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WHAT WE DO... At Dance with Miss Rachel, kids ages 10 weeks and up have a place to let their creativity blossom. In unique, inspirational 45-minute classes, kids learn ballet, singing, musical theatre, and more. All classes are taught by professionally trained instructors who teach through song. What makes us different from other kids' programs? Just ask anyone who's taken our classes. Our individualized approach to teaching makes each child feel like a star. At Dance with Miss Rachel, we seek to educate children through storytelling, imaginative song and movement, and spark their inner creativity. Not only do we have fun, dance is the ultimate way for kids to develop balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, rhythm, grace, sharing, and independence! WHO WE ARE... 
"Miss Rachel" Cantor
Owner / Director "Miss Rachel" comes to NYC from West Bloomfield, Michigan, where her love of all things theatrical began. She performed in school and community shows since age 5 before attending the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy. After graduating High School, Rachel attended The Boston Conservatory, graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Upon graduation, Rachel moved to NYC and has been performing in New York and around the country ever since! In addition, Rachel is an accomplished voiceover artist with national spots for Huggies, Walmart, and McDonald's. Rachel also voiced the character of Barbie in the Barbie read-along audiobooks. Her passions for theatre and working with children have proven to be a winning combination. Over the years, "Miss Rachel" has become a downtown staple, sharing her love of song and dance with hundreds of children in the community. After several years of hard work and preparation (including a year rolling her backpack—aka "mobile studio"—around town), Dance with Miss Rachel is truly a dream realized. Read more about her story in the Tribeca Citizen here and here, the SoulCycle blog, and DanceTeacher! 
"Mr. Alex" Baker grew up in Western North Carolina, where he began taking music classes as a young child and quickly developed a love for making music. Those early experiences eventually led him to begin studying piano at age nine. As a pianist, music director, arranger, and recording artist, Alex has performed and worked at such New York City venues as 54 Below, Green Room 42, and Don’t Tell Mama, and has served on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has extensive studio experience, including arranging and recording an album of orchestral pop and rock covers with a professional orchestra in Los Angeles. He also co-wrote, music directed, and played piano on an original musical and led its studio album recording, and has collaborated on writing and arrangements for the Off-Broadway musical Dream On, Bransky!. Alex loves helping young musicians develop their skills, confidence, and love of music.
"Miss Ashley" Brown Anderson
Lead Instructor "Miss Ashley" grew up in Raleigh, NC, where she fell in love with dance at an early age. She graduated from James Madison University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Dance. While at JMU, she taught dance to local students with the Dance4Life program and trained in the Professional Semester at Broadway Dance Center. Her favorite credits include performing in BCEFA’s 29th Annual Gypsy of the Year and a regional production of Anything Goes. She can’t wait to share her passion with young dancers at Dance with Miss Rachel! 
"Miss Selah" Ari
Assistant Instructor "Miss Selah" is a professional actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer originally from Atlanta, Georgia! She started dancing at 2 years old and her passion for dance eventually brought her to New York City, where she attended Pace University as a Musical Theater major with a minor in Commercial Dance. In NYC, she has had the opportunity to be a part of numerous productions and pre-productions throughout the city. She teachies Street Jazz and Hip-Hop classes around NYC, and loves sharing her passion, energy, and creativity with the next generation of dancers. Some of her favorite musicals include MJ the Musical, Hell’s Kitchen, & Juliet, Bring It On, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Performing, creating, and inspiring young artists are some of her favorite things to do, and she is so grateful to Miss Rachel and the entire DWMR team for the opportunity to teach such amazing young artists and share her love of dance with them! 
"Miss Mariposa" Boyd
Lead Instructor Miss Mari is a lifelong dancer, actor, and performer and a graduate of the CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory. She has been working with children for years as an assistant director for children's theatre and as a private nanny. She loves fostering a joyous relationship with dance in children, helping them build confidence, and supporting them in their creativity and authenticity. 
"Miss Ella" Caraway
Lead Instructor “Miss Ella” is a BFA graduate from Molloy University/CAP21 Musical Theatre conservatory. She grew up in L.A. & Atlanta where she discovered her passion for dance and performing arts. Ella has been teaching young children for many years, since beginning as a TA in studios she trained in, until professional experiences as an Instructor at To The Stage and Theatre Director at Buckley Day Camp. Ella loves to help children find their confidence and love for dance. Some of Ella’s favorite performing credits include Glinda (The Wizard of Oz), Sister/Police Sergeant (Pirates of Penzance), & Ballet Girl (Elephant's Graveyard). Ella also recently choreographed a professional production of Godspell (Madison Theatre). She is thrilled to be sharing her love of dance with the DWMR stars! 
"Miss Maya" Cassell
Assistant Instructor "Miss Maya" is originally from the suburbs of Chicago, where she found her love of musical theater! She recently moved to NYC and is currently getting her acting BFA at Northeastern University (formally Marymount Manhattan College). She is an active performer at venues like 54 Below and The Green Room 42. She has danced since she was a little girl and is honored to be teaching the next generation of ballerinas. Her credits include Emma in People, Places, and Things, Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street, and working with the Hubbard Street Dance Company. Her career is just beginning, and she is so excited to start it with the DWMR team! 
"Miss Wi" Chen
Pianist "Miss Wi" is a classically trained pianist, arranger, and composer born in Taiwan. She began playing piano at age 4 and holds a Bachelor's in Piano Performance & Composition as well as a Master's in Film Scoring from NYU. With a rich background spanning classical, pop, and screen music, Miss Wi brings a dynamic and story-driven energy to the ballet studio. As a dedicated music educator, she loves using rhythmic improvisation and expressive melodies to spark young dancers' imagination. She is thrilled to collaborate with the faculty and play for the talented students at Dance With Miss Rachel. 
"Miss Kimberly" Cooper Schmidt
Director of Operations "Miss Kimberly", originally from a small town in New Jersey, holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Manhattanville College. After college, she pursued a performance career that took her from one tiny Off-Broadway theatre to another all while teaching children's dance and gymnastics classes and running events for children and families alike. Her passion for theatre led to a career in production and general management before returning to her love of dance and childhood enrichment here at DWMR! When not at the studio, Miss Kimberly can be found baking or hosting one of her two Broadway-themed podcasts. 
"Miss Bridget" Crisonino
Lead Instructor "Miss Bridget" earned her BFA from NYU, Tisch School of the Arts, from the New Studio on Broadway. Raised in Berkeley Heights, NJ, she grew up surrounded by a family of musical artists and was taught by talented and supportive teachers who continue to serve as her artistic role models to this day. Bridget first brought her love for song and dance to the stage through piano, dance competitions, and participating in Paper Mill Playhouse's All-Star Company. Bridget's affinity for theatre magic followed her as she appeared in roles such as Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Little Red Riding Hood, and JoJo in Seussical. She made her first NYC appearance in the Off-Broadway musical, Evergreen. Bridget continues to perform with the NY Pops in Carnegie Hall Gala Concerts, as well as appearing in various workshops, readings, and television shows. Bridget is so excited to be joining the DWMR team and to share with her students all the joy, love, and friendship from the many years of dance in her own youth. 
"Miss Ellen Grace" Diehl
Lead Instructor "Miss Ellen" is an MFA Acting graduate from Case Western University and the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House. She has been teaching little ones for over a decade, and originally received her classical ballet training from Chambersburg Ballet, where she was a company member and student for 14 years. Ellen is an actor and choreographer, with choreography credits including Big Fish, Seussical, Oklahoma!, and Carousel, and performance credits including The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Mamma Mia! (Sophie), and Oklahoma! (Ado Annie). Ellen is a proud member of AEA. 
