Our Staff
ANTONIA FREEHLING Owner/Director
Antonia Freehling (Miss Toni) is a certified dance instructor in ballet and jazz through the national program Dance Educators of America. She is the owner and Artistic Director of Revolution Dance Academy (revolutiondancecs.com) in Colorado Springs, which she has owned for 15 years, and Parker Dance Academy (parkerdance.com), which she has owned for one year. This is her seventh year teaching dance as an elective at Third Future Schools, specifically at C3 (Coperni3). Miss Toni has been honored as a Distinguished Teacher at Third Future for four consecutive years, a testament to her dedication and impact on students.
Miss Toni grew up dancing in Colorado Springs, training in ballet, pointe, tap, and jazz with many acclaimed teachers, including Patsy Swayze. She began instructing and choreographing in 1990 and has over 25 years of teaching experience. Toni graduated Magna Cum Laude from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Dance Education. At Creighton, she studied the Royal Academy of Ballet syllabus and served as captain of the Dance team (Poms), leading them to numerous awards at the Division I National level, including a national title. In her classroom, Toni brings extensive knowledge of dance technique, anatomy, and physiology, encouraging her students to understand their bodies and make the connections between movement and science. She continues to train with excellent teachers and loves being a lifelong student of dance.
Miss Toni is passionate about teaching dance and inspiring a love of dance in people of all ages and abilities. She is certified in Be COURAGEOUS, a program designed to train dance educators on embedding anti-racism, anti-othering, and anti-abuse practices into their classrooms. Toni believes in creating safer, more equitable, and inclusive educational dance spaces for all. She is the choreographer and assistant director of Third Future Schools’ promotional videos “This is Me” (2020) and “Edge of Great” (2021), and is looking forward to choreographing and aiding in the creation of another promotional video for 2025-2026.
CERESA RILEY Director, Company Choreographer, Leaps&Turns, Jazz, Lyrical & more!
Ceresa Riley is a versatile dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer. Her teaching and performance opportunities have taken her all over the world including countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Hong Kong, Japan, and more. Under Antonia Freehling’s direction, Ceresa has received the honor to teach and choreograph at Revolution Dance Academy, and now Parker Dance Academy, in which she has received multiple choreography awards from multiple dance education competitions.
Ceresa is a graduate of Don Mirault’s Theater Arts Preparatory School. She has had the honor to work with ballet master Don Bellamy, Mayfair vocalist Steve Judkins, High School Musical choreographer Bonnie Story, as well as Las Vegas producer Nick Geurts.
KATRINA LAIRSMITH Contemporary & Jazz, Company Choreography
Katrina Lairsmith is an award-winning choreographer, educator, arts leader, and entrepreneur whose career has been dedicated to developing artists, building community, and using dance as a catalyst for transformation.
Her journey began in Denver, where she spent countless hours peering through the windows of a neighborhood ballet studio, teaching herself movement before earning a scholarship to train with the renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. That determination became the foundation of a career spanning more than three decades.
Katrina went on to perform professionally as a Denver Nuggets Dancer for three seasons, where she discovered her passion for choreography and performing for thousands of fans. She later relocated to Los Angeles after earning a scholarship to the prestigious EDGE Performing Arts Center, studying with legendary educators including Mia Michaels, Jackie Sleight, and Terry Beeman. She also continued her professional training in New York City at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Steps on Broadway, experiences that helped shape her signature contemporary movement style.
In 1998, Katrina founded The Damsels Dance Company, a contemporary dance company dedicated to supporting women in crisis through the power of performance. Her work earned widespread recognition, with The Denver Post praising her choreography as “visually arresting.” She later founded Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy and, years later, Collabratory Complex, where she continued mentoring dancers and fostering artistic collaboration.
Throughout her career, Katrina has received numerous honors for both choreography and education. She was named Educator of the Year by the CO Dance (Co-Dance) Convention for her outstanding impact on young dancers. Her choreography has earned multiple regional and national awards, including National Champion at LA DanceForce for Hide and Seek and a KAR National Championship for her acclaimed piece No Choir. Her work has consistently been recognized for its emotional storytelling, innovation, and artistic excellence.
Katrina’s reputation as a respected educator has extended beyond the studio. In 2017, she appeared as a guest judge on Dance Moms, bringing her professional insight and decades of experience to one of television’s most recognized dance programs.
In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Katrina holds a college education in Nonprofit Administration, reflecting her passion for creating organizations that make a lasting impact. Her leadership philosophy combines artistic excellence with mentorship, wellness, community building, and purpose-driven programming. She believes the greatest success is not simply creating exceptional dancers, but helping people become confident, resilient, and authentic human beings.
