Walter Schalk School of Dance, Wilton Connecticut

Bios - Our Instructors


			Walter Schalk: Walter wants to welcome all dancers to our 51st annual Walter Schalk Dance Revue. He would like to express sincere thanks to all the parents, friends and dancers who have worked rehearsed and supported the program throughout the years. He is especially excited about the new Ballet & Tap programs and looks forward to another exciting and productive year in Wilton, New Canaan, Darien, Ridgefield and Bedford.

			Charles Micha: Charlie began his association with the Walter Schalk School of Dance forty-eight years ago. He is the director of ballroom classes in Bedford, NY, Darien and Wilton, CT, as well as Co-Director of musical comedy classes in New Canaan and Wilton. When Charlie is not dancing he is flying his radio controlled helicopters and jets at many RC events during the summer. Charlie also is office manager and lives in Fairfield with his wife Carol of 35 years.

			Amber Corriston: This is Amber’s fifth year as Jazz Director and Choreographer. Amber also leads the "Creative Tots and Kinder Kids's" dance program for children ages 3 to 6 in Wilton which she started 3 years ago. Amber is originally from Seattle, WA where she had extensive training in jazz, ballet, modern, and tap. She grew up performing and in 1995 held the title of Miss Washington in the Miss America Program. She received her BA in Dance and Communications from the Univ. of Washington in 1999. Amber lives in New York with her husband Ryan, son Toby, and new baby Elsie!

			Kelly Nayden: Kelly has been a Schalk dancer since the age of ten and was a student instructor and director while attending WIlton High School. This is her fourth year working at the dancing school as an instructor and choreographer for the jazz and musical comedy programs in New Canaan and Wilton. Kelly graduated summa cum laude from Connecticut College with a BA in dance and a minor in mathematics. She resides in Wilton.

			Patricia Grey: Patricia grew up in Wilton and has been involved with the dance school since the age of 5. Patricia was a student instructor while in high school and she returns this year teaching jazz for our Darien program. Graduating with a B.A. in Education from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2001, and also has earned a Masters Degree in Education in 2003 from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. Patricia enjoys teaching in Darien and can't wait for next year! She wishes all of her students much luck and a wonderful summer!

			Jim Lewicki: This is Jim's seventh year back teaching Ballroom classes in Wilton, and his fourth year teaching Musical Comedy, although he has been associated with the program since 1969. Jim is the Assistant Varsity Soccer coach at Wilton High School and is now the program coordinator for the Wilton Parks & Recreation Department. He and his wife Susan live in Trumbull.

			Jeri Kansas: has extensive professional experience as both a performer and teacher. She started dancing professionally at the age of nineteen as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Her credits include a featured role in the original Broadway company of Sugar Babies with Ann Miller and Mickey Rooney. Then Gower Champion cast her in David Merrick's 42nd Street where she originated the role of Phyllis and understudied Anytime industrial shows round out her career. In the Milliken Breakfast Show Jeri had the opportunity to dance with stars as Tommy Tune, Cyd Charisse, Van Johnson and Angela Lansbury. Jeri danced in the films Saturday Night Fever with John Travolta and The Goodbye Girl with Marsha Mason. She is a member of Actor's Equity Association, Screen Actor's Guild, American Guild of Variety Artists and American Federation of Television and Radio Arts.

			Melissa Kopeloff: After graduating the University of Massachusetts Amherst, class of 2000, with a BFA in Dance, Melissa Kopeloff moved to New York City to pursue her dance career. After three years of dancing professionally, her career and her desire for travel took her to Germany, where she danced with the Peter Czerner Dance Company.

			Lori Oremus: This is Lori's third year teaching with the Walter Schalk School of Dance. Lori began her dance training at age 3. She has competed and performed throughout the United States. She is a graduate of Richard Stockton State College, with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Dance and is certified by the NJ Department of Education in Dance. This summer will be Lori's 2nd year being the lead instructor of the Westchester Country Club "Big Little Show."

			Judy Grimm: Judy is a third generation real estate agent who lives in Wilton and works with Coldwell Banker. While growing up in Wilton, she co-founded the Wilton Ski Club and was a cheer leader and ski instructor. While raising her children she served on the Wilton PTA board, the Football Boosters board and founded the Cultural Arts Fund. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and has been a dance insturctor for the dance school since 1987.

			Alice Honcharik: This is Alice's fifteenth year working with the dance school, although she danced with Mr. Schalk many years ago. Alice helps backstage and teaches ballroom in New Canaan and Ridgefield. Alice currently lives in North Stamford.

			Kathleen Johnson: This is Kathleen's third year working as an assistant ballroom instructor with the school in Ridgefield, Wilton and Bedford. A graduate of the Berkeley School of New York, Kathleen also assists in the operations of the office. Kathleen comes to us with many years of experience as a Corporate Executive Assistant. A native of Danbury, Kathleen began her dancing in grade school as a Celtic/Irish Dancer. Kathleen finds it thoroughly enjoyable working with students at the school.

			Kristyn Prial: A former Walter Schalk Dancer and instructor, Kristyn is pleased to return as instructor for our 7th & 8th grade Musical Comedy programs in New Canaan and Wilton. Kristyn grew up in Wilton and currently resides in Ridgefield with her husband Joe and daughter Ella, a Schalk "Creative Tot" dancer!