Skye Ballet Center

We LOVE all our dancer’s photos…. But just wait…

The next set of photos from our recent Jeri Tidwell Photography photo shoot are AMAZING!!

✨Comment if you agree!! ✨

Dancer Lily

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Faculty Feature ✨

Mr. Schissler Executive Director
Allen Schissler,
Executive Director and Faculty
Mr. Schissler initially trained at Dayton Ballet, starring in the "The Littlest Angel" at age 8 to much acclaim. He continued his training and graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts. He trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School as well. As a student at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, he was approached by Artistic Director Kirk Peterson of the Hartford Ballet to be a Corps de Ballet member of the company. There, he quickly rose to the rank of soloist. Other professional affiliations include Alabama Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and Washington Ballet. The last years of his dance career involved traveling around the nation as a Guest Artist with ballet schools and companies such as, but not limited to, Upstate NY Ballet, Yuma Ballet Theater, Utah Regional Ballet, Bartlesville Ballet, Ohio Dance Theatre, and a Gala Performance in Japan in 2004. He obtained Principal status dancing leading roles in Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Birds of Paradise, and Billy the Kid, often dancing with his wife Jody Skye Schissler.
Mr. Schissler has taught on staff of Professional Schools, including the Princeton Ballet and Hartford Ballet, and at regional schools such as Ohio Dance Theatre, Loudoun School of Ballet, and Classical Ballet Theatre. He has been sought after to teach Master Classes throughout the nation. Mr. Schissler shared the responsibility with his wife for all aspects of the Ohio Dance Theatre 2003 summer performance season. He has served as a Judge for the Dance Masters Competition and the Loudoun Ballet Choreography Competition.
Mr. Schissler has been a Massage Therapist for 12 years. He has aided in the healing and recovery of many persons from accident, injury and surgery. He has practiced locally at the Lofty Salon, Warrior Yoga (now Beloved Yoga), Scarlet O’Haira’s, and the offices of Chiropractor Dr. Tim Scheuerman. He is the only licensed Body Evolution Practitioner™ in the DC Metropolitan Area. Other relative experiences include being the Manager at Lofty and Scarlet O’Haira’s Salons.
Mr. Schissler has been in Business Administration and Management since 2006 as a Certified Manager of Community Associations at First Service Residential. He is currently the General Manager of the exclusive High Rise Community of Midtown Condos at Reston Town Center . He is licensed as a CMCA, AMS and PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager).
Mr. and Mrs. Schissler run rehearsals and coaching for SBC Performances and Competitions. It is important to the Schissler's that we have a positive community for our dancers and families.

Faculty Feature ✨

Isabelle Evangelista
Young Dancer and Intermediate Ballet Technique ;
Support staff to Mr. and Mrs. Schissler

Isabelle Evangelista trained for a number of years at Skye Ballet Center. She was featured in many roles in Skye Ballet Center productions and participated in Youth America Grand Prix, National Ballet Competition and the Etoile Competition.

Isabelle was Student teacher for three years as well as an assistant to Ms. Skye,. She now steps into faculty member of the Lower division. Isabelle is also staff support for Mr. and Mrs. Schissler.

Isabelle's positivity, gorgeous smile, gentle character and compassion for others are the perfect traits to be a successful teacher. She is adored and respected by students and parents alike.

First ,Third and Fourth photo by

Second photo by .flicks

Faculty Feature ✨

Charlotte Zatterstrom Intermediate, Advanced, Pre Professional Division, Coaching ;
Support staff to Mr. and Mrs. Schissler

Charlotte has been a student of SBC since the very beginning and trained with Ms. Skye through all levels, Pre Ballet, Young Dancer on through to the Professional Division. Charlotte has danced many leading roles in Skye Ballet Center's productions and has been a part of Mr. and Mrs. Schissler's formative choreography of SBC's production of the Nutcracker as well as other productions.
Charlotte has attended the American Ballet Theater School, and School of American Ballet Summer Intensives. Charlotte has placed Third Place Pre Competitive Classical, Top 12 Junior Classical and Third Place Ensemble as a Senior Division Competitor. Charlotte trained at CPYB for two years and then finalized her Pre Professional training back at SBC. Charlotte was trained to teach young dancers and all levels specifically by Ms. Skye. It has been a goal of Mr. and Mrs. Schissler to mentor Charlotte in her teacher training ever since her young age.
Charlotte was recently a Trainee at Charlotte Ballet where she danced many roles with the company. Feeling passionate about SBC, Charlotte has returned home to further her pursuits in teaching, coaching and choreography. We are thrilled to have Charlotte back at SBC to continue the Beauty, Joy and Passion of our SBC Community.

