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~ Keep Your Dreams Alive ~ We invite you to discover the Retter Philosophy: a strong commitment to artistic integrity taught in a positive, nurturing atmosphere! Join the entire staff, and us, in our celebration of R.A.D.'s 18th Season of Dance and Education Excellence.
Retter's Academy of Dance is proud to house ten Master Teachers on faculty! Members of this fabulous staff not only teach in Agoura Hills, but also educate and inspire children around the country. Joe Tremaine Conventions, Dance Masters of America, Encore Conventions, Tamjams, Roland Dupree, Urban Jam, Dance Olympus, and Hoctor's Dance Caravan currently staff this group of talented educators. R.A.D.'s unique atmosphere of positive reinforcement is received with much enthusiasm by our students and parents alike! Darryl Retter, Linda Bernabei-Retter, Thommie Retter, Becca Retter, Lilian Manansala, Tatiana A'Virmond, Reagan Marie, Gina Badone, Brooke Paulsen, Heather Moffitt, Natalie Isbouts, Hilary Tone, Beth Yanik, create positive impressions on young people's lives! Our staff at R.A.D. continually strives to make each dance experience rewarding and exciting! FACULTY BIOS:  Mr. Darryl Retter OWNER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF RETTER’S ACADEMY OF DANCE. CO-DIRECTOR OF RHYTHM MACHINE AND R & B DANCE COMPANIES. MASTER TEACHER. CREATOR OF RETTER VIDEOS, COMPOSER, LYRICIST. CO-OWNER OF MUSICWORKS. Nationally recognized by MusicWorks, Dance Masters of America, Professional Dance Teachers Association, Joe Tremaine Conventions, Hoctor’s Dance Caravan, to name a few! Darryl “grew up” in his mother’s dance studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There he was “discovered” by Master Educator Al Gilbert. Mr. Retter teaches tap, jazz, and lyrical and has received numerous awards for his innovative choreography. His original children’s music is a favorite of students, parents, and teachers alike for its age-appropriate, positive, and uplifting messages. Retter Videos are sold internationally to aid teachers with their instruction at their own studios. His personalized technique assists hundreds of teachers and improves thousands of dancers. Retter’s Academy of Dance is Darryl’s most successful accomplishment. His vision to create a safe haven for children to study the art of dance is a dream come true. Daughter Renata is his inspiration. Credits also include performance and/or choreography for videos, ballet companies, television, stage, and film. Ms. 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 R & B DANCE COMPANIES. MASTER TEACHER. CREATOR OF STAGEWEAR L.A. AND RETTERWEAR. 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. She is currently an advisory board member and writer for Dancer Magazine, and has written for Dance Spirit. In 2003, Ms. Retter received the 1st Annual Dance Educator Award from Co. Dance Conventions. 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 television shows Midnight Special and Solid Gold as well. Her goals are many. 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 20 years. Many of Linda’s protégés operate successful dance studios and appear on Broadway, in films, and on television. “Keep your dreams alive.” Ms. Becca Retter STARLET CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR. MASTER TEACHER. STARLET & R.A.D INSTRUCTOR. Becca Retter is a multi-talented dancer, teacher and choreographer. We are pleased to welcome her back on staff. She is a Master Teacher recognized by MusicWorks, Dupree Dance Expo, Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America teaching all levels of tap, jazz, lyrical and musical theatre. Becca is an expert at Al Gilbert’s tap technique and teaches it to teachers from around the world at the D.E.A. training school in New York and Las Vegas. She can also be seen on countless Stepping Tones educational videos. Previously she taught for Retter’s Academy of Dance from 1995-2001 and was also co-director of Starlet Academy. As a member of the R&B Performing Company in Hollywood, CA, she has performed at the House of Blues, Jazz Dance LA, and the Debbie Reynolds Scholarship Show. She has also worked with the dynamic recording artists, “Jarrett” in Las Vegas, and on MTV, performing with Andy Dick. Becca has danced internationally in Canada, Denmark, Guatemala and Russia. Her love and