FACULTY AND STAFF
Studio Coordinator, Faculty Member, Dancer
Veda Manly (she/her) grew up in Madison, WI and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance and an additional degree in Economics. She previously worked as the communications and special projects coordinator at Li Chiao-Ping Dance in Madison, WI. As a teacher, she has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts project, teaching elementary kids dance and movement skills as well as ballet classes. She received early training in Martha Graham Technique with Lisa Thurrell at Kanopy Dance, who she studied with for eight years. She performed with Kanopy Dance Company II for three years, and while attending UW-Madison, performed in works choreographed by Kimi Evelyn, Li Chiao-Ping, Duane Lee Holland, Liz Sexe, Maree ReMalia, Kia Smith, and Christian vonHoward. Veda is excited to now be in Brooklyn and working with Alden Moves!
Veda Manly (she/her) grew up in Madison, WI and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance and an additional degree in Economics. She previously worked as the communications and special projects coordinator at Li Chiao-Ping Dance in Madison, WI. As a teacher, she has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts project, teaching elementary kids dance and movement skills as well as ballet classes. She received early training in Martha Graham Technique with Lisa Thurrell at Kanopy Dance, who she studied with for eight years. She performed with Kanopy Dance Company II for three years, and while attending UW-Madison, performed in works choreographed by Kimi Evelyn, Li Chiao-Ping, Duane Lee Holland, Liz Sexe, Maree ReMalia, Kia Smith, and Christian vonHoward. Veda is excited to now be in Brooklyn and working with Alden Moves!
Faculty Member, Studio Administrator
Chloe Crenshaw (she/her) is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Los Angeles, California. She is currently a company artist with GALLIM under Andrea Miller. Previously, Chloe danced with Ballet BC as an Emerging Artist under Medhi Walerski. Performance credits include work by Danielle Agami, Trisha Brown, Peter Chu, Andrea Miller, Crystal Pite, David Raymond and Tiffany Tregarthen, Spenser Theberge, and Medhi Walerski, among others. Chloe holds a BFA in Dance from the California Institute of the Arts and has also trained at programs including Springboard Danse Montreal, GagaLab TLV, BODYTRAFFIC, Boston Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. As a choreographer, Chloe is a recipient of the 2024 Tanztendenz Open Studios residency in Munich and the 2024 Eryc Taylor Dance New Choreographer Grant. Her latest commission, for Houston Contemporary 2, premiered in December of 2023. Chloe also teaches ballet and contemporary to students of all ages and has served on the faculties of Burbank Dance Academy and Orange County Performing Arts Academy. Currently based in New York, she is very excited to be working with the Alden Moves team.
Chloe Crenshaw (she/her) is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Los Angeles, California. She is currently a company artist with GALLIM under Andrea Miller. Previously, Chloe danced with Ballet BC as an Emerging Artist under Medhi Walerski. Performance credits include work by Danielle Agami, Trisha Brown, Peter Chu, Andrea Miller, Crystal Pite, David Raymond and Tiffany Tregarthen, Spenser Theberge, and Medhi Walerski, among others. Chloe holds a BFA in Dance from the California Institute of the Arts and has also trained at programs including Springboard Danse Montreal, GagaLab TLV, BODYTRAFFIC, Boston Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. As a choreographer, Chloe is a recipient of the 2024 Tanztendenz Open Studios residency in Munich and the 2024 Eryc Taylor Dance New Choreographer Grant. Her latest commission, for Houston Contemporary 2, premiered in December of 2023. Chloe also teaches ballet and contemporary to students of all ages and has served on the faculties of Burbank Dance Academy and Orange County Performing Arts Academy. Currently based in New York, she is very excited to be working with the Alden Moves team.
