Faculty

Noelle Reese

Ms. Reese teaches master classes and adjudicates competitions around the country. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts/Dance and is also a certified yoga instructor. Noelle has danced a variety of roles in classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Les Sylphides, Giselle, Raymonda, La Bayadere and The Nutcracker along with numerous original ballet and contemporary works.

Ms. Reese has choreographed and acted as dance consultant for several independent films, expos and photo shoots, as well as producing original works for companies and studios. She has appeared in campaigns for companies including Anheuser-Busch and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

As an instructor she has seen her students accepted to prestigious scholarship and summer programs and go on to work professionally not only as concert dancers in the U.S. and Europe but in Broadway shows including "Legally Blonde", "Bring It On" and "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" and movies like "High School Musical 3", "Step Up:Revolution" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Students from DA are regularly accepted to prestigious programs including Bolshi, Kirov, PNB, The Rock School, CPYB, Butler, Sarasota Ballet, Houston Ballet and Orlando Ballet.

Ninel Cherevko

Ninel Cherevko was born and studied ballet in Ukraine. During her years as a student, one of her teachers was a direct student of legendary A. Vaganova. Upon graduation, she joined Lviv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and continued her dancing career in Ukraine, and later at Moscow City Ballet. Ninel has performed in many tours, galas, and festivals in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her repertoire included most of the great classical ballets, where she performed principal roles in La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Esmeralda, Nutcracker, Don-Quixote, Swan Lake, Chopiniana, and Giselle, as well as other classical and contemporary ballets.

Subsequently, Ms. Cherevko moved to the United States where she continued to perform while starting to share her knowledge and expertise as a teacher and choreographer. Since 1999, beginning at the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Ms. Cherevko has been intensively teaching and coaching in the Baltimore-Washington DC Metropolitan area, including at one of the most distinguished schools in the United States, the Kirov Academy of Washington DC. She also guest-teaches in the Mid-Atlantic region. Ninel is also involved in staging and choreographing full-length ballets, including The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, as well as other productions. She has also choreographed for competitions.

Since 2000, her students have successfully performed in and received top awards at world-renowned competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix (Grand Prix in Senior Division, Hope Award, 1st place in every category), USA International Ballet Competition (Jackson, USA), WBAC, ADC/IBC International Ballet Competition, and other competitions. Many of these students continue their professional careers in ballet companies and top universities all over the United States. Ms. Cherevko was accorded the Best Teacher Award at WBAC Grand Prix in 2018 and 2019, and the Outstanding Teacher/Faculty Award at YAGP 2022.

Dmitri Malikov

Mr. Malikov was a soloist and principal dancer with several Eastern European ballet companies and United States. He has performed numerous principal roles in most famous classical and contemporary works by some of the most recognized world choreographers, including Prince Siegfried (Swan Lake), The Nutcracker Prince (The Nutcracker), Franz (Coppelia), Phoebus (La Esmeralda), Solor (La Bayadere). In 1999, Dmitri moved to Baltimore-Washington area and joined Ballet Theatre of MD Company and school.

Dmitri is affiliated with Carroll County Dance Center and Ballet Conservatory, Sudbrook Magnet School, The Dance Academy in Severna Park, Stageworkz, Baltimore Ballet Company and Olney Ballet Theatre. In 2010, Dmitri joined faculty of Baltimore School for the Arts. He is also on staff at Mid-Atlantic Center for the Performing Art. His students are successfully performing and competing in various competitions (Youth America Grand Prix 2008, 2012 and 2020 Gold medalist winners, 2022 Grand Prix award winner). In 2014 his student was selected to participate in International Ballet Competition (Jackson, MS). In 2018 Mr. Malikov received “Best Teacher” award on WBAC GrandPrix competition (New York), in 2022 “Best Teacher” award YAGP Pittsburgh.

Since 2004, Mr. Malikov has served as artistic director of Chesapeake Ballet Company, staging and choreographing two full length productions per year, managing groups of over one hundred children, adults, stage crew and volunteers.

