The Dance Academy of Virginia
Faculty
Meet our team.
We have an amazing faculty of teachers who are excited to join our team at the Dance Academy of Virginia and are looking forward to teaching our students back in the studio and virtually!
Whether dance is your serious passion or extracurricular activity, our instructors will help you meet your dance goals and challenge you to achieve your maximum potential. Our teachers bring their professional experience as teachers, dancers and choreographers to the classroom nurturing and guiding our students from ages 2 through adult.
They are passionate about sharing their love of dance and are proud to teach a range of disciplines including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and lyrical classes.
Our top priorities are to keep our students safe, healthy, active, and motivated while we support them to build confidence, improve skills, and express themselves creatively.
Katherine Horrigan
Founder/Director
Katherine Horrigan
As a dance education leader, Katherine has dedicated the last 20 years to the dance field as a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer and manager. Her artistic and dance education experience inform her passion for developing the next generation of talented leaders and artists.
Formerly, during her 8-year tenure as the assistant director and director of Adagio Ballet, Katherine advanced the artistic quality and educational programming while improving internal and external operations. Katherine led the development of the intensive program, advanced the quality of performances, and grew the school while remaining community centric.
For the past 7 years, Katherine has co-directed the professional dance company Company Danzante, and her choreography has been presented
As a dance education leader, Katherine has dedicated the last 20 years to the dance field as a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer and manager. Her artistic and dance education experience inform her passion for developing the next generation of talented leaders and artists.
Formerly, during her 8-year tenure as the assistant director and director of Adagio Ballet, Katherine advanced the artistic quality and educational programming while improving internal and external operations. Katherine led the development of the intensive program, advanced the quality of performances, and grew the school while remaining community centric.
For the past 7 years, Katherine has co-directed the professional dance company Company Danzante, and her choreography has been presented
Yeonjin Cho- Director of Programming Ballet & Academy
Yeonjin Cho has been passionate about ballet since her childhood. She was born in Pusan, South
Korea and began taking ballet classes as a child. She continued her dance studies at Duck-won
Performing Arts High School and attended Chung-Ang University where she earned a Bachelor
of Fine Arts in Dance.
While in college, Ms. Cho was invited to perform as a guest artist at the Korea National Ballet in
the Nutcracker production choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. Two months later, she was
offered a position at the Korea National Ballet.
In 2002, Ms. Cho moved to Toronto to train at the professional training program at the Canada
National Ballet School. She later relocated to Monaco to train at the ‘Academie de Danse
Classique Princesse Grace’ under the direction of Marika Besobrasova.
Three years later, in 2006, Ms. Cho moved to the United States where she performed with the
City Ballet of Los Angeles, the Pasadena Dance Theater, and Monet Ballet. In addition, she
taught at the Lee Ballet Academy.
After spending 5 years in California, Ms Cho decided to relocate to Washington DC to pursue a
Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Dance at the George Washington University. While in
Washington DC, Ms Cho performed and toured with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.
Ms Cho has taught at The Washington School of Ballet, at CityDance and at the George
Washington University. Most recently, Ms Cho choreographed for the Baltimore School for the
Arts.
Currently, Ms Cho is an adjunct faculty at the George Mason University and is delighted to join
the Dance Academy of Virginia as a Director of Program and Faculty.
Korea and began taking ballet classes as a child. She continued her dance studies at Duck-won
Performing Arts High School and attended Chung-Ang University where she earned a Bachelor
of Fine Arts in Dance.
While in college, Ms. Cho was invited to perform as a guest artist at the Korea National Ballet in
the Nutcracker production choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. Two months later, she was
offered a position at the Korea National Ballet.
In 2002, Ms. Cho moved to Toronto to train at the professional training program at the Canada
National Ballet School. She later relocated to Monaco to train at the ‘Academie de Danse
Classique Princesse Grace’ under the direction of Marika Besobrasova.
Three years later, in 2006, Ms. Cho moved to the United States where she performed with the
City Ballet of Los Angeles, the Pasadena Dance Theater, and Monet Ballet. In addition, she
taught at the Lee Ballet Academy.
