Above L-R: Marta Hazekamp-Stovin with her God Daughter, Angelina (Photo courtesy of White Rabbit Photography); In Nunsense II (Pentacle Theatre) as Sister Amnesia, as Dew Drop in Nutcracker, and (far right) as an Andrew Sister.

About the Executive & Artistic Director

Personal

Marta Hazekamp-Stovin is the founder and former owner of the Academy before going non-profit. Marta was born and raised in Silverton Oregon by a family of artists; her father John is a sculptor and carpenter, mother Pat Hazekamp is a retired art and drama teacher of the Silver Falls School District, and her older brother Earl Hazekamp, is also a fine artist with a focus in ceramics. Marta lives in Silverton. Her favorite things in life are teaching, performing (any form), dancing, listening to live music, arts & crafts, playing with animals and children, holding babies, traveling, friends, gardening, and a good piece of prime rib. Marta is also a certified CPR and First Aid Instructor with the American Heart Association.    

Dance

Marta trained with Elaine Unger of Unger Academy of Ballet in Silverton, and studied the internationally recognized syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance (see www.rad.org.uk )Marta began teaching at the age of 14 at Unger Academy of Ballet. She passed all of the children’s level examinations with flying colors and went on to complete the Major Examinations for levels up through Intermediate II. Marta is a registered member of the RAD. Ms. Hazekamp-Stovin attended several intensive summer dance programs including Whitman College’s Summer Dance Lab (see www.whitman.edu/summer_dance Affiliated with the Joffrey Ballet Co.) where she attended many summers on scholarship. As an adolescent she danced with Eugene Ballet Company through the Salem Ballet Association and later apprenticed with them for a season. As an adult she danced professionally with Michael Menger’s “The Really BIG Dance Company” in Portland Oregon, where she was an integral company member assisting with the choreography, script and musical score writing. The company performed at the Portland Center of Performing Arts on Broadway. Marta has staged the musical Cabaret and was encouraged by mentors (former Broadway dancer Ed Kresley and Joffrey Ballet dancer Frank Bays) to move to NYC and audition for Broadway. In 2000 Marta moved to NYC were, she continued to intensively study dance (ballet, jazz, modern, tap, theatrical, and so on) and taught Modern Jazz class at Dance Space in down town NYC. All the while Marta performed Cabaret at the famous NYC venue “Don’t Tell Mama”. She continued auditioning for Broadway shows and was in the final casting call back for the Broadway revival of, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” when the devastations of September 11th consequently closed the show before it was open. In the November following 9/11, due to many complications from 9/11, Marta returned to Oregon. Upon her return Marta continued to find opportunities in the spotlight and has had much success as a freelance solo dancer, choreographer, and as a teacher. Ms. Hazekamp-Stovin was a Ballet Mistress for Russia's Moscow Ballet Co in 2007 and has choregraphed musicals at Pentacle (Hot Flashes, '09), Gallery Theatre in McMinnville (Nunsense! '09) and was the Dance Director and resident choreographer for Children's Educational Theatre in Salem, OR in 2010.

Drama

Ms. Hazekamp-Stovin was raised behind the scenes in the theatre by her mother, where she watched her teach and build a legacy of Drama in Silverton over a period of 35 years. Marta performed in many plays throughout junior high and high school. Upon graduating she performed in several shows at the Grand Theatre in Salem, Broadway Rose Theatre in Portland, and Portland Center of Performing Arts. More recently she performed with Pentacle Theatre in the musical Nunsense II as Sister Amnesia (Sister Mary Paul), where they performed an astounding 25 completely sold out shows.  

Music

Marta sang in choirs all throughout Junior High and High School under the direction of Mr. Ric Cooper, and went on to receive a Full Vocal Music Scholarship to Clackamas Community College, under the direction of Mr. Lonni Cline. As a music major, she was proud of being the Lead First Soprano in their Jazz Ensemble “Mainstream” and the only one with a 4 octave range. Marta participated in the CCC Jazz Alumni group and Unistus, the alumni chamber choir group. She sang professionally with the “Sky Dancers” and as a soloist in casinos all over Oregon and Washington and also performed as one of the The Andrew Sisters for several Presidents Day weekend shows in New Mexico. Marta continues to utilize her vocal skills in musical theatre and occasional solo performances, and by coaching vocally for both singing and speaking. She prides herself on being a true “triple threat” performer.

