FACULTY AND STAFF
Studio Coordinator
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, 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, Kia Smith, and Christian vonHoward. Veda is excited to now be in Brooklyn and working with Alden Moves!
Dancer and Faculty Member
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
Dancer and 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.
Dancer and Faculty Membrer
Javier Rochel (he/him) was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. He received a Bachelor's in Dance from Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, graduating with honors. Inspired by his sister, Rochel started to dance Mexican Folklorico when he was 11 with different local groups, and at the same time, he did Musical Theatre productions in Mexico City and his hometown, including a national tour leading “The Lion King”. He was an apprentice with Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández and a figurant with Mexico's Compañía Nacional de Danza in the Swan Lake 2018 season. He had done summer intensives with Joffrey Ballet School NY and Texas, Complexions Dance Academy, and ChoreoLab with Ballet Hispánico SoD. Rochel trained in classical, modern, contemporary and jazz dance with JBS TX under the direction of Thelma Flores and Kailli Bright from 2019-2021 (where he also worked as Resident Administrator of Housing and Program Coordinator for the Mexico Summer Intensive) and BH Pa'lante Scholars Professional Studies directed by Rodney Hamilton from 2021-2022. He also has taught in different public and private dance schools within the United States and Mexico. This year he started his first season with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Rochel is very proud to be a new faculty addition in Alden Moves Dance Theater.
Javier Rochel (he/him) was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. He received a Bachelor's in Dance from Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, graduating with honors. Inspired by his sister, Rochel started to dance Mexican Folklorico when he was 11 with different local groups, and at the same time, he did Musical Theatre productions in Mexico City and his hometown, including a national tour leading “The Lion King”. He was an apprentice with Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernández and a figurant with Mexico's Compañía Nacional de Danza in the Swan Lake 2018 season. He had done summer intensives with Joffrey Ballet School NY and Texas, Complexions Dance Academy, and ChoreoLab with Ballet Hispánico SoD. Rochel trained in classical, modern, contemporary and jazz dance with JBS TX under the direction of Thelma Flores and Kailli Bright from 2019-2021 (where he also worked as Resident Administrator of Housing and Program Coordinator for the Mexico Summer Intensive) and BH Pa'lante Scholars Professional Studies directed by Rodney Hamilton from 2021-2022. He also has taught in different public and private dance schools within the United States and Mexico. This year he started his first season with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Rochel is very proud to be a new faculty addition in Alden Moves Dance Theater.
Dancer and Faculty Member
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 earned her BFA in Dance and minored in Sociology at Mercyhurst University where 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 earned her BFA in Dance and minored in Sociology at Mercyhurst University where 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.
DANCERS
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
GUEST DANCERS
Guest Dancer
Halle Augenstein (she/her) is originally from Marion, OH. She began dancing at the age of 8, training at Edye Cook’s School of Dance. She continued her studies at Wright State University. There she performed in several productions; Faculty Dance Concert, Emerging Choreographers, The Great Gatsby, No, No Nanette, and Fiddler on the Roof (dance captain). She participated in the Alvin Ailey summer intensive in 2016. Her senior choreographic work was selected to be performed in her final spring concert at WSU. After receiving her BFA in Dance, Halle moved to Columbus, OH. She danced with Oyo Dance Company in their fourth season. Her piece Goodnight, I Love You was once again featured in the Columbus Dance Alliance “Works 3” concert. She also joined forces with fellow Columbus dancers to form the Arch City Choreo group. Halle *finally* made the move to the city and now resides in Brooklyn! She is a company member with Alessandra Corona Performing Works and Guilty Pleasures Cabaret.
Halle Augenstein (she/her) is originally from Marion, OH. She began dancing at the age of 8, training at Edye Cook’s School of Dance. She continued her studies at Wright State University. There she performed in several productions; Faculty Dance Concert, Emerging Choreographers, The Great Gatsby, No, No Nanette, and Fiddler on the Roof (dance captain). She participated in the Alvin Ailey summer intensive in 2016. Her senior choreographic work was selected to be performed in her final spring concert at WSU. After receiving her BFA in Dance, Halle moved to Columbus, OH. She danced with Oyo Dance Company in their fourth season. Her piece Goodnight, I Love You was once again featured in the Columbus Dance Alliance “Works 3” concert. She also joined forces with fellow Columbus dancers to form the Arch City Choreo group. Halle *finally* made the move to the city and now resides in Brooklyn! She is a company member with Alessandra Corona Performing Works and Guilty Pleasures Cabaret.
Guest Dancer
Joe Laluzerne (he/they) is a dance artist originally from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota where they began dancing at Summit Dance Shoppe, training competitively and studying ballet with Linda Muir Finney. Joe graduated from Texas Christian University in the Spring of 2021 where they obtained a BFA in Ballet and a BA in Political Science. After the completion of his undergraduate degrees Joe attended Milano Contemporary Ballet’s International Training Program in Milan, Italy. He joined the TU Dance Project in St. Paul, Minnesota for a work choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis entitled “Sensible Existence.” Joe has had the opportunity to dance at Orsolina 28 (Moncalvo, Italy) with choreographers Juliano Nunes and FLOCKWORKS, b12 workshops (Berlin, Germany) with Laja Field and Alessandro Marzotto, as well as attending Springboard Danse Montréal where he danced in works by Crystal Pite, “Body and Soul” and Carlos Kerr, “Quaver,” and at Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Ballet Program (Beckett, MA) under the direction of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Most recently, Joe has moved to New York to continue his professional dance journey.
