Hyeree Jeong
Our director, Hyeree Jeong, is an extraordinary individual from Seoul, South Korea. She is the mother of three children and an accomplished entrepreneur but also an esteemed artist. Mrs. Jeong's dedication and talent led her to graduate from the renowned Elmhurst Ballet School, affiliated with the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom. Further enriching her knowledge, she earned her Masters Degree in Ballet from Sejong University and went on to dance professionally with the esteemed Korean Ballet Theater. She has embarked on a journey of training and mastery in various dance styles, including ballet, character dance, contemporary, modern, tap, jazz, flamenco, and Korean traditional dance.
Following the successful completion of her Masters Degree in Ballet from Sejong University, Hyeree Jeong's commitment to ballet led her to contribute her expertise in the Ballet Department at Sejong University. Her role within the department allowed her to share her knowledge and skills with aspiring ballet dancers, fostering their growth and nurturing their artistic abilities.
As the creator and artistic director of Waldwick School of Ballet, Edgewater Performing Arts, and Closter Performing Arts, Mrs. Jeong has established herself as a visionary leader. Her training methodology combines elements from the Vaganova, RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), and ABT National Training Curriculum (affiliated American Ballet Theater Certified Teacher). With a deep commitment to sharing her passion and knowledge with aspiring dancers, she has successfully trained students who have earned accolades in some of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions and secured positions in the professional ballet world.
Mrs. Jeong's immense contributions to the dance community, combined with her exceptional talent and dedication, make her an invaluable asset to Waldwick School of Ballet. Through her guidance, aspiring dancers have the opportunity to learn from a true artist, as she instills in them a love for ballet, nurtures their talents, and inspires them to achieve remarkable feats on their own dance journeys.
Kara Bruzina
Kara Bruzina's ballet journey began at the esteemed School of Classical Ballet in her hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. Her dedication to her craft led her to pursue further studies at Wagner's Ballettschule in Freiburg, Germany, and Tachibana Ballet in Sendai, Japan. She also had the privilege of attending summer sessions at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, further enriching her training. Kara's passion and commitment culminated in her graduation with Summa Cum Laude honors, earning her a BFA in Dance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Even while still in college, Kara began her professional dance career, which spanned across several states and companies. Notable among these were her performances with Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Collage Dance Collective, Kentucky Ballet Theater, Dayton Ballet, Lexington Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet Theater, among others. Her repertoire encompassed a wide range of roles, showcasing her versatility and artistry. From classical to contemporary to modern, Kara captivated audiences with her portrayal of characters such as Odette in Septime Weber's Swan Lake, Clara and Sugar Plum in The Nutcracker, Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, Mark Godden's Angels in the Architecture,Trey McIntyre's Naughty Boy, Matthew Neenan's The Last Glass, and Adela in Alvin Ailey's Feast of Ashes.
Throughout her dance journey, Kara's talents and interests expanded beyond performing. She gained valuable experience working in various costume shops, exploring costume construction and design as a new creative outlet. Additionally, she pursued training in Stott Pilates, further enhancing her understanding of movement and body mechanics. Kara also had the opportunity to introduce the world of dance to underprivileged children in different cities through public programs and outreach initiatives in schools, sharing the transformative power of dance with young minds.
Since her move to New Jersey in 2014, Kara has embarked on a fulfilling career in teaching, choreography, and coaching. She initially joined Petrov Ballet School as a teacher and later discovered the joys of nurturing young dancers and sharing her knowledge and experiences at Elite Ballet Academy. Now, Kara eagerly looks forward to this new chapter at Waldwick School of Ballet, where she can continue to inspire and impart her love of dance to students. Her remarkable journey, combined with her passion for teaching, will undoubtedly enrich the lives of aspiring dancers and shape their artistic growth.
Karina Fornazaro
Karina is the manager of the Dance Department at Waldwick School of Ballet. She is a highly qualified ballet instructor with a passion for dance education and accessibility. She obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching Dance in Higher Education and American Ballet Theatre Pedagogy from New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. As an American Ballet Theater Certified Teacher, Karina is proficient in all levels of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Her comprehensive training equips her to provide students with a solid foundation in ballet technique and artistic expression. During her time at NYU, Karina gained valuable experience working with young dancers. She had the opportunity to assist primary classes at the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and interned with the Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer Intensive program. Her dedication to choreography was showcased in the NYU Masters' concert, where she crafted captivating dance pieces.
