During a career in dance that spans over 45 years as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, school director, and professional company director, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many exceptional dance professionals, and aspiring and just-for-fun students. Rachel, my assistant director, has danced professionally and taught for almost 30 years and also has been fortunate enough to work with many wonderful artists and students. Some of them have written testimonials for this website in order to help students and parents understand the professionalism and integrity of our school.

Robin Welch and Rachel Vickrey

From Ernest Richardson

Ernest Richardson is the Resident Conductor of the Omaha Symphony, the Musical Director of Steamboat Symphony Orchestra, and the Artistic Director of the Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory.

We begin dancing the moment we realize that we can control our bodies and respond to sound.  This time in our childhood is characterized by selfless abandon.  It is only when we become self-aware that we begin to restrict our freedom of movement.  There is often a point in this process where selfless abandon is replaced by self-conscious restraint.  We stop dancing.  It takes a gifted teacher to take us back to a place of freedom where we can again move.  Robin Welch is such a teacher.  Whether she is releasing a young artist to unfettered flight, or encouraging adults to embrace the innate desire to move resulting in physical vigor and a sense of well being, she is tireless in her love of teaching.

Robin is also effective.  I have worked with children trained by her.  Their efforts were always characterized by a pursuit of excellence and a commitment to professionalism.  I have worked with artists coached by her.  They were always beautiful, crafting a physical representation of musical lines, created by great composers, realized by consummate professional musicians, and energized by a passion for dance.

Robin Welch Dance Arts and Core Training, brings aspiring artists and exuberant amateurs of all ages and abilities into the realm of movement that will result in the celebration of life, the realization of health, and the heady sense of personal accomplishment.

Ernest Richardson

From Rochelle Zide-Booth

Rochelle Zide-Booth’s expertise in the dance world encompasses a broad spectrum of activity: principal dancer, ballet mistress, artistic director, master teacher, choreographer, re-constructor/re-stager/re-creator, author, lecturer, adjudicator, and university professor.

It is my pleasure – and my honor – to write a letter in support of Robin Welch as a ballet teacher and company artistic director. I have known Robin since her days as ballerina of the Connecticut Ballet, for which I staged several ballets. I have also choreographed and staged ballets for Omaha Theater Ballet, where I observed her superior teaching and directorial skills. I am truly saddened to hear that Omaha Ballet Theater is closing after this season but am buoyed by the news that Robin will soon be opening her own school to continue her outstanding work.

My own experience includes being a soloist with the Ballet Russe de monte Carlo, principal dancer of the Joffrey Ballet, ballet mistress of the Boston and Joffrey Ballets, artistic director of Netherlands Dance Theater and the New Zealand School of Dance, faculty member of the Alvin Ailey school and professor emerita of Adelphi University and Butler University.

Robin’s expertise as a teacher of ballet can be attested to by the many beautiful dancers she has trained through the years. When watching her teach, I am always struck by how positive she is, how demanding her classes are and how uncompromising her standards are – all the while helping her students to achieve those standards in an unfailingly cheerful and positive manner. The same is true for her directorial skills.

I can think of nothing better than to say that if I had a child who wanted to dance, I would confidently place my child in Robin’s accomplished hands, knowing that it would be a positive experience for her or him whether on the road to a professional career or an enlightened audience member of the future.

In short, I strongly support Robin Greer as both ballet teacher and artistic director. It would be difficult to find a better school in which to educate your child in dance.

Sincerely yours,

Rochelle Zide-Booth

Rochelle Zide-Booth’s expertise in the dance world encompasses a broad spectrum of activity: principal dancer, ballet mistress, artistic director, master teacher, choreographer, re-constructor/re-stager/re-creator, author, lecturer, adjudicator, and university professor.

Ms. Zide-Booth began her performing career in 1954 as a soloist with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and continued as Principal Dancer of the Joffrey Ballet and Prima Ballerina of the New York City Opera Ballet. She began her teaching career as Ballet Mistress of the Joffrey Ballet and was Artistic Director of the Netherlands Dance Theater. She has also served as head of the ballet program at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Director of the Dance Program at Adelphi University.

Ms. Zide-Booth is a nine-time adjudicator for the National Association of Regional Ballet and a certified re-constructor for the Dance Notation Bureau. In these capacities, Ms. Zide-Booth has worked with such well-known choreographers as Arpino, Balanchine, Joffrey, Kylian, van Manen, Robbins, Tetley, Tudor, and Walker.

Ms. Zide-Booth was a Fulbright Lecturer to the Prague Conservatory of Dance and the Ballet of the National Theatre, Director of the New Zealand School of Dance, and Associate Professor at Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts dance department.

From Robert Thomas and Myoko Kato

Robert Thomas was a member of Harkness Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet, performing in New York, throughout the United States, Europe and Russia. Robert Thomas has been guest artist with the Andre Eglevesky Ballet Co., Lar Lubovitch Dance Co., Jack Cole, and Stuart Hodes Ballet Close-Ups. Miyoko Kato Thomas has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, the Harkness Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet.

