Staff

Wendy Graack

Owner/Dance Teacher/Choreographer

Wendy Graack is a certified dance teacher, performance artist, choreographer, and the owner of Dance Impressions, a 15 year old dance training organization based in Minnesota. Ms. Wendy has extensive training and experience in dance from the acclaimed New York City Ballet, Royal Ballet Academy, Martha Graham Companies, Hubbard Street Companies, Boston Conservatory and the Moscow Ballet. She has also danced with Carnival Cruise Lines, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, United Performing Association, United Dance Association, United Cheer Association, The Performing Arts Center LA, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, Fuller Brothers Lyrical Company, and 42nd Street Off Broadway in New York. She has also worked with the NBA, NFL, and NHL Dance/Cheer Teams; the Polymetric Technique Video Series, Max Factor and PepsiCo. Ms. Wendy has served as choreographer and trainer for numerous productions and organizations including Giselle, Copellia, Diamond In The Rough, Nutcracker Fantasy, Children’s Theater, Ballet Of The Dolls, World and Olympic Skater Trainees, Gymnastics Trainees and the Timberwolves and Vikings Dance Teams.

Ms. Wendy, who is passionate about working with children, has developed a philosophy and education program that is based on proper technical development combined with hard work, respectable behavior, and a fun, creative atmosphere. She is a certified dance instructor with dance instruction training in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, and musical theater from beginner/preschool to professional. She has additional training from Steps On Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, The Edge Performing Arts Center, The Millennium Dance Center, Zenon Dance Center, Ballet Arts, and The Canadian Council Arts Industry. Her students have gone on to dance with great organizations such as the Philadelphia Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Minnesota Dance Theater, Moscow Ballet, Radio City Rockettes, Hubbard Dance Companies, Alvin Ailey, LA Performing Arts Center, Justin Timberlake Dancers, MTV, BET, Las Vegas Follies, and a number of NBA dance teams to name a few.

Ms. Wendy has additional training and experience in Pilates, personal training (NETA), nutrition and CPR/AED. Outside of dance she enjoys bodybuilding and spending time with her friends.

Cindy Ailts

Dance Teacher/Choreographer

Cindy Ailts is an experienced Dance Teacher and Choreographer. Ms. Cindy has been dancing since the age of 4 and has extensive dance training. Ms. Cindy started her training with Beverly Theis Dance Studio. She danced on the adult competitive lines for Victoria Dance Productions for 2 years and then with The Dance Shoppe for 6 years. Ms. Cindy has been teaching at Dance Impressions for six years and is one of our recreational program teachers and a specialist with young children. She is also quite an extraordinary tap dancer. Never before have we had just excellent training coming out of our Recreation Program as we have with Ms. Cindy.

Russell Peterson

Creative Performance Instructor

Russell Peterson is an architect, at home dad, artist and performer. Mr. Russ holds various degrees and training in Architecture, Interior Design, Social Psychology, Print-Making and Drawing, and Music Performance. He has won numerous awards in theater, music and art. He helped found and direct a community children's theater group directing over 50 children from ages 4 to 16 in all aspects of theater training. He helped establish a charter school for at risk youth. Mr. Russ has written performance curriculum and taught for the Perpich Center For the Arts in Golden Valley. He has sung with the semi-professional Minneapolis Vocal Consort and with the local Three Rivers Chorale. He has volunteered in the public schools developing and teaching unique curriculum in various arts for gifted and talented youth. He is a past board member of the Minneapolis Arts Commission. He plays several instruments including piano, clarinet, saxophone, organ, and accordion although he will deny the last one almost every chance he gets. Mr. Russ loves opening up the world of possibilities for children.

Amanda Jesperson

Dance Teacher

Amanda Jesperson was trained under Ms. Wendy Graack. She grew up at Dance Impressions dancing since the age of 4. She is now one of our Recreational Program teachers. Ms. Amanda teaches a wide variety of classes for all ages including our very popular Hip Hop classes.

Erin Nelson

Dance Teacher

Erin Nelson was trained under Ms. Wendy Graack. She grew up at Dance Impressions and is now one of our Recreational Program teachers. Ms. Erin teaches a wide variety of classes for all ages including our very popular athlete’s class. She also assists in many of our other classes.

Chelsea Vorlicek

Office Assistant

Chelsea Vorlicek is our office assistant. You will find Ms. Chelsea staffing our front desk from 4 to 8 pm most Monday through Thursdays. If you ever have a question she is the one to either have the answer or find it for you as quickly as possible. Ms. Chelsea is also a dancer and was trained under Ms. Wendy. You will also find her assisting in some of our other classes and substitute teaching when the need arises.