Originally from Brazil, Karina received her ballet training and completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology, specializing in child development and educational processes. This unique background allows her to bring a holistic approach to her teaching, considering both the physical and emotional aspects of her students' growth.
With over 10 years of experience teaching ballet, Karina is a seasoned instructor who understands the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. She believes in making dance accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or ability. Her advocacy for accessibility aligns perfectly with our ballet school's values.
Karina's expertise, combined with her commitment to student development and inclusivity, make her an invaluable addition to our faculty. She strives to empower her students, fostering their love for dance while instilling discipline, technique, and artistry. With her extensive knowledge and genuine passion for teaching, Karina inspires her students to reach their full potential and discover the transformative power of dance.
Jill Fede-Nunez
Jill Fede-Nunez embarked on her dance journey under the guidance of her mother, Janet Fede, and delved into a decade of classical ballet training at the renowned Irine Fokine ballet school. Further honing her skills, she pursued studies at Studio Maestro in NYC.
In 2000, Ms. Fede showcased her talent at the Youth American Grand Prix Competition in Washington, DC, earning an honorable mention award. Her commitment to dance led her to the SUNY Purchase College Dance Conservatory, where she studied under instructors from the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater. Furthermore, Ms. Fede graced the stage with the SUNY Purchase Dance Corps.
With a BA in early childhood education and later acquiring an MA in English as a Second Language, Ms. Fede has been a dedicated Kindergarten teacher in the Garfield School District since 2006.
From 2008 to the present, Ms. Fede has imparted her expertise in classical ballet, spanning from beginner to advanced levels, at PBS and Elite Ballet Academy. As a seasoned ballet educator, she excels in developing pre-pointe and beginner pointe programs, designing stretch classes for all ballet levels, and providing coaching for galas, competitions, auditions, college videos, and overall self-improvement.
Ms. Fede's journey extends beyond ballet, encompassing years of study in Pilates and the Pilates reformer with Deborah Wagman. Integrating Pilates principles into her ballet classes, she brings a holistic approach to dance education.
A proud mother of two, Juliana and Joel, Ms. Fede's passion for ballet transcends generations, with her daughter recently embarking on her own ballet journey at Waldwick Ballet School. Thrilled to join the faculty of Waldwick School of Ballet, Ms. Fede eagerly anticipates sharing her profound love, knowledge, and passion for ballet with all the students.
Ryan Yuri
Ryan Yuri embarked on his artistic journey in 2014 at the esteemed Academia Roda Viva, guided by the artistic direction of Daniela Dias. His passion for dance led him to further cultivate his skills at Itego em Artes Basileu França in Goiânia, Brazil, where he trained under the expert guidance of Simone Malta from 2015 to 2019.
In 2019, Ryan joined the Ballet to Teatro Escola Basileu França youth company, a pivotal step in his career. During this time, he had the privilege of collaborating with renowned professionals such as Olga Dolganova (Russia), Leidy Escobar (Cuba), Simone Malta (Brazil), Ana Maria Campos (Brazil), and Binho Pacheco (Brazil). His repertoire includes performances in full-length productions, as well as neoclassical and contemporary works, showcasing his versatile talent.
Ryan's participation in prestigious festivals and competitions, including Promodança, Festival de Dança de Joinville, and YAGP, not only earned him numerous awards but also secured scholarships to renowned institutions like Barcelona Dance Center and Alberta Ballet School. His remarkable achievement includes a 2nd place win in the Men's Senior Division at YAGP.
His dance journey is adorned with exquisite experiences, featuring notable pas de deux performances such as the Bluebird Pas de Deux from Sleeping Beauty. Ryan has graced the stage in complete ballets with orchestras, including iconic productions like Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Carmen, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Fairy Doll Suite, Grand Pas Classique Hongroise Raymonda, La Esmeralda, Les Millions d'Arlequin, among others.