After spending 5 years in California, Ms Cho decided to relocate to Washington DC to pursue a
Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Dance at the George Washington University. While in
Washington DC, Ms Cho performed and toured with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.
Ms Cho has taught at The Washington School of Ballet, at CityDance and at the George
Washington University. Most recently, Ms Cho choreographed for the Baltimore School for the
Arts.
Currently, Ms Cho is an adjunct faculty at the George Mason University and is delighted to join
the Dance Academy of Virginia as a Director of Program and Faculty.
Danielle Sirinsky Director of Programming Little Dancer & Youth (Contemporary styles)
Danielle Sirinsky Director of Programming Little Dancer & Youth (Contemporary styles)
Little Dancer Program, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater
Danielle Sirinsky is so excited to joining the DAV team. Danielle holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She hails originally from Chicago, and has taught, performed, directed, and choreographed throughout the Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia areas. Favorite professional roles include Bebe in A Chorus Line and featured Shark singer/dancer in West Side Story. In Allentown PA, she was a dance faculty member at That’s Dancin!, taught theatre and dance at the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, and was a Theatre Faculty member at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School of Arts. Her 12 year tenure at The Loudoun School of Ballet in Leesburg, VA, included the Directorship of The Rising Stars Department for ages 2-6, where she enjoyed working with the youngest dancers, as well as creating the Teen Musical Theatre and Broadway Jazz curriculums. Her Broadway and Tap choreography has won numerous awards at national competitions. In 2021, she launched DS Dance Consulting and Coaching, to assist actors, singers, and dancers navigate their dance training needs as they prepare for their college auditions. Danielle loves to coach students on their musical theatre dance audition preparation, prescreens, and choreographs to the strengths of each individual, with an emphasis on Broadway Style choreography. She is most proud of being a mom to her two teens!
Danielle Sirinsky is so excited to joining the DAV team. Danielle holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She hails originally from Chicago, and has taught, performed, directed, and choreographed throughout the Chicago, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia areas. Favorite professional roles include Bebe in A Chorus Line and featured Shark singer/dancer in West Side Story. In Allentown PA, she was a dance faculty member at That’s Dancin!, taught theatre and dance at the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, and was a Theatre Faculty member at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School of Arts. Her 12 year tenure at The Loudoun School of Ballet in Leesburg, VA, included the Directorship of The Rising Stars Department for ages 2-6, where she enjoyed working with the youngest dancers, as well as creating the Teen Musical Theatre and Broadway Jazz curriculums. Her Broadway and Tap choreography has won numerous awards at national competitions. In 2021, she launched DS Dance Consulting and Coaching, to assist actors, singers, and dancers navigate their dance training needs as they prepare for their college auditions. Danielle loves to coach students on their musical theatre dance audition preparation, prescreens, and choreographs to the strengths of each individual, with an emphasis on Broadway Style choreography. She is most proud of being a mom to her two teens!
Jessie Cobb
Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary
Jessie was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and began dancing at In Motion Dance Center under the direction of Michelle Nicholson. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Program where she was a ballet concentration. Jessie then went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Point Park University where she had the opportunity to work with faculty such as Ron Tassone, Kiesha Lalama, Heather Carpenter, Jason McDole, and Susan Stowe. Throughout her time at Point Park she was a finalist at the Youth American Grand Prix from 2014-2015 and was a company member of MERZTANZ, a contemporary ballet company under the direction of Peter LeBreton Merz. Some of her most notable roles throughout her career include Molly in “Annie”, a Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s “Serenade”, and a lead dancer in Dan Karasik’s “Volumes.” Jessie has extensive experience in musical theater. She has been a featured dancer in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”, “Oklahoma!’, “Hello! Dolly”, and “The Pirates of Penzance,” just to name a few. Most recently Jessie was a featured dancer and dance captain in “Beauty and the Beast” with the Arlington Players.
