Ballet Teaching Artist
Wardrobe Mistress

Wilmington, Delaware

Philosophy - “Don’t just do it - Dance it !!!”

Training - Stella Hobson- Arden Delaware (Former Ballet Russes dancer), Marc levy Dance Center, Anna Marie Dance Studio

Mrs. Karen is a dedicated and passionate dance teaching artist who has become a staple in Delaware's ballet community. Known for her well sought-after adult ballet classes, Karen’s teaching is a testament to the belief that you can learn anything you put your mind to. Many of her students have gone on to become professional dancers, a reflection of her impactful teaching.

In addition to her teaching, Mrs. Karen has served as the wardrobe mistress for the Wilmington Ballet for many years, expertly costuming tutus and ensuring that every Nutcracker performance is perfectly outfitted. Mrs. Karen has taught at other dance institutions such as the Marc Levy Dance Center and Anna Marie Dance Studio. She has been with the Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance for over 15 years!

Ballet Teaching Artist

Wilmington, Delaware

Philosophy - “ I teach ballet to challenge and inspire my students. Integrity, confidence, the joy of movement and ballet technique are the core of my classes.”

Training - Washington School of Ballet, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and School of American Ballet

Mrs. Ward danced with New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Geneva Ballet, and she was Artistic Director of Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware. Mrs. Ward owned and operated her own ballet studio in Center City Philadelphia for 12 years, and has been teaching locally ever since.

Royal Academy & Tap Teaching Artist

Wilmington, Delaware

Philosophy - “Dance is my happy place and my goal is to inspire a love of dance to all regardless of age”

Training - Anna Marie Dance Studio

As a performer Mrs. Coupe has appeared in the local Best of Broadway Shows with Greer Firestone. She has choreographed for St. Edmond's Academy for 24 years in addition to choreographing for Shoestring Productions of Brandywine Valley's Summer Showcase touring camp since 2012.

Mrs. Debbie has taught tap at The Movement Workshop for 31 years, and at the YMCA and Aldersgate with a focus on ballet, jazz and tap. Since 2014, Ms. Debbie has overseen the summer programs at Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance for our youngest aspiring dancers.

Ballet Teaching Artist

Wilmington Ballet

New Castle, Delaware

“Dance is an expression of your inner Heartbeat”

Training -Landenberg Ballet Theater, Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance.

Mrs. Snyder performed in the Nutcracker with Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance dancing the roles of Toy Doll, Clara, Chinese, Spanish, Snow and Waltz Corp among others. She also performed such roles as Lilac Fairy Variation and Pas-de-tois of Sleeping Beauty.

Company Member and soon after First Soloist in Glorify Performing Arts from 2018-2022 under director Melody Stanert. Hannah has performed leading roles in original works of Glorify Performing Arts such as Alive In Us, Taistella and Come Alive.

Hannah began as a student teacher assistant at Landenberg Ballet Theater, later moving to Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance where she became a Teaching Artist. Mrs. Snyder also taught for Beautiful Feet Dance Ministries and Stage Lights Dance Academy.

Rachelle Rafailedes is a native Ohioan who began her formal dance training at an early age. She has since received her BFA from The Juilliard School in 2009, under the direction of Lawrence Rhodes, where she was awarded the Martha Hill Prize for outstanding achievement and leadership in dance. In her professional career spanning over 16 years, Rachelle has been fortunate to perform works by renowned choreographers including: William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Twyla Tharp, Benjamin Millepied, Merce Cunningham, Justin Peck, Martha Graham, Shannon Gillen, Antony Tudor, and Emmanuel Gat, among many others. She was a member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham from 2009-2013 and is a Bessie Award winning collaborator for Abraham’s The Radio Show. In addition to performing, Rachelle was an assistant in the creations of many of Abraham’s commissions on colleges and dance companies across the globe. She has also joined Keigwin + Company and Lar Lubovitch Dance Company as a guest artist. 

Rachelle joined L.A. Dance Project in 2013 and became a Rehearsal Director in 2018. Rachelle danced with L.A. Dance Project until October 2020 when she joined L.A. Dance Project’s administration as Grants Manager and the Director of Artist Residency Program. In addition to her role at L.A. Dance Project, Rachelle is currently on faculty at Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance and is pursuing her freelance dance career.

Contemporary & Modern Teaching Artist

New York, New York

Training - Miami (FL) Conservatory, now known as the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet, Joe Michaels studio with the New Image Dance Ensemble, At New World School of the Arts

Shortly after graduating he danced with the Parsons Dance company from 2005-2011. Miguel has also performed at several gala’s in Indianapolis and Houston, as well as nationally and internationally. Miguel has worked with artists such as; David Parsons, Robert Battle, Monica Bill Barnes, Donald McKayle, Michael Uthoff, Arthur Mitchell, Nicholas Andre, Mark Stuart, Shea Sullivan, Greg Dolbashian, and many other artists. He has taught both ballet and Parsons style contemporary master classes while on tour all over the United States and internationally. He is currently living in Philadelphia, to continue his career in dance education and choreograph. He is currently teaching at, Institute of Dance Artistry, and Ballet 180. Miguel is also dancing for "Sharp Dance" and "Pages to Pirouettes."