Photos by

What great tips!!!

Happy Friday! This is the perfect time of year to set new intentions and goals for your ballet training. We’ve cobbled together a few tips and philosophies to help you have a productive and enjoyable year regardless of what studio or school you attend. Check it out: https://sab.org/scenes/philosophies-for-a-successful-school-year/

Photo: Rosalie O’Connor Photography

Faculty Feature ✨

Danielle Tuomey Advanced and Professional Division

Danielle Tuomey recently graduated from Mercyhurst
University in Erie, Pennsylvania with a BFA in Dance and double minor in Business Administrations and Communications on dance and academic scholarships.
Danielle grew up training in dance and theatre at Dance Unlimited in Frederick, MD as a member of the Dance Unlimited Repertory Company, and Skye Ballet Center (SBC) in Reston, VA. Some of her highlighted roles include the pas de trois in Mercyhurst University's Swan Lake, Snow Queen in SBC's The Nutcracker, a Stepsister in SBC's Cinderella, Alice and Tweedle Dee in Other Voice's Theatre's (OVT's) The New Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, and a featured dancer in OVT's Jesus Christ Superstar. In addition, she currently dances at basketball and football games as a member and captain of the Mercyhurst University Dance Team. Danielle has also attended the Steps on Broadway Summer Study, Mercyhurst University Summer Dance Experience Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell Summer Intensive, New York City Dance Alliance Outstanding Dancer Summer Experience, Rockettes Summer Intensive, Kennedy Center Ballet and Contemporary Master Class Series, and Mejia Ballet International Summer Intensives.
We are thrilled to have Danielle teaching at SBC, as well as Contemporary Choreography.
Fun fact, Danielle's mother and Ms. Skye danced together and were roomates in Fort Worth Ballet.
Danielle is always a delight in the studio!

First Photo by Meech Creative, LLC
Second photo by Mark Santillano

Vote for Eric!

https://woobox.com/fxp87r?fbclid=PAAaazqG3m9iTusPt6p_bDKwy4qQf6Ih2IRkrDglhifE-oFP2n7xFEU-bsPmk_aem_AfGM6fkkdUcF9NwFmUhBDHSCnvgfXeNYVKHIkXDznzV9B_MRoCAvSzr53DxQ_0Um-a4

Who should be our next Discount Dance Model?

Our Faculty Feature ✨

Karisa Skiba
Advanced and Pre Professional Ballet Technique Pointe Variations and Pilate

Karisa Skiba has been a dear friend of the Schissler’s for 25 years. Karisa has been a guest Ballet Teacher and Pilates Instructor at SBC over the years. Mr. Schissler and she danced the principal roles in Winter Fantasy in 2001 together in the Madison Ballet where she grew up. After retiring from a 13 year professional ballet career as a soloist with Milwaukee Ballet, Ms. Skiba received her Power Pilates Comprehensive certification. Her professional teaching experience includes the Milwaukee Ballet School, University of Wisconsin, and many prominent local Pilates and dance schools, as well as having coached dancers for YAGP and World Ballet Competition.
Ms. Skiba is a Pilates and Ballet instructor who is passionate about helping clients develop healthy, strong bodies. Her ballet students can expect inspiration and to hone their technique, alignment, prevent injuries, and develop their artistry.
We are thrilled to have Karisa as part of our SBC Faculty and Community.

