Meet Our Team
Executive Director
Cari Zawodny
Bio Coming Soon
Artistic Director - Ballet & Pointe
Farah Zoetmulder
Ms. Farah began dancing at age 5 at Interplay Ballet in Toronto, Canada, under Anna McCowan Johnson and Arnold Spohr. She later attended and graduated from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School under David Moroni and Julia Arkos.
While in Winnipeg, Ms. Zoetmulder was awarded the Paddy Stone Choreographic Award and appeared as a dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet before moving to Anchorage.
Locally Farah has appeared as a dancer for the Anchorage Opera, The Anchorage Symphony, Theatre Artists United, and Anchorage Ballet. She is considered one of the best ballet and pointe instructors in the State of Alaska and has had several students under her instruction place in the top 3 at the Youth America Grand Prix, classical division. Farah's students have been accepted into numerous professional ballet schools, companies, and Universities, including The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Kirov Academy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, The Royal Ballet School in London, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Arizona, Houston Ballet, and Ohio State University.
Associate Director - Ballet, Pointe & Contemporary
Emma Lochner
Ms. Emma began her dance training at the age of 2. She has studied with San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet, Ballet San Antonio Academy, Anchorage Classical Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, Eastern Virginia School of Performing Arts, and Central Virginia Ballet. Her passion for dance has been influenced by her own teachers, Farah Zoetmulder, Alice Bassler Sullivan, Sandra Balestracci, Pamela Risenhoover, and Hiawatha Johnson Jr. Emma is an avid choreographer who enjoys exploring new ways to express the many facets of humanity. Her choreography has appeared in the community as a Bloom Artist in Residence with Pulse Dance Company. She graduated from Randolph College with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Studio Art Minor.
Associate Director- Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Acro & Contemporary
Cady Lynn O'Brien
Ms. Cady Lynn began her dance training in Sitka, Alaska at Sitka Studio of Dance. As an adult, she moved to London, England to study at the dance conservatory Tinity Laban. Ms. O'Brien had the opportunity to teach at a dance workshop in South Korea. Her performance credits include Chopinana, the Nutcracker, and Gisselle with Anchorage Ballet; Cravan, Dusk to Dawn, and the Nutcracker with Pulse Dance Company. She holds a degree in Dance Studies and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education.
Administrative Supervisor
Jacqueline Robinson
Bio Coming Soon
Administrative Assistant
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Dawn Bockelman
Bio Coming Soon
Instructor - Ballet & Pointe
Sarah Jefferies
Sarah has been a jewel in the ADT community for years, formerly serving as Associate Artistic Director of the organization. Her dance education includes ADT, Richmond Ballet, Butler University, Jordan College of Fine Arts, Lou Conte Dance Studio, and University of Kansas. Sarah has danced professionally with ADT, Peoria Ballet, Storling Dance Theatre, Kansas City Ballet, California Ballet, and the San Diego Opera.
Instructor - Ballet & Jazz
Blair Robinson
Blair began dancing at age four. She has trained with Alaska Dance Theatre, Joffery Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Blair has performed with The Radio City Rockettes, Les Folies Bergere, and the national tour of Movin' Out, performing original choreography by Twyla Tharp. Blair recently became a certified teacher in American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum Pre-Primary through Level 3.
Instructor - Ballet
Deana Chambers
Deana took her first ballet class at age nineteen and received her dance education from Ballet UAB, Chaffenburge Ballet, and Alaska Dance Theatre. She has performed for Ballet UAB, North Dakota Ballet, and Alaska Dance Theatre.
Instructor - Ballet, Pointe, Jazz & Contemporary
Reed Neuser
Reed Neuser is originally from Tucson, Arizona, where she trained in classical ballet at the Ballet Rincon Academy. After graduating high school, she went on to receive her BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona. In her time at the U of A, Reed performed in masterworks by Martha Graham, Larry Keigwin, and George Balanchine, among others. She spent her summers furthering her training with accredited programs at the Paul Taylor School, the Boston Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and Perry Mansfield Performing Arts Camp. In 2022, Reed moved to NYC as a freelance dancer, and trained at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, performing Martha Graham’s “Appalachian Spring” and Bradley Shelver’s “Babel”. Ms. Neuser notably performed in the 2023 Saks 5th Avenue Light Ceremony under the Graham II Director Virginie Mecene, as well as with the Alison Cook Beatty Dance Company in Alison’s “Lacrimis” at the White Wave Dumbo Dance Festival. Reed is thrilled to be joining the faculty at Alaska Dance Theatre for the 2025-2026 season!
