Our faculty

 Carleigh, a former student of Viktor Yeliohin, graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Choreography in 2016 with qualifications as a ballet artist and danced professionally with the Moscow State Ballet Theater in Moscow, Russia under the directorship of Vycheslav Gordeev. During her time with the Moscow State Ballet, she traveled in Germany and throughout Russia performing a variety of ballet repertoire including, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, and many other classic favorites. Upon returning to the United States in 2020, she now works in healthcare as an x-ray technologist while teaching ballet in her free time. She currently teaches music, movement, and make believe, as well as creative movement. Despite having several passions in life, ballet will always a huge aspect of her lifestyle. She still practices, performs in local performances, and looks forward to every opportunity to be on stage!   

 Rachel Male is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she participated in the Contemporary Ballet of Pennsylvania (COBALT) and Hempfield Dance Theatre. She continued into higher education earning a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Slippery Rock University (SRU) in 2023. During her time at SRU she performed in many works by her SRU faculty, resident choreographers, and many of her peers, as well as choreographed many of her own works. At school Rachel also found a passion for arts advocacy, receiving the SRU Department of Dance Outstanding Research Award, and serving as President for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Rachel has most recently performed in Off the Yellow Brick Road at Prima Theater. Drawn to the therapeutic and expressive aspect of dance, Rachel aspires to encourage people of all walks of life to find a space to authentically express themselves in the field of dance. 

 Brooke is a former student of Viktor who has not limited herself to any method or genre of dance. She was fortunate enough to train in Vaganova, ISTD, and Cecchetti, but her passion for the art really developed in her jazz, hip hop, and contemporary training. While attending Duquesne University, Brooke was a member of the university’s Dance Theater Company which gave her the opportunity to grow further as both a dancer and choreographer. She was able to set several pieces on the company, teach classes, and sit on their board. Living in Pittsburgh also gave her the chance to be cast in multiple pieces with Exhalations Dance Theatre, a budding dance company. After accepting a job in Lancaster, Brooke returned in 2017 where she quickly dove back into teaching, setting pieces, and helping choreograph theater shows. She’s excited be back in the VYIBA family and aid in developing students that are pursuing their love of dance. 

  Ilisa Nicole Chasser is a native of Lancaster, PA. She is a graduate of Slippery Rock University (SRU) and studied both Early Childhood Education and Dance. During her collegiate experience, she has performed in multiple pieces created and directed by faculty, guest choreographers, and students. Apart from SRU, Ilisa was casted in multiple productions with American Music Theater, Hempfield Performing Arts Center, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, Prima, and COBALT Dance Company. Ilisa is passionate about both dance and education, and she is dedicated to sharing that passion with her students and the community.

 Ashley is an accomplished dance teacher and award-winning choreographer who truly

values the personal growth of her students more than any award. Before being

recognized for her Jazz, Contemporary, and Ballet Choreography, Ashley’s training

began at Connecticut Concert Ballet, where she laid the foundation for Ballet and Jazz.

She continued at Lancaster School of Ballet, where among other styles, she studied

both Vaganova Ballet with Viktor Yeliohin and Cecchetti Ballet with Carolyn Trythall–her

two biggest dance mentors. Ashley was both member and choreographer for the

company, Ballet Theater of Lancaster, for which she created a 30-minute original ballet:

Peter Pan. Ashley was 1 of 10 Ballet dancers in Pennsylvania selected to attend The

PA Governor’s School for the Arts, where she was Top Soloist while also studying Jazz,

Modern, and Acting. A graduate of West Chester University, Ashley choreographed

every semester eligible, while also performing with both the University Dance Company

and local Between Movement Contemporary Dance Company and earning a Nursing

Degree. Former RN and current mother of four, Ashley genuinely cares for the

well-being of each of her students. A knowledgeable instructor across all styles, Ashley

is most passionate about Jazz, Ballet/Dance Theater, Contemporary/Modern, and

Contemporary Ballet, with a passion for storytelling and blending styles. Ashley leads

her students from a place of love and authenticity, turns dancers into performers, and

encourages students to be the best version of themselves.