Today, Katrina continues to choreograph, teach, mentor, and pursue leadership opportunities where she can inspire artists and strengthen creative organizations. Her students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in television, commercial dance, major conventions, and professional companies across the country, a testament to her commitment to developing not only exceptional dancers but exceptional people.
“Dance has never been about teaching steps. It’s about helping people find the courage to tell their story. Movement can change a life—and I have been fortunate enough to witness that transformation thousands of times.”
KAYLA DISHUCK Contemporary & Jazz, Hip Hop, Little Ones, Front Desk, Company Choreographer
Kayla has been dancing since she was 2 years old and started competing at 4 years old. She has trained in styles like ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, Afro-Brazilian dance, and many more. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with degrees in both Psychology and Dance. Kayla has earned a spot on the UCCS President and Dean’s list repeatedly. She also has been put in leadership positions with The National Society of Leadership and Success as well as a mentorship where she worked one-on-one with “at-risk” middle schoolers in her community. She has had many teaching and choreographing opportunities while at UCCS. She has been President/Captain of the UCCS Dance Team. During the 4 years of being on the team, she did administrative work as well as coaching them throughout their seasons. In her senior year of high school at Parker Dance Academy, she toured with Fluid Dance Convention, as part of the Fluid Force to assist the faculty members in classes and help with the logistics of the convention. One of her favorite roles while at Parker Dance Academy was being given the opportunity to be Snow Queen in The Nutcracker. She has won many awards including the Vickie Sheer Award at the Sheer Elite International Dance Convention. This will be Kayla’s first year teaching at Parker Dance Academy.
TATUM ELIASSEN Ballet, Jazz, Leaps & Turns, Company Choreographer
Tatum Eliassen began her dance training at Parker Dance Academy at the age of four, where she developed a lifelong passion for dance. After graduating from high school, she continued her dance education at Colorado Mesa University while earning her degree. In 2022, Tatum began teaching dancers ages 4–13, discovering a love for mentoring young dancers and helping them grow in both technique and confidence. After graduating from college, Tatum returned to Parker Dance Academy and proudly joined the teaching staff in 2024. She teaches ballet, jazz, and Leaps & Turns, and choreographs jazz and contemporary pieces for the company program. Tatum is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment where dancers are encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of dance.
SARAH CHEI Ballet, Tap, Jazz & Contemporary
Sarah Chei started her dance career at Parker Dance Academy at the age of 4. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre. She danced at Parker Dance for 14 years, competed for 8 years, and participated in The Nutcracker for 9 years. Afterwards, she went on to Colorado State University to get a bachelor’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Sarah is now in a master’s program at Grand Canyon University for Elementary Education. Sarah’s teaching career started in 2017 at Parker Dance Academy and continued until she graduated in 2022, creating multiple pieces for competition and the end-of-year recital. From 2022 to 2025, Sarah taught at multiple dance studios before returning to Parker Dance in 2026. She is so excited to be back and share her knowledge and love for dance!
KAREN WEAVER Tumbling, Acrobatics, Yoga
Karen Weaver is married with two beautiful children and lives in Elizabeth, CO. Dance and Gymnastics have been a large part of her life since the age of three. She was a competitive gymnast growing up and continued through her senior year in high school. When not practicing, she was still in the gym teaching. Karen started coaching again in 2003 for the competitive team at Gymnastics Etc. and later moved to Chalkbox. She works with all ages and skill levels including developmental/recreational. Her biggest joy is working with the kids and being a part of their success from year to year. This is Karen’s 3rd year teaching with Parker Dance Academy.
HANNAH McSWAIN Ballet, Tap, Little Ones
Having always adored the ballet, Hannah began training at a small studio called Joyful Soles Dance at the age of 14. There, she had the opportunity to study under Scarlett Wynne as well as many other fabulous instructors. This instilled in her a deep love for what the ballet world has yet to think of. By age 16, Hannah’s previous theatrical training and her wonderful experiences at JSD let her to pursue the goal of dancing professionally. She began attending Colorado Christian University’s School of Music in the fall of 2017. She currently holds a self-designed BA in Dance and Music which has since served as the framework for the dance program CCU is working to build. She also received a Theatre minor, which allowed her to further develop as a performer throughout her time at CCU. Aside from taking many open-level adult classes at Colorado Ballet Academy and Denver Dance Center, Hannah now teaches at Redemptive Dance Ministries in Littleton Colorado. The immense joy of the young dancers she works with continues to drive her in the pursuit of her own performance career. Hannah hopes to both dance and live her life so as to touch the human spirit and inspire young dancers for years to come. This will be Hannah’s second year at Parker Dance Academy.
