“We Inspire The Soul!”

Ms. Katie & Mr. Matt

Mr. Matt Ecklund & Mrs. Katie Owings are the Co-Owners & Artistic Directors of Inspiration Performing Arts Center. This dynamic duo has a combined 35 years of experience in the arts, business and education! Mr. Matt graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Special Education and is currently teaching in the Saint Paul school district. He continually stays up-to-date on business development through ongoing seminars and conferences. He is a VIP Member of The Dance Teacher Web Conference. Mr. Matt especially enjoys his time on the dance floor. His favorite genre in dance is tap! His hobbies (outside of the studio) include – performing with his band, traveling, volunteering, working out, traveling, spending time at the lake with family and friends and riding ATVs. Miss Katie has been involved in the art of dance for more than 24 years. Her passion for teaching dance stems from a long history of learning and performing. Katie attended Dance Educators of America, Inc. at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where she obtained her teaching certification in Dance Education. Katie was a part of the Dance Education program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She is also a Dance Theatre Alumni at UW-RF. Her performance credits include: The Pantages Theatre, The State Theatre, The Phipps Center for the Arts, The Northrop Auditorium and The Roy Wilkins Auditorium. During her nine years of competitive dance, Katie received various honors and awards. She has performed in Dances, Chances & Circumstances at the Phipps Center for the Arts and the Necessary Hazards of Being at Patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis. Katie was a judge for Triple S Dance competition in March of 2007. In the summer of 2008, she was asked to host dance camps for Century College’s Kaleidoscope program. She is a VIP Member of Dance Teacher Web. She continually stays up-to-date with the latest dance and business trends through her participation in master classes, conventions and seminars. Recently, she was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine for her commitment to the art of dance, and her business achievements.  Miss Katie’s hobbies (outside of the studio) include – traveling, reading, writing, volunteering, spending time with friends and family, running, hiking and forming community relationships and partnerships. Mr. Matt and Miss Katie make it a priority to bring performing arts into schools where funding does not allow for such programs to take place. In addition to teaching and working at the studio, they are currently working non-profit with inner city schools to expose youth to the many wonderful elements of arts education.

Miss Amber Heldt

Miss Amber is IPAC’s Office Manager.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, with a focus on Environmental Design.  Her love of planning, coordinating and executing projects has led her to IPAC, where she is excited to grow, collaborate and strengthen the community.  She believes that everyone, no matter their age, should be encouraged to be themselves and discover their passion.  Amber is married and spends most of her free time with her husband, daughters and dog exploring nature and embracing life.  Her love of the arts is most often expressed in collage, pastel, acrylic, writing and playing guitar.  She also enjoys yoga, reading and volunteering.

Miss Alicia Renee Storkamp

Miss Alicia Renée Storkamp, a Twin Cities native, received her BFA in Vocal Performance, with a Musical Theater Emphasis from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has been a professional singer for 11 years singing a wide variety of genres. She studied opera and classical singing under Anita Derian who had a life-long career in opera, Rachel Inselman at UMD, and Craig Fields of the Duluth Festival Opera. In her experiences as a jazz singer, Alicia has been actively involved in the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Concrete & Grass and has performed at Orchestra Hall, The Dakota Jazz Club, and The Artists Quarter. She has worked with amazingly talented musicians in both the Twin Cities and numerous venues around the US. Her favorite pianist, and a dear friend, Job Weber, has been an inspiration to Alicia since she was sixteen years old – teaching her how music can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life.  Alicia has been a songwriter since she was fourteen and has written over 115 songs to date.  She is mainly focused on writing catchy tunes with a positive message. Her solo album, “Wait For Me”,released in 2002, included a track with an original a cappella song. In 2010, she composed  the music and sang on a CD project titled “Go Big or Go Home” for the band “Mississippi Sirens” which is in the style of modern country music. Alicia has also written a full-length  musical based on the fairytale of Rapunzel, holding a staged reading at the Duluth Playground in 2009. She has a great passion for musical theater and has been in many shows including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Domina), Seussical the Musical (Sour Kangaroo), Once Upon a Mattress (Winifred), and a one-woman show – Born in a Trunk – a cabaret-style setting showcasing the beauty and power of the music of Judy Garland. While remaining an active member of the music and theatrical community, Alicia is also a member of HSR Productions, which produces various events and festivals around the Twin Cities area. She has
been and continues to be involved with the planning, management and/or assistance of the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Famous Daves Blues Festival, Concrete & Grass, The MN ESL, Bilingual and Migrant Education Conference, and The Festival of Nations.  Miss Alicia is wonderfully vibrant and energetically positive, and she couldn’t be happier to call IPAC her creative home of teaching!  She is IPAC’s vocal coach and acting coach!

