The BDA Family

At BDA, Miss Susan’s mission is to develop versatile, confident, and compassionate performers. She has served as the Artistic Director of BDA’s award-winning competition dance team for over 20 years, guiding dancers to grow not only in technical excellence, but in artistry and teamwork. She especially loves the magic of collaboration and the joy of watching students grow — not only as dancers and actors, but as people. Programs like BDA’s Summer Theatre Camp, where students stage productions in just two weeks, are among her favorite projects each year.

Outside the studio, she’s simply “Mom” to three amazing kids. Ally and her husband, Daniel are based in Los Angeles, living their dance, film, and TV dreams — with their beloved kitty, Leo, in tow. Scott is her kind-hearted, creative soul, currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Arts and rocking out with his band, Gutbomb. Amelia is a dedicated dancer and honor-roll student who travels the country each weekend as a professional assistant with the KAR dance convention circuit. She is exploring exciting opportunities as she prepares to graduate this spring.

Miss Susan believes the greatest gift of teaching is watching young artists find their voice — because dancing with your feet is one thing, but dancing with your heart is everything.

Susan Quint is the owner and director of Bellevue Dance Academy, where she has proudly led a thriving community of dancers and performers since 2007. Before taking the leap into studio ownership, she spent 18 years as a high school educator at Nebraska City, Bellevue East, and Bellevue West — teaching, directing, and inspiring young artists.

Her love of the performing arts began in childhood, dancing under the legendary Kitty Lee Dahlberg, and continued to grow at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she studied both dance and theatre and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. Her theatre career spans over three decades and includes directing full-scale high school and community productions, stage managing for the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, and serving as a national adjudicator for the Educational Theatre Association. She was honored as the Nebraska State Theatre Teacher of the Year — a testament to her impact on arts education across the state.

Susan Quint, Owner and Director

Erica Lohman began her dance training at the age of two at a YMCA and has been dedicated to the art of movement ever since. She holds a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory and is also a certified 200-hour yoga instructor through CorePower Yoga.

Erica has trained under esteemed artists including Jane Hachiya Weiner, Paula Weber, DeeAnna Hiett, Gary Abbott, and Kevin Jenkins. Her professional performance experience includes dancing with Albany Berkshire Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Wylliams Henry Contemporary Dance Company, De La Dance Company, and American Midwest Ballet. She has also performed internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

As both an instructor and Performance Company Director, Erica brings a wealth of experience in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, and conditioning. Her choreography has been featured with Seiche Dance Collective, Ballet INitiative, the Indy Dance Festival, and the Omaha Fringe Festival.

Erin Kouba brings over 15 years of teaching experience and a lifelong love of dance to Bellevue Dance Academy. She teaches Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Totz classes, and also serves as our Early Education Coordinator—helping guide our youngest dancers as they take their first steps in the studio.

Erin began her training right here at The Dance Academy of Bellevue and continued with Omaha Theater Ballet before earning her degree in Advertising with an outside concentration in Dance from Kansas State University. During her training, she performed in numerous ballets including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and The Firebird, and was named a High School Dance Team All-American. She also performed in Kansas State’s semester concerts and traveled abroad to Spain for a dance study program.

In addition to her work at BDA, Erin teaches in the Performing Arts program at Omaha South High School, subs in the Papillion district, and currently performs with UNO’s modern dance company, The Moving Company.

Erin loves watching her students grow—including her own three kids—from tiny baby ballerinas to confident, expressive performers. She often reminds them, “You don’t have to love ballet as much as I do, but you do have to respect it!”

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Brandi Kawula brings both expertise and enthusiasm to Bellevue Dance Academy as our Music Instructor and Office Manager. Her journey in the performing arts began at just four years old as a competitive baton twirler, later developing a deep love for music during her middle school band years.

Brandi holds a Bachelor’s Degree and two Master’s Degrees in Music Education and Curriculum and Instruction, reflecting her lifelong commitment to both education and the arts. Before joining BDA, she spent decades teaching in Bellevue Public Schools, where she inspired countless students through her dedication to music and performance.

Her accomplishments include competing twice at the World Baton Competition and performing in the Millennium Parade in London, milestones that showcase her passion for excellence and global perspective on performance.

At BDA, Brandi combines her musical expertise with her warm, encouraging approach—helping students discover their own rhythm, creativity, and love of the arts.

Rebecca Hamata began dancing at the age of six and has never stopped moving since. A versatile performer and teacher, she specializes in tap, jazz, and ballet and brings over 25 years of teaching experience to Bellevue Dance Academy.

Rebecca trained through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Dance Program and has performed with a semi-professional football dance team and in the annual Dance for a Chance ballroom charity event. Before finding her home at BDA, she owned and directed a studio in southern Nebraska for ten years and taught at several studios throughout the metro area.

Her choreography blends technique with creativity, and she encourages her students to find joy and expression through movement. A fun fact—Rebecca once won a state pageant talent competition performing a hybrid tap and ballet routine!

