Chair • Dance

Randy Duncan, a native Chicagoan, has the unique privilege to be a three-time recipient of Chicago’s prestigious Ruth Page Award for Outstanding Choreographer of the year. He teaches worldwide and has been an integral part of The Academy faculty for over 30 years.

Assistant Chair • Dance

Patrick Simoniello began his professional career as a dancer with The Joffrey II Dancers in New York City in 1993. He was soon promoted to the main company of The Joffrey in 1994. 

Faculty • Dance

MMe Peff, born in New York City, trained with Margaret Craske as well as with the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre School. She graduated from the famous High School of Performing Arts. She taught at Steps NYC for over 30 years.

Faculty • Dance

Jonathan Schang is one of Chicago’s busiest and most in-demand Modern and Ballet dance accompanists. He has been commissioned to compose and perform for a number of performances, recitals, and classes by companies and schools across the city.

Faculty • Dance

Olga Meyer graduated from Azerbajian State College in Baku and earned her Masters in Music from the State Conservatory. She taught and concertized before coming to the United States in 1981. She has been at The Academy since 1985.

Faculty • Dance

Ethan R. Kirschbaum graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program summa cum laude with Departmental Honors in Dance, and has performed with Hubbard Street 2, Saarlandisches Staatstheater, River North Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Santa Fe Opera.

Faculty • Dance

Robyn Mineko Williams is a director, choreographer, and dancer who has created works for Pacific Northwest Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Malpaso Dance Company, among many others.