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OUR TEACHERS

We have some of the most talented, passionate and dedicated instructors in the Seacoast area.  We are grateful every day for their commitment to our students...always learning, teaching, inspiring and helping our students grow as performers. We are also honored to partner with local guest choreographers. Learn more about them today!

Emma Katherine

Emma Katherine

Studio Owner / Director | Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater

-Studio 109 instructor since 2018
-Studio 109 Performance Troupe Director since 2021
-Trained for 15 years under the direction of Lisa Drouin Goff at Turning Pointe Center of Dance in Pembroke, NH
-Completed a two year dance pedagogy apprenticeship with Turning Pointe Center of Dance from 2014-2016
–Has been teaching all styles of dance with a strong focus on ballet technique for over ten years
-Choreographed and performed with Boston non-profit dance company "Onstage Dance Company" in 2020
-Started a latin ballroom group at The Health Club of Concord in 2018 after working with Arthur Murray's ballroom teacher training program in Manchester, NH
-Produced, choreographed, and directed a benefit concert "A Night to Give Back" to support local/nonprofit women's shelters in southern NH in 2018
-Performed professionally from 2012-2017 in the U.S in locations such as Universal Studios, New York City, Disney World, DisneyLand, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta
-Has held and performed lead dance roles in The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Hello Dolly!, The Wizard of Oz, Grease and many more locally in southern NH

Mandy Barstow

Mandy Barstow

Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Tap, Wedding Dances

-Founder and former owner of Studio 109 for 23 years
-Rochester Chamber of Commerce member 1998-2023
-Board of Directors, Rochester Chamber of Commerce 2020-2023
-Has taught and choreographed award-winning soloist and group performances at regional and national competitions
-As previous director of the Performance Troupe, the Studio has earned Team Spirit and Class Act Awards at several competitions in New England
-Lead organizer for the Rochester Main Street's "Zombie Walk"
-Attended Dance Teacher Summit in NYC July 2016
-Attended Dance Teacher Web Live Conference in CT August 2015
-Choreographed Noble High School musicals 2005-2012, 2014
-On the Board for Rochester Main Street for three years; Chair of Entertainment
-Member of the Committee that started Rochester's Family OctoberFest
-Dance Educator at Noble High School 2005-2006 school year
-Entertainment Coordinator for National Night Out and Lilac Family Fun Fest
-Mentor in the Big Buddy program in Rochester from 1999-2006
-2001 Rochester Jaycees "Young Citizen of the Year"
-Studio 109 Relay for Life Tutus for Tatas team member

Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones

Minis, Jazz, Tap

-Studio 109 instructor for over 20 years
-Studio manager since 2014
-Bachelor of Science in Business Management
-Involved with Studio 109 since it opened its doors in 1998 until 2010 handling office management, taking many dance classes and teaching dance classes, alongside her sister, Mandy and mother, Jennifer.
-Over 35 years' experience working with children in a school and dance studio setting
-Volunteered and organized an after-school dance program in the community, while also assisting at many other after school dance programs and productions
-Involved in the event planning of the many 109 drama productions that benefits team Tutus for Tatas Relay for Life Team
-Studio 109 Relay for Life Tutus for Tatas team member
-Preschool teacher assistant, and teacher, at KAFB in Okinawa, Japan.
-Assistant teacher at a private family school in New Mexico.
-Attended Dance Teacher Web Live Conference in CT August 2015
-Has had the privilege of watching her two older daughters, Jenny and Josie, who is also a 109 teacher, dance and be a part of the original performance troupe and now has the opportunity to watch her youngest of eight, Siena, do the same. She is one of the "original" competition team moms. The love of dance just runs in the family!