Samantha Lucas

Samantha began her training at Rose Marie Floyd's Contemporary Civic Ballet in her hometown of Royal Oak, MI. Here she studied the Cecchetti Method, passing with high marks up through grade 7, performed lead roles with the Company and was also part of the teaching staff.

Samantha earned a scholarship to Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts where she earned her BA in Performing Arts/Dance. During her time here she had the opportunity to perform original contemporary ballet choreography by Peter Merz as well as a variety of classical works.

Upon graduation, Samantha joined Ballet Theatre of Maryland as an apprentice. While at MBT she was on faculty with the associated ballet school. In 2018 Samantha was appointed to Rehearsal Assistant for the professional company and was also promoted to Principal dancer. In this capacity, she prepared for lead roles in the classical repertory and original works while also coaching company soloists and corps de ballet members. Samantha retired from MBT after the 2020 season and is thrilled to join the Faculty at The Dance Academy.

Samantha’s focus in the classroom is to foster a positive and supportive environment for students to not only learn ballet technique and discipline but also problem-solving skills, confidence and self-discovery.

Rachael Scaringe

Rachael Scaringe-Thomas is a native to Maryland. As an AACC alumna, she earned her associate degree in dance, and studied under the direction of Lynda P. Fitzgerald for over seven years. Her choreography was performed at American College Dance Festivals and Maryland Council for Dance. While at AACC, she studied with Megan Morse Jans, Torens Johnson, and Vincent Thomas. Scaringe-Thomas went on to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from University of Maryland University College.

She danced professionally with Jane Franklin Dance Company for several years, and guest accompanied Dragonfly Dance. During her time in Virginia with Jane Franklin, she performed at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington D.C., Atlas Dance, Arlington County Schools, and Intersections Dance Festival. Scaringe-Thomas has taught and choreographed over the last 12 years in Maryland, D.C, And Virginia. She has taught at Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Misako Ballet Studio, and The Dance Academy in Severna Park.

As a guest choreographer, she has has choreography for over 45 different schools for the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Her pieces have been accepted into the Maryland State Dance Festival and Gala. She also has served as an adjudicator for the Maryland State Dance Festival and AACPS Performing & Visual Arts Programs. Scaringe-Thomas has a passion for teaching and sharing the love of dance with her students.

Sarah Cox

Sarah was born and raised in Severna Park, MD. She has been dancing since age 5. She is trained in the Cecchetti and Vaganova Ballet techniques, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Yoga, and AcroArts. She has performed classical ballets, contemporary and musical theater pieces, and attended various workshops and summer intensives with the Chesapeake Ballet Company, the American College of Dance Association, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Ballet Magnificat!, American Repertory Ballet, and more.

In Spring 2018, she graduated from Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in Dance. Sarah holds a Acrobatic Arts Module 2 and is certified through certified Pre-professional Level 3. She has been a choreographer for Mountain City Center for the Arts, Mt. Savage Middle School’s Show Choir, Frostburg State University’s Dance Company, and The Dance Academy.

Barbie Caulder

Barbie began her dance training at Brownstone Dance in Omaha, Nebraska at age 4 and was instantly in love! She has been training and teaching ever since. Being dedicated to movement and a healthy life-style she sought her ACE CPT, FNS certifications which she held for many years while working as a personal trainer.

Barbie teaches tap, jazz, and contemporary. She shares her love of dance with her two children, both students at DA and members of Chesapeake Ballet Company.

Chelsea McFarland

Chelsea began dancing at DA when she was just 3 years old and became an assistant teacher at age 14. She danced with Chesapeake Ballet Company from a young age and began teaching for DA at 16.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology from Towson University. During her time at Towson she was also a member of Charm City Ballet and and remained on staff at DA. Chelsea received her Doctorate in Audiology from Indiana University in 2021.

