FACULTY
 |
|
~ 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 20th Season of Dance and Education Excellence.
Retter's Academy of Dance is proud to house many 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 Makers, Dance Masters of America, Encore Conventions, Tamjams, Roland Dupree, Urban Jam, Dance Olympus, and Dance Theatre USA 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, Lilian Manansala, Gina Badone, Reagan Marie, Sierra Boepple, Monica Ramirez, Chris Rogers, Noune Diarbekarian, Aleksandra Wojda, Charlotte Armstrong, Amanda Drake, April Atherton, Shayla Bearman, Beth Yanik, and Courtney Gray 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.” 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.
GUEST FACULTY:
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
|
Beth Yanik STUDIO MANAGER. Ms. Beth was the recipient of the prestigious R & B Professional Scholarship for the 2003-2004 dance season at Retter’s Academy of Dance. Beth grew up in Buffalo, New York and began her dance training when she was 2 years old at C/M Dance Factory. At the age of 16, Beth became a faculty member at C/M, teaching tap and lyrical. Since being in Los Angeles, Beth has had the opportunity to be part of the R & B Dance Company, performing at the Da Da Debutante Ball at the Hollywood Bowl, at Keith Clifton’s Friends in Dance, and Deborah Brockus’ Spectrum #19. Beth was an Assistant in the Ballet Department at R.A.D, and is currently the R.A.D. Studio Manager.
Aleksandra Wojda. RETTERS ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Aleksandra Wojda was born in Pretoria, South Africa, but grew up dancing in the Chicagoland area. She graduated from Northwestern University in June 2006 with dual degrees in Communication Sciences & Disorders and International Studies. While attending Northwestern full-time for four years, she trained at the Giordano Dance Center as both a work-study and scholarship student. She has performed in Dance Chicago under the direction of Nick Pupillo and Tracy Marrion. In the summer of 2006, she was seen as a top twenty dancer on the second season of Fox's hit show, So You Think You Can Dance, and it was a truly life-changing experience to have made it to the Top 16 dancers of that season. She returned back to Chicago after the show to continue her dance career full force. After ending a run at the Lincolnshire Marriott's production of All Night Strut, she joined Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago's second company, which she enjoyed for a year. She has been featured in industrials for Jockey, Panasonic, Barton G., Sebastian/Graham Webb/Wella, Pepsi, and the Red Hawk Casino. Currently residing in Los Angeles, she has kept busy working in music videos (Lady GaGa, David Cook, Kaskade, and Sara Bareilles), television (House), and feature films (Funny People and School Gyrlz). She feels so blessed to have had such an amazing dance journey thus far and is thankful for all who have supported her and inspired her to keep on moving!
Monica Ramirez. MASTER TEACHER. RETTER’S ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Monica Ramirez, also from Yuma, Arizona, began her dance training at age 7. Studying in many different styles such as jazz, modern lyrical, ballet and hip hop. Monica was introduced to the Retterworld Family as a scholarship winner to the Retter Workshop in 2007 and has recently become apart of the R&B Company where she has had the pleasure of performing and experiencing her first Concert of Love. She has performed at the Disneyland Resort as a dancer in “A Christmas Parade”, and was also apart of Disney’s Christmas Day Special (2007) dancing along side the cast of High School Musical. Ms. Ramirez was a featured dancer model for Stagewear LA Costume Collection. She recently assisted Linda Bernabei-Retter at Tremaine Conventions in Las Vegas. Her love of dance and her passion for teaching are a fantastic combination. Her hip hop style is age appropriate, cutting edge, and can you say – FUNKY! Retter’s Academy of Dance is proud to introduce Ms. Monica Ramirez to its RAD faculty. 
Sierra Boepple. RETTERS ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR Welcome 2008 R&B Scholarship to our RAD faculty. Ms. Boepple hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended Stage Door in Chicago, Illinois, under the direction of Debbie Scarpetti. There she received a scholarship to attend Retter Workshop in 2007.Recipient of numerous regional and national awards and recognitions, Sierra is very familiar to studio and competition dance. Scholarships include: Joffery Ballet School, Debbie Reynolds, Edge Performing Arts Center, Company Dance, West Coast Dance Explosion and LA Dance Force. Ms. Boepple is a current member of the R&B Dance Company. Performances include Keith Clifton’s “Friends in Dance” concert, featured model in Stagewear LA costume catalog and assistant to Linda Bernabei-Retter at Tremaine conventions and Dance Makers, Inc.
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.
Noune Diarbekarian. BALLET MISTRESS OF R.A.D. We welcome the return of Ballet Mistress Ms. Noune Diarbekarian! Ms. Noune began her professional career at the age of 16 when she joined the Armenian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet as an apprentice. She worked with the company for three years, dancing in almost in every classical ballet and in many operas. Noune began studying the Vaganova Technique when she was 9 at the Yerevan Choreography School in Armenia—there she studied ballet, pas de deux, variations, character/folk dance, history of theatre and ballet, piano, music literature, mime, and make-up. After moving to the United States, Noune danced and assisted Marla Bingham at the Marla Bingham Contemporary Ballet since its inception in 1996. She has also performed with the Francisco Martinez Dancetheatre, Ballet Ventura, Bethune Theatredanse in Southern California Youth Ballet Nutcracker, has danced on the WB channel television series Angel, and has appeared on the Classic Arts channel. Ms. Noune has been teaching for over thirteen years in the region, and we welcome her expertise and wisdom to R.A.D.!
