Dance Unlimited | Augusta, Maine
Meet Our Faculty
At Dance Unlimited, our faculty is the heart of everything we do. Our professional, passionate, and highly trained teachers are the reason families continue to choose Dance Unlimited year after year.
Our instructors are more than dance teachers; they are mentors, role models, and champions for every child who walks through our doors. Each member of our faculty is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive, and inspiring environment where dancers can grow in skill, confidence, and character.
Many of our teachers began their own dance journeys right here at Dance Unlimited, and have returned to share their passion with the next generation. This a true reflection of the Dance Unlimited Difference.
We are proud to be fully background-checked, safety-focused, and committed to ongoing education so we can provide the highest quality dance experience for our families.
Learn more about our team below. Our faculty is ready for another incredible season of dance!
Mrs. Laura
Founder & Executive Director | Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary & Hip Hop
Quick Highlights:
- Founder of Dance Unlimited
- 35+ years teaching experience
- Studio owner & national consultant
- Passionate mentor & leader
Mrs. Laura began dancing at age three and trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. She attended Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Dance with a minor in Education, and performed in numerous collegiate productions.
In 2000, she opened Dance Unlimited in Augusta with a dream to create a studio where every child could thrive. Over the years, Dance Unlimited has grown into a nationally recognized studio known for excellence, compassion, and community.
Today, Mrs. Laura serves as Executive Director, guiding the studio’s vision, mentoring staff, and continuing to invest in professional and business education. She is deeply invested in every dancer’s journey — from their first class to their final bow — and is proud to continue building the Dance Unlimited legacy.
Mrs. Bri
Performance Company Director | Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, & Acro
Quick Highlights:
- Dance Unlimited alum
- Performance Company Director
- Acrobatic Arts Certified Instructor
- Assistant Studio Manager
- Teaches all ages & multiple genres
Mrs. Bri’s dance journey began at the age of seven — and her passion was sparked from her very first class. She joined Dance Unlimited at age ten and quickly found her home, especially when she was encouraged to pursue hip hop at a young age — something that set DU apart.
As a student, Mrs. Bri trained extensively in ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, modern, and breaking, and became a proud member of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company. She performed at competitions, conventions, and major venues including the Boston Celtics, Maine Red Claws, Harlem Globetrotters, and Walt Disney World.
Mrs. Bri began teaching at just 15 years old, starting with hip hop classes while assisting in younger programs. After graduating high school, she continued her training at UMaine Orono, where she served as Co-President of the Tap Club and performed in multiple showcase pieces.
Returning to Dance Unlimited felt like coming home. After additional training and leadership development, Mrs. Bri expanded her teaching into jazz and choreography, eventually becoming Assistant Director and then Performance Company Director in 2021.
Today, she teaches across multiple genres and age levels and is certified in Acrobatic Arts, making Dance Unlimited a Certified Acrobatic Arts studio. Mrs. Bri is deeply grateful for the mentorship of Dance Unlimited’s founder, Mrs. Laura, and is proud to continue the legacy of excellence, passion, and mentorship at DU.
Mrs. Ashlee
Stargazers Program Instructor | Ballet & Tap
Quick Highlights:
- Dance Unlimited alum
- Over 20 years connected to DU
- Specializes in ages 3–6
- Passionate early childhood educator
Mrs. Ashlee began dancing at the age of two and quickly found her passion for dance. After training for over a decade at Musical Motions and performing with senior dance troupes across New England and New York, she continued her training at Feet First in Gardiner.
She joined Dance Unlimited as a student in the fall of 2001 during its second year of operation and danced on the competition team throughout high school. While attending the University of Maine, she became a member of the UMaine Dance Team and participated in tap, modern, and hip hop clubs, performing in collegiate showcases for three years.
After graduating, Mrs. Ashlee returned to Dance Unlimited, this time as an instructor, and has never looked back. She adores teaching in the Stargazers Program and finds joy in watching young dancers grow, build confidence, and fall in love with dance.
