Artistic Director

April Chesterfield (formerly Cunningham) has been dancing professionally in the Seattle area for over 10 years. She has performed with Cruz Control and Breaking point and recently choreographed a music video for a up and coming young talent, Justin Fehler.

April is thrilled to be the current Artistic Director for Sixthday Dance Company and looks forward to sharing her talent whenever possible.

She thanks God for every day she gets to listen, jump and take in all that He has created!

For 2024-25 school year Miss April will be teaching:

• Monday 7pm Modern

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Artistic Director and Principal Dance Instructor - Founder and Owner of Reflections School of Dance Inc. 

Trained as a gymnast, Debbie found herself dancing with the Contemporary Dance Company of Ball State University in her college days. She spent the next 10 years training and performing with the Cambridge Theatre Dance School and training and touring from Cambridge Academy of Performing Arts which enabled numerous tours through Europe, Southeast Asia, Central America, The United States and Canada. Aside from dance performance her work experience included choreography for youth and children’s musical theater, jazz choir, church groups, television, touring artists in the genres of rock, pop and hip hop, and certification for aerobic dance instruction and choreography.

In 1997, Debbie founded her own dance training center for youth and adults (Reflections School of Dance). Over the 27 years of Reflections School of Dance, she has continued to refine her skills in business and public relations while constantly updating choreographic experience by attending workshops and technique classes. Outside of Reflections School of Dance she might be spotted at Harbour Dance Center, Word in Motion Urban Dance Festival, Project Dance, Dance Teacher Web, Dance Studio Life Conferences or Dance Ad Deum Summer Intensive to name a few. Debbie received her Bachelor of Practical Ministry from the Wagner Leadership Institute. She is now a published author of 2 dance related books, an ordained minister through the Elijah Commission and the founding director of the Emerge Dance Company and Reflections Teams. 

See more about Debbie's Books here.

See more about Debbie's Blog here.

See more about Debbie's Podcast here.

See more about the background story of Reflections and the Wiens Family here.

Follow and friend Miss Debbie on Facebook here.

 For 2024-25 school year Miss Debbie will be teaching:

• Tuesday 4pm Company & Teams Technique
• Thursday 5pm Revival Team
• Thursday 7pm Stretch & Strength
• Friday 2:30pm Ballet/Tap/Jazz
• Friday 3:30pm Ballet 1
• Friday 4:30pm Acro Jazz 
• Friday 5:30pm Acro Jazz 2
• Friday 6:30 Jumps, Tricks, Turns!

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 Mr. Marco has been teaching an annual Ballet Master class for us every February since about 2009 but now since 2017 we have the distinguished privilege having him on our faculty teaching every week.

“It is truly a privilege to be taught by Marco” 

Marco has achieved an extraordinary level of inspiration and creativity due to his many styles of dance training and
international exposure in the art of dance and theater. His experience has shaped his unique style of dance techniques 
and innovative choreography. His multitude of talent and achievements have allowed him the resume’ that sets him apart
from the rest. His excellence shows in the many students he has taught and continues to teach through his classes, and choreography.

Teaching Philosophy 

My career achievements have brought me to a level of extraordinary inspiration and creativity due to the many styles of ballet training and international performance exposure alongside notable world-renowned dancers, artistic directors and choreographers from the 20th century with whom, I have received the privilege of direct influence that has shaped my unique teaching ethic and choreography style as a “specialist in the art of ballet“.

My teaching philosophy not only teaches the art of dance but opens hearts and minds and brings joy to life through proper training and participation in the overall creative process.

I see talent in all students; my training expertise encourages students to find their personal best through
teaching focused on building confidence and proper technique that considers the dancers level and encourages
learning through positive reinforcement. Another important and major focus area is building endurance and
cardiovascular conditioning throughout the progression of class training, which is critical for necessary stamina
to perform on stage at the student’s highest level with ease, as well as for overall health. Endurance partnered
with proper muscle warm-up and strength building gives the student the facility to excel at their optimum level,
which in turn they will be personally rewarded with achievement through their dedication to learning.

My responsibility as a teacher includes; personal attention to each student’s ability and level of training which is
key to their improvement, which also ensures excelling to the next level. My focus on the student’s progress
builds discipline and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

My choreography method incorporates all levels of dancers which results in inspired students and enrichment
for the advanced dancers as the art is passed along through generations. I personally cast roles for developing
dancers and performers that fit their personality and ability, as well as challenge their talent so they can measure 
their own personal improvement.

Key philosophies;

Use of the arts disciplines to develop life skills i.e.: creative and critical thinking
Strive to engage opportunities for professional development
Successfully develop the skills necessary to acquire employment in dance or theater arts
Successfully develop the physical skills students need to transfer to other educational and 
sports opportunities
My success depends on how effectively I meet the needs of my students – I place a high value on 
my students by keeping an open mind, listening to them
I believe we can best accomplish our mission when not only the process of student learning is a major 
focus but also personal learning by the teacher is ongoing
My mission and vision are driven by the students through expectations which form a partnership of
refinement of goals and direction that support your mission.

