MelRoe's School of Dance

Rosemary "Roe" Glorioso

Rosemary ï¿½Roeï¿½ Glorioso began dancing at the age of 5. She studied dance at Westport Ballet under the instruction of Michael Simms, Liz Simms, and their daughter Susan Hard Simms. She also received tap training from Tom Land. Rosemary has studied multiple genres of dance including: ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theater, and tumbling. As a young performer, Roe performed in live theater productions such as the musical Oliver! at the Starlight Theatre. She also competed regionally and nationally in dance and tumbling. Rosemary fulfilled her dream of opening a dance studio ï¿½ MelRoeï¿½s School of Dance ï¿½ along with her business partner, Melanie ï¿½Melï¿½ Egbert, nearly 15 years ago. Rosemary has choreographed for grade school and high school musicals and her choreography has won regional and national recognition. Since opening MelRoeï¿½s School of Dance, Rosemary has lead her Star Tumblers to multiple national wins and her choreography has received numerous awards.

Rosemary has a degree in elementary education from Rockhurst College and she was formerly a 2nd grade teacher. Rosemaryï¿½s passion is teaching ï¿½ she loves working with children. Rosemary continues to educate herself in the field of dance through master classes and conventions all around the country. She currently resides in Liberty, MO with her husband Joe, their two wonderful children Victor Joe and Angelina, and their dogs Romeo and Juliet.

Melanie Egbert

Melanie has been teaching dance, tumbling and cheerleading to students of all ages in the Kansas City area for over 25 years. This year celebrates the 14th year as the co-owner and director of MelRoe’s School of Dance.

Melanie began her dance training at the age of 8 and has studied various forms of dance such tap, jazz, ballet, tumbling, pointe, cheerleading and musical theatre. She has had the privilege of taking classes and learning from dance legends such as Debbie Dee, Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, Charles Kelly, Bob Rizzo and Joe Tremaine. As a student, Melanie competed in dance and cheerleading competitions and was recognized with many regional and national top-scoring awards.

As a teenager, she was offered a teaching position at her hometown dance studio and she soon realized that her true passion was teaching children. To further her education, she received her degree in Elementary Education from University of Central Missouri with a minor in Early Childhood. During her college years, Melanie continued her ballet and jazz training as well as taking master classes in tap and musical theater.

Over the years, she has choreographed routines for her MelRoe’s students and local dance / cheerleading teams as well as high school musical productions. Her students are regularly awarded with over-all top awards at numerous dance, tumbling and cheerleading competitions.

Melanie believes in giving her students a strong foundation in dance. She is dedicated to challenging her students and helping them reach their full potential. Her love for children and dance are a winning combination. Many of her students have gone on to continue their own professional careers in dance. She is extremely proud of her students and their accomplishments.

Like the other instructors at MelRoe’s, Melanie continues to attend master classes and convention workshops / conferences throughout the year and loves to learn from well-known teachers / choreographers from all over the world. She believes that even as an instructor, she is still a student in the ever-changing world of dance.

When Melanie is not at the studio teaching, she is home being a proud mom to Andrew, Hannah and Megan!

Elizabeth Schonfeldt

Elizabeth Schonfeldt has been dancing both recreational and competitively since the age of 3. She received her early dance education at Ibsen Dance Theatre and went on to continue her training at Northwest Missouri State University. While at Northwest, Elizabeth was a member of the Northwest Dance Company. She has trained in multiple dance styles including: ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern, tap, jazz, and musical theater. Elizabeth continues her dance education through conventions and workshops.

Ms. Schonfeldt is a wonderful addition to the MelRoe’s staff. She has an exceptional gift for teaching young children – passing on her love of dance to each student she works with. She currently resides in Independence, MO and serves as the director of marketing and public relations at Saint Luke’s Northland Hospital.

Rebecca McGill

Rebecca McGill received her early dance training at Blue Springs Ballet where she became a member of the pre-professional ballet company at the age of 14. She attended Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts High School as a dance major and a technical theater minor. During high school, Rebecca attended summer dance intensives and participated in classes at highly regarded dance institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet in New York City.

Rebecca went on to study as a dance major at the University of Missouri-Kansas City under Mary Pat Henry, Paula Weber, DeeAnna Hiett, Catherine Plavcan, and the late Leni Wylliams. During this time, she had the opportunity to travel and study with numerous master teachers such as Fernando Bujones. While at UMKC, she performed and trained in ballet and modern techniques and studied jazz, dance history, anatomy, improvisation, choreography, costume design, and pas de deux.

Rebecca has been teaching dance in the Kansas City area for nearly 15 years. She is proud to say she has been with MelRoe’s since they opened their doors in 1997. Rebecca has choreographed over 50 pieces during her career. She draws from the classics, yet strives to be innovative and current when selecting subject matter for her choreography. Rebecca continues to train and expand her knowledge as a dance educator through conventions and master classes. She is proud of her many students who have gone on to dance professionally and at the university level. Rebecca has a passion for teaching and desires to inspire her students, while providing them with a solid dance foundation. Rebecca currently resides in Kansas City, MO and is the proud mother of 4 amazing children.

