Elisabeth Ihde Cavallaro
Owner and Director
Elisabeth received her training from the Akron Dance Institute. She was a scholarship recipient with the Joffrey Ballet, The Rock School, and the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Throughout high school, she performed many leading roles with the Akron University’s Repertory Dance Company. Elisabeth has danced professionally with the Ohio Dance Theater, performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet, and interned with the Ohio Ballet. She has been teaching dance throughout Northeast Ohio for over 20 years and loves working with children of all ages and abilities. She is a nationally recognized choreographer and her routines have received numerous accolades and high score placements from competitions and conventions at both the regional and national level. Her goal as a teacher is to instill in her students a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the performing arts.
Rachel DelBene
Teacher
Rachel DelBene graduated from The University of Akron with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance with a Business Cognate. She spent 15 years of her training here at IRBD, 9 of which were on their competitive team. Rachel has also worked in a multitude of shows and companies, including Cleveland Tap Repertory (now known as RhythmiCLE Sound) and Rubber City Theatre. She is currently a part of Inlet Dance Theatre, a modern dance company in Cleveland that specializes in Hawkins and Non-traditional Partnering Techniques.
Isabella Deikun
Teacher
Isabella currently attends The University of Akron where she is majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology. She has been a part of IRBD’s award-winning competition team for 10 out of the 12 years she's been dancing. She has participated in many dance conventions and master classes with IRBD. Highlights from her dancing career include winning 1st place in the big show at Nexstar Nationals in 2019, 2021, and 2023. She has worked as a student assistant for younger dancers here at IRBD all throughout high school and is excited to begin teaching here at IRBD!
Brianna Habel
Teacher
Brianna began her training at Nan Klinger’s Excellence in Dance Studio. She was a member of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, now known as Ballet Excel Ohio. She has danced with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Nashville Ballet, and Nevada Ballet Theatre. She also trained with the American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive. Brianna earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, where she was invited to be a member of the Cincinnati Ballet. She has also taught academy classes with Cincinnati Ballet. Brianna is currently dancing professionally in Ohio.
Abigail Rea
Teacher
Abby has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Kent State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Akron. She has studied dance recreationally and competitively in several different styles since a young age (primarily at IRBD!) and has continued her tap education through college and after graduation. Abby has taken class from a wide range of tappers including Savion Glover, Avi Miller & Ofer Ben, Gregg Russell, Bril Barrett, Jared Grimes, and Sarah Savelli. Most recently Abby performed in Megan McBride Moore's repertory piece in the 2017 Motor City Soles. During the day Abby works as a kindergarten intervention specialist with Springfield Local Schools.
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Lexa Saia
Teacher / Office Manager
Lexa danced at IRBD for 13 years, from the age of 5 to 18. She was a part of the award-winning Competition Team for 6 years. She has studied ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip-hop. She was a member of the Woodridge High School Varsity Dance Team for 4 years. In addition to IRBD, Lexa has been the Head Coach of the Woodridge High School Dance Team since 2017. She graduated Cum Laude from Kent State University with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education.
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Addyson Thompson
Teacher
Addyson is currently pursuing her education at Stark State College while continuing to foster her passion for dance. She has been an integral part of IRBD for an impressive 16 years. Throughout her dance journey, Addyson has demonstrated exceptional skill, versatility, and dedication. Her hard work has earned her recognition at numerous dance conventions, where she has not only received scholarship money but also secured the prestigious AMDA Summer Conservatory Scholarship. Addyson's competitive achievements include two 1st place wins at Nexstar Regionals and a remarkable 2nd place finish at ID Nationals in 2023.
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In addition to her personal accomplishments, Addyson has given back to the dance community by serving as a student assistant, mentoring and guiding younger dancers throughout her high school years. Her leadership and mentorship skills have made her a respected figure among her peers and a valuable asset to the IRBD family.
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