Who's Who

Photos by Jennifer Girard

Biographies

Artistic & Administrative Staff

Artistic Director

Frank Chaves (Miami, FL), Artistic Director, joined the company in 1993 as Associate Director, became Co-Artistic Director with Sherry Zunker in 1994, and in May 2001, Mr. Chaves assumed sole artistic directorship of River North Chicago. Since then, he has created over 20 works in the Company’s repertoire.  An international choreographer and teacher, Mr. Chaves has created numerous works for River North Chicago and other companies including Spectrum Dance Theatre, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Point Park College for the Performing Arts, Barat Repertory Dance Company, Kaleidoscope Dancers, Pori Dance Company (Finland), and Ballet Pacifica’s Choreographer’s Workshop. Mr. Chaves’ theatrical commissions include work for Steppenwolf Theatre and the Cleveland Playhouse.  As a performer, Mr. Chaves has danced with Ballet Concerto of Miami, New York’s Ballet Hispanico, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and six years with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In 2000, Mr. Chaves received a Ruth Page Dance Achievement Award for Mission, co-created with Sherry Zunker, Co-Artistic Director Emerita of River North Chicago, in honor of the Company’s 10^th anniversary and; in 2008, he was awarded a Choo-San Goh award for choreography from the Choo-San Goh & H. Robert Magee Foundation for Tuscan Rift. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Dance for Western Michigan University. 

Co-Artistic Director Emerita

Sherry Zunker (Manitowoc, WI), Co-Artistic Director Emerita, joined River North Chicago Dance Company as artistic director in 1990. Ms. Zunker has set her works on The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and Aspen Ballet and has staged numbers for musical productions, commercials, music videos, live industrial shows, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line productions. Ms. Zunker danced with Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble, was a principal dancer with Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and performed as a soloist in Bob Fosse’s Dancin' under Tony Award-winning choreographer Ann Reinking in the Goodman Theater’s production of Pal Joey. In 2000, Ms. Zunker received a Ruth Page Dance Achievement Award for Mission, co-created with Frank Chaves in honor of River North Chicago’s 10th anniversary. Ms. Zunker has served on the faculty of Giordano Dance Center, Lou Conte Dance Studio, River North Dance Studio, the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance, and currently teaches master classes throughout the United States. From 1994-2001, Ms. Zunker served with Frank Chaves as co-artistic director of River North Chicago; this partnership shaped River North Chicago and its repertoire into the entertaining, engaging company that it is today. Ms. Zunker continues her work with the company through teaching and choreographing.

Assistant to the Artistic Director

Sara Bibik (Manitowoc, WI), Assistant to the Artistic Director, is a founding member of River North Chicago Dance Company and spent ten years as a performer with the company. She is honored to have received a prestigious Ruth Page Award for "A Season of Outstanding Dancing" with River North Chicago in 1996. Her current position with the Company allows her to teach, coach, and help dancers find their own joy and fulfillment. Sara began her training in Manitowoc, WI with Jean Wolfmeyer and continued in Champaign, IL at the National Academy of Arts. She moved to Chicago to work professionally with Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, the Lynda Martha Dance Company, and as a guest artist with Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble. Sara developed and teaches the jazz and tap program at the Irina Makkai Classical Ballet School in Highland Park, IL and is a ballet instructor at Inspire in Plainfield, IL.  She has also worked with HMS Media as assistant producer and choreographer for television commercials for the national tours of “Hairspray,” “The Producers,” and “The Wedding Singer.”  She serves as guest faculty for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and at such renowned venues as the Lou Conte Dance Studio, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and the Virginia School of the Arts, where she is honored to have been the 1998 commencement speaker. There is an abundance of laughter and love in her life thanks to her wonderful husband, Jeff; daughter, Zoe; and son, Jake.

Rehearsal Director

Mari Jo Irbe (LaGrange, IL), Rehearsal Director, is an accomplished performer, choreographer, and teacher originally from La Grange, IL who has called Chicago “home” during much of her career.  She has been a featured performer with River North Chicago Dance Company under the direction of both Sherry Zunker and Frank Chaves for 15 years and has toured extensively, performing works by internationally acclaimed choreographers.  Mari Jo also danced with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and toured nationally and internationally with Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, under the direction of Randy Duncan.  In 2001, Mari Jo received the “Ruth Page Chicago and Music Alliance Dance Achievement Award”.  From August 2001 to April 2002, Mari Jo danced for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ “Adventure of the Seas” production cast, under the direction of Harrison McEldowney and Sherry Zunker.  In 2002, Mari Jo came home to dance with her family, River North Chicago, once again to become the company’s Rehearsal Director.  Aside from her current role, Mari Jo also serves as an auditioner and rehearsal choreographer for installments of new production casts of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  She also serves the Chicago dance community as a volunteer, dancer, and committee chairperson for “Dance for Life”, a benefit to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and education, while promoting the art of dance in Chicago.  While continuing to teach and perform throughout the metropolitan area and the United States, she currently serves on faculty at Loyola University of Chicago’s new dance department. 

