Location
471 Blue Prince Road
Bluefield, WV 24701
Gabrielle is a Member of the International Dance Council CID at UNESCO, Paris, as well as a CLI Studios Certified Instructor. She has studied dance for 31 years, beginning with her mother - Lisa Colombo - at the age of two. Gabrielle has competed in many styles of dance - winning top awards at regional and national competitions - beginning at age five. She has been interviewed and featured on dance related television shows, studied with top professionals of the dance world, and competed all over the U.S. Gabrielle is the official spokesperson for Beauty of Dance, Music for Professional Dance Instruction, and creator of the custom costume label, VLNTNA Couture.
In addition to numerous Master Classes and Conventions, Gabrielle has also studied dance at BROADWAY DANCE CENTER (NYC), STEPS ON BROADWAY (NYC), MYRTLE BEACH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS (SC), NORTH PHOENIX DANCE SCHOOL (AZ), BETTY JOHNSON SCHOOL OF DANCE (AZ), ACTION ARIZONA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (AZ), THE GREATER YORK CENTER FOR DANCE EDUCATION (PA).
Gabrielle is Star Systems Dance Competition’s 2007 Solo Champion, as well as Access Broadway’s 2004 NATIONAL Triple Threat Award Winner, and Regional 2005 Triple Threat Award Winner (also receiving the TOP Acting and TOP Vocal score). She has received over one thousand Regional and National Awards for dance, voice, and acting.
Gabrielle has won top awards for Choreography at StarQuest, Bravo Talent, L.A. DanceForce, Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, Revolution Talent & Access Broadway. She was the recipient of the CAPEZIO/NEW TALENT GENERATION Dance Scholarship which allowed her to study at Steps on Broadway in New York.
Gabrielle has received performing arts scholarships from Access Broadway, L.A. Elite, & New Talent Generation. She was awarded the Grand Prize & Scholarship at Hollywood Vibe Regional Talent Competition in 2005, including a Team Hollywood Vibe Scholarship & Scholarship to study at Millennium Dance Complex (Los Angeles, CA).
Gabrielle’s Miss America Organization titles include Miss Princeton 2006 and Miss Southern West Virginia 2005. Gabrielle was 1st Runner Up to Miss West Virginia 2006. She received a Dance Scholarship at the 2006 state pageant, and was awarded the title of "West Virginia's Sweetheart", giving her the opportunity to compete at 2006 Miss America's National Sweetheart Pageant. Gabrielle was a Top 5 Finalist at the Miss West Virginia USA Pageant in 2007. In 2008, she won the title of Miss West Virginia International and advanced to the Miss International Pageant.
While living in Arizona, Gabrielle studied acting with Donna Pippin of Actor's Connection (Scottsdale, AZ). Gabrielle has studied with Casting Directors & Acting Coaches in Arizona, California & North Carolina, including Becka Korby, Jean Fowler, Bobby Clark, and others. Gabrielle began modeling at age 7 at the Jean Kennedy Modeling Studio. She continued modeling (on scholarship) at the Arizona School of Modeling (Scottsdale, AZ), and was a Top Finalist in the Great American Modeling & Talent Search in Los Angeles, CA at the age of nine. Gabrielle also attended the Manhattan Model Search Finals in Washington D.C. in 2001.
Gabrielle has been featured as a print model for Tucson Tourism (Tucson, AZ) and The Clay Place (Phoenix, AZ). She was also featured as a cover model twice for Prerogative Magazine in her hometown of Bluefield, WV. Gabrielle has been hired for commercials, dance videos, and magazine print work. She was represented by Action Talent of Tucson, AZ until leaving Arizona (Phyllis Boyd, Agent).
Gabrielle studied voice at Bluefield College (Bluefield, VA), where she is noted for her performance as Hodel in the musical, "Fiddler on the Roof". Gabrielle began studying voice at the age of 10 in Phoenix, AZ (Quicks Music), and continued with Dee Wilkins at Action Arizona Performing Arts Center while living in Pima, AZ.