 

About Our Artistic Team Please note that our artistic team are all independant contractors.   Christine Carlisle, Ballet Mistress & Dance Department Director Christine Carlisle is a retired professional ballerina and Master Ballet Teacher. She was trained in the RAD syllabus (same as Marta and Emily) and has trained professionally with David Howard and also is trained in the Ballanchine and Vagonova styles of ballet. She has dance professionally for many years with several dance companies including: New York Dance Theatre, San Diego Ballet Co. Boston Ballet, Eugene Ballet Co and many more. She has spent the past 20 years teaching ballet in Minnesota for Ballet Arts (Minneapolis), Larkin School (Minneapolis), Victoria Dance Productions (MN), Waconia Performing Arts (MN), U of Minnesota, Gustavis University and more. She was also the Director of Ballet Idaho and Ballet Idaho Academy of Dance and Assistant Director of Ballet Idaho. She has proudly trained several currently-working professional ballet dancers. Christine is a new resident of Oregon. She recently moved here with her husband Thomas to be closer to her elderly mother and is ecstatic to be joining our academy!   Sheree Lerman, Music Instructor, Vocal Coach & Interim Music Director Sheree has a bachelors of Music and Masters of Arts and Education from Western Oregon University, with an Elementary Endorsement from George Fox University. Mrs. Lerman has taught general music at Kennedy and Hazel Green Elementary schools for the Salem-Keizer school district for the past 5 years, and is now teaching at Forest Ridge. She has been professional vocalist and performer in many shows in professional venues all over the USA, and has directed numerous choirs and musicals. She has performed in operas and musical theatre shows such as Dido an Aeneas, Victor-Victoria, Ahmal and the Night Visitors, Dorian The Remarkable Mr. Gray, Nunsense II (with Marta), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Foryum, Hair and Pirates of Penzance, among others. Sheree is a true triple threat performer with a plethora of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to share! She is excited to be with the Academy. Lisa Gerlits, Theatre Department Director & Theatre Instructor (currently on Maternity leave) Lisa Gerlits is a Silverton Native. She has a long history of theatre background and minored in theatre at Portland State University. Lisa has experience not only as an actress but as a director and script writer as well. She has been an integral part of the theatre department's growth in the past 3 years. Michelle Kurns, Music Department Director, Vocal, Piano and Kindermusik Instructor (Currently on hiatus) Michelle has an extensive background in music. The has a degree in music education and has worked with all ages and levels of ability for many years. Michelle also gives private lessons in piano and voice. She is married to Scott and they have 6 children, 3 of which are students at AAPAC. Michelle is also a former jazz dance student of AAPAC. Michelle runs an at-home day care in Mt Angel and often includes music as part of their early education. She has a passion for music and the performing arts and sees that an arts education is of huge value in personal development. She enjoys teaching the love and appreciation of music of all kinds to the people, both young and the young at heart, in the community. Emily Hanson-Gifford, Belly Dance & Ballroom Dance Instructor Emily Hanson-Gifford is classically trained in ballet and jazz under the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. She entered and passed the R.A.D. exams through the "Major" levels (then called Elementary, now called Intermediate Foundation). Emily began learning to teach dance as a teenager under the watchful eye of our teacher and mentor, Elaine Unger of Unger Academy of Ballet, where she taught as an assistant for several years. After graduating from University of Oregon where she continued her dance studies in other dance forms such as many styles of ballroom, she found a love for another style of dance-- Belly Dance! She has been studying and professionally performing belly dance for ab out 10 years now. Her previous experience in dance has made this new style of dance an easy trasition to both dance and teach, and she has been teaching it for over 4 years. Emily has over 25 years in various forms of dance and her students often comment on her ability to give clear directios, and to create a fun and safe enviroment for all ages and abilities.  Emily Eikleberry, Tap & Zumba Instructor Emily Eikleberry has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Theatre from Earlham College.  She has a variety of dance experience including international folk dance, Flamenco and theatrical dance, but her true dance love is tap:  both Broadway and rhythmic styles.  She has been teaching high school math since 1999, and also wrote curriculum for and taught tap dance and folk dance classes at North Marion High School.  She currently teaches at McKay High School and choreographs for their school musicals. Emily has also recently been certified as a Zumba instructor! Emily believes that her enthusiasm, flexibility with different learning styles, and sense of humor make her classes enjoyable and productive. Tatiana Sakurai, Jazz, Lyrical & Contemporary Dance & Yoga Instructor Tatiana has been dancing for over 30 years in ballet, jazz, lyrical and contemporary. She teaches the style of Luigi, which is a style of classic jazz that implements many healing modalitites such as core stregthening, flexibility, balance, and connecting with the music. Her yoga classes are a favorite to many; students leave feeling stronger, flexibile, relaxed and emotionally and spiritually balanced.  Trevor Stewart, Intern & Theatre Instructor Trevor is an Academy alumni who studied theatre and dance with us for many years. He has also held several leading roles in our shows, his latest was as Bert in Mary Poppins. Trevor has had a lot of success outside of the Academy as well including performing with the Portland Opera and Oregon Children's Theatre and many more. Trevor is going to college working on his bachelors degree with the goal to be an elementary school teacher as he loves teaching and working with kids! He is very excited to be gaining more experience working with kids in a theatre environment this spring. Gavin Knox, Theatre Instructor Gavin is also an Academy alumni who studied theatre and dance at AAPAC from the 'early days' back when we were in the chuch basement. He has held many lead roles with us and outside of the Academy. He played Gaston in Disney's Beauty and The Beast and stole the show! He is also an awardee of the esteemed Oregon Shakespearian Festival Summer Program and has won at Oregon State numerous times for speech in Humorous Interpretation and has gone to Nationals twice. Gavin is a very talented individual with a brilliant vision for acting and directing. He is as thrilled to be here teaching as we are to have him!

