About Ozark Dance Academy Staff
Julia Alderman-ODA Founder/Instructor
Julia Alderman began her dance training at the age of seven in Westerville, Ohio. By the age of ten, she was dancing as a scholarship student through the Ford Foundation, a national program to assist gifted young dancers. This gave her the opportunity to train with Tatjana Akinfieva-Smith and to dance with BalletMet, a professional company in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, she studied with the Dayton Ballet, in Dayton Ohio and at the School of American Ballet in New York City. In 1987 she moved to Las Vegas where she trained with the Nevada Dance Theatre and traveled with them to Moscow, Russia. After moving to Memphis, TN she performed witht he Mid-South Dance Theatre. in 1991, she moved to Springfield, MO and began teaching ballet for Springfield Ballet while she completed a degree in Business Administration from Drury University. In 1994, she founded Ozark Dance Academy. Known by Miss. Julie to her ODA students and those she taught during her years as an adjunct teacher in the Theater and Dance Department at Missouri State University (2003-2017) she has shared her passion for ballet and trained many dancers who have gone on to be teacher, perform professionally and those who have just taken their dance training into their life beyond dance. When not teaching class at ODA or Fenix Hot Fitness she loves spending time with her husband Jeff, fur-babies Louie, Kato, and Jazzlyn and being on the beach.
Alisha Clifton-Instructor/Manager/ Competition Choreographer
Alisha Clifton’s dance journey began at the tender age of 2 in Lebanon, MO, where her passion for dance quickly blossomed. By 6, she joined her studio’s competition team as the youngest member, showcasing her early dedication. Alisha is a versatile and accomplished dancer, with Ballet and Dance History as her primary strengths, though she also excels in Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Modern Dance.
During her high school years, Alisha became an integral part of the Nixa High Dance Team, where she mastered Pom and Hip Hop, contributing to her team’s remarkable success in securing State Titles. At just 14, Alisha discovered her love for teaching, beginning with ballet classes for 2 and 3-year-olds, which solidified her commitment to sharing the joy and benefits of dance with others.
Her academic path took her to Missouri State University, where she pursued a degree in Dance Performance and French. Alisha attended numerous workshops with companies like Momix, Parsons Dance Company, Alvin Ailey II, and after immersing herself in Dance History, as a scholarship recipient to Summer intensives with New York Baroque Dance Company.
Alisha’s dedication to dance goes beyond performance. She is certified in Preschool Dance Education, Acrobatic Arts, and Music History for Dancers. Since 2004, she has been deeply involved with Ozark Dance Academy, transitioning from a student to a faculty member after earning her Bachelor’s Degree. At ODA, Alisha not only teaches a variety of classes but also oversees daily operations, organizes events, and leads fundraising efforts. When she’s not at the studio, Alisha treasures time with her husband David, their son Grayson, and their Goldendoodle Milo.
Taylor Hartman-Instructor and Competition Choreographer
Born in O'Fallon, Missouri, Taylor Hartman began her dance journey at the age of five, starting with classes in ballet, tap and jazz. Until age twelve, she was a dedicated member of her studio's competition dance team. After gaining experience in the competition dance world, Taylor shifted to a ballet-focused studio, where she would dance until she graduated. Taylor performed in yearly performances of The Nutcracker, with her favorite roles being The Sugar Plum Fairy and The Snow Queen.
In high school, she diversified her training to include dancing on the Varsity dance team, as well as being a part of the school's theatre department. As part of the theatre department, Taylor choreographed for three productions.
Taylor found her love for teaching dance at thirteen when she began assisting dance classes. She transitioned into independent teaching by age sixteen, and has continued ever since.
Currently pursuing a BFA in Dance at Missouri State University with both advertising and theatre minors, Taylor has been part of two Fall Dance Concerts and swung for a guest artist piece in Spring Dance Concert. With a deep love for ballet, Taylor is thrilled to be joining the staff of Ozark Dance Academy for a second year and cannot wait to see what the future holds!
Laura Nowakowski- Instructor/Competition Choreographer
Laura is a 2017 graduate of Ozark High School where she performed with the Dance Team for two years and won the Dance Talent Contest her Junior and Senior years. She formally trained in ballet, jazz, modern at Ozark Dance Academy and found her passion to be Hip Hop. In regional competition, she has choreographed and performed winning Hip-Hop solos. When not teaching Laura loves to work with her church or perform with Motion Playlist a local Hip Hop group. This past year she performed professional with the Michale Jackson Tribute at Reza Theater in Branson, MO. We are so glad she is able to join us for another season and spread her love of dance and hip hop and Contemporary with our students.
Caroline Wolf- Instructor/Competition Choreographer
Carolien Wolfe started her training at the age of 4 with Showtime Productions. When she was 10, she continued her dance training at Ozark Dance Academy until she graduated from high school. Throughout her time at ODA she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Modern dance. While at ODA she was a member of the competition team earning scholarships from many of the competitions she attended including DanceMakers, Hollywood Dance Jaz and Talent on Parade. She performed and competed with the Ozark High School Dance Team and ultimately placing 2nd in state with their kick routine. For the past 3 years Caroline has traveled all across the country as an instructor for Universal Dance Association (UDA) instructing High School Dance team students. When she i s not in the studio, Caroline is training at Missouri State University and earning her Bachelors Degree in Dance. She is excited to be teaching at ODA for her third year.
Jules Appleby-Musical Theater and Tap
Julianna "Jules" Appleby danced since she was three years old and then taught dance since she was 15 years old in St. Louis, MO and wanted to get a B.F.A. In dance at Webster University in Webster Groves, MO. "God has given me passion for dance and I can't live without it and honor what God has given me." After graduation, she auditioned in Branson, MO and then performed professionally at Shoji Tabuchi Show, Bobby Vinton, Legends In Concert, Dino's Christmas Show, and more. During this time, she learned from many choreographers from all over the world. Ms. Jules even performed on tour with Bobby Vinton to Las Vegas, NV. She has taught dance at many studios in St. Louis, Springfield, and Branson through this time. Springfield, MO is home to her and her family. She has a husband and two wonderful boys. Ms. Juleschoreographed for James River Church's "Design For Life" venues for two years straight for an audience of 10,000 people from across the world. She also choreographed for many competitions and received multiple Judge's Choice and high place awards from soloist through group dance pieces. "Competition has changed in many ways, since I performed in them. I like to make sure to do something fresh for the audience and judges. Many times, it is just being simple and fun!" Ms. Jules has a love and care for dancers and makes sure she is up to date on healthy ways to teach her dancers to dance for the rest of their life! "Nothing will make me so happy in the dance world than to see my dancers share the same passion and care for dance and keep it an art form not a sport." Ms. Jules also taught more than dance. She has been certified in AEA water aerobics for over 18 years, has been a lifeguard, and even certified in Zumba. "Movement is a great thing to be blessed with. I want to keep moving until I take my last breath."