Gabrielle was a Drug Free ALL STARS Program Facilitator at Bluefield Middle School, where she had the opportunity to work with 6th grade students. The ALL STARS Program promotes self-esteem & positive choices, while delaying the onset of negative behaviors in our nation's youth. Gabrielle also hosted a television show in Charleston, WV in 2006.
Gabrielle has had the pleasure of serving as a Dance Pro, Choreographer, and Judge for WV United Way’s annual Dancing with the Stars event for 4 years, raising thousands of dollars for the local organization.
Gabrielle remains dedicated to her craft; researching, studying, and taking classes in many disciplines of dance. She resides on the Massie Farm in Summers County, WV with her husband, Gabe, and their son, Jude Luka.
Heather has been teaching Gymnastics & Tumbling for 17 years. Her love of gymnastics began at the age of 14. She was a Cheerleader for her high school for 4 years and served as Team Captain her Senior year. During that time, she attended NCA & UCA Cheer Camps and Tumbling Clinics. Heather is USA Gymnastics Safety Certified and CPR Certified, making her a valuable asset to STARZ Faculty. She has also completed STARZ Performing Arts Academy's Teacher Training Seminar for the 2019-2020 season.
After high school, Heather became an EMT and studied Nursing. She currently maintains her Nursing License. It wasn't until after her daughter, Morgan, became interested in gymnastics that Heather returned to her roots. In 2003, she began coaching gymnasts at Gym Dandy's in Bluefield, VA. In 2004, Heather took over as Director of the Tumbling program at STARZ. During her time at STARZ, she began coaching the award-winning STARZ Acro Team.
Heather has had the opportunity to work with students from many local schools and organizations. She has choreographed competition pieces for Bluefield Middle School's Show Choir, Talent entries for pageants (as seen on Toddlers & Tiaras), and WV State Pageants.
Heather is proud to offer classes for all ages and skill levels at STARZ Performing Arts Academy, working with groups age 2 1/2-Adult, and offering Private Lessons for all. She enjoys working with her students at STARZ, alongside her daughter, Morgan Raskosky.
Cayley has been studying Music for 17 years. She began studying with her Grandmother, Carol Moulder, and continued study under the instruction of many other wonderful teachers, including Dr. Fernanda Trocan and Dr. Scott Connell. Cayley has studied under Sara Golden-Hamrick, Allen Kade, Chandi Plummer and world renowned soprano Sherezade Panthaki. Cayley has studied theatre under the instruction of Mary Gaspersich and has corresponded with Sierra Boggess regarding musical theatre, and Broadway acting techniques. She plays various other instruments recreationally, and has studied those various instruments under the instruction of Robert Tibbs and Julie Kade.
Cayley began performing in second grade in a show choir under the direction of Linda Peak. She continued her love of performing through elementary school and middle school. While in high school, Cayley had the privilege to be very active in the performing arts at Princeton Senior High. She was first chair soprano and alto saxophone during her senior year as well as captain of the performing color guard. She was a member of two different bands and a choir at Boyce College, where she studied music and linguistics. Cayley has been and is currently active in the Planet Xtreme teen center theater productions, where she acts or helps with the production of the musical numbers included in the productions.
She has been awarded many times over the last decade for her performances in instrumental, vocal and theatrical productions. She was named actress of the year for the state of West Virginia in 2015. Cayley was also chosen as one of the top 10 vocalists in the state of West Virginia and completed the course study of a vocalist at Governor’s School of the Arts in 2015 as well.
At age 10 Cayley began studying music theory and aural skills. She has intensively studied vocal health and the Alexander Technique over the years. Her number one priority is the health of the body and voice while training in the musical or theatrical field. Cayley has been teaching performing arts for going on 5 years now. She has taught previously at Stages Music School, and also at STARZ in the past. She took a year break from STARZ and taught in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Louisville, Kentucky.
