FACULTY AND STAFF
Faculty Member, Dancer, Administrative Coordinator
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, Dancer, Studio Administrator
Alexandra Bilodeau (she/her) is a dancer artist, educator, and yogi originally from Massachusetts, now living in Brooklyn. She holds Bachelors of Arts degrees in Dance and History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges where she was also awarded the Janet Seeley Award for her contributions to the dance department and she holds an MFA in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College. Alexandra's choreographic interests include nostalgia, spectacle, humor and memory. She has presented her work at Dance Bloc NYC, WAXworks, Small Plates Choreography Festival, the Junction Dance Festival, and various small festivals throughout New York. Professionally, she performs in her own work and with Gwen Appenfeller. Alexandra has a passion for dance education and has taught throughout New England and New York. She received her RYT-200 from Health Yoga Life in 2021 and teaches open level vinyasa yoga classes at YogaSpark. Alexandra is thrilled to be working with Alden Moves!
Alexandra Bilodeau (she/her) is a dancer artist, educator, and yogi originally from Massachusetts, now living in Brooklyn. She holds Bachelors of Arts degrees in Dance and History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges where she was also awarded the Janet Seeley Award for her contributions to the dance department and she holds an MFA in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College. Alexandra's choreographic interests include nostalgia, spectacle, humor and memory. She has presented her work at Dance Bloc NYC, WAXworks, Small Plates Choreography Festival, the Junction Dance Festival, and various small festivals throughout New York. Professionally, she performs in her own work and with Gwen Appenfeller. Alexandra has a passion for dance education and has taught throughout New England and New York. She received her RYT-200 from Health Yoga Life in 2021 and teaches open level vinyasa yoga classes at YogaSpark. Alexandra is thrilled to be working with Alden Moves!
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
Cecilia Milbrandt (she/her) is a dancer and educator passionate about amplifying young voices through movement. She recently moved to New York after working for SOLA (School of Leadership Afghanistan) in Kigali, Rwanda. At SOLA, she developed a movement curriculum fusing leadership skills and social-emotional learning with dance. She graduated from George Mason University with degrees in dance and arts management, where she studied contemporary vocabulary, ballet, modern, and creative movement. CC is excited to join Alden Moves as the Dance Explorers program co-teacher.
Cecilia Milbrandt (she/her) is a dancer and educator passionate about amplifying young voices through movement. She recently moved to New York after working for SOLA (School of Leadership Afghanistan) in Kigali, Rwanda. At SOLA, she developed a movement curriculum fusing leadership skills and social-emotional learning with dance. She graduated from George Mason University with degrees in dance and arts management, where she studied contemporary vocabulary, ballet, modern, and creative movement. CC is excited to join Alden Moves as the Dance Explorers program co-teacher.
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.
Faculty Member
Angela Shipley (she/her), is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia where she trained at The Governor's School for the Arts. She attended George Mason University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Dance. Since graduating, she has worked professionally with Keigwin & Company on their summer project, Rhapsody, in both 2022 and 2023, and was part of the dance department faculty at The Governor's School for the Arts. She now resides in New York and is excited to join Alden Moves and their Dance Explorers Program!
Angela Shipley (she/her), is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia where she trained at The Governor's School for the Arts. She attended George Mason University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Dance. Since graduating, she has worked professionally with Keigwin & Company on their summer project, Rhapsody, in both 2022 and 2023, and was part of the dance department faculty at The Governor's School for the Arts. She now resides in New York and is excited to join Alden Moves and their Dance Explorers Program!
Studio Administrator
Skylar Tuttle (she/her), Is an arts administrator and choreographer living in Brooklyn, NY. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she majored in contemporary dance and minored in arts management. Skylar is a native of North Carolina and has been dancing her whole life, growing up as a competitive dancer for 12 years before deciding to pursue dance as a career. Along the way, she's trained in programs at NYU and other schools, studying styles from Ballet to Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip-Hop, Limon, Cunningham, and Countertechnique. Skylar enjoys sharing her passion for dance through teaching, choreographing, and administration and is currently creating new works as a freelance choreographer. She loves spreading her love of dance to people of all ages and abilities.
Skylar Tuttle (she/her), Is an arts administrator and choreographer living in Brooklyn, NY. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she majored in contemporary dance and minored in arts management. Skylar is a native of North Carolina and has been dancing her whole life, growing up as a competitive dancer for 12 years before deciding to pursue dance as a career. Along the way, she's trained in programs at NYU and other schools, studying styles from Ballet to Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip-Hop, Limon, Cunningham, and Countertechnique. Skylar enjoys sharing her passion for dance through teaching, choreographing, and administration and is currently creating new works as a freelance choreographer. She loves spreading her love of dance to people of all ages and abilities.
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
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.
Dancer
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