Performing Arts

Elaine Balden has been a part of Ribét Academy’s Performing Arts Department for 20 years. She was a member of the Lawrence Welk Show from 1979 to 1992 as Bobby Burgess’s partner. She has toured and danced across the country. She has continued to perform throughout her life.

Balden and Bobby

Her love for the art stems from performing at a young age in Dallas Texas. She went to school as a piano major and eventually switched over to a Dance Major. Her career quickly took off and she continues to give industry help through her classes. Through her ventures at Ribét, she has been able to see students grow into amazing performers. Her cheer team members were recognized as the All-American Cheerleaders who performed in the New Year’s Eve Parade across the world. She is currently teaching Elementary Dance, Elementary Theater, Middle School Dance, Middle School Cheer, Middle School Drama, High School Dance, High School Cheer, and High School Competitive Hip Hop Team.

Mrs. Monico is no stranger when it comes to performing arts. Stephenie Monico is a Grammy Award nominee with 44 years of experience in the music business. Truly a versatile performer, she was nominated for a Grammy as Best Female Jazz Vocalist, her talents range from big band to jazz-rock and everything in between. Combining her love for children and music, Stephenie was offered the opportunity to develop the music program at her children’s preschool. Performing Since 1990, Stephenie uses her unique teaching style and experience to bring the most from her students as demonstrated in the annual Holiday and Spring performances. Stephenie exposes children to songs that are new as well as standard favorites. Her music program inspires children to develop confidence and self-esteem while having fun learning.

“Music influences how a child feels. It is one of life’s sweetest pleasures and should be there from the beginning.”

Katernya Kolesynk is a native of Kiev, Ukraine. She studied violin at Gliere Music College and Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music. She has performed at the Internationale Beethovenfeste and Young Euro Classic Festival. As an orchestra member, she performed with the Philharmonic Chorus of the City of Bonn as well as the Bonn Opera Chorus under the baton of Roman Kofman. As a member of the Ukrainian National Radio Orchestra, she participated in a several professional recordings. Currently, she is performing with regional orchestras in California.