"Miss Sarah Beth" Duren
Lead Instructor “Miss Sarah Beth” holds a Bachelor of Music from NYU, where she studied Musical Theatre and Dance at NYU Steinhardt and Tisch. Originally from Clearwater, Florida, she grew up dancing, performing, and playing instruments. Her passion for teaching developed as she began assistant teaching at her local performing arts conservatory. As a member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society (SDC) and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), Sarah continues to perform and choreograph around NYC while working as a full time dance educator. Sarah is a Teaching Artist for New York City Ballet, having previously completed a year as an apprentice. She loves being part of the DWMR team! 
"Miss Zoe" Gillikin
Front Desk Manager/Assistant Instructor "Miss Zoe" grew up in Houston, Texas and started taking ballet and tap combo classes at the age of three. Her love for dance never faltered and instead transformed into a passion for musical theatre. She attended the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in their theatre program, and then moved to Georgia finishing up her studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Performing Arts and a minor in Vocal Performance. Upon graduation, she immediately moved to New York and began auditioning, training, and performing! She's currently a member of Gwen Potter's premiere tap company, Juxtaposition. She's thrilled to share her passion for dance with kids and absolutely ecstatic to be joining the DWMR team. 
"Miss Sarah" Haynes
Lead Instructor "Miss Sarah H" is a dancer from Toronto, Ontario, now living in New York City. She began dancing at a young age and continued her studies at Pace University in NYC where she received a BFA in Commercial Dance and a minor in English Literature. Since graduating, Sarah has been working professionally as a dancer in the United States and Canada. Select credits include Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, the Greg Frewin Magic Show in Niagara Falls, Canada and the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. She has had the pleasure of working with many notable choreographers such as Mandy Moore, Jeremy Duvall, and Patti Colombo. Sarah is so excited to be a part of DWMR and share her passion for dance with all the young dancers. 
"Miss Jasmine" Johnson
Lead Instructor "Miss Jasmine" received a BA in Musical Theatre from the University of Nevada Reno. Since moving to New York, she has been an active performer in the indie and Off-Broadway theater scene, recently having performed in a Commedia Dell’arte clown musical with Softbrain Theater Company. Miss Jasmine has so much passion for teaching our young dancers and loves being surrounded by such unbridled joy and creativity. 
"Miss Ava" Karas
Assistant Instructor “Miss Ava” grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and fell in love with music and movement at an early age thanks to her amazing teachers. She earned her BM in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, along with a minor in Political Science. Some of her favorite credits include Grease with Royal Caribbean, the first national tour of Miracle on 34th Street (Ballet Feature), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Veruca). She has also trained with Miami City Ballet and Chautauqua Dance Institute. Miss Ava is so excited to join the team of instructors and share her love of the arts with the fantastic students at DWMR! 
"Miss Lisa" Kassay
Director of Operations & Business Development Miss Lisa received her BFA in theatre from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She has performed in the Broadway/Touring companies of Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, Cats, and Showboat. As a choreographer, Lisa has worked at numerous regional theaters, and created commercial industrial performances for Nintendo and Mercedes Benz. Miss Lisa has been a theatre and dance educator for nearly two decades working for Broadway Dance Connection, Shanghai Theater Academy, and Class Act Performing Arts Studio. Lisa is also Disney Teaching Artist for Disney Theatrical Group. She has a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from NYU. She is the mom of two incredible boys. She enjoys baking, sewing, and biking. 
"Miss Kaitlyn" Konstandt
Lead Instructor "Miss Kaitlyn" received her ballet training from the American Academy of Ballet, the Chautauqua School of Dance, and the School of American Ballet. She joined the DWMR family in 2015, and loves being a part of this special team helping to instill a love of the arts in young dancers! Miss Kaitlyn is an American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Certified Teacher and parent to two little ballerinas here in NYC. 
"Miss Breana" Lochrie
Lead Instructor "Miss Breana" grew up in Commack, New York, which is where her love of dance and theatre began at a young age. From getting to compete in all different styles of dance, to performing in musicals, to being trained by a New York City Ballet soloist who worked with George Balanchine himself. She pursued her passion and got her BFA in Dance at Point Park University, Conservatory of Performing Arts. She has performed in many productions, but her favorite will always remain The Nutcracker. Since graduating, she has performed with a professional ballet company all throughout NYC while also working on original work with other choreographers in both ballet and musical theatre jazz for stage, community outreach, and events. Miss Breana is so excited to share her love of dance with all her students at Dance with Miss Rachel. 