“ I take pride when I can see the technical achievement and commitment shine through the individual’s 
personality and character, and know we are on the road to creating a true dancer who will touch lives
and imprint the “ art of dance “ on future generations. “
- Marco Carrabba

Summary of training and special invitations

Ballet, Modern, Choreography

Locally by dance legend Dorothy Fisher - Ballet technique
Joffrey School – Traditional American technique – trained by Robert Joffrey
North Carolina School of the Arts – trained by teachers of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo – French, Italian technique
New York’s School of American Ballet – trained by the great Stanley Williams – Bournonville technique
and Balanchine technique – creator of 20th century neo classical style
Stuttgart Ballet – trained by teachers from the Royal Ballet and East Germany - Russian ballet technique
Directed by the famous Glen Tetley
Hamburg Ballet – trained by choreographer John Neumeier – Modern Ballet techinique
Dutch National’ Ballet – trained by choreographers Rudi van Dantzig, Hans van Manen, Toer van Schayk
Classical and Contemporary Ballet technique
Pacific Northwest Ballet – Neo Classic Style Balanchine technique
San Francisco Ballet – Classical and Contemporary Ballet technique under the direction of 
Michael Smuin and Ballets by Lou Christensen – student of Balanchine 
Boston Ballet - Classical and Contemporary Ballet

Musical Theater, Performing Arts

Kentucky Opera – performed My Fair Lady
Minnesota Opera – performed Carousel
5th Avenue Theatre Seattle – performed Brigadoon, West Side Story, and Kismet
San Francisco Ballet’s production of “ Jinx “ performance filmed by KQED television –
choreographed by Lew Christensen

Special invitations:

School of American Ballet – Graduation Performance with Ballerina Leslie Brown “ Turning Point “
Stuttgart Ballet – performed for and was presented to Queen Elizabeth per her request
Dutch National Ballet – trained and toured with the famous Rudolph Nureyev
Dutch National Ballet – performed and partnered with Ballerina Alexandra Radius, 
Nureyev’s most requested ballet partner
Hamburg Opera House – inspired by a special meeting during rehearsal with Luciano Pavarotti
San Francisco Ballet – partnered and performed with Ballerina Joanna Berman, and Evelyn Cisneros
Pacific Northwest Ballet – performed West Coast tour with Mikhail Baryshnikov 

For 2024-25 school year Mr. Marco will be teaching:

• Tuesday/Thursday  5:30pm Ballet 3
• Tuesday/Thursday  6:30pm Ballet 4&5
• Tuesday/Thursday 8:00pm Pointe/Variations

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Mishaela Knighton has been dancing for 16 years and grew up dancing at Reflections. Mishaela is currently studying at Anderson University in South Carolina to get her bachelor’s degree in dance. With her degree in dance, she is planning on going into performance and theme park entertainment. 

While Mishaela loves to preform and dance for others, she also finds it important to dance for her own joy and for the glory of God. When she is not dancing, Mishaela can be found rock climbing, hiking, and playing with her Great Danes.  

Mishaela is looking forward to sharing her passion and knowledge of dance with your students this summer.

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Olivia Nickerson started attending dance classes at Reflections School of Dance in 2002 at the age of 3; she continued dancing with the studio up until high school graduation in 2016. From 2016-2017, she was a part of Reflection School of Dance’s Re-Merge Dance Project. At age 15 she started working for the Shoreline Parks Department, instructing their children's martial arts program, where her passion for teaching first started.

She has been able to experience how dance can be a form of worship through dance & choreography. She looks forward to what God has in store for her as a teacher at Reflections School of Dance.

Olivia is thankful for all that Reflections School of Dance has taught her, both with technique training, and how we dance to give God glory and praise.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Olivia will be teaching:

• Monday 9:30am Creative Dance
• Monday 10 Pre Dance
• Monday 11 Homeschool Ballet
• Monday 4pm Pre Dance
• Monday 5pm Ballet/Tap/Jazz
• Monday 6pm Ballet 1
• Monday 7:30pm Open Ballet
• Tuesday 4pm Creative Dance
• Tuesday 4:30pm Pre Dance
• Tuesday 5:30pm Intro to Hip Hop Boyz
• Tuesday 6pm Ballet 1
• Wednesday 4:30pm Ballet/Tap/Jazz
• Wednesday 5:30pm Lyrical 1&2
• Wednesday 6:30pm Ballet 2
• Wednesday 7:30pm Contemporary 2&3
• Thursday 9:30am Intro to Dance
• Thursday 10am Creative Dance
• Thursday 10:30am Pre Dance
• Thursday 11:30am Ballet/Tap/Jazz Combo
• Thursday 4pm Creative Dance
• Thursday 4:30pm Ballet 2
• Thursday 6:30 Illuminate Dance Teams

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Tricia is originally from Vancouver, BC, Canada, but recently moved to the Seattle area from New York City! Tricia began dancing at the age of 5 at Tri-City Dance Centre and was a competitive dancer with them for 10 years. She earned her BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University in 2016, attending school on a full-ride scholarship. 

