Donna L. Jacobs

• Ballet

• Modern

• Conservatory

• Repertory

• Full Circle Dance Company

34+ Years with MSDC

Jill Vasbinder Morrison, BA (Barnard College), MFA (SUNY Purchase), is a dancer, scholar & community activist currently teaching dance studies at UMBC. After performing with the Lisa Leizman Dancers in Massachusetts and Full Force Dance Theater in Connecticut and New York City, Jill went on to be office manager of Hartford Children’s Theater, Assistant Director of Dance and the Hartt School Community Division, University of Hartford, and Artist Director of Common Ground Dance Company. She has taught Ballet, Modern, Composition, Ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing since 1995 in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Donna L. Jacobs

• Ballet • Modern • Conservatory • Repertory • Full Circle Dance Comp.


34+ Years with MSDC

Ms. Jacobs has led Morton Street Dance Center for over 30 years and its resident company, Full Circle Dance Company, for more than two decades. A School of American Ballet National Visiting Fellow and Certified Teacher of Progressive Ballet Technique, she brings extensive expertise in ballet, modern dance, and dance education. Her leadership and choreography have earned recognition from numerous arts organizations, while her dedication to training dancers has helped countless students grow and achieve success.

Nyah Banks

• Modern

• Enrichment



2.5 Years with MSDC

Jill Vasbinder Morrison, BA (Barnard College), MFA (SUNY Purchase), is a dancer, scholar & community activist currently teaching dance studies at UMBC. After performing with the Lisa Leizman Dancers in Massachusetts and Full Force Dance Theater in Connecticut and New York City, Jill went on to be office manager of Hartford Children’s Theater, Assistant Director of Dance and the Hartt School Community Division, University of Hartford, and Artist Director of Common Ground Dance Company. She has taught Ballet, Modern, Composition, Ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing since 1995 in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Nyah Banks

• Modern • Enrichment


2.5 Years with MSDC

Nyah Banks is from Owings Mills, Maryland, where she received most of her performing arts training. Nyah received her BFA in contemporary dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. She has also obtained her Pilates Mat Teaching Certification. She has worked closely with choreographers such as Darrell Grand Moultrie, Igal Perry, Juel D. Lane, Grady Bowman, Ashley Lindsey, and Mariana Oliveira. Nyah has enjoyed working on a variety of dance films and projects, and throughout these processes she has developed a love for choreographing and directing movement. Nyah is currently a dancer with Kinetics Dance Company and the Enrollment Coordinator for Morton Street Dance Center.

Moniq Bevans

• Modern

• Enrichment

• Jazz

• Repertory

3 Years with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Moniq Bevans

• Modern • Enrichment • Jazz • Repertory


3 Years with MSDC

Moniq is a warm, grounded artist that is passionate about her craft. Her main desire is to provoke healing through her art and every encounter. Moniq is a 2021 graduate from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, California where she received her BFA in Dance Theatre. She has been dancing since the age of 8 with a heavy foundation in liturgical & modern dance. She has studied various styles throughout her artistic journey with the goal of becoming a well rounded dancer. Moniq is excited to embark on her career by bringing her artistry to the table in this industry. ​​

Jill Morrison Vasbinder

• Silver Swans Ballet

• Open Adult Modern


2 Years with MSDC

Jill Vasbinder Morrison, BA (Barnard College), MFA (SUNY Purchase), is a dancer, scholar & community activist currently teaching dance studies at UMBC. After performing with the Lisa Leizman Dancers in Massachusetts and Full Force Dance Theater in Connecticut and New York City, Jill went on to be office manager of Hartford Children’s Theater, Assistant Director of Dance and the Hartt School Community Division, University of Hartford, and Artist Director of Common Ground Dance Company. She has taught Ballet, Modern, Composition, Ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing since 1995 in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Jill Morrison Vasbinder

