Meet our Dance Teachers

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Laura Schmidt is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Science degree in American Dance Pedagogy. After graduation, Laura moved to Washington DC where she performed and choreographed professionally for 12 years with Dancin’ Unlimited Jazz Dance Company as well as guest appearances with various companies in the area. 

On top of performing, Laura taught technique and choreography at various studios in the area and worked with students of all ages and levels in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, lyrical, partnering, and pointe. She has helped many graduating seniors with college audition preparations for various musical theatre and dance programs nationwide.  

This preparation included solo choreography, prescreen videos, and individual technique training. Laura has had a passion for dance since she began dancing at 3 years old and she is looking forward to teaching the next generation of dancers. 

 Colleen Gaydar is a student at the Florida Institute of Technology, studying a Bachelors of Ocean Engineering. She is a Florida local, being born and raised on the Space Coast. Colleen has danced competitively at various studios and started her teaching career at Encore Dance Academy on Merritt Island with solos, trios, and group numbers.

Colleen has a strong passion for continuing to learn. She is a continued participant in tap festivals throughout Florida. She also participates in her college dance team, the Spirit Squad. At Florida Tech, Colleen also dances with the College Players, being a featured dancer in musicals and guest teaching pop-up classes. In addition to teaching, Colleen has started the Space Coast Tap Fest, a new company based on pushing what we know to a new limit in so many new ways. 

Colleen is very excited to be here at Silhouette and can’t wait to share her love of dance with all of you!

Evelyn Zangrillo was a studio owner in New York for over 20 years and has taught all over Long Island for many years. Evelyn trained with Vic D’Amore Studio of Dance, Broadway Dance Center in NYC and STEPS. 

She has choreographed in the competition circuit which lead her to win numerous choreography awards, excellence in technique awards and high score awards for groups, solos and duo/trios. Her versatility in many styles of dance allows her to adapt easily in the dance room and create a fun and energetic environment for dancers of any age.

Jeff Schmidt serves as the Business Director of Silhouette Dance, where he brings a strong blend of creative vision and operational leadership to the studio. With a background rooted in all form of arts, Jeff began his journey working backstage with Dancin’ Unlimited Jazz Dance Company, as well as supporting various dance studios throughout the Washington, D.C. area. These early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the artistry, discipline, and behind-the-scenes coordination that make dance productions successful.

Jeff pursued his college education at Oklahoma City University in dual major  in Graphic Design and Photography and finished at University of Central Oklahoma with a B.A in Advertising. This allowed him to focus on building skills that bridge creativity and business, equipping him with the tools to help arts organizations grow and thrive. Today, he channels that knowledge into developing systems, enhancing the studio experience, and supporting long-term growth for Silhouette Dance.

Passionate about both the artistic and business sides of the industry, Jeff is dedicated to creating opportunities for dancers while helping the studio expand its impact in the community. Outside of his leadership role, he enjoys photography and graphic design, using these creative outlets to further elevate the studio’s brand and visual presence.