BIOS

Darryl Retter has been teaching on the convention circuit for the past fifteen years and has gained the reputation of being a teacher's teacher. Currently on staff with Al Gilbert Seminars, this internationally known dance educator and choreographer also conducted his own independent workshops. Versatile in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Turns, Technique, and Studio Management, Darryl is more than a triple threat! Guest Faculty with Joe Tremaine Conventions, Dance Master Associates, PDA, TATD, and many other professional organizations. Director/Choreographer of Retter Videos, an educational line of instructional dance videos. Composer/Lyricist of children's music with positive messages that inspire (available through Stepping Tones Records) Co-founder of the award winning Rhythm Machine Dance Company (1997 & 1999 Junior Performers of the Year, LA Danceforce), and the R&B Professional Dance Company. Darryl is co-owner and artistic director of Retter's Academy of Dance in Los Angeles, California, along with his wife, Linda Bernabei-Retter. His own students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in films, in videos, and on television. Darryl is an inspiration to all who met him - from student to studio owner. His drive and energy are contagious. His belief to follow one's dream is heard by thousands of dancers across the nation.

Linda Bernabei-Retter CO-OWNER AND CO-DIRECTOR OF RETTER’S ACADEMY OF DANCE. DIRECTOR OF STARLET ACADEMY. CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF RHYTHM MACHINE AND BRIDGE DANCE COMPANIES. MASTER TEACHER. Recognized as Woman of the Year 2010 -2011 by the National Association of Woman (NAPAW), National Dance Educator of the Year 2010, received by Company Dance Convention, National Luminary Award Recipient 2008 (NAPAW). Creator of Stagewear L.A. Costume Collection and Powerplay Activewear 2000 – June 2010. Internationally recognized by the Joe Tremaine Dance Conventions, Dance Masters of America, Professional Teachers Association, Al Gilbert Seminars, and Hoctor’s Dance Caravan, among others. Linda has appeared in national Dance Publications Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher, Dancer, Dance and Fitness, Dance Teacher Now, and Dancer Magazine. She was recently honored by the National Association of Professional Women as Woman of the Year (2010-2011) and was named National Dance Educator of the Year by Company Dance (2010). In 2008, Linda received a National Luminary Award presented by Moms in Business Network. Linda and husband Darryl Retter own and operate Retter’s Academy of Dance and it’s youth department, Starlet Academy. Retter’s celebrates its 21st Anniversary Season and has received National and local recognition including: Best Dance Instruction in Agoura Hills 2008-2011. Teaching is a constant joy in their life. Their studio is a blessing and remains the central force that gives creative birth to all she and Darryl’s many passions, businesses, and adventures. This exciting motivator, educator, choreographer, and dancer has worked with or choreographed for Bette Midler, Robert Guillaume, Lionel Richie, Billy Crystal, Tom Jones, Andy Gibb, Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson, and more. Linda was a “regular” on the Midnight Special television series. She was also a Solid Gold dancer (Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas) and assisted choreographer Kevin Carlisle. High on the list is to instruct dance in a positive manner, to create thinking and intelligent dancers who are not only technically brilliant, but creative and passionate about dance. Daughter Renata lights up her life each day. Ms. Retter has taught for the past 35 years. Many of Linda’s protégés operate successful dance studios and appear on Broadway, in films, and on television. “Keep your dreams alive.”