Connie Cassidy
Connie's love of dance began at the age of three when she walked into Violette Bryant Schadler's dance studio for the first time. She became an assistant to Violette as a teenager, and she and her lifelong friend and partner, Ross McDowell took the studio over after Violette's death in 1958.
Connie continued her studies with Marie Buczkowski and other fine teachers as her studio grew. All while raising her two children, Cammie and Patrick, and her other passion, canine companions. Currently her whippets, Teagan and WhoDo are never far from her side.
Cammie Cassidy Hernandez
Cammie began her studies with Ross McDowell, Miss Connie, Marie Buczkowski and has continue with Rod Fukino, Audrey Deckmann Mendel, Janice Barringer and other fine teachers. She studied at the Dallas Ballet Academy and has performed with the Indiana Dance Theater, Trilogy Dance Center and local productions, most recently appearing in the St. Joseph Public School Foundation's "Encore 2018".
Cammie has been a teacher and choreographer for the YWCA, Lake Michigan College, St. Joseph Public Schools, Lake Michigan Catholic and Michigan Lutheran High Schools, and numerous Blossomtime events. She was choreographer and assistant coach to Agape Equestrian Center's 1999 National Reserve Grand Champion Vaulting Team. Miss Cammie resides in Watervliet with an adorable pair of bunnies and her dearest friend Mark, who helps keep the studio in tip-top shape.
Caitlin Hernandez
Continuing the Cassidy family tradition for a third generation, Miss Caiti has been a presence in our studio since she was just a few days old. She shares not only our love of dance, but is also an accomplished vocalist who has appeared in numerous local theater productions and is a member of the Lake Michigan College Choir. Currently, Miss Caiti resides in St. Joseph with her daughter Zoe, and their furry menagerie.
Breanne Shine
Breanne was born and raised in St. Joseph, and started dancing at the Connie Cassidy School of Dance when she was just 2 1/2 years old, following in the footsteps of six of seven of her older siblings. Breanne has been teaching at the studio for many years and thoroughly enjoys our students, who adore her.
Breanne believes that dance should encourage others to have self confidence and poise in moving their body, all while having fun. When Breanne isn't dancing, she can be found spending time with her large family and her boyfriend, Matt, or at Alley Cuts in St. Joseph where she is our favorite stylist.
Kara Isaacson-McLeanClick Here to Add a Title
Kara has a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University with a minor in dance. She has been passionate about dance her entire life, but thought she had closed that chapter until she learned that Connie Cassidy offered adult classes in ballet and tap.
She became a student in September 2005 and began assisting in the classroom in the fall of 2007. Miss Kara is married to Shane, who appeared in our 2008 recital, cheers exuberantly for everyone on visitor's day, and most recently appeared on our Facebook page as a fuzzy red thingling who loves tutus and dancing! They have three daughters, all of whom dance or have danced at Miss Connie's.
Lorraine Mikesell
Miss Lorraine teaches adult ballet at the Connie Cassidy School of Dance. She began her studies with Billie Jacobson, Ross McDowell and Connie Cassidy. She has trained with such notable teachers as Marie Buczkowski, Audre Deckmann Mendel and Jurgen Schnieder of ABT. She has performed with the South Bend Civic Ballet and Trilogy Dance Center.
Lorraine also owns Plant Pleasers in St. Joseph. She is happily married to Lee Mikesell and they thoroughly enjoy their life playing with their beloved grandchildren and kitties.