Mrs. Jessica
Stargazers Program Instructor| Ballet & Tap
Quick Highlights:
- Master’s Degree in Education
- Former Maine Arts Academy Instructor
- UMaine Dance Team alum
- 5+ years at Dance Unlimited
Mrs. Jessica began dancing at age three and never stopped. After 15 years of training and competing throughout New England, she continued her education at the University of Maine, minoring in Dance and performing with the UMaine Dance Team, dance clubs, and the American College Dance Festival.
She expanded her training during a semester at Dean College and later worked and trained with Disney choreographers while living in Florida. Upon returning to Maine, Mrs. Jessica combined her passions for education and dance, teaching Social Studies, Special Education, and Dance, and earning her Master’s Degree in Education.
She is now in her fifth year teaching ballet and tap in Dance Unlimited’s Stargazers Program and loves fostering a joyful introduction to dance for DU’s littlest stars.
Miss Lillian
Stargazers Program Instructor | Ballet & Tap | Darby’s Dancers
Quick Highlights:
- Dance Unlimited (training since age 3)
- Assistant for 5+ years
- Featured as Snow Queen in The Nutcracker
- Teaches Twinkle & Twirling, Stargazers & Darby’s Dancers
Miss Lillian began her dance journey at Dance Unlimited at the age of three and has been part of the DU family ever since. Throughout her years of training, she has performed in numerous recitals, participated in competitions and conventions, and most recently had the honor of performing as the Snow Queen in Dance Unlimited’s Nutcracker production.
For more than five years, Miss Lillian has served as a dedicated class assistant, developing strong leadership skills and a deep love for teaching. Her experience assisting younger dancers has helped her grow into a patient, encouraging, and supportive instructor who truly enjoys helping students build confidence and succeed.
Today, Miss Lillian teaches in the Stargazers program, including Twinkle & Twirling, and works with dancers in the Darby’s Dancers program. She is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming, and positive classroom environment where every child feels valued and celebrated.
Outside of the studio, Miss Lillian works for her family’s business and enjoys babysitting. In her free time, she loves reading and spending time with her family and friends. She is grateful to be part of the Dance Unlimited team and looks forward to continuing to inspire young dancers for years to come.
Mrs. Angie
Jazz, Tap & Hip Hop Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Dancing since age 2
- Dance Unlimited faculty member since 2009
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Teaches jazz & tap to dancers of all ages
Mrs. Angie is a lifelong dancer who began her training at the age of two. A graduate of Cony High School, she performed with company groups including Chizzle Wizzle and local productions before attending the University of New England, where she earned her degree in Occupational Therapy.
By day, Mrs. Angie works with outpatients at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Rehabilitation. By night, she brings her passion for dance into the studio, where she has been a beloved member of the Dance Unlimited faculty for over a decade.
Her love of dance and her students shines in every class she teaches. With a contagious smile, vibrant energy, and an exceptional flair for performance, Mrs. Angie brings joy, laughter, and confidence into the classroom.
Miss Abi
Ballet, Jazz & Contemporary Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Dance Unlimited alum
- Performance Company graduate
- Master’s student in Counseling Psychology
- Focus on expression & technique
Miss Abi trained at Dance Unlimited for 15 years, competing with the Performance Company and performing at Walt Disney World. She continued her dance journey at the University of Maine at Farmington, where she served on the executive board of the dance team and choreographed for multiple groups.
She spent several years teaching both on and off campus before returning home to Dance Unlimited. Miss Abi is passionate about helping dancers express themselves while building strong technical foundations, and she brings warmth, positivity, and encouragement to every class.
Mrs. Marie
Ballet Master Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Over 40 years teaching experience
- Bolshoi Ballet Academy Certified
- ABT® Certified Teacher (Primary–Level 5)
- International training & performance background
Mrs. Marie is a master ballet instructor with an extraordinary international background. Trained in Europe and certified by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy of Moscow and the American Ballet Theatre®, she has taught and performed around the world and worked with countless prestigious ballet institutions.