"Miss Lora" Margerum
Front Desk Manager/Assistant Instructor “Miss Lora” is a theatre artist originally from Indiana, and has been based on the east coast for just over ten years. Growing up she spent her days dancing alongside putting up plays and musicals (with Tae Kwon Do on the side) before deciding to pursue the arts as a career. She earned her BA from Wagner College in Staten Island and a Master’s degree from Villanova University near Philadelphia. Lora has performed Off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Favorite Credits of hers include Mother in A Christmas Story, Jan in Grease, Eliza in Pygmalion, and Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She continues to perform, direct and coach while working at DWMR. Miss Lora loves her fellow team & working with the dancers who pass through our doors and inspiring them to find play as well as progress and confidence! 
"Miss Leigh Marie" McCarver
Lead Instructor “Miss Leigh Marie” has been dreaming of sharing her love of dance with others since she was a little girl growing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. While in school, she worked as an Assistant Teaching Artist at Nashville Children’s Theatre, where she specialized in helping young artists find confidence and foster empathy. Her most recent credit is with Nashville Shakespeare Festival in Love’s Labour’s Lost. She is thrilled to be a part of the DWMR team and hopes to encourage all dancers to dream big too! 
"Miss Mar" Montero
Assistant Instructor Miss Mar grew up in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. She’s an NYC-based actress, but has always had a love for dance. Growing up in a family of dancers, Mar started dancing at a very early age. She started teaching Hip Hop at the age of 16 in her hometown until she moved to NYC to study acting at American Musical and Dramatic and Academy (AMDA). She’s recently appeared in Elliot, a Soldiers Fugue, Off-Broadway play at Repertorio Español. She loves to share her love and passion for dance and performing with all the wonderful students at DWMR! 
"Miss Miriam" Muriithi
Assistant Instructor Miss Miriam is a professional Actor & Dancer hailing from Greenville, SC!! She recently graduated from Pace University's BFA Acting Program and has been working and performing in the city ever since. She has had the opportunity to work on many stage and screen productions across the country. A few of her favorites include Rent, Firehawks, The Tempest, Romeo & Juliet, and Titus Andronicus in collaboration with NYC’s world-renowned LaMaMa ETC. Performing and inspiring the next generation are truly her favorite things to do, so she is extremely grateful to be a part of the Dance With Miss Rachel Team and play just a little part in developing the dancers of tomorrow! 
"Mr. Andryi" Nahirniak
Baby Bop Music Leader “Mr. Andryi” is an actor and musician based in New York City. He was born and raised in Cottage Grove, WI, as part of a large musical family that fostered a love for music and performing. As an actor, Andryi graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and soon after toured around the US in the National Tour of An Officer and a Gentleman. Regionally, he has performed at Woodstock Playhouse (Sweet Charity, Fame) and The John W. Engeman (Mystic Pizza). As a musician, Andryi plays guitar and sings around NYC. He also teaches private guitar lessons to all age groups around Manhattan and virtually. 
"Miss Madeline" Olexy
Lead Instructor "Miss Madeline" grew up in the small town of Bethel, CT, where her love of theatre and dance first began. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance and has since had the opportunity to work with various regional theatres across the U.S. Most recently, she performed at The Legacy Theatre as Dorothy (u/s) in The Wizard of Oz and Johanna (u/s) in Sweeney Todd. Miss Madeline is thrilled to be part of the DWMR team and looks forward to inspiring young dancers to pursue their dreams! 
