Faculty & Staff

Mr. R. Anthony Schweighardt, Artistic Director

In the foundational years of Mr. Schweighardt's training he trained in Ballet (Vaganova), Modern (Limón & Graham), Jazz (Fosse), Ballroom (Salsa, Cha Cha, Waltz & East Coast Swing), Tap and had extensive training in gymnastics. Mr. Schweighardt took part in many musicals such as Hairspray, Crazy For You, A Chorus Line, Les Misérables, and West Side Story with a local youth company and had the honor of workshopping two original Off-Broadway shows.

Upon graduating high school Mr. Schweighardt embarked on a professional dance career that allowed him to work for several prestigious companies across the country. Including the honor of dancing with Charlotte Ballet under the esteemed direction of Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, followed by tenures at Ballet Tucson, Carolina Ballet Theatre, Ballet Virginia, and Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota. Throughout Mr. Schweighardt's professional career, he not only performed in many notable works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Ohad Naharin, Alonzo King, Dwight Rhoden, Twyla Tharp, and Jiři Kylián but also remained committed to teaching and furthering his education in dance pedagogy. After a fulfilling year with Twin Cities Ballet, Mr. Schweighardt retired from performing to dedicate himself fully to teaching—a passion that has driven him for over 12 years.

Mr. Schweighardt's teaching experience has spanned respected institutions such as Charlotte Ballet, Ballet Virginia, Gaston School of Dance, Louis Nunnery School of Ballet and many local competitive studios where he has successfully helped shape the next generation of dancers. In addition to Mr. Schweighardt's extensive professional experience, he holds numerous certifications that enhance his teaching capabilities. Mr. Schweighardt is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor and holds certifications in Alixa Flexibility (Levels 1-5), Acrobatic Arts (Levels Primary-Pre Pro 3), ABT National Training Curriculum (Pre Primary-Level 5), Bolshoi Ballet (Pre Ballet-Level 1) and a Personal Training Certification specializing in Performance Enhancement and Youth Sports. Mr. Schweighardt's experience as a certified personal trainer has further deepened his understanding of physical conditioning, strength, flexibility and the importance of a balanced training regime.

Throughout Mr. Schweighardt's career, he has choreographed for various companies, including Charlotte Ballet, Ballet Tucson, and Ballet Virginia as well as many ballet and competitive dance studios. His works range from full-length ballets such as "Peter Pan" and "Nutcracker" to shorter company works and competitive dance pieces. His contemporary ballet works have won choreographic specific competitions and have earned numerous choreography awards from regional dance competitions. Additionally, Mr. Schweighardt has taken over 35 soloists to YAGP where students have found success in solo and ensemble placements.

With a deep commitment to both the art and the science of dance, Mr. Schweighardt aims to inspire, challenge, and guide each student toward achieving their fullest potential, blending his rich professional background with a passion for teaching and continuous learning.

Lexi Bateman - Young Dancer Division & Classical Training Division

Lexi Bateman, originally from Centennial, Colorado, received her foundational training at Denver Ballet Theatre, specializing in the Vaganova method of classical ballet and character techniques. She also trained under Cornell Callendar at the National Ballet North Ballet Denver (now the National Ballet North Ballet New York) before moving to Nebraska to attend Creighton University. Her passion for teaching and choreography blossomed in college. In addition to performing with the Creighton Dance Company, she choreographed and staged pieces for both collegiate and professional performers in Omaha and Denver. In 2023, Lexi graduated from Creighton's Honors Program with a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science and a dance minor. Following graduation, she moved to Saint Paul to dance with Ballet Co.Laboratory and shares her love of classical ballet with her students in the Twin Cities area.

Sage Engle-Laird - Classical Training Division & Professional Training Division

Sage began dance classes at a young age in her hometown, Tulsa, OK. In 2010 she joined the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education, and two years later she moved to New York City to train with Sara Knight at the SLK Ballet School. While in school, Sage attended summer programs at Ballet Austin, Oklahoma City Ballet, English National Ballet, Houston Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet North Ballet in NYC, Kirov North Ballet of Washington DC, and the Rock School for Dance Education. Following graduation, she has had the opportunity to dance professionally with Ballet Austin, Ballet Tucson, Alabama Ballet, and Ballet Virginia. In 2020 Sage joined Ballet Co.Laboratory in St Paul, MN as a Company Artist and is also currently the Outreach Manager. Throughout her career, Sage has performed in an array of classical and contemporary ballets including Firebird, The Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Swan Lake, La Fille Mal Gardée, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Walpurgisnacht, and works by Zoé Henrot, Peter Davison, Joseph Morrissey, Kinsun Chan, Lydia Roberts-Coco, Nadine Barton, Jennifer Hart, Stephen Mills, and Septime Webre. Along with her professional career, Sage has years of experience as a ballet and Pilates instructor and is completing a Kinesiology BS at the University of Minnesota.

