Instructors and Staff

The Right Combination Dance

The Right Combination Dance Studio

The Right Combination of Learning and fun

Artistic Directors

Jillian Grissinger Everett

Jillian began her training in Lawrenceville, Georgia at the Susan Chambers School of Theatre Dance. She performed with the Red Hots and the Susan Chambers Dance Company where she won numerous scholarships, including a tap scholarship to Steps in New York City and a jazz scholarship to Studio F in Los Angeles, California. Jillian turned professional at the age of 14 and performed with several professional dance companies such as Kolours Dance Theater, Phoenix Dance Project and Party Sphere.

Jillian has appeared in music videos, television commercials and shows, including, All My Children, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, The Daily Buzz and Good Morning America, to name a few. Her print work includes work for Kellogg’s, Tell magazine, Woman’s World and various book covers.

Jillian toured nationally with Sesame Street Live as Elmo with the “Let’s Be Friends” show for two years where she met her husband, Greg. They moved to Orlando, Florida and she worked as a performer for Walt Disney World. She performed in many shows such as “Mania,” “Everyday is a Holiday,” “Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration,” “Fantasmic,” and recently opened “Dream Along with Mickey.” She is also a member of the Staging Specialists who maintain blocking and choreography for all shows at Walt Disney World. This summer Jillian revisited the role of Elmo at the Sea World Adventure Park both at “Breakfast with Elmo and Friends” and “Elmo and the Bookaneers.”

Jillian has been teaching and choreographing over the course of the last twelve years. She has taught and loves all genres of dance and theatre. She has choreographed for children’s theater, community choral and theater programs, high school dance teams, and has been nationally awarded at various competitions.

Jillian believes she has The Right Combination of training, performing and teaching to educate dancers of all ages to strive for greatness and more importantly have fun!

Jessica Grissinger Hester

Jessica has been dancing for 19 years. She began her training at Susan Chambers School of Theatre Dance in Lawrenceville, Georgia. During her years of training, she won many scholarships and awards, such as, an “Over all Senior Talent Award” from Access Broadway, where she was signed by a New York agent. She comp eted at New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) and received the “Outstanding Dancer Scholarship.” Jessica has also received scholarships to STEPS in New York, and from LA Underground, PDTA and Joe Tremaine. While still in high school, Jessica was offered a position with the National Tour of “CATS”, but turned it down to graduate with her class.

Immediately after graduation, Jessica took a position with the National Tour of Sesame Street Live. She toured or 2 years with several shows, “Let’s Be Friends,” “1 2 3 Imagine,” and “Everyone Makes Music” performing as small understudy and as Roxy Marie, Elmo, Zoë and Prairie Dawn.

After leaving Sesame Street, Jessica moved to Orlando, Florida where she began working for Walt Disney World. She has worked there for 4 years. During this time she has performed in various parades and shows including, “Fantasmic,” and “Dream Along with Mickey” and also toured with the “Disney Holiday Market Tour.” Jessica is also working at Sea World’s Adventure Park in the Entertainment Department, as Elmo at “Breakfast with Elmo and Friends.”

Jessica’s community involvement includes dancing for pageants in the Orlando area such as “Miss Outstanding Teen America,” and “Miss Orlando City Beautiful.” Jessica also appeared in a St. Jude’s Hospital commercial with Michelle Kwan.

Jessica has appeared on the new Hannah Montana show, and music videos for the Disney Channel, as well as a music video for Triple Horse Productions. She has danced for spots on the Telemundo and Univision Television Stations, and appeared in the Chicago Festival of Lights for 2 years, as well as the Puerto Rican Day Festival in New York City.

Jessica is excited to bring her experience and talent to The Right Combination Dance Studio as an Artistic Director, Instructor and Choreographer.

Instructors

Micah J. Tappe – Voice, Piano, Guitar

Micah, an accomplished musician, has been studying the piano, guitar and voice for many years. He currently writes and records his own music, and plays at numerous venues in and around the Orlando area.

Being classically trained in piano since the age of 3, singing since the age of 5, and classic guitar since the age of 12 has prepared Micah for a lifelong career in music. He has experience teaching different styles and techniques for the piano, guitar, and voice. Micah attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, in Jacksonville, Florida, where he performed nationally and won many awards for his musical accomplishments; most notably in the field of classical, blues, jazz and rock guitar. After graduating from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Micah attended Valencia College and the University of Central Florida (UCF) where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Music Production and Music Performance is 2003, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Composition/Arranging and Music Performance in 2006.

Music has always played an important part of Micah’s life, and now he shares his expertise in music by teaching others. We are very happy to have Micah join our staff

Denise Mock - Voice and Piano

We are very happy to welcome Denise to our talented staff at The Right Combination Dance Studio. Denise is a Graduate of University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Music and is currently working on her Masters. Denise has performed in the UCF Concert Choir, The Women's Choir and was a Soloist in the Spring Concert, Seminole Sound Vocal Jazz from 2002 to 2005, Disney Candelight. Denise is Secretary of Consulate for UCF Opera and is currently appearing in Carmen.

Kristina Tardif - Voice

We are sorry to lose Kristina for the remainder of our 2010 season; however, wish to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage in Maryland.

Kathryn Horwood - Ballet

Kathryn was born and raised in England and began dancing at the age of 3. At 16 she successfully auditioned for a coveted place at Bird College of Performing Arts, London, England. Upon completing a 3 year course, she graduated with a National Diploma in Musical Theatre as well as professional teaching qualifications with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in Ballet, Modern & Tap.

After graduating College, Kathryn traveled the world as a dancer and dance captain for Princess Cruises. During her 8 years on board, Kathryn had the honor to work with many talented singers, dancers and leading choreographers.

