about garet&co

our mission

Led by Garet Wierdsma, Garet&Co is a non-profit professional contemporary dance company based in CT working to dissect emotion on the stage and strengthen community through movement.

Garet&Co is a non profit professional contemporary dance company based in CT. Garet&Co's mission is to create a safe, sustainable and uplifting space for dancers to train and perform at the highest level of contemporary dance. Garet&Co has created a home for contemporary dancers, where dancers can gain both training experience and paid work opportunities in a positive environment, while being supported as both dancers and humans.

Garet&Co’s choreographic work dissects emotions on the stage, dealing with themes of struggling mental health and the search for peace within chaos. Pulling from her own experiences first and then collaborating conceptually and in movement with the dancers, Garet hopes that her work gives audiences the opportunity to fully experience the joy, devastation, and catharsis of contemporary dance. Garet strives to create art that comes from a place of personal truth; work that is both guttural and beautiful. Garet&Co believes that art changes the world, and the company is passionately and actively working to be generators of light. Inspired by her own experiences, both positive and negative, in the dance world, Garet works to create safe and positive environments where art and humanity can be at the forefront.

Garet&Co believes strongly in compensating artists, and is proud to be a company that pays all of its professional dancers for both rehearsals and performances. Garet&Co also provides two programs for high school and college students, in which students have financially accessible and career-advancing opportunities to train and perform with the company. Outside of opportunities for company members, Garet&Co offers a multitude of classes and performances that are open to the public throughout the entire year. Garet&Co is proud to be cultivating space for contemporary dance with every move we make.

Garet&Co has performed across the Northeast, most notably at Jacob's Pillow, Symphony Space, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, The Warner Theatre, Dixon Place, and TADA Emerging Artists Theatre.

press

NEFA's New England Dance Fund Recipient

The Creators: Sitting down with Garet Wierdsma

Local Dance Company Inspires Audiences with Emotional Performances

Inside Dance Podcast Interview

Sun shines on Garet&Co's ‘ECLIPSE’

Garet&Co writes season’s ‘Epilogue’ this Saturday

Garet&Co: Out of the box, into the round

hear from the dancers:

Principal & Pro Members

About Garet

High School Members

Collegiate Members

meet the
generators of light

about garet

meet the founder & director

Garet Wierdsma is a dance artist from Connecticut, and is the creator, director, and founder of the beloved contemporary dance company Garet&Co. Before beginning her professional journey, Garet graduated with high honors from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Business in 2021.

Garet's work with Garet&Co has earned her and the company invitations to perform at countless festivals and shows across the Northeast, sharing not only their artistry, but her mission of creating a safe, sustainable, and uplifting space for dancers to train and perform. The company has performed frequently and consistently over the course of its five seasons. A few of these highlights include presenting work at the following prominent venues: Jacob's Pillow, Symphony Space, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, The Warner Theatre, Dixon Place, Chesterwood, The Colonial Theatre: Berkshire Theatre Group, and TADA Emerging Artist Theatre. Garet’s work has also been awarded grant funding from the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

Garet is currently a faculty member at Sacred Heart University (SHU), where she teaches contemporary dance classes, creates and sets choreography for performances, and teaches a creative process class. Through SHU, Garet’s work was chosen for presentation at World Dance Movement in Italy in 2025. Garet is also proud to have been selected as a choreographer for The Bushnell’s “Queer Love Stories” project in 2023. Her filmed piece has since gone on to be screened at countless venues, including The Bushnell, and has won numerous awards including two Telly Awards. Garet is a co-organizer of CT Young Artists, an organization she began with her colleagues to provide valuable and accessible artistic opportunities for high school and college dancers in Connecticut (CT). Garet serves as the secretary of CT Dance Alliance, a non profit organization dedicated to connecting the dance community in CT.

Garet’s experiences as an educator and choreographer include seven years at Connecticut Dance Academy (CDA), three as a guest choreographer/teacher, and four as a weekly teacher. Garet continues her work and valued relationship with the studio as a guest choreographer/teacher. Outside of CDA, Garet has served as a guest choreographer and teacher at a multitude of studios and schools across CT, MA, and NY.