• Silver Swans Ballet • Open Adult Modern


2 Years with MSDC

Jill Vasbinder Morrison, BA (Barnard College), MFA (SUNY Purchase), is a dancer, scholar & community activist currently teaching dance studies at UMBC. After performing with the Lisa Leizman Dancers in Massachusetts and Full Force Dance Theater in Connecticut and New York City, Jill went on to be office manager of Hartford Children’s Theater, Assistant Director of Dance and the Hartt School Community Division, University of Hartford, and Artist Director of Common Ground Dance Company. She has taught Ballet, Modern, Composition, Ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing since 1995 in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Emily Wampler

• Parent and Tot

• Pre Dance

• Ballet

• Conservatory

• Pointe


2 Years with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Emily Wampler

• Parent and Tot • Pre Dance • Ballet • Conservatory • Pointe



2 Years with MSDC

Emily began her dance training at the age of three with Tricia Sloan Dance Center in Wenonah, NJ. She trained in various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, jazz funk, pointe, musical theatre, and partnering. After graduating in 2020, Emily chose to further her studies in dance at Towson University. She is expected to graduate in December of 2024 with BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography with a certification in PreK-12 Dance Education.

Camille Weanquoi

• Modern

• Repertory


9 Years with MSDC

Camille Weanquoi is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who hails from the Bronx, NY. She received most of her dance training at Harlem School of the Arts where she was a scholarship recipient of the HSA college preparatory/pre-professional dance program. She's also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelors of Arts in Dance & Winston Salem State University with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on psychology and education. She's had the privilege to study under many influential dance artists such as Kim Grier-Martinez, Imani Faye, B.J. Sullivan, Duane Cyrus, Urban Bush Women, & Rod Rodgers. Camille is currently a 3rd year candidate for Dunham Technique teacher certification & currently teaches African diaspora dance forms along with other styles of dance in the Baltimore area.

Camille Weanquoi

• Modern • Repertory


9 Years with MSDC

Camille Weanquoi is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who hails from the Bronx, NY. She received most of her dance training at Harlem School of the Arts where she was a scholarship recipient of the HSA college preparatory/pre-professional dance program. She's also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelors of Arts in Dance & Winston Salem State University with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on psychology and education.

Julianna Pahr

• Ballet

• Acro

• PrePointe/Pointe


11+ Years with MSDC

The youngest students study creative movement and pre-dance which offer a fun introduction to ballet and modern. Older dancers receive technical training in classical ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and African dance.

Julianna Pahr

• Ballet • Acro • PrePointe/Pointe


11+ Years with MSDC

Julianna began her dance training at the Berkshire Dance Theatre in Adams, Massachusetts. While at her home studio, she studied with many talented teachers, took examinations for Cecchetti USA, and also instructed the younger students. After her high school graduation, she continued to pursue dance at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. During her time in college, she performed for the Fall and Spring Dance Concerts, choreographed for her Independent project, traveled to Edinburgh to study modern dance at Dance Base, and also interned at a small not for profit modern dance company, The Collective. She is currently is the Studio Manager at Morton Street Dance Center and is a Certified Teacher of Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT).

Liz Pelton

• Teen Ballet

• Conservatory



20+ Years with MSDC

The youngest students study creative movement and pre-dance which offer a fun introduction to ballet and modern. Older dancers receive technical training in classical ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and African dance.

Liz Pelton

• Teen Ballet • Conservatory


20+ Years with MSDC

Liz has taught ballet and modern dance at Morton Street for ten years. Her early training was at North River Arts Ballet and Boston Ballet in Massachusetts. Before coming to Baltimore, she performed in Boston, Chicago, Washington, and New Haven. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she was student director of the Georgetown Dance Company. She has created dance performance projects at Roland Park Elementary School and The Park School. Liz has been a member of Full Circle Dance Company since 2001 and has been its Associate Artistic Director since 2018.

Nina Pongratz

• Modern

• Adult Ballet

• Musical Theater



4+ Years with MSDC

Liz has taught ballet and modern dance at Morton Street for ten years. Her early training was at North River Arts Ballet and Boston Ballet in Massachusetts. Before coming to Baltimore, she performed in Boston, Chicago, Washington, and New Haven. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she was student director of the Georgetown Dance Company. She has created dance performance projects at Roland Park Elementary School and The Park School. Liz has been a member of Full Circle Dance Company since 2001 and has been its Associate Artistic Director since 2018.

