Jessica Hoversen

Jessica Hoversen is one of Matter Dance's co-founders. A native of Chicago, Jess remembers dancing before she remembers walking. Graduating from Marquette University in 2004 with degrees in Economics and Dance, she received her Masters of Arts in Economics from DePaul University in 2006. Jess currently works as Fixed Income analyst for MF Global, a brokerage firm in the loop. Matter Dance has afforded her the opportunity not only to keep her sanity, as a person can only stare at financial data for so many hours a day, but more importantly, the ability to keep dance as an integral part of her life. Special thanks to her parents, brothers and friends for their never-ending support and to her co-founders and fellow company members for making MDC a reality.

Gail Adduci

Gail is a founding member of Matter Dance Company. She and Carisa met while performing in a musical almost a decade ago, and a friendship and creative relationship was quickly forged. Jess came along a few years later, and shortly after graduation from Marquette University, Matter Dance Company was born. In addition to MDC, Gail is currently pursuing an M.A. in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College.

Carisa Barreca

Carisa Barreca is one of the Co-founders of Matter Dance Company. When Carisa is not working with MDC she can be found performing as an Ensemble member of The Cupid Players. Carisa's focus is comedy in dance and was awarded the Ann Barzel Award for Entertainment in Dance at this year's Dance Chicago. Because Comedy is Carisa's focus she would like to end this with her favorite joke: 2 pieces of sausage in a pan: one sausage says to the other, "HOT IN HERE!" The other sausage says "OH MY GOD A TALKING SAUSAGE!” She would like to thank anyone who actually laughed at that joke.

Alexis Agulilu

Alexis Aguilu comes to Matter Dance after 15 years of dance experience.  In his journey though the world of dance; from his roots in Puerto Rico to his training at Marquette University, he met the great founders of this company.  Body movement mirrors the unspoken essence of the soul. Alexis strives to experience this through dance.  Many have helped and supported him throughout the years, so thanks to all.

Shayna Marie Bjerke

Shayna began her dance training at age three in LaCrosse, WI. She continued her training while in college and received a B.F.A. in Theatre and Dance from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. After college, Shayna moved to Chicago to pursue a career in dance. She has since then performed in various Chicago dance festivals. Shayna is currently on staff at Dreams Dance and Gymnastics in Glenview, IL and performs with two dance companies – Matter Dance Company and Irreverence Dance + Theatre. Shayna contributes her quiet, focused energy, mad memorization skills, and fierce foute turns to MDC.

Brandy Cherello

Brandy Cherello's creative process in recent years has been much influenced by her work as a Dance/Movement Therapist as well as her training in dance at the University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Her work is influenced by the theories of Carl Jung as well as her daily encounters with the most interesting people on earth at her job and in her personal life. She is driven by her experience and perspective of relationships both on a physical and spiritual level. She specifically creates in the moment, feeding off of the energy and creativity of her dancers. It is her distinct wish to make her audience feel included in this universal expression. She invites all to witness, feel and participate in the shared experience of being a human being, which she believes can be both dark and beautiful.

Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness. - Yousuf Karsh

Keeli Cook

Keeli has been living in Chicago for the past year and a half attending Columbia College's Masters program in Dance/Movement Therapy. This is her second show with Matter Dance Company. Before moving to Chicago she lived in Pittsburgh, PA where she attended Point Park University majoring in Dance performance with a minor in Psychology. Her semi-professional credits include dancing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dancing back up for Faith Hill on "The View".

Mike Ford

GOTTA DANCE! Remember that showstopper from Singing in the Rain? Well, it has become Mike's motto. He retired from his professional dance career to become an architect but first loves are never forgotten. Mike is grateful that Matter Dance is there to keep him on his toes and performing again.

Lauren Ritter

Lauren has her B.A. in Classical Ballet from Barat College in Lake Forest IL. She got married in 2004 and graduated in 2005.  After graduation all she wanted to do was dance and perform but nothing seemed to go her way until 2007 when Matter Dance asked her to be apart of their company and Lauren's life took a turn in a whole new direction.  Lauren has been dancing with Matter Dance Company and other companies with in the Chicago area for about a year. She feels very blessed and privileged to be dancing and using the gift that God has given her.  She is very exited to see what my future holds in the dance world and within Matter Dance Company. She would like to give special thanks to her husband Chris, with out his love and support she would not be dancing.  She hopes to be dancing for many years to come. 

Megan Mulherin

Megan is super excited to be dancing and choreographing for this show. She is a Marquette University graduate (Theatre, Dance & Accounting) and currently works at Victory Records. She is so happy to be a part of this wonderful company and is excited to contribute her choreographic ideas and energy to the company. Thanks so much to friends and family! Enjoy the show!

Megan Reisenweber

Megan Reisenweber has been dancing since she was 3 and never plans to quit. She graduated in 2006 from the University of Missouri – Kansas City with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Modern and Ballet. Upon graduation she and fellow Matter Dance company member, Jessica Horvath, moved to Chicago to pursue a professional dance career. So far, so good!!

Megan Schemmel

Megan Schemmel moved to Chicago in 2002 with a Theatre & Voice degree in hand and an eagerness to perform. Dancing, singing, acting - you name it! To go along with performing, Megan is loving a city that is full of outlets and groups like Matter Dance that support creativity, talent and a non-stop willingness to have a good time.

Sarah Skvara

Mandy Work

Mandy began dancing at age 5 in her hometown, Danville, Virginia.  She continued through college, performing with 3Spot Dance Troupe at the University of Illinois until moving to Chicago, where she joined Matter Dance in 2007.  Mandy also performs with Irreverence Dance + Theatre, and when she's not dancing, you'll find her at a rock n roll show, resale shopping or otherwise having fun. She is thrilled to be performing and creating with Matter.

Dustyn Martincich

Dustyn Martincich is elated to work with MDC, a satellite member coming home! She received her M.F.A. Smith College (Dance) and her Honors B.A. in from Marquette University (Theatre/English). She choreographs and performs in lights of her love of narrative and connection with the audience to the concert dance and musical theatre stages. Dustyn is currently an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance at Bucknell University, PA. She thanks MDC, her fabulous cast, the crew, and her supportive family and friends, especially Mom and Dad (in spirit).