Meet The Faculty

Jennie Scheiwe

Jennie Scheiwe (Studio Director & Artistic Director of the Elite Competition Team) is the proud owner and Studio Director of Elite Academy of Dance in South Elgin, Illinois, opening her doors on July 2nd, 2007. Under her direction, Elite Academy of Dance has grown to be one of the largest and most sought-after dance programs and competition teams in the Fox Valley. Jennie recognizes the importance of fostering the growth of her students’ technical abilities and is committed to challenging them to reach their fullest potential.

Jennie has more than twenty years dance training and competitive dance experience from various studios in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. She attended Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, along with serving as captain of the ISU Competitive Dance Team.

Under her leadership over the last seventeen years, the Elite Competition Team has earned numerous high point, top placement, and judges’ choice awards for technique, showmanship, and choreography at both regional and national competitions, including winning Rainbow Dance’s Top Elite Studio and Inferno Dance’s Studio On Fire awards. With numerous national titles, the Elite Competition Team is recognized as one of the most competitive programs in the Midwest circuit.

Jennie thrives on sharing her passion for dance with her students, encouraging them to work hard, believe in themselves, and dream BIG!

Brittany Gacek-Esterl

Brittany Gacek Esterl (Assistant Studio Director/Ballet, Tap, and Pre-Dance Instructor) has been a proud member of the Elite staff since the studio’s opening in 2007. After beginning her dance training as a young child in the western suburbs of Chicago, Brittany attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance with a Secondary Emphasis in Theatre and Drama. Her pieces have not only won top placements at both regional and national competitions, but have been recognized for her innovative, creative, and imaginative choreography. Brittany's choreography has also been featured in the American College Dance Festival, at the Perry-Mansfield School of the Performing Arts, and in St. Charles East High School's productions of The Secret Garden, Curtains, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Pirates of Penzance.

Brittany’s passion lies in fostering a love of movement and music in each of her students from their very first dance class all the way through their high school years. She feels it is a privilege to guide her students through their dance education and strives to create a nurturing and positive atmosphere where her students can grow not only in their love of dance, but also reach their fullest potential as dancers. She is continually inspired by seeing the growth in her students from week to week and year to year. Brittany is devoted to instilling a love of dance in all her students and pushing them to be the very best that they can be.

Bree Anast

Bree Anast began dancing at the age of 2, training in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical at Golden’s School of Dance in Schaumburg, IL. She began competing with Golden’s at age 6, and later competed with Midwest Movement based in Rockford, IL under the direction of Ted Jackson. In addition to her years spent training and competing, Bree’s performance credits include dancing for the Chicago White Sox and traveling across the U.S. and Canada as a dancer for Trent Carlini. As a teacher, Bree has been sharing her love and passion for dance with her students for over 20 years. Nothing is more rewarding to Bree than being able to share the gift and art of dance with each one of her students!

Darby Anson

Darby Anson began dancing at the age of 2. She became a student at Elite Academy of Dance in 2012, continuing her dance education under the direction of Jennie Scheiwe through her high school graduation. While attending the University of Denver, Darby was also a leading captain of the UD’s Dance Team for two seasons, leading them to both regional and national placements, where she received awards for her commitment and leadership skills. Darby loves teaching and being a part of Elite, and cannot wait to share her love for dance with her students!

Nickie Del Re Masino

With her love of performing and explosive style, Chicago native Nickie Del Re Masino’s vast experience includes touring the country as a world-renowned Radio City Rockette in the annual production “Radio City Rockette Christmas Spectacular,” "The Masquerade Village Show in the Sky” at the Rio Suites Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, the World Cup opening ceremonies, and having featured roles in “Dance Chicago,” “Jazz Hot,” and Lisa Boehm’s annual production of the “Nutcracker Suite Ballet.” Nickie has performed with recording artists such as Tony Bennett, Richard Marx, Kristine W. and Jon Secada. She has choreographed and performed in numerous industrials across the United States and has appeared in commercials for Reebok, Rio Suites Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Broadway musical “The Producers.” You may have also seen her ‘eye-high’ kicks as a Radio City Rockette on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and her choreography was spotlighted on NBC’s Americas Got Talent in 2014. Nickie has been teaching for more than 25 years and is one the original faculty members of “Street of Dreams” dance convention. She receives high praise for teaching award-winning choreography, exceptional technique, and a strong work ethic, which has advanced many of her students to the professional level. Nickie’s students’ professional careers include Broadway roles in Cats, Beetlejuice, Wicked, and Hamilton, and film roles in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning West Side story and Spirited featuring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. Nickie’s never-ending passion for dance keeps her students inspired and devotion strong to reach full potential.

