Fenton Ballet Theatre is an organization committed to inspiring the community through classical ballet performance and exceptional dance training. We strive to maintain a disciplined environment with a focus on modesty using age-appropriate movement and material. Our goal is to reveal a child's true potential through developing a lifelong love of dance, movement, and appreciation of classical ballet.

Brooke Holvick
Artistic Director, Ballet All Levels, PBT & Pilates

Brooke Holvick began her classical ballet training at the age of nine at the Brighton School of Ballet.  Ms. Holvick continued her classical training under the direction of ballet master Thomas Morris at Alma College where she received her BFA in Theatre and Dance as well as departmental honors for her work in the dance department.  As an Alma College Dance Company member, dancing on scholarship, she was given performance opportunities in numerous classical pieces as a soloist.  Her repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Swan Lake Act II, Aurora’s Wedding from The Sleeping Beauty, Pas de Quatre, Les Sylphides, Les Patineurs, Pas de Dix, La Bayadere, among many others.  Upon graduation, she returned to Brighton School of Ballet where she remained on staff until 2017.  Her lifelong love of the arts and passion for ballet led to the formation of Fenton Ballet Theatre.  

Ms. Holvick is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor for Level 1 Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels.  Ms. Holvick has also completed her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary training program designed to enhance ballet technique and the overall strength of a dancer. Her goal is to bring the timeless beauty of ballet to Fenton and its surrounding areas, providing exceptional training in a professional environment.

Jennifer Wiley
PBT, Intermediate, Advanced, & Adult Ballet

Jennifer Wiley began her early training with Lorraine Peltonen and Flint Ballet Theater.  She graduated from Western Michigan University and was a member of University Ballet Theater, performing soloist and principal roles.  Jennifer was on the faculty at Young People’s Ballet in Flint for 15 years, teaching ballet and jazz, and creating original works for their spring concerts and other performances.  She directed the Dancscape youth dance program, served as Nutcracker rehearsal coach, and choreographed musicals at the Midland Center for the Arts.  She has coached students for dance competitions and was the ballet teacher for the Swartz Creek dance teams for several years.  Jennifer has studied with many wonderful teachers including Jacob Lascu, Margaret Marsh, and Jurgen Schneider.  As a member of the Cecchetti Council of America she is certified to teach the Cecchetti Method of ballet, traveling to Vermont every summer to coach teachers preparing for CCA certification. Ms. Wiley has completed her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary training program designed to enhance ballet technique and the overall strength of a dancer.

Lauren Chopski
PBT & Beginner Ballet

Lauren Chopski studied ballet and jazz at Young People’s Ballet Theatre (formerly known as The Paavola School of Dance). During high school, she attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp twice dancing under the direction of Jefferson Baum, when she was invited to join the International Ballet Ensemble in Europe. She also studied with professionals including Joe Tremaine, Ray Leeper, Nan Giordano, John Lehrer, The Rockettes, Soloists at Alvin Ailey, and Alicia Cutaia. After high school, Lauren studied dance at the collegiate level at Oakland University, Western Michigan University, and the University of Michigan. In 2016, Lauren attended American Ballet Theatre’s Teacher Training Intensive for levels Primary through Level 3. Lauren is certified in teaching The Giordano Technique classes at Basic + Beginning levels. Ms. Chopski has completed her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary training program designed to enhance ballet technique and the overall strength of a dancer.

Martin Sanchez Jr.
Boys Ballet & Contemporary

Mr. Martin R. Sanchez Jr. from Del Rio Texas started dancing at the age of sixteen. After graduating from Del Rio High School where he was a part of the Dance Company under the direction of Diana Rodriguez. Martin then moved to San Antonio, Texas to attend Northwest Vista Community College where he studied dance for two years and in the second year was a member of the Repertory Company. At Northwest Vista Community College he trained and worked with Jayne King, Guest Artist Jim May, and Meg Brooker. Currently Martin transferred to Oakland University on a scholarship and is working to achieve his Bachelor of Arts Dance/ Dance Education and Performance. At Oakland University he has had the honor of training and working with a number of teachers/ choreographers such as Greg Patterson, Christina Tasco, Stephanie Pizzo the current Artistic Director of Eisenhower, Jennifer Harge, Thayer Jonutz, Kristi Faulkner and Alison Woerner. Martin is excited and looks forward to working with Fenton Ballet Theater to expand the foundation of young dancers. 

Elizabeth VarnHagen
Contemporary All Levels

Elizabeth VarnHagen was born in Detroit and began dancing at the age of 11. Discerning her specific love of Russian ballet, Elizabeth transitioned to training at Geiger Classical Ballet Company and dancing with Michigan Classical Ballet Company under the instruction of Mary Geiger. She subsequently danced with Brighton City Ballet. Elizabeth branched out in her contemporary dance training at Hope College where she danced with H2 Dance Company under Matt Farmer and Julie Powell. Elizabeth’s performance repertoire includes the Sugar Plum Fairy, Plum Pas de Deux, Dew Drop, Snow Queen, and various solos in ballets including Les Sylphides, Paquita, Swan Lake while her contemporary performance experience cultivated her skill in expressive dancing.

Post-college, Elizabeth went on to train with Lehrer Dance Company before recognizing her love for cultivating creative movement which inspired her to pursue teaching.

Jillian Richardson
PBT & Advanced Ballet

Jillian Richardson was born in Detroit Michigan and has been involved in dance her entire life.  In her early years she began training in ballet tap and jazz, figure skating, and ice dancing.  Her serious ballet training began with Carol Cotter, and Livonia's CAPA program under Mary Murphy.  Jillian has danced with City ballet of San Diego training under David Howard, Susan Jaffe, and was also accepted into Atlanta festival ballet.  Jillian has taught ballet for 12 years and enjoys sharing her passion of dance with her students.

Ms. Richardson has completed her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary training program designed to enhance ballet technique and the overall strength of a dancer.