In addition to Garet's artistic experience, she also spent two and a half years working in sales and marketing at Dance Media on all of their brands (including Dance Magazine), where she gained a foundation of valuable experience in the business side of the dance industry.

Garet's goal through Garet&Co is to give back to her community, and her home state, through cultivating a sustainable and strong dance community by offering valuable and positive opportunities for both dancers and audiences. Through Garet&Co, she has successfully and single-handedly produced sixteen and counting professional dance performances, and has held countless open community classes and workshops—all of which have been filled to the brim with passionate dancers and inspiring energy. As her work at the helm of this company continues, Garet is excited about the new ways she can bring dance, and her art, into the world.

board of directors

Kyleigh Olivier

Kelley O'Shea

Caroline Strapp

Evie Sondag

principal members

Kyleigh Olivier, Assistant Director

Kyleigh’s passion for dance began at a young age and has continued to grow through her young adult years. She graduated summa cum laude from The Hartt School in May of 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a concentration in Ballet Pedagogy, along with a Business Management minor. While she was training at The Hartt School, Kyleigh had the opportunity to perform repertory by many prominent choreographers, including Martha Graham, José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Jules Perrot, Gabrielle Lamb, and Lar Lubovitch. Kyleigh has been dancing professionally with Garet&Co for the past four years and is honored to have performed at multiple prestigious venues including Dixon Place, TADA Emerging Artist Theatre, and Jacob’s Pillow. She is excited to join Garet&Co again in its fifth season and continue to dance alongside so many talented artists. Kyleigh is also thrilled to be taking on the role of Assistant Director this season. Garet&Co’s mission to strengthen and celebrate the local contemporary dance community is something she cares deeply about, and she’s looking forward to helping the company continue to grow!

Emma Brockett

Emma has been dancing since the age of 7, training at a local studio in various styles including jazz, tap, ballet , lyrical, modern and contemporary and started dancing competitively when she was 13. Emma discovered a strong passion for ballet early on in her teens and was accepted into the Joffery summer program at age 16, and a year later at 17 she was accepted into the trainee program at New England Ballet Theatre in Connecticut under the direction of Victoria Manning. Post-High School, she went on to join New England Ballet Theatre’s professional company as a Demi-Apprentice. With NEBT she got to dance in shows like “Cinderella” and “Fantastic Toyshop,” choreographed by Rachael Gnatowski, and guest pieces such as “Painted Lady” choreographed by Jacob Taylor, and has performed in NYC at the Alvin Ailey Theatre in Gnatowski’s piece “B-side” and understudied for Saki Morimoto’s piece “Focus Point.” Emma has been a Professional member of Garet&Co’s contemporary company since 2023, and recently promoted as a Principle, furthering her contemporary training. She’s danced in many pieces by Garet Wierdsma such as “bodieshatewoman,” “Everyday&Everynight,” “Heaven I Know” and “Heal for me,” performing at locations including Jacobs Pillow, Dixon place in New York City, Warner Theatre and Battel Chapel. She is excited to continue her dance career with Garet&Co and celebrate all these opportunities and more!

Sydney Champagne

Sydney Champagne is a Connecticut-based dancer, choreographer, and dance educator originally from New Hartford, CT. As a teen, she served as captain of the competitive dance team at D.A.N.C.E. by Kristin, training extensively in ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz. She continued her dance journey at Central Connecticut State University, where she majored in Dance Education with a specialization in Entrepreneurship. During her time at CCSU, Sydney performed and choreographed for the university’s contemporary dance company, Dancentral, and served as its president for two semesters. She graduated summa cum laude in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science. Since 2021, Sydney has taught students of all ages—from preschoolers to adults—in a variety of styles at both recreational and competitive studios throughout the area. Her teaching philosophy goes beyond dance technique, aiming to foster resilience, empathy, self-awareness, and creativity in every class. For two seasons, Sydney has deepened her passion for contemporary dance while working for Garet&Co as a professional member, and she is beyond excited to be joining again for a third season!
Across all of her dance communities, Sydney is passionate about building meaningful connections—with audiences, peers, and students alike—and is committed to cultivating spaces rooted in joy, self-expression, and mutual respect. When she’s not dancing, Sydney enjoys crafting, practicing yoga, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her beloved kitties.

