she dipped her toes into the theater world working and choreographing with New World Theatre, playing the lead of “The Unborn” in David Beardsley’s world premiere of “Holy and Unruly.

Olivia has the experience of teaching Ballet and strengthening/conditioning to all levels, first co-teaching Pre Ballet at GBAD and most recently teaching Mommy and Me, additionally Creative Movement at SHB.

She currently dances on Julie Hebb’s Annex Contemporary Dance Company; Olivia’s also a group class instructor at Dover Pilates, teaching adults of all ages. She loves storytelling and bringing the art of movement to audiences and people of all ages.

Ella Roberts trained at New England School of Dance (NESD) for nearly 12 years where she took the Royal Academy of Dance examinations for Grades 3 through Advanced Foundation and competed in various dance competitions from American Dance Awards to Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)– placing in the top 24 senior classical division in 2021 and the top 12 senior contemporary division 2022 at YAGP. She is currently a rising junior at the University of New Hampshire majoring in chemical engineering and dance. Outside of being a student at UNH, she is a member of UNH Ballet Company and a ballet instructor/performer at Northeastern Ballet Theater. Ella has previously attended summer intensives at NESD, Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, Bossov Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hartford, and Festival Ballet Providence/Ballet Rhode Island. She has also done various master classes with notable artists like Christina Johnson, Paul Craig, Desmond Richardson, Sascha Radetski, Isabella Boylston, James Whiteside, Francesca Hayward, Caesar Corrales, and more. Finally, she has also had the opportunity to perform notable roles such as: Sugarplum, Cinderella, Dewdrop, the first Shade Variation from La Bayadere, the Enchanted Garden Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and Kitri in Don Quixote. She is really looking forward to her first experience in Lila Dance Festival.

Janelle Abbott Staley is a dancer, educator, and certified Pilates instructor based in southern Maine. She has performed on stages nationally and internationally with dance companies, in theater and in film. In New York City, Janelle danced with Salim “Slam” Gauwloos (assistant), Terra Firma Dance Theatre, Andrew Palermo and Taye Diggs’ dre.dance, Adam Cates, John Byrne, and Ballet for Young Audiences, among others. Janelle was featured in Elton John’s Las Vegas concert The Red Piano (soloist on-screen in “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”) and in Norah Jones’ “Those Sweet Words” music video, both directed by David LaChapelle. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and on Broadway stages in Broadway Cares’ Red Bucket Follies (award-winner with Aida cast) and Easter Bonnet. Her regional credits include Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Twelfth Night directed by Tony Award-winner Rebecca Taichman and choreographed by Seán Curran (Dance Captain), Peter Pan at the Sondheim Center (Tiger Lily/Dance Captain), A Chorus Line, and Cabaret. Most recently, Janelle has worked with Boston-based artists Peter DiMuro/Public Displays of Motion, Lorraine Chapman, and Kat Nasti Dance. Janelle is a member of Annex Contemporary Dance Company and performs with Articine, a New England-based touring company that integrates performance and arts education with healthcare. 

Janelle began her early career as a company member of the Grand Rapids Ballet in Michigan, and went on to receive a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah. She has taught at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, at major fitness studios in NYC and Boston, and has led dance and Pilates master classes around the country, recently for Amazon and Audible in Seattle. Janelle serves on the board of LILA Dance Festival, an annual summer dance event dedicated to engaging New England dance artists and audiences. She has been a faculty member of The Dance Annex since 2016, where she has had the great fortune of working closely with Julie Hebb. Janelle’s favorite role of all time is Mama to her daughters Willoughby and Penelope.

Adam Tardif says his dance story is short and still very much in the making. He arrived on a trip to move to music 8 years ago. “When I was 30, I saw the video of Sergei Polunin dancing to Hozier’s “Take Me to Church”. I wanted to be him immediately. I started working on my physical fitness, and body awareness but it wasn’t until 300 views of the video and 3 years after the first one that I seized an opportunity, along with my 7 year old son, to take part in a ballet production of the Nutcracker. The experience was exhilarating, challenging, humbling, and most importantly fun. My son hated it, but I’ve been hooked since.”

Emily Wilson began her training at School at Steps in New York when she was four years old. She continued to train at Chelsea Ballet in London, and Hong Kong Youth Ballet, before returning to New York to study at the American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. She performed with American Ballet Theatre in works by Alexei Ratmansky. She joined Philadelphia Ballet II for the 2018/2019 Season, and was promoted to Apprentice for the 2020/2021 Season.

While with Philadelphia Ballet II, Emily performed leading roles in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante, Angel Corella’s Bourbon Street and Samantha Dunster’s Prince Charming, along with company roles in Angel Corella’s Giselle, Don Quixote andLa Bayadere and Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces. As an Apprentice she has appeared in Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Symphony in C, Divertimento #15 and Stars and Stripes. She also performed in the world premieres of Andrew Winghart’s Prima Materia, Meredith Rainey’s Spillway, and Angel Corella’s Swan Lake and Landscaping the Mist, along with several roles in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.