Dancers
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Robert Wesner
Artistic Director
Bobby first performed at his church choir as a boy. Before any official training
in anything he would put on performances for his fathers barnyard animals singing
anything they would request. They later returned the favor by winning him Grand
Champion Market Hog in the Ashland County Fair! The money earned would afford him
an audition tour, which would prove quite profitable career wise. During his Fair
going days, he also ran into the dedicated and talented Hellie Schussler who taught
him to dance and encouraged and nurtured a hidden artist to explore the craft of
choreography at a very young age. This, as well as many other opportunities of leadership,
led to a very fast rise in the professional world. Bobby's hog money scored him
a job with Ballet Arizona, under the direction of Michael Uthoff (now Ib Anderson).
During his stay in Phoenix, he had the honor of working with American Classics such
as Fredrick Franklin, Daniel Ezralow, Moses Pendelton of Momix, the Artistic Directors
of Pilobolus, Kevin O'Day, Jowali Willa Jo Zolar of Urban Bush Woman, and his wife
Brooke Wesner. Other great masterpieces that Wesner has performed are the "Profiteer"
in The Greentable by Kurt Josse; "Iago" in The Moore's Pavone by Jose Limon; "Tico"
in Company B by Paul Taylor, (also in Taylor's Esplanade); two works of Anthony
Tudor: Lilac Garden and Leaves are Fading; and The Jester in Earnst Uthoff's Carmina
Burana. Wesner has traveled with Ballet Arizona to perform in Caracas, Venezuela;
Breckonridge, Colorado; and Long Beach, California. Independently, Wesner has traveled
and performed with various companies all over the northeast region of the US and
in Italy. He also took the opportunity to sing in nightclubs while vacationing in
Bangkok and at Club Met in Tahiti! Bobby is the father of two beautiful daughters,
Genevieve and Ella. The Wesners live in Ashland, Ohio and are involved in much of
the dance activity that happens in North Central Ohio including Verb Ballets, Ashland
Regional Ballet, and Dancing Wheels. Bobby is also Interim Artistic Director of
Ashland Regional Ballet. He has maintained a choreographic relationship with the
Phoenix Symphony Orchestra for over seven years and is always happy and challenged
returning to the stage under the baton of Robert Moody. Wesner has choreographed
on Ballet Arizona, Semaphor DanceWorks, Ashland Regional Ballet, Neos Dance Theatre,
Verb Ballets, and Dancing Wheels. He is credited in the creation process of Opus
Cactus, choreographed by Moses Pendelton.
Artistic Director
Bobby first performed at his church choir as a boy. Before any official training
in anything he would put on performances for his fathers barnyard animals singing
anything they would request. They later returned the favor by winning him Grand
Champion Market Hog in the Ashland County Fair! The money earned would afford him
an audition tour, which would prove quite profitable career wise. During his Fair
going days, he also ran into the dedicated and talented Hellie Schussler who taught
him to dance and encouraged and nurtured a hidden artist to explore the craft of
choreography at a very young age. This, as well as many other opportunities of leadership,
led to a very fast rise in the professional world. Bobby's hog money scored him
a job with Ballet Arizona, under the direction of Michael Uthoff (now Ib Anderson).
During his stay in Phoenix, he had the honor of working with American Classics such
as Fredrick Franklin, Daniel Ezralow, Moses Pendelton of Momix, the Artistic Directors
of Pilobolus, Kevin O'Day, Jowali Willa Jo Zolar of Urban Bush Woman, and his wife
Brooke Wesner. Other great masterpieces that Wesner has performed are the "Profiteer"
in The Greentable by Kurt Josse; "Iago" in The Moore's Pavone by Jose Limon; "Tico"
in Company B by Paul Taylor, (also in Taylor's Esplanade); two works of Anthony
Tudor: Lilac Garden and Leaves are Fading; and The Jester in Earnst Uthoff's Carmina
Burana. Wesner has traveled with Ballet Arizona to perform in Caracas, Venezuela;
Breckonridge, Colorado; and Long Beach, California. Independently, Wesner has traveled
and performed with various companies all over the northeast region of the US and
in Italy. He also took the opportunity to sing in nightclubs while vacationing in
Bangkok and at Club Met in Tahiti! Bobby is the father of two beautiful daughters,
Genevieve and Ella. The Wesners live in Ashland, Ohio and are involved in much of
the dance activity that happens in North Central Ohio including Verb Ballets, Ashland
Regional Ballet, and Dancing Wheels. Bobby is also Interim Artistic Director of
Ashland Regional Ballet. He has maintained a choreographic relationship with the
Phoenix Symphony Orchestra for over seven years and is always happy and challenged
returning to the stage under the baton of Robert Moody. Wesner has choreographed
on Ballet Arizona, Semaphor DanceWorks, Ashland Regional Ballet, Neos Dance Theatre,
Verb Ballets, and Dancing Wheels. He is credited in the creation process of Opus
Cactus, choreographed by Moses Pendelton.
