Judi Rohrer

Owner

Miss Judi's journey in the world of dance is deeply ingrained, starting from her early childhood and evolving into a lifelong passion and profession. As a co-owner of Hilliard Dance Connection (HDC), Judi has played a pivotal role in shaping the studio's identity and success. Prior to co-founding HDC with Rhonda Wolfe, Judi accumulated two decades of teaching experience in dance. Her dedication and expertise are evident in her versatile approach to teaching, catering to students of all ages, including adults. While her competition specialty lies in Jazz, Judi's influence extends across various dance genres, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive dance education for all her students. At HDC, Judi's leadership and commitment to excellence have helped foster a supportive and thriving dance community. Her passion for dance, coupled with her extensive teaching experience, continues to inspire students to discover and develop their talents. Judi's role as co-owner underscores her dedication to providing a nurturing environment where dancers of all levels can flourish and grow.

Rhonda Wolfe

Owner

Miss Rhonda's journey in dance is deeply rooted and impressive, starting from her childhood passion. Her commitment to dance led her to pursue a major in Dance at The Ohio State University, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the art form. Before co-founding Dance Connection Inc. with Judi, Rhonda had already begun her teaching career by instructing technique classes and choreographing competition routines. Her expertise and specialization lie in tap dance, which she describes as her "first love." Rhonda's dedication to tap is evident in her teaching of all levels and her choreography for the HDC competition team. Rhonda's contributions to dance extend beyond teaching. Her choreography in tap has earned numerous high-score awards at both regional and national competitions, highlighting her talent and creativity in this distinctive dance style. As a co-owner of Dance Connection Inc., Rhonda continues to shape and inspire dancers with her passion for tap and her commitment to excellence in dance education.

Julie LaSusa

Instructor

Miss Julie's background in dance is both extensive and diverse, reflecting a lifelong dedication to the art form. Her journey began with the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet Company in Akron, Ohio, where she likely cultivated her early passion and skill in ballet. Julie continued her dance education at Wright State University, majoring in dance. Her training expanded through prestigious programs such as the North Carolina School of the Arts, Eglevsky Ballet Summer Program, and the Cleveland Ballet Program. Under the tutelage of notable mentors including Nan Klinger and acclaimed artists like Melissa Hayden, Mia Michaels, Michael Vernon, Lori Klinger, Kimberly Klinger, Suzanne Walker, Jon Rodriquez, and many more, Julie's dance repertoire flourished. At Dance Connection, Julie's expertise shines through her role in teaching the competition dancers. She specializes in classical Ballet Technique and Pointe work, offering her students a solid foundation in these demanding disciplines. Additionally, Julie showcases her choreography of lyrical pieces, showcasing her artistry and creativity and earning high scores at both regional and national competitions. Julie's academic achievements are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning. Her commitment to both dance education and organizational development exemplifies her multifaceted approach to teaching and leadership at Dance Connection.

Lindsay Mitchell

Instructor

Miss Lindsay's journey at Hilliard Dance Connection is a testament to her dedication and passion for dance. Starting as a competitive dancer at HDC, Lindsay's early experiences ignited a lifelong love for the art form. As an adult, she seamlessly transitioned into teaching at HDC, beginning her instructional career in the early 2000s. Lindsay's commitment to dance extended beyond teaching at HDC. She also traveled with the Starpower Competition company, where she had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed leaders in the dance community. Lindsay's specialization lies in Competitive Tap, where she excels in choreography and coaching. Her routines consistently achieve remarkable success, consistently making the "TOP 10" at Nationals over several years. This achievement underscores Lindsay's talent, creativity, and ability to inspire her students to excel in competitive settings. Through her teaching and competitive success, Lindsay continues to play a vital role at Hilliard Dance Connection, shaping the next generation of dancers and contributing to the studio's vibrant dance culture.