Owner / Director

Brook has been sharing her love for dance with student for over 16 years. She has been owner/ director of Storm Dance Alliance for five years, during which time, has instructed thousands of dancers, helping to guide them into successful dance careers, including college programs, teaching positions, choreographers, and work as professional dancers. Brook believes in the principles of providing Storm Dancers with a strong foundation in both technique and performance ability, thereby creating versatile, well trained dancers that are successful in any genre of dance.

Brook has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and tap, as well as acrobatics, poms, and modern. She completed her dance training at Northern Illinois University in their award winning dance program. While there, Brook also completed her bachelor of science in Nursing.

Brook has directed the Storm Dance Alliance Competition Company through five successful seasons. As director, the Company has grown to over 95 talented members, and has won many regional and national titles. Her choreography has won numerous awards, including several top petite and junior choreography awards,and teen and senior top entertainer titles at competitions in the 2009 season. Under her direction, the company has traveled to compete and perform in Myrtle Beach, Walt Disney World , Dance Chicago, and Branson, MO. The company and its’ dancers have been invited to dance in Germany, New York, Las Vegas, and more. Brook has also successfully implemented the new Poms Team to the studio, offering a wonderful opportunity for dancers wanting to experience the joy of competition at a less intense level.

Under her direction, the studio has developed a beautiful annual Nutcracker performance, which over the past five years has grown to a cast of over 200 dancers. Each December, Storm Dance Alliance has entertained dance lovers from the local and surrounding areas with its charming rendition of a classic holiday favorite.

Brook prides herself on providing a family friendly studio environment, and fulfilling dancers’ dreams of performing by ensuring that they receive training from the best teachers the area has to offer. All instructors at Storm are talented, current dancers who have the ability to inspire excellence from all of their students. She is extremely proud of the place that Storm has become, and strives for an even brighter future for the studio and all of its dancers.

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Christina Bedoe is a 2006 graduate from the University of Iowa with a B.F.A. in dance with an emphasis in ballet, modern, choreography, and dance kinesiology. She studied under esteemed instructors: Charlotte Adams- founding member of Tenth Street Danceworks, Armando Duarte- member of Cinse Negro Dance Company, Jennifer Kayle- founding member of Architectsdance, and George De La Pena and Eloy Barragan- both former members of American Ballet Theatre. Christina also had the exciting and unforgettable opportunity to take master classes from dance companies such as Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane, Pilobolus, Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street, and Luna Negra dance theatre. Christina was a member of "Dancers in Company", the universities traveling dance troupe and she also danced a summer season with "Duarte Dance Works" in 2005. In the spring of 2006 Christina had the amazing opportunity to be able to participate in the American College Dance Festival where she was able to take classes from master teachers all over the country as well as perform and have her own choreography adjudicated.
Christina has taken her love of dance and has combined this with her love for children and been teaching since her graduation from college! Since joining the Storm staff in May of 2006, Christina has strived to teach the basic principles of technique, as well as a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for the art of dancing to students both big and small. Christina has a strong belief in challenging students in the pre-school and kindergarten programs to learn and grow more than many think possible, while keeping it a fun and exciting classroom, a place where dancers look forward to coming to each week. Many of Christina’s dancers have gone on to pursue professional dance training at various colleges and pre-professional programs, some even following in her footsteps to pursue dance at the University of Iowa!
Christina has also had the wonderful opportunity to choreograph for the studio’s yearly production of the “Nutcracker”, and the pleasure of being one of the competition company’s teachers and choreographers. Christina’s routines have won many awards and high placements, truly showing her passion for dance, and her dedication to her students.

At just two years old, Brittany Enoch began her life long journey in the world of dance. By the age of five, she was competing and training as a ballet, jazz, and tap dancer. With each year, her love and passion continued to grow as she became acquainted with more styles of dance, including lyrical, hip hop, modern, acrobatics, and contemporary. In 2004, she became a member of Storm Dance Alliance's competition team in its first season. Under the direction of SDA and Brook Langkan, Brittany has received many awards and recognitions for her talent. In addition to being a member of this award winning team, she also performed in a junior production of Peter Pan, The Nutcracker All Jazzed Up, and many performances of SDA's The Nutcracker Ballet, where she was featured as the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy. In 2005, Brittany also had the opportunity to perform in Walt Disney World's Magic Music Days.