Nina Pongratz

• Modern • Adult Ballet • Musical Theater


4+ Years with MSDC

Nina received her BA in Dance and Media & Comm from Muhlenberg College 2013 (USA), her MA in Contemporary Dance Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance 2015 (IRE), and her Post-Cert. in Anatomical Sciences from The University of Edinburgh 2017 (UK). Since 2019, she has been the upper school dance and theatre educator at McDonogh School where she directs the annual musical and dance concerts. Prior to McDonogh, Nina was the Director of Dance at the Middlesex School (USA), The Independent Theatre Workshop (IRE), and has taught at numerous schools, colleges, and universities such as Wheaton College (USA) and The University of Limerick (IRE).

Diedre Dawkins

• African


6 Years with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Diedre Dawkins

• African


6 Years with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Elizabeth Hafey

• Yoga


3 Years with MSDC

Liz has taught ballet and modern dance at Morton Street for ten years. Her early training was at North River Arts Ballet and Boston Ballet in Massachusetts. Before coming to Baltimore, she performed in Boston, Chicago, Washington, and New Haven. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she was student director of the Georgetown Dance Company. She has created dance performance projects at Roland Park Elementary School and The Park School. Liz has been a member of Full Circle Dance Company since 2001 and has been its Associate Artistic Director since 2018.

Elizabeth Hafey

• Yoga


3 Years with MSDC

Elizabeth’s early dance training began at the Wheaton Studio of Dance in Maryland, and after a family move to California, continued at The Dance Academy in Modesto and Berkeley Ballet Theater. While attending the University of Virginia for college, Elizabeth danced and choreographed with the Virginia Dance Company and the Mahogany Dance Troupe. Following graduation, Elizabeth spent a summer at The Ailey Summer Intensive in New York and continued training in the DMV area. Thereafter, she danced with local dance companies in Virginia, D.C., and Baltimore. Elizabeth is a dancer with the Full Circle Dance Company, and is a certified yoga instructor.

Sam Koseff

• Ballet

• Modern

• Contemporary

• Pointe


1 Year with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Sam Koseff

• Ballet • Modern • Contemporary • Pointe


1 Year with MSDC

Sam Koseff is a dancer, choreographer, and recent graduate of Goucher College in dance, gender studies, and integrative arts. During summer programs, they enhanced their skills by training at Ballet West, Alonzo Lines Ballet, AIM by Kyle Abraham, and Orange Grove Dance. They dance with Ballet Ashani, and their choreography was selected for the 2025 ACDA Mid-Atlantic Gala performance and as an alternate for the 2025 ACDA National Conference. Koseff has had the privilege of collaborating closely with esteemed professors and practicing artists, including Brit Falcon, Chris Law, Amanda Fair, Jamison Curcio, Mustapha Braimah, Elizabeth Ahearn, Linda Garofalo, Iquail Shaheed, Iyun Harrison, Amanda Woodson, and George Staib.

Nalani Brown

• Creative Movement

• Tap for Tots


New to MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Nalani Brown

• Creative Movement • Tap for Tots


New to MSDC

Nalani Brown was born and raised in Prince George’s County Maryland and grew up learning many styles from Ballet, Modern, and Liturgical, to West African and many more. Nalani graduated with a Bachelor’s in Dance and Literary Studies from Goucher College. Nalani Brown is now a development assistant with Ballet After Dark, a trauma-informed nonprofit in Baltimore dedicated to supporting girls and young women impacted by trauma and sexual violence through dance, education, and somatic healing. Nalani continues to perform and choreograph independently as well as professionally with Osagyefo Dance Company, Ballet After Dark, and other local collectives.

