
Jody Skye Schissler Artistic Director and Faculty
Jody Skye Schissler began her training at the Conservatory Ballet locally in Reston, Virginia. She furthered her training at the Joffrey Ballet School, North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and School of American Ballet, all
Jody Skye Schissler Artistic Director and Faculty
Jody Skye Schissler began her training at the Conservatory Ballet locally in Reston, Virginia. She furthered her training at the Joffrey Ballet School, North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and School of American Ballet, all as a scholarship student.
By graduation, Jody was invited by Suzanne Farrell to join the Fort Worth Ballet as a member of the Corps de Ballet. She continued her career dancing Soloist and Principal roles at Ballet Chicago and Ballet Metropolitano de Caracas in Venezuela. In the mid ‘90s, Jody began performing as a Guest Artist, performing with a variety of companies and schools throughout the US. In 2001, she joined Ohio Dance Theatre as Principal Dancer, dancing leading roles at the historic Cleveland Playhouse to much acclaim by leading Arts Critics. Throughout her career, she performed in a vast repertoire of Balanchine and Principal/Leading roles in Classics such as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, and Giselle.
“Ms. Skye,” as her students refer to her, has 30 years of teaching experience. Even as a student, her attention to detail was recognized, and she was chosen to participate on the teaching staff of Pacific Northwest Ballet School. In the midst of her dancing career, she was part of the permanent staff of outstanding professional schools, such as Fort Worth School of Ballet, School of Ballet Chicago, Milwaukee Ballet School and Ohio Dance Theatre. She has taught in Northern Virginia since Fall of 2003, at Conservatory Ballet and Classical Ballet Theatre, ages ranging from 3-adult.
Many of the SBC students have gone on to join professional ballet companies and to great success in collegiate dance programs. Former students have gone on to have careers with the following Professional ballet companies such as, Richmond Ballet , Nashville Ballet ,Pennsylvania Ballet 2, Grand Rapids Ballet , Louisville Ballet and Cincinnatti Ballet. Mrs. Schissler continues to have relationships and personal rapport with many dance schools and companies in the nation. Students have been accepted to the following Summer intensives: American Ballet Theater, School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet West, Miami City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Houston Ballet, Kaatsbaan, San Francisco Ballet, Washington Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell; many received scholarship offers. Students have also placed at the prestigious YAGP Competition as First Place Senior Division and Pre Competitive Classical and Contemporary , Second and Third Place Junior Classical and in the Top 12 for Pre Competitive, Junior and Senior Divisions in both Classical and Contemporary as well as Top 6 and 12 Ensemble. In 2016, Skye Ballet Center had students place in First and Third at the Easton International Ballet Competition. In 2020 students placed in First and Third at the National Ballet Competition, Students placed First Place Preparatory Division , and Bronze Medal and Top 6 for the Senior Division Classical and Contemporary at the National Ballet Competition. Students have also been selected to compete in the prestigious Valentina Kozlova International Competition.
Mrs. Schissler and her husband Allen Schissler were thrilled to announce the opening of their school, Skye Ballet Center, in September 2012: first at their temporary home, and then enthusiastically at their current location in the Sunset Business Park in January 2013.
Mr. and Mrs. Schissler live in Reston, Virginia with their 5 children. They feel privileged and honored to have worked with many remarkable artists throughout their careers and are honored to pass on the knowledge, beauty, grace, and passion to the next generation of dancers. Mrs. Schissler can be reached at skyeballet@gmail.com

Why is SBC the place you want to be? ![]()
Meet Artistic Director and visionary of SBC, Jody Skye Schissler; or Ms. Skye as her students and alumni lovingly call her.
“ SBC is truly a gem, not only offering excellent and caring training but a community our dancers and families will be a part of always.
Returning to Reston, VA over 20 years ago
Why is SBC the place you want to be? ![]()
Meet Artistic Director and visionary of SBC, Jody Skye Schissler; or Ms. Skye as her students and alumni lovingly call her.
“ SBC is truly a gem, not only offering excellent and caring training but a community our dancers and families will be a part of always.
