The Hopkins Staff
Leslie J. Daly
Leslie Daly began her training working with Gus Giadono in Chicago and has continued studies in New York City with David Howard, Finis Jhung, and Ted Kivitt.
As a teacher and adjudicator, she travels through out the United States teaching master classes in ballet technique. She is much requested as judge at many national competitions. Leslie teaches ballet classes at several local studios.
Leslie is a favorite among teachers and dancers for her "down to earth" teaching approach and positive attitude. She brings joy and enthusiasm to learning ballet.
As the artistic director of HOPKINS DANCE CENTER, Leslie has developed the reputation of "the Ballet studio" in Minneapolis.
Many students have been accepted to dance schools, and received scholarships as dance majors all over the country. Several students have gone on to become teachers or professional performers.
Sarah Petrich
Sarah has been a dance instructor for over ten years and is an award winning choreographer. She has taught several styles of dance including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical / contemporary, and hip hop. Her classes focus on technique, musicality, and performance as well as the enjoyment and appreciation for dance. As a physical therapist with a background in exercise science, she also incorporates her knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics to enhance technique and to prevent injury.
Sarah began dancing over 20 years ago training at Butterfield Gallery of Dance and Hopkins Dance Center. As a competitive dancer, she earned several scholarships that allowed her to train at Zenon, Tremaine Dance Center, and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles.
Sarah has a Masters and Doctorate of Physical Therapy with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science. She is also currently working on her certifications in Pilates and Postural Restoration. She is a physical therapist at TRIA Orthopaedics and manages their Dance Medicine Program. She also works as a Pilates instructor at Studio U. She is a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) and Minnesota Dance Medicine (MDM) where she promotes dance health and injury prevention through research and community education.
Allison Doughty
After training at Hopkins Dance Center, Allison went on to study as a dance major at Oklahoma City University and in the scholarship programs at Steps on Broadway and Giordano Dance Center in Chicago.
Allison has performed with Broadway Dance Center in New York City, the American Spirit Dance Company at Oklahoma City University, Zenon Dance Company, the Choreographers Showcase at the University of Minnestoa, Planet Vegas with J. Donofrio Products, and at Mystic Lake Casino.
As a teacher, Allison specializes in lyrical and contemporary dance. She has also introduced the popular "core and strength conditioning" for dancers and for adults into the Hopkins Dance curriculum.
Judi Olson
Judi, a native instructor and choreographer of Minneapolis, MN has been recognized nationally for her ability to bring the physical form to emotion and communication.
Her students have accomplished numerous goals. They have been acknowledged for excellence with consistent high point awards, awarded scholarships to conventions, professional schools and colleges.
Her influence has lead many of her students to seek professional careers. They can be seen performing and teaching in various venues locally, as well as across the country. Her signature style of teaching is inspirational and comprehensive.
Stephanie Pivec
Alison Hoyhtya
Mary Pivec
Guest Instructors
Michelle Lucci
Former Prima Ballerina of the American Ballet Theater & International Guest Artist
Whether performing the classics or contemporary works, Michelle Lucci's versatile dancing and exceptional technique have earned her renown as one of the finest ballerinas in the world. As gentle as she is demanding, she brings the experience of years of dancing with the American Ballet Theater, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Milwaukee Ballet. Most recently, Ms. Lucci was the ballet mistress with Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Phantom of the Opera" touring company.
Ted Kivitt
Former Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theater & International Guest Artist
Mr. Kivitt, a native of Florida, joined Amercian Ballet Theatre and within six years he rose from the corps to the ranks of Soloist and Principal Dancer. He performed all over the United States and internationally as a noted classical dancer in the ballets Swan Lake and Giselle among others, and partnered ballerinas Cynthia Gregory, Eleanor d'Antuono, Lupe Serrano, Carla Fracci and Natalia Makarova. He performed on television and at the White House for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson as well as a command performance for President Carter. Following his ABT career Mr. Kivitt performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet where he met and married the prima ballerina Michelle Lucci. He was Artistic Director of the Milwaukee Ballet where he brought more than 50 of the worlds finest works from the classical, contemporary, modern and Americana repertories to the Company. He has also served on national dance panels for Dance USA and the National Endowment for the Arts. Ted has always had an exceptionally strong technique. For example, in the leading role in Lander's Etudes in the finale he has been known to execute the phenomenal number of eight double tours en l'air without preparation. "In addition to brilliant technique there is a particular honesty to his dancing that is most endearing."
Desiree Robbins
Master Teacher, Choreographer, Performer
Desiree Robbins is an internationally recognized dance educator, choreographer and performer. Along with her association with Tremaine Dance Conventions, she has taught at The Millennium in Los Angeles, University of California Irvine, University of Arizona, and is a sought after master teacher all over the United States reaching well over 100,000 students per year. She is currently a choreographer for the NFL Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, the NBA Sacramento Kings Dancers, has done work for the "Gypsy" awards, TV segments with Merv Griffin and Jay Leno, and LA based dance Shows (National Dance Week with Debbie Allen). Recently in New York, she worked with Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk), Haley Eisenberg (Pepsi commercials) at the Michael Awards to raise money for children's cancer research. Performance highlights include the TV shows "Breakthru", "Eerie Tales", "24/7", "Star Search", and Disney's Videopolis show. Her newest venture is her highly successful web-site, DEZWORLD.COM, where dancers and teachers alike can find all sorts of dance related activities and products. Desiree's personal magnetism, high energy, and innovative choreography have put her at the forefront of the contemporary dance field.
Phillip Carman
Mr. Carman began his professional career with a Ford Foundation scholarship and ballet studies at American Ballet Theatre. Following a performing career at Pennsynlvania Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Les Grands Ballets Canadians and Tanz Project Munchen in Germany, Mr. Carman returned to the United States and began teaching and coaching.
Mr. Carman has taught classical and contemporary ballet, modern and jazz technique with studios and dance companies internationally. Three of his former students are gold medal winners in International Ballet Competitions, with many other students now dancing profesionally.
Mr. Carman served as Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer for the Maryland Ballet for eight years. Other major teaching credits include Miami City Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Palm Beach Ballet Center, Boca Ballet, the Benjamin School, and many regional ballet schools through the U.S.
Marion Tonner
Ms Tonner was formerly a Principal Teacher at Miami City Ballet and Boston Ballet and set Balanchine repertory for Miami City Ballet. She the attended the Royal Academy in London. She was Ballet Mistress for Maryland Ballet. She taught at Central Pennyslvania Youth Ballet for 23 years.Kim Borgaro
Kim Borgaro is a well know choreographer and instructor who brings a long list of credits to her teaching resume! She has worked with, and appeared in national commercials and videos with Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, B.B. King just to name a few. As a member of the Lula Washington Dance Theater, she appeared in the 2000 Emmy Awards. She has performed all over the world including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, ”Reunion” at the House of Blues (LA), Los Angeles Kaleidoscope Dance Festival, International Blacks in Dance Conference 2000 , and several choreographers showcases in Los Angeles. She has appeared in several theater productions throughout the country including “Waiting for Godot“ and “Company“. Kim currently teaches and resides in Los Angeles and is in high demand for master classes around the world. She is currently one of the top dance competition adjudicators on the circuit today. Kim’s high energy classes provide the balance of strong technique and innovative choreography.