The Dance Data Project® Team
“Children of Dharma” by Ragamala Dance Company
Photo by Rob Simmer/Three Phase Multimedia
Elizabeth “Liza” Yntema wearing Another Tomorrow Photo by Kyle Flubacker
Our Founder
Elizabeth B. Yntema is the President & Founder of Dance Data Project® (DDP), an organization dedicated to promoting gender equity in classical ballet through data analysis, advocacy, and transparency. Established in 2015, DDP has become a global leader in highlighting disparities in leadership, compensation, and programming in the dance industry, providing essential research and metrics-based tools for institutions worldwide.
A recognized leader in philanthropy and gender equity, Yntema has served on numerous boards, including WTTW/WFMT, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and The Joffrey Ballet, where she played a key role in fundraising and programming initiatives. She co-chaired major galas for both the Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Company, raising millions to support the arts. A life-long advocate for gender equity, Yntema received the Junior League of Chicago’s Volunteer of the Year award for her work passing a bi-partisan resolution in the Illinois House recognizing homelessness as particularly affecting women and children.
Her contributions to advancing women in dance have earned her widespread recognition, including the Top Tier Feminist Giver Award from Philanthropy Women (2021) and Lifetime Honorary Membership in Corps de Ballet (2022). She has been featured in leading media outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, Fortune, NPR, The Guardian, and Inside Philanthropy, and has appeared on numerous podcasts discussing the intersection of data, philanthropy, and the arts.
Yntema holds a B.A. in International Relations and Honors English from the University of Virginia (magna cum laude) and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, where she received the Jane L. Mixer Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Justice.
She continues to advocate for systemic change in the arts through research, thought leadership, and strategic philanthropy, ensuring a more equitable future for women in dance.
Leads
JENNA MAGRATH
Research Lead
Jenna Magrath (she/her) is a dance researcher, artist, and educator. She is currently an MSc student at the University of Toronto in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Her master’s work focuses on safeguarding against harm and maltreatment in dance. In addition, Jenna holds a BA in Contemporary Dance and a BKin (Honours) from the University of Calgary. She has previous research experience exploring teaching strategies utilized in community dance classes for older adults and individuals with Parkinson’s. Her work has received awards from the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and Healthy Dancer Canada. Jenna is also a dance artist with performance and choreographer credits across Western Canada and has been a dance educator for more than 10 years. Jenna is passionate about advocating for and creating safe and equitable dancing spaces.
JUNYLA SILMON
Senior Research Consultant and Team Training Lead
Junyla Silmon, a native of Canton, MS, is a 2022 summa cum laude graduate from Montclair State University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance performance and a minor in business administration. As a performing artist, she has worked with Susan Marshall, Roderick George, Yusha-Marie Sorzano, and Kayla Farrish, among others. In 2023, Junyla checked in as the newest resident of Sleep No More at the McKittrick Hotel. She is also a company member of Company SBB//Stefanie Batten Bland. As a choreographer, her work, “[EK]+[OH],” was presented at the 2022 Upsurge Dance Festival.
Junyla began as a research intern with Dance Data Project in the summer of 2021 and has received three promotions since then: Research Consultant (April 2022), Senior Research Consultant (May 2022), and Senior Research Consultant and Team Training Lead (January 2024).
JASON SMITH
Technology and Digital Lead
Jason has over ten years of project management, design, and software development experience, overseeing digital and design project for small start ups. He arrived at his current position through a circuitous route through studying literature, working in publishing, literary magazines, and other such ventures.
Jason and his team are behind the graphic design of the DDP website, reports, advertisements, and more. He joined the DDP team in 2018 and resides in Chicago.
Kelly Love, LBL Financial
Bookkeeping/Accounting
Kelly Love, is a strategic advisor whose love goes beyond just crunching numbers. Passionate about businesses and entrepreneurship, a visionary who thrives on giving each of her clients peace of mind knowing she is there to assist in their financial success. As a licensed CPA with more than 18 years of accounting experience, Kelly has extensive experience as an accountant and auditor, and is currently in private practice. She focuses on applying her technical experience as an engineer to take an analytical, structured approach to applied financial principles and problem solving. Kelly has worked in public accounting with for-profit and nonprofit clients as well as in corporate accounting for private industry before starting her own firm in 2005.
Research Consultants
MAYA CANESTARO
Senior Research Consultant
Maya Canestaro is a born and raised Texan. She graduated with honors from the University of Chicago, earning a degree in Public Policy with a double minor in Philosophy and Human Rights. For the past two years, she’s danced with Kansas City Ballet’s second company and for this upcoming season, she will be dancing with Madison Ballet as an Apprentice. Outside of ballet and research, Maya loves to read and be in nature. Maya is passionate about advocating for dancers and progressing equity within the dance world.
