Staff & Board
Artistic Director
Amelia Pullen
Amelia has been teaching and choreographing for The Dance Center for the past 19 years. She has been training in the art of ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, and pointe since a young child with The Dance Center. After graduating high school in 2004, Amelia went on to pursue a bachelors degree in dance at Belhaven University, in Jackson Mississippi. While attending college she taught and choreographed for many local studios in the Jackson are. Amelia also received excellent technique training under Elizabeth Hansen, Ravenna Tucker, a former principle dancer with The Royal Ballet, Laura Morton from the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Betsy Druary McMillian from Ballet Magnificat, Steven Wynne from Joffrey Ballet, and Britta Heerman-Wynne. She has enjoyed many performing opportunities throughout her dance career and loved working with numerous dance companies while at Belhaven. Since receiving her degree in 2008, she has enjoyed sharing her passion for technique and the artistry of dance in the great state of Maine, and looks forward to continuing her dance career as Executive Director of Ballet LA from The Dance Center and The Artist Director of The Dance Center.
Chair of the Board / Treasurer
Ian Pullen
With a background as a commercial banker at Norway Savings Bank and Camden National Bank, Ian Pullen holds the honorary title of SVP. His years of service on many Lewiston Auburn boards give him strong community ties and the financial guidance that supports Ballet LA’s growth.
Assistant Director
Elizabeth Hansen
Elizabeth received her training at Skidmore College with Melissa Hayden, Elizabeth Carroll, Juan Anduze, Paul Meija and many more. Elizabeth feels blessed to be able to teach, choreograph and dance with so many wonderful people in the Central Maine community for nearly 31 years. She founded The Dance Center in 1992 and continues her love for dance through teaching and choreography.
Company Rehearsal Director and Instructor
Alex Hamby
Alex graduated from Belhaven University in April of 2022, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Dance. She primarily concentrated on Modern Dance, Pedagogy, and Choreography for the Camera. During her time at Belhaven she received extensive training under dance professionals; Laura Morton, Krista Bower, Ravenna Tucker-Wagon, Mia Whitehead, Steve Rooks, and many more. She had the opportunity to perform with Belhaven’s Dance Ministry Ensemble for two seasons, as well as produce works for The Emerging Choreographer’s Concert and Collaborative Arts Concert. Prior to her time at Belhaven, Alex trained for 15 years with The Dance Center. Participating in all the technique classes offered; performing in A Nutcracker Christmas, Student Choreography Showcase, and the annual Recital. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for dance with each of her students for years to come.
Company Rehearsal Director and Instructor
Lily Yarnevich
Lily has her bachelors degree in dance and a concentration in studio management from Dean College. She received training in pedagogy, creative movement, ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop. While at Dean, Lily trained under Krisitna Berger from The Erick Hawkins Dance Company, Jill Silverman from Boston Ballet, Todd Shanks, Stephen Tracey-Ursprung, Roshni Pecora, Sheramy Keegan-Turcotte. She was also able to enjoy extensive training and performing experiences from many guest choreographers, and companies. Lily was also selected for the prestigious, “Choreographers Concert” to showcase her work and receive feedback from professional choreographers, such as Eloise Kropp, and Bill Hotaling. Before her time at Dean, she was a student with The Dance Center for five years, where she performed in the annual recitals. She has performed and choreographed for shows at Dean College. Lily is very excited to be back in Maine and sharing her love of dance technique with her numerous students.
Company Rehearsal Director and Instructor
Lacey Moyse
Lacey began her training at the age of 5. She has studied ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, and ballroom. She received extensive training with Maine State Ballet performing as a company member with them for ten years. Lacey performed numerous classical and neoclassical pieces such as Balanchine’s Serenade and The Nutcracker, Symphony in C and Britten. She has also performed with Maine State Music Theater and Community Little Theater. She has choreographed for Community Little Theater and The Dance Center. Lacey directs and choreographs the CLT Youth Summer program as well as Geiger Elementary School’s DramaGators.
Costume Mistress
Lana Hall
Lana began her costuming career in 2017 with the first “A Nutcracker Christmas” produced by the Dance Center. As the company grew into a non‑profit, she moved into the role of Costume Director and now oversees all costumes for Ballet LA’s productions.
Movement Specialist
BJ Grondin
BJ Grondin, CSCS, Owner, Founder, Movement Therapist and Performance Enhancement Expert. Earned a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Maine at Orono. After graduation BJ started teaching general fitness in Maine, where he was born and raised. BJ has experience learning at the University of Texas where he interned for Todd Wright and Logan Schwartz, the head of the strength and conditioning staff for the University of Texas Men’s Basketball program. Under the leadership of Logan and Todd, two geniuses on the functions of the body, BJ was introduced to the life changing principles, strategies and techniques of Applied Functional Science (AFS). BJ is currently the proud founder and owner of PRIME360, established in 2013. Where they present a style of training based on the principles of Applied Functional Science (AFS), which means strengthening the way the body was designed to move. BJ is excited to collaborate with Ballet LA from The Dance Center as our Movement Specialist, helping to train company members in Applied Functional Science and aid in any physical ailment needs, through massage and training.
Ballet LA from The Dance Center is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization