Theresa Slobodnik

Artistic Director, Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo
Ballet Director and Teacher, Dance Obispo

Theresa Slobodnik is from the San Francisco Bay Area, where she received her early ballet training from Marjorie Stevens, Lee Salsbury, Patrice Nissen (R.A.D.), modern with Virginia Toy, and jazz with Rec Russell. On staff at American Dance of SLO since 1989, Theresa studied with Gilbert and Sydna Reed, and was principal dancer for The Gilbert Reed Ballet Chamber Dancers (1989-92) and The Gilbert Reed Ballet (1993 – 2003) where she also served as Assistant Director. Some of her most noted performances include the title roles in The Firebird, Carmen, and Camille. She also created the role of Belle in the Gilbert Reed Ballet’s world premiere of Beauty and the Beast and was critically acclaimed for her performances as Young Scrooge’s Betrothed in A Christmas Carol, and the institutionalized woman in Asylum.

Theresa’s projects with Pacific Repertory Opera as choreographer and featured dancer include Hansel and Gretel, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Carmen and Die Fledermaus. In 2004 she choreographed the Native American dances in Red Cloud.

Currently Theresa teaches the Accelerated Ballet levels 1-4, Pointe levels, Partnering class and Floor Barre at Dance Obispo. In spring of 2006 she founded and is now Artistic Director/Choreographer for Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo. Theresa and her husband John live in San Luis Obispo and have five children.

Michelle Walter

Dance Instructor, Dance Obispo

Michelle received her B.S. from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she was a member of Orchesis Dance Company. She later attended Stanford University earning an M.A. in Dance Education, studying art education & theory with Dr. Elliot Eisner, music & dance movement with Inga Weiss (a student of Mary Wigman), dance history with Dr. Janet Ross, and dance cultures with Dr. Susan Cashion. Michelle studied ballet under former Ballet Russes dancers Mara Lysova and Gilbert Reed and has been a member of Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo and the Gilbert Reed Ballet Company. While on sabbatical, she studied in London and Cambridge, performing at the Cambridge Arts Theatre and has recently been studying at Julio Bocca’s studio in Buenos Aires. She is currently on the Cal Poly Dance Department faculty teaching ballet and jazz dance and Assistant Directing Orchesis Dance Company. Michelle has taught at Cuesta Community College for over 20 years developing the Dance Program curriculum and in 1994 founding the Entourage Dance Company. Michelle lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband Bill and theirs twins, Silas and Alessandra.

Julie Downey

Dance Instructor, Dance Obispo

On Staff at Dance Obispo, Professional Dancer and Award Winning Choreographer in Tap, Jazz and Musical Theater. Guest Artist with Ballet Theater San Luis Obispo. Retired Dance Studio Owner (28 years) Central Coast Dance and Performing Arts Studio of Los Osos. Owner of Advanced Body Therapy, Massage Therapist and Pilates Instructor. Currently the Executive Director for the Los Osos Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce.

Brianna Thompson

Dance Instructor, Dance Obispo
Company Dancer, Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo

Brianna started dancing at the age of four in Boulder Creek, CA. At fifteen, after moving to Nipomo, she began studying under Theresa Slobodnik. She has been a company dancer for Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo since it formed in 2006. She has danced Gilbert Reed’s Percussive, and was the principal dancer in Ballet Theatre’s Levez de Rideau (Raising the Curtain). In December 2009, she created the role of the Skin Horse in the world premiere of Theresa Slobodnik’s The Velveteen Rabbit. In Coppélia (April 2010) she danced the demi-soloist role of one of Swanilda’s Friends. Brianna currently teaches Children’s Ballet and Ballet levels 1 & 2 at Dance Obispo. She is attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo pursuing a degree in Business.

Melissa Barnett

Dance Instructor, Dance Obispo

Melissa began formal dance training at age five and has continued to immerse herself in all styles of dance since then. She has studied extensively throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, and has attended summer intensive programs with the Gilbert Reed Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, and American Theatre Dance. Melissa’s passion to choreograph and perform at an early age won her several awards including the Disneyland Creativity Challenge Award for dance & choreography. She has been teaching for 14 years in the areas of ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Melissa has worked with numerous dance studios, schools, and theatre houses. Additionally, Melissa also sings and writes songs – she has recorded professionally for religious groups and has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Along with her mother, she has recorded an album with 14 original songs designed to inspire young dancers. Melissa is currently raising her daughter and working toward a degree in Elementary Education.