The Artists
Amanda Szabo
16 years old, Naperville, Illinois
Amanda Szabo is currently a junior at Neuqua Valley High School. Amanda began dancing at the age of three and is enjoying her first year with Extensions Dance Company. She has trained at various studios throughout the Chicagoland area including Steps Dance Center, Visceral Dance Center, Xtreme Dance Center, and The School of Dance West Ballet. In addition to dancing in the studio, Amanda has also attended River North Workshops, Extensions’ Care to Dance Workshops, and several master classes with choreographers such as Dionna Pridgeon, Debrah Nanni, Suave, Altin Naska, and Eddie Ocampo. She has performed in several annual productions of The Nutcracker with Dance West Ballet Company and Moscow Ballet. Amanda was a member of the Poms and Orchesis dance teams at her high school during her Freshman and Sophomore years. She is grateful for the opportunity to dance with such passionate artists and to train under the direction of Lizzie MacKenzie. Amanda would also like to thank her family for their tremendous support.
Amanda Terese
17 years old, Naperville, Illinois
Amanda Terese began dancing at the age of twelve. Prior to Extensions she was a part of the Inspire School of Dance Company under the direction of Anne Forest. There she had the opportunity to perform the choreography of Anne Forrest, Lizzie MacKenzie, Kelly Hill, Lauren Adams, Jennifer Hamilton, Hana Brictson, Sara Bibik, Christian Vincent, and Alvin Ramirez. With Inspire, Amanda performed at many competitions and conventions and was honored with scholarships from New York City Dance Alliance and NUVO. Last summer, Amanda attended the River North Summer Workshop for the first time where she had the opportunity to take classes from the members of River North Dance Chicago. Amanda is extremely excited to have the opportunity to dance with the artists of Extensions Dance Company and she would like to thank Lizzie MacKenzie for giving her this opportunity and for being such an inspiring person.
Amy Chihara
17 years old, Munster, Indiana
Amy Chihara is now in her fifth season with Extensions Dance Company and she is excited to take part in the continued growth of the company. This will be a special year for her and she is ecstatic to be spending it with an amazing group of individuals. Being a part of Extensions for so long has inspired Amy to become a better artist, dancer and person and she hopes to one day, make a profession out of her dancing. In addition to her training with Extensions, Amy trains at Visceral Dance Chicago and Lou Conte Dance Studio. She has spent her summers at Lou Conte Dance Studio,Hubbard Street Dance Chicago in LA, Alonzo King's Lines Ballet, Faubourg School of Ballet and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Amy is grateful to have Lizzie and Extensions in her life; she knows she is forever changed. Amy would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
Annie Wyman
13 years old, Naperville, Illinois
Annie Wyman began her dance education at the Mary Lou Hale School of Dance in Lake Hiawatha, NJ. She continued her dance instruction at Inspire School of Dance when she moved to IL. While at Inspire, she was able to train with Anne Forrest, Aretese, Margaret Palmer, Kelly Hill and Sara Bibik. Annie has also participated in Master Classes with Jennifer Hamilton, Christian Vincent, Tina Sidoni, Jackie Sleight and Lauren Adams. She has attended many conventions/competitions throughout the Midwest and nationals in LA and NYC. During the summer, Annie participated in the Human Rhythm Project. She attends classes at Steps Dance Center in addition to her training with Extensions. When she isn't dancing or studying, Annie enjoys playing piano, violin and guitar. Annie is ecstatic for her first year on Extensions. She is honored to be able to dance with this talented group and loves being a member of the team. Annie would like to thank Lizzie for helping her to grow as a dancer and her family for their unending support.