Jessica Winter

Jessica is ecstatic to be joining Garet&Co as a principal member for her third season. She has been dancing professionally since 2016; traveling the world on cruise ships as part of the main stage entertainment team, performing in musical theater productions with Mark Milovats, Exit 7 Players, and K and E Theater group and dancing in modern works with Eclipse Dance Company. In addition, Jessica has performed pieces by esteemed professionals including Jim Cooney, Ron Tassone, Heather Carpenter, Ori Flomin, Nicholas Petrov, and Douglas Bentz. She has an endless desire to continuously learn and grow, which led her to complete a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Dance, an Associate's Degree in Business Management, and an adaptive dance teacher program provided by the Boston Ballet School. When not dancing her heart out, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, her cute pup Yoda and her 3 guinea pigs.

professional members

Tori Aufiero

Tori Aufiero is a passionate and dedicated dancer originally from Long Island, New York. She recently graduated from Sacred Heart University, where she was an active member of the Dance Company and proudly served as its first inaugural President. At SHU, she was also a member of the dance programs professional tracks, SHU Mo(ve)ment and Inception Dance Crew. Currently, Tori is pursuing her Master’s in Teaching at Sacred Heart, hoping to immerse her artistic craft and educational experience into the classroom. Throughout her dance career, Tori has had the privilege of working with acclaimed choreographers such as Ali Koinoglou, Neil Schwartz, Jordan Lombardi as well as international artists like Shannon Atkins and Fabrizio Prolli. She has traveled to both England and Italy to dance internationally and broaden her perspectives on dance movement. This marks her first year with Garet & Co, and she is eager to bring her energy and artistry to the company.

Kelsey Jacobsen

Kelsey Jacobsen is a lifelong dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Dover, NH. She began her training at age two at Fusion Dance Academy in Dover, NH, and later continued at Let’s Dance in Stoneham, MA, where she studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. She performed with Boston Community Dance Project under Skooj-Core-O for five seasons, refining her focus on contemporary and fusion-based movement and developing a deep love for expressive, story-driven choreography.
Kelsey earned her BS in Neuroscience on the Pre-Physician Assistant track from Sacred Heart University, where she was a member of the Dance Company’s Professional Track and performed with Inception, SHU’s hip hop crew. She was selected for SHU’s inaugural Choreographic Fellowship, creating original works for the company and further developing her artistic voice.

Her choreography has been featured at the 2025 Young Choreographer’s Festival in New York City and staged internationally at World Dance Movement in Castellana Grotte, Italy, where she was also a finalist for Dancer of the Year. She is also a faculty member at Connecticut Dance Conservatory, where she shares her passion for storytelling and expression with the next generation of dancers. She is excited to be a Professional Member of Garet & Co this season.

Cassie Lorom

Cassie Lorom is a dancer and teacher born and raised in Western Massachusetts. Cassie has been trained locally, earning experience and training from various choreographers and instructors throughout her years dancing. Her training includes Garet&Co, GaretXMadln Intensives, Dancers Image, Albany Berkshire Ballet, Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, and The Dance Slipper. Over the past 19 years, Cassie has earned experience in ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, modern, acrobat, tap, musical theater, and hip hop. Cassie has choreographed and taught at her home studio, Dancers Image since 2022 as both an assistant and lead teacher. She has danced with the CT based contemporary dance company, Garet&Co from seasons 2-4 as a professional member. She has performed around CT and NYC many times with Garet&Co in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. She is honored to have danced in several Garet&Co produced shows and festivals. This year, she will be completing her senior year at Westfield State University as a Health Sciences major, with minors in Gerontology, Biology, and Chemistry. Cassie aspires to become a Dermatology Physician Assistant and hopes to begin PA school next year. Cassie also enjoys working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at an assisted living facility and volunteering with hospice care and local hospitals. Cassie is thrilled to continue training and performing with Garet&Co in Season 5!