Ms. Maddy Werner, Classical Training Division & Professional Training Division

Maddy Werner began her dance training with nine years at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, most notably by Daniel and Julie Blake. During her time under their direction, she had the opportunity to perform multiple original works with James Sewell Ballet, who collaborated with the studio for several years.

When she was 15, she was accepted into Houston Ballet Ben Stevenson’s Academy Summer Intensive Program. While attending the summer program, she was offered and accepted a full scholarship into the year-round program. She trained with the Houston Ballet Academy for two years, during which she had the opportunity to perform in the Nutcracker with the professional company. Maddy also completed one summer program with the Orlando Ballet in Orlando, Florida, where she was offered a Traineeship, but she ultimately declined.

When she was 18, she accepted a position with the Lexington Ballet Company in Lexington, Kentucky. She performed roles in The Nutcracker and Cinderella, but, unfortunately, her career came to an end before her first season even came to a close due to an injury. The following year, Maddy took a position as the head ballet instructor at Diamond School of Dance in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. During her time there, She instructed students from age five up to adult classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Conditioning classes.

While Maddy enjoyed teaching, she desired a change in her life, and she ultimately ended up attending college in Minnesota for Law Enforcement. She graduated in 2016 from Alexandria Technical and Community College with an AS in Law Enforcement. She accepted a job with South Lake Minnetonka Police Department in Shorewood, Minnesota, in February 2017, and held the position of Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer for nearly four years before retiring. During her time as a Police Officer, she continued to be a guest teacher at studios throughout the metro area.

Ms. Werner joined the North Ballet team in 2021 instructing dancers in the Complete Classical Ballet Program, choreographing for Nutcracker, and acting as Artistic Director producing and staging the classical ballet, Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty.

Ms. Makayla Wiser

Jazz Instructor, Acrobatic Arts Instructor

Makayla Wiser grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood years dancing at two local dance schools where she competed nationally for eight years. Ms. Wiser trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Lyrical, & Contemporary Dance.

In addition to 3 years of teacher training, Ms. Wiser has taught students of all ages for over 7 years. In previous years, Ms. Wiser served in the role of Head Contemporary Instructor, introducing it into the dance program at an established school of dance. Additionally, she served as the Head Tap Instructor in addition to instructing students in Ballet Technique, Strength, and Core, Stretch and Strength classes, Jazz routines, Lyrical, and Competitive Kick routines. In 2023, Ms. Wiser successfully completed her certification in Acrobatic training, and launched North Ballet's Acrobatic Arts program.

Outside of teaching at North Ballet, Ms. Wiser serves in the Minnesota Army National Guard along with her husband who is active duty. She has had the honor of receiving a personal Governor's Award for outstanding service during events of 2020 & 2021 and assisted in the mission of containing the Duluth wildfires in 2021.

As a member of the North Ballet team, Ms. Wiser sets out to uphold the North Ballet culture which strives to make everyone feel welcome and a part of the North Ballet Family. Ms. Wiser hopes to challenge her dancers in the classroom and on the stage, inspiring them to grow both in technique and artistry.

Ms. Amanda Hooper, Young Dancer Division

Amanda Hooper has been dancing since she was three years old. Coming from a Military family, having dance was a way for Amanda to always have a way to make friends and fit in while moving around the country. When Amanda was in middle school her family settled in the midwest where she continued her dance training with a few small studios across Illinois and Wisconsin. Ms. Hooper’s passion in dance was always ballet and she loved the years she spent dancing en pointe. Her passion for dance traveled over into her Musical Theater world over the years. In her High School and College years, Amanda earned many different awards in the world of the Arts from local to national level recognition. She loves being able to share a passion for dance with her two girls who have been attending North Ballet since the moved to the area.

Ms. Hooper’s own dance career and passion took a back seat when she decided to enter the US Army. Amanda Hooper spent eight years in the US Army with a deployment to Iraq from 2003-2005. Her time in the service was spent as a combat medic for a fuel refilling unit. Due to injuries occurred during her deployment, dancing was not able to be a dream moving forward. Amanda learned that she loved to teach others the joy and passion of dance. She has taught beginner level ballet, tumbling, tap, musical theater, and dance team coaching.

Currently Ms. Hooper resides in Elk River, MN with her three kiddos and husband. She has recently graduated with her Masters of Psychology degree in Military Psychology. She works as a Senior Outreach Specialist for Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans working to house homeless veterans every day.