Anya Cook began her dance training at the age of four at a small studio in Southern California before moving to Bellevue Dance Academy, where she developed her passion for ballet, jazz, and lyrical. A proud BDA graduate, Anya now shares her love of dance as an instructor at the very studio where her journey began.

She is currently attending the University of Nebraska–Omaha and is a member of the American Midwest Ballet’s Junior Company program. Anya has trained under AMB’s Ballet Master and Junior Company Director, Erin Alarcon, as well as AMB Company Artist and BDA Instructor, Erica Lohman. Her additional training includes work with Dylis Croman, Kim Sagami, and Caroline Dahm during a summer intensive.

Anya has performed in numerous American Midwest Ballet productions as a student cast member and is excited to begin her first year of teaching at BDA, inspiring young dancers just as her teachers once inspired her.

Cy Platt began training at the Mendocino Ballet School in Ukiah, California at the age of five and has been sharing his love of movement and performance ever since. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of California, San Diego, and a Permaculture Design Certificate from Oregon University.

Throughout his career, Cy has trained with renowned artists including Robert Goodwin, Mark Lewis, Krissy Keefer, Laurel Near, Gabriel Francisco, Billy Scudder, Tony Steele, Gayle Fillman, and Charlie Tamayo, among many others. His performance credits include America’s Got Talent, American Ninja Warrior, Universal Studios Japan, the Los Angeles Opera, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Cirque du Soleil, Diavolo, Action Actors Academy, and SPACE.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Cy has taught and choreographed at SPACE, Woodward West, and Jump Dance Studio. He also produced an original show that was voted Best Family Entertainment in San Diego two years in a row—surpassing both SeaWorld and Legoland.

Known for his energetic and playful teaching style, Cy believes that fun is the key to learning. He calls it his superpower—finding a way to make anything enjoyable, whether it’s dance, exercise, or even chores!

Mateusz Lojewski began his dance training at Ballet Arts Worcester in Massachusetts at the age of eight. He went on to study with Kolton Ballet Boston and Bossov Ballet, training under renowned instructors Alexandra Kolton, Alex Lapshin, and Natalya Getman.

Mateusz currently dances with American Midwest Ballet, where he recently earned a promotion to Apprentice. His performance credits include roles such as Russian and Thistle in The Nutcracker, among others.

With over three years of teaching experience, Mateusz has taught and choreographed at The Dancers Edge and Kitty Lee Dance in Omaha, as well as at Pointe Academia de Danza in Mexico. At Bellevue Dance Academy, he shares his love of ballet and modern dance, bringing technical precision, artistry, and enthusiasm to every class he teaches.

Hazel Lane teaches Hip Hop and Jazz at Bellevue Dance Academy, where this season marks her third year on faculty. She has been dancing for over 20 years, beginning with her first ballet class at age six on the island of Guam. Growing up in a military family, Hazel trained at multiple studios across the country, each one shaping her love and versatility in dance.

Hazel’s training includes certifications in Choreography & Composition and Intro to Preschool Dance from CLI Studios. She studied Health Sciences at Bakersfield College and Career Care Institute, earning her Medical Laboratory Technician license, while continuing her passion for dance through advanced education and performance.

Her performance career spans the West Coast, including appearances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas. She has performed with Asian crossover artists through StarMedia Entertainment, danced on the Filipino Network’s game show Wowowee, and taken the floor during Los Angeles Clippers games. Hazel was also a member of Dance Discovery Studios’ Core Hip Hop Performance Team in Texas.

One of Hazel’s biggest inspirations as a dancer was her teacher Mindi Schiefelbein, who nurtured her love for Hip Hop and inspired the confident, encouraging style she now brings to her own students. She has choreographed for her alma mater THS dance team and continues to share her passion for movement in the classroom.

Hazel believes dance builds confidence before flexibility, and she strives to instill that sense of empowerment in every dancer—especially the youngest ones just beginning their journey.

Abigail Rosales began her dance training at just five years old at the Rose Theater, where she discovered her love for movement and performance. She went on to study dance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, earning a Dance Minor and further developing her artistry.

Abigail has trained under members of the renowned Martha Graham Dance Company and performed as a soloist with the Siouxland Civic Dance Association. With over ten years of teaching experience, she has shared her passion for dance at The Salvation Army and Perfect Pointe Dance Studio, inspiring students of all ages.

At Bellevue Dance Academy, Abigail teaches Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Pom and also serves as TA Manager. Beyond the studio, she’s a talented musician who has played drums for several community bands—a rhythm and energy she brings into every class she teaches.

Abby Leonard began her dance journey at Bellevue Dance Academy at just three years old and has grown up within its walls—first as a student, and now as a dedicated instructor and Electrix team coach. With over six years of teaching experience, Abby brings both technical skill and passion to every class she leads.

She specializes in Hip Hop, SAFE, and Electrix team rehearsals, and is known for creating an encouraging, high-energy atmosphere that pushes dancers to reach their potential. Abby holds certifications in Dance Psychology and How to Teach and Coach Young Athletes, which allow her to approach training with a focus on both the physical and mental well-being of her students.