Sammy Gonzalez

Sammy Gonzalez began his dance journey after joining his high school’s dance team. After seeking out training at various studios, he became a member of the award-winning Boom Crack Dance Company based in Chicago from 2016-2019. He has also been a member of the Chicago Bulls 312 Crew where he performed alongside Benny The Bull and the Luvabulls in addition to performing at various Sprite-sponsored events. Sammy has also had the pleasure working with many high school dance teams and teaching at various intensives and conventions, including Dance Masters of Wisconsin. Sammy’s dynamic choreography has won numerous awards and accolades in the competitive circut. As an instructor, Sammy loves to share his knowledge and passion for dance with dancers while encouraging them to continuously grow and inspire one another.

Joryn Kalvin

Joryn Kalvin is an alumnus of Elite Academy of Dance and attends Alma College. She began her dance journey at Elite in 2008. Joryn went on to join Elite’s Competition Team in 2013 and continued competing with Elite until her graduation from Hampshire High School in 2024. While in high school, Joryn was a member of the Hampshire High School Dance Team for 4 years. She's a part of the award-winning Alma Dance Team and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Joryn is excited to come back to Elite and continue to share the passion and love for the team that shaped her into the dancer and person she is today.

Brianna Santos

Brianna Santos began her dance journey at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for the art. She is a proud alumna of Elite Academy of Dance, where she joined the competitive team in 2014 and trained in a wide range of styles until graduating in 2020. During high school, she was also a dedicated member of the South Elgin Dance Team, earning the role of captain as a sophomore. While pursuing her degree in Speech Pathology at Ball State University, Brianna continued to share her love for dance as an instructor at Amp Dance Fam and Cole Academy of Dance. She served as the lead teacher for beginning to intermediate levels, teaching a variety of classes. Brianna brings an inclusive approach to her teaching, using her background in speech pathology to tailor classes that meet the needs of every dancer. Brianna is thrilled to return “home” to Elite Academy of Dance and to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Lauren Woodward

Lauren Woodward earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Indiana University, completing both degrees through the university’s nationally top-ranked Contemporary Dance Program and the Kelley School of Business. Her training includes ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, improvisation, and contemporary techniques. She has performed lead roles in classical and contemporary works, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Rite of Spring, and Carmina Burana in collaboration with the Toledo Symphony. As an educator, Lauren has taught students ranging from primary through pre-professional levels. She also holds a Kane School Mat Pilates certification, which informs her focus on alignment, strength, and injury prevention. She is passionate about inspiring dancers through disciplined technique, creative exploration, and a deep love of the art form.

Courtney Krachtus

Courtney Krachtus, of Chicago, Illinois, is a graduate of Lindenwood University, having received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Notably, Courtney has had choreographic works presented at a variety of events including Forward The Movement’s Surfaced, Renew, & The Beginning, Trifecta Dance Collective’s Celebration of Dance, Lindenwood University Dance Program, Take Up Space, Detroit City Dance Festival, Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s New Dance Fest, MADCO’s Dare to Dance, Inaside Chicago Dance’s Choreographic Sponsorship Event, & College of DuPage’s Choreography Showcase and Competition. Courtney works with students across the Chicagoland area and is currently a performing artist with Forward the Movement in Chicago, Illinois where she has performed works by Nick Pupillo and Kaytee Cox. Teaching has always been a passion of Courtney’s, and she is eager to share her knowledge and love of dance with the Elite Academy of Dance community.

Maddy Wardynski

Maddy began dancing at age 3 and spent her childhood training and competing in the Chicago suburban area. She trained in a variety of styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop. She then went on to compete for the St. Francis High School Dance Team for four years and was a four-time IHSA state qualifier. Her dance journey continued at Iowa State University, where she was a four-year member of the nationally recognized Iowa State Dance Team, performing at collegiate events and competing at the D1A national level. Maddy is currently a preschool teacher and a high school dance team coach. She has choreographed halftime routines and successful competitive routines in the styles of pom, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. Maddy is dedicated to providing a positive environment for dancers to train and grow.

Olivia Ziesmer

Olivia Ziesmer is an alumnus of Elite Academy of Dance and a graduate of Iowa State University. She began her dance journey at Elite in 2007 when the studio first opened. Olivia went on to join Elite’s Competition Team in 2009 and continued competing with Elite until her graduation from St Charles North High School. While in high school, Olivia was a member of the St. Charles North Dance Team for 3 years and was elected captain her senior year. She majored in entrepreneurship at Iowa State where she was a part of their award-winning dance team for four years. She became a two-time NDA Pom Champion in addition to representing Team USA in the 2022 World Championships, earning a gold medal. Olivia's success is a result of her exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication. She is beyond excited to share her experience and her love of dance with the students at Elite.