Ms. Katelyn Duffy, Young Dancer Division

Ms. Katelyn Duffy found her passion for dance at the age of 3 when she was gifted her first pair of ballet slippers and tap shoes! She trained at a studio in Spokane, Washington and performed and competed in the genres of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater, and modern. Alongside her studio dancing, Ms. Duffy also performed with her high school dance/drill team, color guard, and cheerleading squad.

Ms. Duffy attended Brigham Young University-Idaho where her passion for dance followed her throughout her studies. Katelyn performed with the collegiate dance team, was a student lead director and performer for the BYU-Idaho Spirit Dance Team, and completed a dance focus program where she studied ballet, tap, modern, ballroom, social and world dance. Ms. Duffy earned a bachelor's degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Public Health.

Ms. Duffy also has a passion for fostering the love of dance in others through teaching. She has taught dance at a variety of echelons over the last 15 years. Her love for teaching dance, paired with her creativity and passion for choreography, has resulted in many award winning choreography routines.

Most recently, Ms. Duffy has been a Dance Director at a local studio in Ramsey, MN, choreographer for a local gymnastics club, and has been a judge and choreographer for the Rogers Middle School/High School Cheer program.

In addition to her time spent dancing and teaching, Ms. Duffy is a wife and a mother to four beautiful daughters. In her spare time she can be found boating with her family on Big Lake, cheering on the sidelines at her oldest daughter’s soccer tournaments, and volunteering with her church’s youth program and a local non-profit organization. Ms. Duffy is so excited to join North Ballet and feels so honored to continue sharing her love and appreciation for dance!

Administrative Team

Ms. Jennifer Bicknese, Administrative Director

Jennifer Bicknese resides in Otsego, MN along with her husband and two children. Together they enjoy the outdoors and love spending summer weekends traveling and adventuring in their camper. Jennifer enjoys being a part of her children’s activities including Ballet, Baseball, and Fishing.

Although Jennifer did not grow up dancing, she has always enjoyed and appreciated the arts. At the age of five, her daughter asked to study Ballet, and together they found North Ballet. It didn’t take long for both Jennifer and her daughter to fall head over heals for the art of Ballet and for the North Ballet community!

After 15 wonderful years in Public Education as a fifth-grade teacher, Jennifer decided to pursue new dreams which lead her to a position on staff at North Ballet. Her experience as a North Ballet parent over the years lended itself well to a transition into a staff role. As the Administrative Director of North Ballet, Jennifer will be able to continue to use her organizational and administrative skills acquired during her years in Education. Jennifer is also pleased to be able to continue to work with and inspire the next generation of leaders and artists through her interactions with the dancers of North Ballet.

Katie Sem Kocinski, Executive Director, North Ballet Founder

Katie Sem Kocinski grew up studying classical ballet and Modern dance at the Minnetonka Dance Theater and School under the instruction of Ms. Marianne Simons. During her ballet studies, she grew to love the art of ballet and came to appreciate the creative freedom found in artistry. Ms. Sem Kocinski enjoyed performing in Loyce Holton's Nutcracker as a young child, and spent years in various roles in the MDTS annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet. Beyond her childhood, Ms. Sem Kocinski grew into an accomplished educational leader, entrepreneur, and community builder with an unwavering dedication to fostering growth and excellence. While working in educational settings, she discovered gaps in Arts opportunties in the Twin Cities’ Northwest Suburban area. Her entrepreneurial spirit ignited and in 2009 she founded North Ballet Academy and in 2010 established the North Ballet Youth Company 501(c)3. In both organizations, she carved a niche for youth and the community to experience exceptional ballet instruction and performance, establishing the academy as a community pillar through meticulous planning, collaborative fundraising, and intentional relationship-building. Ms. Sem Kocinski considers it an honor to hold a position at North Ballet that serves to support and encourage the staff, create effective business systems, and foster the development of the next generation of dancers.

Ms. Racheal Montoya, Administrative Assistant

Ms. Montoya began her journey with North Ballet as a “ballet mom” in 2014 when her little dancer was just two years old.

During her years at North Ballet, Racheal became known as a chaperone extraordinaire, happily attending to dancers backstage at every show. She quickly became a go-to person for studio families!

Ms. Montoya’s experience as a “ballet mom” helped her to become familiar with the happenings of North Ballet, making her transition to Administrative Assistant a natural one.

Ms. Montoya has always had an affinity for the arts, including music, dance, and the visual arts, including the art of makeup. Racheal studied Theater and Stage makeup and Prosthetics/Special Effects makeup, and worked professionally as a makeup artist. She is always happy to share her expertise with North Ballet students and families. Racheal is happy to be a part of the North Ballet team!