Our Team of Dance Instructors

Laura Strawser
Founder / Ballet, Pointe and Jazz Instructor

Laura began her professional dance career at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. There she studied Dance Performance in ballet, jazz, and modern with many renound teachers such as Ronen Koresh,Scott Jovovich, Karen Clayton, Eva Szabo etc. She then joined the Joffery Ballet School trainee program in New York City. Under the artistic director of John Magnus, Laura studied under Francesca Corkle, Era Jouravlev, Judith Rein and Davis Robertson. While at Joffery, Laura had the pleasure of taking Gelsey Kirkland's master class, a ballet icon and inspiration.

It was at Joffery where Laura's teaching techniques were inspired while teaching in the children's program. Under the direction of Liz D'Anna, Laura was influenced in teaching different levels and abilities. Erin Stiefel is also a great inspiration and mentor of Laura's to which she follows her teaching techniques as well.

Alison Tomko

Acrobatics Instuctor

Alison has been actively involved in some aspect of dance, cheerleading, or gymnastics for the last 32 years. After graduating high school, she coached and choreographed for many cheerleading and gymnastics teams in Pennsylvania.  Alison became certified in both cheerleading and gymnastic safety, as well as becoming certified gymnastics coach and cheerleading judge and began judging competitive cheerleading events as well as coaching.  Alison also had the pleasure of being chosen as a cheerleader for the Eastern Basketball Alliance!

Alison found a true love of choreographing dance for gymnastics and cheerleading, which incorporates the art of dance and the power of gymnastics. she has worked with three local high schools, two local gymnastics clubs, and three local all-star cheerleading teams over the last 18 years. SVDC is proud to have Alison as an acro teacher and coach.

Susan Bolig

Drums Alive Instructor

Susan is a certified Drums Alive instructor. She is an advocate for children and adults with special needs and disabilities. Susan believes that all people are able to reach their full potentail if given the proper resources and oppertunities.

Amanda Rousu

Acting Instructor

Amanda is the founder and owner of KidMin Solutions – a company serving churches create excellent children's ministry in all sizes and budgets.  She has written and directed children's productions at Christ United Methodist Church in Selinsgrove as well as teaching music and drama classes to children of all ages.  She has also coordinating costumes, make up and other behind the scenes details of the Kids' Theatre Experience productions of Seussical Jr. and Peter Pan Jr.  Prior to having children, Amanda was the director of choral music and theatre at Colo-NESCO Middle School and High School (in Colo, IA).  She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of South Dakota.