Meet the Founder
“Dance Is the connection between Mind, Body & Heart”~SunMi ChoSunMi is a devoted dance educator, performer, and community leader who believes movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for connection, healing, and self-discovery.
For SunMi, dance has always been about people first. Throughout her decades of teaching across Philadelphia, she has centered her practice on compassion, encouragement, and community. She warmly views mistakes not as failures, but as "multiple opportunities to attempt"—an approach that helps dancers of all ages build resilience both in the studio and in life.
Her aim for SUNMI Ballet to remain rooted in creating an inclusive, uplifting space for dancers of all levels. And she continues to foster an environment where every dancer—from a toddler taking their first steps to an adult rediscovering their passion—feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow at their own pace. Beyond the studio, SunMi leads interactive workshops and talks that blend storytelling and movement, encouraging everyone in her community to move with purpose, joy, and self-advocacy.
Our Teaching Artists
Venrick James
A Temple graduate with his B.F.A in dance, Venrick James is a artist/choreographer from Allentown, PA. A versatile mover, trained in Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, and several African diasporic dance forms. Venrick has collaborated with many notable artists, such as Ellenore Scott, LaTasha Barnes, Dara Meredith, and Fairul Zahid - working with companies including The Delaware Theatre Company, 3PonyShow, and Sarah Carlson’s Dancelink. He is excited to continue sharing all the knowledge, artistry, and skills he has gained through his experiences!
Venrick teaches Hip Hop.
Kathryn Schweingruber
Kathryn Schweingruber is a versatile dancer, teacher and choreographer from Philadelphia, PA. She grew up training at Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center and went on to earn a B.S. in Dance from Drexel University. Kathryn has choreographed works from Drexel’s Dance Ensemble and FreshDance Ensemble, Dancefusion’s fusion2, Penn Dance Company and Philadelphia Dance Academy. Currently, Kathryn is a member of Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble, the assistant choreographer for Gweynedd Mercy Academy High School’s musicals and teaches at several studios and schools in the Philadelphia area.
Kathryn teaches Tap, and Kpop classes.
RuiFang Lanza
SUNMI BALLET TEACHING ASSISTANT
Moore College Of Art Student
Honors program leadership in the arts
Whitney El Laisy
Studio Manager
Whitney El Laisy holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Administration, bringing a strategic and organized approach to her role as Studio Manager. She oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates schedules, and ensures that studio projects run smoothly from concept to completion. Whitney excels at building community partnerships and fostering collaborative relationships, helping the studio stay connected, efficient, and future-focused.
“I am endlessly grateful for the incredible staff and faculty at SunMi Ballet, whose kind demeanors, driven minds and deep commitment to our community uplift and inspire our dancers every day. Their genuine care for all our students’ growth and well-being is inspiring. Our staff members’ dedication and heart are the foundation of everything we do. ”
Director & Founder