Summer Intensive 2021

Shizu Yasuda

Ad Deum 2 Artistic Director

SHIZU YASUDA started her dance training at Sakiko Ichinomiya Ballet School in Japan. After she moved to New York, she performed with several choreographers and dance companies such as Slam and Sensedance Company. She joined Ad Deum Dance Company in 2004. She danced as a principal dancer with the company and performed at numerous dance events nationally and internationally. She got awarded as one of stunning performers by Dance Houston – City Wide Dance Festival 2008. In 2013, she was invited to Minsk in Belarus as a guest dancer and judge by Chelz Extreme Games. As a dance teacher, she has been teaching Modern and Ballet classes in the Houston dance community at such places as Ad Deum Dance Company, Houston Ballet Academy summer intensive (Modern only), Mitsi Dancing School, Payne Academy of Ballet, Studio of Dance, West University Dance Center and Houston Academy of Dance. Her choreographic works have been presented at “East Meets West” at Miller Outdoor Theater since 2008. In 2014, she became an artistic director of Ad Deum II.

Laura Morton

Professor of Dance at Belhaven University

Laura Morton’s background includes extensive training in classical ballet, jazz, and modern from prestigious dance educators such as Anne and Nicholas Polajenko, ABT’s Alexander Minz, and at Ballet West with director Bruce Marks and Toni Lander. Her professional credits include Milwaukee Ballet, Delia Stewart Dance Company, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and Ad Deum Dance Company. She has also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Houston.
Morton has taught nationally and internationally. Her teaching credentials include serving on the faculties of Summer Arts Session (Ravensburg, Germany), Pacific Northwest School of Ballet (Seattle, WA), Evergreen City Ballet (Auburn, WA), Houston Metropolitan Dance Center, (Houston, TX), Houston Ballet Ben Stevenson Academy (Houston, TX), and Ad Deum Dance Company (Houston, TX). Morton presently serves as an Associate Professor of Dance at Belhaven University in Jackson, MS. While holding these various positions, her responsibilities included instructing, rehearsing, restaging classical ballets, choreographing, as well as lighting designer and stage manager. All of these responsibilities enabled her to share the invaluable information passed on to her by the many remarkable teachers that have mentored her as well as her own years of teaching experience. Morton is presently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology.

Cynthia Newland

Director of Dance at Belhaven University

Ms. Cynthia A. Newland, earned her MFA in Dance from Arizona State University, with an emphasis on choreography and performance and BFA in Dance from George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.

Prior to her appointment at Belhaven University Ms. Newland served as director for New Field Dance Theater, East Bay of San Francisco. For nearly three decades she has traveled nationally and internationally as a teacher, choreographer, and performer working with varied arts organizations and institutions such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Children of the World, International Christian Embassy, Intervarsity, Operation Mobilization International, International Christian Dance Fellowship, Youth With a Mission, Project Dance, Christians in Theater Arts, and in Korea, Dong Ah Institute of Media and Arts, Hang Yang ERICA University and FEBC.

A portion of her work and artistic endeavors has been in the realm of inclusive dance where she has created numerous choreographed works for people with and without disabilities, which have been presented in the United States through VSA International and USA International Ballet Competition.

She has received recognition as a recipient of the Higher Education Awards from the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Humanities Teacher Award by the Mississippi Humanities Council. At Belhaven University she has served on the Faculty Council and Education Advisory Council. She is a board Member of USA IBC (International Ballet Competition) and Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education, and member of ACDFA, Alabama Dance Council, CORD, Dance Camera West, NDEO, Performing Arts Medical Association and Screen Dance. Ms. Newland has also been a presenter for NASD's Annual Conferences.

Currently she teaches part time at Belhaven while traveling nationally and internationally providing dance training, presentations and choreography, as well as offering equipping tools for all ages on “Nourishing the Body, Soul and Spirit”.