Eugene Ballet Comany, "The Nutcracker" (2012) ~ Lily Merrit-Worden, Hannah Simpson, Kjersti McAllister, Cecelia Petrik.

Summer Dance Intensive Program "Summer Dance Lab" Whitman College Scholarship Awardee for Jazz and Modern Dance (2011) ~ Miranda Tesch

Pentacle Theatre, "The Diviners" (2008) ~ Casey Magis-Agosta, Lead Role

Moscow Ballet Company (Russia), "The Nutcracker" (2008) ~ Annie Buchheit, Hannah Kloft, Kate Allanach, and Ammelia Spielman.

Children's Educational Theatre, "Tom Sawyer" (2008)~ Casey Magis-Agosta, Lead/Title Role

Here is what some of our students or their parents have had to say about their experiences with AAPAC and our staff!

"I just found your web site and am incredibly impressed with the care and concern you give to your dancers/parents. You must have a wonderful school. Thank you for including the Parents Book of Ballet." ~ Angela Whitehill, author of "The Parents Book of Ballet"

“Marta, you've been an incredible inspiration to Casey, a source of joy and un-abandoned dancing! You created a space in which a vital part of Casey could emerge. I thank you! There are tears in both our eyes with pride!” ~ Kristin Magis (Casey Magis-Agosta’s mom)

"The amount of improvement in such a short time in my daughter and these kids is absolutely amazing!! I cried with tears of joy in my eyes watching Hannah dance [ballet]. You can tell she is getting quality instruction; you [Marta] and Christine are amazing!" ~ Stacey Simpson (Hannah's mom)

"I am always so impressed with how organized your performances are! They run smoothly and you can tell that it helps the students to be confident." ~ Vonda Myers (Olivia's mom)