AANIKA KHANSAHEB
Researcher / Website Editor
Aanika Khansaheb is born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She is currently studying at North Carolina State University with a major in Business Administration IT and Data Science and a minor in International Studies. She is also part of the Business Analytics Honors Program. Aanika has been a dancer since she was four years old, specializing in Bollywood Dance and Competitive Ballroom. She is passionate about combining her love of dance with philanthropic efforts. Aanika is currently the Co-president for RaleighTHON, which raises money for the kids at the Duke Children’s Hospital through a year long fundraiser. Outside of school and dance, she loves traveling, cooking, and trying new foods. Aanika is a big advocate for bringing awareness to gender inequality in male-dominated industries, specifically the art industry and STEM related fields.
Manjistha Lakhotia
Research Consultant
Manjistha (they/them) loves physics, math, and dance, and the intersection of all three. Graduating with a B.A. in physics and minor in dance from Barnard College, their goal for their career is to explore how the gap between physics/math and dance can be bridged; to expose the art within physics and math and the mathematics within dance. Along with having worked as a data analysis assistant with two separate research teams at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to investigate geological and meteorological phenomenon, they have worked with STEM through Dance’s Girls Rise Up program as a STEM instructor and currently work as the Content Manager for The Dance Union Project.
Olivia Frangos
Research Consultant
Olivia Frangos can be recognized for her interdisciplinary expertise across the realms of kinesiology, dance, and academia. A native Rhode Islander, Olivia began her training as a scholarship student at Ballet RI and later on, as a performing member of their Junior Company. Olivia graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and gained her Board Certification. Post-graduation, Olivia cultivated her love of teaching as a faculty instructor with Emerald Ballet Academy in Washington, additionally serving as their onsite rehabilitation specialist. Her training further continued as a student in the Independent Study Program and an accepted Scholarship Student at The Ailey School, followed by exploration of contemporary release techniques with B.J. Sullivan in North Carolina. Eager to understand movement further, Olivia earned a Master of Science degree in Motor Behavior and Applied Neuromechanics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where her research focused on biomechanics & perceptions of female athletes and community dissemination.
Today Olivia lives as a movement scientist, continuing to actively practice as a clinical Athletic Trainer, freelance dancer, and independent researcher.
Sophia Ohrenstein
Research Consultant
Sophia is a sophomore at Harvard University, studying Applied Mathematics and Economics. She grew up dancing, where she discovered a passion for choreography and found opportunities to express her creativity. Driven by a desire to use mathematics to create positive change, Sophia is also deeply committed to advancing female leadership. On campus, she is an active member of Women in Business, where she helps organize and lead the annual Intercollegiate Business Convention. In her free time, Sophia is training to become a fitness instructor, tutors her peers, and is learning to code. She was recently promoted from intern at the Dance Data Project.
TRACEY BONNER
Senior Outreach Liaison
Tracey Bonner has a long-standing career as an artist, an arts advocate, an artistic leader, a freelance choreographer, a director, a master teacher, and an entrepreneur. From a career as a professional Broadway dancer (AEA) to an Associate Dance Professor, a collegiate audition coach/master teacher, and an administrative consultant at various arts organizations. She holds a dual BFA in musical theatre and dance from Shenandoah Conservatory, and an MFA in dance from the University of California, Irvine. She is a certified front-line fundraiser through The Veritus Group. Awards and publications include ethnographic research, producing and directing a film sponsored by the US Department of Justice, various awards for choreography including ACDA, and serving as an Al Smith Fellow for the Kentucky Arts Council.
Nancy Dobbs Owen
Special Projects Consultant
Nancy Dobbs Owen, MFA (Choreographer/Director, Dancer, Dance Educator, Writer) began her professional career with the Joffrey Ballet and danced with numerous ballet and modern companies. National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Television and film work: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, American Princess, VEEP, Ratched, Deadwood, and Music. LA Stage Highlights: John Adams’ Nixon in China with the LA Philharmonic, the Production Company’s award-winning Sweeney Todd, and The Bridge Club at Deaf West Theatre.
Award Winning Stage Direction and Choreography credits include Skeleton Stories, Have You Seen Alice, and Welcome to the White Room at Theatre of NOTE, Assassins with Sight Unseen Theatre, M. Butterfly, Sweeney Todd, Working, and Enron, at the Production Company, The Snow Queen at the Fremont Centre Theatre, Where’s Charley for 42nd St. Moon, War Bride at Sky Pilot Theater, I’d Rather Be Right at the Hudson Theater, Dolls! at the Santa Monica Playhouse and Pacific Opera Project’s The Mikado. She was the resident choreographer for the Marina Del Rey Symphony’s Summer Dance Concert, creating four original ballets. She has received award recognition from the Ovations, Stage Scene LA, and BroadwayWorld.com
Film, TV, and Film Choreography highlights include the feature Hollywood Fringe, the viral sensation Lullaby, a Zombie Musical, Too Many Bodies, and Floating, Falling, Flying; A Dance Film. Her work has been seen at over 40 film festivals with numerous choreography and directing honors.