Algernon Campbell

• Adult Modern

• Modern

• Repertory


21+ Years with MSDC

Algernon is a 1994 graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. in Theatre. He trained at the Ballethnic Academy of Dance and at Spelman College, completed the Alvin Ailey Certificate Program, and has performed with the Joan Peters Dance Company, Seraphim Dance Company, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. He has worked with renowned choreographers such as Donald Byrd, Donald McKayle, Yuriko, Robert Battle, Chuck Davis, Fred Benjamin, and many others, and has danced the works of Bruce Woods, David Parsons, and Darryl Sneed. Since moving to Baltimore, he has worked with the Kathy Smith/Adrian Bolton Dance Company, Full Circle Dance Company, the Morton Street Dance Center, the Washington Ballet at the ARC, Experimental Dance Concepts, Body Moves, and Greater York Dance.​​

Algernon Campbell

• Adult Modern • Modern • Repertory


21+ Years with MSDC

Algernon is a 1994 graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. in Theatre. He trained at the Ballethnic Academy of Dance and at Spelman College, completed the Alvin Ailey Certificate Program, and has performed with the Joan Peters Dance Company, Seraphim Dance Company, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. He has worked with renowned choreographers such as Donald Byrd, Donald McKayle, Yuriko, Robert Battle, Chuck Davis, Fred Benjamin, and many others, and has danced the works of Bruce Woods, David Parsons, and Darryl Sneed.

Josette Chang

• Hip Hop


2 Years with MSDC

The youngest students study creative movement and pre-dance which offer a fun introduction to ballet and modern. Older dancers receive technical training in classical ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and African dance.

Josette Chang

• Hip Hop


2 Years with MSDC

Josette graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Theater and Performance Studies. During her time at university, she immersed herself in the vibrant dance community, participating actively in UChicago Maya Dance Company, Ex Dance Crew, and Echo Modern Dance Collective. Her passion for both economics and performing arts drove her to excel academically while pursuing her creative interests.

Alicia Williams

• Creative Movement

• Ballet

• Modern



1 Year with MSDC

Alicia Williams is a Maryland native, born and raised in Baltimore City. She graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts in 2008 and later attended Coppin State University as a dance major. She then danced for two years with Ballethnic, a ballet company located in Atlanta, GA. Upon her return to Maryland, she performed with Afrohouse in the theatrical version of Cloud Nebula. She choreographed and performed in Timothy Amukele's cantata What Sweeter Music, and has served as a guest choreographer for the dance programs at Montgomery Community College and Coppin State University. Her choreography was recently selected for inclusion in the Baltimore Black Choreographers Festival. She presently dances with local modern dance company Full Circle.

Alicia Williams

• Creative Movement • Ballet • Modern


1 Year with MSDC

Alicia Williams is a Maryland native, born and raised in Baltimore City. She graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts in 2008 and later attended Coppin State University as a dance major. She then danced for two years with Ballethnic, a ballet company located in Atlanta, GA. Upon her return to Maryland, she performed with Afrohouse in the theatrical version of Cloud Nebula. She choreographed and performed in Timothy Amukele's cantata What Sweeter Music, and has served as a guest choreographer for the dance programs at Montgomery Community College and Coppin State University.

Rashida Bumbray

• Tap


2 Years with MSDC

Liz has taught ballet and modern dance at Morton Street for ten years. Her early training was at North River Arts Ballet and Boston Ballet in Massachusetts. Before coming to Baltimore, she performed in Boston, Chicago, Washington, and New Haven. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she was student director of the Georgetown Dance Company. She has created dance performance projects at Roland Park Elementary School and The Park School. Liz has been a member of Full Circle Dance Company since 2001 and has been its Associate Artistic Director since 2018.

Rashida Bumbray

• Tap


2 Years with MSDC

Rashida Bumbray is a choreographer and performer specializing in Black vernacular and folk traditions, including rhythm tap, ring shouts, and blues improvisation. Trained in rhythm tap and African Diasporic dance forms, she has been recognized with a Bessie Award nomination for Outstanding Emerging Choreographer. Her work has been presented at renowned venues and institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the 2015 Venice Biennale.