Jessie was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and began dancing at In Motion Dance Center under the direction of Michelle Nicholson. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Program where she was a ballet concentration. Jessie then went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Point Park University where she had the opportunity to work with faculty such as Ron Tassone, Kiesha Lalama, Heather Carpenter, Jason McDole, and Susan Stowe. Throughout her time at Point Park she was a finalist at the Youth American Grand Prix from 2014-2015 and was a company member of MERZTANZ, a contemporary ballet company under the direction of Peter LeBreton Merz. Some of her most notable roles throughout her career include Molly in “Annie”, a Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s “Serenade”, and a lead dancer in Dan Karasik’s “Volumes.” Jessie has extensive experience in musical theater. She has been a featured dancer in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”, “Oklahoma!’, “Hello! Dolly”, and “The Pirates of Penzance,” just to name a few. Most recently Jessie was a featured dancer and dance captain in “Beauty and the Beast” with the Arlington Players.
Sarah Beth
Jazz, Lyrical,Tap.
Sarah Beth received her early training at Floyd Ward School of Dance in
Roanoke, VA. There, she studied ballet, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, musical
theater, and clogging. Sarah Beth continued her education at George Mason
University, where she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. At George
Mason, she performed works choreographed by Donald Byrd, Susan Shields, Linda
Miller, Victor Adebusola, and many others. Sarah Beth was also fortunate to create
multiple choreographic works on her peers for performance. In 2017, her work “You
Know You’re Doing OK” was selected and performed at the Kennedy Center on the
Millennium Stage.
Sarah Beth received her early training at Floyd Ward School of Dance in
Roanoke, VA. There, she studied ballet, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, musical
theater, and clogging. Sarah Beth continued her education at George Mason
University, where she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. At George
Mason, she performed works choreographed by Donald Byrd, Susan Shields, Linda
Miller, Victor Adebusola, and many others. Sarah Beth was also fortunate to create
multiple choreographic works on her peers for performance. In 2017, her work “You
Know You’re Doing OK” was selected and performed at the Kennedy Center on the
Millennium Stage.
Katy Clay
Little Dancer, Youth & Academy Programs.
Katy grew up dancing in her hometown of Missoula, Montana where she studied ballet and various other styles of dance at Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre. Since the age of thirteen, Katy has performed as a singer and dancer in several international tours, traveling Europe and China as both a Performer and Goodwill Ambassador. At seventeen, she was selected as a principal dancer and featured singer with RMBT on an official US State Department tour throughout the Guangxi and Henan Provinces and in Beijing presented by the National Ballet of China at the Tianquo Theatre.
After graduating from the Academy, Katy trained two years at a musical conservatory in Vienna, Austria and has performed as a musical theatre artist in and around Vienna, including productions in the 2017 Wiener Festwochen. She has placed first and second at the Vienna International Ballet Experience and Ballet Beyond Borders competitions 2016, 2017, and 2018. Her most recent performance tour took her back to China and included performances and collaborations in Beijing, Xi’an, and ChongQing in September of 2018.
Katy began her career as a professional dancer in 2018 with the Stavna Ballet where her most notable roles included Alice in Alice in Wonderland, The Sugar Plum Fairy, Lucy in Dracula and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Katy is currently in her first season as a resident dancer with THE Landing. Katy just recently moved with her husband to the Northern Virginia area and is thrilled to be joining the DAV faculty!
Katy grew up dancing in her hometown of Missoula, Montana where she studied ballet and various other styles of dance at Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre. Since the age of thirteen, Katy has performed as a singer and dancer in several international tours, traveling Europe and China as both a Performer and Goodwill Ambassador. At seventeen, she was selected as a principal dancer and featured singer with RMBT on an official US State Department tour throughout the Guangxi and Henan Provinces and in Beijing presented by the National Ballet of China at the Tianquo Theatre.
After graduating from the Academy, Katy trained two years at a musical conservatory in Vienna, Austria and has performed as a musical theatre artist in and around Vienna, including productions in the 2017 Wiener Festwochen. She has placed first and second at the Vienna International Ballet Experience and Ballet Beyond Borders competitions 2016, 2017, and 2018. Her most recent performance tour took her back to China and included performances and collaborations in Beijing, Xi’an, and ChongQing in September of 2018.