Ms. Lauren Martin

Miss Lauren Martin has been dancing since the age of 2, starting at Academy of Dance.  Continuing her dance education she continued to dance with Yackel Dance Studio learning technique in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Pointe.  Lauren danced competitively for many years, attending many regional and national dance competitions along with many dance conventions.  Lauren also took summer classes with the Classical Ballet Academy under the direction of Andrew and Cheryl Rist.  Lauren recently graduated for Minnesota State University Mankato with a BS in dance and minor in child psychology.  At MSU-Mankato, she performed in many faculty and student dance concerts along with adjudicating many of her own works for the dance programs student showcase.  Lauren is excited to be joining the IPAC staff and hopes to continue to share her love for the art of dance with many students!

Miss Sylvia Schourek

Miss Sylvia Schourek graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University with a double major in dance and Art. While there she studied Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Ceramics, Jewelry and Metalsmithing. She instructed for two years and was the Coordinator for one year of the Summer Arts Camp in Hancock, MI through the Copper Country Country and her works has been exhibited in the Great Lakes Showcase at Michigan Tech University, as well as at the CCCAC. In addition to her art experience, she has been dancing for 17 years, with experience in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, HipHop and Tap.Throughout her career, she has performed in numerous dance productions, musicals and operas. At Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, she had the privilege of working with such artists as Diane McIntyre and Robert Battle. While attending she also performed in several guest artist, faculty, and student works, including at the American College Dance Festival, as well as being a member of Hip Hop ConnXion-Rhythmic Soul Project. Additionally, she produced choreography for annual student concerts and her own 45 minute Honors Thesis presentation. Two years ago, she was the Artistic Director of the Superior School of Dance in Hancock, MI where, in addition to teaching classes of ages, she choreographed for and performed in a full length production of “The Nutcracker” and an original production, “Who’s Really Who in the Wild West”. She is currently IPAC’s Curriculum Coordinator for the dance program.

Mr. Michael Schumacher

Mr. Michael Schumacher has been playing guitar for eleven years and is a student at McNally Smith College of music with a focus on fingerstyle and classical guitar, working towards a Bachelor’s in Music Performance for guitar (graduating in Fall of 2011). He has been teaching guitar and mastering his craft for six years, and currently teaches at Evan’s Music in White Bear Lake and the Mahtomedi Community Education center, group courses at Century College, in addition to his teaching at IPAC. Students of all ages, and many skill levels take lessons with Mike. “I feel that there is no one in the world that CAN’T play an instrument. There are just teachers that don’t know how to teach every type of student. I don’t claim to be one that can because every student is different but I will never give up on a student that is willing to try. By spending time with students working on technique, reading, composition, and improvisation skills, I have found that music lessons are more than just instructional seminars. They are a conduit to inspire the student’s very unique musical growth. I feel that every lesson should be catered to the student’s unique learning style and interests while still embracing the fundamental skills needed to become a musician.” Along with teaching, Mike performs regularly as a solo acoustic player around town and in his band, Windowvine, who regularly sell out their shows and put on a stunning performance. “Being in a band or an ensemble is a very important experience for those looking to become musicians. It helps you learn how to react to other musician’s unique playing styles but more importantly, it encourages networking skills as well as building life long friendships, both of which are important in the music business.”  Mr. Mike is an inspiring educator who is absolutely thrilled to pass on his knowledge to the guitar students at IPAC!