Today’s featured faculty! ✨

Shu Chen Cuff, Dance Instructor/Choreographer was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan where she established a well-rounded background in dance with training in Ballet, Modern, Chinese Opera movements, and various Chinese folk dances. She immigrated to the United States to continue her training and pursue her dance journey. Shu-Chen received a B.F.A. from the University of Florida’s New World School of the Arts where she graduated with honors on the Dean’s list. Shu-Chen performed numerous classical and contemporary works while dancing with the Miami Ballet and Nevada Ballet Theater. After relocating to the Washington, DC area in 2002, Shu-Chen worked with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company and has left her footprints around the world, touring to Asia, Central America, and Europe. Shu-Chen has also performed at the International Dance Festival in Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
With her strong desire to create refreshing and vitalizing works for the community, Shu-Chen established Gin Dance Company (GDC) in 2011. Shu-Chen’s works have been featured on FOX5 DC News as well as numerous publications including the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Capital Hill Rag Magazine, Washington Flyer Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, Reston Connection, Virginia Living, Fairfax Time, MetroDC Theater Arts, Viva Tysons Magazine, and Shu-Chen was a featured model for Summer Chic Fashions at Lincoln Theatre with Washington Life Magazine. In 2015, Shu-Chen was commissioned to create a work in response to well-renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty’s sculpture ‘Bird in the Hand’. Same year Shu-Chen was also commissioned to present ‘Chasing Horizons’ in Reston CenterStage’s Professional Touring Artists Series and collaborated with visual artists, Teri Ann Labuwi and CinCin Fang. In 2016, Shu-Chen was commissioned to create a work in response to artist Mary Ann Mears’ sculpture ‘Reston Rondo’. In 2017, Shu-Chen collaborated with two-time Grammy nominee, David Taylor. In 2019 and 2020 Shu-Chen also collaborated and performed with renowned musicians Hsin-Yun Huang (violist), Tom Teasley (percussion), and Chao Tian (dulcimer). In 2020, Shu-Chen was commissioned to create a work in response to artist Sue Wrbican's 50-foot steel sculpture - 'Buoyant Force.' Shu-Chen had an exclusive radio interview with Denise Turney. Shu-Chen also has been a Finalist in the category of Outstanding Choreographer and Outstanding Individual Performer at the Dance MetroDC Awards and is a recipient of the Strauss Artist Grant by the ArtsFairfax.
Shu-Chen has a great passion to pass on her knowledge, experience, and her love of dance to young aspiring dancers. In this regard, she has taught and choreographed many works at Towson University, Virginia Tech, BalletNova Center for Dance, Metropolitan School of the Arts, Ashburn Academy of Dance, Russell School of Ballet, Skye Ballet Center, Classical Ballet Theater and has been a guest instructor at numerous dance schools throughout Taiwan. She is currently on the faculty of BalletNova Center for Dance, The Washington Ballet School, and the Metropolitan School of the Arts, and has served on the Board of Director for Dance MetorDC.

Featuring our wonderful, passionate and caring faculty! ✨

Jody Skye Schissler
Artistic Director and Faculty
Jody Skye Schissler began her training at the Conservatory Ballet locally in Reston, Virginia. She furthered her training at the Joffrey Ballet School, North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and School of American Ballet, all as a scholarship student.
By graduation, Jody was invited by Suzanne Farrell to join the Fort Worth Ballet as a member of the Corps de Ballet. She continued her career dancing Soloist and Principal roles at Ballet Chicago and Ballet Metropolitano de Caracas in Venezuela. In the mid ‘90s, Jody began performing as a Guest Artist, performing with a variety of companies and schools throughout the US. In 2001, she joined Ohio Dance Theatre as Principal Dancer, dancing leading roles at the historic Cleveland Playhouse to much acclaim by leading Arts Critics. Throughout her career, she performed in a vast repertoire of Balanchine and Principal/Leading roles in Classics such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and Giselle.
“Ms. Skye,” as her students refer to her, has 30 years of teaching experience. Even as a student, her attention to detail was recognized, and she was chosen to participate on the teaching staff of Pacific Northwest Ballet School as an assistant. . In the midst of her dancing career, she was part of the permanent staff of outstanding professional schools, such as Fort Worth School of Ballet, School of Ballet Chicago, Milwaukee Ballet School and Ohio Dance Theatre. She has taught in Northern Virginia since Fall of 2003, at Conservatory Ballet and Classical Ballet Theatre, ages ranging from 3-adult.
Many of the SBC students have gone on to join professional ballet companies and to great success in collegiate dance programs. Former students have gone on to have careers with the following Professional ballet companies such as, Richmond Ballet , Nashville Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet 2, Grand Rapids Ballet , Louisville Ballet, and Cincinnatti Ballet. Mrs. Schissler continues to have relationships and personal rapport with many dance schools and companies in the nation. Students have been accepted to the following Summer intensives: American Ballet Theater, School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet West, Miami City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Houston Ballet, Kaatsbaan, San Francisco Ballet, Washington Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell; many received scholarship offers. Students have also placed at the prestigious YAGP Competition as First Place Senior Division and Pre Competitive Classical and Contemporary , Second and Third Place Junior Classical and in the Top 12 for Pre Competitive, Junior and Senior Divisions in both Classical and Contemporary as well as Top 6 and 12 Ensemble. In 2016, Skye Ballet Center had students place in First and Third at the Easton International Ballet Competition. In 2020 students placed in First and Third at the National Ballet Competition, Students placed First Place Preparatory Division , and Bronze Medal and Top 6 for the Senior Division Classical and Contemporary at the National Ballet Competition. Students have also been selected to compete in the prestigious Valentina Kozlova International Competition.
Mrs. Schissler and her husband Allen Schissler were thrilled to announce the opening of their school, Skye Ballet Center, in September 2012: first at their temporary home, and then enthusiastically at their current location in the Sunset Business Park in January 2013.
Mr. and Mrs. Schissler live in Reston, Virginia with their 5 children. They feel privileged and honored to have worked with many remarkable artists throughout their careers and are honored to pass on the knowledge, beauty, grace, and passion to the next generation of dancers. Mrs. Schissler can be reached at [email protected]