HOPE AGURKIS Office Manager
Hope keeps the front desk running and handles the behind-the-scenes work that lets our faculty focus on teaching. Originally from Massachusetts, about 30 miles west of Boston, she moved to Colorado with her family through a military relocation. Before stepping into studio life she spent 13 years as an assistant manager at a local credit union, and later became a stay-at-home mom after her second child was born. Hope had no dance background at all until her daughter Caitlyn started classes at age three — she began volunteering at the studio and at competitions, and never left. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Sean and their children, Caitlyn and Zachary.
BROOKE SHELLY Substitute, Nutcracker, Front Desk
Brooke has been dancing since she was 18 months old and never stopped. She loves dance so much she got her bachelors degree in dance from Dean College in Massachusetts. Brooke has been dancing around Boston for the past four years. She danced with Pantos Project dance for two seasons as part of their ensemble company. She then went on and was a founding member of Leaps and Bounds Movement Company. Brooke has also been performing in musical theater around Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Some of her favorite shows include A Chorus Line, Cinderella, Wedding Singer and Chicago. This is Brooke’s first year with PDA.
DEVIN PILE Strength & Conditioning, Hip Hop, Contemporary, & Company Choreographer
Devin began his journey in the arts through music, sports, and musical theater, but dance became his true passion 18 years ago. Over the years, he has had the privilege of teaching at numerous dance studios and performing with various dance companies across Arizona, Colorado, and Los Angeles. During his 10 years in Los Angeles, Devin worked as a producer, dancer, actor, and fitness model, while also contributing to film and television production in a variety of roles. His diverse background in the performing arts has shaped his approach as both a dancer and instructor.
Devin has trained extensively in a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, African dance, and multiple forms of modern dance (Graham, Limón, Horton, Cunningham). Additionally, he has studied improvisation, contact improvisation, breakdance, gymnastics, ballroom styles such as waltz, salsa, rumba, bachata, swing, and tango, as well as musical theater. He incorporates elements from all these styles into his choreography, creating dynamic, versatile pieces that challenge dancers while encouraging artistic expression.
Through his teaching, Devin aims to inspire creativity, discipline, and a love for dance in his students, helping them grow both technically and artistically while also building confidence and life skills that support their growth as individuals. This is his first year with PDA.
CALLIE MILNE Adult Zumba
Callie Milne is excited to join Parker Dance Academy as an experienced Zumba instructor. Callie received her BA in Communications from Brigham Young University. Although her career has been marketing-focused, she has always enjoyed teaching aerobic fitness classes to both adults and children. Callie has taught Zumba for more than eight years in several states.
Callie has been involved in the performing arts from a young age. She grew up watching her older sisters perform in countless full-length ballets. She then pursued her own performing arts career as a professional Elite model and actress.She is thrilled for this opportunity that allows her to fuse her passion for fitness and the arts.
During Callie’s first year teaching at PDA, she hopes to inspire her students to build confidence themselves and in their ability to try new things. Callie and her husband, Jesse, have two daughters dancing at PDA, and a baby boy; their biggest fan and aspiring PDA student. This is Callie’s first year teaching at PDA.
LISA REBIK Contemporary & Jazz Substitute
Lisa began her professional dance career in Los Angeles and has credits in television, movies, and theater. She relocated to Colorado 15 years ago to work for the international organization, Up With People, where she held the position of Choreographer/Associate Director. Lisa has taught jazz for the past 25 years. This is her 9th year with PDA.
KIM KINNEAR, Founder
Kim has studied Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz since the age of five. While a dance major at Loretto Heights Fine Arts College, she studied intensively with Jeri McAndrews (Paul Taylor Company), Milenko Banovich. In Los Angeles, shestudied Jazz at Moro-Landis (currently “Millennium”) under Joe Tremain and Jaimie Rogers. She also worked professionally in L.A. and Japan. She holds a BA in education and taught school in the Parker area for 6 years. She opened Parker Dance in 1993, is a member of Dance Educators of America, won the DEA Outstanding Choreography Award several times, has collaborated with dance professionals such as David Taylor and International Ballet School, and has trained students who grew up at Parker Dance Academy and continued to dance with scholarships to Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco, Alvin Ailey in New York, University of Utah, University of Hawaii, among others. She is proud to be a part of the education of multiple students who have continued on to successful commercial dance careers, professional concert dance careers with national and international dance companies, and broadway performance and choreography careers. She has 38+ years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for dance and education.
Learn more about our philosophy, alumni, and approach to dance at Parker Dance Academy