Hometown: Pittsburgh Joined Our Staff: 2002 Training: I have been teaching Dance for over 20 years. My Dance training includes Caputo's School of Dance, IUP Concert Dance Company, Point Park Conservatory Classes, Arthur Murray Dance Center, and various Dance Teacher Workshops. I have trained in a diverse range of dance styles including Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballroom. This variety has given me a strong foundation and unique perspective that I bring into my teaching. Each style has it own techniques and artistry, and I love sharing the distinct qualities of each with my students, helping them become versatile and expressive dancers. Why I Teach At Starlight: I want to share my passion for Dance and help students discover all of the valuable life skills that Dance has to offer. Dance has had such a meaningful impact on my life that I want to give back by teaching and creating a positive, uplifting experience that would help students develop their potential and feel empowered through the Art of Dance. My goal as a Dance teacher is to inspire students and teach them not just dance skills, but help them build confidence and develop qualities that they can carry with the through life. Favorite Starlight Memories: - Watching my students perform on stage and being so proud of what they accomplished - Running into one of my students years later and having her tell my that I was her favorite teacher and that I had such a positive impact on her life - Dancing on stage with the Tiny Tots - Choreographing Solos - Performing the Teacher Dance at the Recitals - Attending Dance Teacher Workshops with my coworkers When I'm Not At Starlight: I love to go boating and biking with my husband. I sing in my church choir and continue to train in ballroom dance.

Hometown: Southern Pines, North Carolina Joined our Starlight Staff: 2022 Training: I started dancing at age 4. I trained in Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, and Tap. In Ballet, I trained in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) system, and received Distinction marks in Grades 4-Intermediate Vocation. During the summers, I attended Ballet Intensives with The Jillana School, UNC School of the Arts, and Milwaukee Ballet. As a child, I performed in The Nutcracker with The Carolina Ballet, and performed professionally in 2021 in the Modern exhibition Weymouth In Motion. Why I teach at Starlight: I find so much joy in teaching, bringing the love of Dance to a new generation and giving kids a place to express themselves, learn self-discipline, and find a community. Teaching young ones reminds me to look for beauty in the everyday, while working with older students gives me a space to work creatively and grow as an artist. My biggest motivation for being an instructor is in knowing that not all my students will be professional dancers, but I can help each one of them become a well-rounded adult who makes a difference in every life they touch. Favorite Starlight Memories: I love Starlight Pajama Week! It's so fun to dress down, play team-bonding games, and have a cup of iconic Starlight Punch. Recitals are a stand-out as well. Getting to see all the students' hard work come together with the costumes and the lights is so exciting and fulfilling! When I'm not at Starlight: I love to read, knit/crochet, and travel to amusement parks to ride roller coasters!

Hometown: Pittsburgh Joined our Starlight Staff: 2022 Training: I grew up dancing at Starlight starting at age 3 (Ms. Kathy was my very first teacher)! I was a student during Starlight's very first year and spent 15 years dancing here studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern and Pointe. While we didn't have a competition team at the time, I went to many conventions and had lots of performance opportunities with Starlight. Upon graduating, I went to The Ohio State University where I was a Dance Minor, specializing in Modern Technique and Ballet. Why I teach at Starlight: Starlight, and dance, was such an integral part of my life for 15 years. I experienced so many milestones and personal growth during my years dancing, and the studio is really part of who I am. It just feels like home! When I graduated from college and started my full-time job in Pittsburgh, dance fell by the wayside for me. When the opportunity came up to come back to Starlight to teach, it was a no-brainer to give back to the studio that gave so much to me! Favorite Starlight Memories: My all-time favorite Starlight memories center around costume week. From when I was a child, to a teenager, and now as a staff member, it is still my favorite week of the entire year! I love to see our dancer's faces when they get to finally be all dressed up and "recital-ready!" When I'm not at Starlight: I love to cook at home with my husband and play with our cat, Rooney. I love interior design, so I have a lot of fun decorating my new house and shopping!

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York Joined our Starlight Staff: 2024 Training: I'm a fusion artist, dancer-choreographer and dance educator with a specialty in World Dances and Sacred Dances. I've trained in NYC in Classical Ballet in Balanchine Technique, Jazz in both Fosse and Luigi Technique and Modern Dance in Martha Graham Technique. I've also trained in Kathak: The Art of Storytelling an Indian Classical Dance form and Bollywood. I've performed in Bollywood Competition for SVDS Dance Company, I've performed in the off-broadway show Off the Hook, I've trained at Alvin Ailey and Inlet Dance Co./Theater. I have degrees in Dance and Psychology from WVU. I choreographed for and was featured in a short film for The Ghetto Film School of Harlem that screened at Lincoln Center. I'm very passionate about Mental Health and Dance and facilitating a Mind, Body and Spirit experience through the art of movement. Why I teach at Starlight: My love for the arts and how it can connect us to each other and to our authentic selves, while learning and growing through that Art form. It brings many transferable skills to other areas of our lives, whether with friends, families or our personal goals in life. I'm excited to work with wonderful teachers and to be able to connect with the little ones and see their beautiful personalities come to life when in class and with their dance friends! It makes my day when I know they're having a good time and a positive experience. When I'm not at Starlight: I love to read fiction and write short stories. I enjoy spending time with my two cats, Magnus and Poe, especially when we look for birds in the mornings! My husband and I like being outdoors in nature and visiting waterfalls! I also love all things bookish related.

