Traci Broman | Director & Instructor
Traci bought Village Dance Studio from her mother, Annette Pettigrew, in August 2017 and continues to uphold the strong foundation and quality instruction for which VDS is well-known. Village Dance Studio is more than a business for Traci, it is a calling and place where she hopes everyone can find their niche. She enjoys teaching musical theater and jazz along with all the fun administrative work that comes with owning a business. Traci graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management with a concentration in dance. While at IU, Traci studied dance from Sherilyn Nott Foley, Selene Carter, and others. Traci began her dancing passion at a young age and has been dancing for over 25 years. The passion for dance quickly turned into a passion for organization of the arts and this family business. Traci has been on staff with VDS since 2011. Her favorite things to do in life are spend time with her 2 kiddos & husband, dance, plan events, and organize!
Traci bought Village Dance Studio from her mother, Annette Pettigrew, in August 2017 and continues to uphold the strong foundation and quality instruction for which VDS is well-known. Village Dance Studio is more than a business for Traci, it is a calling and place where she hopes everyone can find their niche. She enjoys teaching musical theater and jazz along with all the fun administrative work that comes with owning a business. Traci graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management with a concentration in dance. While at IU, Traci studied dance from Sherilyn Nott Foley, Selene Carter, and others. Traci began her dancing passion at a young age and has been dancing for over 25 years. The passion for dance quickly turned into a passion for organization of the arts and this family business. Traci has been on staff with VDS since 2011. Her favorite things to do in life are spend time with her 2 kiddos & husband, dance, plan events, and organize!
Annette Pettigrew | Founder, Instructor, & Ballet Manager
Annette teaches creative movement, ballet, and pointe. She oversees the VDS Ballet classes to ensure proper technique and appropriate class level placement. Annette Pettigrew founded Village Dance Studio in 1977. She has over 45 years of teaching experience and has a B.S. in Ballet from Indiana University. She began dancing at the age of four and studied with Myrl Laurence and Phyllis DeWeese in Cincinnati, Stone Camryn in Chicago, and Margaret Saul in Indianapolis. She has attended the teacher training course at the National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto over ten times. She has taken classes in NYC and London at the Royal Academy of Dance. Annette has worked with the gifted and talented programs thru the Indiana Department of Education. She has been a visiting artist at various schools throughout greater Indianapolis. Annette has attended dance medicine symposiums, creative movement workshops, ballet technique workshops, and more. She began the dance magnet program at Shortridge Junior High School and taught ballet to students. Annette has choreographed for high school show choirs along with musicals for area high schools and colleges. Recently Annette has enjoyed leading training in childhood development, dance education, and more. In 2017 she "retired" from the directing part of the business and now enjoys focusing on what she loves most- teaching dance!
Annette teaches creative movement, ballet, and pointe. She oversees the VDS Ballet classes to ensure proper technique and appropriate class level placement. Annette Pettigrew founded Village Dance Studio in 1977. She has over 45 years of teaching experience and has a B.S. in Ballet from Indiana University. She began dancing at the age of four and studied with Myrl Laurence and Phyllis DeWeese in Cincinnati, Stone Camryn in Chicago, and Margaret Saul in Indianapolis. She has attended the teacher training course at the National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto over ten times. She has taken classes in NYC and London at the Royal Academy of Dance. Annette has worked with the gifted and talented programs thru the Indiana Department of Education. She has been a visiting artist at various schools throughout greater Indianapolis. Annette has attended dance medicine symposiums, creative movement workshops, ballet technique workshops, and more. She began the dance magnet program at Shortridge Junior High School and taught ballet to students. Annette has choreographed for high school show choirs along with musicals for area high schools and colleges. Recently Annette has enjoyed leading training in childhood development, dance education, and more. In 2017 she "retired" from the directing part of the business and now enjoys focusing on what she loves most- teaching dance!