enthusiasm for dance make her a favorite among students and teachers and she always enjoys sharing her talents. Tatiana A'Vimond began her Classical Ballet training in Brazil where she graduated from Guaira Ballet School and became a member of Guaira Ballet Theater Foundation.Tatiana was a winner of a gold medal at the National Ballet Competition in Brazil, a silver medal at the Latin American Ballet Competition, and while in the United States, she won two gold metals for the best choreography at the National Dance and Winners Regional Competitions in Santa Cruz. In New York City, she danced with various companies such as Connecticut Ballet Co., Ballet Hispanico of NY, Hudson Repertory Theater and Dance Brazil.While in San Francisco's Bay Area, she performed off Broadway shows such as "She Loves Me" with Theater Works, "Pal Joey" and "Wonderful Town" with Marin Theater Co. With Dance Through Time, A'Virmond toured Nationally, Internationally in Versalles and became Artistic Director in the year 2000. As a Classical Ballet dancer, she performed as principal dancer with Peninsula Ballet Theater,Theater Ballet of San Francisco and Western Ballet. As a Contemporary dancer, she performed as a principal dancer with Mark Foehrigner Dance Project touring Nationally and Internationally where she was critically acclaimed by Dance Magazine:"Passionate personality". A year ago, A'Virmond moved to Burbank where she has been training with Mario Nugaro and dancing as a principal dancer for his Co The City of Angels Ballet , soloist for Media City Ballet and principal dancer and choreographer for La Danserie where she was critically acclaimed by Lewis Segal from LA times for her choreography:" A'Virmond's artful knew quartet...". Tatiana has been teaching Ballet, Historical dances and Latin Dances for over ten years and she is very proud to be faculty member of the best dance schools in Los Angeles such as RZBC,LABA and Retter's Academy of Dance. Reagan Marie MASTER TEACHER. STARLET ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR & R.A.D. JAZZ, TAP, HIP-HOP, & TURNS INSTRUCTOR. RHYTHM MACHINE COORDINATOR. R.A.D. welcomes Ms. Reagan to her fifth season teaching the Starlets and R.A.D. dancers! Reagan is a native of Kentwood, Michigan, and studied at Retter’s Dance Center under the direction of Mrs. Betty Retter. A protégé of Mrs. Sonja Retter-Krick, Reagan received numerous scholarships including New York City Dance Alliance and studied at American Academy of Dramatic Arts on scholarship in New York City (1998-1999). Reagan has shared her gifts on convention with Dance Educators of America, as well as MusicWorks Teaching Seminars, where she toured the country with MusicWorks director Darryl Retter. Ms. Marie’s first video series Kidgroovz was introduced by MusicWorks this summer. This innovative series showcases Reagan’s high energy along with thoughtful techniques for teaching young dancers. Her passion is dance, theatre, and teaching young children. Active in theatre, choreography, and children’s issues, she was the 1998 chair/spokesperson for D.A.R.E. Teen Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Reagan had the honor to personally assist Tap Legend Mr. Al Gilbert from 1991-2003. Ms. Reagan is beloved educator at R.A.D. and is extremely honored to be a member of such an amazing faculty! Gina Badone originally from Yuma, Arizona, is currently dancing, teaching and choreographing in Los Angeles, CA. Gina came to LA as a scholarship student at Retter’s Dance Academy in Agoura Hills in 2000 and is now the Youth Ballet Coordinator and R&B pro company director at Retter’s, teaching ballet, jazz and hip hop to many levels of dancers. Gina is a versatile teacher from ballet at the “Dixie” Dance Masters of America Convention to hip hop at the New Brunswick Al Gilbert Dance Convention, and assists Linda Bernebei-Retter at Tremaine Coventions around the nation. Gina’s choreography has been featured in many of LA’s local dance venues, such as Keith Clifton’s “Friends in Dance”, Brandy Smith’s “Works in Progress”, Deborah Brokus’s “ New Perspectives”, and more. Her innovative pieces have been selected and performed often at the University of Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase. Gina’s variety of performing experiences include the Marla Bingham Contemporary Ballet Company , LA’s first live billboard for Moulin