Hometown: Pittsburgh  Joined our Starlight Staff: 2016 Training: I trained in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, and Lyrical. In high school, I was involved with Colorguard, Dance Team, and Show Choir. My favorite dance experiences are from dancing in the student run Dance organization at Carlow University. Why I teach at Starlight: I’ve always loved working with kids. I went to college for education and teaching dance only seemed natural. Favorite Starlight Memories: the infamous parking lot shows during the summer of 2020. It was so rewarding after having to go into lockdown to see the kids perform. One of my favorite weeks is always costume reveal week. The dancers are always so excited to see what their costumes are going to be! When I'm not at Starlight: A few of my favorite things are Theme Parks, specifically Disney Parks, and Live Music. Whenever I’m not at dance, I like to watch YouTube content about Disney or attend concerts. I also attend a weekly Adult Tap class which gives me a regular reminder of why I love dance so much!

Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio Joined Our Starlight Staff: 2007 Training: I’ve studied many genres of dance including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Ballroom, Swing, Lindy Hop and more. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Dance from Youngstown State University. In college, I was president of the YSU Dance Club and secretary of the YSU Dance Ensemble. I was the Kocinski Award Recipient for top senior in dance. I am a graduate of Dance Masters of America’s Teacher Training School and was the former educational director for the Pittsburgh Dance Alloy Theater. I’ve performed with various groups including dArt Movement, Squonk Opera’s “Pittsburgh: The Opera,” Just Got To Dance, and the Walnut Street Lodge Players. I've attended  dozens of teacher training programs including DanceLife Teacher Conference, Dance Teacher Web Live Conference, RIFF Tap Festival, DC Tap Festival, Third Coast Rhythm Project, Fingerlakes Tap Festival, Tapology Dance Festival, and Rock City Tap Festival.  Why I Teach at Starlight: I love sharing my passion for dance with young, eager minds. I enjoy having the creative freedom to structure my classes and choreography in a way that exposes our students to new things and gives every student the opportunity to be successful.  Favorite Starlight Memories: I’ve had the pleasure of creating some “outside the box” recital dances complete with entertaining props. Take a deep dive into the Starlight YouTube channel and you might see some Tap dancing on couches and tables, with catering trays or behind shower curtains.  When I’m Not At Starlight: I’m probably still doing something dance-related! I’m always looking to learn new things and working to become a better teacher. I’m probably taking an online teaching course or going to a Teacher Intensive, Tap Dance Festival, Swing Dance Exchange or Lindy Hop Workshop.

Hometown: Pittsburgh  Joined our Starlight Staff: 2024 Training: I danced at Starlight beginning around age 8. I currently work in Health Care Management Favorite Starlight Memories: I always enjoyed the Jazz classes I took at Starlight when I was little. Loved the costumes! When I'm not at Starlight: I love crafting: crochet, scrapbooking, card making, mosaic. I also love reading.

Joined our Starlight Staff: 2024 Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Training: I grew up dancing at Starlight and danced in the musicals at Fox Chapel High School. I took college dance classes at Seton Hill University in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Tap. I also trained classically in vocals at Seton Hill. I continued to attend adult dance classes at Millennium Dance Complex in Pittsburgh until they closed. I've joined adult classes at Starlight before becoming a part of the staff. Why I teach at Starlight: Dance has been such an integral part of my life that has shaped the person that I have become. It has gotten me through tough times by providing me with an outlet to express myself within a safe community. It has taught me to push myself to new limits, while also learning to accept my limitations by creatively working around them. I simply want to pass this blessing on to the next generation! Favorite Starlight Memories: My favorite starlight memories are of the extra performances that we would do at malls, nursing homes, festivals, etc. I especially remember some Christmas/Holiday performances that we did at various malls - I loved having the combined joy of dance with the holiday season. I also loved attending Dance Conventions because we got to try so many new genres of dance. When I'm not at Starlight: I love to be outdoors hiking and kayaking. I enjoy playing both piano and guitar and singing. I recently took up macrame as a hobby.

Hometown: San Carlos, California Joined our Starlight Staff: 2024 Training: I started training in gymnastics when I was about 6 years old. I competed up to level 7 before switching to circus training at age 14. I trained with Ascend Aerial Arts before joining Circus Spire, a professional youth circus troupe. I continue to train and perform in Circus and Aerial Arts. What I love about teaching: I love kids and want to share my passion for the art forms I've trained in. I hope the students I teach learn how to be confident and feel comfortable in their own skin. I am excited to join a new family and learn from everybody at Starlight. When I'm not at Starlight: I practice my circus skills and read. I love doing handstands and training silks. I am working on my master's degree in social work and I work as a preschool teacher for 3-5 year olds.

Hometown: Pittsburgh Joined our Starlight Staff: 2019 Training:  I started dancing at age 10. I began a Hip Hop dance group while in college and we competed all over Pennsylvania. Why I teach at Starlight: Those who surround kids in their early years help shape them into the person they are. I knew I wanted to be a small part of helping dancers find who they are and how to express themselves through dancing. Favorite Starlight Memories: Performing on stage with the other teachers in the Finalé my first year of teaching; taking a Hip Hop class with my students at a convention; seeing my dances come to life on stage When I'm not at Starlight: I enjoy attending/watching Steelers Games, shopping, and decorating my new house.

Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.