The DanceXpress Dance Studio

At The DanceXpress, the teachers believe in continuing their own dance education as a way of keeping their teaching fresh, correct, and FUN!  We encourage our more serious students to attend workshops and dance performances during the season.  They have recently performed at an area senior apartments complex, and participated in CNADM’s student competition. Our teachers have been promoting dance in Arlington Heights and other surrounding communities such as Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Mount Prospect, as well as other of Chicago's nothwest suburbs.

SOPHIA RITCHEY: Ms Sophia is Owner and Director of The DanceXpress Dance Studio (which opened in 1986 as Dorene’s DanceXpress – under the direction of Dorene Wackerfuss). Sophia started dance lessons at age 5 with Bonath Twins and has been teaching, choreographing, and performing ever since. Sophia graduated from Northern Illinois University, where she performed in residence and on tour with Northern Dance Theater. With a B.A. degree in theater dance, she has been teaching a wide variety of dance for over 20 years (many of those years right here with Ms Dorene). She earned her CDE through CNADM (Chicago National Association of Dance Masters) in 2005 and has been an active member since 1995.

DORENE WACKERFUSS: Ms. Dorene. founded Dorene’s DanceXpress School of Dance in 1986, which then became The DanceXpress Dance Studio in 2004. She started dance lessons at age three with Evelyn Lare in Chicago and has more than thirty years experience teaching a wide variety of dance forms. Professionally she appeared in Jimmy Durante's club act and with the Athens Civic Ballet. In addition, she has choreographed many musicals and revues for local theater groups. Dorene holds her MDE through CNADM and has been an active member for over 25 years.  She is a graduate of Northwestern IL University.

MARGIE DZIADZKA: Ms. Margie is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and has a broad background in musical theater.  She has served as a choreographer and musical director for many productions. Margie is a member of the renowned Spanish Dance Company, Teresa y los Preferidos and performs throughout the Chicagoland area. She is also a member of CNADM.

MARYANN OBERSCHMIED: Ms. MaryAnn graduated with a minor in dance from Northeastern Illinois University. She began her dancing career at age 6 with Evelyn Lare (and Ms. Dorene was assistant teacher!). MaryAnn also performs regularly with Teresa y los Preferidos. She introduces our youngest students to the world of performing arts and offers her older students an abundance of experience.

JILL KARMANN: Ms Jill is a graduate of Western Michigan University with over 15 years teaching experience and continues her education by attending CNADM workshops. She has a wide range of dance training and is accomplished in both her choreography and performance background. Jill is in her sixth year here at The DanceXpress and is a valued member of our dance family.

BRITTANY CEDERBERG: Ms. Brittany is a recent graduate of Illinois State University where she performed with the ISU Dance Ensamble. She has a wide range of dance experience, including: master classes, choregraphy classes, and technique classes. Brittany is also a past member of Wheeling HS Orchesis. Brittany has a wide range of performance and dance experience, including: master classes, choreography classes, and technique classes.

COLLEEN WELCH: Ms. Colleen is the newest member of the DanceXpress family. She is a recent graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Kinesiology/Contemporary Dance. She is a certified Pilates Instructor and a Certified Personal Trainer. Before attending IU she trained at The Dance Company in Indianapolis with Diane Gudat (CNADM). Colleen has performed with the Indianapolis Children’s Dance League and received the Young Choreographer of the Year Award in 2008. Currently she is an intern with Inaside Chicago Dance (Phil Wackerfuss), continues her training at Lou Conte Dance Studio, and is a guest choreographer for the Indianapolis Children’s Dance League. We extend a warm welcome!