Faculty
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Alyssa Minogue
Owner of Creative Edge Academy
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Artistic Director Creative Edge Dance Academy
NWICreativeEdgeDanceAcademy@gmail.com
Alyssa Minogue started her dance journey at the age of 3 as a tiny dancer, later realizing her real passion was teaching and choreographing. By the age of 15 she was co-coaching The Clifford Pierce Middle School dance team and choreographing for local schools. While in high school she spent a year on the Merrillville High School Varsity Dance Team, before turning to online schooling to focus on her dance training and career in the dance industry.
During that time she was blessed to train under some of the dance industry's elite leaders while also building and designing a well-rounded dance program, tailored for the Hobart YMCA. She spent 3 successful years as the artistic director of that program.
She then opened her own studio, Creative Edge Dance Academy, at the age of 19. There she took on all roles: owner, head teacher, artistic director and director of her pre-professional dance company, CEDA Co. After taking a year hiatus to travel, teach and study she is excited to be back as co-owner of Creative Edge Academy. Creative Edge Academy, offers a variety of classes for recreation and pre-professional dancers and musicians. Alyssa will be resuming her roles as co-owner, head dance instructor, artistic director of her pre-professional dance company, CEDA Co. as well as director of CEA's dance program.
Alyssa specializes in technique, jazz, jazz funk, lyrical and heels .
Alyssa is known for her passionate, enthusiastic and inspiring energy she brings to her classes and is known for developing strong bonds of trust and respect between her and her dancers.
"I teach to inspire and enliven" -Miss Alyssa
Will Akins
Owner of Creative Edge Academy
&
Director Creative Edge Performance Academy
NWICreativeEdgePerformance@gmail.com
William Akins is not just an entertainer; he is a passionate artist, a visionary director, and an inspirational coach whose heart beats for the vibrant communities of Northwest Indiana and the Chicago Land Area. His unwavering commitment to learning, to evolve, and to chase his dreams has propelled him into the hallways of greatness, where he has had the honor of studying under remarkable mentors. At Vincennes University, he immersed himself in the soul-stirring world of voice under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Latta and Dr. Lisa Miller, whose teachings became the bedrock of his artistry. He honed his piano skills with the brilliant Dr. Dan Miller, where he unlocked the magic of improvisation and the art of accompaniment.
Will’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there; he delved into the intricacies of choral conducting under the brilliant Dr. Scott Buchannan at Indiana State University. As a proud member of the Gamma Omega Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha at ISU, he carries a piece of that brotherhood with him, forever thankful for the bonds forged in pursuit of musical excellence.
In the heart of this community, Will is not just a participant; he is an ardent supporter and a driving force within the local theatre circuit. For nearly a decade, he graced the stage with Ross Music Theatre, forming lasting friendships with the Reinhart family and contributing his talents to various productions behind the scenes. Through his tireless dedication to community, collegiate, and regional theatre, "Mr. Will" has been blessed with the incredible opportunity to leave his mark on iconic productions like “Les Misérables” as a swing and Javert understudy, “The Phantom of the Opera” as M. Andres, “Cabaret” as the daring Emcee, and “Six: Teen Edition” as the vocal director, among others.
Today, Will channels his passion into his role as the music director of St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point, where he nurtures a love for music within the community. Additionally, he serves as a regional tour director for a dance competition, inspiring the next generation of performers with every beat of the drum. William Akins isn’t just building a career; he is weaving an intricate tapestry of art, love, and community, one performance at a time. Mr. Akins is excited to share is love of music with NWI as he takes on his best role yet as owner of Creative Edge Academy and Director of their performance program.