Katy began her career as a professional dancer in 2018 with the Stavna Ballet where her most notable roles included Alice in Alice in Wonderland, The Sugar Plum Fairy, Lucy in Dracula and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Katy is currently in her first season as a resident dancer with THE Landing. Katy just recently moved with her husband to the Northern Virginia area and is thrilled to be joining the DAV faculty!
Brittany Bolick
Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Brittany grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia where she continued the dance education she began at age 3. Through high school, Brittany trained with the Fredericksburg Academy of Ballet and performed with their Senior Company. Brittany recently graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Politics and Drama. During her time at UVA, Brittany focused on dance for theatre, performing as a featured dancer in productions of The Producers, Godspell, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Sweet Charity, and Urinetown. Brittany also choreographed productions of Cabaret and Pride and Prejudice in addition to her drama capstone project "A Night of Gershwin" which featured jazz, musical theatre, and ballet choreography to the works of George Gershwin. Brittany also worked as an administrative intern and teaching assistant at the Charlottesville Ballet. Since moving to the DC area, Brittany has performed with The Arlington Players and City of Fairfax Theatre Company and taught ballet and jazz at Adagio Ballet.
Brittany grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia where she continued the dance education she began at age 3. Through high school, Brittany trained with the Fredericksburg Academy of Ballet and performed with their Senior Company. Brittany recently graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Politics and Drama. During her time at UVA, Brittany focused on dance for theatre, performing as a featured dancer in productions of The Producers, Godspell, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Sweet Charity, and Urinetown. Brittany also choreographed productions of Cabaret and Pride and Prejudice in addition to her drama capstone project "A Night of Gershwin" which featured jazz, musical theatre, and ballet choreography to the works of George Gershwin. Brittany also worked as an administrative intern and teaching assistant at the Charlottesville Ballet. Since moving to the DC area, Brittany has performed with The Arlington Players and City of Fairfax Theatre Company and taught ballet and jazz at Adagio Ballet.
Grace Walker
Little Dancer & Youth Program
Grace grew up in Stafford, VA, where she trained with Stafford Dance Center from the age of seven. She started her dance journey with tap dance, performing with the All-Star Tap Team in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in 2012 and 2013. She then trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre when she fell in love with the art of expression through dance. Grace competed with the competition team at Stafford Dance Center for three seasons, serving as team captain in her last season. In high school, Grace performed and competed as part of the North Stafford Dance Team in styles of jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. Also while in high school, Grace was given the opportunity to assist in musical theatre choreography for two drama performances: Fame and Little Shop of Horrors. In 2019, she began to pursue a B.S. in Forensic Science at George Mason University while also continuing to share her love of dance through teaching ballet and tap with JST Athletics and Dance, LLC. She now dances with DanceWorks at Mason, where she has been able to choreograph several contemporary pieces for end-of-semester shows and competitions. She has found her passion in communicating the art of dance and is excited to share her passion as a staff member at DAV!
Grace grew up in Stafford, VA, where she trained with Stafford Dance Center from the age of seven. She started her dance journey with tap dance, performing with the All-Star Tap Team in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in 2012 and 2013. She then trained in jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre when she fell in love with the art of expression through dance. Grace competed with the competition team at Stafford Dance Center for three seasons, serving as team captain in her last season. In high school, Grace performed and competed as part of the North Stafford Dance Team in styles of jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. Also while in high school, Grace was given the opportunity to assist in musical theatre choreography for two drama performances: Fame and Little Shop of Horrors. In 2019, she began to pursue a B.S. in Forensic Science at George Mason University while also continuing to share her love of dance through teaching ballet and tap with JST Athletics and Dance, LLC. She now dances with DanceWorks at Mason, where she has been able to choreograph several contemporary pieces for end-of-semester shows and competitions. She has found her passion in communicating the art of dance and is excited to share her passion as a staff member at DAV!