Tiffany Oltjenbruns

Tiffany Oltjenbruns grew up in Woodstock, Georgia, where she began her formal dance training at the Atlanta Academy of Ballet and Dance. Then, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brenau University, where she earned a B.A. in Dance with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy. During her time at Brenau, she had the opportunity to work with several esteemed guest artists, including Jennifer Archibald, Joshua Blake Carter, Autumn Eckman, Nicholas Palmquist, Allyne Gartrell, and Jesse Zarritt. She was honored that her academic and dance achievements were recognized by being named Provost Scholar and the Outstanding Senior Dance Major. Alongside her studies, Tiffany danced with the Gainesville Ballet Company, where she played notable roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Tinker Bell in Peter Pan. Tiffany's interests extend beyond performance; she is deeply invested in the choreographic process and her photography endeavours of both dance and lifestyle portraits. Her passion for teaching is equally strong, as she is committed to educating the next generation of dancers. Currently, Tiffany is the owner of Old Lyme Dance Center. Tiffany is thrilled to be in her second season with Garet&Co, where she continuously feels fueled and inspired by her peers, the movement vocabulary, and topics explored.

Lauren Rupsis

Lauren Rupsis is a passionate performer, dance educator, and choreographer from Naugatuck, CT. She has trained in a wide range of styles since a young age, with contemporary as her current primary focus. Lauren studied at Hofstra University, where she earned dual degrees in Dance and English/Creative Writing. During her time there, she performed extensively, choreographed original works, and served as President of Danceworks Productions, the university’s largest performance club, which earned her Hofstra’s 2024 Excellence in Leadership Award.
She has had the privilege of performing works by renowned choreographers, including Frederick Earl Mosley, Yoshito Sakuraba, and Larry Keigwin. She has also presented her own choreography in a variety of settings and styles, ranging from a halftime performance for the Long Island Nets to Unbound Dance Collective’s debut show. Most recently, she performed at the Young Choreographers’ Festival NYC and the Hartford Dance Festival, as well as in dance concept films by Jaclyn Walsh and Emily Johnson.
In addition to performing, Lauren has been teaching dance to students of all ages for the past four years. She continues to teach at multiple studios in CT while also hosting advanced workshops for working professionals in NYC each month. Beyond performing and teaching dance, she serves as a reading interventionist in elementary education.
Lauren currently performs with both Garet&Co and Unbound Dance Collective, contributing to works across the tri-state area. She is so grateful and excited to be joining Garet&Co as a professional member for her first season!

Noor Taweh

Noor Taweh is a CT-native who attended Evjen Academy of Performing Arts as a student from age 13 where she trained in contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, and lyrical.She continues her work as a teacher and choreographer for Evjen Academy, which she adores! In college, she was a choreographer for and member of the UConn Dance Company for four years. She is thrilled to be a part of Garet & co for her fourth season and is so happy to have dance continue to be a large part of her life as she completes her medical degree.

Maddie Vale

Maddie Vale is from Ellington, CT, and has been dancing for 20 years. She began her training at Aprille’s Danceprints, where she studied acro, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and pointe. Maddie then went on to dance DI at Quinnipiac University on the nationally ranked dance team, competing in pom, jazz, gameday styles, all while earning her B.A. in Graphic Design and M.S. in Interactive Media and Communications.
Throughout her career, Maddie has had the privilege of teaching acro, contemporary, jazz, leaps & turns, and pom. She is incredibly excited to continue her dance journey with Garet&Co this season!

Maura Walters

Maura Walters is a dedicated dancer and emerging choreographer whose training began at Techniques Dance Center in Wantagh, New York, where she studied and competed in a range of dance styles from an early age.
She continued her formal education at Sacred Heart University (SHU), performing with the SHU Dance Company, SHU Mo(ve)ment, and Inception Dance Crew while expanding her technical and artistic versatility across multiple genres.
Maura was selected for the university’s Company Choreography Fellowship Program (CCFP), through which she co-created Some Nights with Kelsey Jacobsen—a work honored with selection for the 2025 Young Choreographers Festival in New York City. She also traveled with the SHU Dance Company to Italy to participate in World Dance Movement, receiving advanced training from international artists and presenting her choreography on an international stage.
In addition to her work in dance, Maura is currently pursuing her master’s degree in elementary education, continuing to merge her passion for the arts with a commitment to education and youth development.