About Us
Mrs. Schissler, Artistic Director
Mr. Schissler , Executive Director
Mrs. Schissler, Artistic Director
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 grad
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
Mr. Schissler , Executive Director
Mrs. Schissler, Artistic Director
Mr. Schissler , Executive Director
Mr. Schissler , Executive Director
Mr. Schissler , Executive Director
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 Legum and Norman, Inc. He is currently the General Manager of MidTown at Reston Town Center . He is licensed as a CMCA, AMS and PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager).
Mr. and Mrs. Schissler run all the rehearsals and coaching for SBC Performance and Competitions. It is important to the Schissler's that we have a positive community for our dancers and families.
Skye Ballet Center Faculty 2022-2023
Shu Chen Cuff Pre Professional and Advanced Ballet Technique, Pointe and Contemporary
Madeline Skaggs Pre Professional, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Pilates, Pointe and Coaching
Madeline Skaggs Pre Professional, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Pilates, Pointe and Coaching
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
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.
Madeline Skaggs Pre Professional, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Pilates, Pointe and Coaching
Madeline Skaggs Pre Professional, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Pilates, Pointe and Coaching
Madeline Skaggs Pre Professional, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Pilates, Pointe and Coaching
Madeline Skaggs began her dance training at the age of eight. She
began her pre-professional training at Skye Ballet Center in 2013, under
the direction of Jody Skye Schissler and Allen Schissler. She attended
summer programs at Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, and
Madeline Skaggs began her dance training at the age of eight. She
began her pre-professional training at Skye Ballet Center in 2013, under
the direction of Jody Skye Schissler and Allen Schissler. She attended
summer programs at Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet West, and
American Ballet Theater. She furthered her education by joining the
School of Pennsylvania Ballet as a trainee and worked alongside the
company is George Balanchine's The Nutcracker and Angel Corella's
Le Corsaire. Madeline joined the Louisville Ballet as a Studio Company
Member in 2019. At Louisville Ballet she has had the opportunity to
perform roles in Ronald Hynd's The Merry Widow, Val Caniparoli's
The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Robert Curran's Giselle, Kentucky
Volume 1, and Swan Lake. She has performed in works by George
Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, Andread Schermoly and Adam Hougland.
We are thrilled to have Madeline return home and teach at Skye Ballet Center this year! Madeline has performed many leading roles in SBC productions over the years as well as taught , coached dancers and choreographed both Contemporary Solo and Ensemble pieces. She will be an excellent addition in guiding the Beauty , Joy and Passion of SBC.
Karisa Skiba Advanced and Pre Professional Ballet Technique Pointe Variations and Pilates
Madeline Skaggs Pre Professional, Advanced and Intermediate Ballet Technique, Pilates, Pointe and Coaching
Karisa Skiba Advanced and Pre Professional Ballet Technique Pointe Variations and Pilates
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.
Faculty
Kimberly Jewert Intermediate Advanced and Pre Professional Contemporary Ballet
Kimberly Jewert Intermediate Advanced and Pre Professional Contemporary Ballet
Kimberly Jewert Intermediate Advanced and Pre Professional Contemporary Ballet
- Kimberly Jewart began her dance training in Heidelberg, Germany with Carolyn Carratini (RAD) and Henryk Szymczak performing with the Heidelberg Ballett. She continued her ballet studies in the U.S. with Priscilla Crommelin-Ball (Harkness Ballet), David Anderson (SF Ballet) and Don Steffy (ABT). She received her modern dance training at Ge
- Kimberly Jewart began her dance training in Heidelberg, Germany with Carolyn Carratini (RAD) and Henryk Szymczak performing with the Heidelberg Ballett. She continued her ballet studies in the U.S. with Priscilla Crommelin-Ball (Harkness Ballet), David Anderson (SF Ballet) and Don Steffy (ABT). She received her modern dance training at George Mason University (recipient of Excellence in Choreography Award) and on scholarship at the Ailey School. Kimberly has had the pleasure of working with teaching artists and choreographers Dan Joyce, Susan Shields, Buffy Price, Jan Erkert, Scott Rink, Kraig Patterson, Earl Moses, Ana Marie Forsythe, Elizabeth Roxas, Zvi Gotheiner, Danny Pelzig and Urban Bush Women. She has performed professionally for Adrienne Clancy/Clancyworks and Helanius J. Wilkins in DC, the Montgomery Ballet in AL and Labco Dance and Pittsburgh Opera in PA.
- Her more recent endeavors include performing as a principal dancer for Sean Curran at NYC Opera (3 seasons), St Louis Opera Theatre, Minnesota Opera, Chicago Opera, and Portland Opera. While in NYC, Kimberly served as Artistic Director and Choreographer for Orquidea Dance creating works for the Williamsburg Arts Nexus, Duke Theater, Dance Space, DanceNOW NYC, HATCH, and the International Dance Festival. She is a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and certified Instructor of Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
- Progressing Ballet Technique is an innovative program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best in classical ballet. This program has been met with outstanding success, improving students’ understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment for many decades.
Isabelle Evangelista Young Dancer and Intermediate Ballet Technique
Kimberly Jewert Intermediate Advanced and Pre Professional Contemporary Ballet
Kimberly Jewert Intermediate Advanced and Pre Professional Contemporary Ballet
SBC dancer Isabelle Evangelista is part of our faculty as a teacher and rehearsal assistant for our lower division.