Deidra Squire
Tap
Deidra is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She began dancing at the age of seven and discovered the power and beauty of the performing arts at a young age. Deidra earned a B.A. in Communications from Hampton University, where she was an honors student and a recipient of a presidential scholarship, a merit based academic scholarship. Deidra then earned a Juris Doctorate from the George Washington University School of Law. Throughout her life, Deidra has remained very involved in the performing arts both professionally and through volunteerism. She began producing shows at the age of 16 and began competing nationally in Humanities and Performing Arts as a sophomore in high school. Deidra has also been involved in nationwide oratorical competitions since she was in middle school. Deidra has taught students from the ages of 4 to 85. She has also taught homeless and at risk students.
Deidra Squire has been tap dancing for 29 years. She was trained at Ballet Met Dance Academy in Columbus, Ohio and Judy Conti Dance Academy in Youngstown Ohio. She founded Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble at Hampton University. Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble has been an official campus organization on campus for fifteen years. Since relocating to the DMV, Deidra has taught tap dance at the Patricia M. Sitar Arts Center and the Program for Academic and Leadership Skills in Washington, DC. She has also taught at Impact Performing Arts, Momentum Dance and Fitness, C-Unit Dance Studio, Adagio Ballet, Body Moves, JMD Studio, Legacy Performing Arts, DanceMakers Dance Studio, and many more. She also founded Rhythm&Soles, a percussive arts instruction organization.
Deidra also has experience in production, pageant coaching, poms, step, spoken word, oratory, and African dance and drumming. She was the founding coach of a step and cheerleading squad at National Collegiate Preparatory Public Charter School in Washington DC. Under her leadership, the team placed in a local competition within four months of formation. Deidra also served as the Artistic Director of S.W.A.G., a competitive step team in Washington, DC that won first place in the Junior Division of the Six Flags National Invitational Competition. As a board member of a local nonprofit, and as an actively practicing Maryland attorney, Deidra believes in teaching “Poise, Professionalism, and Perfection,” and she firmly believes that performing arts are a powerful means of developing self-esteem and awareness in students of all ages.
Deidra Squire has been tap dancing for 29 years. She was trained at Ballet Met Dance Academy in Columbus, Ohio and Judy Conti Dance Academy in Youngstown Ohio. She founded Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble at Hampton University. Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble has been an official campus organization on campus for fifteen years. Since relocating to the DMV, Deidra has taught tap dance at the Patricia M. Sitar Arts Center and the Program for Academic and Leadership Skills in Washington, DC. She has also taught at Impact Performing Arts, Momentum Dance and Fitness, C-Unit Dance Studio, Adagio Ballet, Body Moves, JMD Studio, Legacy Performing Arts, DanceMakers Dance Studio, and many more. She also founded Rhythm&Soles, a percussive arts instruction organization.
Deidra also has experience in production, pageant coaching, poms, step, spoken word, oratory, and African dance and drumming. She was the founding coach of a step and cheerleading squad at National Collegiate Preparatory Public Charter School in Washington DC. Under her leadership, the team placed in a local competition within four months of formation. Deidra also served as the Artistic Director of S.W.A.G., a competitive step team in Washington, DC that won first place in the Junior Division of the Six Flags National Invitational Competition. As a board member of a local nonprofit, and as an actively practicing Maryland attorney, Deidra believes in teaching “Poise, Professionalism, and Perfection,” and she firmly believes that performing arts are a powerful means of developing self-esteem and awareness in students of all ages.
Deidra is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She began dancing at the age of seven and discovered the power and beauty of the performing arts at a young age. Deidra earned a B.A. in Communications from Hampton University, where she was an honors student and a recipient of a presidential scholarship, a merit based academic scholarship. Deidra then earned a Juris Doctorate from the George Washington University School of Law. Throughout her life, Deidra has remained very involved in the performing arts both professionally and through volunteerism. She began producing shows at the age of 16 and began competing nationally in Humanities and Performing Arts as a sophomore in high school. Deidra has also been involved in nationwide oratorical competitions since she was in middle school. Deidra has taught students from the ages of 4 to 85. She has also taught homeless and at risk students.