"Miss Katy" Olsen
Assistant Instructor "Miss Katy" is originally from Utah, where she grew up training and competing in dance and cheer before moving to NYC after high school. She trained at Imagine Ballet Theatre and began her teaching journey as an assistant, eventually becoming a teacher and choreographer. Miss Katy has choreographed award-winning dance and cheer routines and currently coaches cheer at The Town School and Trevor Day School in NYC. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Human Development at Arizona State University, where she is especially interested in child development and movement. She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where students can build strong foundations, grow in confidence, and discover their own love for dance. Miss Katy is so excited to be part of the Dance with Miss Rachel team and to continue sharing her love of dance with others! 
"Miss Chelsea" Pena
Lead Instructor "Miss Chelsea" is originally from Chicago and has been singing and dancing since she could walk! She earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, before moving to New York City. Chelsea has performed in regional theater productions across the country, with favorite highlights including 9 to 5 at Maine State Music Theater and Cinderella at Metropolis Performing Arts Center. Remembering how deeply impactful and transformative her own ballet classes were at a young age, Miss Chelsea is thrilled to create that same inspiring space for her students here at DWMR. She absolutely loves nurturing young dancers and feels honored to make a positive impact on their lives through dance and music at Dance With Miss Rachel! 
"Miss Allison" Podlogar
Lead Instructor "Miss Allison" is originally from Sanford, NC, where she grew up loving theatre and dance. She graduated from Molloy University/CAP21 with her BFA in Musical Theatre. While in school, she music directed several musicals for kids and teens, and worked as the Associate Choreographer for CAP21's production of The Wild Party. Post grad, she had the opportunity to perform in a new musical at the New York Theatre Festival! Aside from performing, Miss Allison loves teaching and has been working with children since she was in high school. She is so excited to share the joy of dance and performing with young dancers as a part of the DWMR team! 
"Miss Hannah" Rose
Lead Instructor "Miss Hannah" was born and raised in California, where she discovered her love for dance and performance at just four years old during her first ballet recital! She went on to pursue this passion as a competitive dancer, training in ballet at a pre-professional level throughout grade school. Her love for the stage eventually led her to musical theatre, which she studied at UCLA’s Ray Bolger Musical Theater program. After graduating, she booked her first professional job and had the opportunity to sing and dance her way across the country! She later moved to New York City, where she continues to audition and train. In her teaching, Miss Hannah strives to foster each child’s excitement for what they love, while encouraging creativity, confidence, and play. Miss Hannah is honored and so excited to share her passion for dance and musical theater with her wonderful students at DWMR! 
"Miss Elise" Shangold
Lead Instructor “Miss Elise” is thrilled to be a part of the Dance with Miss Rachel team! She is originally from Storrs, CT, where she fell in love with dance and theater at five years old! She went to French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts every summer and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts for high school until she went to Rider University to get her BFA in Musical Theatre! Right after college, she was in the new musical national tour of An Officer and A Gentleman, that she had been with through its reading and workshop stages with Work Light Productions. Select regional credits include Mystic Pizza at the John W. Engeman Theater, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Beehive, And The World Goes Round at Forestburgh Playhouse, and Snow White at the Hangar Theater. She is so excited to share her love of dance and theater with the next generation of performers! 
"Miss Emily" Spicer
Lead Instructor “Miss Emily” grew up in Wichita Falls, TX, and recently graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, where she studied Dance Theatre. After graduating, she has continued teaching in the city while she pursues her professional performance career. One of her favorite experiences in the city was performing in the Industry Showcase at Steps on Broadway in February 2024. Miss Emily has taught multiple styles of dance from ages 2-18, and loves getting to share her passion for the arts. She is excited to continue spreading the joy of dance to children alongside a fabulous team at DWMR. 
"Mr. Zack" Zaromatidis
Baby Bop Leader "Mr. Zack" is a New York-based actor and singer/songwriter. His love of music began at age 13 when started playing guitar. After graduating with a BFA from Pace University for Musical Theater, Zack led the first national tour of the Tony Award winning musical, Bandstand, and played Carl Perkins in the tour of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. He is also a full-time guitarist, playing professionally across the country for various projects and with his band, All My Sons. |
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