"Marta, I wanted to thank you for all you taught me in the adult ballet classes that I took from you. The vocabulary and technique have been invaluable to me now during rehearsals for Brigadoon. I am managing to hold my own amongst a group of teenage girls in the "Come to me, bend to me" ballet! I think everyone who does theatre should take a ballet class. And I look forward to returning to adult ballet once this show is over!" ~ Emily Eikleberry (Instructor and Student of the Academy)

"I really respect your program and all that goes into preparing our kids for these kinds of opportunities such as performing. I also appreciate your requirements and know that your professionalism is benefiting our kids for their future. Thanks for your expectations; they are great!” ~ Kim Renner (Cierra Renner’s mom)

A Letter from a Student ~ "Before I came to AAPAC I was in a school of 80 kids and I didn't feel quite like I fit in. I was more out going, chatty, loud, and I was not afraid to ham it up. I thought my self to be a little weird. Then my mom found AAPAC and signed me up first thing I was so nervous my first day in Lisa's class it seemed like every one already new every one else but by the end of my first term with Lisa I told my dad I found my peeps. Then I got into intermediate drama with your class and I was immediately accepted into your big happy family. I remember being blown away by the talent I saw on my first day of auditions for Alice in Wonderland I never thought I could be Mad Hatter but when you asked me to try out for it and then proceeded to give me the role it pushed me to try even harder. I was really just happy to think you had the confidence in me to give me that role. My first progress report is still hanging on the wall of my room I read it a lot I hope I improved on all the things you asked me to improve on, one was vocal training. I felt ten times more comfortable and confident playing Zazu because when I was the Mad Hatter I felt intimidated by everyone else and how good they could sing but Michelle made me feel a whole who lot better and every one was so good about encouraging me even after I blew that one note a billion times in rehearsal. One the first day of ballet I was so nervous I was insecure and really self conscious but again I had nothing to worry about because once more I was accepted into the AAPAC family "ballet style". I thought it was kind of girly at first but then I realized how hard it was and I loved the new challenge. Now in school I catch myself standing in first and fifth and when I'm bored doing tendus. Every day I feel so honored to be able to take classes at AAPAC I feel like it's a second home were I have a second family that accepts me for who I am and I can always count on to cheer me up. I also recall many an occasion were I had a bad day and came to AAPAC and forgot completely. Some days at school I would get really upset and all I would tell myself instead of "how could this get any worse" i'd say "just get through today because tonight is acting or ballet." After "Alice" I would keep checking the website to see when the next term would start, I accidentally mixed up the dates and came a couple days early by mistake once.  My mother continuously tells me I should ask for a letter of recommendation from you to help me get started again in my pursuing of the arts. I would really value a letter from you. You and your company have made a giant impact on my life and I can never repay you for how you have helped me mature and become a better person. You will never know how much I appreciate you and I promise, in 3 years, I'll  be driving and I will try my hardest to come and visit and maybe even take a class or help you tech. :) You are a truly amazing person Marta Stovin! I wan't to be just as great as you are when I grow up, and let it be known this isn't the last you've seen (or heard) of me. Keep that accents class open even if I'm the only student because you still need to teach me that mid-west accent. And I promise to get you your AAPACtionary to you, I work on it as we speak (or e-mail). Please stay in touch! Love your grateful student, Kirsten."

“I just wanted to say that I support and agree with your policies 100%. I have been involved in events that needed all these types of commitments from participants, so I totally understand what is needed and what works. Thanks for developing integrity into your program and our children!” ~ May Bakke (Nick Bakke’s mom)

"As the director of AAPAC I thought you might want to know that we are still enjoying our experience. Rachel has made a good transition to the Creative movement class. Kira has a good time and I enjoy watching the whole experience. Last week Kira came home and told Chris (her Dad) "OK, I'm Rachel and your me, go over to the corner and point your toe." He didn't move fast enough for her so she did just like Rachel and took his arm and moved him to the corner. " Good" she said, " Now stand tall and hold your skirt, it's ok if you pretend Dad, Ok now point your toe and 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4, now pose." She then clapped for him and told him he was elegant. Thank you for providing the opportunity for our family. ~ Sara Bailey- Kira's Mom"

