The Hopkins Staff
Leslie J. Daly
Leslie Daly began her training working with Gus Giadono in Chicago and has continued studies in New York City with David Howard, Finis Jhung, and Ted Kivitt.
As a teacher and adjudicator, she travels through out the United States teaching master classes in ballet technique. She is much requested as judge at many national competitions. Leslie teaches ballet classes at several local studios.
Leslie is a favorite among teachers and dancers for her "down to earth" teaching approach and positive attitude. She brings joy and enthusiasm to learning ballet.
As the artistic director of HOPKINS DANCE CENTER, Leslie has developed the reputation of "the Ballet studio" in Minneapolis.
Many students have been accepted to dance schools, and received scholarships as dance majors all over the country. Several students have gone on to become teachers or professional performers.
Mary Pivec
Mary has been dancing for 20 years, and began her career at Hopkins Dance Center. After graduating from high school, Mary attended Minneapolis Community and Technical College where she earned her Associate of Arts Degree with an emphasis on Child Development. Teaching classes to ages 3 ½ thru 13 years, Mary’s love of children and passion for teaching are apparent in and outside of the classroom.
In addition to her work with Hopkins Dance Center, Mary is also a Company Member with Out on a Limb Dance Company and School. “Willie Wonka,” “Oliver Twist,” “Annie,” and “The Wizard of Oz” are just a few of the many productions Mary has participated in during her ten years with Out on a Limb.
Knowing that she could be the catalyst to spark a life-long love of dance for even her youngest students is what keeps Mary motivated as a teacher and choreographer.
Sylvia Chandler
Sylvia is an experienced ballet instructor who has taught in the Twin Cities for over 10 years. She is trained in the Vaganova syllabus, has a German State Certified Diploma in Dance Education (equivalent to BA in DAnce) and is a certified instructor in Zena Rommett's Floor Barre Technique.
Sylvia maintains her dance knowledge through ongoing education, including a Teacher Training Seminar with Master Teacher David Howard and an Independent International Study Program (Ballet,Point, Graham Technique, Horton Technique, Floor Barre, and more) at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York.
Alison Hoyhtya
Alison has been dancing since the age of 3 and is a former student of Hopkins Dance Center where she has had extensive training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, musical theater and modern. As a dancer, Alison received several awards and scholarships for dance conventions and workshops. She decided to further her training and earned a scholarship to study dance in the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. While at Point Park she studied under many renowned dance instructors in various styles of dance, performed in several showcases, and choreographed and set a contemporary piece for the Conservatory’s “Tomorrow’s Choreographers” showcase. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree, she went on to train and take classes at Lou Conte in Chicago, The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York. Her professional credits include guest appearances in Pittsburgh’s Pillow Project Dance Company and in the world renowned Johannes Wieland Dance Company in the premiere of “New You” in New York City. She continues her training here in the Twin Cities and has found a passion for teaching her love of dance to others.
Judi Olson
Judi, a native instructor and choreographer of Minneapolis, MN has been recognized nationally for her ability to bring the physical form to emotion and communication.
Her students have accomplished numerous goals. They have been acknowledged for excellence with consistent high point awards, awarded scholarships to conventions, professional schools and colleges.
Her influence has lead many of her students to seek professional careers. They can be seen performing and teaching in various venues locally, as well as across the country. Her signature style of teaching is inspirational and comprehensive.
Ted Sothern
Ted started his dance career with Loyce Houlton’s Minnesota Dance Theater. He left Minnesota and went on to a career in classical ballet , most notably with Washington Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theater and American Repertory Ballet. While performing with Ballets Grandiva he had the opportunity to tour Japan, performing comedic and classic ballet works. Since moving back to Minnesota he has performed with Ballet of the Dolls, Continental Ballet, St. Paul City Ballet, Ballet Minnesota and a variety of local choreographers. Currently he is an Artistic Partner, choreographer, costumer and dancer for St. Paul City Ballet and is a judge for MidWest Starz dance competition.
Guest Instructors
Allison Doughty
After training at Hopkins Dance Center, Allison went on to study as a dance major at Oklahoma City University and in the scholarship programs at Steps on Broadway and Giordano Dance Center in Chicago.
Allison has performed with Broadway Dance Center in New York City, the American Spirit Dance Company at Oklahoma City University, Zenon Dance Company, the Choreographers Showcase at the University of Minnestoa, Planet Vegas with J. Donofrio Products, and at Mystic Lake Casino.
As a teacher, Allison specializes in lyrical and contemporary dance. She has also introduced the popular "core and strength conditioning" for dancers and for adults into the Hopkins Dance curriculum.
Phillip Carman
Mr. Carman began his professional career with a Ford Foundation scholarship and ballet studies at American Ballet Theatre. Following a performing career at Pennsynlvania Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Les Grands Ballets Canadians and Tanz Project Munchen in Germany, Mr. Carman returned to the United States and began teaching and coaching.
Mr. Carman has taught classical and contemporary ballet, modern and jazz technique with studios and dance companies internationally. Three of his former students are gold medal winners in International Ballet Competitions, with many other students now dancing profesionally.
Mr. Carman served as Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer for the Maryland Ballet for eight years. Other major teaching credits include Miami City Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Palm Beach Ballet Center, Boca Ballet, the Benjamin School, and many regional ballet schools through the U.S.