Throughout his artistic development, Ryan has had the privilege of learning from distinguished teachers and coaches, such as Jair Moraes (Male CIA Jair Moraes), Ana Paula Oioli (Director of Costal City Ballet-Canada), Olga Dolganova (Russia), Lars Van Cauwenbergh (SPCD), and Cristopher Powney (Royal Ballet School). These mentors have played a crucial role in shaping his artistry and contributing to his success on the international dance stage.
Sonia Byrnes
Sonia Byrnes is a distinguished dancer, teacher, choreographer, and American Ballet Theatre examiner from Lancaster, PA. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she has worked with world-renowned institutions including American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn.
Her work at ABT’s Education Department included managing the National Training Curriculum’s certified teachers, as well as co-instructing the prestigious ABT/NYU Master’s Program. Sonia holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Dance with a concentration in ABT Pedagogy from New York University, and she is also a certified Cecchetti teacher.
As the founder of Sojo Performing Arts and a board member of Times of Refreshing Christian Centre, Sonia remains deeply committed to advancing the legacy of dance through performance, education, and mentorship.
Sanghee Lee
Sanghee Lee is an accomplished ballet dancer and educator originally from Seoul, South Korea. She holds a BA in Dance and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Dance Convergence Contents from Dongduk Women's University. Sanghee's passion for ballet began at a young age, and she honed her skills at the renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy in Seoul. She graduated from Deokwon Arts High School, where she specialized in ballet. Throughout her career, Sanghee has performed a wide range of roles in both classical ballet and contemporary dance pieces. She has been a member of the esteemed SEO Ballet Company, where she showcased her talent in various solo and pas de deux roles.
Not only is Sanghee a skilled performer, but she is also an accomplished choreographer. She has created numerous pieces in drama ballet and contemporary ballet, showcasing her creativity and ability to bring stories to life through movement. Sanghee's dedication to her craft extends beyond her performances. She has received training in "Dance and Arts effects" and holds Arts and Culture Education Instructor Certificates in Expressive Arts Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, and as an Expressive Arts Counselor. These qualifications allow her to use dance as a therapeutic tool and to guide others in their artistic journeys. Continuing her pursuit of growth and knowledge, she continually seeks new opportunities to expand her skills and artistic horizons.
As a ballet instructor, she shares her expertise and passion with aspiring dancers, nurturing their talent and instilling in them a love for the art form. Sanghee's technical proficiency and commitment to artistic expression make her a valuable addition to our school. Her diverse background and dedication to dance education ensure that she will inspire and guide students on their ballet journey.
Nicole Zadra
Nicole Zadra completed her ballet training in the USA and Russia. In 2012 she graduated from Manhattan Youth Ballet on merit scholarship under Daniel Ulbricht. In 2014 she graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia under Marina Leonova. She then joined The Hong Kong Ballet in 2014 as a member of Corps de Ballet where she performed in Don Quixote, Swan Lake Act III, the Choreographers Showcase, the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Turandot. In 2016 she joined Ballet Memphis where she performed in various pieces including Giselle, Peter Pan, George Balanchine’s Square Dance, The Wizard of Oz and several contemporary works. Over the years she has worked with numerous directors and choreographers including Nina Ananiashvili, Deborah Wingert, Maxim Beloserkovsky, Brian Reeder and more. She guest danced with the Atlantic City Ballet and most recently was a member of the California Ballet Company.
Nicole is an ABT certified teacher, National Training Curriculum, Pre-primary to level 3 and ABT Project Plie scholarship recipient. She is the recipient of numerous scholarships and her training includes time spent at The Alvin Ailey School, NYSSSA, The Rock School, Boston Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Nicole gained extensive performance experience during her training, with highlights including roles in La Fille Mal Gardée at the Bolshoi Theater, The Sleeping Beauty and the Hungarian Rhapsody at the Kremlin Palace in Russia, and Jerome Robbins Interplay, as well as other contemporary, character dance and jazz pieces.