Returning to Reston, VA over 20 years ago after have a successful professional training and performance career at the nation’s top schools and companies, I felt compelled to bring my own amazing experience of the dance world locally to my hometown.
We have chosen to remain a small school so we can focus on each individual dancer and family, from the young dancer, thru their teen years and on thru adult years, not only offering guided training for dance but supporting each child and person to strive to be the best they can be.
The MORE that we push for is empowering and inspiring for all.
I have a strong and beautiful vision for SBC, and have an incredible team to support that vision.
My husband, Allen Schissler oversees the business aspect of SBC and helps make those dreams come to fruition.
My amazing team of teachers create a truly unique and beautiful experience for each student.
Our teachers are carefully selected not only for being caring successful teachers and artists but either by being long time friends and co peers in the dance world, or our Alumni who come back to continue and support the talent, beauty and vision of SBC.
I could not be more proud and excited about Skye Ballet Center and its lasting impact on those who are apart of it, whether their future lies in dance or other careers in life.
We do not have one star at SBC, each dancer shines and grows in confidence, strength and beauty.
Thus, our logo:
Encouraging the Beauty, Joy and Passion of dance…
Enabling each dancer to do MORE!”
- Ms. Skye

Allen Schissler,
Executive Director and Faculty
Mr. Schissler initially trained at Dayton Ballet, starring in the "The Littlest Angel" at age 8 to much acclaim. He continued his training and graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts. He trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School as well. As a student at Pacific Northwest Ballet
Allen Schissler,
Executive Director and Faculty
Mr. Schissler initially trained at Dayton Ballet, starring in the "The Littlest Angel" at age 8 to much acclaim. He continued his training and graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts. He trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School as well. As a student at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, he was approached by Artistic Director Kirk Peterson of the Hartford Ballet to be a Corps de Ballet member of the company. There, he quickly rose to the rank of soloist. Other professional affiliations include Alabama Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and Washington Ballet. The last years of his dance career involved traveling around the nation as a Guest Artist with ballet schools and companies such as, but not limited to, Upstate NY Ballet, Yuma Ballet Theater, Utah Regional Ballet, Bartlesville Ballet, Ohio Dance Theatre, and a Gala Performance in Japan in 2004. He obtained Principal status dancing leading roles in Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Birds of Paradise, and Billy the Kid, often dancing with his wife Jody Skye Schissler.
Mr. Schissler has taught on staff of Professional Schools, including the Princeton Ballet and Hartford Ballet, and at regional schools such as Ohio Dance Theatre, Loudoun School of Ballet, and Classical Ballet Theatre. He has been sought after to teach Master Classes throughout the nation. Mr. Schissler shared the responsibility with his wife for all aspects of the Ohio Dance Theatre 2003 summer performance season. He has served as a Judge for the Dance Masters Competition and the Loudoun Ballet Choreography Competition.
Mr. Schissler has been a Massage Therapist for 12 years. He has aided in the healing and recovery of many persons from accident, injury and surgery. He has practiced locally at the Lofty Salon, Warrior Yoga (now Beloved Yoga), Scarlet O’Haira’s, and the offices of Chiropractor Dr. Tim Scheuerman. He is the only licensed Body Evolution Practitioner™ in the DC Metropolitan Area. Other relative experiences include being the Manager at Lofty and Scarlet O’Haira’s Salons.
Mr. Schissler has been in Business Administration and Management since 2006 as a Certified Manager of Community Associations at First Service Residential. He is currently theExecutive Director of the large scale community, Potomac Green of Ashburn, VA. He is licensed as a CMCA, AMS and PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager).
Mr. Schissler is the driving force of supporting his wife's vision of SBC. He maintains the business and production aspects of SBC.
It is important to the Schissler's that we have a positive community for our dancers and families.

-Shu Chen Cuff, Dance Instructor/Choreographer was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan where she established a well-rounded background in dance with training in Ballet, Modern, Chinese Opera movements, and various Chinese folk dances. She immigrated to the United States to continue her training and pursue her dance journey. Shu-Chen received a B.
