RPM Dance

Teacher Training

Past, Present and Future

RPM was created by Jo Anna Kneeland and refined by Ruth Petrinovic to revolutionize and replace outdated thinking in the art of teaching classical ballet. Instead of simply passing on instructions in training that inhibited optimum results, they developed a holistic approach to dance and movement. Having heard of her research, Ruth met with Jo Anna and together they devised a system of training that allowed dancers of all ages, physicalities and aspirations to train in a healthy and productive manner. Their method was on the forefront of dance science and was the first to incorporate a codified methodology based on anatomy, kinesiology and physics. This partnership between two pioneers was the beginning of RPM.
Today, our founding director, Cheryl Ale, a life-long student and devotee of Ruth Petrinovic along with RPM Master Teachers Wes Chapman and Amy Lowe, are committed to sharing this wealth of knowledge with other dance educators. RPM is currently being instructed by certified teachers worldwide in private dance academies, pre-professional and professional companies and university level programs. RPM is designed for every student, every body type and every aspiration. Our Master Teachers are on the cutting edge of current research and teaching practices. We are constantly revising our curriculum to reflect research and both in-person and virtual learning needs. Through virtual courses, ongoing mentoring and support, Cheryl, Amy and Wes are helping teachers and students by Changing Ballet for the Better.

RPM LEVEL ONE CERTIFIED TEACHERS

Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee

Trent Montgomery

Ballet Arts Conservatory of Tallahassee

Victoria Bulecza

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance

Susan Beebe

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance

Michelle Chamberlain

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance

Carly Hammond

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance

Carly Walters

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance

Erika Fasselt

Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance

Mandy Evans

Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts

Denise Reeves

Thrive Ballet

Jill Oliver

Montclair State University

Christina Paolucci

NW Dance Arts

Sharon T. Reidy

Dance Innovations PAC

Lorenda Carr

School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School

Autumn Eckman

School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School

Elayna Leonard

InSpira Performing Arts and Cultural Center

Kristine Smith

InSpira Performing Arts and Cultural Center

Leanna Cotton

InSpira Performing Arts and Cultural Center

Peggy Petteway

InSpira Performing Arts and Cultural Center

Nellesa Walfour

Middleburg Academy of Dance

Kayla Clark

Boston Ballet

Jennifer Markham

Indiana Ballet Theatre

Christie Kamanaroff

RPM FOUNDATIONS CERTIFIED TEACHERS

Joann Clark

Wendi Cloud

Rachel Inman

Shellie Chambers

Joanna Hardy

Nia Byrd

Laura Graham

Melissa Bartlett

Jessyka Bagdon

Joann Clark

Wendi Cloud

Rachel Inman

Shellie Chambers

Joanna Hardy

Nia Byrd

Laura Graham

Melissa Bartlett

Jessyka Bagdon