Meet the Faculty
Janellen Farmer, Director of Voice
Janellen Farmer stands out as a multifaceted artist andeducator whose career has been shaped by rigorous training, innovative performance, and a lifelong commitment to vocal excellence. Her journey, spanning elite academic institutions, diverse performance stages, and esteemed teaching posts, paints the portrait of an artist who has seamlessly blended
classical rigor with contemporary flair.
Farmer's musical odyssey began with an education that few can claim. A proud graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music's Opera program, she immersed herself in the tradition and discipline of
classical vocal performance. This formative experience laid the groundwork for her technical proficiency and interpretive depth, qualities that would become the hallmarks of her career.
Furthering her studies at Westminster Choir College, Janellen achieved a Master of Voice Pedagogy with Distinction—a testament to her dedication to both the art and science of vocal instruction. This rigorous academic achievement not only underscored her technical mastery but also prepared her to
share her insights with the next generation of singers.
In addition to her academic and teaching accolades, Farmer has made her mark as a concert artist, cabaret performer, and jazz singer. Her repertoire spans genres and styles, reflecting a versatility that allows her to connect with a wide range of audiences. Whether commanding the opera stage with dramatic intensity or lighting up an intimate jazz club with improvisational charm, Farmer's performances are characterized by an authenticity and warmth that resonate deeply with listeners.
Her ability to traverse different musical worlds has earned her acclaim among peers and critics alike. As a cabaret and jazz singer, she brings a sense of spontaneity and joy to her performances, while her concert appearances showcase the technical precision and emotional depth honed during her
classical training.
Beyond the spotlight, Farmer has established herself as a dedicated voice teacher and university professor at Desales University. In the classroom, she imparts not only technical skills and vocal techniques but also the passion and dedication that have defined her career. Her approach to voice pedagogy is rooted in her extensive training and practical experience, making her a sought-after mentor for aspiring singers.
Her private teaching , The Studio of Valley Forge, has become a nurturing ground for young talent, where students benefit from her personalized approach and commitment to excellence. With
her Daughter, Sarah Vogan, The Studio of Valley Forge now offers voice, dance and acting, bringing to fruition her life long dream of combining her artistic vision with her daughter's passion for dance. Through her work at Desales University and in private lessons, Farmer continues to influence the field of vocal performance, ensuring that her legacy extends well into the future.
Since 2003, Janellen Farmer has made her home in a historic residence within Schuylkill Township—a setting that mirrors the depth and character of her artistic journey. This connection to place not only grounds her in a rich local history but also provides a serene backdrop to her creative endeavors. The historic home stands as a symbol of continuity and tradition, much like Farmer's own enduring contributions to the world of music.
Janellen Farmer's career is a compelling blend of high-caliber training, diverse artistic output, and passionate teaching. Her achievements reflect a deep commitment to vocal artistry in all its forms—from the meticulous discipline of classical opera to the vibrant spontaneity of jazz and cabaret. As an educator, she continues to inspire future generations, ensuring that the art of voice remains as dynamic and transformative as ever.
In every arena—be it on stage, in the classroom, or within the historic walls of her Schuylkill Township home—Farmer exemplifies the spirit of dedication and innovation. Her story is one of continuous evolution, a celebration of artistry, and a profound reminder of music's power to transform lives.
Sarah Vogan, Director of Dance
Ms. Vogan began her training at a young age, studying at various studios in the area. During her years of study, she has made appearances in the WPVI 6 ABC Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Sunoco Welcome America 4th of July Parades, Sunoco Welcome America 2 Cities 2 States Concert featuring the Ba Ha Men, 4th International World Dragon Boat Races - Opening Ceremonies, Republican National Convention - Opening Ceremonies, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell Inauguration Parade and in 2003, and made her debut dancing at Carnegie Hall in concert with Janellen Farmer.
While acquiring her BA in dance at Mount Holyoke College and the Five College Dance Department, she choreographed an adjudicated piece for ACDFA. In 2007, Ms. Vogan traveled to Ireland to exhibit and teach American tap dance to the students of various schools, while also studying Irish step dance with international champions, Jim Hickey and Justin Walsh. Since graduating from college, she began her teaching career and continues to teach at many dance studios in the greater Philadelphia area. She was recognized with a choreography award in the 2013-2014 competition season for one of her tap numbers. Ms. Vogan has also been choreographing musicals for local schools and community theaters, including the Barn Playhouse and Forge Theater. In addition to teaching and choreographing, she spent two years dancing from 2011-2013 with Opus1 Contemporary Dance Company and is currently in her fourth year with the Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, Philadelphia's premier all female professional tap company, now dancing as a first company member.
With the Lady Hoofers, Ms. Vogan has had the opportunity to perform alongside Philadelphia's best in Koresh Dance Company's Come Together Festival at the Suzanne Roberts Theater as well as share the stage with tap greats Brenda Buffalino and Savion Glover at the 25th Anniversary of the NJ Tap Ensemble. She has performed in original works choreographed for the company by guest choreographers: Dolores Sanchez, Caleb Teicher, Michele Dunleavy, Robyn Watson, and Lisa LaTouche. In May of 2019, she was recognized by Camille Bacon-Smith of BroadStreetReview.com as the “star turn” of the Lady Hoofer's annual spring show, On Tap, performing “Booty Swing,” a solo choreographed by artistic director, Kat Richter. Most recently, Ms. Vogan was cast as the “Queen of Versailles” in the Lady Hoofers 2021 and 2022 productions of The Tapcracker, performed at the Suzanne Roberts Theater in Philadelphia.
Photo by Sa'Mantha Sayten,
Courtesy of The Lady Hoofers
Ruthy Freeburg, Dance Faculty
Ruthy graduated with a BA in Dance with a concentration in choreography and performance from Muhlenberg College. During her time there, she performed in many dance concerts, both student and faculty choreographed. She also choreographed in two dance concerts, with one of her pieces being chosen to be performed and adjudicated at an ACDA (American College Dance Association) regional conference. Ruthy’s main focus in the arts through her training has been Modern and Ballet, but she enjoyed her time in Tap technique classes and on her college Tap team. She loves creating and viewing art of all kinds and is very excited to meet and dance with her students this year.
Isabella Trocino, Guest Dance Faculty
Bella Trocino is a dance and theatre artist based in the NJ/NYC area. She is a recent graduate of DeSales University in Center Valley, PA where she obtained a B.A. in Theatre (Musical Theatre) and a B.A. in Dance. Since the age of three, she has been dancing and singing and hasn’t stopped since! She grew up dancing competitively as well as training with working professionals in NYC in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary styles. She loves sharing her passion with others through teaching and is currently performing at regional theatres in NJ!
Come meet Bella at our Special Jazz Class on Saturday, 4/12! Details are listed on our event page!