Meet the Instructors

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Miss Michelle, our studio owner and executive director with over 25 years of teaching, began her journey at local studios before training at a professional ballet school in her early years. She went on to study various styles at institutions such as Alvin Ailey and even learned tap from the legendary Gregory Hines. With a focus on tap, ballet, and jazz, Miss Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of dancers. Outside the studio, she works from home, loves spending time with her dogs and reading a good book.

From her very first dance class at about 18 months old, Miss Illy has been deeply immersed in the art of dance. She attended daily classes at Dance N Beyond for almost 15 years before leaving to earn her business degree in NYC.  She has trained across a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, Caribbean, and her specialties, contemporary and lyrical. Over the years, she has enriched her artistry through numerous intensives and trainings. As our business manager and artistic director, Miss Illy is most passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for our students, and providing an unforgettable, family-focused experience for the entire Dance N Beyond community.

Meet Miss Sammie, our dedicated dance instructor and lead choreographer who started dancing with us at the age of 2. Growing up in our studio, she furthered her skills at prestigious institutions like Greater Hartford Arts Academy, The Joffrey Ballet School, and The Broadway Collective. Miss Sammie is a versatile instructor, proficient in ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, lyrical, and contemporary dance styles. She is certified in Ballet, Early Childhood Dance Education, and Performing Arts through NYU. Alongside her dance expertise, she brings a background in acting and musical theater. With her passion and extensive training, she inspires our younger dancers to thrive in their artistic pursuits.