Marianne Hakanson, Artistic Director
m.hakanson@madanceproject.com
Marianne Hakanson has been training in the art of dance since the age of 3. Her training began in upstate New York at the American Dance Center and Glens Falls Ballet and Dance Center. She has had the privilege of taking Master Classes with well known choreographers and dancers throughout New York State. In Austin is where she has had the opportunity to choreograph and teach for local dance companies and drill teams, as well as performing in the Austin community. Her unique style and experience has made her an outstanding teacher, choreographer and dancer.

Lyndsee Bates, Faculty Member
lyndseebates@hotmail.com
Lyndsee Bates has been studying dance for over 20 years, taking many genres of dance at studios in and around the Boise Idaho Valley. She was a member of the National Ranked Harvey Neef Mane Line Dancers from Boise State University, where she attended the Collegiate United Dance Association and United Spirit Association National Competitions in Las Vegas. Lyndsee continues her choreography in Austin and Idaho for drill and dance teams. We are proud to have Lyndsee part our faculty

Colleen Burt, Faculty Member
tapshoes4@hotmail.com
Colleen began dancing at the age of 2 in Chicago and continued her training through Wisconsin. Colleen has received many accomplishments including "Most Valuable Dancer" Award, UDA All Star Team (invited to perform in France), competed with the West Side Performing Arts Senior Company, receiving many awards at "Tremaine" Dance Conventions. She has also choreographed for local community theaters in Wisconsin, as well as working with local high school dance teams. This is Colleens third season at M.A. Dance Project and we are so excited to have her part of our team.

Kara Liotta, Guest Instructor
k.liotta@mail.utexas.edu
Performances Austin Toros Dance Team 2005-2006 Back Up Dancer for Faith Hill on ABC’s “The View” 2005
Steel Dance Company “Breaking Realms” 2005
Training
Ballet , Tap, Jazz, Modern
Broadway Dance Center in NYC Intern
University of Texas Austin Dance Department
We are thrilled to have Kara part of our Faculty!

Erin Sullivan, Guest Instructor
esullivan_1126@mail.utexas.edu
Erin, a native of Houston, Texas, began her dance training at Houston Academy of Dance. Early dance influences include Kenneth Epting, Ginger Herrera and Holley Owens. While attending Cypress Springs High School, Erin was member of the Cypress Springs Panteras, and served as Captain in 2003-2004. She was inspired to continue dancing in the sport arena as a member of the Austin Toros' Capital City Dancers in the 2005-2006 season. Erin is currently studying at the University of Texas at Austin and is earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. We are pleased to have Erin part of our Faculty!

Megan Rushing, Faculty Member
mdr218@mail.utexas.edu
Megan Rushing has had a lifelong commitment to the dance industry since the age of 2. She is a graduate from Rockwall High School in Rockwall, Texas. She is currently continuing her education at the University of Texas as a BFA dance major studying choreography and performance. Her dance experiences range from jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop to modern, ballet, and pilate's.
She has performed and danced with STEEL Dance Company in Austin, Tx as well as XD2 Dance Company in Dallas, Tx.
Megan has done choreography for company concerts and competitions, cheerleading performances, and auditioning drill team members.
Megan not only has a true passion for dance, but also for the fine art of teaching it. She aims to produce dedicated, disciplined, and skilled dancers using the proper techniques. She has taught many age groups and dance disciplines throughout her career and is looking forward to working with the staff and students at MA Dance Project!

Craig Hakanson, Office