Cayley is continually taking workshops and classes from some of the best performing arts instructors to ensure the best curriculum for her students. In addition, Cayley has completed STARZ Performing Arts Academy's Teacher Training Seminar for the 2019-2020 season. She currently lives on a farm in Princeton, West Virginia where she spends most of her free time in the open air and sunshine.
Madison (Maddi) Jackson began her dance career at the age of 10 with STARZ Performing Arts Academy. After only one year of dance classes, she was invited to join STARZ Competition Team. She quickly advanced and was invited to be a member of STARZ Elite Company in her third year on the Competition Team. Maddi has won numerous awards in Regional competitions including several Platinum awards, specialty awards, and has placed in multiple overall divisions. Maddi was a member of the STARZ Elite Company that won the first Double Platinum award for STARZ Performing Arts Academy. She is also a founding member STARZ Apprentice Program, STARZ Production Company and STARZ en Pointe Company.
In February of 2019 in Charlotte, NC, Maddi was awarded the Grand Prize in Bella Moxi's Emerging Artists Choreography Festival with her original work, "After a Dream". In addition to an exclusive interview with Dance Informa, Maddi's work will be considered by Peridance, where they will select one overall winner that will come and perform their piece at the Peridance Gala in NYC later this year.
Maddi recently auditioned for NYC's Institute for American Musical Theatre's 2 year program. Not only was she accepted, she was awarded a $44,000.00 Scholarship, covering 75% of her higher education with IAMT.
Maddi has completed one full year as a CLI Studios Trainee, giving her the opportunity to work closely with her Mentor, Teddy Forance, and CLI Studios 100+ Choreographers through a curriculum tailored to her individual areas of focus. The Trainee Program is one of the many ways that CLI Studios is helping STARZ Students & Faculty bridge the gap between pre-professional training and a career in the performing arts industry.
In August of 2018, Maddi was named a Liberate Artists Dance Captain after studying with Liberate Artists on Scholarship in NYC. She was promoted from Dance Captain to Apprentice in only one year. She currently tours with the company, having the opportunity to Assist their Faculty at Conventions worldwide. Liberate Artists Faculty members currently include Mollee Gray, Kent Boyd, Comfort, & Lauren Froderman, to name a few.
In Spring of 2018, Maddi auditioned for and was accepted into the Joffrey Ballet School's Summer Jazz/Contemporary Program. She was also awarded acceptance into their prestigious four year Trainee Program in NYC.
Maddi has attended many dance workshops, taught by some of the top dancers and choreographers in the business. She is the 2020 recipient of the Bella Moxi Pro-level Scholarship, giving her the opportunity to attend Bella Moxi's Nationals event in NYC this Summer. Maddi was awarded a scholarship to study at ASH (Artists Simply Human) in Greenville, SC, where she had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned instructors such as Tokyo, Judy Rice, Braham Logan Crane, DJ Smart, and Hannah Wintrode. She has also studied with dance greats Valery Lantratov, Mary Ann Lamb, Dena Rizzo, & Dusty Button.
Morgan's passion for dance began at the age of two. She has been training at STARZ for the past 16 years. Morgan was a member of the award-winning STARZ Competition Team from age 6 to 16. She was the youngest member of the original STARZ Acro Team and was also a member of STARZ Mini Lyrical Company, STARZ Models Club, STARZ Elite Company, STARZ en Pointe, and a founding member of the STARZ Apprentice Program.
Morgan recently auditioned for NYC's Institute of American Musical Theatre's 2 year program. Not only was she accepted, she was also awarded a $36,000.00 Scholarship to study at the performing arts school. Morgan will begin her journey at IAMT this Fall.
Morgan is an Acro Dance Adjudicator: Certified Founding Member of the Acro Dance Teacher's Association. She is also an Acrobatic Arts Certified Instructor. The Internationally recognized Acrobatic Arts Teacher Training & Certification Program is designed to teach dance educators how to safely & effectively instruct AcroDance in the dance studio. Morgan has also completed STARZ Performing Arts Academy's Teacher Training Seminar for the 2019-2020 season.