Dancers

Hanna Brictson (Elgin, IL) is a graduate of Larkin High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Dance Academy in Elgin, IL. Upon graduating, Hanna received the Women’s Bureau of Arts scholarship and the Organ Donor Gift of Life award, and was offered dance scholarships to both Point Park University and Western Michigan University. She studied dance at Gould Academy of Dance Arts in Elgin, IL. Hanna has performed in DanceScape under the direction of Jeremy Plummer and has worked with award-winning Chicago choreographer Harrison McEldowney.  She began attending River North Chicago workshops at the age of 13 and continued through the program as one of the youngest Summer Intensive program participants and company apprentices. Hanna is thrilled to be dancing with River North Chicago and she would like to thank her friends and family for their amazing love and support.

Clayton Cross (Midland, TX) received his training from La Petite Dance Co., Coleman Academy, and Midland Community Theatre starting at the age of nine. He then went on to attend Texas Christian University and graduated in 2002 with a B.F.A. in ballet and modern dance. Throughout college, Clayton performed in Summer Stock productions as well as in community theater. His favorite roles include Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain”; Riff in "West Side Story”; and the wedding singer in “Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding”. Clayton apprenticed with River North Chicago for two summers and for the 2003-2004 season; he is thrilled to be performing with the Company for his sixth season.

Christian Denice (Los Angeles, CA) received his dance training at Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts under Mandy Moore, Alex Little, Nikki Blakeslee, Nick Lazarrini, and Nicole Harlan.  He has had the honor of assisting Mandy Moore and Dee Caspary with many projects, intensives, and shows.  He also has toured as an assistant with JUMP Dance Convention and New York City Dance Alliance.  His film credits include “A Time for Dancing”, Disney’s “High School Musical 2”, and MTV’s “The American Mall”.  For the past two years, Christian has been a member of Odyssey Dance Theatre in Salt Lake City, training under Bonnie Story and Derryl Yeager.  Christian has had the privilege of teaching and choreographing throughout the country, and recently found residence with Center Stage Performing Arts Company in Orem, Utah.  He feels blessed to be able to share his passion in so many ways and is incredibly excited to join River North Chicago for his second season.

Brandon DiCriscio (Wilmington, DE) is in his third season with River North Chicago. Growing up, he danced at the Anna Marie Dance Studio in Wilmington, Delaware. Brandon has a B.A. in Dance from Point Park University. In his college career, he performed works by Agnes De Mille (Rodeo, Champion Roper), Edgar Zendejas, Doug Varone, Ron De Jesus, and Alan Hineline as well as faculty works by Jay Kirk, Ron Tassone, Doug Bentz, and Nicolas Petrov. He was an apprentice with RNCDC for two summers before joining the company in 2007. He also has an inspired passion for teaching and choreographing. Currently he is on faculty at the North Shore School of Dance in Highland Park, IL. Brandon is very excited to continue dancing with his second family, as he likes to call them. Thank you to my family, friends, and teachers for all your love and support.

Michael Gross (Colorado Springs, CO) is a recent graduate of the University of Arizona with a B.F.A. in Dance, under the direction of Jory Hancock.  He received much of his training from Colorado Jazz Dance Company in Colorado Springs and has also attended several summer intensives at the American Academy of Ballet.  Michael has worked with an array of choreographers including Sam Watson, Douglas Nielsen, and Susan Wuinn, and has performed master works by Frank Chaves and George Balanchine, among others.  After two summers as a River North Chicago summer apprentice, Michael is ecstatic to join the company for his second season, and cannot thank his family and friends enough for all of their support.

Monique Haley (Springfield, VA) is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performing arts specializing in jazz dance. This is Monique’s eighth season with River North Chicago after training and performing with the Company as an apprentice. Her 22 years of training in competitive and professional dance experiences include Chris Collins Dance Studio (Alexandria, VA); Gary Pates Superstars Show Troupe (Waldorf, MD); workshops sponsored by Dance Theatre of Harlem and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago; training with Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Company; and working as an instructor of competitive dance with the Universal Dance Association. Monique is a former member of the Bermuda Dance Company and the Eleone Dance Theatre of Philadelphia. In Chicago, she keeps busy teaching and performing in various commercial and industrial events.  Monique would like to thank all of her friends and family for their love, everlasting faith, and support.