Her teaching experience includes companies and academies across the United States, and her choreography has received top awards at competitions such as YAGP and World Ballet Competition. Many of her former students have gone on to professional dance careers.
Mrs. Marie joined the Dance Unlimited faculty in 2021 and continues to coach advanced dancers, teach ballet and pointe, and share her deep knowledge and love of classical ballet.
Miss Kiara
Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary & Acro Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Dance Unlimited alum (15 years)
- Performance Company graduate
- Acrobatic Arts Certified
- Pursuing degree in Radiography
Miss Kiara began dancing at Dance Unlimited at age three and trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and acro. She was a dedicated member of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company and performed at competitions, conventions, professional sporting events, and Walt Disney World.
She was inducted into the National Honor Society of Dance Arts and balanced her dance training with multiple varsity sports. Today, Miss Kiara brings her experience, positivity, and strong technique into the classroom while continuing her education in Radiography at Central Maine Community College.
Miss Pam
Acro and Musical Theatre Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Professional dancer with Disney and Sesame Street Live
- 35+ years of teaching experience
- Acrobatic Arts Certified Instructor
- Award-winning competitive choreographer
- Musical theatre choreographer
Miss Pam began her dance training at age 14 and quickly discovered her passion for performing and teaching. By age 17, she was assisting classes, and after high school, she launched a professional career that took her around the world. She performed internationally with DisneyFest and Sesame Street Live, appeared on Walt Disney World stages, and had the memorable opportunity to perform on NBC’s Today Show.
With a strong background in gymnastics, Miss Pam is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor in Level 1, Level 2, Aerial, and Back Handspring. Throughout her 35+ years as an educator, she has choreographed award-winning routines in hip hop, jazz, acro, contemporary, and musical theatre. Her work has earned top scores, choreography awards, and Industry Dance Awards for Best Musical Theatre and Best Acro, while many of her dancers have earned national titles and special recognitions.
Miss Pam also brings her love of choreography to the musical theatre stage. For more than 15 years, she has choreographed productions for area schools and community theatres, including High School Musical, Oliver!, Cinderella, and Seussical the Musical.
At the heart of Miss Pam’s teaching is her passion for mentorship. She strives to go beyond teaching steps and technique by creating an environment where dancers feel supported, encouraged, and inspired. Outside of the studio, her favorite role of all is being a mom to her daughter and son.
Mr. Millz
Hip Hop Instructor & Choreographer
Quick Highlights:
- Professional dancer, choreographer & educator
- Professional television & stage experience
- Choreographer & featured dancer
- Bilingual in English & Spanish
Mr. Millz (Emilio Mercedes) brings an extensive professional performance, choreography, and teaching background to Dance Unlimited. His training includes hip hop with Robin Dunn, Princess Mhoon Cooper, Kelly Peters, and Telly Fowler, as well as modern training with renowned artists including Earl Mosley and Camille Brown. His diverse movement background also includes popping, locking, krumping, modern, ballet, and bachata.
Throughout his professional career, Mr. Millz has performed as a featured dancer for television, stage productions, and recording artists. His credits include Nickelodeon, BET, Kelly Peters Dance Company, Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, The Ailey City Group, and Robin Dunn’s Middleground Dance Theater, along with numerous New York City performances and projects.
As an educator, Mr. Millz has taught hip hop at some of the most recognized dance institutions in New York and the Northeast, including Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Harlem School of the Arts, The Ailey School, Connecticut Ballet, and Bergen Performing Arts Center. His experience as both a performer and choreographer allows him to bring authentic hip hop training, musicality, performance quality, and creativity into the classroom.
At Dance Unlimited, Mr. Millz shares his professional experience and passion for hip hop with our dancers while encouraging them to develop confidence, individuality, and their own unique performance style. We are thrilled to have his energy, knowledge, and experience as part of the Dance Unlimited faculty.