NaTori Blackman

• Modern

• Repertory

• Adult Jazz Fitness


5 Years with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

NaTori Blackman

• Modern • Repertory • Adult Jazz Fitness


5 Years with MSDC

NaTori Aliyah, trained in a variety of styles such as ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, and African at Morton Street Dance Center in Baltimore, MD. NaTori joined Full Circle Dance Company in 2015 and then furthered her training at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA for two years. After discovering her love for commercial dance, NaTori traveled back and forth from Baltimore to Atlanta where she began working in the industry as a commercial dancer/choreographer. She trained under choreographers/directors such as Alan Ferguson, Ben Marc, Amerah McCormick, Oth’than Burnside, Ebony Tye, Jeremy Green, Anthony Redd Williams, Chris Lucky and many others.

Donna L. Jacobs

• Ballet • Modern • Conservatory • Repertory • Full Circle Dance Comp.


34+ Years with MSDC

Ms. Jacobs has led Morton Street Dance Center for over 30 years and its resident company, Full Circle Dance Company, for more than two decades. A School of American Ballet National Visiting Fellow and Certified Teacher of Progressive Ballet Technique, she brings extensive expertise in ballet, modern dance, and dance education. Her leadership and choreography have earned recognition from numerous arts organizations, while her dedication to training dancers has helped countless students grow and achieve success.

Nyah Banks

• Modern • Enrichment


2.5 Years with MSDC

Nyah Banks is from Owings Mills, Maryland, where she received most of her performing arts training. Nyah received her BFA in contemporary dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. She has also obtained her Pilates Mat Teaching Certification. She has worked closely with choreographers such as Darrell Grand Moultrie, Igal Perry, Juel D. Lane, Grady Bowman, Ashley Lindsey, and Mariana Oliveira. Nyah has enjoyed working on a variety of dance films and projects, and throughout these processes she has developed a love for choreographing and directing movement. Nyah is currently a dancer with Kinetics Dance Company and the Enrollment Coordinator for Morton Street Dance Center.

Moniq Bevans

• Modern • Enrichment • Jazz • Repertory


3 Years with MSDC

Moniq is a warm, grounded artist that is passionate about her craft. Her main desire is to provoke healing through her art and every encounter. Moniq is a 2021 graduate from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, California where she received her BFA in Dance Theatre. She has been dancing since the age of 8 with a heavy foundation in liturgical & modern dance. She has studied various styles throughout her artistic journey with the goal of becoming a well rounded dancer. Moniq is excited to embark on her career by bringing her artistry to the table in this industry. ​​

Nalani Brown

• Creative Movement • Tap for Tots


New to MSDC

Nalani Brown was born and raised in Prince George’s County Maryland and grew up learning many styles from Ballet, Modern, and Liturgical, to West African and many more. Nalani graduated with a Bachelor’s in Dance and Literary Studies from Goucher College. Nalani Brown is now a development assistant with Ballet After Dark, a trauma-informed nonprofit in Baltimore dedicated to supporting girls and young women impacted by trauma and sexual violence through dance, education, and somatic healing. Nalani continues to perform and choreograph independently as well as professionally with Osagyefo Dance Company, Ballet After Dark, and other local collectives.

Algernon Campbell

• Adult Modern • Modern • Repertory


21+ Years with MSDC

Algernon is a 1994 graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. in Theatre. He trained at the Ballethnic Academy of Dance and at Spelman College, completed the Alvin Ailey Certificate Program, and has performed with the Joan Peters Dance Company, Seraphim Dance Company, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre. He has worked with renowned choreographers such as Donald Byrd, Donald McKayle, Yuriko, Robert Battle, Chuck Davis, Fred Benjamin, and many others, and has danced the works of Bruce Woods, David Parsons, and Darryl Sneed.

Josette Chang

• Hip Hop


2 Years with MSDC

Josette graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Theater and Performance Studies. During her time at university, she immersed herself in the vibrant dance community, participating actively in UChicago Maya Dance Company, Ex Dance Crew, and Echo Modern Dance Collective. Her passion for both economics and performing arts drove her to excel academically while pursuing her creative interests.

Diedre Dawkins

• African


6 Years with MSDC

Diedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 N.Y.C. Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme “Sistas Prepared, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This”. She is the founder and director of “Dance is Healing” a mentorship program for middle school girls and was voted 2016 Teacher of the Year at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School. Diedre graduated from The N.Y.C. High School of the Performing Arts and received her B.F.A. in dance from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and her M.F.A. in choreography and performance from The University of Maryland College Park.