-Shu Chen Cuff, Dance Instructor/Choreographer was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan where she established a well-rounded background in dance with training in Ballet, Modern, Chinese Opera movements, and various Chinese folk dances. She immigrated to the United States to continue her training and pursue her dance journey. Shu-Chen received a B.F.A. from the University of Florida’s New World School of the Arts where she graduated with honors on the Dean’s list. Shu-Chen performed numerous classical and contemporary works while dancing with the Miami Ballet and Nevada Ballet Theater. After relocating to the Washington, DC area in 2002, Shu-Chen worked with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company and has left her footprints around the world, touring to Asia, Central America, and Europe. Shu-Chen has also performed at the International Dance Festival in Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
With her strong desire to create refreshing and vitalizing works for the community, Shu-Chen established Gin Dance Company (GDC) in 2011. Shu-Chen’s works have been featured on FOX5 DC News as well as numerous publications including the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Capital Hill Rag Magazine, Washington Flyer Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, Reston Connection, Virginia Living, Fairfax Time, MetroDC Theater Arts, Viva Tysons Magazine, and Shu-Chen was a featured model for Summer Chic Fashions at Lincoln Theatre with Washington Life Magazine. In 2015, Shu-Chen was commissioned to create a work in response to well-renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty’s sculpture ‘Bird in the Hand’. Same year Shu-Chen was also commissioned to present ‘Chasing Horizons’ in Reston CenterStage’s Professional Touring Artists Series and collaborated with visual artists, Teri Ann Labuwi and CinCin Fang. In 2016, Shu-Chen was commissioned to create a work in response to artist Mary Ann Mears’ sculpture ‘Reston Rondo’. In 2017, Shu-Chen collaborated with two-time Grammy nominee, David Taylor. In 2019 and 2020 Shu-Chen also collaborated and performed with renowned musicians Hsin-Yun Huang (violist), Tom Teasley (percussion), and Chao Tian (dulcimer). In 2020, Shu-Chen was commissioned to create a work in response to artist Sue Wrbican's 50-foot steel sculpture - 'Buoyant Force.' Shu-Chen had an exclusive radio interview with Denise Turney. Shu-Chen also has been a Finalist in the category of Outstanding Choreographer and Outstanding Individual Performer at the Dance MetroDC Awards and is a recipient of the Strauss Artist Grant by the ArtsFairfax.
Shu-Chen has a great passion to pass on her knowledge, experience, and her love of dance to young aspiring dancers. In this regard, she has taught and choreographed many works at Towson University, Virginia Tech, BalletNova Center for Dance, Metropolitan School of the Arts, Ashburn Academy of Dance, Russell School of Ballet, Skye Ballet Center, Classical Ballet Theater and has been a guest instructor at numerous dance schools throughout Taiwan. She is currently on the faculty of BalletNova Center for Dance, The Washington Ballet School, and the Metropolitan School of the Arts, and has served on the Board of Director for Dance MetorDC.
"Teaching is not just a profession for me; it is a profound passion that ignites my soul every day. The joy I feel when I see my students grow, express themselves, and discover their unique voices through dance is indescribable. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to teach at Skye Ballet Center. Each class is an opportunity to foster creativity and build confidence, allowing the students to shine brightly both in the studio and beyond. Skye Ballet Center is more than just a dance school; it is a cornerstone of our local community, a vibrant hub that nurtures the arts and inspires countless individuals. The leadership role by Mrs. Skye plays in promoting artistic expression and accessibility is making a lasting impact on our community. I am proud to be a part of this incredible team, where passion meets purpose, and where every dancer is celebrated for their individuality and creativity."- Shu Chen

Isabel Robles was born in Arlington, Virginia and began training in ballet at age 4. At the Classical Ballet Theatre she trained in the styles of ballet, jazz, Horton, Graham, character dance, and contemporary forms. Isabel was a scholarship student at The Houston Ballet program in 2013 where she performed works of Stanton Welsh, George B
Isabel Robles was born in Arlington, Virginia and began training in ballet at age 4. At the Classical Ballet Theatre she trained in the styles of ballet, jazz, Horton, Graham, character dance, and contemporary forms. Isabel was a scholarship student at The Houston Ballet program in 2013 where she performed works of Stanton Welsh, George Balanchine, David Lichine, and John Neumeier. During high school, she attended the Washington Ballet, where she worked with Julie Kent and Xiomara Reyes and performed with the company in “The Nutcracker.” In May 2022 Isabel graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in Dance. Isabel danced three seasons with Ballet Hispánico in New York City.
