While we adore our time spent dancing in the studio, we really treasure the moments where we can connect and build relationships with our dance families. Our classes are jam-packed with skills and routines, but we also try to make time to get to know our students… and for them to get to know US! That’s why we’re sharing a little more about ourselves in this month’s blog post!

But before we dive in, we’ve got some staff news to share with you all:

• Mrs. Brittany has moved to New Hampshire with her beautiful family. We’re wishing her good luck in her new endeavors and can’t wait to see her when they come home to visit!
• Miss Julie accepted a full-time job offer and is enjoying the extra time watching her daughter take the stage with the DUPC from the audience!  We know everyone is sending their love along to Miss Julie with us!
• Mrs. Stephanie has returned home to Augusta and we are so happy to have her on our faculty.  If you see her make sure to say hi and flash your best smile.  You’ll know Mrs. Stephanie easily – she will be sharing her positive energy and bright smile with you!
• Miss Hannah is enjoying her Senior year on the DUPC and has joined our staff teaching Hip Hop 1!  
• Welcome Mrs. Marie! We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Marie to our teaching staff in 2022. She will be teaching ballet and brings a wealth of knowledge to our students. We’re ready to watch their ballet technique SOAR as they take Mrs. Marie’s classes!

In addition to these big updates, we interviewed our team last month and we can’t wait to share some of their answers!  From their adorable pets to their show-stopping dance favorites, our staff is talented and truly one of a kind! 

Mrs. Laura

How long have you been dancing?
At least 46 years, it’s been a long time since I was in Preschool dance!
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I attended Florida State University in Tallahassee. I studied Dance & English Literature and have a minor in Education.
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
My first true love in dance has always been ballet.   Another one of my favorites is Tap!
What is your favorite DU memory?
It’s impossible to have just one after 22 years of living my dream. So two that come immediately to mind are: dancing in the Walt Disney World Main Street parade in 2018 and dancing in Downtown Disney in 2014.  It was amazing to watch our students in those venues.  And my favorite funny one – Josephine T. getting stuck in the curtain when she was 3… and talking to the audience on the microphone after she made her way out.   It was precious – she was fine and SO excited to dance!  She had the audience giddy with her cuteness! There are SO many memories.  22 years full of smiles, watching student achievements and growing our DU family. Recitals are always full of memorable moments.  The students are so excited and proud and can’t wait to share all they have worked for with their family and friends.   Watching their smiles and the hugs with family and friends at the conclusion fills my heart.
What is your favorite movie?
Any musical turned movie especially Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn and Steel Magnolias
Do you have any pets?
We have 2 Golden Retrievers named “Copper & Maple” and a cat named “Kitty.” ( not our finest creative hour)
What do you love most about being a part of the DU family?
EVERYTHING but more than anything I love that we are a family. I love seeing the students support each other. I love the way the faculty interacts with each other and our students. It is a dream come true to be living my passion and watch the DU Family flourish! 

Mrs. Angie

How long have you been dancing?
Since I was 2.5 years old!
How long have you been a dance instructor at DU?
13 years
What is your favorite DU memory?
Going to Florida to watch the dancers perform at Disney!
Do you have any hobbies outside of dance?
I enjoy yoga, swimming, running and hiking.
What is your favorite movie?
Under the Tuscan Sun.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, my dog named Parker.
What do you love most about being a dance instructor at DU?
I love dress rehearsal and recital time! It is such a fun time being with the other teachers and seeing the dancers perform on stage!

Mrs. Ashlee

How long have you been dancing?
32 Years
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Jazz
What age groups and dance styles do you teach?
Ballet & Tap, Ages 3-6
What is your favorite movie?
Dirty Dancing
What do you love outside of dance?
Shopping and Shoes!
What do you love most about being a dance instructor at DU?
I love being part of a community that loves and supports each other. 