Kathryn thoroughly enjoys motivating and encouraging students of all ages and is now delighted to pass on her passion for dance through teaching at The Right Combination Dance Studio.

                          Elizabeth Frederick- Cheer Dance - AcroC

Lizzie began her training in Durand, Michigan at The Academy of Dance and Music, studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Pointe, Acrobatics, and Hip Hop. At 16, she was invited to tour the country with Hoctor’s Caravan Kids. She performed nationally in Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Myrtle Beach, and Columbus, OH.

Lizzie was a MCBA state champion as a color guard member and section leader. After graduation, she worked as an assistant color guard instructor for the Durand Area High School Marching Railroaders. She created the high school dance team her sophomore year, which is still performing and competing today.

Lizzie has performed for Walt Disney World’s Magic Music Days as a dancer in the SpectroMagic Parade and performed on the Tomorrow Land stage. Lizzie has also worked in SeaWorld’s Sesame Street shows including “Elmo and the Bookaneers,” “Elmo and Abby’s Treasure Hunt,” and “Countdown to Halloween,” “Breakfast with Elmo and Friends” and “Breakfast with Count von Count and Friends.

We are happy to have Lizzie on staff with us at The Right Combination Dance Studio.

Tony Caplick - Acro

Tony was a competitive gymnast with USA Gymnastics for four years competing up to Level 3. He began his gymnastic career at age 11 at South Brevard Academy of Gymnastics. He excelled on the rings, parallel bars and floor exercise, winning several medals in the specialized events as well as placing in all-around competitions. Tony started teaching gymnastics at age 14 and teaches all levels. In his Senior year at Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr. High School, Tony competed as a 1 meter springboard diver for the Cocoa Beach Dive Team and competed with Sunrise Springboard Diving Team in Satellite Beach, FL for USA Regional, and at State competitions. We are proud to have Tony on staff.

Substitute Teachers

. Clay Price – Voice & Piano

Encore! Artistic Director/Conductor -- Clay is now a Production Assistant with Walt Disney Entertainment, Show Development and Production.

Show Credits Include: ENCORE: Curtains Up II, A New World, United, Bohemia! and The Spark Of Creation! and Hollywood! – S.T.A.G.E. and Regional Theatre: Cats, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Children of Eden, Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Little Shop Of Horrors, Fame – The Musical, Once Upon A Mattress, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, The King and I, Curtains Up! And Curtains Up! Unplugged, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Big River, The Rocky Horror Show, Anything Goes, and Fiddler On The Roof.

Clay started his WDW career in 1997 as a percussionist with the Disney Collegiate Orchestra, performing at the American Gardens Theater with such stars as Betty Buckley, Sandy Duncan, Carol Channing, Peabo Bryson, Shirley Jones, and John Davidson. After that, he finished his degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia and quickly moved back to Orlando to be a Full Time Cast Member with Walt Disney World Entertainment. His entertainment experience with Disney includes Dream Along With Mickey, Disney’s International Songbook, The 25^th Anniversary Parade – Remember the Magic, SpectroMagic, The Main Street Electrical Parade, Celebrate The Season, The Festival Of The Lion King, the opening casts of Disney Stars and Motorcars Parade and Fantasmic!, and the closing cast of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure. In 2003, he spent almost a year in Japan working for Tokyo Disneyland Entertainment during their 20^th Anniversary Celebration.

As a musician, he was a drummer for the “Tapestry of Nations” parade at Epcot and currently is a pianist for the choral workshops for Magic Music Days. As an educator, Clay has taught many Drumlines and Percussion Ensembles throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida, including the Award-Winning University of Georgia Drumline, where he was on Staff as an Instructor and Arranger is 1997.

Jordan Peterson (SAFD)

Jordan is on staff to teach workshops and host pirate birthday parties, but due to his busy schedule, will substitute as an instructor occasionally. Jordan’s training was acquired at The University of Texas, Mayhem Productions and through Walt Disney World Equity.

He is currently appearing in Walt Disney World’s Castle Show “Dream Along With Mickey” and also as Captain Jack Sparrow for the Walt Disney World Equity Actors Association.

His stage and screen credits include, Pirate Tutorial, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Pirate and Princess Parties, Licorice and Gunshots, Man in the Habit, A Portrait of Jane, and Extreme Walking.

Jordan is a member of professional organizations, including, The Society of American Fight Directors and the International Order of the Sword and Pen. He has many stunt skills such as, Unarmed Combat, Knife, Sword, Rope, Repel, Sleeve Slide, Slide for Life, and High Dive. He is also proficient in Rapier, Single Saber, and Chinese Broadsword.

Specialty teachers

Xavier Serrano - Salsa

Xavier teaches authentic Salsa direct from his professional education in Puerto Rico. He holds a degree in Arts and Drama from the School of Arts of Ponce and also a Bachelor in Psychology from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica in Ponce , Puerto Rico. His degrees enable him to teach this exciting dance while keeping everyone calm with his psychology.

He also trained for seven years with New Dimension School of Dance, Ponce Puerto Rico, in Ballroom, Jazz, Hip Hop, as well as Salsa.

Xavier has performed in the Sesame Street Show at Sea World, Macy’s Holiday Parade, Universal Studios, Dreams Come True at Walt Disney World, taught and performed for Orlando Salsa Congress, Atlanta Salsa Congress, PR Latin Company, Ponce Puerto Rico, Canada Salsa Congress, Toronto, Canada and Puerto Rico Salsa Congress, San Juan, P.R. from 1999-2003.

He also performed at Roma Salsa Congress, Rome Italy. We look forward to our moms and dads burning up our dance floors with this great Latin dance.