Isabel has choreographed a number of award winning Contemporary solos and Ensemble pieces on SBC dancers. It is a thrill to have her create original works in our studio.
Isabel is a former student of Ms. Skye and we are thrilled to have her join our staff full time this season.
"Skye Ballet Center has always been a place I find myself returning to over the years, and that’s a testament to the incredible students, dedicated teachers, and the inspiring leadership of Mrs. Skye. It has been a true joy to choreograph and teach such a talented group of dancers. Their passion and commitment have reminded me of why I love dance so deeply, and how special and uplifting this community is! ♥️"
- Isabel Robles

Karisa Skiba has been a dear friend of the Schissler’s for 25 years. Karisa has been a guest Ballet Teacher and Pilates Instructor at SBC over the years. Mr. Schissler and she danced the principal roles in Winter Fantasy in 2001 together in the Madison Ballet where she grew up. After retiring from a 13 year professional ballet career as
Karisa Skiba has been a dear friend of the Schissler’s for 25 years. Karisa has been a guest Ballet Teacher and Pilates Instructor at SBC over the years. Mr. Schissler and she danced the principal roles in Winter Fantasy in 2001 together in the Madison Ballet where she grew up. After retiring from a 13 year professional ballet career as a soloist with Milwaukee Ballet, Ms. Skiba received her Power Pilates Comprehensive certification. Her professional teaching experience includes the Milwaukee Ballet School, University of Wisconsin, and many prominent local Pilates and dance schools, as well as having coached dancers for YAGP and World Ballet Competition.
Ms. Skiba is a Pilates and Ballet instructor who is passionate about helping clients develop healthy, strong bodies. Her ballet students can expect inspiration and to hone their technique, alignment, prevent injuries, and develop their artistry.
We are thrilled to have Karisa as part of our SBC Faculty and Community.
“It is an honor to be part of the passion and inspiration that fills the dancers and community of Skye Ballet Center. Working alongside my dear friends, Jody and Allen Schissler, as well as our other talented instructors; each of us encouraging dancers to be their best, both in and out of the studio, is a privilege. Sharing the joy of dance, the discipline of hard work, and the tools to grow as individual artists, while helping each dancer recognize their true strength, beauty, and talent, is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I feel as though I am passing the torch to a younger generation. My hope is to share with them the beauty, technique, inspiration, love, and joy of expressive movement in classical ballet, just as I had the distinct pleasure of learning from the visionary teachers and artists who came before me."

Danielle Tuomey
Graduate of Mercyhurst
University in Erie, Pennsylvania with a BFA in Dance and double minor in Business Administrations and Communications on dance and academic scholarships.
Danielle is currently a Wizards Dance Team member and recently was awarded Rookie of the Year. Danielle grew up training in dance and theatre at Da
Danielle Tuomey
Graduate of Mercyhurst
University in Erie, Pennsylvania with a BFA in Dance and double minor in Business Administrations and Communications on dance and academic scholarships.
Danielle is currently a Wizards Dance Team member and recently was awarded Rookie of the Year. Danielle grew up training in dance and theatre at Dance Unlimited in Frederick, MD as a member of the Dance Unlimited Repertory Company, and Skye Ballet Center (SBC) in Reston, VA. Some of her highlighted roles include the pas de trois in Mercyhurst University's Swan Lake, Snow Queen in SBC's The Nutcracker, a Stepsister in SBC's Cinderella, Alice and Tweedle Dee in Other Voice's Theatre's (OVT's) The New Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, and a featured dancer in OVT's Jesus Christ Superstar. In addition, she danced at basketball and football games as a member and captain of the Mercyhurst University Dance Team. Danielle has also attended the Steps on Broadway Summer Study, Mercyhurst University Summer Dance Experience Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell Summer Intensive, New York City Dance Alliance Outstanding Dancer Summer Experience, Rockettes Summer Intensive, Kennedy Center Ballet and Contemporary Master Class Series, and Mejia Ballet International Summer Intensives.