JOY ✨❤️✨

Photo by .flicks

SBC is a gem of a community for all involved, for our dancers, teachers, parents, families and supporters. ✨❤️

Thank you all for your part!

Photo by .flicks

Have you heard?

SBC has an exciting year ahead!!!

Dancers Madeleine and Caroline

Photo by .flicks

First Saturday classes and rehearsals!

Already two weeks in … we have so much beauty and talent to share!

Exciting season ahead! ✨

Photo by .flicks

Beauty 🌸

Dancer Liana

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Joy!!!!

What a great start we are having to the year!

Dancer Mackenzie

Photi by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Looking into the week with inspiration!

Dancer Kyla

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Back at it! 💪❤️

Hope all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Dancers don’t need wings to fly..

Hope all have a wonderful Labor Day Holiday!

Dancer Natalie

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

“Ballet is a universe of the imagination, a place of magic and enchantment, beauty and romance.” – Trudy Garfunkel

Dancer Lyla

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

“You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.”

Gene Kelly

Dancer Cate

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Hope our families enjoy a lovely holiday weekend!

Dancer Lauren

Photo by

“For me, purity of movement wasn’t enough. I needed expression, more intensity, more mind.” – Rudolf Nureyev

Dancer Isabelle

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

“For me, purity of movement wasn’t enough. I needed expression, more intensity, more mind.” – Rudolf Nureyev

Dancer Natalie

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

First day of the SBC 2023-24 School year today!

Beauty, Joy and Passion of the SBC community is simply awe inspiring! ✨

Dancer Lily

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Ready for photo shoot magic day #2!

Jump for Joy!!!
Photo shoot weekend with Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography starts today!

…also it’s Charlotte’s bday!
We wish her a fabulous one! ❤️

We have been busy at SBC getting ready for the start of the school year AND getting costumes ready for Nutcracker and Performance Training Group.

10 years in the making, our Nutcracker costumes are mostly complete. ( look out for new Soldiers, Mouse Queen, Party Girl dresses and a few more!)

We have had a few second cast sets of costumes… THREE sets of COSTUMES and HEADPIECES for all the leading roles, Divertissements, Dolls, Clara’s Friends etc.. ( any parts with multiple casts)

Why?
1. We love beautiful things
Beauty ❤️
2. For dancer’s health- no sharing costumes ( ew!)
Joy ❤️ each dancer in their own costume
3. 3 different looks
Passion ❤️ Allowing each dancer to shine!

Still working on more but see our photos… 3 Snow Queens, 4 (!) Grand Pas sets , 3 Dew Drops, and 3 Clara Act 2 Tutus

Our costumes are gorgeous and excellent quality.

You don’t want to miss this years Nutcracker!!

SBC Children’s Nutcracker
Saturday November 18
1:00 and 4:00
Sunday November 19
11:00 and 2:00
SBC Studio

SBC Nutcracker
Saturday November 25
1:00 and 6:00
SLHS Theater

SBC 2023-2024 School Year

Young Dancer

Lower Elementary School
For the Young Dancer age 5-8 who loves ballet.
One - Two days a week

We believe in teaching young dancers ballet classes with solid technique,structure and the discipline of ballet , all done with a compassionate teaching style.