“Marta, Drama has been very good for Annie and has been a very big factor in her self confidence. Thank you for your patience and guidance. ~Sheryl Buchheit”

“I just wanted you to know that Lily is LOVING Intro to Theatre. Thanks for encouraging her. We rented Mary Poppins last week and her and Lee (her father) read through the whole script together; I wish I could have taped it for you to hear their impeccable accents! ~ Terri Merritt-Worden”

“Thank you, Marta! Hailey loves being at AAPAC; she is excited that she has gained some skills thus far!! ~ Stephanie Nelson”

“Marta, I just wanted to say Thank You. Drama has been amazing for Jake – it’s really brought him out of his shell. I just wanted to say Thanks for letting him have a new experience. ~ Stacy Palmer, Silverton Chamber of Commerce”

"Mary Poppins was fabulous (I saw all 3 performances and we had a ton of family come on Sunday), and thank you for everything you and your team has done for Jake the past two years. He has grown so much and will be going to Chemeketa next year; he wants to major in Theatre!" Kevin Palmer (Jake Palmer, pictured below)

"Great job on Mary Poppins, Marta and Crew! My mother-n-law insisted that you must have hired Mary Poppins from a professional theatre group. My husband informed her she was one of your high school kids. She was amazing! All the lead actors were great. They had many lines to remember and they did it! Victoria really enjoyed her parts too." Anita Hilles

“Marta, Lily had the most incredible experience with the EBC (Eugene Ballet Co) Nutcracker. She did so well and she was teamed up with the parents that were the couple that do the entry (she was on sled) and exit (being carried, sleepily, by "Dad") to the party, so she had a lot of personal interaction with the cast and got some additional acting in. I'm sure she will tell you all about it when she sees you. Thank you for your encouragement and all the support (and especially for the last minute leotard!!!!!!). ~ Terri Merritt-Worden”

"The cheer team and I just wanted to say thanks for having us participate with you in the Thriller performances. I know a lot of work goes into an evening like that and I just wanted to say we appreciated all that you did and your enthusiasm for the performance. -Thanks again! ~ Enez Bradford, SHS Cheer Coach"

"I thought that the Thriller in the Streets was fabulous! What a wonderful event for our community! ~ Laura Williams"

"I have gained new friends, new founded self-confidence with our performances, a love for dance, and I've lost 20lbs since joining modern dance! I feel more healthy and better about myself. You are never to old to learn something new and exciting. (I can't wait to learn the figure-four spins!) Marta, you are an awesome person and teacher! ~ Brenda Zajdel"

"I'm not very good at testimonials, but I can say that belly dancing is wonderful for toning the whole body, especially abs, and it's great for a attitude lift as well. Emily does a super job keeping the class fun and non-threatening! ~ Kathy Cater" (Pictured below, far right)

"I would like to say that I was looking for a class that would be just for me, was after work, gave me creative energy, let me expand as an adult. Drumming was something I always interested in but never could find a class that fit my schedule. I am so happy that I found my little nitch with the drumming class at AAPAC. Tony has made us all feel like individuals in a small class of all different age groups. He will work to help us get the material and has endless patience for all of us. I highly recommend the AAPAC approach. Help all who come there from tiny tots to adult; we all can grow through creativity. I think that anyone who wants to learn something new should check out what AAPAC has to offer. ~ Sherry Manion" (Pictured middle, below)

"As an adult student of AAPAC I really look forward to my Wednesday bellydance class. Emily is an awesome instructor! It is a great workout and so much fun with the benefits of stress reduction, improved posture, strength and flexibility. ~ Patty Cokley"

... have a comment or a positive experience with AAPAC that you want to share? Email us! (You may remain annonomous if you prefer.)

Private lessons are highly recommended for the serious student. It allows for individual attention and training catered to the student's specific needs. AAPAC's teachers do give private lessons on-site or off-site. Our building has a private lesson room that is equipt to give music lessons as well as acting lessons (larger rooms are used for dance lessons). Or you may choose to go to the teachers home or have them come to you based on your needs. Private lesson rates are set by the individual teachers as contractors, so contact them directly for rates and available apointment times.

