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Instruction Bios
Bridget Blake
Owner / Principal Instructor
2-Cute, PreBallet, Combo 1, Combo 2, Ballet 2, Hip-Hop 1/2, Spotlight Company Artistic Director
Bridget is a product of the Dance Connection where she received the bulk of her training, beginning at age three. Bridget has had her most extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical and Ballet. Bridget continued her training outside of the studio through Master classes and Conventions with faculty from across the country.
Bridget enjoys combining her love for dance and teaching with her degree in business management, to cultivate a inclusive community where students feel welcome and challenged, parents feel informed and included, and staff feel respected and appreciated. Throughout her career with the studio, Bridget has worked with dancers ages 2 through adult in the disciplines of Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Lyrical. Bridget has also been Artistic Director of the Dance Connection's Spotlight Company dancers since 1999.
Since taking over ownership of Dance Connection in May, 2006 – Bridget has been dedicated to carrying on the Dance Connection’s philosophy of family-friendly, professional instruction for all dancers. She currently lives in Lindenhurst with her husband, their 2 sons and the family pets!
Amy Bennett
Ballet 5, Pointe 5, Ballet/Pointe 6/7 Jazz 5, Lyrical 3, Jazz 6/7, Connections Competitive Choreographer
Amy is from Waukegan, IL and began dancing when she was two years old at The Dance Factory. While there, she danced competitively for 12 years under the instruction of Lizzie Mackenzie, Nick Pupillo, Mary Cromer, Fury Gold and Penny Knox. As a child, Amy performed in Ballet Entre Nous’ Nutcracker and was also a member of TJ and Company, performing all over the Lake County Area.
Amy is a graduate of The University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Minor in Anthropology. While at The University of Iowa, she performed works by Armando Duarte and Alan Sener. Amy also studied under the late Linda Crist and Basil Thompson, as well as Charlotte Adams, Eloy Barrigan, Jeffery Bullock, George De La Pena, Deanna Carter, Jennifer Kayle, and Dan Stark. Amy was a 2007 company member of Duarte Dance Works – a Contemporary Dance Company.
Amy was the Head Choreographer at Six Flags Great America for three years where she choreographed numerous shows including Rocklusions, The Ringmaster's Cabaret and Wonderland at the Grand. Her choreography was also seen in a live T.V. performance spot for the 2018 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. Amy has been teaching in the Lake County area for over 15 years and is excited to continue to share her passion of dance with her students at the Dance Connection!
Carlye Friedman
Ballet 2, Ballet 3, Ballet 4, Jazz 4, Jazz 5, Jazz 6/7, Lyrical 5, Lyrical 6/7,
Spotlight Company Choreographer, Connections Competitive Artistic Director
Nicole Johnson
Hip Hop 3/4, Hip Hop 5/6/7, Jazz Funk, Contemporary
Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Nicole pursued dance at the age of 4. Honing her skill set at Talent Forum of Libertyville, where she studied ballet, jazz, and contemporary extensively. During her teen years she was a member of Forum Dance Theatre for 8 seasons and performed with their tap company, Footprints Tap Ensemble, for a time as well. While a member of FDT, Nicole had various opportunities to perform throughout the Chicago area and traveled to Austria, Germany, and Italy as a part of Young! Tanzommer Program.
As a young adult Nicole furthered her training at the University of Arizona under scholarship. Throughout her four years she studied under notable teachers including James Clouser, Douglas Nielsen, Amy Ernst, Michael Williams, and Sam Watson. She had the chance to perform in numerous faculty, graduate, and student showcases. Immediately upon graduating from U of A, with a B.F.A in dance, she was asked to work with Eddy Ocampo and his company, LEVELdance. The company created on site works that interacted with pedestrian ideals and physical location.
Now Nicole works alongside competitive studio companies, choreographing and preparing the students to perform. It is a joy bringing her knowledge and creativity to various locations in the Chicagoland area, as well as, bonding with the wonderful students. When she's not dancing Nicole also works as a freelance photographer using the name Nehamashots. Her experience over the past decade ranges from dance photography to senior photos. She has photographed for Dance in the Parks, Atlanta Dance Collective, Alger Designs, many local Studio Companies, and local fashion brands. You can view her work at nehamashots.com. Nicole also assisted in establishing a brand new company, Studio 95 Photography, which specializes in preschool and recital photography.
Today, in addition to teaching dance, you can catch Nicole teaching fitness classes at The Barre Code Evanston! The world of dance has allowed her to experience so many different worlds of movement. Making sure that anyone, regardless of age, believes in themselves, and helping them realize they are strong and capable of any achievement is pivotal as an instructor. Every week she encourages self love and to undertake those physical, mental, and emotional challenges head on. Her vision is working together to reach new heights on any fitness journey and have some fun along the way.
Brooke Winegardner
Tap 4, Tap 5, Tap 6/7, Lyrical 4
Brooke is a dancer and stage manager from Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in dance and arts management. She has performed with the American Spirit Dance Company, in various choreography shows, and with the Dance Divas to benefit the Chicago Dancers' Fund. Brooke interned for Chicago Tap Theatre, learning their technique and style while doing nonprofit work. Now she finds joy teaching all ages in a variety of dance styles.