Teachers

Yoko Kuzutani: Studied ballet at the Tokyo campus of the Bolshoi Ballet School, and continued training at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York, the Ballet Theater, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, and at the Juilliard School of Music. She was awarded a gold medal for her performance in the opera "Aida" by Italy's La Scala, and performed with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Metropolitan Opera, and in several Broadway productions. Yoko choreographed productions in Las Vegas and the Latin Quarter in New York as well as several musicals for the Summer Theater, American Light Opera Company, and Washington Theater Club. She was assistant choreographer for the children in the British Royal Ballet's "Sleeping Beauty" tour in Korea, and assistant stage manager for the Takarazuka production at the New York World's Fair. Yoko has taught ballet at her own studio, the Jarvis Art School, the Roch Ballet School,and the University of Colorado. She has also taught ballet in Japan, Korea, Egypt, and West Africa.
Jessica McElvaney: Jessica graduated with a B.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Modern Languages and Linguistics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2003. She received her early training at MgM Dance Studio, Falls Road Dance Studio, and the Baltimore Actor's Theatre Academy. While at UMBC, she continued her training in Ballet and Modern dance and performed and choreographed for student dance concerts. She has also participated in workshops with Doug Varone and Dancers and Clancyworks and performed at the Dance Place in Washington D.C. with Doug Hamby Dance. Jessica has been teaching at Misako Ballet Studio since 2004.
Genevieve Ellis-Williams: Genevieve Ellis-Williams had early training at Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson. In 2003, she graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a degree in Modern Languages and Linguistics and a minor in dance. She was an active member of the UMBC Dance Department, where she performed and participated in collaborative choreographic works and workshops.
Cecilia Ituarte: Cecilia Ituarte has over 14 years of experience as a dance teacher. Cecilia holds an Associate Diploma in Ballet teaching and Advanced II degree in Modern Dance Theatre from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She graduated in Classical Ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). As a dancer she has enjoyed performing in several cities in Mexico; in Trujillo, Peru and in Los Angeles, California in the U.S. with companies including: Mexico en Movimiento and Momentum Danza among others. She has choreographed pieces for her students. Cecelia is also a professional graphic designer.
Christine Williams: Joined Misako Ballet Studio in spring of 2004 as the Pilates Instructor. She became a certified instructor in 2003, after actively practicing for three years prior. She believes a healthy lifestyle can be incorporated into anyone's daily routine, and strives to assist students in obtaining their fitness goals. Christine also plays on a tennis team, enjoys kick boxing, yoga and spinning classes. Christine holds a B.S. degree in Psychology from Towson University and postgraduate work from Wharton.