Taylor Rhode
Meet the Downtown Dance Company's Teachers
I began dancing at the age of 4 with Kristine’s Dance Studio. I completed 13 years of training in the areas of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe and hip-hop. While I was taking classes I also had the opportunity to be a student helper for many of the younger classes. I moved to Whitewater to pursue a business degree where I continued to participate in the University’s dance company for two years. I have since graduated from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and am working at our family business. I am excited to be a part of this amazing new dance company and share my passion for dance with the students!
Kelsey O'Connor
Kelsey O’Connor is a student at Silver Lake College working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has several years of experience working with children through various YMCA programs, and was involved in dance as she was growing up. Kelsey danced for Kaleidoscope Dance Studio and was a member of both the Wilson and Lincoln Dance Teams. She is excited to share her passion with Downtown Dance Company.
Samantha Deeley
Samantha Deeley is a Silver Lake College graduate with an Art Major and English Minor. She is nearing the completion of her teaching certificate to become an Art Teacher. She danced at Kaleidoscope Dance Studio for 12 years, and was on both the Washington and Lincoln Dance Teams. Samantha is eager to bring creativity and positive energy to Downtown Dance Company and looks forward to contributing to the development of the dancers.
Ashley Rothmund
I am a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with majors in Elementary and Special Education. I also have minors in Emotional Behavior Disabilities and Learning Disabilities. I have received dance training for fourteen years at Kristin’s and Kaleidoscope Dance Studios. I have participated in both recreational and competition dance teams. The areas I received training in include jazz, tap, lyrical, pointe, hip-hop and ballet. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to pass my passion for dance on to the Lakeshore area youth.
Mandy
Schisel
I have danced since the age of 5 with Lori Marit at the TR Community House. After high school I helped Lori teach for 6 years until I became pregnant with my first child. After having my first child I still continued to dance and again became involved with dance when my daughter started dancing at the age of 2. I am excited to get back into teaching dance and share my experience, skills and passion with children who are just starting out in dance or who have prior experience. I live in Manitowoc with my husband, Joe and our 4 children. I also work full time at Bank First National in Two Rivers where I'm the Vault Teller. I am looking forward to teaching and making new memories with your children.