While her love for performance remained, Brittany began to discover another true passion, teaching. From ages11-13, she started student teaching, and by 14, Brittany began instructing her own classes. She uses her first hand knowledge and experience gained from 14 years as a competitive dancer to provide her students with the best training possible. She prepares them technically, physically, and mentally to be the best dancer they can be. She instills her love and dedication for the sport and art of dance in her students through persistence, encouragement, and example. Brittany has been choreographing award winning competition routines for SDA for four years. Some of her acknowledgments include top overall scores at the regional and national levels, costume awards, judges choice, and the 2010 Rainbow Connection Gold Group Challenge Junior 1st place title. With over seven years of experience in teaching and choreography, and 18 years in the dance world, Brittany can truly say she has found her life-long passion and purpose.

Leandra Groth began dancing at age four. By age eight she found herself intensely training in various styles of dance. She spent seven years training and competing with Ted Jackson’s Midwest Movement and achieved countless high score accolades and titles. Also, Leandra has studied with some of the most prominent ballet instructors in the Chicago land area, including Avnun Yakubov, Homer Bryant, and Peff Modelski -of New York- along with some of the country’s leading hip hop and jazz choreographers such as Brian Freidman, Tovaris Wilson, and Ray Leeper. Her performances include Avnun Yakubov’s United States premier of the ballet “Bambi”, and the opening performance for “Fat Joe” in Chicago. Having been teaching and choreographing for the past three years, she has been assistant teaching/choreographing throughout the United States and Canada as well since the age of 15. In 2009 Leandra toured with Co Dance convention as a 2008 AT (Assistant Teacher). Most recently she was one of few choreographers/dancers who created the dance on Oprah’s 24th season premier. At twenty years old with an associate’s degree from College of DuPage, Leandra continues to teach/choreograph while building her career as a professional dancer.

Avnun Yakubov was born in Russia and received a Masters Degree in Choreography and Arts Management from the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in Leningrad.

Mr. Yakubov was the Artistic Director and Head Choreographer Alumnus of the Moscow Ballet Theater in Russia from 1973-1993. From 1974-1988, he staged numerous works in Italy, Austria, Turkey, and Greece. By invitation of the Italian government in 1992, he choreographed and produced "An Evening with Strauss." He also choreographed different ballets for the Kirov Theater in Leningrad and the Vaganova Choreography College.

From 1993-1997, Mr. Yakubov appeared in the Chicago Festival Ballet’s "Nutcracker" as Herr Drosselmeyer and served as Ballet Master and Choreographer for the Chicago Festival Ballet School. He served as a choreography instructor for the Looking Glass Theater Company’s production of Bulgakov’s "Master and "Margarita" and taught at the Lou Conte Studio. 
Mr. Yakubov was the Ballet Master and Head Choreographer for the Faubourg Ballet Theater from 1995-2001. In 1997-1998 he staged and choreographed Ravel’s "Bolero" and "Paquita" with Alexander Lunev (principal dancer with the Kirov Ballet). In 1999-2000, he served as Ballet Master and choreographer at the Academy of Dance Arts. There he staged and choreographed "New Ballet Divertissement" and "Paquita" with Roger Van Fleteren (principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre) and Yumelia Garcia (principal dancer with Milwaukee Ballet).  

From June 2001 till August 2007 Mr. Yakubov was a Founder and Artistic Director of " Ballet Cultural Arts Center" and "Youth Ballet Theatre of Chicago - NFP"

In 2002 – Evening of Ballet was preformed at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts. Featured guest artists included Elena Martinson & Andrei Ustinov formerly principal dancers from the Kirov Ballet Theater and Mr. Yakubov’s Youth Ballet Theatre pre-professional division students. 

In the summer of 2004 Mr. Yakubov proudly presented his US Ballet Premier of “BAMBI”.  This full length ballet in 2 acts featuring original libretto stage version with staging and choreography by Mr. Yakubov.  Performances by Milwaukee Ballet Theater members Jennifer Provins and Christopher Fellows - 1 st Principal Soloists and Kirk Henning of Daytona Ballet Company – Principal Soloist.  Performing from the Youth Ballet Theater (YBT) NFP were Principal Soloists Renee Briglio, Lindsay Cregier and Kira Stiers and the pre-professional division students of the YBT.  This wonderful event was held at Hemmens Cultural Arts Center.