Rouge, WB’s Christmas at the Grove, Hurley’s Spring ’05 Fashion Event. She is currently represented by M.S.A. Heather Moffitt Heather Moffit has trained with some of the top industry professionals in Los Angeles, New York City and Atlanta including Joseph Malone, Jackie Sleight, Paula Morgan, Robert Barnett of the Atlanta Ballet, Doug Caldwell, Adam Parsons, and Shelia Barker. She has been an assistant for Jackie Sleight, Doug Caldwell, and Cindy Ricalde for many years. Originally from Georgia, Heather is a triple performer with performance credits throughout the county and overseas. She has danced with Adam Parson’s Commonality Dance Company in Los Angeles, the Paula Morgan Dance Company in Italy, the Atlanta Ballet in Georgia, and the Phoenix Project Dance Company in Georgia. Heather began teaching and choreographing at a young age for studios in Atlanta. She is currently living in Los Angeles dancing professionally and attending school to obtain a degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science at California State University Northridge. Heather has sung in a number of cabaret showcases at The Gardenia in Hollywood, California under the direction of Mel Dangcil and Peisha McPhee (mother and vocal coach of the American Idol 2006 season runner-up Katherine McPhee). Retter’s Academy of Dance is proud to welcome Heather to their stellar faculty.  Natalie Isbouts - STARLET ACADMEY TEACHER AND R&B COMPANY MEMBER. Ms. Isbouts began her dance training when she was 6 years old at Retter’s Academy of Dance. Natalie was apart of the award winning Rhythm Machine Dance Company; and has had the opportunity to be apart of the R & B Dance Company: Natalie’s performances include performed at Da Da Debutante Ball at the Hollywood Bowl, Keith Clifton’s “Friends in Dance”, Deborah Brockus’ Spectrum, City of Hope 57th Annual Luncheon, Yuma Dance Festival, Works in Progress to name a few. Natalie was also part of the Retters Academy of Dance Administrative Staff and a Co-Teacher with the Starlet Academy. We welcome Natalie back to her fourth season at Retter’s Academy of Dance!
GUEST FACULTY: ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF |
Beth Yanik 
Hilary Tone. Hilary is thrilled to return to the Retter’s family as a jazz and tap instructor after four years away at college. As a young dancer, Hilary spent eight years at RAD, five of them as a member of the Rhythm Machine Dance Company and one year as the Winston Hemsley Scholarship recipient in 2001. She was an assistant to several instructors on the RAD staff, including Ms. Gina Badone and Ms. Reagan Marie, and assisted Ms. Linda Bernabei-Retter with the Junior and Teen companies and on tour with Tremaine Dance Conventions. For the past two years, she has also assisted Ms. Linda as Production Manager for the Stagewear LA catalogue photo shoots. Last summer, Hilary assisted Ms. Heidi Jarrett and Mr. Thommie Retter with recording artist Ashley Argota, and taught at the R.A.D. Dance Trilogy and Retter Workshop camps. This past June, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Santa Clara University, double majoring in Communication and Spanish Studies. She was the Captain of the Santa Clara University Dance Team and the tap instructor for a northern California touring dance camp called DC Extreme. For the next two years, she will be pursuing a Master’s in Public Diplomacy from the University of Southern California. Hilary is happy to be back at RAD, her second home!
Chris Rogers. Chris started dancing at the age of 3, was signed to an agency at 9 and hasn't looked back since. As a convention kid he received numerous national scholarships from L.A. Danceforce, L.A. Dance Magic, Co. Dance, LA Underground, Urban Jamm and Dupree. Chris did work for Wade Robson in creating the “The Wade Robson Project” on MTV. He has directed numerous dance variety shows on Sunset Blvd including the Choreographer’s Carnival. Chris was part of the creative team on the B2K National Scream III Tour and was Assistant Director and Assistant Music Director for Michael Jackson's 45th Birthday. He worked with Britney Spears’ on her most recent World Tour ‘The Onyx Hotel’ as the Assistant Director and even provided original music for the show. In the past season Chris developed two shows for MTVs fall season, one titled twentyfourseven and one named Dance Life starring Jennifer Lopez. 