Arden Leone
17 years old, Geneva, Illinois
Arden Leone is currently a junior at Geneva High School. Arden has been dancing since she was five years old. In addition to her training with Extensions, she trains at State Street Dance Studio in Geneva under the direction of Catalina Garza, Ernesto Quenedit, Carl Cory, Laura Kariotis, Madeline Renwick and Annette Thomann. In the past, she has competed with Chicago Dance Elite, under the direction of Kelly Ann Vitacca, recieving recognition and awards from L.A. Dance Force, CNADM and other regional competitions. This past summer Arden received a scholarship to attend Point Park University's International Summer Dance Program. She has also trained with professional companies throughout Chicagoland, such as Inaside Chicago Dance, River North, and the Joffrey Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker. Arden is thrilled to enter into her first year in Extensions and thanks Lizzie for support and inspiration. She would also like to thank her family and close friends for their endless encouragement, and above all God for blessing her with more than she could ever need. Psalm 149:3
Brianna Noe
11 years old, Aurora, Illinois
Brianna Noe is currently a sixth grader at Granger Middle School and a first-year member of Extensions Dance Company. She took her first dance class at the Naperville YMCA at age 3 and since then has never wavered in her love and passion for dance. In 2005, Brianna joined Steps Dance Center, where she made great strides during the next three years and joined her first performing group. In the fall of 2008, Brianna moved on to Midwest Edge Dance Academy, where she enjoyed learning from Michelle and Danielle Masciopinto, Sara Fragen and Debbie Ford for three memorable years and credits them for much of her success. During her final two years at Midwest Edge, Brianna participated in many competitions and began to receive special recognition for her efforts, earning five scholarships including Mini VIP at both JUMP and Hollywood Vibe, as well as Mini Breakout Artist runner-up at NUVO. Brianna would like to thank Lizzie and everyone at Extensions for welcoming her into the Extensions family. She is both grateful for the opportunity and overjoyed to be working with such a talented and committed group.
Brittany Harrington
16 years old, Naperville, Illinois
Brittany Harrington is a junior at Naperville Central High School and is currently in her fourth year with Extensions Dance Company. Prior to Extensions, Brittany had danced the past seven years at the School of Performing Arts in Naperville and had been a member of their dance ensemble for five years. She would like to thank Lizzie for taking a chance and giving her the opportunity of her lifetime, and as well as her supportive parents and of course her two sisters, Kim and Shanna, for inspiring her to believe in herself and helping her to work towards her dream. In addition to Extensions, she currently trains at Visceral Dance Studio and Steps Dance Center. Without Extensions Dance Company, Brittany would not be half the person she is today.
Isabella Buscaglia
12 years old, Chicago, Illinois
BIsabella Buscaglia is in seventh grade at St. Eugene School in Chicago. This is her first year in Extensions Dance Company. Izzy has been dancing since she was three years old, spending the last nine years with Chicago Dance and Music Academy, where she feels fortunate to have studied under, among others, Krissie Odegard Geye and Christal Post. Izzy was a member of DMA’s Allegro Performance Company, where she performed in numerous competitions and benefits in the Midwest and at Disney World. Last summer, she performed at Cathy Roe’s National Dance Spectacular in Ohio. Izzy has studied ballet at the Cecchetti Council of America’s summer program in Holland, Mich., and participates in numerous workshops and intensives in the Chicagoland area, including classes at Visceral Dance Center. She is thankful to her family for all of their support. Izzy is thrilled to be a member of Extensions and is excited about the opportunity to perform and learn with such wonderful dancers, all of whom have made her feel so welcome. Izzy is extremely grateful to Lizzie for having such confidence in her and is excited and honored to be her student.
Kaylyn Brothers
14 years old, Naperville, Illinois
Kaylyn is an eighth grader at Lincoln Jr. High School in Naperville and is enjoying her second year with Extensions Dance Company. She began dancing at age three and her passion for dance has been growing ever since. Prior to joining Extensions, Kaylyn was a member of The School of Performing Arts dance ensemble for five years. She was also a children’s cast member in the Chicago production of the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker for two years. In addition to her training with Extensions, Kaylyn is currently taking class at Steps Dance Center in Aurora. Kaylyn enjoyed a wonderful three weeks at Interlochen Center for the Arts studying ballet this past summer. Kaylyn credits all of her wonderful teachers for nurturing her along her journey. She is especially thankful for the mentoring she has received from Jessie Young-Novak, Cassandra Porter and Katie Lunn. She would like to thank Lizzie for believing in her and helping her to achieve her very best. Kaylyn is so excited for another year with Extensions Dance Company!
Lorena Sanchez
18 years old, Chicago, Illinois
Lorena Sanchez has been dancing since the age of two, and hasn't stopped since. In addition to Extensions, she currently dances at The Dance Workshop in Orland Park with Jay and Connie Fagan, and at Visceral dance center. She first met Lizzie while attending CDC summer workshop and instantly loved her classes. In addition to taking classes, Lorena has modeled for Revolution dance wear this past year.
Lorena is a senior at Saint Ignatius College Prep, where she is an active member of choir and Chicago Tutoring Alliance. Being a senior in Extensions allows her to be a leader and she is delighted to be assisting Lizzie with the new mini-company, ExtensionsToo! Lorena loves expressing herself, and Extensions provides the best environment for this. She is thrilled to be a part of Extensions for her fourth and final season and she hopes to continue her dance training after graduation. Lorena thanks her family and Lizzie for continuing to believe in her and pushing her to become the best she can be!