Starting in September 2009 Mr. Yakubov will continue his carrier with Golden’s School of Dance as Ballet Master Teacher. His classes will be featured every Wednesday evening.

Rachel Lange has been dancing since the age of 2 years old. Throughout her youth she trained at various different studios and companies and danced competitively throughout her life. Since the age of 14, Rachel has been teaching dance to children of all ages. Her love for children has flourished by working with younger children in dance classes, and also by being a Nanny for numerous families. She has attended many competitions and conventions throughout the world, where she has danced under many prestigious artists who have all helped her to excel in her dance career. She has also danced for professional sporting events and festivals throughout the United States. Rachel has had the great experience of coaching a Pom Team for several years, and has worked on production numbers for different teams. Rachel will graduate from Northern Illinois University in December 2010 with a minor in dance with a double major in English and Political Science. Rachel has been blessed with the opportunity to share the joy of dance with individuals of all ages, by teaching dance continuously for the last 7 years of her life. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her dance experience and joy for dance with the Storm Dance Alliance Team. Since, joining the Storm Team in March of 2010, Rachel is striving to share her love of dance with the other dancers; while also emphasizing the importance of technique and structured training.

Charles Lawrence began dancing at the age of 9, and had his first dance experiences in show choir, traveling and attending Show Choir Camps of America. Lawrence attended show choir camps every year until 2001 when he had a chance to audition in NYC for a Janet Jackson music video. It was Lawrence’s first introduction to the world of pop and hip-hop dancing, and he landed the role as a back up dancer. While attending Auburn University in Alabama pursing a degree in secondary education, he became a member of their elite show choir group the Auburn Singers. Then in 2007, shortly after graduating and beginning his Masters Degree at Southern Illinois University, he had the opportunity to work on the artist developmental team for Justin Bieber as assistant choreographer He has also served as an assistant choreographer for the likes of artist like Chris Brown, and JQ to name a few. Lawrence continued to find himself involved with hip hop by studying under the likes of Kevin Mahar, Marty Kudelka, Luther Brown, Wade Roberson, Jessie Santos to name a few.

Lawrence took a short sabbatical from dance to pursue motivational speaking as well as focus on his doctorate in Forensic Psychology at the Chicago Professional School of Psychology. In 2010 Lawrence made a strong come back into dance as the choreographer and creative director on a music video for up and coming pop artist JQ. Inspired, Lawrence began working with more rising artists helping to build their careers and stage presence. Lawrence also began teaching master classes throughout the area, as well as becoming a principal hip hop choreographer and instructor at a studio in Chicago’s west suburbs.

Teaching hip-hop has fueled Lawrence’s passion for dance, so much that in early 2011 he founded his own company, Dance Rogue LLC Intensive Workshops. With Dance Rouge, Lawrence’s vision is to share his knowledge and talent on a much larger stage. Since the inception of Dance Rogue, Lawrence’s company has grown exponentially and attracted a well-accomplished faculty throughout the country.

Currently, Lawrence’s dream is his reality as he spends his time traveling and teaching, continues to work with artists on music videos and stage performances, growing Dance Rogue, and hosting workshops to inspire young dancers throughout the country.

Ashlyn Sweet started dancing at the age of seven. Through out the years she has been studying all kinds of different styles of dance, her favorite being Pointe. A recent graduate of Oswego East High School, Ashlyn also spent four years training and competing for Storm Dance Alliance winning countless high scoring awards and titles. While competing, she studied for a year with one of the most prominent ballet instructors in the Chicago land area, Avnun Yakubov. In 2008 Ashlyn had a lead role as the Snow Queen and a lead role as the Gentue Princess in 2009 in the Storm Dance Alliance annual Nutcracker performance. In the fall of 2010 she will be attending pivot point cosmetology school, while teaching young energized dancers.

