Debbie began dancing at the young age of four and knew she belonged on stage. She began her

training and competition career with Golden’s and Youman’s School of Dance. Debbie’s

experience as student director for her high school’s orchesis team her sophomore through senior

years is where she discovered her passion for teaching and choreography. Debbie began teaching

in the studio setting at the age of sixteen and has been ever since.

Debbie continued her studies in jazz, modern, tap and ballet at Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago in

Evanston where she studied under master teachers such as Nan & Debbie Giordano, Sam Watson

and Gus himself (a truly unforgettable experience as Gus is known as the “Father of Jazz Dance

in Chicago”. Debbie also had the honor of training with Randy Duncan, Kenneth Green, Frank

Hatchett, Lou Conte, Kirby Reed, Tom Evert and Meribeth Kisner.

Debbie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree double majoring in dance education &

performance along with business administration. She was a member of the UDT Dance

Company and two of her student choreography pieces were selected to be represented in the

American College Dance Festival two years in a row. Debbie also earned her certification in

aerobics and step aerobics.

Upon graduation, Debbie was offered the head coach position for the Schaumburg High School

Orchesis Team. Debbie was also an instructor and choreographer for multiple studios in the

Chicagoland area and taught for Dancercise Kids. Debbie’s choreography was highlighted in the

Levi Strauss & Co fashion show.

After having three children of her own, Debbie followed her life-long dream of opening her own

studio which she directed for 25 years earning multiple ADCC Studio of Excellence Awards,

numerous National Championship Titles and appearances in the filming of ABC’s Christmas

Parade in Disney World dancing with the Broadway cast of The Newsies and Neil Patrick Harris

along with being invited to perform on the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship. Debbie has earned

numerous Industry Award nominations for her choreography in Jazz, Modern, Contemporary,

Lyrical and Musical Theater.

Debbie has enjoyed traveling around the United States as a competition judge and has also

enjoyed working as a Regional Director for a National Competition company.

Debbie is so excited to start this new chapter and is looking forward to sharing her passion of this

art with all of you at VIM!