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Brooke Wesner
Brooke started dance at the ripe old age of three! She too found and studied under
Schussler for her pre-professional training. Her presence on stage has been said
to offer "lyrical melodrama" and "a most prominent…elegance"(The Arizona Republic
and the Arizona Daily Star). Her natural ability to emote reinforced her performance
based training, giving her an opportunity to explore leading roles from a very young
age. After studying with master teachers such as Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia
McBride, and Basil Thompson, Brooke accepted work with the Milwaukee Ballet. During
her stay, she performed Michael Smuin's the Tempest; Balanchine's Serenade, and
more. Brooke then moved to Ballet Arizona to dance many principal and soloist roles.
Some of the highlights of her stay in Phoenix were dancing the "Snow Queen" in Ib
Anderson's the Nutcracker. Her long lines and flexibility served for a beautiful
"Arabian" and "Dark Angel" in Balanchine's Serenade. Brooke performed in Paul Taylor's
Company B; a Soloist in Giselle; the Greentable by Kurt Josse; "Desdemona" in Jose
Limon's The Moore's Pavon; Lady Lost Found by Danny Ezralow; the original "Bird"
in Moses Pendelton's Opus Cactus; HELLBLONDEGROOVE by Kevin O'Day; a "Saloon Girl"
in Billy the Kid (while six months pregnant); and Apollo by Balanchine. She has
guessed with Momix in an international tour where she performed for the President
of Italy and shared the stage with James Taylor. Brooke has appeared many times
with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra as a guest artist and with the Arizona Opera
in their Aida. Her performance quality and technical stamina has intensified now
that she is a mother of two and wife to Bobby. Though her focus has changed she
remains dedicated to the vision of Neos Dance Theatre and is a valuable asset to
its success.
Brooke started dance at the ripe old age of three! She too found and studied under
Schussler for her pre-professional training. Her presence on stage has been said
to offer "lyrical melodrama" and "a most prominent…elegance"(The Arizona Republic
and the Arizona Daily Star). Her natural ability to emote reinforced her performance
based training, giving her an opportunity to explore leading roles from a very young
age. After studying with master teachers such as Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia
McBride, and Basil Thompson, Brooke accepted work with the Milwaukee Ballet. During
her stay, she performed Michael Smuin's the Tempest; Balanchine's Serenade, and
more. Brooke then moved to Ballet Arizona to dance many principal and soloist roles.
Some of the highlights of her stay in Phoenix were dancing the "Snow Queen" in Ib
Anderson's the Nutcracker. Her long lines and flexibility served for a beautiful
"Arabian" and "Dark Angel" in Balanchine's Serenade. Brooke performed in Paul Taylor's
Company B; a Soloist in Giselle; the Greentable by Kurt Josse; "Desdemona" in Jose
Limon's The Moore's Pavon; Lady Lost Found by Danny Ezralow; the original "Bird"
in Moses Pendelton's Opus Cactus; HELLBLONDEGROOVE by Kevin O'Day; a "Saloon Girl"
in Billy the Kid (while six months pregnant); and Apollo by Balanchine. She has
guessed with Momix in an international tour where she performed for the President
of Italy and shared the stage with James Taylor. Brooke has appeared many times
with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra as a guest artist and with the Arizona Opera
in their Aida. Her performance quality and technical stamina has intensified now
that she is a mother of two and wife to Bobby. Though her focus has changed she
remains dedicated to the vision of Neos Dance Theatre and is a valuable asset to
its success.
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Sarah Cyders
Sarah joins Neos Dance Theatre after extensive training and schooling at Point Park
University where she received her BFA in Dance. Her natural ability to embrace many
styles is one of the biggest assets she brings to her dancing. She too grew up training
at Opus II dance Studio under Hellie Schussler and reaped the benefits of many performance
opportunities from a very young age. Her dedication to dance and her beautiful quality
of movement were obvious in her young portrayal of "Clara" in Ashland Regional Ballets
the Nutcracker. Other performance opportunities for Sarah came through Regional
Dance America where she performed the principal role of Wesner’s Four Dances for
Women in Boston, Massachusetts; where it was said "Sarah…stretched my artistic imagination
to its furthest" (Richard Dickinson). After high school, Sarah was welcomed into
the dance department at Point Park College. While there, she danced many great things
including Parson’s comic Envelope. Upon graduation, Sarah returned to Ashland Regional
Ballet to help head up an ambitious outreach program based on reaching and educating
rural Ohio about dance and ballet. She also accepted an invitation to teach dance
at Ashland University for the Musical Theatre Department, as well as return to Opus
II as a staff member teaching modern, ballet, and jazz, as her versatility easily
allows her to do. Sarah is newlywed to Scott Cyders and resides in Ashland, Ohio.
