Natalie Mackessy, Guest Master Teacher
Natalie Mackessy is an alumni CDA Elite Company dancer, class of 2004. Natalie graduated from Pointe Park University with a B.A. in dance in 2008. While attending she performed with the Conservatory Dance Company of Pointe Park. Natalie moved to New York City in August 2008. Since graduating Natalie has danced as a scholarship student with Mark Morris Dance Group, as well as Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, been a guest artist with Movement Theatre Project and Choreo Theatre Co., and is currently a member of Stephen Petronio Co. Natalie has performed at Dance New Amsterdam, The Flea, NYC 92nd St. Y, The Joyce Theatre, The Barnican-London, and MilanoLtre Theatre-Italy. Natalie has taught around the NYC area at Joyce Soho, Peridance Center, and Steps on Broadway.
Renee Danielle Smith, Guest Master Teacher
Renee Danielle Smith, native of Columbus, Oh, traveled to Pittsburgh to receive her BFA in Dance from Point Park University. While obtaining her degree she performed in several works by prestigious choreographers such as Heidi Latski, Jason McDole, Kiki Lukas, Doug Bentz, Judith Leifer, Kiesha Lalama-White, and many more. After receiving her degree she performed and toured as the lead dancer of Latshaw Productions in several Swing City Orchestra productions. She performed in Attack Theatre’s annual Dirty Ball of ’09 and ’10 as an adjunct dancer and also was recently showcased as an Attack Theatre dancer in the Pittsburgh Operas newest production of Turandot. Renee is a founding member of the Staycee Pearl Dance Project and has performed in SPdp premiers: Array, Pupa, and Circle Pop. She performed as a lead dancer in the debuting contemporary opera (gravity + grace) produced by Frank Ferraro and choreographed by Jamie Erin Murphy and will be working with Frank and Jamie on the world premier of Walking in the spring of 2012. Renee has been showcasing her choreography around the city in festivals and productions such as Three10Moment and New Moves Dance Festival, and recently premiered a collaborative work with Jamie Erin Murphy, Much More Than Bones, at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater through the Next Stage Residency Program.
Kara Tremel, Guest Master Teacher
Kara Tremel loves performing in the First National Broadway Tour of the Tony Award winning hit, JERSEY BOYS! As a graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance program at Sheridan College in Toronto, Kara was honored with the prestigious Triple Threat Award! Kara’s professional debut was the role of Belle in the Broadway Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She then tapped her way across European stages in 42nd Street and won the role of “Tap Star to be” Ruby, in Dames at Sea, directed and choreographed by David Connolly. While living in Europe, Kara worked with legendary British choreographer and director Arlene Phillips in Saturda y Night Fever. Other favorite credits include: Grease, Anne of Green Gables, Cabaret, John Woo’s film: Once a Thief. Kara is a proud AEA member and Broadway Connection Teacher who enjoys teaching students and professionals around the world.