After graduating from BYU, Tricia performed with Disney Cruise Line for a season and then moved to New York City! While in New York, Tricia was auditioning every day and booked some excellent projects including: Barnum (Skyline Theatre Company), The Wizard of Oz National Tour (Apex Touring), and two Off-Broadway musicals! 

When not performing, Tricia has spent as much time as possible sharing her talents and knowledge through teaching, specializing in Jazz/ Musical Theatre. Tricia is so excited to be a part of the Reflections team and help others discover the joy of dance! 

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Miss Christina began dancing at Bremerton Ballet School at a young age. Her dance studies took her across the country as she studied locally then with David Howard in Massachusetts and at Stony Brook University in New York, before returning to the Pacific Northwest and obtaining a minor in dance from University of Washington. Christina has been teaching and choreographing various styles of dance since her early teens, working with all ages from the youngest pre-dance students through high schoolers and adults. One of her greatest delights has always been inspiring young dancers to grow in confidence, freedom of movement, and joy. There are few things in life as rewarding as watching that transformation, and being present to the moments when a dancer reaches a new milestone or realization. She hopes that joy radiates through her teaching.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Christina will be teaching: 

• Wednesday 5pm Pre Dance Plus
• Wednesday 6pm Ballet 1

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Logan grew up in Lynnwood, Washington learning Hip Hop and other styles from different studios and instructors in the area. During his 4 years studying Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University, he danced with the Gonzaga Bomb Squad at basketball games and taught weekly Hip Hop classes at a local studio in Spokane. He has been dancing for 10 years and choreographing/teaching Hip Hop for 5 years.  

When Logan isn’t dancing, he works as an Engineer-in-Training at a utility during the week and volunteers as a DeafBlind tactile ASL interpreter at mass during the weekends.  

Logan is also interested in board games, sustainability, personal investing, nutrition and fitness. He is so excited to share his unique style and dance experience with Reflections School of Dance.

For 2024-25 school year Mr. Logan will be teaching: 

• Monday 4:30pm Kids Hip Hop 1
• Monday 5:30pm Kids Hip Hop 1&2
• Monday 6:30pm Kids Hip Hop 2&3  

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Eleanor Johnson began dancing in preschool, and this will be her 9th year here at Reflections. She has taken a range of classes including ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, acro and hip hop. Eleanor has been a member of Reflections dance teams for 7 years and is currently on Emerge Dance Company. 

Eleanor has found dance to be a very important part of her life over the years, her love of dance only continues to grow with age. She finds the studio as a space to let go of any stress and have a safe space to move and create art. Eleanor’s goal as a teacher is to show others the joy dance can bring into one’s life and the amazing friends it comes along with. 

She is currently a senior at Glacier Peak High School. Outside of the studio she is a Girl Scout, dedicated student, enjoys reading, and spending time with her friends and family. 

For 2023-24 school year Miss Eleanor will be teaching: 

• Monday 3:30pm Creative Dance
• Monday 4pm Intro to Hip Hop
• Thursday 4pm Creative Dance
• Thursday 4:30pm Ballet/Jazz/Tap Combo

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 Miss Helen grew up in Greece where dance and the Arts  played a big role in her life from early childhood. She started dancing at age 3 and was primary taught at the Katsenou Dance School in Patras Greece. Ballet stole her heart which was her focus for 13 continuous years. She is also a trained dancer in Traditional Greek Dancing and has had training in modern dance and Hula. If she wasn’t in the dance studio she could be found in the Olympic Sized Pool with her Competitive Swim Team. Singing was and is a big part of her life. She has a BA from the University of Washington where she studied Opera Performing Arts. She also studied Psychology and has a Human Resources Certification from UW. She is currently a member of the Mill Creek Choral which is a community choir performing regularly. Helen is married and has 2 daughters who also share her love for dancing and singing. She continues to work in early childhood education teaching at a private Preschool and enjoys working with children and loves witnessing their growth.

Dancing ballet evokes such emotion and I consider myself to be a technical dancer so teaching proper technique is very important to me. Once a dancer has a solid foundation of technique this will not only help improve their dance moves but it also prevents injuries. Two large parts of ballet technique are balance  and flexibility which are important to have and can be applied to all dance forms and sports. Above all dancing should be fun and my hope is for our dancers to feel like they are part of a dance family and community.

