Meet the Team
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Jess Cigelske
Dance has been a part of Jess Cigelske's life for almost 40 years as a performer, teacher, choreographer and studio owner. Her parents recognized her love of dance at an early age, enrolling her in classes at the age of 3. She began her competitive dance career at the age of 6, winning regional and national awards. She gained extensive training in all dance styles, studying ballet under the tutelage of Debbie Berry. Jess choreographed and performed in dance productions while at Marquette University and continued teaching and dancing at local studios, eventually adding a new role: Dance Mom to Company Dancers Clara and Xavier. In 2021, Jess opened Fresh Coast Dance with the goal of providing exceptional dance technique in a positive environment. She loves owning a studio in Whitefish Bay and watching her dancers walk and bike to the studio, forging friendships that are unified by a love of dance.
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Debbie Berry
Debbie Berry has been a Master Teacher for more than 30 years, developing dance curriculum and instruction as a guest artist throughout the Midwest. Prior to joining Fresh Coast Dance, she was the artistic director and owner of Dance Repertoire LLC for 20 years, earning numerous top awards and choreography accolades. From 2010 to 2015, she directed the Dance Department at Pius XI High School. Her professional career includes performances with the Milwaukee Ballet Company and Canada’s Kompany. Debbie is a sought-after choreographer, with students achieving success in companies like the Joffrey Ballet and Cirque du Soleil.
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Taylor Maris
Taylor Tuttle Maris, Assistant Director at Fresh Coast Dance, brings more than two decades of performance, choreography and teaching experience to the studio. Her professional dance career includes roles as dance captain and lead dancer in over 25 productions with Celebrity Cruise Lines and Tokyo Disney. She has a background in instructing both kids and adults choreographing musicals and leading barre and fitness classes. She is also mom to two Fresh Coast Dance company dancers, Lillian and Mia.
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Lily McClutchy
Lily trained extensively at Accent on Dance Studios in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theater and hip hop. She honed her competitive edge at conventions such as Hollywood Vibe, Hollywood Connection and Dupree Dance. She continued her education at the UW-Milwaukee, completing a dance minor and earning a certificate in Dance Performance. She also holds certificates in Intro to Preschool Dance and Strength Training and Injury Prevention from CLI Studios. She currently teaches ballet/tap combo classes and younger hip hop as well as contemporary and jazz.
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Sarah Wahlstrom Helgren
With over five years of teaching experience, Sarah Wahlstrom Helgren excels in guiding beginning dancers of all ages. Sarah's passion for dance was ignited at the age of two, and she honed her skills in ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics. A pivotal moment occurred on her first day of dance class, when her teacher told her a mantra that she lives by today: "The beat is in your feet, but the art is in your heart." Beyond her dedication to the dance community, Sarah holds a PhD in Neural Engineering and spearheads a Scientific Communications team for a professional association of neurologists.
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Lexie Westreich
Lexie Westreich has more than a decade of training and competitive experience with dance styles including Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary. Lexie has received numerous choreography awards and accolades for her performances, including 10 years on a high-performing competition team. She has participated in prestigious dance intensives and conventions, including dance intensives at Broadway Dance Center, UWM Dance Program, The Collective Movement, KAOS Dance Convention and Artist Simply Human.
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Kerri Guse
Kerri Guse trained at an Illinois studio for 17 years in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and point, competing nationally for 5 years. She continued her passion by performing and competing for 5 years at the University of Illinois while completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her job relocated her to Cincinnati, where she danced professionally for the NFL team Cincinnati Bengals. When her career relocated her once more to Milwaukee to work for MillerCoors, she danced, choreographed and coached for the NBA team Milwaukee Bucks Dancers and Grand Dancers. She now teaches Adult Dance Cardio at Fresh Coast Dance.