The Dance Slipper

Faculty

BRENDA BANNISH BARNA has owned and operated The Dance Slipper since 1985.  She started her dance training as a 5-year old at Betty CHampions School of Dance in Westfield, Massachusetts.  As a teenager, Brenda trained at New England Dance Center and Ballet Theatre School in Springfield, Massachusetts, as well as Broadway Dance Center and Steps in New York City.  She continues to expand her dance skills by periodically attending classes in New York City.  Brenda's gymnastics training was initiated in 1972 at the Westfield YMCA.  She furthered her education at Pioneer Valley Gymnastics.  Olympic trainer Leo Ledger and Olympic medalist Tim Daggett honed her skills.  As a state level gold medalist and high score all around winner, Brenda was asked to train for the 1980 Olympics.  Vaulted by gymnastics training, Brenda won the Miss Acrobat of the United States title at age 16.  At 18, she was second runner up for Miss Dance of Connecticut. 

Brenda kicked off her professional dance career at 19, working as a featured dancer in the Latino Royale show at the Dunes in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Brenda last competed at the U.S. Tournatment of Dance in New Jersey at the age of 21, where she won first place in the professional solo and duo divisions.  Brenda is a former 1st vice president of the Dance Teachers Club of Connecticut.  She has been on the board of directors of Dance Masters of America, Connecticut Chapter.  Under Brenda's tutelage her students have won national level awards such as Mr. Dance of America, overall  high score at American Dance Awards, $10,000 Bill Como Memorial award, $5,000 Gold Family of Excellence award, and $5,000 Best of Show Xtreme Dance award.  Brenda's national level choreography awards include:

• The Sherry Gold Memorial Award of Excellence in Choreography for the Most Outstanding Choreography - Dance Masters of America - Miss Dance of America 
• Dance Masters of America - Chapter 5 Sherry Gold Memorial Award for Outstanding Choreography 12 and under
• Dance Masters of America - Chapter 5 Sherry Gold Memorial Award for Outstanding Choreography 13 and over
• American Dance Awards - Overall High Score Winner National Championships 
• Dance Masters of America - Production Choreography 13 and over 
• American Dance Awards - Diamond Award - The Sherry Gold Memorial Award for Excellence in Choreography 

LORI DISCO HAFTMANN began her dance training when she 2 years of age at a studio located in Huntington, Massachusetts.  When she was 8 years of age, she continued her training at The Dance Slipper in Southwick, Massachusetts, under the direction of her aunt, Brenda Barna.  Lori was also taught by many other teachers at The Dance Slipper, including Derek Yanford, Laura Halzach, and Alicia Monaco.  She started teaching and choreographing at The Dance Slipper at 16 years of age. 

Lori has won many awards for her dances and choreography at many local and national competitions.  Most recently, she was awarded "2010 outstanding choreographer" at Kids for Kids - North Haven and "2010 Highest Scoring Ensemble Choreography" at Candance - Lowell.  Her choreography has also been seen at the Children's Miracle Network benefit at UMASS Amherst and at the 'Dancing for a Just Cause' benefit in West Springfield, Massachusetts.  Lori was also a dancer at Jacob's Pillows, Kushi Institute in Massachusetts, which is a benefit that helps educate people on a natural approach to living healthier lives. 

Lori was a 2009 graduate from Westfield State University with a bachelor's degree in Education and Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Movement Science.  Above all, Lori has a strong passion for teaching students of all ages and works hard in trying to make their dance experience the best possible.

LUKE BERMINGHAM began his dance training when he 8 years of age at a local studio in his home town of East Granby, Connecticut.  At the age of 12, he chose to further his training under the direction of Brenda Barna at The Dance Slipper.  His teachers also included Alicia Monaco, Bernie Courtney and Laura Halzack.  Currently, he is a senior in the Hartt School working towards a BFA in dance  performance at the University of Hartford.  He is studying with teachers such as Miguel Campaneria, Hilda Morales and Stephen Pier.  Luke has the opportunity to perform works by Jose Limon, Anthony Tudo and Marius Petipa while attending school   Luke also began performing with the Dance Enlight modern company under the articistic direction of Lorelei Chang.  He is very excited to be on the faculty of his former studio to share all he is learning, and continue growing as an artist and as a teacher.   

KATRINA LaCLAIR started her dance training at the age of 3 under the direction of Brenda Barna.  She continued her training and competed on a regional and national level where she won many gold medals and high score awards and captured the title Miss Acrobat of the United States.  Katrina started her professional career at Six Flags New England as a dancer and magician's assistant.  She has performed at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Sonia Plumb dance company in Hartford, Connecticut, Extreme dance company in Hollywood, California, and Norwegian Cruise Lines as dance captain and director.  She is currently performing in Magic Shows with Illusionist David Garitty.