She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Southern Utah University. She is a staff writer for LA Dance Chronicle and serves on committees with Corps De Ballet International and Women in Dance.
2011 Directors Lab West
Arts Management Certificate: UC Irvine
Nicole Dickson
Research & IT Consultant
Nicole Dickson is a researcher and artist, with a strong foundation in mathematics. She holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Dance Pedagogy from Butler University, where she participated in undergraduate research projects in statistical analysis and abstract algebra. Nicole is especially interested in how data can clarify industry trends, highlight discrepancies, and uncover truths within the dance industry. By blending analytical rigor with creative insight, she supports research efforts to further DDP’s mission.
Communications Team
BAILEY WALKER
Archivist & Subscriptions Editor
Bailey Walker (she/her) is an artist, choreographer, and educator based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education and Spanish from Southern Utah University. She is an accomplished teacher, performer, and choreographer. Her work has been featured at the Red Rock Dance Festival and the American Collegiate Dance Association Conference. Bailey is a company member with Contemporary Dance Wyoming. She also serves as a faculty member and Junior Repertory Company Co-Director at The School at Dancers’ Workshop in Jackson, WY.
Bailey began work with DDP in early 2021 as an intern and has had the immense privilege of witnessing the positive impact and change that DDP’s mission and research have influenced and continue to create.
Madison Mora
Social Media Coordinator
Madison Mora (she/her), from Indianapolis, IN, received her BFA in Dance and BA in Journalism from Indiana University in 2022. She started dancing at the age of 5 in the competition dance world, training in styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, and tap. Madison is currently a professional freelance performer and artist, with credits including IUI’s DisEnsemble (2023-2025) and the Indy Dance Festival (2025). Recently relocating to Chicago, Madison also works as a contributing arts writer for various news sites such as Newcity and Whatzup. She is beyond excited to bring her communications and dance expertise to DDP as the Social Media Coordinator.
Julianna Raimondo
Outreach Coordinator
Julianna is a DMV-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and administrator. She graduated from James Madison University (’20) magna cum laude, receiving her B.A. in Dance with a minor in theater. Julianna currently dances with DC-based contemporary/modern companies including GRIDLOCK Dance and UpRooted Dance. She teaches all genres of dance and choreographs for the competitive team at THE NEWMAN Dance Center in Annapolis, MD. In 2024, Julianna and collaborator Chloe Conway launched j&c dance project, a contemporary dance collective dedicated to creating and presenting innovative, collaborative work. j&c dance project was presented at the 2025 Women Arts Exchange (WAX) Festival in Jacksonville, FL and The Preview Works in Process Showing presented by The Creative Space in Washington, DC. Julianna is delighted to be a part of the DDP team and is always reaching for opportunities to connect and share art, whether that be through administration, performance, education, or creation.
Heather Hunt-Lacombe
Newsletter Editor
Heather Hunt-Lacombe (she/her) is a dancer and educator based in New York City. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Alabama with a B.A. in Dance and a second major in General Business. Heather found her love for administration in the arts when she served as Vice-President with Dance Alabama!, a student-led organization that brought dance to the state of Alabama. She currently works as a fitness instructor with DanceBody and as a preschool dance teacher with Manhattan Schoolhouse. Heather is passionate about advocating for equity in many areas of the dance world and is excited to begin working with DDP!
Interns
Administration
STEPHANIE WILKINS
Hiring Coordinator and Office Administrator
Stephanie Wilkins has been working as an Administrator/Executive Assistant for over 15 years in the philanthropic and business sector. Stephanie operates & manages a 30,000 sq ft executive office suite facility in Northfield where she first met and heard Liza’s ideas about promoting gender equity in the dance industry & she decided she wanted to jump on board and help Liza with the administrative part of turning Dance Data Project into a 501c3. Stephanie rejoined DDP in September of 2022 and is looking forward to help raise awareness related to gender equality, primarily in areas of leadership and choreographic opportunities. She resides in Northbrook with her 8 year old daughter and dog Bohdi.
On Academic Leave
SEHAJ GILL
Research Consultant
Sehaj is a high school student from Michigan and has been with DDP since January 2022. She believes that gender disparity in organizational leadership can be alleviated with methodical data analyses. She has earned a MicroBachelors in Computer Science from NYU and certifications in Python programming from Harvard and Generative AI from Google. Sehaj loves playing piano and tennis. She is the flute section leader and the first chair for her high school marching and symphony bands, respectively. She has founded a club at her school to enable her peers to perform objective and impactful research. She also runs a research-focused video podcast.
Angela Yuan
Research Intern
Angela Yuan is a current high school student at Noble and Greenough School located in Massachusetts. She has trained in classical ballet for over 9 years and began competing at 11 years old. Angela discovered the Dance Data Project during her research project analyzing the local networks of ballet masters. She is excited to contribute to DDP’s mission for gender equity in the dance industry and learn from the amazing mentors within the team. She hopes that this opportunity will help her in the future to spread research for the greater good.