Faculty Member, Dancer, Studio Admistrator
Kathleen Bostleman (she/her) began her dance training at the Toledo Ballet and the Toledo School for the Arts, and she later attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City on scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude with honors from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and holds a BFA in Ballet. While completing her degree, she studied ballet and modern dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and graduated from the Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Training Program under the direction of Karah Abiog. In addition, she spent summers studying at the Joffrey Ballet School, Colorado Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. She has performed and choreographed new work as a freelance artist in San Francisco and New York City and taught classes and workshops for Toledo Ballet, the Teens@LINES program at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Bay Area Ballet Conservatory, and UCLA Ballet Company. She is an RYT-200 certified yoga instructor and a Licensed Massage Therapist. Embodimentessentials.com
Kathleen Bostleman (she/her) began her dance training at the Toledo Ballet and the Toledo School for the Arts, and she later attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City on scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude with honors from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and holds a BFA in Ballet. While completing her degree, she studied ballet and modern dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and graduated from the Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Training Program under the direction of Karah Abiog. In addition, she spent summers studying at the Joffrey Ballet School, Colorado Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. She has performed and choreographed new work as a freelance artist in San Francisco and New York City and taught classes and workshops for Toledo Ballet, the Teens@LINES program at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Bay Area Ballet Conservatory, and UCLA Ballet Company. She is an RYT-200 certified yoga instructor and a Licensed Massage Therapist. Embodimentessentials.com
Faculty Member
Jalyn Gill (she/her) recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Montclair State University where she received a BFA in Dance. Jalyn has performed in works by Earl Mosley, Martha Graham, Christian vonHoward, and Ohad Naharin. She’s been dancing since the age of five and trained in dance schools such as Edge School of the Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Mark Morris Dance Group. Jalyn also had the opportunity to travel abroad to Stockholm, Sweden to participate in an intensive with DOCH University and Balletakadimen.
Jalyn Gill (she/her) recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Montclair State University where she received a BFA in Dance. Jalyn has performed in works by Earl Mosley, Martha Graham, Christian vonHoward, and Ohad Naharin. She’s been dancing since the age of five and trained in dance schools such as Edge School of the Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Mark Morris Dance Group. Jalyn also had the opportunity to travel abroad to Stockholm, Sweden to participate in an intensive with DOCH University and Balletakadimen.
Faculty Member, Dancer
Hannah Schayes (she/her), originally from Syracuse, New York, became serious about her dance training at the age of thirteen. She studied at summer intensive programs with dance companies across the country including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor, and José Limón. Hannah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercyhurst University where she earned a BFA in Dance and Sociology minor. During her undergraduate studies, she achieved various dance and academic scholarships. As an inductee of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA), she was involved in experiences on and off campus that allowed her to be engaged in the community. Additionally, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Dungarvan, Ireland, where she performed and furthered her studies. Currently, she resides in New York City where she is dancing and teaching.
Hannah Schayes (she/her), originally from Syracuse, New York, became serious about her dance training at the age of thirteen. She studied at summer intensive programs with dance companies across the country including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor, and José Limón. Hannah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercyhurst University where she earned a BFA in Dance and Sociology minor. During her undergraduate studies, she achieved various dance and academic scholarships. As an inductee of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA), she was involved in experiences on and off campus that allowed her to be engaged in the community. Additionally, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Dungarvan, Ireland, where she performed and furthered her studies. Currently, she resides in New York City where she is dancing and teaching.
Dancer, Supplemental Administrator
Kana Takahashi (she/her) Originally from Saitama, Japan, Kana Takahashi is a NYC-based dancer/actor. Her favorite theater credits include South Pacific at Midtown Arts Center and West Virginia Public Theatre, Miss Saigon, Hair, Pippin, Oklahoma!, Unto These Hills, Six Strings Sonics (Fringe NYC), and War+Lovers (off-Broadway). As a dancer, she has performed for John Cage Centennial Festival, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Ailey Citigroup Theater, MuSE, Azul Dance Theatre, Surati Holi Hai and Vangeline Theater/ New York Butoh Institute, among others. She received her certificate of dance from the Ailey School. She also holds a Single Sword Stage Combat certification by SAFD and a Flexibility Specialist certification by IFPA. She has been dancing with ALDEN MOVES Dance Theater since 2012. kanatakahashidance.com
Kana Takahashi (she/her) Originally from Saitama, Japan, Kana Takahashi is a NYC-based dancer/actor. Her favorite theater credits include South Pacific at Midtown Arts Center and West Virginia Public Theatre, Miss Saigon, Hair, Pippin, Oklahoma!, Unto These Hills, Six Strings Sonics (Fringe NYC), and War+Lovers (off-Broadway). As a dancer, she has performed for John Cage Centennial Festival, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Ailey Citigroup Theater, MuSE, Azul Dance Theatre, Surati Holi Hai and Vangeline Theater/ New York Butoh Institute, among others. She received her certificate of dance from the Ailey School. She also holds a Single Sword Stage Combat certification by SAFD and a Flexibility Specialist certification by IFPA. She has been dancing with ALDEN MOVES Dance Theater since 2012. kanatakahashidance.com
Dancer
Michelle Palatucci (she/her) Originally from Australia, Michelle has been dancing since a young age in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. She came to New York on a scholarship to attend the Joffrey Ballet school, while also earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance form NJCU graduating Magna Cum Laude and is now working as a professional dancer and teacher. Michelle has performed professionally with Arts Align Dance Company, Jennifer Muller / The Works and Pandora Ballet Company as well as dancing at The Apollo Theater, Bryant Park Summer Stage and Dixion Place. Michelle has also worked in the Australian Television industry on the show Dance Academy. She is also a certified Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor.