Niki Kinneavy

Niki Kinneavy

Tap, Jazz, Lyrical

-Studio 109 instructor since 2002
-BS in Communications, M.Ed. from the University of New Hampshire
-4th grade teacher at Maple Wood Elementary School
-Studio 109 Performance Troupe Director 2015-2019
-Attended the Dance Teacher Web Live convention in Connecticut where she studied with Aaron Turner, Liz Imperio and Alex Wong 2020
-Attended Dance Teacher Summit in NYC July 2016
-Attended Dance Teacher Web Live Conference in CT August 2015
-Choreographer of many local musicals including Treasure Island at Studio 109 and The Wizard Of Oz, Peter Pan, and The Wiz at Maple Wood Elementary School in Somersworth, NH.
-Member and Team Captain of the UNH Dance Team

Josie Gillette

Josie Gillette

Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical

-Studio 109 instructor since 2008
-Accounts Manager at Studio 109 since 2020
-109 alumna since studio opening in 1998 and original Performance Troupe member
-2019-2020 Maine Celtics Dancer, NBA GLeague, affiliated Boston Celtics
-Coach of Dover Little Green Cheerleading Mascots 2018
-Extensive background in Cheer and Dance with numerous competitions for both
-Six years of Cheer; two as Varsity Captain and choreography for Somersworth High School Cheerleading
-Choreographed/Danced in hip hop/pop music video in 2014
-Multiple workshops including, Monsters of Dance Hip Hop, Flow 40, SKooJ, Luam at Broadway Dance Center in NYC, Radio City Rockettes, Disney and with Jeff Jean-Philipe
-Performed at Statue of Liberty in NYC and at Disney

Sharon Hall

Sharon Hall

Intro to Dance, Minis, Lyrical, Drama Assistant

-Studio 109 instructor since 2018
-Bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Grand Canyon University
-Pre- K 3 teacher at Portsmouth Christian Academy 2020-2021
-Pre- K 3 teacher at Tri-City Christian Academy 2015-2020
-Over 20 years' experience working with children ages 3-5 in multiple settings
-Assistant Director for Studio 109s Alice at Wonderland in 2022, TCCA's Music Man Jr., 2019, and Peter Pan Jr., 2018
-Sound Tech for Studio 109 drama productions
-Assisted with the fall and spring dance program at TCCA with Mandy Barstow 2016-2019
-Completed workshop with NSquared Dance Company
-Studied Liturgical Dance, Flags, Hip Hop, and Mime under the direction of Janine Myers
-Completed multiple workshops focusing on Mime directed by Todd & Marilyn Farley
-When Sharon is not dancing, she enjoys kayaking, skiing, music, and spending time with family and friends. Dance is one of her favorite ways to be creative. It's an art form that is limitless. You can always learn more!

Brianne Tarleton

Brianne Tarleton

Drama, Vocal, Piano, Instrumental

-Studio 109 instructor since 2018
-Studied voice and music education at UNH starting in 2009
-Administrative Assistant, Theater Director, and Teacher at Tri City Christian Academy
-Produces yearly Studio 109’s Dessert Theater shows that raises money for the Relay for Life Team Tutus For Tatas
-Over 20 years of music and theater experience beginning with ensembles and productions in her hometown of Somersworth, NH
-Has directed and accompanied school and church choirs for over 15 years
-Adjudicated local choir competitions in the Seacoast region
-Has co-written two full-length original mystery dinner theater productions
-Has coached high school vocalists who have made it through highly competitive auditions and to the NHMEA All-State Choral Festival
-Has directed and produced numerous local school and church plays, dinner theaters, and musicals over the past 15 years
-Member of the Board of Directors at Center of Hope Orphanage