Stephanie Morrow

Stephanie Morrow started dancing at MelRoe's School of Dance in 2001 and has trained there in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, acrobatics, and hip-hop. She has participated in several competitions and has attended many dance conventions such as Tremaine, NYCDA, and the Joel Hall Jazz Camp. She currently attends the University of Missouri - Kansas City working on both her BFA in Dance at the Conservatory of Music and Dance and her BA in English: Creative Writing. She has studied jazz, modern, ballet, partnering, pilates, labanotation and other dance courses at the University under the instruction of Jennifer Owen, Peggy Ply, Paula Weber, Mary Pat Henry, Ronald Tice, Rodni Williams, Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Deanna Hiett, Billy Mahoney, and Jennifer Medina. She has also taken many master classes and classes at Joffrey and Hubbard Street in Chicago, IL. She took many diverse classes at the American College Dance Festival 2010 at Middle Tennessee State University. She has attended the Common Thread Dance Intensive in St. Louis for the past two summers, and recently had the chance to choreograph for Kansas City's ArtSounds in collaboration with The Digital Honkbox Revival. She is really excited to be teaching at the studio she considers home, and to share her knowledge and love of dance.

Mikel D. Francis

Mikel Francis began tumbling at the age of 8. During high school, he started tumbling competitively. In 1989, Mikel began competed with KC Kids Show Troupe. He competed in acro dance, winning a national title in Sr. Duo Acro Dance at Showstoppers. While in college, he was a cheerleader and participated in college cheer competitions.

Mikel has been coaching tumbling and trampoline since 1988. During the late 1990s, his parents opened a gym in Raytown, MO – Pro Tumble Inc. Mikel obtained his coaching certificate through USA Gymnastics and also has a certificate in sports safety. Mikel is CPR certified through the American Heart Association.

Mikel is a talented at enthusiastic coach who loves working with children. He says, “Nothing excites me more than to see an athlete learn a NEW skill. The expression on their face is priceless.” We warmly welcome Mikel to the MelRoe’s staff and look forward to gleaning from his many talents.

Jody Bennett

Jody Bennett began working for MelRoe's School of Dance in 1999. He assists in tumbling classes as a trained spotter. Outside of MelRoe’s, Jody coaches youth football, baseball, and wrestling. He is also the assistant scout master for troop 2003. He enjoys working with youth and helping them excel. Jody says, “I love working for MelRoe's – it is like a family.”

Jody has two children, Rosie and Andrew. Rosie is a MelRoe’s dancer and is currently on the William Chrisman High School Dance Team. Andrew is involved in sports and scouts.

Tyler Banks

Tyler Banks began dancing at the age of 14. He received no formal dance training, but with raw talent and a passion to learn, Tyler trained by watching music videos of pop groups such as NSync. Thousands of repetitions later, his independent study paid off. In 2003, Tyler landed a spot as a contestant on MTV's Wade Robson Project. Tyler won the contest!

While living in Los Angeles for three years following his big win on 'The Project,' Tyler had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Travis Payne, Brooke Lipton, Wade Robson, and Eddie Garcia. He also did work with corporations including Wendy's, Nestea, and Pepsi.

Tyler relocated to the Kansas City area in early 2007. He is currently pursuing and exploring opportunities behind the scenes of the music industry. Tyler is an amazingly talented hip-hop dancer and teacher and we are thrilled to welcome him to the MelRoe’s staff.

Chasmine Gerschefske

Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska Chasmine began dancing at the age of five and was competing nationally by age seven. Throughout her studio career Chasmine has earned many titles and scholarships from Spotlight Dance Cup, New York City dance Alliance, JUMP, LA Dance Force, Hall of Fame and KAR. She is currently pursuing a double degree in Dance and Business-Marketing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she is also on the NDA nationally ranked UMKC dance team. Through the conservatory Chasmine has had the opportunity of dancing at the American College dance Festival both in 2010 and 2011. She currently studies under the instruction of Ron Tice, Paula Weber, Mary Pat Henry, Deeanna Hiett, Sabrina Madison-Cannon and Rodni Williams. Chasmine has had the privilege of working with a variety of choreographers and companies including Josh Beamish (MOVE: The Company), Jerry Kumery (Balanchine Trust), Joey Dowling, Suzy Taylor, Jason Parsons and Robert Battle (Alvin Ailley). She has also had the opportunity to train at Joffrey Ballet and The American Academy of Ballet in New York City. Chasmine is very excited to start her first year with the MelRoeâ€™s team!

Anna Ceperley

Anna Ceperley began her dance training at MelRoe’s School of Dance in 2002. Even though she started her dancing career later than most, it had been a passion of hers since a very young age. The love of dance still continues today when she received a diploma from Missouri State University with a BFA Dance Performance.

Throughout her dance training, Anna has studied jazz, ballet, modern, musical theatre, tap, creative movement, labanotation, and dance improv. Anna was involved with Inertia Dance Company as a dancer and choreographer which traveled all over the mid-west to perform. She has studied under Jana Anderson, Ruth Barnes, Kelly Bixby, Sara Brummel, Julie Bubalo, Darryl Clark and Carla Pellman-Williams. While attending Missouri State, Anna got the privilege of taking master classes with Ailey II, Momix, Robert Wechler, American College Dance Festival Association and Step Africa. Anna also spent a semester in Orlando, Florida working as an entertainer for Walt Disney World.

Anna is ecstatic about returning back to MelRoe’s as a teacher and choreographer! Her dance career has come full circle and there is nowhere else she would rather be.