Mrs. Bri

How long have you been dancing?
18 years!
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Hip Hop has always been my favorite style to perform.
How long have you been a dance instructor at DU?
I started teaching at DU when I was a sophomore in high school with a single hip hop class. I am now in my 9th year.
What’s next on your bucket list?
To build a new home within the next few years.
Do you have any pets?
One cat named Grey.
What is your favorite musical artist?
Dave Matthews Band has always had a special place in my heart.
What do you love most about being a dance instructor at DU?
I love that I am always surrounded by people whether it’s the staff, dancers or parents, who share the same passion, dance and the willingness to want to learn and grow! 

Miss Hannah

Where do you go to school?
I am a Senior at  Lawrence High School.
How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing for 14 years.
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Hip Hop.
What age groups and dance styles do you teach?
I teach a hip hop class with 7-9 year olds and I assist in preschool classes!
What is your favorite DU memory?
When the Senior Company went to Boston to Nuvo just before Covid hit.. Not only was it a great experience taking classes and competing but it was also one of the best trips of my life.
What is your favorite color?
Lavender
What’s next on your bucket list?
To graduate high school and fulfill my dream of teaching dance.

Mrs. Jessica

Where did you go to school and what did you study?
University of Maine: History & Dance (Bachelors) Education (Masters)
How long have you been dancing?
32 Years
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Jazz & Tap
What is your favorite DU memory?
My first recital experience.
Do you have any hobbies outside of dance?
Traveling, hiking, cooking, spending time with my three kiddos.
Do you have any pets?
Two cats!
What do you love most about being a part of the DU family?
It’s an amazing community!

Miss Madeline 

Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I attended University of New Hampshire and majored in dance!
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Modern and Tap
What is your favorite DU memory?
Seeing the dancers shine on stage at recital and how excited they are backstage!
What is your favorite movie?
White Christmas
What’s next on your bucket list?
Hiking all of the National Parks.
Do you have any pets?
A dog named Toby
What do you love most about being a part of the DU family?
Having the opportunity to watch these dancers grow over the years. Dance has such an incredible impact on people and being able to be in the place that nurtures the development and creativity of these young minds is truly amazing. 

Mrs. Stephanie

How long have you been dancing?
Since I was 3!
How long have you been a dance instructor at DU?
This is my first year!
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Tap
What is your favorite DU memory so far?
Meeting my dancers on the first day of class and having a blast with them each week!!
Do you have any hobbies outside of dance?
Skiing, golfing, boating and swimming.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, Mazie, my cockapoo.
What do you love most about being a part of the DU family?
I love being back home and getting to dance with Miss Laura… AGAIN… after many many years!

Miss Katelyn

How long have you been dancing?
14 years
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Contemporary or Ballet
What is your favorite DU memory?
Disney Trip 2018 or Nuvo 2020
Do you have any hobbies outside of dance?
Photography and fashion
What is your favorite movie?
The Florida Project
Do you have any pets?
Yes, one calico cat named Millie!
What do you love most about being a dance instructor at DU?
I love talking with the kids every day and being part of such a loving and kind community. 

Mrs. Marie

Where did you go to school?
After a professional ballet career, Rutgers University
How long have you been dancing?
60+ years
What is your favorite style to dance/perform?
Ballet
Do you have any hobbies outside of dance?
Playing with my two granddaughters
What is your favorite movie?
White Christmas
What do you love most about being a dance instructor at DU?
The wonderful studio atmosphere

We hope you enjoyed reading these responses as much as we do! As we listened to our staff’s answers, we couldn’t help but notice a few common threads. 

1. Most of our favorite memories come during recital time when we watch our students take the stage.
2. Community is at the forefront of our minds when we think about why we love DU. 
3. We love our students, as well as each other.  
4. Dance is our passion and our purpose!

Don’t forget to stop us in the hallways to say “hi!” every once in a while. As we said, we treasure those special moments and our relationships with each and every one of our dancers.

We are so thankful to have such an amazing team. Their passion, dedication, and support for one another remind us why it’s so important to have positive role models in our students’ lives. They are truly the best of the best!

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