DIRECTOR/OWNER

Karen Colabianchi has been the Director/Owner of Uptempo Dance for 38 years, creating artistic showcases and teaching Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, and Contemporary classes.

Karen has been in the dance field for over 50 years. She started dancing professionally at the age of 11. By the age of 15, she was a member of a New York City dance company. She has performed in famous dance clubs, theatres, stadiums, and syndicated television shows. She was fortunate enough to train under dance legends Alvin Ailey, Debbie Allen, Hinton Battle, Phil Black, Ron Ferella, Frank Hatchet, Betsy Haug, David Howard, Charles Kelley, Henry LeTang, Luigi, JoJo Smith, and Dee Hillier.

Along with performing, Karen has worked professionally as a dance instructor, choreographer, designer, and director, choreographing modeling and bodybuilding shows, gymnastics and skating productions, musicals, show choirs, dance teams, bands, and winterguards. Some of her choreography has been performed nationwide and internationally. Presently, Karen teaches at Uptempo Dance, and she continues to perform and choreograph throughout the Greater Cleveland Area. Truly, inspiring individuals through dance is Karen’s ultimate passion!

INSTRUCTOR

Katie Colabianchi is the Hip-Hop Teacher at Uptempo Dance and has been dancing her entire life under the direction of Karen Colabianchi, Dee Hillier, and additional master teachers. She is versatile in numerous styles of dance, including Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Latin, and Contemporary.

Katie currently attends Baldwin Wallace University, double-majoring in English and Adolescent Young Adult Education, where she is also the Captain of the Baldwin Wallace Dance Team and Baldwin Wallace Cheerleading Team. Katie is an inaugural member of the Canton-based USFL Professional Dance Team and was hired as a Dancer/Party Motivator for Rock The House Entertainment.

Additionally, Katie guest teaches and performs at studios, events, and showcases throughout the Greater Cleveland. Katie is thrilled to work with students, families, and teachers and always enjoys being a Dancer and Instructor at Uptempo Dance!

GROOVE DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Karrie Zingale began dancing at the age of three. She has been training under the direction of Karen Colabianchi and has attended numerous professional seminars. Karrie is still actively training and performing. Her dance philosophy is that a true artist evolves through education and performance.

Karrie has extensive experience as a performer. In high school, she performed with the North Royalton Royalettes, Royal Harmony, and Spotlighters. Notable performances include the Rose Bowl parade, Disney Parade, and Bands of American national competition. Karrie has also performed in productions of Oklahoma!, Grease, and Music Man.

Some of her professional experience includes the nationally televised Gymnastic Championship and Festival of the Arts at Playhouse Square. Karrie’s love of dance has extended to television, field, stage, and studio.