We have known Robin Welch since the sixties. We were dancers together in the Harkness Ballet. Robin was a wonderful dancer. We performed together many times. Robin has a tireless energy and a strong commitment to excellence. She had quick feet, great extensions, exceptional turns and a sharp mind for detail. Combined with high integrity and strong values, Robin is an exceptional instructor and role model for her students. We can’t imagine better exposure for young dancers. She is proven that she can take dancers as far as they willing to go. She has proven that she can truly provide opportunities for the young dancers. We believe that Omaha would be hard pressed to fine a better dance influence for young students anywhere. Robin Welch brings huge value to dance education in Omaha.

Sincerely,

Miyoko Kato-Thomas, Artistic Director, Iowa Youth BalletRobert Thomas, Executive Director, Iowa Youth Ballet

Miyoko Kato Thomas has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, the Harkness Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet. She has performed leading roles in works ranging from classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Coppelia, Giselle (Queen of the Wilis), The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Les Sylphides, Raymonda, Pas des Quatre, and The Firebird to modern ballets and jazz. She has worked with numerous choreographers including Antony Tudor, Jerome Robbins, Agnes DeMille, Alvin Ailey, Twyla Tharp, Robert Joffrey, Gerald Arpino, and Jack Cole.

Robert Thomas, an Iowa native, was a member of Harkness Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet, performing in New York, throughout the United States, Europe and Russia. Robert Thomas has been guest artist with the Andre Eglevesky Ballet Co., Lar Lubovitch Dance Co., Jack Cole, and Stuart Hodes Ballet Close-Ups. Robert has performed in over 70 major works which include ballets by choreographers such as Ailey, Arpino, Balanchine, Boris, Cole, Cranko, Folkine, Harkarvey, Hodes, Joffrey, Lubovitch, Massing, Neumeier, Petipa, Rivera, Saddles, Sappington, Severs, Van Dancing, Walker, and Willed. Robert has appeared in a variety of media from opera and stage to television. From 1984-1986 Robert Thomas was assistant Ballet Master to the Joffrey Ballet.

Married since 1971, Robert and Miyoko own and operate the Robert Thomas Dancenters in Ames and Story City. In more than 30 years of dance instruction, Robert Thomas Dancenters have trained more than 10,000 young dancers. Robert and Miyoko are producers of the award-winning Dancenter Dancers and artistic and executive directors of the Iowa Youth Ballet.

From Meredith Efken

MEREDITH EFKEN is a critically acclaimed, multi-published author with Harlequin and Simon & Schuster. Both her daughters are proud to study dance at Robin Welch Dance Arts and Core Fitness.

Dear Robin and Rachel,

I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how incredibly grateful our family is for the role you’ve played in our daughters’ lives over the past 8 years. From the very first dance lesson, we’ve been so impressed by the positive, supportive atmosphere you’ve created in your studios. Our girls both spend a lot of time in your care, and it means so much to us as parents to know that they are safe and in a place where they are valued and respected.

I think what makes your teaching approach so unique is that not only do you have a rigorous, pre-professional ballet/dance and fitness curriculum, but you see the students as more than just bodies to be taught to move correctly. You both teach the whole person—mental, emotional, and physical. As a result, our girls are not only learning dance, they are becoming more confident young women with a strong sense of self-esteem and good attitudes about health, nutrition, and how to interact with others. We didn’t expect all that to come from dance lessons—it was a wonderful surprise.

I’ve told you before, but I just want to stress again how deeply I appreciate your approach to body image. We all know that dancers can develop very negative attitudes about their physical appearance, and unfortunately, some dance teachers add to that problem. Both of you, though, have always made a point of stressing the importance of being healthy and fit, instead of stressing a certain body type or size. You give the same level of attention and instruction to all your students, no matter their shape or their amount of talent. You’ve created a healthy environment in which our kids can safely study and enjoy dance, and for that you have my enduring thanks.

You’ve both shown yourselves to have high expectations of your students, and yet you’ve found ways to help your students reach those expectations with patience, good humor, and an upbeat attitude. My girls have learned that even though dance class is a no-nonsense time to focus and pay attention, it can still be a lot of fun, and it’s a safe place to make mistakes and learn from them. I think you can tell by all the hugs and enthusiastic greetings my daughters give you that they feel very comfortable with you both. That makes me, as the understandably protective parent, feel SO good about choosing you for their teachers.

But you’ve become more than just teachers for my daughters. Rachel, you in particular, since we’ve started doing private lessons with you, have become a true mentor for my girls, and that is a gift they won’t be able to fully appreciate until they are older. But you’ve brought so much joy into all our lives. I appreciate how you’ve both partnered with us to help the girls when they are struggling, and the good advice you’ve given, and the time you’ve taken to help us, as newbie dance parents, understand how this whole dance training process works.

So as you move forward with your studio, I just wanted to let you know how grateful we are to be a part of it and to have you both in our lives. Thank you for providing this opportunity for our kids. The work you’re doing will positively impact our girls for the rest of their lives, and we value that more that we could ever express.