Thommie Retter MASTER TEACHER - TAP, JAZZ, HIP-HOP, MUSICAL THEATRE. Thommie Retter is a dancer, teacher and choreographer. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1994, he has had a huge influence on the tap community. A multi-talented teacher, he toured for 10 years around the nation with Dupree Dance Expo and Dupree Jazz N' Tap Camp USA. Mr. Retter has also taught for Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, All American Dance Congress and Al Gilbert Seminars. Internationally, Thommie teaches in Guatemala, Mexico, Japan, and throughout Canada. In addition, Thommie was affiliated for twelve semesters with the nationally accredited dance program at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Thommie has worked with such names as actors Clifton Collins Jr. and Eddie Griffen, the popular swing band, "Big Bad Voodoo Daddy", Carol and Marilyn also known as "The Mommies", and Mr. Andy Williams. Thommie has choreographed for Caution: Men at Work-TAP, Pepsi International on their World Cup advertising campaign and he has performed for numerous industrial shows including Compaq, Schick and General Motors. Thommie was also a featured dancer in the hip-hop video "The B.H.M. Association" by recording artist Jolie and on the TV show Pepsi's "Dance Trax". Thommie's steps are slammin' and hot. His choreography has been described as "fresh and exciting" and he is known for bringing the "fun" back into dance.
Lilian Manansala MASTER TEACHER. Dancer, choreographer, actor, and master teacher, Lilian Manansala has a passion for the arts and performing. She trained at Retter’s Academy of Dance under the direction and guidance of Darryl Retter and Linda Bernabei-Retter, and was a faculty member, a member of R&B Dance Company, and studio manager. Lilian’s performances include Concert of Love, Choreographers Carnival, Tremaine Scholarship Showcase, Jazz Dance L.A., PDS Fall Ball, Pop Goes the Century, Broadway Dance Center Showcase, City of Hope, Spectrum Dance, Friends in Dance, and Move to Groove Ball, among others. Lilian has taught for Al Gilbert Seminars and tamjams, and has assisted Master Teachers on Tremaine Conventions, Encore Convention, Dance Masters Association, and Hoctor’s Dance Caravan. 
Heidi Anderson Jarrett is an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and master teacher. Her choreography has been featured at such venues as : The House of Blues, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Shrine Auditorium, The Greek Theater, Premier Cruise Lines and the 19th Annual Music Industry Pre-Grammy Awards Party in Hollywood. Heidi also choreographed Hollywood's first "live billboard" for the DVD release of the film Moulin Rouge in Los Angeles.. She has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan performing and choreographing for productions.
Ms. Lindsay Angier Originally from Ontario, Canada, Lindsay grew up studing all disciplines of dance. She has trained at the National Ballet School of Canada, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and has also obtained certificates at Advanced levels in the Cecchetti Method. She has trained in all levels of the Al Gilbert Tap and Jazz syllabus and is continuously furthering her dance education. 
Blake Angier Residing in North Hollywood, CA, Blake received the majority of his training on scholarship at the Edge Performing Arts Center. Since then he has danced professionally with some of the industries top choreographers, performing on stage, television, music videos, and commercials. He has worked with artists such as Beyonce, Ricky Martin, and Latin superstar, Chayanne. 
Mr. Nick Florez MASTER TEACHER. Nick Florez grew up in Texas where he trained in styles ranging from ballet to tap, to jazz and modern. He moved to Los Angeles to further his love of dance, and pursue his dream. Currently on staff with Co. Dance Conventions, Nick is a highly visible figure in the world of MTV having worked with the industries top artists including Brandy, Will Smith, Selena, Blink 182, Jordan Knight, Smashmouth, Jerri Hallwel, Paulina Rubio, Anastacia, Jewel, Queen Latifah, Ashanti, Lil Kim, and world tours with Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. Television appearances include major award shows as well as Rosie O'Donnell, Jay Leno, Today Show, The View, and Saturday Night Live, with notable parts on MAD TV, Girls Club, Weird Science, and That's So Raven. Among his commercial credits, he was cast by Spike Lee to play "Zeke" with Beyonce Knowles in the newest Pepsi campaign. We welcome this talented addition to the R.A.D. staff!