BALLET, POINTE, MODERN, JAZZ, ACTING & ACCENT/DIALECT LESSONS - Marta Hazekamp-Stovin 503-998-9947 martadancn@msn.com

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED CLASSICAL BALLET PRIVATE LESSONS & FOOT REFLEXOLOGY ~ Christine Carlisle 503-873-3855

VOICE & PIANO LESSONS ~ Michelle Kurns 503-422-2465

SAXAPHONE & WIND INSTRUMENTS ~ Frank Petrik 503-798-7270

BALLROOM & BELLY DANCING LESSONS ~ Emily Hanson-Gifford 503-409-9513 ehanson@silvhosp.org

TAP LESSONS ~ Emily Eikleberry 503-999-7934

HARP LESSONS ~ Kathy Cater 503-634-2123

GUITAR LESSONS ~ Tony Stovin 503-409-9530

Dance Attire: Local Retailers and Online

Dance Togs: 3835 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005 Phone: (503) 644-7545

My favorite dance supply store, and well worth the drive! They are truly professional and have had this business for over 30 years. The owner is a former professional dancer and dance teacher. They are very knowledgable, and know how to properly fit ballet shoes, pointe shoes and all dance attire. (Anita, the owner, fitted me for my first pair of pointe shoes 19 years ago!) They have many sizes and styles in stock and come highly recommended.

Dancewear Solutions www.dancewearsolutions.com

Most of our ballet uniforms are the brand Ballera, which is a brand available through Dancewear Solutions. The public can buy from them so you don't need us as the middle man! Their prices are very good, their products are quality and they have great customer service

Discount Dance Supply www.discountdance.com

This is a great option if you already know your sizes and can wait a few days for delivery. They have a huge selection and decent prices and are very good about returns/exchanges, and your order arrives in just a few days. They also have a great selection for boys/mens dance attire.

Liberts www.liberts.com

Although Liberts does not sell to the general public (wholesale, retailers and schools only), AAPAC does have a wholesale account with them, so you can place orders through us! Liberts is awesome; Liberts brand is high quality, yet inexpensive attire and they carry some name brands too at way below retail prices. When you order Liberts attire through AAPAC, you receive our wholesale discount price; we pass our benefits on to you! If your order is placed with other students from the school you can also save on postage too! You can visit their website to see pictures of items, but they do not show pricing online. For prices please call Marta Stovin.

All About Dance www.allaboutdance.com

This is another online supplier that is good. They are a little more expensive but so far seem to be the only online company I've found that carries a good selection of boys and mens dance attire, and at decent prices too!

Other Performing Arts Resources

Eugene Ballet Co. http://www.eugeneballet.org/

Eugene Ballet Co, directed by Toni Pimble, is an Oregon ballet company presenting a stunning new season of ballet in the Pacific Northwest! For 2010-2011, they are continuing with an expanded season. The company performs both classical and contemporary ballet and brings full performance series to Corvallis and Salem as well as Eugene. They often include children's roles available to audition for, such as in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland and more. EBC was my first experience as an amatuer, then as an apprentice, and professionally. I highly recommend that ballet students audition for any opportunities available to them, as it is a wonderful and invaluable experience!

Pentacle Theatre www.pentacletheatre.org

My personal favorite community theatre! This theatre also holds auditions year around for both children and adults, and consistently produces high quality and professional performances. Highly recommended for both auditioning or just enjoying watching a great show!

Children's Educational Theatre (CET) www.childrensedtheatre.org

A dramatic arts program for children that includes classroom instruction, performance, and technical training. A Salem treasure for 30 seasons. This program is for students who have completed grades 4-8 by June. For students in 9th-11th grades, they can earn .5 credits in a Tech Seminar class. Several of our shining drama stars (such as Casey Magis-Agosta, graduate of SHS) have had the lead roles in CET's musicals. It's an AWESOME experience!