Deidra Squire has been tap dancing for 29 years. She was trained at Ballet Met Dance Academy in Columbus, Ohio and Judy Conti Dance Academy in Youngstown Ohio. She founded Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble at Hampton University. Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble has been an official campus organization on campus for fifteen years. Since relocating to the DMV, Deidra has taught tap dance at the Patricia M. Sitar Arts Center and the Program for Academic and Leadership Skills in Washington, DC. She has also taught at Impact Performing Arts, Momentum Dance and Fitness, C-Unit Dance Studio, Adagio Ballet, Body Moves, JMD Studio, Legacy Performing Arts, DanceMakers Dance Studio, and many more. She also founded Rhythm&Soles, a percussive arts instruction organization.
Deidra also has experience in production, pageant coaching, poms, step, spoken word, oratory, and African dance and drumming. She was the founding coach of a step and cheerleading squad at National Collegiate Preparatory Public Charter School in Washington DC. Under her leadership, the team placed in a local competition within four months of formation. Deidra also served as the Artistic Director of S.W.A.G., a competitive step team in Washington, DC that won first place in the Junior Division of the Six Flags National Invitational Competition. As a board member of a local nonprofit, and as an actively practicing Maryland attorney, Deidra believes in teaching “Poise, Professionalism, and Perfection,” and she firmly believes that performing arts are a powerful means of developing self-esteem and awareness in students of all ages.
Deidra Squire has been tap dancing for 29 years. She was trained at Ballet Met Dance Academy in Columbus, Ohio and Judy Conti Dance Academy in Youngstown Ohio. She founded Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble at Hampton University. Above Deck Tap Dance Ensemble has been an official campus organization on campus for fifteen years. Since relocating to the DMV, Deidra has taught tap dance at the Patricia M. Sitar Arts Center and the Program for Academic and Leadership Skills in Washington, DC. She has also taught at Impact Performing Arts, Momentum Dance and Fitness, C-Unit Dance Studio, Adagio Ballet, Body Moves, JMD Studio, Legacy Performing Arts, DanceMakers Dance Studio, and many more. She also founded Rhythm&Soles, a percussive arts instruction organization.
Deidra also has experience in production, pageant coaching, poms, step, spoken word, oratory, and African dance and drumming. She was the founding coach of a step and cheerleading squad at National Collegiate Preparatory Public Charter School in Washington DC. Under her leadership, the team placed in a local competition within four months of formation. Deidra also served as the Artistic Director of S.W.A.G., a competitive step team in Washington, DC that won first place in the Junior Division of the Six Flags National Invitational Competition. As a board member of a local nonprofit, and as an actively practicing Maryland attorney, Deidra believes in teaching “Poise, Professionalism, and Perfection,” and she firmly believes that performing arts are a powerful means of developing self-esteem and awareness in students of all ages.
Johanna Barbosa
Graduate from
The University of the Arts
21' (Philadelphia) Dance Major.
Johanna has been studying different
genres of dance for over ten years. Her
primary focus includes Ballet, Modern
(Graham), contemporary and
Improvisational scores. She was
granted a full scholarship to the Rioult
Dance Company, NYC., where she
learned and trained on the Martha
Graham technique. In 2018, Johanna
worked with Boris Charmatz on a
collective dance project which
showcased in the United States for the
first time. In the past few years, she
had the pleasure of working with
different artists such as Douglas
Becker, Curt Haworth, Tommie-
Waheed Evans, and Katie Swords
Thurman.
While attending school, she created
different projects to showcase at Uarts.
Since then, she has adopted her
passion for teaching by working in charter public schools and local studios, by
teaching recreational dance and concert dance/ traditional classes. Johanna aims to
create a dance learning environment that is fun, exciting, and positive while
improving each student's talent. Johanna loves to share her passion for dance with
her students and always creates a space to make her students feel secure, inspired,
and motivated.
The University of the Arts
21' (Philadelphia) Dance Major.
Johanna has been studying different
genres of dance for over ten years. Her
primary focus includes Ballet, Modern
(Graham), contemporary and
Improvisational scores. She was
granted a full scholarship to the Rioult
Dance Company, NYC., where she
learned and trained on the Martha
Graham technique. In 2018, Johanna
worked with Boris Charmatz on a
collective dance project which
showcased in the United States for the
first time. In the past few years, she
had the pleasure of working with
different artists such as Douglas
Becker, Curt Haworth, Tommie-
Waheed Evans, and Katie Swords
Thurman.
