Our Team

Our staff members have the credentials, experience, and commitment to provide students with a top-rate dance experience. They hold degrees in dance or humanities from various universities, as well as a multitude of other certifications. Through a combination of education and experience, they have developed the proper tools to create and educate dance artists.

KELLI LUDOVICI-GRADY

Kelli graduated 1991 cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance from Point Park University.  She updates her dance training attending teacher conventions and workshops throughout the year with New York City Dance Alliance, Jump, Nuvo, 24/7 and other Organizations, as well as traveling annually to New Your City. She has attended the Dance Teacher’s Summit at New York City as well as the Dance World Congress at Point Park University.  She has studied with several of New York’s finest jazz instructors:  including, Frank Hatchett, Joe Lanteri, (instructor at Juilliard) A. C. Ciulla, (Choreographer and Tony Award nominee for “Footloose” on Broadway), Mia Michaels, Nick Lazzarini & Travis Wall (So You Think You Can Dance).  Kelli became certified to teach tap, under the Direction of Mike Schulster (Revolution Tap, NYC).  Kelli has choreographed several Repertoire competition numbers, winning several “Outstanding Choreography” Awards throughout the years.  Kelli’s studio was honored at ‘Access Broadway’ for winning the Best Studio in Pittsburgh area, two years in a row.  This the 30th year Kelli’s studio has been opened, she has already seen students go on to make their dreams a reality.  Former students have performed on Broadway, with the Radio City Rockettes, in LA, on cruise ships, in Disney World, and in contemporary dance companies. Her own daughters are continuing the dance family legacy: one currently in NYC and the other at Point Park University studying dance.

TRACY SYPHARD-SHANER

Tracy earned a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree in Dance from Ohio State University, graduating summa cum laude, with distinction. She also updates her training attending conventions, as well as training in New York City with Master instructors.  Tracy is the founder and artistic director of the TLS Dance Co, New Castle’s first and only professional modern dance company, which performed with various artists at the Walnut Street Lodge, Slippery Rock University, the Hot Rod Café and Pittsburgh Dance Alloy.  Tracy was the musical choreographer for Wilmington High School, from 1993 – 2007.  Also choreographed Sound Of Music.  As Choreographer at Wilmington High School, she earned the “Henry Mancini Award of Excellence”, for her work on The Music Man and Kiss Me Kate.   In addition, she has choreographed musicals for Mohawk High School and New Castle Playhouse.  In the summer of 2002 Tracy attended Ohio State University where she received her Teacher’s Certification for Labanotation which is on record at the Dance Notation Bureau in New York City.   Her Choreography for the Repertoire has won several “Outstanding Choreography Awards” throughout the years.  Tracy has also been a guest instructor at Slippery Rock University’s Dance Dept. 

Christina Kardambikis-Karmecy

Christina started her training at the Ludovici Dance Academy and immediately loved the art.  At the age of 14, Christina landed her first professional dance experience when she was chosen to perform as Clara/Little Girl in the Los Angeles edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1999.   During her sophomore and junior years of high school, Christina left high school early to dance college-level at Point Part University’s pre-professional dance program.  While dancing at PPU, she continued dancing and competing with the Ludovici Dance Academy. Christina decided to leave high school a year early to begin pursuing her dance career, and was accepted into the State University of New York at Purchase’s prestigious dance program. Christina started her college dance career at 16 years old.  Christina continued her dance training during the summers of her high school and college years.  She attended several summer dance programs including:  Point Park University’s Summer Dance Intensive, The University of Akron’s Summer Dance Program, Boston Ballet’s Dance Lab, Ballet Met’s Summer Dance Intensive, The Julliard School’s Dance Program, New York City Dance Alliance’s Summer Dance Intensive, Joffrey Ballet School’s Summer Dance, and American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Dance Intensive in New York City.  After two years at SUNY Purchase College, Christina moved back to Pittsburgh, Pa. to join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Pre Professional Program.  As a member, Christina was able to perform in The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker,” and “Sleeping Beauty”.  During this time, Christina also continued her education at Point Park University earning a B. S.  in Business and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Sports, Arts, and Education Management. In 2005 Christina danced again in the The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  Christina performed in Nashville, TN. At the Grand Ole Opry performing the roles of the adult female dancers, as well as being featured as a “Clausette”.  Christina has also worked at The Talent Group, as a junior Talent Agent, in Pittsburgh, PA.  Christina has taught dance for Point Park University’s Community Dance Program, Carpelz Studio in Pittsburgh, Pa. and currently at the Ludovici Dance Academy.