Melanie Dalaly
15 years old, Naperville, Illinois
When Melanie entered the dance world at the age of five, she already envisioned herself becoming a professional dancer... this still holds true today. She is currently a Sophomore at Neuqua Valley High School and is in her second yearof Extensions. She is loving every minute of it and is ecstatic for what is to come. Throughout the years, she has been honored to receive instruction from people such as Lizzie MacKenzie, Kelly Brunk, Kelly Hill, Harrison MacEldowney, Margaret Palmer, Eddy Ocampo, Kate Jablonski, and Sara Bibik. She has also loved training at Visceral Dance Center and Steps Dance Center. During the past couple of years, she has been honored to be recognized regionally at dance performances and received a scholarship from the prestigious River North Chicago Dance Company. Melanie is happy to be given so many incredible opportunities and her love for dance grows more each day. She would also like to thank Lizzie for her guidance, inspiration, and friendship.
Nate Carter
17 years old, Vernon Hills, Illinois
Nate Carter is 17 years old and currently a junior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. He has been dancing since he was age 13 when he discovered his dance moves were better than his wrestling, football, and lacrosse moves combined. He spent 2 years training in the international Latin ballroom technique with Olga Losetsky, Sylvia Zawadska, and Max Kholostoy. He started jazz a year later at Trilogy School of the Performing Arts and performed two seasons on their company while training with Eugene Peabody, Joshua Blake Carter, Cassandra Porter, Carrie Nicastro, and Ricky Ruiz. In addition to his training at Extensions, he currently takes class at Trilogy School of the Performing Arts, and Dancenter North. He has attended master classes with Randy Duncan, Ricky Ruiz, and Zachary Heller as well as River North Dance Company workshops and Care to Dance 2010. Nate also volunteers his time to help with Trilogy’s DancAbilities class where he is a teacher for special needs students. He aspires to be a professional dancer and teacher when he graduates from college. Nate is excited and honored to be a new member of Extensions Dance Company.
Olivia Euritt
15 years old, Naperville, Illinois
Olivia Euritt is a freshman at St Francis High School in Wheaton and is currently in her second year with Extensions Dance Company. Prior to Extensions,Olivia danced at the Academy of Dance Arts under Sherry Moray and Donna Johnson and at Inspire School of Dance. Olivia has had the pleasure of working with many wonderfulteachers and choreographers to include Harrison McEldowney, Sara Bibik, Kelly Hill, Jennifer Hamilton, Tina Sidoni, Christian Vincent and Leona Morimune. Olivia recently won a scholarship to attend the New York City Dance Alliance Intensive in New York citywhere she studied under Joe Laneri this past summer. Olivia is truly passionate about dance and isthrilled to be studying under the Artistic Direction of herfriend and mentor, Lizzie MacKenzie. Olivia would like to thank Lizzie for her tremendous growth in dance this past year... and for always believing in her.
Sam Tyson
14 years old, Deerfield, Illinois
Sam Tyson is a freshman at Deerfield High School and has been dancing and performing since she was three years old. She has performed in many local theater productions and danced at many competitions and conventions. In addition to her classes at Extensions, Sam has attended dance workshops, camps and intensives in the Chicago area and also attends weekly classes at Visceral Dance Center. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, volleyball, softball, skiing and spending time with friends and family. She is grateful for all the love, support and encouragement of her family and sends many thanks to all the talented artists who continue to challenge, inspire, and motivate her to be the best she can be both as a dancer and person. Sam is elated for the opportunity to be a part of the Extensions Dance Company and feels privileged to be dancing under the direction of Lizzie MacKenzie. "The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible"~Unknown
Vicky Cancelliere
14 years old, Plainfield, Illinois
Vicky Cancelliere is a freshman at Plainfield North High School and has been dancing for 7 years. This will be her 2nd year dancing as a member of Extensions Dance Company. She feels so fortunate to be dancing under the direction and inspiration of Lizzie Mackenzie, and would like to thank Lizzie for recognizing and cultivating her love of dance. This past summer Vicky was given the opportunity to represent the USA as part of Dmanagement's "Performing in Chicago" International Ballet workshop. She performed in their productions of "Giselle" and "Don Quixote" alongside cast members of the Joffrey Ballet, The Milwaukee Ballet and The American Ballet Theatre. Vicky is excited to continue growing as a dancer and looks forward to another exciting year with her Extensions Dance family!