While attending school, she created
different projects to showcase at Uarts.
Since then, she has adopted her
passion for teaching by working in charter public schools and local studios, by
teaching recreational dance and concert dance/ traditional classes. Johanna aims to
create a dance learning environment that is fun, exciting, and positive while
improving each student's talent. Johanna loves to share her passion for dance with
her students and always creates a space to make her students feel secure, inspired,
and motivated.
Stephanie Driscoll
Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Stephanie received her early dance training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She trained in various styles at Laura Lynn School of Dance, Pittsburgh Pro Performance Centre, and Pittsburgh Ballet House. Stephanie has performed as a soloist in The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Paquita, and Cinderella.
She continued her training at Elon University minoring in dance with a focus on ballet and tap. Stephanie was also part of the Elon University Dance Team, serving as captain her senior year.
After graduation, Stephanie moved to London to pursue a master’s degree in International Politics, and she taught beginning and intermediate ballet for the UCL Dance Society.
After moving to the Washington, D.C. area, Stephanie taught ballet, jazz, tap, and modern at Adagio Ballet.
Stephanie received her early dance training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She trained in various styles at Laura Lynn School of Dance, Pittsburgh Pro Performance Centre, and Pittsburgh Ballet House. Stephanie has performed as a soloist in The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Paquita, and Cinderella.
She continued her training at Elon University minoring in dance with a focus on ballet and tap. Stephanie was also part of the Elon University Dance Team, serving as captain her senior year.
After graduation, Stephanie moved to London to pursue a master’s degree in International Politics, and she taught beginning and intermediate ballet for the UCL Dance Society.
After moving to the Washington, D.C. area, Stephanie taught ballet, jazz, tap, and modern at Adagio Ballet.
Candra Preshong
Candra Preshong began her training in Northern Virginia and studied under Michelle Sarson, Mark Mejia, Linda Kintz, and with various professional teachers/choreographers through workshops locally and nationally. After attending Point Park University and finishing her degree in psychology at George Mason University, Candra began teaching and having success at the regional and national level with her choreography, winning high score and choreography awards at the solo and group level both regionally and nationally. This along with Candra’s artistically demanding and innovative class structure has made her a highly sought after master instructor. In 2009 Candra co-founded IMPACT DANCE, a pre-professional company with unique and dynamic choreography, technical excellence, and unparalleled artistry cultivated by fusing the elements of concert dance with contemporary movement and creating a captivating performer. IMPACT alumni have danced with the Ailey School summer program, Joffrey summer program, BalletMet, represented by BlocLA and BlocNYC talent, VCU, NYU, Shenandoah Conservatory Dance, PACE University, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, and have been faculty at Peridance Center.
Candra co-founded fusiondance in 2006 and through this professional company, her choreography graced the stages of the Lincoln Theater, The Lang Theater, The Lisner, The Jack Guidone, The Ernst Cultural Center, Synetic Theater, Schlessinger Center, the Workhouse Arts Center, Dance Place, Dance Loft, and in 2015 premiered an evening length work at Dance Place in the 10th Annual Capital Fringe festival to rave reviews. Since 2015, fusiondance has premiered four original evening length works across the DMV area and beyond with dancers performing all over the US and parts of Europe. Through her powerful teaching style and innovative work, Candra continues to strive to elevate the contemporary dance scene with a dynamic group of dancers who excel in all styles of dance.
Candra co-founded fusiondance in 2006 and through this professional company, her choreography graced the stages of the Lincoln Theater, The Lang Theater, The Lisner, The Jack Guidone, The Ernst Cultural Center, Synetic Theater, Schlessinger Center, the Workhouse Arts Center, Dance Place, Dance Loft, and in 2015 premiered an evening length work at Dance Place in the 10th Annual Capital Fringe festival to rave reviews. Since 2015, fusiondance has premiered four original evening length works across the DMV area and beyond with dancers performing all over the US and parts of Europe. Through her powerful teaching style and innovative work, Candra continues to strive to elevate the contemporary dance scene with a dynamic group of dancers who excel in all styles of dance.