Marissa Castillo | Instructor, Dance Manager, & Ensemble Coordinator
Marissa teaches modern, ballet, jazz, tap, and coordinates the VDS Ensemble. She oversees the VDS dance (tap, jazz, modern, hip hop) classes to ensure proper technique and appropriate class level placement. Marissa Castillo is a 2009 graduate from Ball State University with a degree in Dance Performance. Marissa started her dancing career at the age of two and a half at Playhouse Studio of Dance in Marion, Indiana, where she studied a variety of disciplines including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. After realizing her passion for the world of dance, she decided to continue her dance education at Ball State University where she had the opportunity to study under Lou Ann Young, Audra Sokol, Sarah Mangelsdorf, Michael Worcel, Jennifer Medina, Alan Sener, Mary Cosaro, and Bill Evans. In 2006, she auditioned for and joined Ball State Dance Theatre, the university's pre-professional performance company, and performed in six mainstage dance concerts. She could also be seen performing in many student productions and displaying her own choreography in such showcases. Marissa also has taken ballet and modern classes in Seattle, Washington, at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Marissa joined the Village Dance Studio faculty in 2009 and teaches many styles of dance. Her enthusiasm and love of dance emulates through the varied dance classes she teaches.
Marissa teaches modern, ballet, jazz, tap, and coordinates the VDS Ensemble. She oversees the VDS dance (tap, jazz, modern, hip hop) classes to ensure proper technique and appropriate class level placement. Marissa Castillo is a 2009 graduate from Ball State University with a degree in Dance Performance. Marissa started her dancing career at the age of two and a half at Playhouse Studio of Dance in Marion, Indiana, where she studied a variety of disciplines including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. After realizing her passion for the world of dance, she decided to continue her dance education at Ball State University where she had the opportunity to study under Lou Ann Young, Audra Sokol, Sarah Mangelsdorf, Michael Worcel, Jennifer Medina, Alan Sener, Mary Cosaro, and Bill Evans. In 2006, she auditioned for and joined Ball State Dance Theatre, the university's pre-professional performance company, and performed in six mainstage dance concerts. She could also be seen performing in many student productions and displaying her own choreography in such showcases. Marissa also has taken ballet and modern classes in Seattle, Washington, at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Marissa joined the Village Dance Studio faculty in 2009 and teaches many styles of dance. Her enthusiasm and love of dance emulates through the varied dance classes she teaches.
Chloe Holzman | Instructor
Originally from suburban Chicago, Chloe holds a BFA in Ballet with an emphasis in teaching and a focus in character dance from the University of Utah. While at the university, Chloe was a member of the Character Dance Ensemble which took her to Spain, Hungary, and Ukraine to learn local dances. Following her graduation, Chloe performed with Fort Wayne Ballet as well as serving as an instructor, choreographer, and rehearsal director. Most recently, Chloe earned her certificate in the Cecchetti method’s Grade 2 for Teachers. Some of her featured roles have included a soloist in the snow scene in “The Nutcracker”, a soloist in “Paquita”, Nikiya in “La Bayadère”, and Medora in an excerpt from “Le Corsaire”. Chloe is company dancer with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. Chloe looks forward to continuing to experience new performing and teaching opportunities.
Originally from suburban Chicago, Chloe holds a BFA in Ballet with an emphasis in teaching and a focus in character dance from the University of Utah. While at the university, Chloe was a member of the Character Dance Ensemble which took her to Spain, Hungary, and Ukraine to learn local dances. Following her graduation, Chloe performed with Fort Wayne Ballet as well as serving as an instructor, choreographer, and rehearsal director. Most recently, Chloe earned her certificate in the Cecchetti method’s Grade 2 for Teachers. Some of her featured roles have included a soloist in the snow scene in “The Nutcracker”, a soloist in “Paquita”, Nikiya in “La Bayadère”, and Medora in an excerpt from “Le Corsaire”. Chloe is company dancer with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. Chloe looks forward to continuing to experience new performing and teaching opportunities.