Morgan is a CLI Studios Certified Dance Instructor, and has also completed one full year of training as a CLI Studios Trainee. She is a Radix 2018 Cutting Edge Scholarship Recipient for Jazz & Contemporary, awarding her scholarships to study at DancerPalooza in CA & The Main Event in NYC. Morgan attended The Main Event in August 2018, giving her the opportunity to study with Brian Friedman, Mia Michaels, & Wade Robson. In addition, she has attended many workshops and conventions over the years including NYCDA, where she was most recently awarded a High Gold Achievement and the Outstanding Concept Award for her self-choreographed original Solo, "Moments Passed" .
Morgan has worked with many industry icons such as Tessandra Chavez, Tyce Diorio, Alex Wong, Emily Buffard, Valery Lantratov, and Fikshun, and continues her study of dance, acting, and voice at STARZ & through online courses with CLI Studios.Morgan's most recent accomplishments include auditioning for and obtaining a spot in the Broadway Dance Center's AIM Invitational where she had the opportunity to perform on a Broadway stage for the first time. She also earned the Title Miss StarQuest 2017, and was named National Dance Champion of the ECAEDA. Morgan auditioned for and was accepted into the Joffrey Ballet School's summer jazz/contemporary program. She was also awarded acceptance into their prestigious four year Trainee Program.
Morgan studies all genres of dance and enjoys sharing her love of the arts with her students. She is First Aid and CPR certified. Morgan plans to continue her dance education with the goal of turning her passion for dance into a dream career.
Arissa is a CLI Studios Certified Instructor, specializing in Elementary Dance Education. She began dancing with STARZ at the age of 3. Arissa started performing as a member of STARZ Kidz, and continued to Rising Starz (Mini Competition Team). She first became a competitive dancer at the age of 6, under the direction of Lisa Colombo. She was a member of the current STARZ Competition Team for 4 years, and was a part of 2018's undefeated STARZ Production Company. Arissa has always enjoyed traveling to Dance Conventions, competing with her teammates, now, as a teacher. In her travels, she has had the opportunity to study with greats like Broadway Legend Mary Ann Lamb, Ballet Phenom Dusty Button, and former Radio City Rockette Trina Simon. Arissa has completed STARZ Performing Arts Academy's Teacher Training Seminar for the 2019-2020 season. Her favorite dance styles include Musical Theatre and Tap. She was a STARZ Models Club Model for many years, and has always enjoyed being a part of the STARZ Family. As a STARZ Tutu Academy Instructor, she loves sharing her passion for dance with the youngest of our Shining STARZ.
Julie Kay is a nationally recognized leader in dance education. Her seminars and engaging keynote addresses are sold out at dance teacher conferences and conventions across the country. Her success is a result of integrating high quality, rigorous dance training, commitment to mentor each dancer with integrity, and compassion. In 2006 Julie and her husband Darrell opened their own studio, Revolution Dance Center in Southern California and she has been able to foster commitment to these ideals as the foundation of not only her dance company, JKDC, but its host studio, RDC. Since opening, Julie has assembled a faculty as well as staff members that share an exceptional ethic and dedication to their dancers. Revolution Dance Center’s service project group, Chasing Butterflies conducts community service projects year long.
Julie Kay has taught for Dance Life Retreat Center for Rhee Gold, Dance Teacher Web Live, Dance the Magic, Hollywood Dance Jamz, La Dance Magic, Encore Performing Arts Dance Competition, Dance Teacher Network Convention and is now honored to be a part of the Dance Ideas Seminars. Julie Kay is certified in teaching special needs children dance through the Rhythm Works Integrative Dance method. She volunteers at The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, Glendale Unified School District and The Pasadena Pioneer Club teaching dance to special needs dancers.
Julie Kay's New Curriculum, "Dance Along with Julie Kay", is used in many of our Beginner & Intermediate level Ballet, Jazz, and Tap classes at STARZ.