Elizabeth Hafey

• Yoga


3 Years with MSDC

Elizabeth’s early dance training began at the Wheaton Studio of Dance in Maryland, and after a family move to California, continued at The Dance Academy in Modesto and Berkeley Ballet Theater. While attending the University of Virginia for college, Elizabeth danced and choreographed with the Virginia Dance Company and the Mahogany Dance Troupe. Following graduation, Elizabeth spent a summer at The Ailey Summer Intensive in New York and continued training in the DMV area. Thereafter, she danced with local dance companies in Virginia, D.C., and Baltimore. Elizabeth is a dancer with the Full Circle Dance Company, and is a certified yoga instructor.

Sam Koseff

• Ballet • Modern • Contemporary • Pointe


1 Year with MSDC

Julianna Pahr

• Ballet • Acro • PrePointe/Pointe


11+ Years with MSDC

Julianna began her dance training at the Berkshire Dance Theatre in Adams, Massachusetts. While at her home studio, she studied with many talented teachers, took examinations for Cecchetti USA, and also instructed the younger students. After her high school graduation, she continued to pursue dance at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. During her time in college, she performed for the Fall and Spring Dance Concerts, choreographed for her Independent project, traveled to Edinburgh to study modern dance at Dance Base, and also interned at a small not for profit modern dance company, The Collective. She is currently is the Studio Manager at Morton Street Dance Center and is a Certified Teacher of Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT).

Liz Pelton

• Teen Ballet • Conservatory


20+ Years with MSDC

Liz has taught ballet and modern dance at Morton Street for ten years. Her early training was at North River Arts Ballet and Boston Ballet in Massachusetts. Before coming to Baltimore, she performed in Boston, Chicago, Washington, and New Haven. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she was student director of the Georgetown Dance Company. She has created dance performance projects at Roland Park Elementary School and The Park School. Liz has been a member of Full Circle Dance Company since 2001 and has been its Associate Artistic Director since 2018.

Nina Pongratz

• Modern • Adult Ballet • Musical Theater


4+ Years with MSDC

Nina received her BA in Dance and Media & Comm from Muhlenberg College 2013 (USA), her MA in Contemporary Dance Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance 2015 (IRE), and her Post-Cert. in Anatomical Sciences from The University of Edinburgh 2017 (UK). Since 2019, she has been the upper school dance and theatre educator at McDonogh School where she directs the annual musical and dance concerts. Prior to McDonogh, Nina was the Director of Dance at the Middlesex School (USA), The Independent Theatre Workshop (IRE), and has taught at numerous schools, colleges, and universities such as Wheaton College (USA) and The University of Limerick (IRE).

Jill Morrison Vasbinder

• Silver Swans Ballet • Open Adult Modern


2 Years with MSDC

Jill Vasbinder Morrison, BA (Barnard College), MFA (SUNY Purchase), is a dancer, scholar & community activist currently teaching dance studies at UMBC. After performing with the Lisa Leizman Dancers in Massachusetts and Full Force Dance Theater in Connecticut and New York City, Jill went on to be office manager of Hartford Children’s Theater, Assistant Director of Dance and the Hartt School Community Division, University of Hartford, and Artist Director of Common Ground Dance Company. She has taught Ballet, Modern, Composition, Ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing since 1995 in New York, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Emily Wampler

• Parent and Tot • Pre Dance • Ballet • Conservatory • Pointe



2 Years with MSDC

Emily began her dance training at the age of three with Tricia Sloan Dance Center in Wenonah, NJ. She trained in various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, jazz funk, pointe, musical theatre, and partnering. After graduating in 2020, Emily chose to further her studies in dance at Towson University. She is expected to graduate in December of 2024 with BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography with a certification in PreK-12 Dance Education.

Camille Weanquoi

• Modern • Repertory


9 Years with MSDC

Camille Weanquoi is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who hails from the Bronx, NY. She received most of her dance training at Harlem School of the Arts where she was a scholarship recipient of the HSA college preparatory/pre-professional dance program. She's also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelors of Arts in Dance & Winston Salem State University with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on psychology and education.

