Staff

Arlene Meisner
Executive Director

Arlene Meisner, for over 30 years, has dedicated her time and effort to running the Top Hats organization. Arlene volunteers her time and service to provide youth with an opportunity to learn, grow and develop not only as performers in the competitive Winter Guard arena, various parades and special events, but also in life. Many children would otherwise not be given such an opportunity without her commitment.

Arlene's continuous community service in the Alle-Kiski area, for providing youth with such an outlet is commendable. The Top Hats continue to excel because of Arlene's commitment to the students and the staff.

Independent World Color Guard Staff

JC Caceres
Designer

Top Hats are thrilled to announce the appointment of JC Caceres to the 2010 staff, a highly sought after choreographer, designer, and visual consultant. JC consulted the Top Hats during the 2009 season; however, this year his involvement will be much greater. JC will take over as the Top Hats lead designer for the 2010 Winter Guard season. JC has designed for renowned organizations, such as the Bluecoats & Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps. and is currently the lead designer for Madison Scouts, North by Northwest and Southridge High School.

JC also worked with numerous Winter Guards including: Northern Lights, Infiniti, Nolan, Signature, Plymouth-Canton H.S., Miamisburg H.S., Ronald Reagan H.S., and Murphy H.S.

He marched with the Cadets, Northern Lights, and Nolan.

Caceres is an accomplished songwriter and guitarist and currently plays lead guitarist in a well-known Portland based band - Amara.

Lucas Derr
Movement/Choreography

Top Hats welcome Lucas Derr to the 2010 staff! Lucas comes to Pittsburgh from the West Coast where he brings with him a wealth of experience in performance, choreography, and instruction.

Lucas studied dance with the Kim Roberts School of Dance and has toured and performed professionally with Mason Entertainment Group in BLAST. Lucas danced with Kinetic Images Modern Dance Company in Portland, OR. His Color Guard experience encompasses performing with the Northern Lights, Oracle Winter Guard and The Blue Knights. Lucas taught and choreographed for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from Denver, Colorado, Spokane Thunder Drum Corps from Spokane, Washington and the Rings of Saturn from Tucson, Arizona. Derr is a founding member of Arpeggio Guard & Dance, Inc., taught modern dance classes at the Euphoria Studios, and is currently teaching the Pacificaires of British Columbia.

Lucas will be running the movement program and choreographing for the Top Hats.

Paula Sikorski
Director

Paula Sikorski has been an integral part of the Top Hats staff for over 15 years. She has been responsible for the visual design and staging for both the Top Hats Independent Open and Regional "A" guard from 2005 - 2009. With over 15 years of performance, baton & dance training with Top Hats, Golden Triangles, University of Pittsburgh Golden Girls, Point Park College, Fireside Studios, and Cervi's School of Performing Arts, she has shared her talents through instruction, choreography and consultation of various high school color guards, dance teams and majorettes in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. In addition Paula has choreographed various High School Musical Productions.

Paula served on the TRWEA Management Committee, and served on the TRWEA Review Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2010 we will see Paula continue to stage and design the Regional "A" guard, and direct both the Open and Regional "A" programs.

Tracy Wooton
Equipment

Much of the Top Hats success is attributed to having Tracy Wooton, renowned director, designer and instructor, on the staff from 1999 to 2004 as the show designer and equipment instructor. Not only did Tracy take Top Hats to a new level, but he also mentored the staff during that time allowing each to grow and develop into designers and choreographers. In 2009, Tracy joined the Top Hats staff again where he is currently handling the equipment program, all student training and instruction and providing consultation. The Top Hats are grateful to have Tracy on board for the 2010 season.

Innovation and constant study in the areas of teaching and training defines the approach Tracy has used over the last 25 years in the pageantry arts. As Director of Northern Lights, Tracy was responsible for all instruction and training of the performers. Tracy has served on the WGI Advisory Board as well as a clinician for many circuits nationwide. His teaching experience includes winter percussion, dance teams, drum corps, marching bands and color guards, such as Northmont HS, Miamisburg HS, Ronald Reagan HS, Southridge HS, Mason HS, Springboro HS, Madison Scouts, West Carrolton, Fairborn, Blackhawk, University of Oregon, Signature, Pride of Cincinnati, Escalade and Northern Lights. Working hands on with performers and staff, Tracy continues to serve as a consultant for multiple independent and scholastic programs.

Performance Ensemble & Regional "A" Color Guard Staff

Elena Antolik
Movement

Elena Antolik was born to dance! A major force in the dance world for over 20 years, she is a performer, competitor, choreographer, master teacher and studio owner. Her training and experience are quite extensive. Elena holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Point Park University. She is the owner and director of The Elite School of Dance by Elena in North Huntingdon, PA, which boasts a reputation of classic training. It is Elena's strong belief in classic training that brings recognition and pride to her students as overall competition winners, both regionally and across the country. Several alumni from The Elite School of Dance by Elena successfully pursue dance during their college careers and post baccalaureate-all testimony to the solid training they receive from Elena and her special ability to nurture her students' love of dance for a lifetime. Through her studio and dance company, Elena's Dancers Elite, she displays her creative choreography, an exceptional talent admired and acknowledged nationwide through numerous awards.

Because of Elena's proven abilities and standing in the dance community, new opportunities are always coming her way! During the 2007 competition season, Elena traveled to several states to serve as a judge for Applause Talent Presentations, a national dance competition company recognizing performance achievement.

Elena's dedication to the art of dance is part of her very core, and she continues to remain deeply committed to her passion. Her experience, beliefs, abilities, dedication and commitment led to her recognition in Who's Who of American Women. Many wonderful experiences and events caused Elena to be where she is today, and she is eternally grateful to everyone who brought the magic of dance into her life.

Julia Flaherty
Equipment & Choreography

Top Hats welcome Julia Flaherty to the 2010 Regional "A" Staff. Julia is entering her 4th year of performance with the Top Hats Open Class guard. In 2009 Julia was appointed as one of the captains as a result of her strong work ethic, talent in equipment and dance, dedication, and leadership skills. Julia graduated from Norwin High School where she was also one of the Color Guard Captains.

Julia is attending La Roche College in Pittsburgh where she is majoring in Public Relations. Top Hats are thrilled to have her as part of the 2010 staff. Julia's passion for the activity and performing make her a perfect addition to the team.

Paula Sikorski
Baton, Show Design & Staging