Melissa Sandvig is a professional ballet dancer and certified Pilates instructor. Her career began as a member of the Los Angeles Ballet, and she then performed as a member of the Milwaukee Ballet for six years. Melissa is well-known for her appearance as the first classically-trained ballerina on season five of So You Think You Can Dance, where she finished in the top six. She has performed with Sacramento Ballet, Helios Dance Theater, Luminario Ballet, The Los Angeles Opera, motion/TRIBE, BODYTRAFFIC, String Theory, and more. Her television credits include Glee, Bunheads, Dancing with the Stars, America’s Got Talent, Grey’s Anatomy, Hart of Dixie, Mobbed, Vegas, The Young and the Restless, and Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. Melissa was a featured ballerina in Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” music video and she has performed in motion capture work for Shrek, Puss in Boots, and Madagascar 3. Melissa teaches at Velocity Dance Convention, Coastal Dance Rage, Starbound National Talent Competition, Dance Revolution, and Hollywood Vibe.
Melissa's specialized Ballet & Pointe techniques and exercises are part of the STARZ Ballet Academy Curriculum.
Sugarfoot Therapy is a revolutionary injury prevention training program that brings the exercises of sports physical therapy and sports conditioning to dancers. Created by Doctor of Physical Therapy Nicholas Cutri and professional dancer and choreographer Katie Schaar, this program bridges the gap between the principals of functional biomechanics and traditional dance technique. They create functionally authentic movements that are specific to dancers and that support the most efficient and effective way to warm-up, mobilize, and stabilize the body in all three planes of motion.
Most orthopedic dance injuries are caused by a repeated movement pattern that places continued stress on a tissue over a period of time - commonly known as overuse injuries. The program, when practiced regularly, is proven to help prevent the occurrence of injuries. Sugarfoot Therapy provides an easy-to-implement cross training program for dancers, and uses the same science that prepares elite level athletes for peak performance, while dramatically decreasing their chances for injury.
STARZ Performing Arts Academy utilizes the knowledge and research behind Sugarfoot Therapy to keep our dancers safe and strong.
Allison Holker is a performer best known for her appearance as a standout contemporary dancer on So You Think You Can Dance. She appeared on season two of the show and has consistently returned as an All-Star ever since. Allison’s career began as a featured performer for Earth, Wind & Fire at the 2002 Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies. She was a featured dancer in both High School Musical and High School Musical 2. Her television credits include Ballroom with a Twist, American Idol, Hit the Floor, and The X-Factor. She has performed with many musical artists including Rihanna, Demi Lovato, 50 Cent, Clay Aiken, and Christina Perri. Allison has been featured as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars and regularly collaborates with her husband, fellow dancer and performer Stephen “tWitch” Boss.
Kathryn McCormick is a well-known contemporary performer from So You Think You Can Dance season 6, where she placed in the top three and as the top female contestant of the season. Since then, she has consistently returned as one of the franchise’s most beloved All-Stars. Kathryn’s film debut came when she was cast in the 2009 remake of Fame, and she has gone on to play leading roles in Step Up: Revolution and Dance-Off, and was a principal performer in Ted 2. She has performed on Dancing with the Stars and at The Academy Awards, The Emmy Awards, and The Kids’ Choice Awards.
Kathryn has worked with some of today’s top music artists, including Christina Perri, Timbaland, Ne-Yo, Lea Michele, Vienne, John Torres, The Blanks, and Muse. She has had guest-starring appearances on CSI: Las Vegas, Chasing 8s, and Sketchy. She was the co-creator of Like Air, a documentary that highlights competition dance and her mentorship with several young students. She has performed in Shaping Sound, Movement One, and Still Motion as a leading dancer.