At the age of 2, Hayley began dancing and never looked back. Trained in jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, ballet, and contemporary, Hayley has had the privilege of working with top choreographers as Mia Michaels and Brian Friedman. In 2006, Hayley became a full time member of the Storm Dance Alliance Competition Company, where she has competed and won countless awards. As a veteran in dance recitals and Storm's holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, Hayley has also attends dance conventions, such as The Pulse and Showstoppers. With her wealth of knowledge, expertise, and talent, Hayley has turned her focus onto teaching young, new students the art of dance with the same positive attitude and passion that she has.

Tahnee LaMon has been studying voice and piano for 18 years and teaching for the past 3. A graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, IL, with a degree in Theatre Performance and Music.

Tahnee has also been involved such shows as Urinetown the Musical, Cabaret, The Shape of Things and many more.

With great enthusiasm and passion, Tahnee's teaching style and curriculum makes every lesson fun and educational from start to finish and gets each student on their desired path to musical success. She works with both children and adults, to sharing her gift and instilling the love of music and theatre.

A native of Aurora, IL, Zada began his dance training at the age of 10. He became a member of "Especially Tap Chicago" and "BAM!" before graduating from West Aurora High School. Since then, Mr. Cheeks has also preformed with dance companies such as: Chicago Dance Crash, Civic Ballet of Chicago, Corpo Dance company, Inaside Chicago Dance, and River North Chicago Dance Company. He has toured nationally and internationally to China, Spain, and Venezuela. In addition, Zada also teaches at many dance studios around the Chicago land area, as well as workshops helping students express their feelings through dance.

Jessica Saniie received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Akron in 2007. She has been dancing since she was 4 years old. A native of Hinsdale, she studied dance with Yvonne Brown, Dmitri Roudnev, Avnun Yacubov and at the School of the Salt Creek Ballet. She toured Europe with the Chestnut Street Dancers and performed at Eurodisney and Café de la Danse in Paris. For Jessica the discipline of dance has given her a way to express her creativity and she is eager to share that with her students.

Keegan Sullivan is our 22 year old Acro Trainer. A 13 year veteran at Naperville Gymnastics Club, began his teaching career his junior year of high school at the Oswego Park District and is now teaching at Premier Gymnastics. He has also taken dance for 5 years with a traveling marching band's dance team.

Keegan is a very energetic and outgoing guy who loves having fun, working with children and instilling in them his passion for gymnastics.

Keegan is currently attending school and working on his Social Work degree, with a wish to become a grade school guidance counselor.

Kelley Jo joined Storm Dance Alliance in its first year as a member of the Competition Company. Being apart of a National Award Winning Company, she has also been recognized and received many individual awards. Kelley Jo has been privelaged of working with Top Choreographers such as, Brian Friedman, Blake Mcgrath, Tyce Diorio, and many more. She has danced in many perfomances of SDA's Nutcracker Ballet, Dance Chicago, and Walt Disney World's Magic Music Days. Under the instruction of Brook Langkan, Kelley Jo began teaching at SDA; where she found her true passion. As much as Kelley Jo loves to dances, she found that teaching and sharing her love with others was most rewarding. Since dancing at SDA, Kelley has gone on to choreograph many award winning numbers. Many of her recognitions include Top High Scores at Regional and National levels, Judges Choice Awards, and Most Entertaining Awards.

As a mother, Kelley Jo prides herself on being a family-person, and sharing her values of hard work, dedication, and drive with every student she works with.

Austin Nelson started his dance training when he was 8 years old. After deciding he wasn't quite cut out for sports, there was a need to find an avenue for his restless energy. Pairing that energy with his love of music led him to take some hip hop classes, first through the park district and then a local dance studio. At age 11, Austin joined the competition team at Storm Dance Alliance, where he competed with the hip hop division for two years. Austin then joined Xtreme Dance Center where he trained under dancers featured on Season 2 of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, along with the center's owner, Sam Renzetti, who was featured on two episodes of MTV's Made. During his time at SDA and XDC, he was fortunate enough to attend master classes with many of hip hop's well-known artists and choreographers including Nick Bass, David Moore, Jesse Santos and the Jabbawockeez, just to name just a few. Austin not only has a passion for the art of dance, but for sharing it with others. He's excited to be joining the SDA team as an instructor and have the opportunity to work with younger students and foster their love of hip hop, just as his past instructors have done for him.