Makenna Zelenak (she/her) is currently a substitute teacher for the Joffrey Ballet School Children and Youth Program. For five years, she taught ages 3 through 18 for Ballet Theatre of Ohio and Meneer School of Dance. She also was a substitute teacher for The University of Akron Dance Institute and Revolutions Dance Academy. She has experience working in dance education outreach programs as a Teaching Artist for Art Sparks: Dance and Music Programming (an Associate National Dance Institute Organization) and curated classes through Cleveland Ballet, at the Akron Boys and Girls Club. 

Makenna is returning for her third summer with Joffrey Ballet School, this time as the Lead Resident Advisor and Administrative Assistant for Joffrey South, Joffrey Colorado, and Joffrey Akron summer intensives. She previously worked for Joffrey South, Joffrey Colorado, and Joffrey New York City in the summer of 2023, was the Assistant Residence Hall Coordinator for Joffrey New York City in the summer of 2024, and has worked as a year-round Resident Advisor and Administrative Assistant throughout the 24/25 academic year. 

Makenna dances professionally and is currently freelancing in and around New York City. Her most recent performances include a solo work, “Proteia”, featured in MeenMoves’ International Women’s Day of Dance choreographed by Paige Barnett Kulbeth, as well as “Holy Animals”, an evening length work presented at The Tank in New York City, choreographed by Paige Barnett Kulbeth. 

Makenna graduated from The University of Akron with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Child/Family Development, where she was a part of the University of Akron Dance Company and directed shows for the Terpsichore Dance Club. She grew up training at the Meneer School of Dance and performed in pre-professional productions with the Ballet Theatre of Ohio from age four up until high school graduation. She has a lifelong passion for dance and is so excited to join the summer faculty for Joffrey South.