We are thrilled to have Danielle teaching at SBC, as well as Contemporary Choreography.
Fun fact, Danielle's mother and Ms. Skye danced together and were roomates in Fort Worth Ballet.
Danielle is always a delight in the studio!
"To me, teaching is a sacred opportunity—one that impacts a student’s life both in and outside of a dance studio. When I teach, I strive to share my love and passion for this art form, encouraging dancers to emote and express through movement. While teaching, I share the knowledge I’ve gained through my experiences with the goals of guiding and inspiring my students to be confident, motivated, determined, focused, and devoted humans with a detailed understanding and application of their technique. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of incorporating emotion, texture, and dynamic into movement and musicality to create art that is full of life and personality.As I reflect on my time thus far at SBC, first as a student and later as a faculty member, it is evident that the studio is not only a school designed to develop well-trained, pre-professional artists and dancers, but a community built to cultivate kind, hard-working, and eager minds. The experiences and knowledge students gain while training at SBC positively impact their future endeavors, whether or not they are related to dance. No matter where life takes the dancers and their families, the SBC community is one they will always be a part of, as the studio provides a foundation to form lifelong friendships and memories. I am so grateful for my SBC family!”
- Danielle Tuomey

Charlotte Zatterstrom has been a student of SBC since the very beginning and trained with Ms. Skye through all levels, Pre Ballet, Young Dancer on through to the Professional Division. Charlotte has danced many leading roles in Skye Ballet Center's productions and has been a part of Mr. and Mrs. Schissler's formative choreography of SBC'
Charlotte Zatterstrom has been a student of SBC since the very beginning and trained with Ms. Skye through all levels, Pre Ballet, Young Dancer on through to the Professional Division. Charlotte has danced many leading roles in Skye Ballet Center's productions and has been a part of Mr. and Mrs. Schissler's formative choreography of SBC's production of the Nutcracker. Charlotte has attended the American Ballet Theater School, and School of American Ballet Summer Intensives. Charlotte has placed Third Place Pre Competitive Classical, Top 12 Junior Classical and Third Place Ensemble as a Senior Division Competitor. Charlotte trained at CPYB for two years and then finalized her Pre Professional training back at SBC. Charlotte was trained to teach young dancers and all levels specifically by Ms. Skye. It has been a goal of Mr. and Mrs. Schissler to mentor Charlotte in her teacher training ever since her young age.
Charlotte was recently a Trainee at Charlotte Ballet where she danced many roles with the company. Feeling passionate about SBC, Charlotte has returned home to continue to support the Beauty, Joy and Passion of SBC by teaching, coaching and choreography. We are pleased to continue to support Charlotte and her pursuits and excited she will be attending George Mason University as a dance major.
"Skye Ballet Center has been my second home since I was 8 years old! Our community has truly touched my heart. The opportunity to work with such amazing colleagues and seeing our amazing students and community grow over the years has been so fulfilling. SBC is a place for everyone, all are welcome with open arms and smiling faces! Having such a positive environment is paramount, and I am so grateful to be working in a place that continues to prioritize that. Our studio is a home to many amazing memories for me, and I hope for all of our students and families. Teaching has brought me an immense sense of joy and purpose, and without this avenue I would not be who I am today. Remembering how encouraging Mrs. Skye was to me growing up motivates me
to always being a rock for the students, and to continue promoting artistry and individuality. Skye Ballet Center is truly one of a kind!"- Charlotte

Isabelle Evangelista trained for a number of years at Skye Ballet Center. She was featured in many roles in Skye Ballet Center productions and participated in Youth America Grand Prix, National Ballet Competition and the Etoile Competition.