Mrs. Justine
Irish Dance Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Competitive Irish dancer
- Trained with the Sullivan-Stewart School of Irish Dance
- Private instruction with Riverdance principal Michael Fitzpatrick
- Training in Irish dance, ballet, tap, lyrical, musical theatre, ballroom & Scottish Highland dance
- Teaches Irish dance to youth, teens & adults
Mrs. Justine began her dance journey at age four with ballet and tap. At thirteen, she discovered her passion for Irish dance and began training with the Sullivan-Stewart School of Irish Dance in Massachusetts. She went on to compete through the championship levels and had the opportunity to receive private instruction from Michael Fitzpatrick, a principal dancer with Riverdance at the time.
Throughout her dance journey, Mrs. Justine expanded her training to include lyrical, musical theatre, ballroom, and Scottish Highland dance. These experiences have helped shape her well-rounded teaching style. She has performed in recitals and community events and has choreographed solo talent performances for pageant competitors who went on to earn titles in both Massachusetts and Maine.
At Dance Unlimited, Mrs. Justine is excited to share the tradition, energy, and joy of Irish dance with students of all ages. Her goal is to create an encouraging classroom where dancers can learn new skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of this unique dance style.
Outside the studio, Mrs. Justine’s education and career are in dental healthcare, where she brings the same warmth, compassion, and enthusiasm she shares with her students. As she says, “My goal is to share the love of Irish dance and watch my students fly!”
Mrs. Meg
Tap, Jazz & Musical Theatre Instructor
Quick Highlights:
- Dancing since age 3
- Extensive training in tap, jazz, lyrical & ballet
- Former elite competitive dancer
- Background in Mathematics Education, dance & theatre
Mrs. Meg began dancing at the age of three in southern New Hampshire, training extensively in tap, jazz, lyrical, and ballet. As a member of an elite competitive team, she traveled throughout the East Coast competing at regional and national events. She later performed pre-professionally as a contracted tap dancer and continued her training with accomplished choreographers and instructors.
Mrs. Meg studied Mathematics Education in college while also pursuing coursework in dance and theatre. She spent five years as a mathematics teacher while continuing to teach and choreograph for dance studios and performance groups throughout New England.
After relocating to Maine, Mrs. Meg continued teaching and choreographing before discovering Dance Unlimited through our adult classes. Drawn to DU’s welcoming community, positive culture, and commitment to excellence, she knew she had found the perfect place to continue sharing her love of dance.
At Dance Unlimited, Mrs. Meg brings together her experience as both an educator and performer to create classes that encourage growth, confidence, and a love of learning. She is thrilled to be part of the Dance Unlimited family and loves helping dancers grow as artists while discovering a lifelong love of dance.
Mrs. Cassie
Office Manager | Customer Care & Studio Operations
Quick Highlights:
- Dance Unlimited Office Manager
- Front desk & family support lead
- YPAD trained & CPR certified
- Parent of a Dance Unlimited dancer
Mrs. Cassie serves as the Office Manager at Dance Unlimited and plays a vital role in supporting both our faculty and our dance families. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, she can often be found at the front desk, where she is a welcoming, familiar, and trusted face for parents and dancers alike.
She is YPAD trained and CPR certified, and regularly attends conferences and professional trainings alongside Dance Unlimited’s owner and Executive Director, Mrs. Laura. These trainings focus on dance studio operations, customer care, and studio management software — ensuring that families receive organized, responsive, and compassionate support.
Although Mrs. Cassie does not have a formal dance background, she has seen firsthand the powerful and positive impact dance can have on children. As a mom with a daughter dancing at Dance Unlimited, she understands the importance of clear communication, consistency, and a nurturing environment.
Mrs. Cassie is grateful to be part of a community that supports, inspires, and helps shape young lives, and she is proud to help make every family’s experience at Dance Unlimited a positive one.
Why Families Trust Dance Unlimited Faculty
Voted Greater Augusta's Best Dance Studio 2026 by Market Surveys of America(opens in new tab)
Kennebec Journal Best of the Best(opens in new tab), First Place for Best Dance Studio 2024
Contact
Dance Unlimited, LLC
ADDRESS 145 Cony Road, Augusta, Maine 04330
PHONE (207) 623-0821
EMAIL info@dance-u.com