Megan Fisher | Instructor
Megan teaches ballet, pointe, & pre-ballet on Thursdays. Megan formerly studied at the Village Dance Studio for over ten years and has been on the staff for over 20 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Performance from Ball State University. While at Ball State she was a member of the Ball State Dance theatre where she performed many leading roles in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, clogging and folk dance. She has choreographed many outstanding dances, including Mulan, Moana, & many more in the past recital. She is a devoted mother, wife, nurse, and huge asset to the studio.
Megan teaches ballet, pointe, & pre-ballet on Thursdays. Megan formerly studied at the Village Dance Studio for over ten years and has been on the staff for over 20 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Performance from Ball State University. While at Ball State she was a member of the Ball State Dance theatre where she performed many leading roles in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, clogging and folk dance. She has choreographed many outstanding dances, including Mulan, Moana, & many more in the past recital. She is a devoted mother, wife, nurse, and huge asset to the studio.
Sam Robbins | Instructor
Sam Robbins was a 15 year member of Village Dance Studio. She participated in many conventions, performances and master classes as a member of the Village Dance Ensemble. Sam was honored with the Myrl L. Laurence dance scholarship her senior year. She continued her love of the performing arts at Ball State University taking tap and ballet classes. Sam was a 3 year member and 2 year executive board member/choreographer for Outlet Hip Hop Dance Troupe. The group is considered Ball State’s “favorite guest performance group” and was able to perform and compete at many campus and local cultural events. On the team, Sam helped lead Outlet to 3 Airjam victories and other first place titles at competitions around the state. Sam has loved guest teaching hip-hop at Village Dance Studio and continuing her tap education with local tap teachers. A long time participant in the Miss Indiana Organization, Sam has received many talent awards and scholarships for her tap performances. This past year Sam placed in the Top 11 at Miss Indiana. She graduated from Ball State in 2020 with a BFA in Visual Communication, and is a graphic designer at ScreenBroidery in Noblesville. Sam is so excited to be back at her hometown studio and working with the tap dancers this Fall!
Sam Robbins was a 15 year member of Village Dance Studio. She participated in many conventions, performances and master classes as a member of the Village Dance Ensemble. Sam was honored with the Myrl L. Laurence dance scholarship her senior year. She continued her love of the performing arts at Ball State University taking tap and ballet classes. Sam was a 3 year member and 2 year executive board member/choreographer for Outlet Hip Hop Dance Troupe. The group is considered Ball State’s “favorite guest performance group” and was able to perform and compete at many campus and local cultural events. On the team, Sam helped lead Outlet to 3 Airjam victories and other first place titles at competitions around the state. Sam has loved guest teaching hip-hop at Village Dance Studio and continuing her tap education with local tap teachers. A long time participant in the Miss Indiana Organization, Sam has received many talent awards and scholarships for her tap performances. This past year Sam placed in the Top 11 at Miss Indiana. She graduated from Ball State in 2020 with a BFA in Visual Communication, and is a graphic designer at ScreenBroidery in Noblesville. Sam is so excited to be back at her hometown studio and working with the tap dancers this Fall!
Mikayla Smith | Instructor
Mikayla Karis Smith is an Anderson University graduate where she received a BFA in Dance Business. She had the opportunity to work with Motus Dance Theatre for Cultivate 2017 and Crossroads Dance Indy at Indy Fringe 2017 and Indy Fringe 2018. In Columbus, Ohio, Mikayla was involved in Ten Tiny Dances 2018 and 2019 with New Vision Dance Company. She has taught dance and choreography at Studio C School of Dance, YMCA of Pickaway County and Pickerington High School North’s Chorale. She has been teaching at VDS for 4 years and is excited for another season!.
