MATTHEW WENCKOWSKI, from St. Charles, IL, received his early training at Moves Dance Studio in North Aurora. As a competitive dancer with Excel Dance Productions, he was awarded the national title of Senior Mr. Adrenaline at the age of 17. Matt joined the Joffrey Academy of Dance’s pre-professional and trainee programs, directed by Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, performing with the Joffrey in The Nutcracker as well as in pieces created for the Joffrey Academy by Alexei Kremnev and Ray Mercer. He was a scholarship student at the Lou Conte Dance Studio under the guidance of Claire Bataille. Matt has worked with Ronn Stewart, director of Foster Dance Studios; performed works by Eddy Ocampo and Dionna PridGeon; and danced with Chicago Repertory Ballet, under the direction of Wade Schaaf. Matt joined DanceWorks Chicago in January 2013.