Charlotte Armstrong. Starlet academy instructor, co-teacher. Charlotte Armstrong is a fresh, new and welcomed addition to the fabulous Starlet Academy teaching staff. Her gentle nature, love of children and passion for dance are a sure win combination for a fantastic Starlet teacher. Ms. Armstrong was a Starlet Assistant Teacher for two years and a member of the Nationally Ranked Rhythm Machine Dance Company for one year. She received the prestigious Achievement Award recognition (2008), for her numerous dance accomplishments. Charlotte Armstrong has studied under the direction of the Retter’s for the past nine years. She is a full time student at California State University Northridge and member of the CSUN dance team.
Amanda Drake. RETTERS ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Amanda Drake was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin where she studied dance at West Side Performing Arts and Ballet Madison. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 as the R & B Pro scholarship recipient. She is currently teaching in Oxnard as well, but is excited to be back at Retter's! Along with assisting Heidi Anderson Jarrett, choreographer/music producer/RAD faculty member, she is also very busy dancing for Ashley Argota, LuLu on Nickelodeon's hit show True Jackson V.P. Her achievements include: George Lather Memorial scholarship recipient, Tremaine Dancer of The Year finalist, scholarships from WCDE, Tremaine, Jump and LADM. She has done many shows in L.A but lately has been Assistant Choreographer for Ashley Argota alongside the wonderful Heidi Anderson Jarrett. She has performed in Fuzion, Theatrix and KidZgroovz educational dance videos. She was also a featured model in Stagewear LA costume catalog 2007. Retter’s Academy is proud to present Ms. Amanda Drake as a welcomed addition to their faculty
April Atherton. RETTERS ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR, April Atherton is a graduate of Butler University with a minor in business and a concentration in dance. She is a former DanceWorks student and has been teaching at DanceWorks for twelve years. She also teaches part-time in Kokomo, Indiana at Kristie Wright's School of Dance and tap at the Louisville Ballet School. Through the Cecchetti Council of America she has passed Grades I, II, III, IV and V of the Ballet Teacher Examinations. April has studied and performed with the Louisville Ballet. She attends Broadway Dance Center annually. April has won many awards including: 2001 and 2002 I Love Dance Sweetheart and Scholarship Recipient, 2002 I Love Dance National Top Teacher, 2004 Kids Artistic Revue National Top Teacher and 2005 Applause Talent Productions National Top Choreographer. Her most recent accomplishments are 2007 Kids Artistic Revue National Choreographer of the Year, 2007 and 2008 Kids Artistic Revue Stars Showcase Finalist and she also choreographed two 2007 Kids Artistic Revue National Championship Routines. April teaches Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Pre-School, Tumbling, and Company classes at DanceWorks. Retter’s Academy of Dance is proud to introduce Ms. April as a welcomed addition to their faculty.
Shayla Bearman. RETTER’S ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Shayla Bearman, originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a recent honors graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, earning a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education. She danced for the UNCG Spartan G’s Dance Team for four years and was captain for two years. As a member of UNCG’s Prime Movers organization, she performed pieces by Faith Mottershead and Gina Ponzi in their annual Prime Movers Dance Concert. In 2004 and 2007, she was selected to perform at the LC-MS National Youth Gathering in Orlando, Florida. For the past three summers, Shayla has also been a head instructor for National Dance Alliance, traveling the Mid-west to teach at and manage camps for high school and middle school dance teams and their coaches. She was also on faculty for three years at Dance Ltd, in Fort Wayne and continues to guest teach and choreograph for the studio.
Thommie Retter
Is currently making his Broadway debut as Mr. Braithwaite Billy Elliot. Thommie has directed and or choreographed numerous productions, including the hit Disney show “Cory In The House,” the international stage show, Caution: Men at Work-TAP, and was a featured performer on an Emmy-nominated episode of “Malcolm in the Middle.” In addition to performing, choreographing and directing, he is a master tap and jazz teacher who has taught throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, and Central and South America. Thommie is also an accomplished song-writer and producer, having ownership in Moho Productions, a Los Angeles-based music production company which specializes in young artist development. You can find out more about Thommie’s work at 
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.
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.
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.
MASTER TEACHER. RETTER’S ACADEMY OF DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Jennifer Parsley comes to us from Arlington, Texas, but has been residing in New York City for the past four years. She recently moved to North Hollywood to continue her performing and teaching career. She received most of her dance training from the Dallas Power House of Dance in Dallas, Texas. Some of her teachers include Jason Parsons, Justin Giles, Roger Lee, and Kim McSwain. With the inspiration from her teachers, and her own imagination, she has been able to develop a unique contemporary style. She has been teaching with such top conventions as Hollywood Vibe, Breaking Ground, Tam Jams, and Image Dance Explosion. She is also in the process of starting her own professional company. She has had the amazing opportunity to choreograph for such venues as Grease for Columbia University, Channel 5 Day Break, Booker.T. Washington School for Performing and Visual Arts, and numerous Aids and Cancer Benefit shows. Her professional credits include: The Elan Awards, The Carnival, Club performance at Hollywood and Highlands, ESPN, Dallas Maverick Dancers, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Morning News Dance Festival, the Edge and Performing Arts Center Show, Hard Rock Live, industrials including 711 and Ski Doo, Shades (a benefit for kids with cancer), the Atlanta Braves game, C.O Dance instructional video, Pepito’s Story with Debbie Allen, The International Dance Festival in Tropea Italy, The National tour of “Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy”, Pod Cast, MTV’S New Year’s Eve, and So You Think You Can Dance. Retter’s Academy of Dance welcomes the unique and gifted talents of Jen Parsley.