Mikayla Karis Smith is an Anderson University graduate where she received a BFA in Dance Business. She had the opportunity to work with Motus Dance Theatre for Cultivate 2017 and Crossroads Dance Indy at Indy Fringe 2017 and Indy Fringe 2018. In Columbus, Ohio, Mikayla was involved in Ten Tiny Dances 2018 and 2019 with New Vision Dance Company. She has taught dance and choreography at Studio C School of Dance, YMCA of Pickaway County and Pickerington High School North’s Chorale. She has been teaching at VDS for 4 years and is excited for another season!.
Hannah Brown | Instructor
Hannah Brown began her dance training in Charlotte, North Carolina under the direction of Melissa Hale-Coyle and Lisa Leone at the Charlotte City Ballet Company. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she performed in works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Helen Pickett, and Gianni Di Marco. In 2013, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. She has been a company dancer with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre since 2013. She has a passion for teaching young dancers Ballet, Pointe, and Modern, as well as educating dancers about injury prevention in the hopes that they can dance for as long as they desire.
Hannah Brown began her dance training in Charlotte, North Carolina under the direction of Melissa Hale-Coyle and Lisa Leone at the Charlotte City Ballet Company. She attended the University of South Carolina, where she performed in works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Helen Pickett, and Gianni Di Marco. In 2013, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. She has been a company dancer with Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre since 2013. She has a passion for teaching young dancers Ballet, Pointe, and Modern, as well as educating dancers about injury prevention in the hopes that they can dance for as long as they desire.
Scholar Idjagboro | Instructor
Scholar Idjagboro was born in Lagos, Nigeria and came to the states in 2007. She began her ballet training in Maryland at the age of 8. Through Scholar’s early training, she was able to familiarize herself in hip-hop, tap, jazz, Graham and Limon modern techniques, and ballroom. She continued expanding her dancing capabilities by attending summer programs on scholarship with Richmond Ballet, Boston Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Cincinnati Ballet. In addition, she participated in the Kennedy Center Master Class Series in 2016 in Washington D.C. Scholar attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, on dance and academic scholarships where she earned her BFA in Dance Performance, BA in International Studies, and BS in Mathematics. While at Butler, Scholar had the pleasure of performing the Arabian Princess and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Russian Girl in Serenade, as well as various other roles in Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, excerpts from Paquita, Firebird, Giselle, and many other original works spanning from classical to contemporary genres. Scholar is currently dancing with the Indianapolis Ballet Company as a company apprentice and is excited for their upcoming season. In her free time or when Scholar isn’t dancing, she loves to play the trombone and enjoys drinking coffee with her friends!
Scholar Idjagboro was born in Lagos, Nigeria and came to the states in 2007. She began her ballet training in Maryland at the age of 8. Through Scholar’s early training, she was able to familiarize herself in hip-hop, tap, jazz, Graham and Limon modern techniques, and ballroom. She continued expanding her dancing capabilities by attending summer programs on scholarship with Richmond Ballet, Boston Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Cincinnati Ballet. In addition, she participated in the Kennedy Center Master Class Series in 2016 in Washington D.C. Scholar attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, on dance and academic scholarships where she earned her BFA in Dance Performance, BA in International Studies, and BS in Mathematics. While at Butler, Scholar had the pleasure of performing the Arabian Princess and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Russian Girl in Serenade, as well as various other roles in Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, excerpts from Paquita, Firebird, Giselle, and many other original works spanning from classical to contemporary genres. Scholar is currently dancing with the Indianapolis Ballet Company as a company apprentice and is excited for their upcoming season. In her free time or when Scholar isn’t dancing, she loves to play the trombone and enjoys drinking coffee with her friends!
Sofia Yarbrough | Instructor - NEW!
Sofia Yarbrough is a classically trained ballet dancer from Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up dancing with Ballet Center of Fort Worth and joined their pre-professional ballet company, Ballet Frontier. She left home at 16 to study Vaganova style ballet full-time at Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. When she returned from Kirov, she joined Ballet Frontier's professional company as a full time company member. After high school, Sofia studied ballet at Butler University and completed her degree in Strategic Communication with concentrations in Dance and Anthropology. Her favorite roles include lead Wili in Giselle, Snow Queen in Nutcracker, Fairy of Tenderness in Sleeping Beauty, and Princess in Firebird. She looks forward to her first year of teaching at Village Dance Studio!