Ms. Jocelyn Olshan STARLET ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR. R.A.D. welcomes Jocelyn to her third season teaching the Starlets! Jocelyn's enthusiasm for teaching is felt by all! She is a creative, patient, and nurturing teacher. A California native, Ms. Jocelyn has been trained and educated in the art of dance since age four. Jocelyn trained with and danced in the professional dance company of Carousel Dance Studio. She has also been teaching elementary dancers in the areas of ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop since 1990. A graduate of UCSB, Jocelyn continues her education as she works towards the last year of her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Cal Lutheran University. Jocelyn has a versatile background with choreographing for various performing arts groups, including Pam Rossi's Dance Ten and the Traveling Troubadours. She was also a performer in the Super Bowl XXXII half-time show. Jocelyn has been featured in various dancewear catalogs and has been involved in instructing aerobics classes since 1997. Her creativity, leadership, and motivation are welcomed at R.A.D.!
Courtney Gray 1999-2000 R&B PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RECEIPIENT. STARLET INSTRUCTOR. Courtney Gray is a wonderful addition to our R.A.D. staff! From Greenwood, Indiana, Ms. Gray trained under the direction of Beverly Smithey and Hannah Wahl at Stage 1 Dance Academy. As a member of the R&B performing company, Courtney has performed at Keith Clifton’s Friends In Dance, Deborah Brockus’ Work in Progress, Dada The Dada Debutante Ball at the Hollywood Bowl, and various City of Hope Events. She has also been featured in Dance Advantage, Stepping Tones, Tremaine, and Retter Educational Videos. In addition, Courtney has danced in live performances, Moulin Rouge and Chicago. She has also modeled numerous times in Paul Mithcell Hair Shows. One of Courtney’s greatest joys is teaching young dancers in the Scarlet Program-She thrilled to be a part of R.A.D’s 15 season!
Shocka HIP-HOP, JAZZ/TAP, BALLET INSTRUCTOR. Shocka has been a student, R&B Member, assistant to Linda Bernabei-Retter, and now celebrates her 9th year teaching at R.A.D. Shocka, an Oklahoma native, moved to Los Angeles eight years ago to heighten her professional career and extend herself as a perpetual student of the arts. Trained in dance, drama, and voice, this triple threat has been teaching and performing professionally for well over a decade. As a member of several companies from ballet to hip-hop to theatre to improv, she has also worked in film, television, and commercials with such talents as Jeff Goldblum, Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Queen Latifah, and many more! Most recently, she has concentrated on performing with and choreographing for the Moorpark Civic Ballet and still finds time for other live stage shows. She loves to teach and is a favorite among students of all ages! Shocka's talents are admired by our students who love her portrayals of Ariel, Glenda the Good Witch, and many more characters!
Brooke Paulsen is honored to be an assistant to Retter's Academy of Dance's owner and director, Darryl Retter for the past three years. Ms. Paulsen studied under the direction of her mother, renowned dance educator, Brenda Paulsen, where she studied the Al Gilbert tap syllabus and accompanied the legendary dancer on his Stepping Tones Conventions. Brooke's unique style, fire, and passion make her a welcome addition to our teaching staff. Her work is innovative, fresh, and original. She has appeared on tours, television shows, and film. Paulina Rubio and Pink are just a few artists with whom she has worked. Brooke has appeared in television shows The Young and the Restless, The Nikki Cox Show, American Juniors, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She was a cast member on the Jerry Lewis Telethon, choreographed by Jason Samuel Smith, which won an Emmy award. Having worked with tap heavyweights such as Jason Samuel Smith and Fayard Nicholas, Brooke remains one of L.A.'s most respected tappers. She also appeared in the movie Rollerball, starring LL Cool J and Chris Klein. She has been a member of Tapsounds Underground for seven years under the direction of Gregg Russell. She has also worked with choreographers Marty Kudelka, Fatima, Brian Friedman, and Shawnette Heard. But above all, she loves to teach, choreograph, and inspire.