Sarah joins Neos Dance Theatre after extensive training and schooling at Point Park
University where she received her BFA in Dance. Her natural ability to embrace many
styles is one of the biggest assets she brings to her dancing. She too grew up training
at Opus II dance Studio under Hellie Schussler and reaped the benefits of many performance
opportunities from a very young age. Her dedication to dance and her beautiful quality
of movement were obvious in her young portrayal of "Clara" in Ashland Regional Ballets
the Nutcracker. Other performance opportunities for Sarah came through Regional
Dance America where she performed the principal role of Wesner’s Four Dances for
Women in Boston, Massachusetts; where it was said "Sarah…stretched my artistic imagination
to its furthest" (Richard Dickinson). After high school, Sarah was welcomed into
the dance department at Point Park College. While there, she danced many great things
including Parson’s comic Envelope. Upon graduation, Sarah returned to Ashland Regional
Ballet to help head up an ambitious outreach program based on reaching and educating
rural Ohio about dance and ballet. She also accepted an invitation to teach dance
at Ashland University for the Musical Theatre Department, as well as return to Opus
II as a staff member teaching modern, ballet, and jazz, as her versatility easily
allows her to do. Sarah is newlywed to Scott Cyders and resides in Ashland, Ohio.
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Kari Nikolaus
Kari is a phenomenal diversity of dance. She has performed with Neos Dance Theatre
its inception. She started dancing at a very young age at Opus II to become one
of their child prodigies. Kari then went to Cleveland to study with the School of
Cleveland Ballet, and shortly after performed with the Cleveland/San Jose Ballet.
After her early professional experience, Kari went to Kent State University to attain
a BFA in Dance. Upon graduation Kari danced with Gus Giordano Dance Company and
received the honor of working with Gus himself. Now Kari lives in Mifflin, Ohio
with her husband Brian and there dog, frequently working with Neos Dance Theatre,
Ashland Regional Ballet, and teaching at Opus II Dance Studio.
Kari is a phenomenal diversity of dance. She has performed with Neos Dance Theatre
its inception. She started dancing at a very young age at Opus II to become one
of their child prodigies. Kari then went to Cleveland to study with the School of
Cleveland Ballet, and shortly after performed with the Cleveland/San Jose Ballet.
After her early professional experience, Kari went to Kent State University to attain
a BFA in Dance. Upon graduation Kari danced with Gus Giordano Dance Company and
received the honor of working with Gus himself. Now Kari lives in Mifflin, Ohio
with her husband Brian and there dog, frequently working with Neos Dance Theatre,
Ashland Regional Ballet, and teaching at Opus II Dance Studio.
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Gabrielle Smith
Gabrielle adds a rich quality of movement to Neos Dance
Theatre. She has danced with the company for almost two years and has recently returned
to the stage after having her first child, Elizabeth. She and her husband BJ reside
in Mansfield, Ohio. Gabrielle started to dance with Hellie Schussler an early age
as well and spent her formative years at Opus II Dance Studio. She also studied
with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi at their summer intensive. One of
the highlights of Gabrielle’s career was a tour to Africa with a liturgical dance
troupe. She performed for and with the native tribes of the area she visited, as
well as going on a safari! Gabrielle has toured to Israel for the Feast of the Tabernacle.
Gabrielle has much to offer in the world of dance and Neos Dance Theatre is proud
to have her as one of our dancers.
Gabrielle adds a rich quality of movement to Neos Dance
Theatre. She has danced with the company for almost two years and has recently returned
to the stage after having her first child, Elizabeth. She and her husband BJ reside
in Mansfield, Ohio. Gabrielle started to dance with Hellie Schussler an early age
as well and spent her formative years at Opus II Dance Studio. She also studied
with Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, Mississippi at their summer intensive. One of
the highlights of Gabrielle’s career was a tour to Africa with a liturgical dance
troupe. She performed for and with the native tribes of the area she visited, as
well as going on a safari! Gabrielle has toured to Israel for the Feast of the Tabernacle.
Gabrielle has much to offer in the world of dance and Neos Dance Theatre is proud
to have her as one of our dancers.
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Julie Jefferson
Julie is a junior at Ashland University working toward a major in English. She has danced with Ashland Regional Ballet for 5 years performing roles that include the "Flower Queen" and "Clara" in the Nutcracker; the "Serpent" in Wesner's The Fall; Gaite Parisian; and Die Fledermous. Julie has begun her Freelance dance career as well performing with Central Ohio Youth Ballet in the beautifully restored Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio and with Neos Dance Theatre. Julie's focus is upon her studies but her natural ability to capture the essence of any movement allows her to easily maintain and add to any performance.
Julie is a junior at Ashland University working toward a major in English. She has danced with Ashland Regional Ballet for 5 years performing roles that include the "Flower Queen" and "Clara" in the Nutcracker; the "Serpent" in Wesner's The Fall; Gaite Parisian; and Die Fledermous. Julie has begun her Freelance dance career as well performing with Central Ohio Youth Ballet in the beautifully restored Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio and with Neos Dance Theatre. Julie's focus is upon her studies but her natural ability to capture the essence of any movement allows her to easily maintain and add to any performance.