Instructor - Jazz & Contemporary
Sari Phillips
Sari started dancing at the age of 7 at Alaska Dance Theatre. She went on to study dance at the division 1 dance program at Colorado State University where she majored in dance with an emphasis in performance. Here, she studied under Carol Roderick- previously a member of the professional division faculty at Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. She has worked with numerous companies and artists including Alvin Ailey II, Ballet West, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, Diavolo Dance Theatre, Jefferson Starship, and Joffrey Ballet. During her time living in Las Vegas, she trained extensively with Millennium Dance Complex, dancing alongside the hottest artists in the city. She has performed locally with Theatre Artists United and the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Currently she is an RN at Providence, a certified yoga instructor and teaches Jazz and Broadway classes at Alaska Dance Theatre. She recently won the Broadway World award for Best Choreography for her work on The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Mad Myrnas.
Instructor - Contemporary
Taylor Hicks
Taylor is a lifelong Alaskan and dancer of 23 years. She has trained at Ketchikan Theatre, Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey, STEPS on Broadway, and American College Dance Association conference. Taylor joined UAA's dance program where she found her love for modern dance, improvisation, and choreographing under Brian Jeffrey and Katherine Kramer. Taylor holds a Bachelor's of Arts from UAA, majoring in Theatre with a Dance Emphasis. She dances as a company member of Momentum Dance Collective & Assistant Director/ performer with Sunlight Collaboration.
Instructor - Acro
Molly Lunsford
Molly has been dancing for 25 years and teaching for over a decade. She specializes in acro but also brings a deep love for jazz, ballet, and contemporary to the studio. Her training includes Dance Spectrum School of Dance, Alaska Dance Theatre, Underground Dance Company, and the University of Alaska Anchorage’s dance program. She’s also performed in numerous productions with Pulse Dance Company.Known for her high expectations and personalized approach, Miss Molly believes in pushing her students to reach their individual goals. Her own rigorous training drives her to help dancers of all ages grow in both skill and confidence.When she’s not in the studio, she’s likely adventuring with her family—or supporting families in a whole different way as a certified nurse midwife helping bring new life into the world.
Instructor - Jazz, Contemporary & Tap
Rhiannon Roseman
Rhiannon began dancing at age five. She has received her dance education from Dance Spectrum Alaska and Alaska Dance Theatre. She has performed with UAA's Dance Ensemble as well as in UAA's New Dances and Momentum Dance Collective's Breaking Ground. Her choreography credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with Service High School and Goldenview Middles School.
Instructor - Ballet
Nicole Gustine
Nicole started dancing when she was five in Raleigh, North Carolina. She trained in classical ballet and Russian folk dancing with two trips to Moscow and St. Petersburg (1993-1994). Nicole attended the University of Utah for one year and traded her pointe shoes for hiking boots before returning to dance with Peninsula Artists in Motion (PAM) for a few years. After a family move, Nicole taught at Dancers Workshop in Jackson, WY for a few years where her daughter started dancing. Nicole is thankful to be a part of Alaska Dance Theatre staff and teaching ballet.
Instructor - Ballet
Skylar Berg
Skylar Berg has been a part of the Anchorage dance community for many years through her dancing with Alaska Dance Theatre. After starting at the age of 3, she trained primarily in classical ballet with ADT for 15 years. As a part of the ADT Performing Company, she performed in various professional productions of The Nutcracker, in Niki Maple’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A 1001 Arabian Nights, and Pineapple Poll, as a part of TedX Anchorage 2023, and alongside the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra in The Magic of John Williams. Skylar is currently a student at the University of Alaska, Anchorage working towards her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She is glad to be home in Alaska and is thrilled to be on the teaching staff here at Alaska Dance Theatre!
Instructor - Ballet
Maggie Johnson
Maggie Johnson was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She started dancing at the age five, at the age of eighteen Maggie graduated from the Anchorage Ballet. Ms. Johnson has also trained and performed with The Nutmeg Conservatory, Milwaukee Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater, Bossov Ballet Theater, and UAA. Recently Ms. Johnson has performed in a music video with Ayla Ray. Maggie was the opening act to the 2022 Trend Alaska Fashion Show as well as performing with the Anchorage Opera in the production. Ms. Johnson is passionate about dance and enjoys passing her love of dance with others.