Young Dancers participate in The Nutcracker and Spring performances.

Check our website for more information!

https://skyeballetcenter.com

Dancer Morgan

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

SBC 2023-2024 School year

Check out our website!

https://skyeballetcenter.com

Intermediate Division
Age 8-11
Upper Elementary School
Intermediate level for those students gaining the desire to pursue dance seriously. Dancers attend 3-4 days a week, classes in Ballet Technique, Pointe /Pre Pointe Variations and Pilates.
Intermediate level dancers perform in Nutcracker and Spring Performance.
Some Intermediate level dancers also join our Performance Training Group, performing in the December Gala performance, compete in Youth America Grand Prix and other prestigious ballet competitions.

Dancer Madeleine

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Wishing our dancers who attend FCPS a fabulous first day of school!

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

SBC 2023-2024 School year
Classes begin Monday August 28

Email [email protected] to set up your audition!

https://skyeballetcenter.com

Advanced Division
Age 11-14
Middle School

This level serves as a gap between the Intermediate and Pre Professional Division. Adding the level of intensity in training , encouraging the determination and work ethic, and enhancing the talent these dancers have!
Weekly classes in Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Modern/ Contemporary and Pilates. Dancers dance 5 days per week.
Advanced dancers perform in Nutcracker, December Gala and Spring Performance.
Advanced also participate in our Performance Training Group, competing in Youth America Grand Prix and other prestigious competitions such as National Ballet Competition and others.

Dancer Mackenzie

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

SBC 2023-2024 School year

Pre Professional Division:
Age 15- 19
High School
The serious student pursuing a career in dance or carrying on the qualities of the seriously trained dancer to the success of chosen college or career path.
Developing strength in technique and artistry to maximize one’s potential in the Beauty, Joy and Passion of dance .. allowing one to do MORE in all they chose to do!
Pre Professional Division dancers train six days per week with classes in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Pilates and Contemporary.
Pre Professional Division dancers perform leading roles in Nutcracker, December Gala and Spring Performance. They compete in Youth America Grand Prix as well as other prestigious competitions as part of our Performance Training Group.

Classes Monday- Saturday
Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations ,Contemporary and Pilates.

Dancer Sarah

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Together….
We do MORE!

SBC Faculty
Each of our faculty teaches the BEAUTY of dance…
Encourages the JOY of dance…
Shares their PASSION of dance..

* Check our website for full bios..

https://skyeballetcenter.com

Jody Skye Schissler, Artistic Director
Allen Schissler, Executive Director
Shu Chen Cuff- Gin Dance Co Artistic Director
Isabelle Evangelista*
Kimberly Jewert- George Mason University Dance
Karisa Skiba- former Milwaukee Ballet Soloist
Danielle Tuomey*- Mercyhurst University Dance Graduate
Charlotte Zatterstrom *- Former Charlotte Ballet Trainee

*SBC Alumni

A fav picture of Ms. Skye and Charlotte Zatterstrom

Together…
We do MORE!

We have an exciting season ahead!
Mark your calendars and bring your bravos for our dancers!

SBC Nutcracker
Children’s In Studio Performances
Saturday November 18
1:00 and 4:00
Sunday November 19
11:00 and 2:00

SBC Nutcracker
SLHS Theater
Saturday November 25
1:00 and 6:00

December Gala
SLHS Theater
Sunday December 17
3:00 Classical
5:30 Contemporary

YAGP January 2024
Etoile Competition
February 2024
National Ballet Competition
March 2024

Ballets en Blanc
SLHS Theater
Saturday June 1
1:00

Dancers Mackenzie and Morgan

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Together…
We do MORE!!

Classes begin Monday August 28

Young Dancer age 5-7
Intermediate age 8-10
Advanced age 11-14
Pre Professional age 15-19

Email [email protected] today to set up your audition

Dancers Amelie and Lena

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Together…
We do MORE! ❤️

2023-2024 SBC School year begins Monday August 28

Programs for age 5-19

Email [email protected] to set up your audition today!

Dancers Madeleine and Caroline

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Passion

Dancer Amelie

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

JOY! 💙

Dancer Sarah

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography

Beauty 🌸

Dancer Cate

Photo by Jeri Tidwell Dance Photography