Kids are a gift from God and it is such a privilege to be given the opportunity to teach your child here at Reflections School of Dance. 

For 2024-25 school year Miss Helen will be teaching: 

• Friday 4:30 Ballet/Tap/Jazz
• Friday 5:30pm Intro to Dance
• Friday 6pm Creative Dance
• Friday 6:30pm Pre-Dance
• Saturday 9:45am Intro to Dance
• Saturday 10:15am Creative Dance
• Saturday 10:45am Pre Dance
• Saturday 11:45am Creative
• Saturday 12:15pm Pre Dance

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Miss Rachel has danced for over twenty years, starting at the age of 3 at Mountlake Terrace Dance Academy. She’s taken advanced classes in ballet, jazz, lyrical and tap - jazz being her favorite. In high school, Miss Rachel was a Varsity cheerleader, then began coaching cheerleading at her Alma Mater while in college. She also coached and choreographed for her former dance team, and completed a variety of advanced dance and ballroom courses in college. Dance will forever be Miss Rachel’s passion and she hopes to share the same love of dance, and the relationships it brings, with all her students.  

Miss Rachel lives in Mill Creek with her husband and 2 year old son. She spends her days with her active toddler - cooking, reading, playing outdoors, and of course, dancing.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Rachel will be teaching: 

• Wednesday 7pm Cheer
• Wednesday 8pm Jazz Teen/Adult  

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Savannah's history with dance starts long before she was born. Her aunt convinced her dad to take tap and eventually teach at Barclay Shelton Dance Center. Her parents then met in her dad's tap class. She grew up dancing with her parents, cousins, aunt and uncle, and for a short time, her brother. Her dance training landed her a performance role at Disney World.   She is very grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to sharing her love and passion for dance. 

For 2023-24 school year Miss Savannah will be teaching: 

• Friday 6:30pm Tap
• Friday 7:30pm Tap

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With over 25 years of experience, Miss Jodi currently serves as the office manager, registrar, and dance instructor, adept in styles such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and more. Former owner of of Tenney Mountain Dance Academy in Plymouth, N.H. and a past teacher at Reflections School of Dance, she started her journey at Capital City Dance Center under the guidance of the esteemed Pam “PJ” White. Jodi further honed her skills with legends like Al Gilbert and Daryl Retter, also pursuing her passion at Plymouth State University.

She's made significant contributions to dance communities in New Hampshire, Alaska, and Washington, constantly growing as an instructor and artist. In recent times, Jodi has delved into choreography, particularly blending various dance styles for Musical Theatre programs. Renowned for her dedication, distinct teaching method, and inspirational prowess, Jodi's influence on the dance world and her students is both significant and lasting.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Jodi will be teaching: 

• Tuesday 8pm Adult Tap
• Friday 4:30pm Ballet/Tap/Jazz

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Elena Edstrom began dancing at Reflections in preschool, and this will be her 11th year. She has taken a range of classes: ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip hop. She has been on the dance teams for 7 years and is currently on Emerge Dance Company.

Dancing has been very important in Elena’s life, and she hopes to not only teach what she’s learned, but also spread the joy of dance that everyone should experience.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Elena will be teaching: 

• Saturday 9:30am Creative Dance
• Saturday 10am Pre Dance
• Saturday 11am Ballet 1-2
• Saturday 12pm Jazz/Hip Hop

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Noelle has been dancing for 14 years and grew up dancing at Reflections. She has taken a range of classes including ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. Noelle has danced with the Emerge Dance company, on Reflections Dance teams, and is currently the captain of the Jackson High School Dance team, which competes around Washington State. She will be a senior at Jackson High School, and outside the studio, enjoys spending time with friends, attending sporting events, and babysitting

Noelle has found dance to be one of the most rewarding things in life, and sees it as a stress-relieving and creative outlet. As a teacher, Noelle’s goal is to be welcoming and encouraging, and to bring the love of dance to a student’s life.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Noelle will be teaching: 

• Monday 4pm Intro to Hip Hop
• Wednesday 4pm Pre Dance
• Thursday 4pm Kids Hip Hop 1

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Areanna's journey in dance began at the age of 5, blossoming into a lifelong passion. Starting with ballet, she has since trained in hip-hop, modern, and jazz, showcasing her versatility and dedication. In high school, Areanna danced with Northwest Dance and Acro, captivating audiences with her dynamic hip-hop routines. After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued her dance education at Reflections School of Dance and Westlake Dance Center.

In October 2023, Areanna's pursuit of excellence led her to achieve her lifelong dream of dancing at the prestigious Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, California. In addition to her impressive performance credentials, Areanna shares her expertise as a teacher and choreographer at Reflections School of Dance. Her award-winning choreography has been celebrated for its creativity and impact, inspiring students and audiences alike.

For 2024-25 school year Miss Areanna will be teaching: 

• Monday 8pm Hip Hop

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