JOHANNA SEIDEL

 

Johanna Seidel was raised in Tecumseh, Michigan, where she began dancing at the age of 4. From an early age, Johanna was passionate about ballet, and began developing herself as a well-rounded dancer.

 

She began her training in a small local studio, Dance Steps Studio, with her mentor Laurie Stoianowski. At Dance Steps, Johanna was trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, and modern. She was invited to join the Performing Company division of the studio, and spent time performing extra events with a select group of other students.

 

During her time with Dance Steps Studio, Johanna ventured to other studios and opportunities in the area. At Tecumseh Dance Workshop, Johanna was able to spend time competing and taking master classes at convetions around Michigan and Illinois. In Tecumseh, Johanna was able to perform in annual winter and spring dance recitals, as well as "The Nutcracker" for multiple years. 

 

With the help of her teachers, Johanna was able to then branch out and perform with Toledo Ballet in their production of "The Nutcracker." She studied with Lisa Mayer, Michael Lang, and many other teachers that helped her develop a better understanding in improvisational work, as well as make her a more well-rounded ballet dancer. 

 

At an early age, Johanna realized she needed more of a challenge than her small town could offer her. She spent two summers at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, one summer at Bossov Ballet Theatre, and then an additional two summers at Interlochen Arts Camp.

 

After falling in love with the environment and teachers at Interlochen Arts Camp, Johanna chose to spend her senior year of high school at Interlochen Arts Academy, a fine arts boarding school in northern Michigan, where she was trained heavily in ballet, pointe, partnering, modern, and jazz. Under the careful instruction of Cameron Basden, Niki Conraths, and Wendy Masterson, she was given the chance to perform soloist roles in "The Nutcracker." She was also extended the opportunity to perform a contemporary pas de deux choregoraphed by Johnny McMillan in "The 4 Seasons." The dance company toured with the Interlochen Arts Academy 50th Anniversary Tour around Michigan and the Chicago area. Johanna was also trained in the Graham Technique while at IAA, having the opportunity to work alongside Denise Vale and Janet Eibler. This lead to another tour, this time to New York City, where she performed "Panorama."

After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, Johanna picked up and moved from Michigan to Canyon, Texas, where she began her studies at West Texas A&M University, under the direction of Leslie Williams. With the assistance of Edward Truitt and Crystal Bertrand, Johanna has had the opportunity to travel to Jackson, Mississippi for ACDF, as well as perform in university shows, including guest artist pieces. She has continued her training in ballet, pointe, partnering, jazz, tap, hip hop, and modern. Johanna is currently working towards her Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in dance from WTAMU. 

 

Through West Texas A&M University, Johanna began teaching dance as an intern of the WTAMU Dance Academy. After training under the previous teacher, Johanna took over the ballet program in 2014 as the Ballet Mistress. She has found a new passion in teaching, and is excited to continue working with her students.

 

While studying at WTAMU, Johanna is also dancing with the Lone Star Ballet's Circle of Excellence Professional Company. She has performed lead roles in "The Nutcracker," "Romeo and Juliet," "Wolf: From Twilight to Dawn," and "Rainforest: A Children's Odyssey," as well as roles in "Cleopatra," "TimeSteps," and many more. Most recently with LSB, she was seen as Sugar Plum in "The Nutcracker," and Mrs. Darling and Serena, lead mermaid, in "Peter Pan."

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During the spring 2016 semester at WTAMU, Johanna was featured as the face of the American College Dance Association's South-Central Conference, working with photographer Edward Truitt to create the poster and promotional photos. She worked closely alongside Leslie Williams, Director of Dance at WTAMU, to make hosting ACDA a success.  

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Johanna graduated from West Texas A&M University in May of 2016, and left her job with the WTAMU Dance Academy. Upon graduation, she moved to Chicago, IL to continue her training with local Chicago companies and studios. 

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In October of 2016, Johanna was offered and accepted an apprenticeship with Alluvion Dance Chicago, a contemporary company under the direction of Johnny Huntoon. She was a featured dancer in the first show of the season, and was selected as a featured choreographer and dancer for the second show. She is also working on short film projects with local Chicago artists.