WALH PERFORMING ARTS STUDIOS
PROUDLY INTRODUCES OUR 2010-2011 FACULTY:

Walh Performing Arts Studios takes pride in our ability to offer the finest teachers for your children’s classes. Our esteemed faculty is comprised of college-educated professionals with extensive teaching experience as well as national and international performance credits. We bring first hand performing experience directly from the stage to the classroom.

David Walh earned his BA in Musical Theatre and Communication from the University at Buffalo and continued advanced studies in acting and voice in NYC. He has performed leading roles in several U.S. National Tours and regional theatres throughout the country, including the Burt Reynolds Theatre in Florida. Credits include Jesus in Godspell, Bob Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol, Charlie in Brigadoon, Tom Sawyer in Big River, Adam in Children of Eden, a one-man show at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, independent films, commercials, and CD recordings. David was lead vocalist and emcee at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA for three years. David is currently a cantor at St. John Vianney Church.

Katie Walh earned her BFA in Dance Performance & Theatre Arts from the University at Buffalo. She is certified to teach through Dance Masters of America. Katie created curriculum for a pioneering dance program at the Milton Hershey School, where she taught for two years. Her students have won numerous awards and scholarships, and can be seen at local theatres including T.O.Y. and the Lancaster Opera House. Katie is a former Miss Dance of New York and danced with the Zodiaque Dance Company. She has performed throughout the U.S. in regional theatre productions, independent films, television shows, and commercials.

Cara Koselny is a graduate of the University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance Performance. She recently finished her Masters Degree in Elementary Education. Cara has traveled all over the world dancing professionally and has performed in Japan, Singapore, and Guam. While she was dancing on Holland America Cruise Line, she saw Hawaii, Mexico, and Alaska. Cara was also a Las Vegas performer in Bally’s Jubilee. Cara’s teaching experience is extensive, and she has been an integral part of Walh Studios’ success the last five years.

Debbie Dalessandro earned her BA and MA in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and is currently a vocal music teacher at West Seneca East Elementary School. She is an accomplished music director of many regional theatre productions as well as children’s performances at venues such as Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo Bisons Games, local churches, and for WNED-TV. Debbie has taught vocal technique and musical theatre classes with Walh Studios the last four years.

Jennifer Huffman is currently dancing with LehrerDance, the new Internationally recognized dance company based in Buffalo. She received a B.F.A in dance from Webster University in St. Louis and was awarded the Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Scholarship for three consecutive years.  Jennifer has performed with such distinguished groups as David Dorfman’s Dance Out of Seasons, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montreal’s The Nutcracker, The Slaughter Project, Paul Taylor 2 in Esplanade, Move directed by Tanya Shea and Natasha Jansen, Dance St. Louis, and was an apprentice with Inaside Chicago Dance Company for one season. Jennifer loves living in Buffalo, NY and is excited to return to Walh Studios’ faculty.

Susan Kriz earned her BA and MA degrees in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia. She has performed as a pianist, cellist, and singer in many musical settings. Susan has taught strings, piano, and voice in the Williamsville schools, Sacred Heart Academy, and at West Seneca West Middle School. Susan also has a private piano studio and is the music director at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Susan has taught vocal technique and musical theatre with Walh Studios for four years.

Michael Lambert earned his BFA in Dance Performance and Visual Communication from the University at Buffalo. He is a former Mr. Dance of New York, and danced with the Zodiaque Dance Company. While a student, Michael attended the Chautauqua Institute and the Giacobbe Ballet Academy in New Orleans on full scholarship. Professionally, Michael has danced around the world including Walt Disney World, Royal Carribean Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Tokyo Disneyland, and for the last five years in Las Vegas. Michael has taught for the University at Buffalo’s Summer Dance Program, and has been an invited guest choreographer for the Zodiaque Dance Company.  Michael recently returned to Buffalo, his home town and we are thrilled that he has joined Walh Studios’ faculty.

Kevin Leary earned his BFA in Musical Theatre and Acting from Wright State University. He has performed in the Broadway National Tours of 42nd Street(Dance Captain), The Music Man(Tommy), and Camelot. Kevin has worked at the Alleyway Theatre as a production stage manager for three shows. He recently was assistant director for the prestigious Goodspeed Opera House’s production of Singin’ In the Rain. Kevin’s teaching credits include studio, master class, and university experience. This past spring, Kevin choreographed East Aurora High School’s production of The Music Man, and Orchard Park High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Welcome to Walh Studios, Kevin.

Phill Smith comes to Walh Studios from New York City where he studied at the prestigious Fame School (LaGuardia Performing Arts). He specializes in Hip Hop and Street Dance Styles including Breakdancing. Phil has been a featured performer on MTV's Hip Hop Week, and has choreographed professional Hip Hop revues in Atlantic City. We welcome Phil to Buffalo and Walh Studios.

Kristen Stein attended Columbia College of Chicago to pursue a BFA  in dance.  After two years at Columbia, she received a full-merit dance scholarship to the Giordano Dance Center, where she trained with the top teachers in Chicago. In 2005 Kristen went to Salt Lake City, Utah to dance as an apprentice with Odyssey Dance Theatre. While there she worked with many renowned choreographers such as Dee Caspary, Liz Imperio, and Bonnie Story. In 2007, Kristen was one of the top 17 girls on the Fox TV show So You Think You Can Dance. Kristen is very excited to be in Buffalo, NY dancing with LehrerDance and sharing her love of dance at Walh Studios.

And World Class Teacher/Performer:

Jon Lehrer earned his BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo. Jon got his start in many local Summerfare! Productions and as a dancer with the Zodiaque Dance Company. While a student, Jon trained on full scholarship at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, and Peridance. Professionally, Jon has become a world-renowned Director, Choreographer, and Performer with the Gus Giordano Dance Company. After 11 years with the world’s foremost jazz dance company, Jon has moved back to Buffalo to begin his own professional dance company to be based in Buffalo, LehrerDance. Jon is also on the Advisory Board of Dance Spirit Magazine. He was recently interviewed and photographed for the cover story of Dance Teacher Now Magazine, November issue. Walh Studios warmly welcomes Jon to our faculty, and we are excited for our students to take advantage of the opportunity to work with this world class professional!

For more infornation regarding Jon Lehrer, please visit: www.lehrerdance.org