Joe Laluzerne (he/they) is a dance artist originally from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota where they began dancing at Summit Dance Shoppe, training competitively and studying ballet with Linda Muir Finney. Joe graduated from Texas Christian University in the Spring of 2021 where they obtained a BFA in Ballet and a BA in Political Science. After the completion of his undergraduate degrees Joe attended Milano Contemporary Ballet’s International Training Program in Milan, Italy. He joined the TU Dance Project in St. Paul, Minnesota for a work choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis entitled “Sensible Existence.” Joe has had the opportunity to dance at Orsolina 28 (Moncalvo, Italy) with choreographers Juliano Nunes and FLOCKWORKS, b12 workshops (Berlin, Germany) with Laja Field and Alessandro Marzotto, as well as attending Springboard Danse Montréal where he danced in works by Crystal Pite, “Body and Soul” and Carlos Kerr, “Quaver,” and at Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Ballet Program (Beckett, MA) under the direction of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Most recently, Joe has moved to New York to continue his professional dance journey.
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
Vera Paganin (she/her) is an Italian dancer and dance teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. Her professional training began at the Centro Studi Coreografici Teatro Carcano, a renowned academy of Milan, her hometown, where she graduated in ballet and modern dance in 2012. After her graduation she won a scholarship for the summer intensive at the Henny Jurriens Stichting in Amsterdam, where she met Miki Orihara, who gave her a scholarship to study at the Martha Graham School in New York. Vera moved to New York in 2013, after a few months she joined Graham 2. She danced many principal roles in venues such as the Met Museum, and in 2015 she got the Teaching Training Program Diploma at the Graham School. She started dancing with Alison Cook Beatty Dance right after, along with other independent productions such as “Devaneio” by Marcela Corbellini Duarte and experimental projects with Fooju Dance Collaborative directed by Adam Dickerson. In 2017 Vera spent some time in Europe, where she danced with Aconcoli Dance by Elena Albano in Milan, and she collaborated with the pianist Xavier Boot for the Nationale Indiëherdenking in The Hague (Netherlands), along with teaching Graham Technique workshops in Milan, Sardinia, Rome and Utrecht. Ms Paganin is currently dancing with Reliant Tom, a Folk Dance ensemble performing in Brighton Beach, and has most recently collaborated with Alison Cook Beatty Dance, Bo Pressly, CES Danceworks and Rioult Repertory Ensemble. Vera has danced works by Martha Graham, Alison Cook Beatty, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Miriam Barbosa, Blanca Li, Pascal Rioult, Lone Larsen, Kun-Yang Lin, Darshan Singh Bhuller, Elena Albano, Marcela Corbellini Duarte, Adam Robert Dickerson, Luisa Righeto, Claire Cuny, Bo Pressly and Charles Scheland. She is also a certified GYROTONIC® trainer.
Vera Paganin (she/her) is an Italian dancer and dance teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. Her professional training began at the Centro Studi Coreografici Teatro Carcano, a renowned academy of Milan, her hometown, where she graduated in ballet and modern dance in 2012. After her graduation she won a scholarship for the summer intensive at the Henny Jurriens Stichting in Amsterdam, where she met Miki Orihara, who gave her a scholarship to study at the Martha Graham School in New York. Vera moved to New York in 2013, after a few months she joined Graham 2. She danced many principal roles in venues such as the Met Museum, and in 2015 she got the Teaching Training Program Diploma at the Graham School. She started dancing with Alison Cook Beatty Dance right after, along with other independent productions such as “Devaneio” by Marcela Corbellini Duarte and experimental projects with Fooju Dance Collaborative directed by Adam Dickerson. In 2017 Vera spent some time in Europe, where she danced with Aconcoli Dance by Elena Albano in Milan, and she collaborated with the pianist Xavier Boot for the Nationale Indiëherdenking in The Hague (Netherlands), along with teaching Graham Technique workshops in Milan, Sardinia, Rome and Utrecht. Ms Paganin is currently dancing with Reliant Tom, a Folk Dance ensemble performing in Brighton Beach, and has most recently collaborated with Alison Cook Beatty Dance, Bo Pressly, CES Danceworks and Rioult Repertory Ensemble. Vera has danced works by Martha Graham, Alison Cook Beatty, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Miriam Barbosa, Blanca Li, Pascal Rioult, Lone Larsen, Kun-Yang Lin, Darshan Singh Bhuller, Elena Albano, Marcela Corbellini Duarte, Adam Robert Dickerson, Luisa Righeto, Claire Cuny, Bo Pressly and Charles Scheland. She is also a certified GYROTONIC® trainer.