Not only do we train great dancers, but we believe in training the next generation of teachers. Several of our Alumni have continued to teach along with pursuing careers. A wonderful asset!
Isabelle has studied at SBC the p
SBC dancer Isabelle Evangelista is part of our faculty as a teacher and rehearsal assistant for our lower division.
Not only do we train great dancers, but we believe in training the next generation of teachers. Several of our Alumni have continued to teach along with pursuing careers. A wonderful asset!
Isabelle has studied at SBC the past four years and has danced in several SBC productions.
Isabelle has participated in the SBC Performance Training Group and competed in YAGP.
Isabelle has been assisting in teaching the Young Dancer classes for the past three years and is also a support staff member to Mr. and Mrs. Schissler.
Isabelle's positivity, gorgeous smile, gentle character and compassion for others are the perfect traits to be a successful teacher and happy to guide her in that direction.
Jasmine Roberts Intermediate Advanced Pre Professional Ballet Technique
Kimberly Jewert Intermediate Advanced and Pre Professional Contemporary Ballet
Jasmine Roberts Intermediate Advanced Pre Professional Ballet Technique
Jasmine began training with Mrs. Skye at the age of 3 and has followed The Schissler’s ever since!
Joined Skye Ballet Center when it first opened back in 2012 . Jasmine was SBC's first Snow Queen. She ttrained with Mr. and Mrs. Schissler up until her graduation performance in 2013. Jasmine has worked with multiple companies around the g
Jasmine began training with Mrs. Skye at the age of 3 and has followed The Schissler’s ever since!
Joined Skye Ballet Center when it first opened back in 2012 . Jasmine was SBC's first Snow Queen. She ttrained with Mr. and Mrs. Schissler up until her graduation performance in 2013. Jasmine has worked with multiple companies around the globe including, ABT, Julliard, Ballet West, The Washington Ballet, Suzanne Farrell Ballet and New York City Ballet. Selected as a finalist for The Kennedy Center Master Class Series for 3 consecutive years throughout High School and attended Summer Intensives with Juilliard and Ballet West. Shortly after graduation Jasmine attended George Mason where she received her BA in Tourism and Events Management. Jasmine has always loved working with kids all ages and has grown up teaching ballet, assisting with summer programs, and has worked in multiple childcare facilities. She now lives in Reston VA with her fiancé and works for a nonprofit education and career excellence company called DECA as their Programs Coordinator. At age 27, she continues to take classes when she can and holds her love for ballet and the performing arts very close to her heart! She is extremely excited to start teaching classes again and begin working with the family that she grew up with.
Charlotte Zatterstrom Intermediate Advanced Pre Professional Division
Annabelle Adams Guest Faculty
Jasmine Roberts Intermediate Advanced Pre Professional Ballet Technique
Charlotte 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
Charlotte 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 further her training, teaching and choreography. We are thrilled to have Charlotte back at SBC to teach, coach and perform in our productions.
Annabelle Adams Guest Faculty
Annabelle Adams Guest Faculty
Annabelle Adams Guest Faculty
Annabelle began her training with Mrs. Skye in 2013. She grew up in Skye Ballet Center and began volunteering as a teaching assistant at age 12. Annabelle has both taught and choreographed for Skye Ballet Center. She spent three summers training at the School of American Ballet and one summer at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Annabelle has
Annabelle began her training with Mrs. Skye in 2013. She grew up in Skye Ballet Center and began volunteering as a teaching assistant at age 12. Annabelle has both taught and choreographed for Skye Ballet Center. She spent three summers training at the School of American Ballet and one summer at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Annabelle has placed in the Top 12 Junior and Senior Divisions at YAGP. Annabelle has also been the recipient of the Ballet in the City Scholarship and the E. John Busser Ballet Scholarship.
From 2018-2020 she studied as a trainee with the Cincinnati Ballet. Roles that she has performed include Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Corps in George Balanchine’s Valse Fantasie, Waltz and Swan Corps in Kirk Peterson’s Swan Lake, Liberty Bell Solo from George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes and Emerald in Pamela Robinson’s Aladdin.
Annabelle recently danced with the San Jose Dance Theater , where she was featured as Princess Florine in their production of Sleeping Beauty.
Cheryl Burnett SBC Support Staff
Annabelle Adams Guest Faculty
Annabelle Adams Guest Faculty
Cheryl Burnett, or "Ms. Cheryl" as she has lovingly been called all these years at SBC, remains an important part of SBC. Since the inception of SBC, Ms. Cheryl has been involved in helping with all of the SBC productions and overseeing the younger level dancers. Ms. Cheryl has taught the Pre Ballet classes, under the guidance and trainin
Cheryl Burnett, or "Ms. Cheryl" as she has lovingly been called all these years at SBC, remains an important part of SBC. Since the inception of SBC, Ms. Cheryl has been involved in helping with all of the SBC productions and overseeing the younger level dancers. Ms. Cheryl has taught the Pre Ballet classes, under the guidance and training of Ms. Skye. Ms. Cheryl grew up in Reston Virginia and trained with Ms. Skye at the Conservatory Ballet as a young child. When she heard of the opening of SBC, she immediately wanted to be involved. Ms. Cheryl will continue as a supportive SBC team member .