Norma Beutell - Principle Dance Instructor

No summary of the St. Louis dance community would be complete without a tribute to Norma Beutell Van Sickle. As a painter is known by his works and a knight by his good deeds, Miss Norma's life force is reflected in the lives and careers of professional dancers, choreographers and teachers from coast to coast. A list of dance title holders, including Janet Jones Gretzky, popular movie star and Miss Dance of America 1979, and Jennifer Jones, Miss Dance of America 1991, professional dancer with Colorado Ballet, would fill the many pages of this program. Her love for teaching is only excelled by her passion for choreography: painting with people.

Nationally known for her talents as an innovative choreographer, she was selected as choreographer for the "Miss Dance of America " Pageant 1980 in New York, and the "Jr. Miss and Mr. Dance of America" Pageant 1983. She is a member of Dance Masters of America, St. Louis Dance Teachers Association, and the Cecchetti Council of America.   A member of the Board of Directors of St. Louis Solar Acrobatic Association for 25 years.  Miss Norma was featured in Dance Magazine of January, 1979 as a vital force in the world of dance, was selected to be a National Field Judge for the International Ballet Competition 1984/1985, also adjudicated for Dance Masters of America National Championships, Miss/Mr. Dance of America Competitions.  Included in the "Who's Who in the Midwest ", she has been a guest teacher and adjudicator for numerous dance organizations. In 1987, she won "Best Choreographer" at the National Invitational Dance Competition hosted by the Young Americans in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  She also won "Best Choreographer Award" at the Creation National competition for “Via Dolorosa” 2003.  Recently Miss Norma won Best Choreographer Award for “Triad” at the On Stage America competition, 2007.  She is a certified Dance Masters of America Examiner and National competition judge.

Artistic Director of the St. Louis Gateway Ballet since 1974, and established in the world of dance as teacher/choreographer for over 40 years, Norma Beutell Van Sickle continues to shape the St. Louis dance environment with challenging new works, and with tireless enthusiasm. She has received grants from the Regional Arts Commission, the Arts and Education Council, and the Missouri Arts Council for the creation of new works with full orchestra accompaniment.

It is impossible to know Miss Norma and not be changed by her love for life and passion for dance. Looking ahead to new challenges, Norma Beutell Van Sickle will continue to provide St. Louis audiences, young and old, with the very best that creative genius and diligent effort can accomplish. Miss Norma, we hope you live forever!

Sylvia Grannemann - Sr. Dance Instructor

Sylvia Grannemann has been in the field of dance for over 30 years.  She was a dancing member of the St. Charles Civic Ballet, changed to the Gateway Ballet of St. Louis for four years (1974-9178).  She is the former Associate Director of the Beutell Dance Center & former Associate Artistic Director of the Gateway Ballet of St. Louis, and protégée of Norma Beutell Van Sickle, who trained her as a dancer & dance teacher.  She has also studied in New York under Roni Mahler, Leon Danelian, Gail Grant, Joffrey Ballet, Peter Gennaro, Gus Giordano and many others.  She choreographed the winning routine for World's Miss La Petite 1980, and also the Missouri State Beauty and Talent Queen 1983.  She has also choreographed for High School Show Choirs.  She has made numerous appearances  on Major St. Louis Television stations.  Miss Sylvia is "top of the line" for Early Childhood Dance Learning in addition to her expertise with Intermediate and Advanced students.

Miss Sylvia is a member of the Dance Masters of America and St. Louis Dance Teachers Association.  She was a guest teacher in Texas for Lone Star Acrobatic Association and Texas Dance Teachers.  She was a faculty teacher for various chapters of Dance Masters of America.  Miss Sylvia was a member of the Board of Directors of the Gateway Ballet of St. Louis and the St. Louis Solar Acrobatic Association for 25 years.  She is a National certified Dance Masters of America Examiner.

Hip Hip Maestro

Tiger is M.A.X.'s Hip Hop Maestro.  He was selected to go to Vegas during the first Season of "So You Think You Can Dance" and he continues to be an active member within the Hip Hop community.

 Here in St. Louis, he participates in just about any and all events that are associated with the Hip Hop world. Tiger actively participated in competitions around the nation such as the "Monsters of Hip Hop" events. His latest awards and recognitions were the Monsters of Hip Hop Freestyle Battle Winner in Florida 2008 and the Runner up at Monsters of Hip Hop Freestyle Battle in Chicago 2008 and Winner of the So You think you can Dance Freestyle Battle, 2007. Tiger brings 20+ years of experience in choreography, dancing and performing.

Sarah Winner - Dance Instructor

Miss Sarah has been dancing at Beutell Dance Center since the age of 3.  She was a dancing member & principal dancer with Gateway Ballet of St. Louis. 

She has won numerous awards, some of which are; Ultimate Victory & Platinum Awards, "Flawless" Technique & Execution Award, Standout Dancer Award.  She also performed in group numbers which were "National Champions".

Sarah was guest choreographer for the Beutell Sr. Competition Team 2008.  Her new work is "Come Down To Me", and will be entered in competitions this coming season.

Miss Sarah is a wonderful teacher & is requested by her students.

Karen Williams - Dance Instructor

Miss Karen Williams

Miss Jennifer Bostic - Dance Instructor

Jennifer Bostic has been dancing for over 19 years.  She studied at Beutell Dance Center and participated on their competition team, which won numerous awards as well as a national title.  As a senior student, Jennifer began teaching dance classes, choreographing and directing the Mini Competition Line.

Jennifer then attended The University of Kansas where she took classes with The University Dance Department as well as various master classes.  At KU Jennifer performed in, choreographed and directed Rock Chalk Revue, a musical variety show, for three years.  She was presented over fifteen awards including, best show, best production number and best choreography.  She was hired to be the assistant choreographer for the production of "Little Shop of Horrors" at Chaminade High School. 

 Jennifer returned to Beutell Dance Center in 2006 as a guest choreographer for the Apprentice and Senior Competition Lines.  Both numbers were awarded high honors at local competitions in 2007.  Jennifer won "Best Choreography" for "One Voice" performed by the Junior Competition Team in 2008, she also won the "Most Entertaining Award" for "Do Your Thing" performed by the Senior Competition Team in 2008.  

Jennifer loves performing, choreographing, and directing dance and is thrilled to be a member of the esteemed Beutell Dance Faculty.

Laura Parrish - Voice Instructor