Kevyn Ryan Butler

Main Company Guest Artist

Born in Oakland, CA, Kevyn was introduced to the performing arts when he attended Delta Academy for the Performing Arts and Deer Valley High School. But it was in his senior year when Kevyn began formal dance training at the Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) with an emphasis in Dance. Once there, Kevyn received training in Ballet and Modern under the direction of Reginald Ray-Savage. Upon graduation from OSA he auditioned and was offered dance scholarships to schools such as Alonzo King Lines Ballet Program at Dominican University of California, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and The University of Arizona. Butler decided to attend The University of Arizona where he studied various styles of Ballet, Modern and Jazz technique. He completed four years of his Bachelors and moved to New York City in 2016. Soon after, Kevyn joined Ronald K. Brown Evidence, a Dance Company in Brooklyn, New York where he performed works such as Grace and Four Corners. It was during his time in New York where Kevyn encountered the Holy Spirit, became a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ.
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After his time in New York, Kevyn travelled to teach and perform through Missions work with the Ad Deum Dance Company in France, Switzerland, Bulgaria and the Netherlands. Kevyn’s resume consists of performances at the 2015 Jose Limon Dance Festival, Project Dance Houston and Project Dance Paris. He has guested with the Ad Deum Dance Company, Störling Dance Theater, Oakland Ballet, the Tucson Regional Ballet, Ballet North Texas, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Festival Ballet of North Texas and worked with choreographers such as Reginald Ray-Savage (Savage Jazz Dance Company), Robert Garland (Dance Theater of Harlem), Daniel Agami (Ate 9 Dance Company), Guy Shomroni and Yaniv Abraham (Batsheva Dance Company). In 2019 Kevyn moved to Dallas, TX to dance with Zion Dance Project where he is currently a company member for his second season. He is an active Dance Instructor in with Texas Ballet Theater Professional Training Program and Booker T. Washington Magnet School for the Performing and Visual Arts. in Oakland, CA, Kevyn was introduced to the performing arts when he attended Delta Academy for the Performing Arts and Deer Valley High School. But it was in his senior year when Kevyn began formal dance training at the Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) with an emphasis in Dance. Once there, Kevyn received training in Ballet and Modern under the direction of Reginald Ray-Savage. Upon graduation from OSA he auditioned and was offered dance scholarships to schools such as Alonzo King Lines Ballet Program at Dominican University of California, the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and The University of Arizona. Butler decided to attend The University of Arizona where he studied various styles of Ballet, Modern and Jazz technique. He completed four years of his Bachelors and moved to New York City in 2016. Soon after, Kevyn joined Ronald K. Brown Evidence, a Dance Company in Brooklyn, New York where he performed works such as Grace and Four Corners. It was during his time in New York where Kevyn encountered the Holy Spirit, became a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ.
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After his time in New York, Kevyn travelled to teach and perform through Missions work with the Ad Deum Dance Company in France, Switzerland, Bulgaria and the Netherlands. Kevyn’s resume consists of performances at the 2015 Jose Limon Dance Festival, Project Dance Houston and Project Dance Paris. He has guested with the Ad Deum Dance Company, Störling Dance Theater, Oakland Ballet, the Tucson Regional Ballet, Ballet North Texas, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Festival Ballet of North Texas and worked with choreographers such as Reginald Ray-Savage (Savage Jazz Dance Company), Robert Garland (Dance Theater of Harlem), Daniel Agami (Ate 9 Dance Company), Guy Shomroni and Yaniv Abraham (Batsheva Dance Company). In 2019 Kevyn moved to Dallas, TX to dance with Zion Dance Project where he is currently a company member for his second season. He is an active Dance Instructor in with Texas Ballet Theater Professional Training Program and Booker T. Washington Magnet School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Durell R. Comedy

Mark Morris Dance Group Company Member

Durell R. Comedy is a native of Prince George's County, MD and began dancing at the age of 6. He graduated from the Visual & Performing Arts program at Suitland High School in 2004 and from George Mason University (magna cum laude), receiving his BFA Degree in Dance Performance in 2008. Since then, he has worked and performed with artists such as The Metropolitan Opera, Troy Powell, Matthew Rushing, CorbinDances, Roger C. Jeffrey & Kyle Abraham. Mr. Comedy was a member of the Limón Dance Company from 2009-2015, where he performed soloist and principal roles. An instructor certified in teaching Limon principles, he’s taught master classes and workshops at numerous universities and schools including Vassar College, Maryland Youth Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, Belhaven University, CityDance Center at Strathmore & the Limon Institute. A former fellowship student at the Ailey School and a recent adjunct faculty member at George Mason University’s School of Dance, Mr. Comedy was awarded the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Visual and Performing Arts of George Mason University. Comedy began working as an apprentice with the Mark Morris Dance Group in 2015 and became a company member in 2016 and retired from his performance career in 2019. He, his wife, Hannah and 2 daughters, reside in Houston, TX and he currently serves as Worship Associate and Creative Arts Academy Director for Champion Forest Baptist Church.