Alicia Williams

• Creative Movement • Ballet • Modern


1 Year with MSDC

Alicia Williams is a Maryland native, born and raised in Baltimore City. She graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts in 2008 and later attended Coppin State University as a dance major. She then danced for two years with Ballethnic, a ballet company located in Atlanta, GA. Upon her return to Maryland, she performed with Afrohouse in the theatrical version of Cloud Nebula. She choreographed and performed in Timothy Amukele's cantata What Sweeter Music, and has served as a guest choreographer for the dance programs at Montgomery Community College and Coppin State University.

Rashida Bumbray

• Tap


2 Years with MSDC

Rashida Bumbray is a choreographer and performer specializing in Black vernacular and folk traditions, including rhythm tap, ring shouts, and blues improvisation. Trained in rhythm tap and African Diasporic dance forms, she has been recognized with a Bessie Award nomination for Outstanding Emerging Choreographer. Her work has been presented at renowned venues and institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the 2015 Venice Biennale.

NaTori Blackman

• Modern • Repertory • Adult Jazz Fitness


5 Years with MSDC

NaTori Aliyah, a Baltimore native, began dancing at the age of nine. She trained in a variety of styles such as ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, and African at Morton Street Dance Center in Baltimore, MD. NaTori joined Full Circle Dance Company in 2015 and then furthered her training at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA for two years. After discovering her love for commercial dance, NaTori traveled back and forth from Baltimore to Atlanta where she began working in the industry as a commercial dancer/choreographer. She trained under choreographers/directors such as Alan Ferguson, Ben Marc, Amerah McCormick, Oth’than Burnside, Ebony Tye, Jeremy Green, Anthony Redd Williams, Chris Lucky and many others.

Dance Teaches Discipline, Focus And
Time Management."

Donna L. Jacobs

"

MSDC Artistic and Executive Director

"Dance Teaches Discipline, Focus And Time Management."

Donna L. Jacobs

"

MSDC Artistic and Executive Director
With training and performance backgrounds from internationally recognized institutions such as the School of American Ballet, The Ailey School, Dance Theather of Harlem and Broadway Dance Center, our teachers' commitment to excellence and their passion for mentorship shines through in every class. Our teachers inspire students to develop strong technique, confidence, and artistry while celebrating each dancer’s unique journey.

We're more than a studio, our dance center is a community where students build strength, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Through encouragement and collaboration, our teachers create an environment where every dancer feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.


With training and performance backgrounds from internationally recognized institutions such as the School of American Ballet, The Ailey School, Dance Theather of Harlem and Broadway Dance Center, our teachers' commitment to excellence and their passion for mentorship shines through in every class. Our teachers inspire students to develop strong technique, confidence, and artistry while celebrating each dancer’s unique journey.

We're more than a studio, our dance center is a community where students build strength, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Through encouragement and collaboration, our teachers create an environment where every dancer feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.


MEET OUR DANCE COMMUNITY

Meet Our Teachers

Meet Our Teachers

WE TEACH WITH COMPASSION

WE TEACH WITH COMPASSION

Our distinguished teaching staff brings together more than 150 years of combined dance expertise, providing exceptional instruction for dancers of all ages and levels. Each instructor is dedicated to nurturing technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance while creating a positive and inspiring learning environment. We take pride in watching our students grow, achieve their goals, and flourish as dancers both in and beyond the studio.
Our distinguished teaching staff brings together more than 150 years of combined dance expertise, providing exceptional instruction for dancers of all ages and levels. Each instructor is dedicated to nurturing technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance while creating a positive and inspiring learning environment. We take pride in watching our students grow, achieve their goals, and flourish as dancers both in and beyond the studio.
Our distinguished teaching staff brings together more than 150 years of combined dance expertise, providing exceptional instruction for dancers of all ages and levels. Each instructor is dedicated to nurturing technique, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance while creating a positive and inspiring learning environment. We take pride in watching our students grow, achieve their goals, and flourish as dancers both in and beyond the studio.
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