Isabelle was Student teacher for three years as well as an assistant to Ms. Skye,. Isabelle has
Isabelle Evangelista trained for a number of years at Skye Ballet Center. She was featured in many roles in Skye Ballet Center productions and participated in Youth America Grand Prix, National Ballet Competition and the Etoile Competition.
Isabelle was Student teacher for three years as well as an assistant to Ms. Skye,. Isabelle has continued as a full time faculty member of SBC and staff support to Ms. Skye and Mr. Schissler. Isabelle was also a member of Gin Dance Company this past season.
Isabelle's positivity, gorgeous smile, gentle character and compassion for others are the perfect traits to be a successful teacher. She is adored and respected by students and parents alike.
We are proud to support Isabelle in her pursuits and proud to announce she will be attending James Madison University with a focus on Childhood Education.
"SBC is such a great community that I feel at home at. It has provided me the opportunity to grow as a dancer, teacher, and overall human being. It is an incredibly supportive and welcoming environment that I am proud to be a part of and call my home. SBC has truly been a huge part of my life that I am so grateful for. From being a student to now teaching at the studio, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the healthy environment SBC creates for the dancers to reach their full potential. "- Isabelle

Isabella Mudrick has been dancing for 16 years, the majority of her training at Skye Ballet Center, where she danced the roles of Clara, Sugar Plum, and Dewdrop in The Nutcracker, and the titular role in Cinderella, among others. Isabella was a multi-year participant in the prestigious Kennedy Center Master Class Series in Washington, DC
Isabella Mudrick has been dancing for 16 years, the majority of her training at Skye Ballet Center, where she danced the roles of Clara, Sugar Plum, and Dewdrop in The Nutcracker, and the titular role in Cinderella, among others. Isabella was a multi-year participant in the prestigious Kennedy Center Master Class Series in Washington, DC and has participated in various ballet competitions, including the Youth America Grand Prix semifinals where she placed top 12 three times and first place in the Senior Classical Division in 2019. She is now a scholarship member of BYU’s Theatre Ballet, where she has performed leading roles in Paquita, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Gerald Arpino’s Reflections (3rd pas) and Birthday Variations (pink girl), Odette in Swan Lake Romeo and Juliet and Giselle in their production of Giselle.
We are thrilled to have her back this summer at SBC teaching and sharing her inspiring beauty and talent.
"My time and training at SBC helped me refine my artistry and love for ballet in a supportive and passionate community. This is why teaching is so important to me— to help dancers find their reason for dancing and use the skills and benefits that come from their hard work to better themselves and those around them!"
- Isabella Mudrick

Isabelle ((zzy)Wolf trained at Skye Ballet Center. She has also trained summers at NW Dance Project, Motion X and Hope Boyken. Izzy was a select member of the Kennedy Center Contemporary Series for two years.
Izzy is a graduate of Point Park University Dance Program on scholarship.
Izzy has become an integral part of the SBC Summer Intensi
Isabelle ((zzy)Wolf trained at Skye Ballet Center. She has also trained summers at NW Dance Project, Motion X and Hope Boyken. Izzy was a select member of the Kennedy Center Contemporary Series for two years.
Izzy is a graduate of Point Park University Dance Program on scholarship.
Izzy has become an integral part of the SBC Summer Intensive as well as choreographer for our Contemporary Solos and group pieces.
Izzy is a strong force of creativity and talent!
Izzy has taught at SBC Summer Intensive the past few summers. They have also choreographed many solos and Ensemble pieces for SBC, including Otto which placed Third Place Ensemble and was invited to the YAGP Finals in 2022.
Izzy is currently a dance member of the Ciara Rivera Dance Company in Chicago.
"Skye Ballet Center and my SBC family will always be a welcoming and stable dance home that shaped me into the dancer I am today. SBC is more than just training — it shapes children into smart, poised, and diligent dancers who are inspired to achieve MORE!! Embracing artistry and coloring your world through professional grade dance training and leadership.
-Izzy Wolf
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