With much appreciation,

Meredith Efken

From Kathryn Sullivan

Ballet instructor at STEPS on Broadway , NYC and professor at Barnard College, Columbia University, NYC

I had the pleasure of working with Robin Welch for 5 years as a member of the Connecticut Ballet. Her true professionalism was shown in her precise dancing, courageous company management, and creative choreography.

She often taught our company class, which was an effective warm up for the day’s rehearsals.

Last year, I was able to see the results of this new generation of dancers being trained by her school and I was very impressed. We often get students from outside NY studios that come to STEPS during the summer, and few are as well trained as these students were.

I hold her in high regard as far as a teacher, mentor and dance educator. She always sets high standards of perfection for her students, and is a great example of someone who is dedicated and committed to her craft.

Kathryn Sullivan

From Alissa Rivera – Former student, regarding the end of Omaha Theater Ballet

Dear Robin,

My friend told me the news today before I saw it in the paper and I can’t explain the heartache I feel. Even though I have not been there for a couple years, I grew up with the company and it has shaped me in ways I didn’t fully realize until later. The love for ballet you instilled in me has only gotten stronger over the years. What I have learned from you has meant so much to me throughout my life and I can’t express how much. I go to UNL now and realized that I couldn’t stay away from ballet anymore, so I take classes from Sarah Brown in Lincoln. Having her teach is like having a bit of the company again, a bit of home. But it’s still never the same. You were right, I have missed it since the day I left and I have always dreamed about coming back.

I know that getting this email might be a little random, coming from just a girl you used to teach, but I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate everything you have taught me and to thank you for helping me grow.

Best of luck with the new studio and I can’t wait to take summer classes.

All the best and thank you again,

Alyssa Rivera – former student

From Mary Andreason – former student and employee

Currently the Director for The PULSE On Tour, producing shows and conventions for stage, film and video.

I want to congratulate you on your new journey with “Dance Arts and Core Training!” You are an incredible person Robin, and any dancer will find our how special they are to have found you for a teacher. You were one of my greatest mentors and nurtured me as a young dancer.

I feel it is necessary to let you know how much I appreciate you. I think about you daily and own my success to you. I remember when I was 11 years old and going to see Ballet Omaha Perform the Nutcracker for the first time….at that point I knew I must find myself in the dance world. That January I signed up for classes under your direction. My life took a completely new path. I found love and dedication for dance. I was inspired by YOU, and so was everyone around me. You found something in each and every dancer that you came in contact with. Your passion and love for what you do is so unique and special. Every dancer that has worked with you can say how blessed and honored thy were to train under such an artist, and a true, loyal teacher. You gave us so much, from endless performance opportunities, to trips to trips to see professional dance companies around the country, and even introducing me to my new home, New York City.

I personally feel blessed that not only did I get to know you as a teacher but also as a boss. Working daily with you is where I got to see the reall Robin and realized, WOW, she is even more incredible, more dedicated, and more passionate abut what she does. I was amazing and a real thrill! You taugt me to have the proper work ethic and to continue to do what I love. Your work was never a job or a chore you made it part of your daily life. With example, knoledge, and support you gave me, I am where I am today because of you!

I can’t wait to come visit your new school and as always I am here if you need help in any way. I owe you gratitude FOREVER for being such a positive stepping stone in my life. Thank you for being my mentor, my teacher, my guru, my boss, and alsway my friend.

Endless thanks and love,

Mary Andreasen

Currently the Director for The PULSE On Tour, Mary works producing shows and conventions for stage, film and video. The PULSE On Tour® is a powerful weekend dance event featuring the most renowned instructors and choreographers of the day. From dance reality TV shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew, to current stage productions, Broadway shows, and movies in theaters now, their faculty are the top in the business.

As a performer she’s appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America at Radio City Music Hall with Neil Young and with the LiNK! Contemporary Dance Company. She was seen in print in Oprah’s O Magazine and performed the live Opening Ceremony of the US OPEN 2005. Mary has taught for Broadway Dance Center, Omaha Theatre Company, Encore Dance Competition Nationals, many NCA/UDA Dance Teams and regional schools across the country.As a performer she’s appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America at Radio City Music Hall with Neil Young and with the LiNK! Contemporary Dance Company. She was seen in print in Oprah’s O Magazine and performed the live Opening Ceremony of the US OPEN 2005. Mary has taught for Broadway Dance Center, Omaha Theatre Company, Encore Dance Competition Nationals, many NCA/UDA Dance Teams and regional schools across the country.As a performer she’s appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America at Radio City Music Hall with Neil Young and with the LiNK! Contemporary Dance Company. She was seen in print in Oprah’s O Magazine and performed the live Opening Ceremony of the US OPEN 2005. Mary has taught for Broadway Dance Center, Omaha Theater Ballet, Encore Dance Competition Nationals, many NCA/UDA Dance Teams and regional schools across the country.