Location
3571 Maple Acres Road
Bluefield, WV 24701
Gabrielle has received Teaching Certifications from Bolshoi Ballet (Moscow) and CLI Studios (US). She is also a Member of the International Dance Council CID at UNESCO, Paris. She has studied dance for 36 years, beginning with 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 television shows, studied with top professionals of the dance world, and competed all over the U.S. - from L.A. to NYC.
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 a Star Systems Solo Champion, Access Broadway REGIONAL & NATIONAL Triple Threat Award Winner, and has received over one thousand Regional and National Awards for dance, voice, and acting.
Gabrielle has won awards for Choreography at Artists Simply Human, Starpower, On Point, StarQuest, Bravo Talent, L.A. DanceForce, Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, Revolution Talent & Access Broadway. She was also the recipient of the CAPEZIO/NEW TALENT GENERATION Scholarship.
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).
While living in Arizona, Gabrielle studied acting with Donna Pippin of Actor's Connection (Scottsdale, AZ). She has studied with 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, until leaving AZ (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’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.
Gabrielle was a Drug Free ALL STARS Program Facilitator at Bluefield Middle School, where she had the opportunity to work with 6th grade students. She was also the host of a television show in Charleston, WV.
Heather has been teaching Gymnastics & Tumbling for 19 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.
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.
Morgan is a graduate of The Institute for American Musical Theatre, where she was also awarded a $36,000.00 Scholarship to study. Her passion for dance began at the age of two. She trained 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 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.
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 is a Brand Ambassador for JUST BE STRONG Activewear, an active lifestyle brand designed to empower & motivate women. Throughout her years of competition, she has earned many prestigious Awards & Overall rankings. Morgan has also been a competitive gymnast and cheerleader, and was invited to cheer in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC in 2016.
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.
Amaya has grown up in Bluefield, WV, her entire life and loves this area. Her love for music began when she was very young. She started performing at 15, and is now a 23-year-old college student with a major in Music at Bluefield University.
Amaya is part of the Bluefield University Choir, as well as one of the worship leaders for their chapel services every Wednesday. She has had the honor of performing at Universal Studios Orlando FL, BB King’s, and several schools along the East Coast.
Amaya enjoys teaching others to sing and giving the gift of music. “The process of watching someone grow into their gifts and really shine is what makes everything worth it. Being able to provide a person with the tools to find their own voice and empower them to pursue their dreams, no matter what that may be, is such a humbling and beautiful experience.”
"My journey in music has brought me the greatest joy I could have asked for in one
lifetime. However, I still have much left to accomplish—and I am fully committed to
accomplishing my goals in music. I am a guitarist that will study and learn any style in
order to apply myself creatively and express myself to any and all amount of various
styles of music that I approach. I can learn music fast and proficiently, and I have the
ability to creatively write and structure parts in composition."
RECENT EXPERIENCE
2024
▫ Solo Performance: Mercer Street Arts Gallery in Princeton, WV
▫ Recording sessions: Carnegie Hall in Cadle Studios in Lewisburg, WV - Stereophonic
▫ The Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, WV - Big Shots—Billy Joel Tribute Show
▫ Earth Day Fest in Pipestem, WV - Option 22
▫ Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA - Bluefield University Guitar Ensemble
▫ Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA for the Senior Recital of James Harris
▫ Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA for Senior Recital
▫ Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Music @ Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA
▫ Short Tour: Grace Campbell & Good Company
▫ The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC - Grace Campbell & Good Company, Mama & the Ruckus
▫ Tropics in Morgantown, WV - Grace Campbell & Good Company
▫ Military Family Day on the air-force base of Charleston, WV - Grace Campbell & Good Company
▫ Greenbrier Valley Theater in Lewisburg, WV - DECADES
▫ Solo performance: Farms to Tables at the Greenbrier Hotel & Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV
▫ Whitetails in Morgantown, WV - Out of Phase
2023
▫ BU Junior Recital - the Bluefield University Jazz ensemble
▫ Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg, WV - Big Shots—Billy Joel Tribute Show
▫ Recording Session: Final Track Studios in Roanoke, VA - BU worship arts
▫ Earth Day fest in Pipestem, WV - Option 22
▫ Ronceverte Food Truck Festival in Ronceverte, WV - Lillie and the Kingsmen
▫ Performance for town of Tazewell in Tazewell, VA - the BU jazz ensemble
▫ Mountain Music Festival in Oak Hill, WV - Stereophonic
▫ Recording sessions: Cadle studios in Lewisburg, WV - Stereophonic
▫ Performance of Musical “Next to Normal” for Greenbrier Valley Theater in Lewisburg, WV
▫ Weekend Tour: Pittsburg, PA - Samuel James & the New Impulse
▫ Recording sessions: Big River Media in Dunbar, WV - Samuel James & The New Impulse
▫ General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg, WV - Lillie and the Kingsmen
▫ Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV - Big Shots—Billy Joel Tribute Show
▫ Culturefest in Pipestem WV, - Old Soul Reunion and Option 22
▫ Healing Appalachia Festival in WV state fairgrounds - Stereophonic
▫ First Fridays fest in Princeton, WV - Old Soul Reunion and Option 22
▫ LEAF festival in Asheville, NC - Option 22
▫ Performance of Classical guitar accompaniment for BU student in Bluefield, VA at BU Sr Recital
▫ Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA - Bluefield University Jazz Ensemble
▫ Greenbrier Valley Theater in Lewisburg, WV - West Virginia Jazz Orchestra
▫ Solo performance: Jimmies Restaurant in Princeton, WV
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.