Abby’s commitment to growth, creativity, and community continues to make her an inspiring role model for dancers of all ages at BDA.

Kimberly Riffe has been passionate about dance since she was 3 years old, beginning her training in Portland, Oregon. She danced consistently through age 8 and continued off and on throughout high school, where she served as captain of her dance team. She also performed in musical theatre, including her favorite role as Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. After college, Kimberly taught dance fitness at gyms in Oregon and Washington before bringing her expertise to Nebraska.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Accounting from Portland State University, and while a back injury prevented her from completing a dance minor, her dedication to the art never wavered. Kimberly has trained under notable mentors including Kelly Jones, BJ Cerny, and attended a hip-hop master class with Richy Jackson, choreographer for Lady Gaga.

With 7 years of teaching experience, Kimberly has worked as an assistant coach and choreographer for Reynolds High School Dance Team in Oregon—where her team placed 5th at State in her final year—and taught MOSSA Group Groove classes at Cascade Athletic Clubs. She is thrilled to share her love of dance with the talented students at Bellevue Dance Academy.

Her favorite philosophy? “Life is a dance when you take the steps.”

Sam Girouex brings her love of theatre and technical artistry to Bellevue Dance Academy as our Stagecraft Instructor and Costume Storage Manager. She first discovered her passion for theatre at age 14 during her freshman year of high school and has been involved in the performing arts ever since.

Sam completed the Theatre Tech Apprenticeship Program through the Omaha Community Playhouse, earning a certification in Wardrobe, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Technical Theatre from Metropolitan Community College. She continues to work behind the scenes at OCP, where she has been a consistent part of the backstage crew since 2017. Her last onstage performance was in Shakespeare in Love in 2017.

Although this is Sam’s first official year teaching, she has been a valued member of the BDA community since 2017, helping with productions and costume management.

A proud military brat, Sam spent much of her childhood in Germany, an experience that shaped her appreciation for culture and the arts. She is also a proud mom to Ezran and wife to Cody—whom she credits for helping her get involved with the BDA family.

Amelia Quint has been part of the BDA family since she could walk! By age five, she was exploring every dance style she could get her hands (and feet!) on — and most recently, she’s even added Ballroom to her growing list of skills.

Now in her third year as an instructor, Amelia is a wonderful example of what our Future Teacher Program can bring to life. Through her teaching, she loves sharing her passion and creativity with dancers of all ages.

Amelia’s talent and dedication have taken her far beyond our studio walls. She has served as a Professional Assistant at KAR Dance Convention, Titans of Dance, and Revel Dance Conventions, traveling across the country nearly every weekend from September through December to assist top industry professionals on stage. This year, she earned the incredible honor of being named an Elite Protégé for the KAR Dance Convention system for 2025–2026.

Amelia finds her greatest joy in the collaboration of the creative process and loves helping younger dancers grow in confidence and discover their own success.

Asharrah Libby began her dance journey right here at Bellevue Dance Academy, where she first discovered her love for tap and clogging. She has expanded her training with programs such as the Joffrey Ballet School and has studied under notable artists including Brain Bon at Powerhouse Percussive Dance.

Now in her second year of teaching, Asharrah is also a member of Electrix, Bellevue Dance Academy’s competition team, as well as ACE, the studio’s elite competition team. She is excited to share her passion for tap and clogging with the next generation of dancers.

Asharrah enjoys traveling, especially when it gives her the chance to explore new dance opportunities—and brings that spirit of energy and curiosity into every class she teaches.

Abby Lee began her dance journey at Bellevue Dance Academy at age six, where she discovered her love for movement, performance, and the art of dance. Now an instructor at BDA and a proud member of the Electrix Competition Team, Abby brings her passion, energy, and dedication to every class she teaches. Known for her warmth, patience, and ability to connect with dancers of all ages, she inspires students to develop confidence, technique, and a lifelong love of dance.

Though this is her first year teaching, Abby approaches each class with responsibility, creativity, and joy—sharing not just steps and choreography, but also her love for the art form. She is excited to help her students grow as performers and as individuals, fostering a fun, supportive, and engaging environment for everyone who steps into her studio.

Izzy Greenfelder began dancing at age 9 at Bellevue Dance Academy, where her natural rhythm and passion for movement quickly shone through. Over the years, she has grown from a dedicated student into an inspiring instructor, now teaching Hip Hop and sharing her energy with the next generation of dancers.

In addition to teaching, Izzy is a proud member of ACE, BDA’s elite competition team, and performs with the Bellevue West High School Dance Team, where she continues to develop her skills and leadership both on and off the stage.

Izzy loves traveling to BDA’s sister studio, The Hype in Los Angeles, to train and expand her artistic range. She has also choreographed for BDA’s Holiday Spectacular and continues to seek out opportunities to grow as both a performer and teacher.

Known for her upbeat personality and love of teamwork, Izzy strives to create a positive, motivating environment where students feel confident to express themselves through movement.