Instructors
OUR DIRECTOR
“MISS” JENNY SCHLUETER
A veteran of over fifteen years of dance and gymnastics experience, “Miss” Jenny has been teaching for ten years and took classes from the Academy for twelve years! “Miss” Jenny has studied ballet at Northern Illinois University, gymnastics, tap, and jazz in DeKalb, as well as ballroom and partner dancing in Sterling, Illinois. Along with our teaching staff, she continues to attend regular dance conventions to further her education. “Miss” Jenny is a current and active member of the Dance Educators of America. She currently lives in Crystal Lake with her husband, Matt and three children, Connor, Samantha, and Madelyn.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
“MISS” KARI PAOLI
Beginning her dance career in Ohio, “Miss” Kari has danced for twenty-one years (eighteen with Algonquin Academy of Dance), was an assistant teacher for seven years, and continues as a teacher for her twelfth year. With her sense of music, strong technique, quick ability to learn new skills, and wonderful stage presence, Miss Kari has delighted audiences at Academy events for years. “Miss” Kari loves all forms of dance and is especially adept at choreography. “Miss” Kari’s experience in Poms and dance teams allowed her to help create and develop the Academy’s pom program. She currently resides in Poplar Grove with her husband Joe.
MISS MEGHAN IDSTEIN
Miss Meghan grew up in Algonquin and developed her love for dance here at the Academy. She has been a dance student for eleven years, and an assistant teacher for three years, and a teacher for five years. Miss Meghan has been working with children for many years as a babysitter, swim instructor, and a party host at My Secret Garden. She has also been an administrative leader for young children at her church. Miss Meghan graduated from Elgin Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Office Administration Technology. She works full time for Willow Creek Community Church in the Information Technology Department.
“MISS” MICHELLE FELGAR
“Miss” Michelle started dancing at the Algonquin Academy in 1997. With a strong interest in dance, she quickly became an excellent assistant teacher. After assistant teaching since 1999, it was a natural progression for her to begin instructing. Michelle’s two children, Leah and Kasey, have also been excelling in dance here since they were three years old, and most recently her daughter Leah began attending Columbia College to study dance! “Miss” Michelle is originally from Michigan and holds a Bachelors degree from Michigan State University. She and her husband, Ken, are the owners of Great Lakes Lawn and Landscape.
“MISS” LORRA LEIN
“Miss” Lorra has been an active member at the Academy since 1998. She excels in both her combination and hip-hop classes. While living in California, she danced for thirteen years and was a member of her college dance team. Miss Lorra’s personality and her ability to work with children allow her to be an excellent teacher. Her enthusiasm and dedication are greatly appreciated by all. Her hobbies include spending time with her three children, scrap booking, and volunteering at schools. Miss Lorra and her family currently reside in Algonquin.
MISS LEAH FELGAR
The Academy is excited to welcome Leah Felgar to our teaching staff. Leah is currently majoring in dance performance at Columbia College in Chicago, but has been a part of the Academy for many years, dancing here since the age of four. Leah has also performed with many different dance troupes and organizations. Miss Leah is able to teach many forms of dance and even offered a modern class this summer for our students. We are so glad she was able to fit us into her busy schedule.
“MISS” BECKI KELTNER
After receiving a degree in education from Western Illinois University, the Academy was happy to welcome “Miss” Becki back to their teaching staff in January 2007. “Miss” Becki has been dancing for 14 years. “Miss” Becki comes from a dancing family; her two younger sisters and father have been active at our recitals as well. She assisted and taught at the Academy for four years prior to her college experience and is excited to be back as an instructor and a dancer in our advanced combination level. Her enthusiasm towards teaching, children, and dance, has allowed her to jump back into the dance classroom with ease. She also teaches seventh grade social studies in Elgin, Illinois. She and her husband Jake currently live in Crystal Lake.
“MISS” NITA SUPARDAN
After being a part of the Academy for five years, we were finally able to get Miss Nita into the classroom. Miss Nita brings over 20 years of dance, hip-hop, pilates, yoga, and group exercise experience to her teaching. She has taught a variety dance/movement classes to all ages, toddler through adult. Miss Nita is a certified instructor by the American Counsel of Exercise (ACE) and the Body Training Systems, and CPR certified. She has held this certification since her college career at Penn State. She and her daughter Tia, who also dances, currently reside in Huntley. She is an excellent addition to our dance program.
MISS JAYMIE GRUSHKA
Miss Jaymie started dancing at the Crystal Lake Park District when she was 3 years old. She switched over to Algonquin Academy of Dance at the age of six. This will be her eleventh year with AADM. She has enjoyed studying different forms of dance such as, tap, ballet/pointe, jazz, and hip-hop. She has also participated in Poms and tumbling classes. She has had the privilege of going to Orlando, Florida and Performing at Disney World with AADM. To further enhance her dance skills, she attended dance conventions in Chicago including LA Dance Force and CoDance. She is a junior at Crystal Lake South High School this year along with being on the varsity pom squad. She is very excited to be teaching hip-hop. When she graduates, she is considering a Dance Major.
Space prevents us from listing the bios of all of our assistant teachers. All are accomplished dancers currently enrolled at the Algonquin Academy of Dance and Music and are dedicated to providing your dancer with a positive experience.
In addition, you will come to know and rely upon our dedicated and knowledgeable customer service staff. We are all here to give you and your children the very best in dance education, and we thank you for your trust and support.