Glorielle Niedfeldt

Ad Deum Guest Artist

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Glorielle trained for over fifteen years in dance
styles including: ballet, jazz, hip hop, West African and modern dance techniques. 
 
She has served in various areas of the arts including: live stage production, television,
and film. Her experience includes working with Gospel recording artist, Kierra Sheard;
film director, Lee Daniels; Tony Award winning choreographer, John Caraffa; and
Bollywood filmmaker, Vijay Krishnaack.
 
 Glorielle has served as a dancer, artistic director, choreographer, and teacher in both
the ministry and marketplace. She was a featured guest artist with Muntu Dance
Theatre of Chicago;Wave of Glory dance ministry, founded by her mother Pastor Karen
Williams; Endure Charities of former Luvabulls choreographer Kim Keller Tyler; and
choreographed for many productions under the leadership of Alyce Andrews, Director of
the Milwaukee Ballet School and Milwaukee Ballet Alumni. 

 
Glorielle continues to travel spreading the love of Jesus through the arts in conferences,
workshops and classes. She most recently served as guest faculty for Project Dance
OKC and Ad Deum Dance Company’s spring intensive. She has made her home in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin loving her husband, Jeff Niedfeldt, and raising their sacred
treasures, Judah and Hadassah. Her passion is to awaken identity in the next generation and inspire artistry that glorifies
God.

Xinyi Zhang

Company Collective Artist

Xinyi Zhang was born in China and started professional training at the age of 11 at the Beijing Dance Academy. At the age of 21, she obtained a bachelor degree from Beijing Dance Academy. She majored in Chinese dance, but she studied ballet and modern dance in Cincinnati as an exchange student. She won the third prize in the National Taoli Cup Competition. In 2016, she came to the United States to teach classes in dance studios! She will be joining the main company this year!

Dawn Dippel

Artistic Director of Revolve Dance Company, Former dancer with Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre

Dawn Dippel has been dancing most of her life and is co-owner of NHPA & NHPA II, co-Director and founding member of Revolve Dance Company, and a former member of the Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre. She grew up in the Houston area, graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing & Visual Arts Dance Department, and since then continues to train in and outside of Houston. Dawn’s choreographic works for Revolve Dance Company have been showcased at many of Houston’s various local performance events including Dance Houston, Texas Weekend of Contemporary Dance, Triple Focus, Choreographers X 6, Dance of Asian America, and Revolve On Camera. In the 2008 issue of Dance Magazine she was named as one of '25 to Watch' for up and coming artists across the country and was also named one of Houston's 100 creatives by the Houston Press. In 2014, 'Revolve On Camera' premiered at the Houston Cinema Arts Festival and won the audience choice award at the Dance Camera West festival in California. Currently Dawn is teaching at NHPA II, Ad Deum II and Houston Ballet Academy. She has spent many years working beside many talented and professional artists who have been an influence and inspiration in her journey of this art!

Bria Greenwood

Company Collective Artist

Bria Greenwood is from Madison, MS. She received all of her dance training from the world’s first professional Christian ballet company, Ballet Magnificat, in Jackson, MS. She was in their School of the Arts, and then their professional Trainee Program. She was a part of the Events Company that traveled to dance and teach in Honduras, Guam, South Korea and China. Bria moved to Houston in the fall of 2017 to join Ad Deum II, and then was promoted to the main company in the Spring of 2019. She is a dance teacher for different studios in Houston.

Hannah Mettler

Guest Speaker

Hannah Mettler is a New Jersey native ecstatic to join the Ad Deum 2 community. The majority of her training was completed at North Jersey School of Dance Arts under the direction of Christine Taylor and Dorothy Wasserman. She went on to complete higher education at Messiah College earning a BS in psychology and a BA in dance under Danielle Smith-Guillermo and Gregg Hurley. Hannah’s professional credits include head choreographer for Shining Light Prison Ministry, tap ensemble for Caston & Company, and a featured guest artist with Pennsylvania Regional Ballet.