Alex Wong’s dance career began in Canada, where he trained in ballet, tap, modern, and jazz before focusing more directly on ballet. In 2004, he became the first Canadian to win the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, a ballet competition in Switzerland. His professional ballet career began in 2005 when he joined American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company, and he later joined Miami City Ballet where he was promoted to Principal Soloist. At Miami City Ballet, Alex danced leading roles in many of the company’s celebrated repertoire, including works by George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris, Edward Villella, and Paul Taylor. He auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance in season 6 and made it to the top 10 before withdrawing due to an injury. He was praised for his versatility on the show, even winning two Emmys for routines with Mia Michaels and Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo.
Alex has expanded his versatility even more with recent ventures into theatrical and television work. He has appeared on Smash, Glee, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, Flesh and Bone, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and was a semi-finalist on American Idol. He played Sniper in the original Broadway cast of “Newsies”, receiving the ACCA award for Outstanding Original Chorus in the 2011-2012 season. Alex regularly appears as an All-Star on So You Think You Can Dance and had a dancing role in the movie The Greatest Showman.
Teddy Forance, co-founder of CLI Studios, is a notable contemporary performer and choreographer in the dance industry. He grew up dancing at his family’s studio in Massachusetts before launching into a professional dance career at the age of 17. He is well-known for his choreographic work and performances on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars. Teddy has worked with many celebrated artists in the music industry, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + the Machine, Usher, and more. He’s traveled as a lead performer with Cirque Du Soleil’s Delirium and has performed at the Oscars, Emmys, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America. Teddy’s choreography was recently featured in the trailer for Red Sparrow and an Apple commercial. He is also a founding member of Shaping Sound and teaches dance globally.
Stephen “tWitch” Boss is best known in the entertainment industry as the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the co-host of Ellen’s Game of Games. He was the runner-up on season four of So You Think You Can Dance, specializing in hip-hop, and has since returned as an All-Star, choreographer, and guest judge on the show. His performances on So You Think You Can Dance with Katee Shean and Alex Wong have received Emmy Awards. tWitch’s career began on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project and the talent competition Star Search. His film credits include Hairspray, Stomp the Yard: Homecoming, a recurring role as Jason in Step Up 3D, Step Up: Revolution, and Step Up: All In, and as the character Malik in Magic Mike XXL. tWitch was the first dancer endorsed by Gatorade, recognizing dance as a sport. He has choreographed for Korean pop star Se7en and worked directly alongside Ellen DeGeneres and Paul Feig to create the 2013 Oscar promotional video featuring 250 dancers. He met his wife, fellow dancer Allison Holker, through So You Think You Can Dance and they frequently collaborate on teaching and choreographic workshops around the globe.
Nick Lazzarini was the Season One winner of Fox's hit show So You Think You Can Dance. He has since been featured in multiple films, including Step Up Revolution, and countless publications. Nick has performed at the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards,the American Music Awards, and the TV Video Music Awards. He has also danced with music sensations such as Adele, Kelly Clarkson, and Florence and the Machine at the. Nick teaches regularly at JUMP Dance Convention, and tours with Shaping Sound as a dancer and choreographer.
Misha Gabriel is one of the entertainment industry’s most sought-after performers and choreographers. His career began on tour with Aaron Carter at age 16, and he quickly gained notoriety as one of Janet Jackson’s featured performers over the next three years in TV appearances, videos, and live performances. Misha has worked with other artists, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Pharrell, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue, John Legend, and many more. His TV credits include The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show, The Voice, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and more. Misha was scheduled to perform in Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour, and can also be seen featured dancing for Michael in the This Is It documentary.
Misha continued in the film industry with roles in Footloose, The Muppets, Center Stage, and more. In 2012, Misha was featured in a starring role in Step Up: Revolution and reprised his role in Step Up: All In in 2014. His choreography has been featured in Justin Timberlake’s “20/20 Experience” and “FutureSex/LoveShow” tours, The Pussycat Dolls’ “Domination” tour, Hilary Duff’s “Dignity” tour, and Cheryl Cole’s “A Million Lights” tour. He has also choreographed for So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, The X-Factor, and the American Music Awards. Recently, Misha received a World Choreography Award for Best Choreography in a music video for Mark Ballas’ debut music video in 2015.
