Meet the Team
Lauren Blane
Studio Owner
Director M3 Dance Company
Producer/Choreographer Nutcracker
InstructorLauren began her training at the Faubourg School of Ballet under Watmora Casey. She attended Grand Valley State University on both academic and talent scholarships and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance. Upon graduation she was chosen to receive The Outstanding Undergraduate Award in Dance by her professors. In her senior year of college, Lauren’s choreography was chosen to present at the American College Dance Festival, and was later selected to be featured in the Gala.
Professionally, Lauren was one of twelve dancers to be accepted into the Lou Conte Dance Studio Scholarship Program under the direction of Claire Bataille. She was also with Giordano Dance Chicago’s Second Company for two seasons. Lauren had the privilege of being a backup dancer for Beyonce on Oprah’s Farewell Episode at the United Center.
In addition to concert and commercial dance, Lauren has also been featured in the Marriott Theater’s productions of SHOUT!, Now and Forever, The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins, and Evita as well as Drury Lane’s production of Chicago. Lauren is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association since 2016.
Lauren returned to her high school, Glenbard West in 2011 and 2012 to choreograph the fall musicals and in 2013 she began her position as the Resident Choreographer for Lake Zurich High School’s Spring Musicals. Lauren has been invited to teach as such prestigious organizations as the Chicago Dance Connection (CDC), Dancewerks, Regarding Actors (Re: Actors), Dance Masters of Wisconsin, and the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM).
Lauren chose to further her dance teaching knowledge, and is now an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Certified Teacher, who has successfully competed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary though Level 5 of the ABT National Training Curriculum.
Recently, Lauren was one of six choreographers featured in Thodos Dance Chicago and Danceworks Chicago’s NEW Dances: A New Generation and choreographed for Still Inspired(?) in a collaboration with local visual artists. Lauren earned the position of Assistant to the Director for the Marriott Theater’s production of Junie B Jones: The Musical and Kiss Me Kate.
Lauren has had four works selected to compete representing Team USA at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix Finals in New York. She’s also helped students qualify and place in the World Ballet Arts Competition Finals in Canada. Lauren is the Founder and Artistic Director of Main Street Ballet Company in Lake Zurich, mentoring and coaching young dancers in the discipline of ballet.
Every opportunity Lauren has pursued has also been an opportunity for her students to learn and grow. Lauren aims to inspire work ethic, drive, grit, and a desire to be the best version of themselves into each of her students.
Caitlin clark
M3 Coach & Choreographer
Nutcracker Choreographer
InstructorCaitlin Clark (she/her) originally from White Lake, Michigan, is a dancer, choreographer, and dance educator currently based in the Chicago area. Caitlin graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo MI) in April 2023 and is now a dancer with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre. She has had the pleasure of working with Kiki Lucas, Tsai Hsi Hung, Carolyn Pavlik, Monique Haley, Jeremy Blair, Katy Copland. She worked with Katlin Bourgeois during DanceWorks Chicago's ChoreoLab intensive and was a guest artist with South Chicago Dance Theatre in 2023 where she was a dancer in Kia Smith's “Memoirs of Jazz in the Alley.”
Jamie Delle Grazie
Synergy Dance Office Manager
M3 Dance Company Manager
InstructorWith over 25 years of gymnastics coaching experience, Jamie has dedicated her career to helping young athletes build confidence, strength, and skill. She began her coaching journey at the Bloomingdale Park District under the mentorship of Jo Witucki and spent many years volunteering as a coach with the Bloomingdale Bears Athletic Club Cheerleading program.
For the past 5 years, Jamie has been the tumbling instructor at Synergy Dance Academy, where she also serves as the studio's Office Manager. Her passion for teaching extends beyond technique—she loves encouraging students as they overcome challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and discover what they are capable of.
A lifelong resident of Bloomingdale, Jamie enjoys giving back to the community that has given her so much. Nothing is more rewarding to her than watching children learn new skills, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love of movement.
brandon dicriscio
M3 Coach & Choreographer
Nutcracker Director
InstructorMr. DiCriscio, of Wilmington, DE, received his initial training from Anne Marie and Sonny Leo. He then went on to pursue a B.A. in Dance at Point Park University. While in school, he apprenticed with River North Dance Chicago and then became a company member in 2007, dancing with the company for four seasons. Brandon has worked with choreographers including Robert Battle, Sidra Bell, Frank Chaves, Ron De Jesus, Shannon Gillen, Gustavo Ramierz Zanzano, Lauri Stallings, Doug Varone, Edgar Zendejas, and Sherry Zunker. While at Springboard Danse Montreal, he worked with BJM Danse Montreal under the direction of Louis Robitaille. Brandon also has apprenticed with Luna Negra Dance Theater. His true passion is for dance-making and teaching. In 2011, he won the Dance Chance Redux competition sponsored by DanceWorks Chicago and the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. In 2012, he created two new works on the Big Muddy Dance Company of St. Louis. Additional Chicago Concert dance commissions include Nomi Dance Company, DanceWorks Chicago, Inside Chicago Dance, and LEVELdance. While at LEVELdance he took on the role of Associate Director. Schools that he has been on faculty at include The Chicago High School for the Arts, Joffrey Academy, North Shore School of Dance, Legere Dance, Jagged Edge Dance Academy, and now Synergy Dance Academy!
