The Dance Slipper Academy

JULIANNE WENDZEL is the owner and artistic director of The Dance Slipper Academy.  She earned her degree in dance from Dean College after studying at The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance.  She went on to obtain her certification as a dance instructor from Dance Teacher University, a University of Nevada-Las Vegas program. 

Julianne began her dance training at The Dance Slipper in Southwick, MA under the direction of Brenda Barna.  Over the years, she competed at many regional and national dance competitions earning praise for her technique. After graduating from college, Julianne worked as a professional dancer for two years for The Madison Square Garden Company as a Westchester Knicks Dancer. In addition, she danced professionally at Six Flags New England and in several regional commercials including The Connecticut Lottery. She has been teaching dance to beginner through advanced level students for nine years and has been recognized with numerous awards for her choreography.

Julianne continues to further her dance training and education by attending master classes, seminars and retreats. This allows her to stay updated on new innovations and industry trends. She is thrilled to pass on her knowledge and strives to inspire a love of dance in all her students.

Brenda's gymnastics training was initiated in 1972 at the Westfield YMCA.  She furthered her education at Pioneer Valley Gymnastics.  Olympic trainer Leo Ledger and Olympic medalist Tim Daggett honed her skills.  As a state level gold medalist and high score all around winner, Brenda was asked to train for the 1980 Olympics.  Vaulted by gymnastics training, Brenda won the Miss Acrobat of the United States title at age 16.  At 18, she was second runner up for Miss Dance of Connecticut. Brenda kicked off her professional dance career at 19, working as a featured dancer in the Latino Royale show at the Dunes in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Brenda last competed at the U.S. Tournament of Dance in New Jersey at the age of 21, where she won first place in the professional solo and duo divisions. 

Brenda is a former 1st vice president of the Dance Teachers Club of Connecticut.  She has been on the board of directors of Dance Masters of America, Connecticut Chapter.  Under Brenda's tutelage her students have won numerous national level awards.

David continues to put his ability and knowledge of dance to good use as a Head Judge and instructor of Master classes for the Step Up to Dance tour. He is a Choreographer, Artistic Director and Dancer for many events such as the Tap Dancing Santa's at Symphony Hall and the Dancing with the local Stars events for the Kiwanis Club of West Springfield and Agawam. David has respectfully taught for the National Association of Dance Affiliated Artists as well as the Dance Teachers Club of Boston. David continues to entertain, educate and inspire dancers of every age and physicality. His love for the art of dance is present in everything he puts forth.

She attended Earl Mosley Institute of Arts summer intensive for three summers and performed professional pieces from Kevin Wynn, Nathan Trice, Sidra Bell, Meredith Rainey, Earl Mosley and Ronald K. Brown.

After high school, Mytisha attended Long Island University for one year studying dance. Mytisha then attended and graduated from University of Hartford and while in college, participated, performed, and choreographed for a hip-hop dance team call Fenomena. She then went on to Bay Path University where she completed her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Mytisha has been teaching dance to beginner through advanced level students at various locations for eight years and continues to spread her passion for dance to her students each day.

Garet's work with Garet&Co. has been showcased in Dixon Place’s "Dance Bloc NYC Festival" and “8 in Show,” Emerging Artist Theatre's "New Work Series," Queens Theatre's "Turning in Place Film Festival,” Connecticut Dance Alliance's "5X5 Dance Festival," IKada Dance Company’s “Ko Da Fe,” Ku-Yang Lin & Dancers "Inhale Series," The Bell House's "EXCHANGE Choreography Festival," Governors Island's "The Craft NYC," and Cross Move Lab's "Anyplace Anytime Film Festival. work was also selected as the winner of Nacre Dance Group’s “So You Think You Can Choreograph,” won the Dance Cinema Award at Frostbite Indie Film Fest, and won 3rd Prize at Emotion & Soul Film Festival.

When not dancing and creating, Garet also teaches as often as she can. Garet believes that art changes the world and is passionately and actively working to be a generator of light.

After high school Madelynn spent two years studying dance at Montclair State University. She then transferred to Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Boston, MA where she is currently continuing her dance education. With a wide variety of styles and instructors behind her, Madelynn incorporates her love of dance into every class and performance.

After graduating high school, Anna made the move to NY to pursue her passion for dance at Purchase College Conservatory of Dance. Following her first year at Purchase, she decided to focus on ballet as her main concentration and graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance. Anna is currently dancing with New England Ballet Theatre. In addition to performing Anna has been teaching and choreographing for award winning competition teams in Westchester, NY, and eastern Massachusetts.

DESEREE ZORICK began dancing at the age of 3 and joined the competitive team shortly thereafter. Over the years she took classes with many professional dancers, Paula Abdul was a highlight! She studied dance as a minor at Curry College, also graduating with an RN degree. After college, Deseree continued her passion for dance as a teacher. She is a proud mother of 3 girls who also share her love of dance!