Paiter Van Yperen

Company Collective Artist

Paiter van Yperen of Deep River CT, company artist with Ad Deum Dance Company. Studied, in his beginning years, at the Ekklesia School of Ballet under Elisa Schroth. Later he accepted his first professional contract as a company artist with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet in 2013. During his seven years with Ekklesia he served as Company Artist, Principal Dancer, resident choreographer, and Assistant Director.
van Yperen is a Certificate graduate of the Ailey School in New York and is thankful for the years of artistic and technical training, and life giving friendship of his mentors Randall Flinn, Steve Rooks, Matthew Rushing, and Freddie Moore.
Professionally he has performed, taught, and choreographed, nationally and internationally with Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, Ad Deum Dance Company, Open Sky Arts Collective, Inlet Dance Theater, Freddie Moore’s Footprints, Ballet Hartford, The Ailey School, and the Alvin Ailey America Dance Theater. van Yperen also works closely with artists, and scholars such as Dr. Ellen Davis, Makoto Fujimura, Andrew Nemr, Morley van Yperen, and others from Duke Divinity School and Duke Chapel to explore the intersection of movement, art, humanity, and faith. He is passionate about how art "moves", tells story, and innately creates space and opportunity for the deepening of every kind of relationship.

Dylan Allen

Main Company Artist

Dylan Allen is from Houston, Texas and attended HSPVA as a dance major. He was also a Houston Met Too. Graduated Point Park University performing works by Ruben Graciani, Matt Pardo, Kiesha Lalama, James Gregg, Douglas Bentz, Adam Hougland, and Jason McDole. Professionally, he has worked with MetDANCE, American Neoclassical Ballet, and Ad Deum Dance, performing works by Kristy Nilsson, Erin Boon, Kate Skarpetowska, Joshua Manculich, Randall Flinn, Caleb Mitchell, Steve Rooks, and Jenifer Mabus.

Dylan is in his fifth season with Ad Deum.

Jennifer Mabus

Ad Deum Guest Artist

Jennifer Mabus, a dance artist currently living and working in Texas, possesses a rich performance background. Hailed as “bold” (New York Times) and “living calligraphy” (Boston Globe) and she has performed internationally as a soloist and founding member of Battle Works, Robert Battle’s company before he became the director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Additionally, Mabus has danced for the Amy Marshall Dance Company (NYC), Heidi Latsky (NYC), Takehiro Ueyama (NYC), Bruce Wood Dance Project (TX), Noble Motion Dance (TX), and Dark Circles Contemporary Dance (TX), among others. Mabus has presented choreography in festivals, such as the Dance Gallery Festival (TX), the Dumbo Dance Festival (NYC), Cool/NY Festival, and the 254 Festival (TX), and she has been commissioned to create work for the dance companies, METdance, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, Pilot Dance Project, Muscle Memory Dance Theater, Omega Dance Company, and Elle Danceworks, as well as for university dance programs around the nation.

In Houston, she has been commissioned to create work for the Miller Outdoor Theater and Zilka Hall at the Hobby Center by the Foundation for Modern Music and the Windsync Ensemble. Mabus was a Rice University Dance Artist in Residence, a Noble Motion Dance “Next Step” emerging artist, and a Dance Source Houston Artist in Residence. She is also a founding member of the Transitory Sound and Movement Collective, where she has co-created original, experiential evenings in venues such as the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Rothko Chapel, Rec Room and the Rice University Gallery.

Mabus is the Dance Program Chair at the University of St. Thomas, and has served on the dance faculties of Texas Christian University, Sam Houston State University, Houston’s HSPVA, San Jacinto College, Booker T Washington HSPVA, and Interlochen Arts Academy. Mabus received a BFA in Dance from Southern Methodist University and an MFA from Sam Houston State University, and she is also a 500-hour certified yoga instructor.

Lysion Vieira

Ad Deum Guest Artist

Lysion Vieira is a Brazilian professional dance artist. He served as the principal male dancer for Ad Deum Dance Company for four years. He has performed worldwide, touring with Ad Deum, also working as a featured dancer for The Tabernacle Dance Company in Jerusalem, Israel.
As a dance educator, he has conducted master classes for Project Dance International, Laois Dance Platform - Ireland, Overflow Dance Festival - Paris, Life Camp - Sofia, Bulgaria, University of The Nations - Kona, Hawaii, and Youth With A Mission - Switzerland.