Sofia Yarbrough is a classically trained ballet dancer from Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up dancing with Ballet Center of Fort Worth and joined their pre-professional ballet company, Ballet Frontier. She left home at 16 to study Vaganova style ballet full-time at Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. When she returned from Kirov, she joined Ballet Frontier's professional company as a full time company member. After high school, Sofia studied ballet at Butler University and completed her degree in Strategic Communication with concentrations in Dance and Anthropology. Her favorite roles include lead Wili in Giselle, Snow Queen in Nutcracker, Fairy of Tenderness in Sleeping Beauty, and Princess in Firebird. She looks forward to her first year of teaching at Village Dance Studio!
Laura Nolan, MOT, OTR/L | Instructor - NEW!
Laura Nolan is a pediatric occupational therapist with experience working with children of all abilities in public and private schools and adaptive sports programs. Laura is passionate about inclusion and accessibility in all environments and is currently completing her Doctorate in Education with a focus on inclusive education for students with disabilities. Before becoming an occupational therapist, Laura grew up in Zionsville dancing at Village Dance Studio as well as performing with ZCHS' Royalaires and Choralaires. Now, she maintains a lifelong love of dance as an avid fan of Zumba and Barre classes.
Laura Nolan is a pediatric occupational therapist with experience working with children of all abilities in public and private schools and adaptive sports programs. Laura is passionate about inclusion and accessibility in all environments and is currently completing her Doctorate in Education with a focus on inclusive education for students with disabilities. Before becoming an occupational therapist, Laura grew up in Zionsville dancing at Village Dance Studio as well as performing with ZCHS' Royalaires and Choralaires. Now, she maintains a lifelong love of dance as an avid fan of Zumba and Barre classes.
Tracy Coussens | Administrative Assistant
Tracy has years of experience in administrative work and has had a child dancing at VDS for over 20 years. She was a former office staff member years ago and has rejoined our time in a new role. She assists behind the scenes helping the studio stay organized, keep registrations and payments up to date, and so much more!
Tracy has years of experience in administrative work and has had a child dancing at VDS for over 20 years. She was a former office staff member years ago and has rejoined our time in a new role. She assists behind the scenes helping the studio stay organized, keep registrations and payments up to date, and so much more!
Susan Deeg | Office Assistant
Susan assists in the office on Thursdays and helps VDS throughout the year. She is a jack of all trades and helps keep us organized.
Wendy Schrepferman | Birthday Party Guru
Wendy began her dance training at Butler University’s Jordan Academy of Dance at age 5. While studying with the SID and Butler collegiate dance faculty, she successfully completed Grades I and II of the Cecchetti method. She was a founding member of Butler II Ballet and performed as an apprentice with Indianapolis Ballet Theatre. Wendy graduated with a B.A. in Business with a minor in Arts Management from Miami University where she was a member of the modern company, Dance Theatre. She then earned her M.Ed at Ursuline College with a focus in elementary school curriculum development. Village Dance Studio’s student-centered, developmental philosophy allows her to share her love of dance and musical theatre with students of all ages.
Wendy began her dance training at Butler University’s Jordan Academy of Dance at age 5. While studying with the SID and Butler collegiate dance faculty, she successfully completed Grades I and II of the Cecchetti method. She was a founding member of Butler II Ballet and performed as an apprentice with Indianapolis Ballet Theatre. Wendy graduated with a B.A. in Business with a minor in Arts Management from Miami University where she was a member of the modern company, Dance Theatre. She then earned her M.Ed at Ursuline College with a focus in elementary school curriculum development. Village Dance Studio’s student-centered, developmental philosophy allows her to share her love of dance and musical theatre with students of all ages.
