Instructors & Staff
Ms. Elizabeth Bridgeman
Elizabeth Bridgeman is the founder and owner of Bridgeman Academy of Performing Arts. Throughout her career, she performed with prestigious companies such as The Muny, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Broadway Kids, The Canadian Ballet (Les Grands), and Circus Harmony. Elizabeth founded a non-profit theatre organization prior to starting Bridgeman Academy and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. She is passionate about equipping students in the arts to serve God and others and has nearly 20 years of teaching experience.
Mr. Will Brighton
Will Brighton is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in St Louis, MO. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Will holds a BFA in Dance and BA in English from Western Michigan University. While at WMU, Will performed in concerts alongside Taylor 2 and Peridance Contemporary Dance Co. and had the honor of performing both in historical works by George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, and Antony Tudor, as well as original works by contemporary artists Christian Denice, Yin Yue, BAIRA, and others. Upon graduating, Will joined The Big Muddy Dance Company where he is currently a company dancer. Will also performed as a guest artist with Saint Louis Ballet in their 2021 production of Alice in Wonderland by Brian Enos.
Mr. Spencer Everett
Mr. Spencer received a BFA from the Ailey/Fordham Dance program and went on to dance for Ailey’s second company for two seasons. He teaches modern and contemporary while on tour and in NYC with the company. As a choreographer, he has showcased his work at the Young Voices in Dance Program for the 40th Annual Battery Dance Festival, the Ailey Citigroup Theater, and Barnard College in collaboration with the Barnard Movement Lab. He is additionally honored to serve the dance community as a member of Dancewave’s Artistic Advisory Council.
Ms. Teresa Wilmes
Teresa Wilmes trained at Virginia James Dance Academy beginning at the age of three. She continued taking classes into her adult years and trained with renowned companies such as Steps on Broadway in New York City. Teresa brings over 20 years of teaching experience and has trained in the subjects of tap, jazz, ballet, baton, pointe, lyrical, and gymnastics. Teresa truly enjoys dance and loves to pass on her passion for the arts to future generations. Her daughters carry on the dancing tradition and are also students at the Academy.
Mr. Marcus Benson
Marcus Benson has been dancing continuously for over 14 years. Marcus began teaching at Bridgeman in 2021 and has six years of prior teaching experience. His strengths are step, hip-hop, and mime. With immense competition experience across the United States, he has performed both as a team member & coach. Along with Bridgeman Academy, he currently teaches at Dance Plus & Pointe of Surrender Dance Studio where he also serves on the coaching staff for their competition team.
Ms. Aspen Ross
Aspen trained in the Pre-Professional Program at the Denver Academy of Ballet before earning a full scholarship to the prestigious Kansas City Ballet School. While at Kansas City Ballet, she had the opportunity to train, perform, and teach students ranging in age from 2 to 18. Aspen also worked with Boston Ballet before moving to Saint Louis to pursue her passion for dance at Saint Louis Ballet. With 8 years of teaching experience, she comes highly recommended by the Children’s Division Dance Coordinator at Kansas City Ballet. We are excited to have her work with our students during the 2024-2025 season!
Ms. Ella Martin
Ella Martin is a Saint Louis native and received her training from Saint Louis Ballet. She augmented her training by attending intensive programs with Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and Ballet Chicago, among others. Since 2021, Ella has been a trainee with Saint Louis Ballet under the direction of Gen Horiuchi, and has been given numerous opportunities to perform alongside the company. Additionally, Ella recently began her professional career as a member of the cast of The Raffaella Ballet in South Bend, Indiana. Ella looks forward to teaching at Bridgeman Performing Arts for the 24/25 Season.
Ms. Angie Thompson
Angie Thompson is an educator with 35 years of classroom and administrative experience. She has worked in a myriad of venues with a variety of students from kindergarten through high school. For 20 years she was the Head-of-School for a performing arts school for preschool through high school. Currently, she has started her own micro-school where she personally teaches elementary students.
Ms. Tracy Weber
Ms. Tracy is the dedicated baton teacher at Bridgeman Academy, now in her second year of inspiring young twirlers. With a background in professional twirling, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her students. Ms. Tracy is committed to helping each develop their skills while fostering a love for the art of baton twirling. Her and expertise create an engaging learning environment for all.