Lauren Kias (Greenwood, IN) began her training at the Dance Refinery in Indianapolis, IN.  While attending Center Grove High School, Lauren was invited to participate in Butler University’s early admissions program for gifted and talented students.  Upon graduation from high school, she continued her education at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music.  After two years at CCM, Lauren transferred to Butler University and joined Butler Ballet.  Lauren has had the opportunity to perform soloist and corps de ballet roles in various productions including “The Nutcracker,” “Cinderella,” “La Bayadere,” “Giselle,” and “Chicago – A Musical Vaudeville” (Footlight Musicals).  She was also featured in the Indianapolis Opera’s production of “Rigoletto.”  Upon moving to Chicago, Lauren worked with companies such as the Civic Ballet of Chicago, Ballet Legere, and Inside Chicago Dance.  In 2005, Lauren was an ensemble member in the Radio City Rockettes’ “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.”  After two years as an apprentice with River North Chicago, Lauren is thrilled to be in her third season as a company member and would like to extend a very special thank you to her family and friends for always believing in her. 

Lizzie MacKenzie (Toronto, Ontario) After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, Lizze moved to Chicago to pursue a career in dance.  Following many independent projects with such companies as the Boston Youth Ballet, the Michigan Classic Ballet, Black Box Dance Company the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and five years with  Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago,  Lizzie joined Rivernorth in 2005.  She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Extensions Dance Company, a Chicago-based, not-for profit youth dance company dedicated to creating well rounded, free thinking artists.

Melanie Manale-Hortin (Oswego, NY) attended S.U.N.Y. Buffalo where she received her B.A. in dance and was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company.  In addition to university, Melanie has also trained with the José Limón Dance Company.  Professional credits include performances with Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago as well as performing for Disney on stage and screen in the movie “Just Visiting” starring Christina Applegate. Melanie has taught for Dance Masters and Giordano Dance Center and currently teaches throughout the Chicagoland area. In addition to teaching dance, Melanie has been a certified Pilates instructor since 2002.  She is currently on faculty at Chicago Ballet Arts teaching mat class and at the Pilates Center of the North Shore, a full-equipment training facility.  This is Melanie’s seventh season with River North Chicago and she feels blessed to have a career that she loves and is surrounded by people that make her laugh so hard that her stomach hurts... She would like to thank her husband Jason and her parents for their endless love and support.

Cassandra Porter (Aurora, IL) began her dance training at Bonnie Ardelean’s Dance Studio in Aurora, IL. After graduating, she continued her training in Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago’s second company, Giordano II.  Her professional credits include three contracts with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, where she traveled the world performing the choreography of Frank Chaves, Harrison McEldowney, Jeremy Plummer, and Sherry Zunker, as well as being a featured aerialist in the first grand scale illusion show at sea.  Since 2003, she has danced in Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s annual Christmas show, Welcome Yule.  In the summer of 2007, Cassandra was one of twelve girls to appear on the CW network TV show “The Pussycat Dolls Presents: Girlicious,” working with celebrity talents such as musical director Dave Aude’, vocal coach Kenn Hicks, co-choreographer Mikey Minden, and creator of the Pussycat Dolls, Robin Antin.  In addition, Cassandra continues to teach around the Chicagoland area as well as future casts for Royal Caribbean. After a year of apprenticing, Cassandra is delighted and honored to begin her second season with River North and would like to thank her friends and family for their never-ending support.

Ricky Ruiz (Miami, FL) received his initial dance training in South Florida and was a graduate of Miami's Coral Reef Senior High Magnet Dance.  He attended the University of South Florida on academic and talent scholarships and graduated Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance.  While in college, he was an apprentice at Ann Reinking's Broadway Theatre Project for two consecutive summers.  Ricky has worked with such choreographers as Dan Karaty and Melissa Thodos and has performed repertory by José Limón and Bob Fosse.  Ricky is also a teacher and choreographer.  Among the many teams and schools he choreographs for are FSU, GSU and OU.   He is a guest teacher throughout the US, and works permanently at Focal Point Dance Studios in Miami as well as Visceral Dance Chicago.   Ricky is thrilled to be in his third season with River North Chicago and would like to thank his family, friends, and dance teachers for their love and inspiration.

