Antonia Freehling

Owner, Artistic Director

Antonia Freehling (Toni) is a certified dance instructor in ballet and jazz through Dance Educators of America. “Miss Toni” has been instructing dance since the age of 16, and studying dance since the age of four. Miss Toni grew up dancing in Colorado Springs training in ballet, pointe, tap and jazz with teachers that included Barbara Benish, Esther Geoffrey, and Barbara Ellis. Miss Toni has had the pleasure to learn from Patricia Dickenson, Valerie Roche, Juan Sanchez and Patsy Swayze. After being an assistant to her teacher Barbara Benish, Miss Toni began instructing and choreographing at Benish Dance Express in 1990.

Miss Toni graduated from Creighton University, Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Dance Education. At Creighton, Miss Toni studied the Royal Academy of Ballet syllabus under the acclaimed Valerie Roche. Miss Toni also enjoyed studying modern and tap in Creighton’s dance program. Miss Toni gained experience with competitive choreography while at Creighton as the captain of the dance team. She performed, choreographed and inspired the team leading them to many awards at the Division I National level, including a national title.

Since 2003, Miss Toni has been instructing and choreographing for ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, broadway, and combination classes. Miss Toni brings an extensive knowledge of dance technique, anatomy and physiology to her classroom. Encouraging her students to understand their bodies and make the connections between anatomy and technique. Miss Toni also enjoys teaching classes on nutrition and body awareness. Miss Toni has continued to train with excellent teachers and loves being a life-long student of dance. Miss Toni is passionate about teaching dance and inspiring the love of dance in people of all ages and abilities.