In 2011 Nicole was awarded an Alvin Ailey Fellowship. In 2012 she was a NSLI-Y Russian American Foundation, Bolshoi Ballet Academy Scholarship Award Recipient. In 2013 she was a Grishko USA Rising Star.
Ava Desiderio
Ava Desiderio is an accomplished choreographer and captivating dancer. With a background that includes performances with the Alabama Ballet in renowned productions like Don Quixote and Blue Suede Shoes, Ava's journey has led them to the heart of the dance world in New York City.
Beyond their city, Ava's talents have graced stages with New Chamber Ballet and Eglevsky Ballet. Notable choreography showcases include Miami City Ballet School, Renversé Ballet, and Steps on Broadway. As an ABT® Certified Teacher, Ava's expertise stems from completing the rigorous ABT® Teacher Training Intensive.
Ava's dance story began at age 3, evolving into formal training at Petrov Ballet School and under the guidance of luminaries like Darla Hoover and Arantxa Ochoa. Their passion has taken them to esteemed programs such as San Francisco Ballet and The Royal Ballet School.
In addition to their performances, Ava excels as a director, choreographer, and producer of dance films, with their latest work titled "WHEN WE'RE TOGETHER."
Ava Desiderio's journey is one of dedication, innovation, and artistic brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance.
Erika Gilmore
Erika Gilmore stands as an exceptional choreographer and dancer, proudly representing the vibrant artistic community of Brooklyn, NY. Her recent masterpiece graced the stage at the esteemed Steps on Broadway Conservatory, earning well-deserved acclaim at the renowned Dumbo Dance Festival hosted by Whitewave.
Erika's artistic journey began in the tranquil landscapes of Florida and has evolved over nearly a decade of dedicated pedagogy, guiding dancers through every stage of their progressive dance careers. During her time in Florida, she showcased her exceptional talent by performing at renowned entertainment venues such as Busch Gardens and Disney World from 2015 to 2019.
Beyond her impressive choreographic achievements, Erika has demonstrated her multifaceted expertise within the dance world. She has served as a judge at the prestigious Starbound National Talent competition, and her passion for dance extends to crafting captivating pieces for dance companies across the country, especially during their competitive seasons, highlighting her exceptional talent as a choreographer. Furthermore, Erika is a certified Master Lagree Pilates instructor, imparting her knowledge of physical conditioning and fitness within the vibrant dance community of New York City. Her dedication to both dance and Pilates underscores her commitment to promoting holistic well-being among dancers and beyond.
Erika's choreographic vision is deeply rooted in life's most poignant and authentic experiences, resulting in the creation of a nurturing artistic environment. This space acts as a crucible for nurturing her students' profound love for the art of dance. At the core of Erika's artistic ethos lies the profound art of storytelling, a constant theme in her work, serving as the conduit through which movement finds its purpose and meaning. Erika's dedication transcends her choreography as she embarks on a transformative journey with the next generation of dancers. This journey revolves around the pivotal notion of infusing every motion with humanity, instilling in her students an understanding of how the raw and unadorned aspects of human existence can be channeled into their craft.
Erika Gilmore extends a warm invitation to explore her artistic realm—an intersection of choreographic finesse and evocative narrative. In her capable hands, dance transcends the physical realm, delving into the realm of emotional expression and genuine connection. Join this visionary artist as she leads the charge in guiding the next generation of dancers, fostering a paradigm where every graceful gesture becomes a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Elissa Verso
Elissa Verso is a dedicated ballet dancer, teacher, and certified instructor serving northern and central New Jersey. She began her training under the guidance of her parents, both former professional dancers, at their studio, The Dance Center of New Jersey. She continued her studies at Princeton Ballet School and later trained full-time at the prestigious Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City.
In 2015, Elissa earned her certification in Levels Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, a distinction that reflects her commitment to high standards of teaching and artistry. Over the past decade, she has shared her passion for dance with students across New Jersey, nurturing technical excellence, artistry, and a lifelong love of movement.
Most recently, Elissa expanded her expertise by completing Mat I and Mat II certifications through Power Pilates. She is excited to integrate Pilates-based conditioning and developmentally appropriate core training into her teaching, enriching the training of students of all ages.