Faculty Executive Director Karen Stasick Verso Karen Stasick Verso performed extensively throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and the US. As a member of Twyla Tharp Dance performing a featured role in the premiere of Tharp’s acclaimed work, In the Upper Room. A diverse performer capable of dancing everything from the classics to the most modern repertoire, Ms. Verso performed featured roles in Dennis Wayne’s Dancers, BalletMet, Dayton Ballet and Ohio Ballet, in an eclectic repertoire including Les Cygnets and Big Swans in Swan Lake, the Dark Angel, in Balanchine’s Seranade, as well as the principal in Glen Tetley’s Mythical Hunter and soloist roles Paul Taylor’s Cloven Kingdom. At the invitation of New York City Ballet Principal’s, Edward Villella, Karen appeared as his partner in Villella’s piece, Shenandoah, pas de dux at Lincoln Center in Allice Tully Hall. Karen has held the position of Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet II, General Manager of Connecticut Ballet Theatre, Associate Director for Connecticut Conservatory of Dance and Assistant to the President at the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Her teaching career began at the age of sixteen, as a substitute teacher at her alma mater, the New Jersey School of Ballet where she received her early training. Her tenure with the New Jersey Ballet Company began at age 13 and continued throughout her highschool years achieving the title of principal dancer. Karen has taught every level from toddlers to professionals for dance studios, colleges, summer programs and special workshops across the US. She is the primary instructor at DCNJ. Nancy Dow Nancy received her ballet training in NYC, and performed in New York and Massachusetts. She graduated with honors from Smith College with a degree in dance and returned to NY to continue her training as a teacher. Dow taught many years in NY before settling in NJ. Ms. Dow has built and directed ballet programs, taught master classes for Dance Educators of America and coached dancers for international competitions. She has over 35 years of teaching experience. Former students have danced with Jose Limon, American Ballet Theatre and NYC Ballet. Melissa Bobick Melissa Bobick graduated with a degree in Ballet and Nutrition from Indiana University where she studied under Violette Verdy. Recently she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Choreography from Purchase College, Conservatory of Dance in New York. In addition she completed the entire ABT National Teacher Training Curriculum Primary through Level 7. Ms Bobick danced with Eugene Ballet / Ballet Idaho and with New York City Opera. She was commissioned to choreograph for the Idaho Commission on the Arts as well as Belhaven College. She has been a faculty member for numerous dance schools. Fatima Maqboul Ms. Fatima received her BA from Rutgers Mason Gross. Her studies allowed her to learn from accomplished dancer / choreographer Randy James and instructor, Irazema Rivera both of whom have had a tremendous and positive impact on Fatima. In addition Fatima has performed works of John Evans, Lisa Grimes and Jane Setteducato. Fatima has held the position of coach and co-choreographer for the Franklin High School Dance Team as well as the Assistant for the Modern Dance Ensemble. For the past three years, Fatima has worked as a student teacher in the FHS Dance Program. Last year she ran the after school dance program at Sampson G. Smith Intermediate School. Presently Fatima is the director of the SGS after school ensemble and assists Carolyn Cardwell with the dance troupe at Franklin Park Elementary School. Ms Fatima has performed in dance and music festivals in NJ and NY as well as being in a dance company called HMDP. She is an accomplished musician playing the piano, guitar, flute and violin and plays with the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Currently she is in graduate school studying Child Advocacy and Education. Carole Longo Ms. Longo has experience as teacher, choreographer and performer. She received her training at Frabell’s School of Dance, the Charles Farrell School of Dance and the New Jersey School of Ballet. Ms Longo was a member of the prestigious Rockette Touring Company. Her strong technique, sense of style and finesse, and her ease with people maker her a wonderful instructor. She has choreographed musicals for many local schools including Bridgewater Raritan, Hillside Middle School and Crim Elementary and has performed with Mr. Verso in our year-end production.