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Renée Staines (Brantlinger)

The Owner/Artistic Director

of the

Altoona Dance Theatre

Renee is a graduate of Penn State University, with a BA in Integrative Arts where she combined Dance with Psychology/HDFS, and also received a Dance Studies Minor. She also has a Sport Yoga Certification. Recently, through extensive process she is now become a member of the Professional Dance Teachers Association. Renee studied dance at Point Park University (College) on a $30,000 Presidential Scholarship, where her freshman year she was placed in all the highest level of classes. Also her freshman year she was asked to perform in the Nutcracker with La Roche College. Throughout High School, Renee got out of school early to attend Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania’s Ballet Company, where she danced from 1pm-9pm daily. She also, while growing up, studied dance at Allegheny Ballet Academy/Company, and for a short time at Sigel’s School of Dance. She attended Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and Point Park University intensive programs on scholarships as well. She has been seen countless times on many stages around the Region.

Renee has studied dance throughout her life with many very world renowned teachers some of these include:

Chérie Noble

Gelsey Kirkland

Deborah Anthony

Nancy Schaffenburg

Robert Steele

Marcia Dale Weary

Nicolas Petrov

Kennet Oberly

Jean Gedeon

Susan Stowe

Kristen Brandt

Patricia Sorrell

Melinda Howe

As well as having many Master Classes with other Professional Dancers.

Renee Staines is being recognized in the Strathmores Who's Who's 2008-2009 World Wide
Edition for Professionalism and excellence in the Dance World.

Altoona Dance Theatre won Young Emerging Business
2007 For the Blair County Chamber for Commerce.

YWCA's Tribute to Women 2009, Renee Staines was the Arts and Letters Award winner