Jeff Wolfe (Clearwater, FL) is in his first year with River North Chicago. He spent the past four seasons dancing with BalletMet. Prior to that, he attended Houston Ballet Academy for two years on scholarship and was accepted into Houston Ballet’s second company. In addition to studying dance at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, he trained at the Academy of Ballet Arts in Florida. Mr. Wolfe has performed original works by renowned choreographers including Stanton Welch, Harrison McEldowney, Thaddeus Davis, Warren Adams, and Randy Duncan. He attended the Youth America Grand Prix Finals in New York in 2002. In 2008 he was awarded the honor of being a winner in the “Columbus Choreographic Project”.

Jessica Wolfrum (Buffalo, NY) is in her eighth season with River North Chicago. She received her early training from the David DeMarie Dance Studio, the Royal Academy of Ballet, and the Buffalo Inner City Ballet School. Jessica was a May 2002 graduate of the University at Buffalo with a joint B.A. degree in Dance and Psychology. While at the University at Buffalo, she was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. She was also a principal dancer with the Buffalo City Ballet Company for six years and choreographed for their premiere of “Dracula.” While in Chicago Jessica has been a guest artist in Chicagoland performances of “The Nutcracker Ballet”, as well as in Wisconsin, New York, and Iowa.  Jessica also is on faculty at the Lou Conte Dance Studio teaching various levels of ballet and jazz.  Jessica would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their endless guidance, love, and support.

Administration and Production

Gail Kalver (Chicago, IL), Interim Executive Director, is an arts management consultant whose client roster includes the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Audience Architects (home of SeeChicagoDance.com and TakeChicagoDance.com), Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Concert Dance, Inc., Ensemble Español, and Chicago Dancing Festival, among others.  Previously, she served as Executive Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago for 23 years, and Associate Manager of the Ravinia Festival for 8 years.  Kalver serves on the boards of the Arts & Business Council, Chicago Dancers United, and Northshore Concert Band; and, on the Advisory Boards of Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Child’s Play Touring Company, Ensemble Espanol and Project Bandaloop.  Kalver is the recipient of the 1988 Ruth Page Award for Service to the Field, the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s 2003 ABBY Award for Arts Management Excellence and the 2007 Ruth Page Award for Lifetime Service.  She was also recognized by Today’s Chicago Woman as one of 100 women making a difference in Chicago.  Kalver is thrilled to be reuniting with Frank Chaves after many fun-filled and exciting years together at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Maria Jaeger (Smithton, IL), Marketing and Administrative Manager, joined River North Chicago’s Administrative Staff in April of 2008.  Maria received her B.A. in Organizational/Corporate Communication with a minor in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University in December of 2005.  While enrolled at NIU, she served as the Campus Activities Board Public Relations Coordinator, a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and performed with Northern Dance Theatre.  Upon completing her degree, she worked as a Marketing Analyst and Placement Coordinator at NSA Media for over two years. Always remaining passionate about the art of dance, Maria was elated to accept her current position with River North Chicago where she is able to integrate her interests and talents for the benefit of the organization.

Libby Green (Albuquerque, NM), Community Dance Education & Outreach Manager, joined River North Chicago Dance Company on September 15, 2008.  She brings to the company over twenty years of combined experience as an artist and educator.  She received a B.Sc. in Education and graduated with distinction from Concordia University Nebraska.  Ms. Green was granted a competitive position as a student teacher at the prestigious Hong Kong International School.  In 2000 she was honored to receive the Teacher of the Year award for her groundbreaking work integrating the arts into the classroom. Ms. Green is also an artist, having studied dance and theater since the age of three.  She has performed with Tampa Ballet, Bill Evans Dance Company, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  In addition to her duties with River North she performs regularly as a dancer, variety artist and puppeteer.  She specializes in creating dynamic integrated curriculum and her passion is using that curriculum to reach populations underserved by the arts.

Josh Weckesser
Production Manager/Lighting Director

Lauren Girard
Wardrobe Supervisor

Claire Bataille
Ballet Mistress

Laura Wade
Ballet Mistress

Board of Directors

Officers

Directors

Marcus Boggs
Frank Chaves
Gale Goldstick Cohen
Robin Fisher
Burton Hochberg
Barry Kaplan
Michael LoVallo
Charles MacKelvie
Gary Metzner
Jodi Pellettiere
Alyta Reicin
Joe Seigle
Timothy Sherck
Rhonda Thomas
Mark Zozulia

Advisory Board of Directors

Pam Crutchfield
Mark Dow
Terri Geifman
Karen Frankel Jones
Julie Burman Kaplan
Ronna Kaye
Ronald Reicin
Geoffrey Richards
Joy Segal
Scott Silberstein
Roopa Weber
Eugene Zeffren
Tita Zeffren
Sherry Zunker Co-Artistic Director Emerita