Instructors
Tressa Wilham, Owner/InstructorOriginally from Paducah, Kentucky, Tressa Wilham travelled the nation competing in both regional and national dance competitions. In 2003, Tressa travelled to New York City to attend Hunter College Manhattan. During college, Tressa auditioned and performed as a principle with the Hunter College dance company. She extensively studied such renowned choreographers such as Josè Limòn, Martha Graham, and performed with the 'Urban Bush Women'. Tressa gradutated from Hunter College in 2006 with a BA in dance, and a minor in Economics.
After college, Tressa continued dancing and training with such choreographers as Andy Blankenbuehler, Jack Hertzog, AC Ciulia, and Mia Michaels. In addition to dance, Tressa went on to get her NSCA personal trainer certification. As a personal trainer, Tressa is not only able to instruct the technique of dance, but to teach the anatamoy of the human body (something that is very important for all dancers to know).
In 2009, Tressa made the dream of owning a dance studio a reality with the opening of AMPA. She is dedicated to offering incomparable dance training, top of the line dance studios, and exposure to top dance choreographers. As director, not only is Tressa dedicated to teaching her students proper dance technique, but she is also committed to enstilling in her students creativity, confidence, and body awareness.
Gillian Connor, Nashville Ballet
Beginning her dance training in 1995 at South Carolina's Columbia Ballet School, Gillian Connor was accepted into the prestigious Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in 2006. At CPYB, Gillian performed and starred in ballets such as 'Copelia', 'Linear Exceptions', 'Cinderella', and 'Sleeping Beauty'. After only three years at CPYB, Gillian Connor signed her first professional ballet contract with Nashville Ballet II.
Gillian's impeccable dance training, in addition to her warm personality, make her a tremendous teacher. AMPA is excited to have her on staff teaching ballet, pointe, and contemporary.
Manika Kalia-Musgrove, Instructor
A Paducah native, Manika Kalia-Musgrove found her love for dance at age 9. Her training started her in Paducah, where she traveled and trained through dance competitions and conventions. For college, Manika moved to Bowling Green to pursue dancing as a WKU Topperette, as well as a principle dancer in the WKU dance ensemble. After six years of college, Manika is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant here in Paducah.
Manika has many years of experience teaching dance to all ages. AMPA is excited to have her on staff as a recreational instructor, and costume consultant.
Megan Hughes, Musical Theater
As a Paducah native, Megan Hughes has been involved in theater her whole life. With a father who was one of the founder's of the Market House Theater and a playwright with several Off Broadway successes, Megan has a deep love for theatre and music.
Megan began studying piano and vocals at an early age, and has performed in a number of Market Houst productions. In addition, Megan has been the founding director of children's choir programs at Jefferson Street, Grace Episcopal and Cathedral Churches. Megan has also taught music at Community Christian Academy, as well as speech and drama. Currently, Megan is writing children's books.
Megan is the proud mother of two performing artists and the grandmother of three 'artists in the making'. AMPA is excited to welcome Megan Hughes to the faculty. She is a brilliant teacher/artist, who makes each and every one of her students feel confident enough to stand out in a crowd.
Joseph Steinauer, Nashville Ballet
Originally from a small town in Nebraska, Joseph Steinauer did not take his first dance class until the age of 18, yet it was obvious to him that dance was his true calling. Upon completing high school and with only one year of dance training, Joseph was accepted into the prestigious Ann Lacy School of Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University. After deciding ballet dance was what he wanted to make a carreer out of, Joseph transferred to Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, the celebrated institution that has give the US and the world some of ballet's greatest dancers. It was at CPYB that Joseph truly began to understand how ballet dance should be studied, learned, and approached. After just two years in Pennsylvania, Joseph signed his first contract as a apprentice with Nashville Ballet in 2009. Currently, Joseph has signed a new contract at the prestigous National Ballet of Canada (his dream company).
Joseph is excited to stay on staff at AMPA as a guest instructor.
