Alumni

Anissa Mohler

Belhaven University

Anissa is currently at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After graduation, she plans to perform with a modern dance company while teaching dance.

“My time at Cavod prepared me well for the transition to a collegiate dance program. I loved my time at Cavod, and am grateful to have received all of my early dance training in such a positive environment.”

Annika Blake

Southern New Hampshire University

Annika attended Cavod during her junior and senior year of high school and was a senior dancer with Citylight Dance Theatre. Since graduating high school, she has continued her training at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet and is a substitute dance instructor at various studios, including Cavod. Outside of the dance world, she’s working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology online at Southern New Hampshire University and plans to obtain a master’s degree in Archaeology.

“I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to train and perform with Cavod.”

Audrey Pavlica

After graduating in May 2023, Audrey is now a freshman pursuing a college degree in Vocal Performance and Psychology. She is also planning to pursue a certification in both music education and piano pedagogy. In addition to her studies, Audrey is involved in her school’s ballet company as well as on the worship team for weekly worship nights.

“Cavod has helped prepare me for college by providing me with a foundation of technique as a performer, along with leading me to have a strong anchor on the Lord which allows me to glorify God and show His love to others through the arts.”

Ella Wanner

Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory

Ella Wanner is 18 years old and currently training with the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s professional training division. After attending Cavod for 3 ½ years, Ella was motivated to pursue ballet professionally, and moved to Connecticut to join Nutmeg’s high school boarding program. Ella has also spent a summer training at Master Ballet Academy, a top five globally ranked summer intensive. While at Nutmeg, Ella has performed several exciting roles such as Dewdrop in The Nutcracker, several of the Sleeping Beauty fairies, and Swanhilda from Coppelia. As her high school training now draws to a close, she plans to join a professional company in the fall to begin her journey as a professional ballet dancer!

“Cavod will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first dance studio, and as a dancer who began her ballet training at the age of 12, finding the motivation to pursue such a meticulously challenging art form while having a late start was very difficult, but the support of such wonderful teachers at Cavod inspired me to do so. Though choosing to leave home at 16 to chase this dream was incredibly hard, knowing that I can always return to the support and wisdom of my former teachers at Cavod is a blessing.”

Gavin Haas

Richmond Ballet, Zion Dance Project

Gavin began his dance training at Cavod when he was 10 before transitioning to the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory at age 16. He then danced with Richmond Ballet as a trainee until God redirected his plans after suffering a major knee injury. In 2023, Gavin joined Zion Dance Project in Dallas, where he is currently teaching and performing.

“Since leaving home, Cavod has been one of my favorite places to come home to, and the people there have helped me through so many struggles, like homesickness, anxiety, and injury. Cavod is like a family to me.”

Richard Weaver

The Fulton Theatre, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Servant Stage

Richard began his journey with Cavod 12 years ago, immersing himself in community theatre shows and attending Acting Classes whenever possible. In recent years, he has directed junior shows such as Elf Jr and Seussical Jr for Cavod’s summer camps and joined Cavod’s faculty in 2023. Since 2018, Richard has been working professionally as a performer. Growing up in Lancaster County, he has showcased his talents in various local theaters, including The Fulton Theatre, The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, and Servant Stage, among others. Some of his favorite roles include Ensemble in Treasure Island at the Fulton Theatre and Laurie in Little Women at Cavod Theatre. Currently, Richard is involved in multiple projects including The Home Game at the Bird-in-Hand Stage, a Swing for Mystery at the Magic and Wonder Dinner Theatre, and Piercing Word’s Advents of Christmas!

Zoe Halvorsen

Steps on Broadway Conservatory

Zoe danced at Cavod during her junior and senior year of high school and she considers it her forever dance home. She joined Ornate Dance Theatre for a half season during the fall of 2022 before moving to Kona, Hawaii to join a performing arts discipleship training school called Heartbridge. With Heartbridge, she traveled to both England and South Korea while sharing the gospel and performing in all kinds of different places. Currently she is training in New York City at the Steps on Broadway Conservatory where she studies a variety of different dance styles as well as receives vocal and acting training. She’s had the opportunity to do summer studies at the London Contemporary Dance School and Springs Dance Company over the past few years.

“My time at Cavod has instilled so much confidence in my identity as a daughter of the King, which has translated so beautifully into how I see myself as a performer. My Cavod family continues to support me daily, and I will never take my years at Cavod for granted.”

Shenan Hall

Certified Acro Instructor

Shenan has been with Cavod for the past 12 years and post graduation has continued her training and performance career with Ornate Dance Theater. She’s been an active member of the Cavod Mission Team and has traveled to Switzerland, Brazil, and South Africa sharing her love for Christ and the performing arts with their local communities. Post-graduation, Shenan pursued her Module 1 and Module 2 teacher certifications with Acrobatic Arts and has been teaching  and sharing her love for Acro at Cavod ever since!

“My time at Cavod has allowed me to walk in what the Lord has called me to with mission work and to be able to use my giftings and passions for Him. I will be forever grateful for the teachers and leaders that encouraged me and held me to a high standard in my dance technique and in my walk with the Lord.”

Jada Correll

Zion Dance Project

After graduating, Jada moved to Dallas, Texas where she is a part of Zion Dance Project’s Residency program. She is dancing 5 days a week in styles such as ballet, modern/Horton, jazz, African fusion, and more. She is also enjoying learning deeper ways to use dance to worship the Lord and further His kingdom.

“Cavod has been a crucial part of my dance training and childhood. I started at Cavod in 2013 with musical theatre shows and fell in love with performing. I then transferred all my dance training to Cavod in the next couple years. I grew so much in my technique and artistry, as well as learning how to incorporate my faith with my dance. I would highly recommend Cavod for any student that wants to get serious with dance, but also you get to find lifelong friends and amazing teachers.”

Sierra Anastasi

The Fulton, Silver Dollar City

Sierra spent over 13 years at Cavod where she advanced through the classes, joined their performing company, became a teacher’s assistant, and then instructor for various styles. Along with 20+ hours of dance every week, she was heavily involved with Cavod Theatre, where she caught the theatre bug early and never looked back. Sierra moved to the Central Coast of California to pursue musical theatre at Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Since graduating, she has been working professionally on the east coast, west coast, and in-between; some of her favoriterolesinclude Liesl in The Sound of Music, Lucinda/Dance Captain/LittleRedUS inInto the Woods, Alanna/Ariel Body Double in The Little Mermaid(PCPA), White Christmas(The Fulton), and Saloon Girl/Dance Captain (Silver Dollar City Saloon Show).

“Without Cavod, I would not be the performer or person I am today. Cavod gave me the opportunity to focus on both dance and theatre while also teaching me how to be a strong believer in the industry.”

Mariana Lapp

Sarasota Ballet

Mariana is currently part of the trainee program with The Sarasota Ballet, a ballet focused program designed to help dancers prepare for a professional company career. She danced with Cavod from the age of six and enjoyed taking classes with the different styles and teachers offered throughout the years.

“I am thankful for all that I have learned during my time at Cavod, and for the positive environment found in the studio.”