Chelsea teaches Primary and Company level Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary

Anwar Thomas

Anwar studied Theater Arts and Dance at Anne Arundel Community College and has been teaching a multitude of styles for the past 18 years. He has choreographed and taught for Bowie High, Arundel High, The Fairhaven School, Morgan State University and The Park School. His work has received awards from Broadway World as well as a Helen Hayes nomination for Best Choreography: The Color Purple (Toby’s Dinner Theater)

Just Like Mike in A Chorus Line, at my sister Maryam's dance recital was my first introduction to dance. I thought, "I want to do that!" So I did and I haven’t looked back since. Thank you for the continued support of my family and friends.

To my current students and future students I say this: Dance with passion, so this art form will forever feel brand new!”

Emily Moore

Emily started dancing at age 10 at The Dance Academy and hasn’t stopped since. After competing, apprenticing as a teacher, and dancing in local productions of the Nutcracker, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella; she went to the University of Maryland and performed with the Maryland Dance Team from 2005-2009. After graduation, she returned to The Dance Academy in 2011 to resume teaching.

Miss Emily has taught jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and ballet to students of all ages at The Dance Academy and other studios. She loves coaching students and watching them grow in their technique, confidence, and passion for dance. Diagnosed as an adult with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, she has a strong focus on proper stretching and conditioning to protect joint health and prevent injuries. Miss Emily recently obtained a Level 1 certification to teach Progressing Ballet Technique and is excited to bring PBT classes to DA to help students develop their strength, flexibility, and alignment.

Elisabeth Lee

Elisabeth was born and raised in Linthicum, MD where she attended Edna Lee Dance Studio and studied with Ashley Cantera. As a student she competed and attended Conventions, Workshops, and Master Classes. She held many roles while performing in annual performances of “The Nutcracker”.

Elisabeth choreographed for Anne Arundel County Schools and Anne Arundel Community College before moving to Los Angeles to train with Millenium and Playground LA. While in L.A. she worked on a variety of gigs, productions and music videos such as lead dancer in “La Magie” and “The Tony Martini Variety Hour” as well as artists like Fall Out Boy, I Love Mannokey, and Baer.

Currently she is teaching and choreographing in the area while traveling as a guest judge on the competition circuit.

Kasey Mannion

Kasey spent many years as a child training at The Dance Academy. She performed with the Chesapeake Ballet Company and Maryland Festival Ballet before she continued her dance studies at the collegiate level. Kasey received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

She studied at UMBC on a full tuition dance scholarship as a Linehan Artist Scholar. During her time as a Linehan Artist Scholar, she attended Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Pre-Professional Summer Intensive, fully funded by a Linehan Artist Summer Study Award and a UMBC Undergraduate Research Award. Kasey has also performed in the 2018 National College Dance Festival, held at the Kennedy Center. Later, her senior choreographic work was selected by the UMBC faculty to perform at the 2019 Mid-Atlantic North American College Dance Association Conference.

Some of Kasey’s professional credits include Doug Hamby’s “Deep Currents” performed with Baltimore Dance Project and Sofie Clemmensen’s “In To And Out Of” performed at the inaugural opening of the Kennedy Center’s REACH Building. Kasey has also choreographed for numerous children’s theater programs including Camp Walden in Denmark, Maine.

Kasey is a Maryland state certified teacher in Generic Special Education, Elementary Education Grades 1-6, and Social Studies Grades 7-9 and currently enjoys being a middle school social studies teacher.

Carrie is from Portland, OR, where she received her training at June Taylor’s School of Dance, spending many summers training with Magali Messac, Hilary Cartwright, Ronald Tice, Stephanie Saland, and David Howard at the American Academy of Ballet. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Carrie joined the Greensboro Ballet. She also continued her studies at North Carolina School of the Arts and North Carolina Dance Theater.

Since moving to Washington, DC, she has taught at Metropolitan Ballet Theatre, Joy of Motion, and now The Dance Academy. She has performed in various projects with DC Choreographers Collaboration and Rainwater Dances. Carrie holds an MS in Dance Education from Shenandoah University and teaches dance and physical education in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She currently performs with MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet and joined the company in 2013.