Mr. Alex Frazier

Mr. Alex Frazier has been playing the piano for over 17 years and attended Grove City College in Pennsylvania, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, with a focus in education. At GCC, Mr. Alex focused primarily on two instruments, piano and percussion. He accompanied the Concert Choir and the elite, competitive Touring Choir, as well as becoming members of both, while studying under Dr. Douglas A. Browne. He was in the marching band through his college career, as well as percussion ensemble and orchestra. Mr. Alex graduated Valedictorian of his class of 129 students, and had perfect attendance throughout high school. A fine quote from Mr. Alex Frazier himself, “Playing, singing, listening, composing – nothing could be more important to me. I believe that in order to have a cultured education, music is a vital part in that equation. I intend to be a part of that equation and bring and teach the gift of music to you and your child(ren).I have always had the desire to teach. I have always had the desire to truly make a difference and mold children musically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. I have always had the desire to show how passionate I am about music and to instill that passion into my students. In lessons, I will challenge them with pieces, technique, and music theory. By providing incentives, I help my students find the necessary motivation and drive to practice every day, move with consistency through their books, and dynamically learn each and every day. No matter what, I will not cease, every lesson, to push my students to become better musicians and, in time, better people. My students do not and will not think practicing is a chore or a bother; rather, it will be a fun, albeit challenging, activity. I see my students as younger versions of me, eager to learn and, like a sponge, willing to absorb any and all teaching they receive. I talk to my students about any musical goals that they have, and I work with them to strive in any way to meet those goals.” Mr. Alex couldn’t be happier to be IPAC’s piano teacher!

Mr. Tetsuya Takeno

Mr. Tetsuya Takeno grew up in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. In 2002, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Japanese Education for non-native Japanese speakers at International Christian University Tokyo, Japan. He also graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree in Percussion, jazz emphasis (Summa Cum Laude 2007) and a Master of Music, percussion performance (2010) at Youngstown State University. He began his career as a drummer for the Japanese big band, Modern Music Society, while he attended International Christian University in Japan. He performed in the Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest three times with the Modern Music Society. At two of those contests, he received seventh and tenth places. He also recorded “Locus”, a Modern Music Society album with guest artist Wayne Bergeron at Capital Records, Hollywood, CA. in March 2003. He also worked as a cruise ship drummer for the Holland America Line in 2008. Recently he moved into Twin-Cities, and worked as a professional freelance musician performing with Electric Avenue (professional show band) and Elemental Ensemble (Theatre). At Youngstown State University, he has performed in the Caribbean Ensemble, Brazilian Ensemble, John Hollenbeck Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles 1, 2 & 3, Graduate Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, YSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, YSU Marching Pride, Dana Symphony Orchestra, Dana Chamber Orchestra and Studio Ensemble. As a member of the Youngstown Percussion Collective, he performed at several area elementary schools in the last few years. He performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2005 as a member of the YSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, at the OMEA (Ohio Music Educators’ Association) Convention in Cleveland in 2006 as a member of the YSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and YSU Percussion Ensemble, and at the OMEA Convention in Cincinnati in 2010 as a member of YSU Percussion Ensemble. He was also a co-winner of the Dana Young Artist Competition in 2006. He is an active arranger, composer, local private lesson teacher and a performer in local theater, orchestra and bands. As a composer/arranger, his music has been performed by the Brazilian Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, and Percussion Ensemble at YSU. In January 2010, he received a commission from the Greenville Symphony Orchestra (Greenville, PA) to arrange two pieces of music and performed them with the symphony orchestra in Pennsylvania in May.

Ms. Lorna Dielentheis

Ms. Lorna Dielentheis is a current sophomore at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. She is pursuing her undergraduate degree, most probably in Art History. She has taken quite a few art and dance classes over the years and plans to continue her love for art and dance throughout her college experience by taking classes and participating in extracurricular activities on and off campus. She has a great deal of leadership experience, much of which comes from her having been the captain of her high school danceline. As a graduate of Inspiration Performing Arts Center’s dance program, Lorna hopes to continue to share and inspire her students with her love of the arts.  She plans to return to teach art programs in summer 2012!

Guest Artists & Faculty:

Miss Celeste Jones

Miss Celeste has been acting professionally for the last 5 years, ever since she graduated from Howard University where she received her BFA. Since in the Twin Cities, she’s had the opportunity to work with the Children’s Theatre Company, Penumbra Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre Company, Ten Thousand Things Theatre, to name a few. She is an actor but has a background in dance, music, and singing. Her experience acting and learning the craft has greatly influenced the way that she teaches. She believes you are most creative when you feel most at ease not only with yourself but with the people around you. Which is why in her classes she likes to focus on creating a safe environment where students have the opportunity to explore new ideas and really let their imaginations run wild. It is through this process that she finds some of the most unique and sometimes profound ideas are formed. She’s there to offer support, encouragement, and the knowledge she possesses, so together as an ensemble, the students and Miss Celeste, learn to work together collaboratively and ultimately learn from each other.  She is currently IPAC’s substitute acting coach.

