Getting to Know our Teachers at Positions Dance Studio
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Here at Positions Dance Studio, we have an incredible team of teachers! They are so dedicated to what they do and we hope you ALL have the opportunity to get to know them a little deeper than just “5,6,7,8!” So… we asked them some questions and here are their responses! Enjoy!
Miss Kelly
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I earned a BA in History from Siena College and a MA in Social Studies Education from Hofstra University.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
I love seeing the “aha” moments happen in my students, especially for younger kids!
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
Misty Copeland and Travis Wall
What is your favorite local restaurant?
The Brixton and Molto Vino
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
An oldie but goodie - Center Stage!
Miss Jillian
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I first earned a BFA in Theater Arts and Performance from Hofstra University, with minors in Dance and English. I later received an MA from Hofstra in Communications, as well as an MA in Educational Theater from NYU.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
I love sharing my passion with children and teaching them how wonderful the arts can be.
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
Isadora Duncan (the creator of Modern dance) because she decided to rebel against the dance world, created what she thought was a truer style of performance, and changed minds and dance forever.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can make monkey sounds!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Molto Vino
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Center Stage
Miss Dominique
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to Temple University where I studied Kinesiology and Dance.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
I love modern and jazz!
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
I have so many favorite choreographers, so the people I draw my inspiration from really depends on what I am teaching!
Do you have a secret talent?
I have a green thumb!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Barrique, Molto Vino, Del Fuego, and Fancy Lee!
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Center Stage
Miss Annie
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I attended Argosy University where I earned a BA in Psychology. I also hold a Special Education Transition Certificate from Seton Hall University.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
I love sharing my passion for dance with others who share that same dedication to this form of art. Teaching dance lets me combine my 3 favorite things teaching, dancing, and kids!
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
Luke Hawkins. I started following his Tap dancing on Instagram and I was hooked! His creativity truly inspires me.
Do you have a secret talent?
I love to cook!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Mannino’s Restaurant and Lounge (I happen to work there too)!
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Center Stage
Miss Jeanine
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
SUNY Oneonta & The Fashion Institute of Technology. I studied Fashion Merchandising.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
I love children!
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
Derrick Hough & Mark Ballas.
Do you have a secret talent?
Drawing & Painting!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Swell Taco
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Dirty Dancing
Miss Lisa
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I earned a Liberal Arts degree from Nassau Community College. I also studied nutrition for the time I was there.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
It’s fun! It’s certainly not your average desk job and I’m grateful for that. There’s so much to gain while teaching dance and there is so much to learn from the kids at Positions. You learn to be silly and you learn growing up shouldn’t be your main goal. You learn to use your imagination and on top of it, you keep yourself active. I love being able to watch all my dancers grow into the dancers I know they can be.
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
Crazy answer: I actually love Shaun T. If you don’t know him he’s the fitness coach from cize it up. I love how he makes dance into physical exercise and you don’t even know it. It’s fun, and he encourages you.. even though you’re in the living room, on the floor, falling face first trying to do some hip-hop move you thought your mom-self could accomplish... but he is still there for you, telling you that you did a great job. If I could be as encouraging and supportive as Shaun T, I’ve done my job right.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can touch my nose with my tongue!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Hmmm... I’m not sure because I’m not really from Babylon, but I hear Babylon Burger Bar is fantastic!! Would love to try it soon.
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Ah so many!!!! Leap (my newest favorite) but I also used to love Barbie and The Nutcracker when I was 5. But now, with a little boy, Barbie isn’t so much in the picture haha. I still watch movies like Center stage, Save the Last Dance and Dirty Dancing, which are my top 3 favorites of all time!
Miss Meagan
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I earned a degree in Dance Studies from Long Island University.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
I love spreading my passion for this art form. Dance has changed my life in so many ways and when I was younger it was the one thing I could always depend on. My dance teachers were some of the greatest role models I had growing up and I hope to be that light for another child.
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
Misty Copeland. Her story just resonates with me and gives me hope as a professional dancer.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can juggle!! It all started one summer when I was in high school and I have been doing it ever since. I can do all sorts of tricks and turns.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
I love The Carriage House.
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Dirty Dancing! Patrick Swayze is my all time favorite and I could watch that movie all day, everyday.
Miss Meredith
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to Hamilton College where I studied Dance and English Literature.
Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?
It’s gratifying to witness a student experience an "A-HA - I get it!" moment.
Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?
The late George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can sew (but around Positions Dance Studio that's not much of a secret!)
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Fancy Lee
What is your favorite dance movie or book?
Bolshoi Confidential by Simon Morrison
So if you haven’t done so already, you NEED to watch Center Stage with your dancer. Clearly a winner among our staff! We are so proud to have such a talented, knowledgeable and loving staff. Aside from the fun facts, one thing we all have in common is that we are passionate about dance and LOVE sharing our passion with our students.
If you want to learn more about our AMAZING teachers, pop over to our meet the staff page to learn more!