OUR TEACHERS

 Focusing on a positive approach to dance education. SHDS takes pride in having educated dance teachers and artists who are committed to providing a positive and inclusive experience for every dancer. Sue Hewitt and her teachers encourage self-expression, creativity, exploration, collaboration, discipline, and integrity. Our curriculum is created with age appropriate music, movements, and costuming in mind. Learning the life-long skills of confidence, discipline, and character in a fun and safe environment play a vital role in the studio’s philosophy.

Sue Hewitt
Owner/Artistic Director

Sue started her dance training in McMurray PA under the direction of Sue Richard, who continues to be a friend and mentor today. While attending IUP, Sue studied with Jane Dakak and had the opportunity to teach and choreograph through Concert Dance. She enjoyed performing in and attending the American College Dance Festival Association each year. Living in Davenport IA, Sue taught, choreographed and performed with the City Center for Performing Arts. Moving back to the Pittsburgh area, Sue continued to teach while taking evening classes at Point Park University. After relocating to Indiana PA, Sue started teaching at a local studio while commuting to Pittsburgh to teach.

In 1996 with the encouragement of her husband, Sue started her own studio. The dancers and families that she has gotten to know over the years have been a very important part of her career. One of the highlights was performing with former student Maria Caruso in several Bodiography Contemporary Ballet performances.

Sue values the importance of additional dance education so she has enjoyed accompanying her dancers to conventions and workshops over the years such as the American Dance Festival, the Greer Gala, Jeff Shade, Motion, Nuvo, Urban Jamm, as well as Martha Graham and Koresh Master Classes. Sue is a member of Dance Masters of Pennsylvania and continues her own education by attending these workshops as well as a variety of dance performances and online classes.

Abigail Hewitt O’Rourke
Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pointe teacher

Abigail Hewitt O’Rourke is artist, educator, and choreographer, in the field of dance hailing from Indiana, PA. Abigail graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, where she received the Most Outstanding Dance Major award. While at Slippery Rock she was the Co-Director of Rock Dance Company, Co -Director of Slippery Rock Dance Theatre, and worked for the Department of Dance. She has had the opportunity to perform works by Bryn Cohn, Doug Varone, Helen Simoneau, Lindsay Fisher, James Washington, Helanius Wilkins, Attack Theatre, Chris Saunders, Nora Ambrosio, Teena Custer, Melissa Teodoro, Jennifer Keller, Thom Cobb, and Ursula Payne. Upon graduation she moved to New York City to further her education and explore the dance community. While dancing in New York she had the opportunity to dance with Bryn Cohn + Artists. During her time in New York, she gained Arts Administrative experience as a Center Intern at Gibney Dance Center and Peridance Capezio Center, where she also had the privilege of training with renowned choreographers and educators. Under the agency Total Talent Entertainment, Abigail performed in fashion shows, music videos, and commercial events. She also modeled for companies such as Lululemon, Antler & Woods, Satva Living, and other project based Photographers and is currently signed with Docherty Agency in Pittsburgh . Abigail has spent summers studying at the American Dance Festival and Bates Dance Festival. She has had the privilege to feature her work “After Hours” at the American College Dance Association. She is excited to come home to her dance family, to share and explore her passion, helping to shape the next generation through artistry and movement.

Sophee McCabe

Ballet, Modern, and Jazz Teacher

Sophee trained under the direction of Sue Hewitt for 12 years. While at Sue Hewitt Dance Studio she was a teaching assistant. Upon graduation Sophee continued to mentor Sue Hewitt assisting in teaching classes. Sophee was a student choreographer for Dancers with Heart and Sole in 2019 and 2020. She has created and performed two different solo works, and two groups pieces. She has also trained and attended dance conventions in the Pittsburgh area. Sophee is the Indiana Area Senior High School Dance Team coach for the 2022-2023 season.

Monica DeLoreto

Team Dance and Jazz Teacher

Monica grew up dancing at Sue Hewitt Dance Studio, and was a student for 12 years. Upon graduation of high school Monica attended IUP and received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. She later went on to complete her Masters Degree as a Literacy and Reading Specialist. Monica coached the IHS Dance Team for 3 years, has been teaching Team Dance for 7 years.