Miss Lara Manthei

Miss Lara Manthei has been involved in art education for over 7 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Northwestern College in St. Paul. Her 7 years of studio art experience include: drawing, painting, printmaking, crafting, jewelry making, commercial art, sculpture, ceramics, art history and photography. Miss Lara has had a passion for art since she was old enough to hold a Crayola! In college and high school, she was dubbed “The Landscape Painter” because of her strong specialty. Miss Lara believes that every child should develop their own style and muse, because art is not about being put in a box, and we are not all meant to be Rembrandt!

Miss Ivy Morrison

Miss Ivy Morrison, a third generation dancer and native to the Midwest, brings life to movement fundamentally grounded in urban freestyle dance forms while seamlessly infusing the raw, natural and untamed elements of her roots. Raised by her mother, a professional Middle Eastern dancer of thirty-five years, Ivy was immersed very early on into the heart and culture of tribal dance. At the tender age of four, Ivy took to the stage and began performing with her mother at the annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival.  Having been awakened to the freedom, energy, and sense of community generated through dance, she was driven to pursue her passion further.  When Ivy was eleven, she dedicated herself to studying Hip Hop for six years at one of the nation’s premier repertory dance companies, Zenon Dance. With her inherent sense of style and energy, Ivy soon began collaborating with local choreographers and artists and found herself back onstage performing throughout the Twin Cities and Metro area. This lead to such opportunities as becoming assistant professor at St.Cloud State University for two years teaching Hip Hop dance as well as working alongside one of Minnesota’s most influential people, The Artist Formally Known as Prince.  Utilizing her enigmatic presence onstage, Ivy went on to produce visually dynamic choreography for local artists such as The New Congress and Minnesota Timberwolves Troy Hudson. Ivy has since had the liberty of working with both local and nationwide corporations and organizations such as Verizon Wireless, Target, Honeywell, YWCA, B-Girl Be, Girl Scouts of America and United Negro College Fund just to name a few.  Always willing to expand and develop herself as an individual and an artist, Ivy had her skills put to the test.  In 2007, Ivy entered and won first place in Red Bull’s “Get it on Record” competition where she was held to the highest standard amongst 9 of her fellow peers.  She was cast for the lead role in a Slumberland commercial, which aired throughout the nation. Later in 2007, Ivy had the honor of being hand selected by B-Girl Asia One, Ken Swift and Zulu Gremline as one of 30 people chosen from around the world to participate in Red Bull Beat Riders camp.  Here she had the unique privilege of learning from those who are masters of their craft and founders of the original Hip Hop and urban dance forms.  To this day, Ivy strives to weave the spirit of her past with the expanded awareness of all her years of experience and knowledge. Ivy continues to draw upon the innate, instinctual rhythm she found early on through the drum as she looks to the natural intrinsic rhythms of life as a source of inspiration and motivation for her dance.  She utilizes this inspiration as a means to create a safe and nurturing space for others to discover their own unique rhythm within.  Ivy believes dance is a powerful expression of freedom, which has the ability to transform and empower the lives of many.

Miss Rachel Hansen

Miss Rachel has been in love with dancing since the age of three. She trained for 10 years at Footlights Dance Studio, where she performed competitively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Pointe and more. She felt blessed to be chosen as a teaching assistant at the age of 13, helping the instructors with their warm ups and routines. In high school, Rachel danced on the Woodbury High School varsity dance team and cheer leading squad. After graduation, she became an instructor at Footlights teaching many of the favorite styles she had grown up learning to all ages. She also taught dance classes at Lifetime Fitness and most recently, she also assisted in teaching for Inver Grove Heights Park and Recreation department. She is a well-rounded, positive instructor who cares deeply for her students.  Her greatest joy is being a part of an art form that brings creative release and inspiration to all who venture into its world.  In addition to teaching and studying the art of dance, Rachel studied journalism at UW-River Falls.   She also has future plans to obtain her teaching certification through Dance Educators of America.   Miss Rachel is excited to be a guest faculty member at IPAC!