megan hansen
Instructor Megan Hansen began her training at the age of three in the Chicago suburbs. She trained at Denise Sabala Dance Studios in Lake Zurich, Illinois. In the Spring of 2024, Megan graduated from Western Michigan University earning a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Marketing. In her last semester, Megan received the Presidential Scholar in Marketing. She has performed in numerous student, faculty, and guest works including pieces by Seyong Kim, Monique Haley, Jared Baker, and Kelsey Paschich. She was also a member of the touring company, Western Dance Project. Following graduation, Megan enjoys choreographing and teaching in the Chicago area, while working for ID Dance Competition. Currently, Megan is dancing with Still Inspired for her first season as an apprentice.
sydney jaffe
InstructorOriginally from the Chicago suburbs, Sydney discovered her passion for dance at a very young age. She trained in all styles of dance including Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, and Hip Hop at a local dance studio. After graduating High School, Sydney moved to New York to pursue a BFA in dance, a BA in Arts Management, and a pilates certification at SUNY Purchase. During her time at Purchase she has furthered her training in Ballet, Graham, Horton, Cunningham, Limon, partnering, and improvisation. Sydney has had the opportunity to perform works by Jared Baker, Peter Chu, Nick Pupillo, Alexa Capareda, and Cain Coleman. Throughout the Summers Sydney furthered her training with Nova Linea, Visceral Dance Chicago, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, SALT, Alonzo King Lines, and ABT.
jordan moyer
Instructor Jordan Moyer, originally from St. Joseph, Michigan, graduated from Western Michigan University in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. She spent a year training with the WMU touring dance company, Western Dance Project under the artistic direction of Kelsey Paschich.
Jordan served on the Orchesis Dance Society Board as Social Media Coordinator. She has worked with acclaimed choreographers including Jae Man Joo, Tsai Hsi Hung, Penny Saunders, Kimberley Cooper, Seyong Kim, Kelsey Paschich, and Jeremy Blair. Her performances have been featured in Western Michigan University's Winter Gala Dance Concert from 2021-2024.
Additionally, Jordan has performed professionally nationally and internationally at the following prestigious venues: the River Dance Festival, American Dance Guild Festival, Palm Desert Choreography Festival, and others. Her virtual performances include the World Congress on Dance Research in Greece, Seoul International Dance Festival, and Milwaukee Fringe Festival. Jordan is currently a company member of CPR Dance: Inhale Movement under the artistic direction of Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers. She has toured with the company to Chicago, Illinois, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Grand Rapids Michigan, St. Joseph, Michigan, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jordan is an accomplished dance artist who has trained under leading choreographers. Her performing career spans renowned venues locally and worldwide, on stage and virtually.
suave
Instructor
Director (Hip Hop ConnXion)Suavé is the Founder of the Hip Hop ConnXion Family Nationwide with branches in Indiana, Michigan and Headquarters in Illinois. Hip Hop ConnXion has taken 1st in the USA and 2nd in the World at the Hip Hop International Championships in previous years and is the only Illinois based dance company to have been awarded medals at the event. Hip Hop ConnXion is currently the only Midwest dance company to have medaled at the World Championships since the inception of the competition in 2002. The Hip Hop ConnXion professional dance company is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) company with the mission statement, “Our Future Is Here Today”, aimed at inspiring our youth and giving opportunities to those less privileged.
Suavé has appeared in various music videos and movies such as, Walt Disney's "Just Visited" with Christina Applegate as the specialist dancer in the hit movie, "Save the Last Dance". He was a choreographer and dance coordinator for the recently released movie "Dreams" and played a cameo role as a dancer and teacher for the move working beside Dave Scott whose credits include "U Got Served", "Stomp The Yard", and "Step Up 3".
Suavé was the Dance coordinator at the B96 Summer B-bash for Bad Boy world-renowned DJ, Bill and performed in front of 60,000 people alongside artists such as P-Diddy, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera and Nelly.
He is a performance coach to movie stars, actors and recording artists having worked with artists such as Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up and Camp Rock), Jessy Schram (The Mentalist, House, American Pie, Without A Trace and more) and upcoming singing sensation, Adera.
