Meet Our Professional Staff
(Additional faculty may be added if enrollment warrants)
Wendy Bielen Jahraus: Owner/director of JLDS and BDA, Wendy has been a dance instructor for 24 years, teaching all phases and levels of dance. She attended Univ of Wis – Stout where she was a member and director of the University Dance Team. Wendy co-founded the Rochester Dance Company.
Michon Proper: Has been an instructor at JLDS and BDA for the past 18 years, teaching mostly creative, jazz, and hip hop classes. Michon has performed as a Party Parent in RDC’s production of the Nutcracker, and choreographs the popular Dancing Dads! We are excited to have Michon back teaching regular classes at BDA, including Mom and Me!
Michaela Kolbeck: Studied dance at JLDS and taught classes before she moved to attend Minnesota State University at Mankato. While at college, Michaela continued to dance and also earned her degree in Elementary Education. Michaela is a coach with JLDS/BDA Competition Teams, and she is expecting her first baby this fall!
Courtney Spellpflug: Received her Nursing Degree and her Masters of Nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist from Winona State. Courtney studied ballet, tap and jazz at JLDS and was a member of the Century HS Danceline. She also studied dance at Winona State and the Minnesota Conservatory of the Arts, performing in Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. She will return for her 10th season as an instructor with JLDS and BDA.
Micaela Ignash: Studied dance at JLDS for 13 years, Micaela was also a Senior Member of the Rochester Dance Company. Micaela teaches kindergarten, and is expecting a baby girl this August! She will return for her 13th year of teaching dance at JLDS/BDA where she also coaches for JLDS/BDA Competition Teams.
Erica Bryant: Originally from New York, Erica now resides in Rochester where she is a popular hip hop and Zumba instructor. Erica graduated from Winona State University where she received a degree in Elementary Education, and last year she taught at Riverside Elementary School. Erica also coaches for JLDS/BDA Competition Teams.
Elizabeth Harris: Another dancer who grew up at JLDS and also performed with CDT, Elizabeth is currently attending Winona State University. She is a fantastic teacher of younger dancers as she truly enjoys working with those little ones!!!!
Emily Christenson: Emily is truly an example of the best of today’s youth! She is an incredible role model for our younger dancers as she is a wonderful student in school, is a wonderful dancer, and last year proved she is a phenomenal teacher! She will be graduating from Byron High School this year, and we are excited that she will be teaching a few classes at BDA during her senior year!