Mark Krupinski | Artistic Director / Choreographer

Mark Krupinski is a native St. Louisan. He is regarded nationally, as well as locally, as an accomplished performer, master teacher and choreographer. Mr. Krupinski is a member of Actors Equity, Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America and the National Association of Dance Affiliated Artists. He has studied with nationally renowned dance instructors Gus Giordano, Michael Simms and Luigi. Mr. Krupinski has danced in more than nine productions at The Muny, where he also served as Assistant Choreographer. In 1976, he was with the American Dance Machine in Newport, Rhode Island and he has danced in many productions at Kansas City’s Starlight Theater.

Since 1970, Mr. Krupinski has taught at his own Krupinski Academy of Dance and, for several years, at Webster University. Mr. Krupinski has instructed many workshops and master classes in Atlanta, Chicago and Milwaukee. He has won several national awards for choreography. He brings a rich background of experience and talent to the American Dance Troupe of St.Louis.

Ashley Krupinski-Canale | Co-Director / Choreographer

From ages 7-18, Ashley was a member of American Dance Troupe, Muny Kids and Muny Teens, and performed in over 25 mainstage shows at The Muny. After graduation from Visitation Academy in 2004, Ashley became a member of the world renowned “Young Americans”. During her time with the “YA”s, she performed as a cast member of the “Boyne Highlands Dinner Theater” in Harbor Springs, MI, performed and taught on tour in Germany, Holland, England, Scotland, California, and the southern region of America, and danced in “The Magic of Christmas” show at the La Mirada Theater in Los Angeles. After touring, Ashley was honored with a staff position for Dance Excellence in Los Angeles. She then became a member of Actor’s Equity Association and has performed at The Muny as part of the adult ensemble. During the 20o7 season, she was honored to be Assistant Choreographer for Liza Gennaro.

Ashley has trained not only with Krupinski Academy and Young Americans, but also studied with some of the top dance instructors at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS (both located in NYC) and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. In 2009, Ashley moved to Paris France to attend the Paris Fashion Institute, where she worked with some of the leading professionals in the fashion industry.

Not only is Ashley teaching at Krupinski Academy, she has also started her own photography studio (Kdottie Photography). Along with her mom Caren, they have started an accessory company, Kdottie Designs, creating fun and couture headbands sold all over the world.

 Miss Suzanne Caudera | Choreographer / Instructor

Suzanne graduated from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville with a degree in Informational Systems. She currently works in the field of Information Technology. Suzanne studied dance for 15 years before becoming an instructor. In her spare time Suzanne takes kickboxing classes and likes to travel.

Hannah DuBois | Choreographer / Instructor

Hannah DuBois was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. She started ballet classes at the age of three and received her dance training through the Somerset Ballet School and the Kansas City Ballet School. While at the Kansas City Ballet, Hannah had the opportunity to dance a variety of children’s roles in The Nutcracker for many Christmas seasons, and was also a member of the junior performing company, the Kansas City Youth Ballet. Hannah attended summer intensives at the Kansas City Ballet, Austin Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

After graduating from St. James Academy, Hannah attended Lindenwood University. While in college, she performed with the University Dance Ensemble and represented the university while attending regional competitions for the American College Dance Association. During her freshman year at Lindenwood University, Hannah performed in Waltz of the Snowflakes and Waltz of the Flowers in the St. Louis Ballet production of The Nutcracker. She also choreographed and performed to the The Nutcracker Suite with the Alton Symphony Orchestra.
Hannah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in May 2016.  Hannah currently resides in St. Peters, Missouri, and danced with Missouri Ballet Theatre as a member of the Corps de Ballet last season. This year she will be dancing with Common Thread Contemporary Ballet Company in its inaugural season. Hannah loves to share her love of dance through teaching and hopes to inspire students for many years to come.

Amber Franek | Choreographer / Instructor

Amber Franek received a Bachelors of Art in dance degree with departmental honors from Webster University. Upon graduation Franek moved to the Atlanta area to work as associate director and principal dancer for Advocate Arts Contemporary Dance. While there Franek taught at multiple studios and choreographed for Fabrefaction Theatre Conservatory, Live Arts Theater, Project Dance and many more. Most recently she performed with Fuerta Dance Company on their stage show luna(tics) and their upcoming full length film en la mente. Franek is excited to share her passion and knowledge with the students at Krupinski’s Academy.