Suavé guest choreographs at numerous schools and universities and teaches hip hop master classes and workshops in the USA. He has taught around the world in countries such as Norway, Colombia, Ireland and England. He also guest instructs and judges for conventions and competitions around the country and overseas. He is currently on faculty for the Manhattan Dance Project (MDP) National/International Tour.
As a major advocate for inspiring troubled and underprivileged youth, he is also a regular guest speaker/presenter at many schools and colleges and has worked with the DARE and DEA Youth after-school dance programs around the country stressing the importance of staying drug-free, not giving in to peer pressure and making positive choices. He continues to work with charities and organizations that share the same message.
Suavé is also the creator and producer of THE ONE Urban Dance Showcase which is the largest annual urban dance showcase in the Midwest, alongside producing other major dance shows.
For more information, you can contact him at info@hiphopconnxion.com. You can also view his work by visiting his website www.hiphopconnxion.com and go to the “Videos” link.
Social Media
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: suaveconnxion
JP tenuta
Instructor JP Tenuta, Director of the Academy of Movement and Music, replaces his mother, retired Director Stephanie Clemens. He grew up dancing at the Academy of Movement and Music and with MOMENTA. He completed his BFA in Dance at Northern Illinois University in 1999, where he studied with Randall Newsom and Judith Chitwood. He performed for two years with the Nashville Ballet and two years with Luna Negra. He has also performed in the Chicago area with Lyric Opera, The Civic Ballet, Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet and with the Salt Creek Ballet. He performed and choreographed for MOMENTA and toured Austria with them in 2003 and 2010. He has taught in a number of Chicago area schools and is a regular faculty member at the Academy of Movement and Music; he has also taught on the Dance Masters circuit and recently served as assistant director for MOMENTA as it toured for Tanzsommer International in Austria.
lauren willmann
InstructorLauren Willmann is originally from Dallas Texas, and she began her serious training with the International Conservatory of Performing Arts Pre-Professional Company under the direction of Geralyn Del Corso Gardner and Jamie Thompson. Her passion led her to attend numerous conventions and classes for all styles of dance all over the DFW area. She attended The Rockettes Summer Intensive in New York in 2017 and 2018. Lauren continued her higher education at Oklahoma City University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Pedagogy (American Dance Teacher) focusing on choreography theory, teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and dance history.
After graduating, Lauren became the Performance Team director at McKinney Dance Studio. She simultaneously was performing with season 6 of Urban Performing Company in Dallas, TX under the direction of Stevo McMaryion. She has taught classes: creative movement, pre combinations, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre to various ages at numerous studios across Texas, Oklahoma, and now the greater Chicago area! Lauren also tours across the country as an assistant teacher with the Manhattan Dance Project convention with Bill Hotaling, and The ConnXion Experience convention with Suavé. She currently trains and performs with the main branch of Hip Hop ConnXion, under the direction of Suavé.
When teaching, she emphasizes connecting music to feelings to movements. She also integrates teaching life values in the classroom such as respect, inclusivity, courage, love, and open mindedness. Her number one priority is safety in the classroom, followed closely by instilling a love for dance within each and every student. She is very excited to share her passion for dance and be a part of the Synergy team!
megan wolter
M3 Coach & Choreographer
Nutcracker Choreographer
InstructorMegan grew up in Libertyville, IL and began her dance training at Dance Academy of Libertyville. Megan is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University where she received a BA in Dance. During her time at Grand Valley she was given the opportunity to work with various faculty and guest artists such as Melissa Barak, Yoshito Sakuraba, Wallie Wolfgruber, Paul Singh and Brian Enos.
Megan was selected as a recipient for the Upper Division Dance Scholarship, Alexander Calder Honors Scholarship and the Excellence in a Discipline Award.
Megan presented her solo work, “CENTERofATTENTION” at the American College Dance Association and was selected for the Gala Concert.
Megan is currently in her fourth summer as an instructor for Universal Dance Association and was recently hired as an Assistant Dance Coach at Libertyville High School.
caitlin yatsuhashi
InstructorCaitlin Yatsuhashi (Norfolk, Massachusetts), received her classical training from Walnut Hill School for the Arts. She continued her education in the Ailey/Fordham program where she graduated in 2021 with a BFA in dance. Upon graduating, she danced at COMMON Conservatory, directed by Terry Marling. Caitlin began her professional career as a dancer in New Dances and then went on to perform under Project Bound Dance in the Harvest Festival and Live at Navy Pier. Additionally she performed in Ruth Page's production of The Nutcracker, the Candlelight Ballet series, and most notably Dance for Life in 2022 and 2023.