Who's Who

Artistic Director

Frank Chaves (Miami, FL) joined River North Chicago Dance Company in 1992 as a choreographer and, in 1994, became co-artistic director. In May 2001, Mr. Chaves assumed sole artistic directorship of River North Chicago.  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 10th anniversary.  He is also an Adjunct Professor of Dance for Western Michigan University.

Assistant to the Artistic Director

Sara Bibik (Manitowoc, WI) 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 program at the Irina Makkai Classical Ballet School in Highland Park, IL. 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) was a featured performer with River North Chicago Dance Company for 15 years. Mari Jo also danced with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and toured the United States and Mexico with Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre under the direction of Randy Duncan. In addition to her extensive modern and jazz background, Mari Jo has been a guest artist with Especially Tap Co. under the direction of Bruce Stegmann. In 1995 and 1996, she toured nationally with the DIFFA Fashion Show of Collection Rouge and performed with Sam Watson’s Wats On Dance. In 2001, Mari Jo received a Ruth Page Dance Achievement Award from the Chicago Dance and Music Alliance. 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. Mari Jo also serves the dance community of Chicago as a volunteer, dancer, and committee chairperson for Dance For Life. In addition, she does various commercial and industrial work throughout the city. Mari Jo received her dance training at the Academy of Movement & Music, Jo's Footwork Dance Studio, Salt Creek School of Ballet, and Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre. She continues to choreograph and teach extensively throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and the U.S.

Co-Artistic Director Emerita

Sherry Zunker (Manitowoc, WI) joined River North Chicago Dance Company as artistic director in 1990. She choreographed several works for River North Chicago and commissioned the work of numerous choreographers to compile the Company’s diverse, engaging repertoire. 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'” and 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.

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 BFA in ballet and modern dance. Throughout college, Clayton performed in Summer Stock productions as well as in community theater. His favorite rolls 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 fourth season.

Brandon DiCriscio (Wilmington, DE) is a recent graduate from Point Park University with a BA in dance. Growing up, he danced at the Anna Marie Dance Studio in Wilmington, DE.  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.  Also while in Pittsburgh, he performed a work by Dionna Pridgeon for the Pillow Project, an up-and-coming dance company under the direction of Pearlann Porter.  He was recently on scholarship at the Lou Conte Dance Studio under the tutelage of Claire Bataille and was an apprentice with RNCDC for two summers before joining the company this season. Brandon is very excited to start his professional dance career with River North Chicago and would like to thank his family, friends and teachers for all their love and 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 sixth season with River North Chicago after training and performing with the Company as an apprentice. Her 20 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, performing in industrials, and performing occasional dance projects with the Chicago-based Joel Hall Dancers. Monique would like to thank all of her friends and family for their love, everlasting faith, and support.

Sean Hilton (Preston, England) is in his third season with River North Chicago Dance Company.  He danced previously with Columbia Classical Ballet and Bay Area Houston Ballet, as well as in various independent projects on the east coast.  He is a member of the annual faculty for Northwest Florida Ballet under the direction of Todd Eric Allen and for the Highland Center for Ballet Arts under the direction of Deanna Cole-Roberts and Deirdre Cole.

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 Inaside 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 first 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) is a graduate of the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI where she graduated with High Honors in Dance.  Upon graduating, she spent two years with Giordano II, receiving a contract with Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago in 2000. She enjoyed five years with the company, touring internationally and dancing in works by such choreographers as Ron DeJesus, Gus Giordano, Nan Giordano, Jon Lehrer, Mia Michaels, Liz Imperio, Tony Powell, and Davis Robertson. She has also danced for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on many occasions over a seven year time span under the direction of Harrison McEldowney, Davis Robertson, and Tony Savino.  She enjoyed a recent trip to Istanbul, Turkey as a founding member of The Dance Chicago Touring Co. under the direction of Altin Naska, Eddy Ocampo, and John Schmitz. Lizzie spends most of her free time teaching and choreographing all over the Chicagoland area and she recently founded her own company for young people, Extensions Dance Co, NFP.  She is in her third season with River North Chicago and thanks her family and close friends for their undying love and support.

Melanie Manale (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 and at the Pilates Center of the North Shore, a full-equipment training facility.  This is Melanie’s fifth season with River North Chicago and she feels blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of dancers. She would like to thank her family and fiancé Jason for their endless love and 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 where he graduated cum laude with a BFA in Dance Performance.  He was also 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. He also teaches and choreographs throughout Florida. Ricky is thrilled to be in his first season with River North Chicago and would like to thank his family, friends and his amazing dance teachers for their love and inspiration.

Wade Schaaf (Elgin, IL) is very excited to join River North Chicago Dance Company for his first season. Mr. Schaaf is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where he graduated cum laude with a BFA in Theater Arts (emphasis dance performance). Throughout his career, Wade has danced in such companies as the Ohio Ballet, State Street Ballet, and the Omaha Theater Ballet and has had the privilege of working with such choreographers as Stephen Mills, Septime Weber, and Kennet Oberly. Mr. Schaaf has set his own work on the Omaha Theater Ballet and Groundwork Dance Co. Wade is so thankful for where he is today and for each blessing he receives. (PS:150)

Jessica Wolfrum (Buffalo, NY) is in her sixth 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 BA 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.” Jessica would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their endless guidance, love, and support.

Administration and Production

Esther Mallouh
Executive Director

Christopher Ash
Production Manager/Lighting Director
christopherash.com

Maria Jaeger
Marketing and Administrative Coordinator

Claire Bataille
Ballet Mistress

Laura Wade
Ballet Mistress

Board of Directors

Officers

Directors

Frank Chaves
Gale Goldstick Cohen
Robin Fisher
Laurel Flatt
Terri Geifman
Karen Hale
Barry Kaplan
Michael LoVallo
Gary Metzner
Jodi Pellettiere
Dana Ragiel
Alyta Reicin
Joe Reinstein
Joe Seigle
Timothy Sherck
Scott Silberstein
Elisa Spain
Rhonda Thomas
Susan Thomas

Advisory Board of Directors

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