Instructor - Ballet
Shanette Harper
Bio Coming Soon
Instructor - Jazz & Contemporary
Emily Darby
Emily’s Dance education includes Ballet West’s Academy, Alaska Dance Theatre, and Barbara’s School of Dance. Her true love is Musical Theatre and she has danced and sung her way through many roles including “Cassie” in A Chorus Line, “Marian Pero” in The Music Man, “The Baker’s Wife” in Into the Woods, and “Mabel” in Pirates of Penzance. Her love of music and dance led her to receiving her B.S. of Music and Dance at Utah Valley University, supported by both a vocal performance and Ballroom Dance Touring Company scholarship. Between dancing and singing, Emily gave birth to her four wonderful children and traveled the world- before settling down in Anchorage. Most recently, Emily has been performing with The Anchorage Opera, The Midnight Sun Theatre Company, and arranging music and conducting the choir at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Instructor - Ballet, Jazz & Contemporary
Skylar Thomas
Skylar Thomas is a dedicated dancer, teacher, and certified Pilates instructor with a lifelong passion for movement. She began dancing at the age of six, starting her training at Dance Creations in Indianapolis. She continued her development at Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Carmel, Indiana, where she was a member of the pre-professional program. Skylar went on to earn her BFA in Dance and a minor in Psychology from Indiana University, where she received comprehensive training in a wide range of styles including Ballet, Contemporary, Horton, Graham, Musical Theatre, African Diaspora, and Aerial Silks. She performed in numerous productions, including IU Contemporary Dance’s annual faculty concerts, as well as student-led shows and independent projects. From 2022 to 2024, Skylar taught at Central Indiana Academy of Dance. She also served as the Director of the Youth Company at Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, the studio’s pre-professional company. Skylar is elated to join the ADT family. She is excited to nurture a new generation of dancers.
Instructor - Jazz, Acro & Musical Theatre
Steph Smoot
Steph Smoot is thrilled to join the ADT team! She as been dancing and performing for over 25 years. Growing up in southwest Ohio, Steph trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, tumbling & pom. She was also a competitive cheerleader and cheered in college for Army West Point. Steph has a passion for musical theatre and has directed and choreographed shows in several states, with her favorites being Into the Woods and Moana Jr. (Central Texas Theatre) as well as Matilda (ACT). Since moving to Alaska in 2022, she has choreographed locally for Anchorage Community Theatre, TBA Theatre, Alaska Theatre of Youth, and Chugiak Eagle River High School Drama Club.
Instructor - Acro & Tap
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Ashlyn McCubrey
Bio Coming Soon
Instructor - Hip Hop
Tey Anderson-Johnson
Tey Mone' is a versatile dancer with a deep passion for movement and expression. Trained in African dance, modern, and commercial hip-hop, Tey blends cultural roots with contemporary styles to create powerful, dynamic performances. With experience as both a student and instructor, she values the transformative power of dance to build community, tell stories, and inspire connection. Whether on stage or in the studio, Tey brings energy, authenticity, and heart to every space she enters.
Instructor - Hip Hop
Rebecca Farrow
Rebecca Farrow is a local EMS/Healthcare Professional who has studied and trained in various styles such as HipHop, Street Jazz, Vogue, African, Dancehall,Salsa, Rumba, Contemporary, Ballet and Modern. From Broadway NYC, Peridance Center, Millennium Dance Complex LA/LV, PlayGround LA, UDC (Germany), and 1Million Korea.Dancing has healed her and given the ability to continue her life and embark a career to inspire others who also may feel physical limitations to progress movement. Recovering post back surgery and being given a second chance to be whole, she has dedicated her life to breaking boundaries with Dance and connecting the expressive outlet to become Therapeutic.Through her teachings and class experiences she hopes to inspire, and help others heal to improve life. Currently Rebecca is an active state EMS and healthcare professional who also teaches CPR & First Aid outside of dance.
Pianist
Margarita Merkusheva
Margarita began studying piano at age five. She is a graduate of the Vologda Music College in Russia in piano and voice and furthered her studies at the Armenian Musical Conservatory in the class of renowned pianist Professor Robert Oganian. Her music has inspired dances by many noted choreographers, including Israel (El) Gabriel of the University of California, Irvine, and is performed in productions by New World School of th Arts, Anchorage Ballet, and ADT. She has released two CD's, It's My Life and Believe in Yourself.
Join The Strongest Team of dance instructors in Alaska
Are you Passionate about teaching dance? We Need You!
Are you a dance teacher looking to work at a fun, fierce, and fabulous studio where you are well respected and highly appreciated? Alaska Dance Theatre is always looking to hire top talent to teach. Spend your time in state-of-the-art studios with plenty of light and space. Work with the best students and the award-winning staff. Loads of opportunities to choreograph and grow your talents, realize your artistic vision, paid-for-by-ADT professional development opportunities, exciting new projects to build your resume! Send a cover letter and resume to Farah Zoetmulder, Artistic Director. Out-of-state talent welcome.