Michelle Palatucci (she/her) Originally from Australia, Michelle has been dancing since a young age in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. She came to New York on a scholarship to attend the Joffrey Ballet school, while also earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance form NJCU graduating Magna Cum Laude and is now working as a professional dancer and teacher. Michelle has performed professionally with Arts Align Dance Company, Jennifer Muller / The Works and Pandora Ballet Company as well as dancing at The Apollo Theater, Bryant Park Summer Stage and Dixion Place. Michelle has also worked in the Australian Television industry on the show Dance Academy. She is also a certified Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor.
Studio Administrator
Abigail Whitman (she/her) is a former after school teacher who has transitioned into a successful career as a tattoo artist. With a background in education and a passion for creativity, Abigail spent time inspiring and mentoring students in the classroom before discovering a new avenue for self-expression through tattoo artistry. Balancing her roles as an assistant educator and tattoo artist, Abigail brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to both worlds. Her passion for teaching and artistry shines through in everything she does, inspiring those around her to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions. |
GUEST DANCERS
Guest Dancer
Liz McKendry (she/her) hails from Buffalo, N.Y and is celebrating her fifth year with this beautiful company. Liz got her start performing in Donn Arden's Jubilee! before landing a spot in the Broadway Musical The Producers. Off-Broadway: Sleep No More (McKittrick Hotel), Comedy of Errors, Othello (The Shakespeare Lab NYC). Regional: The Red Dress (The New Phoenix Theatre), Mamma Mia (The Gateway), The Producers (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Funny Thing...Forum (Paper Mill Playhouse), Boeing (Cape May Stage). Film: The Producers. Gratitude to Alden Moves Dance Theatre and Luigi's Jazz Centre.
Liz McKendry (she/her) hails from Buffalo, N.Y and is celebrating her fifth year with this beautiful company. Liz got her start performing in Donn Arden's Jubilee! before landing a spot in the Broadway Musical The Producers. Off-Broadway: Sleep No More (McKittrick Hotel), Comedy of Errors, Othello (The Shakespeare Lab NYC). Regional: The Red Dress (The New Phoenix Theatre), Mamma Mia (The Gateway), The Producers (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Funny Thing...Forum (Paper Mill Playhouse), Boeing (Cape May Stage). Film: The Producers. Gratitude to Alden Moves Dance Theatre and Luigi's Jazz Centre.
Guest Dancer
Kate Griffler (she/her) is a dancer, teacher and choreographer living in Brooklyn, NY. Along with guesting with Alden Moves, Kate is dancing & choreographing for Carrie Able and also dancing for Bodies Never Lie. Previously, Kate was Director of The REVERBdance Festival. Her own works have been shown under 121 Dance Project and have been presented at SUNY Brockport, World Fellowship, SUNY Purchase, Manhattan Theater Club, Red Arm One Gallery, Rover Soho, Dixon Place, Clemente Soto-Valez Cultural Center, Boston University, Ailey Citigroup Theater, Infinito Gallery, TANK, The Center At Park West, Baruch Performing Arts Center, Signature Center Theater and The Dairy Center for the Performing Arts. Kate’s producing credits include: The Awakening of Angel DeLuna, The NYC-MEX Festival de La Ciudad, Heart Expo Japan, and films including: Indigo Children, Drilling Holes In The Sun, Dying Swan, Camilo Tranquilo and Chrysalis. As a freelance dancer, Kate has performed for Jamel Gaines, Ayako Kurakake, Shaun Roschman, Stacy Grossfield, Kathlene Dyer, Caitlin Trainor, Ceilia Rowlson-Hall, John Curtis, Megan Williams, and others.
Kate Griffler (she/her) is a dancer, teacher and choreographer living in Brooklyn, NY. Along with guesting with Alden Moves, Kate is dancing & choreographing for Carrie Able and also dancing for Bodies Never Lie. Previously, Kate was Director of The REVERBdance Festival. Her own works have been shown under 121 Dance Project and have been presented at SUNY Brockport, World Fellowship, SUNY Purchase, Manhattan Theater Club, Red Arm One Gallery, Rover Soho, Dixon Place, Clemente Soto-Valez Cultural Center, Boston University, Ailey Citigroup Theater, Infinito Gallery, TANK, The Center At Park West, Baruch Performing Arts Center, Signature Center Theater and The Dairy Center for the Performing Arts. Kate’s producing credits include: The Awakening of Angel DeLuna, The NYC-MEX Festival de La Ciudad, Heart Expo Japan, and films including: Indigo Children, Drilling Holes In The Sun, Dying Swan, Camilo Tranquilo and Chrysalis. As a freelance dancer, Kate has performed for Jamel Gaines, Ayako Kurakake, Shaun Roschman, Stacy Grossfield, Kathlene Dyer, Caitlin Trainor, Ceilia Rowlson-Hall, John Curtis, Megan Williams, and others.
Guest Dancer
Olivia Wood (she/her) started dancing at the age of 3 at Position One School of Dance in her hometown of Portsmouth, RI. In high school, she joined the Newport Academy of Ballet, home of Newport Contemporary Ballet, with whom she performed in the Nutcracker at Rosecliff Mansion. In 2017, she graduated summa cum laude from Muhlenberg College with her BA in Dance and Spanish. At Muhlenberg she performed works by Jeffrey Peterson, Teresa VanDenend Sorge, Megan Flynn, and Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Orion Duckstein. After graduation, Olivia moved to Philadelphia, where she performed with esteemed companies and choreographers such as Anne-Marie Mulgrew, Grounded Aerial, Matter Movement Group, Asya Zlatina, and Anito Gavino. Last year, Olivia joined Yu.S.Artistry as company dancer and associate director, where she performed works by Artistic Director, Yuki Ishiguro, and guest choreographer, Yoshito Sakuraba. Additionally, Olivia appeared as a guest artist with Aru dell’Arte in Washington D.C. and was one of Ballare Carmel’s inaugural Dance Fellows, where she was delighted to work with Alex Ketley, Nicole Hennington, and Lillian Barbeito. Olivia speaks fluent Spanish, holds a Level 1 Bungee Dance Certification from Grounded Aerial, and is a teaching artist for Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers’ CHI Dance Program. In 2023 she began teaching contemporary/modern at the School of Philadelphia Ballet.
Olivia Wood (she/her) started dancing at the age of 3 at Position One School of Dance in her hometown of Portsmouth, RI. In high school, she joined the Newport Academy of Ballet, home of Newport Contemporary Ballet, with whom she performed in the Nutcracker at Rosecliff Mansion. In 2017, she graduated summa cum laude from Muhlenberg College with her BA in Dance and Spanish. At Muhlenberg she performed works by Jeffrey Peterson, Teresa VanDenend Sorge, Megan Flynn, and Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Orion Duckstein. After graduation, Olivia moved to Philadelphia, where she performed with esteemed companies and choreographers such as Anne-Marie Mulgrew, Grounded Aerial, Matter Movement Group, Asya Zlatina, and Anito Gavino. Last year, Olivia joined Yu.S.Artistry as company dancer and associate director, where she performed works by Artistic Director, Yuki Ishiguro, and guest choreographer, Yoshito Sakuraba. Additionally, Olivia appeared as a guest artist with Aru dell’Arte in Washington D.C. and was one of Ballare Carmel’s inaugural Dance Fellows, where she was delighted to work with Alex Ketley, Nicole Hennington, and Lillian Barbeito. Olivia speaks fluent Spanish, holds a Level 1 Bungee Dance Certification from Grounded Aerial, and is a teaching artist for Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers’ CHI Dance Program. In 2023 she began teaching contemporary/modern at the School of Philadelphia Ballet.