Lauren Scheffer

Lauren Scheffer

Adaptive, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap

-Studio 109 instructor since 2019
-Started dancing at Studio 109 when she was 2-1/2. Member of the Performance Troupe. Dance Assistant (4 years) Studio 109 Adaptive Dance Program
-Earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, minor in Dance from University of New Hampshire
-UNH Dance Company member. Has choreographed several dances at UNH
-Her studio choreography has won numerous regional and national awards, including special judges awards
-Participated in many workshops/conventions including Excel, Alvin Ailey, Spirit of Dance Awards, Flow40, Expressive Movement, The Dance Sessions, Tremaine Dance, Monsters, the Rockettes, and at Disney working with choreographers Sonya Tayeh, Lauren Frodeman, tWitch, Alex Turner, Buddy Casimano, SkooJ and more
-Selected for the National Team for Elite Dance Challenge
-A triple threat, her drama production credits include: Charlotte’s Web, Beauty and the Beast, Willy Wonka, Annie, My Son Pinocchio, Seussical, Alice in Wonderland. She participated in Jazz Choir, Girls’ Choir and A Capella choir while at St. Thomas Aquinas High School
-Named a Step Up 2 Dance Future Star Ambassador in 2017
-Convention scholarship recipient for both Hollywood Summer Tour and Spirit of Dance Awards
-Danced for community events such as the Breathe Life benefit, Dancers Making a Difference and Relay For Life
-Recipient of the Studio 109 Dedication to Dance Excellence & Technique Award
-Studio 109 Tutus for Tatas team captain and volunteer

Mary Beth Marino

Mary Beth Marino

Tap, Jazz, Lyrical

-Studio 109 instructor since 2020
-Received her B.A. in Theatre with a dance emphasis and business minor from the University of New Hampshire
-Dance education a primary focus by teaching, choreographing and adjudicating on the regional and national level for over 20 years
-A Senior Lecturer at The University of New Hampshire teaching jazz, tap and dance history
-An adjudicator for Dance Masters of America, Step up to Dance, Connecticut Invitational and DanceXplosion National Talent Tour.
-Master class credits include Plymouth State College, Dean College, Dance Masters of America and the Dance Teachers Club of Boston and Maine.
-Directs the tap program at NH School Ballet, where her choreography has been recognized on the regional and national level.
-In 2017, Mary Beth set concert work for the Panda Project in Chengdu China with the Confucius Institute. Most recent musical theater choreography credits include Prescott Park Arts Festival and the Hackmatack Theater.
-For more please visit: http://marybethmarino.wixsite.com/mbmarino

Heather Duszny Collins

Heather Duszny Collins

Ballet, Barre

-Studio 109 instructor since 2022
-Attended Mercyhurst College and Plymouth State College with a dance minor
-Saving Grace Dance Ensemble Member since 2023
-Preschool gymnastics coach since 2022
-Currently attends company classes with NSquared Dance Company
-Trained with Burklyn Ballet Theater under Doreen Caferella
-Danced with Ballet Misha for their production of the Nutcracker
-Dancing since the age of 4, first with Lisa Christou of Boston Ballet, and then Jennifer Reinert at New Hampshire School of Ballet
-At NHSB she performed the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker and the Black Swan in Swan Lake
-Loves dance in all its forms but ballet is her passion

Kaitlin Griffin

Kaitlin Griffin

Ballet

-Studio 109 instructor since 2023
-Graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2022, majoring in Business Administration and Sustainability.
-Member of UNH Ballet company and UNH Dance Team
-Trained at Southern New Hampshire Dance Theatre for 5 years performing lead roles in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, and various contemporary pieces
-Attended and trained at the Boston Ballet summer intensives and the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C.
-Currently a member of Ballet Misha, a non-profit dance organization in Manchester, NH

Lauren Pina

Lauren Pina

Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz

-Studio 109 instructor since 2023
-Graduated from University of New Hampshire in 2023, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a minor in dance
-Member of UNH Dance Company for 2 consecutive years specializing in jazz, tap, and aerial
-Trained at the Bakers Dance Studio, Kaleidoscope of Dance and Gymnastics, and Erica’s Dance Academy studying ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and acro
-Starting student teaching at the age of 12 and began choreographing at the age of 16

Olivia Pike

Olivia Pike

Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre

-Studio 109 instructor since 2023
-Trained for 15 years at N-Step Dance Center as a competitive dancer holding lead roles in Aladdin, A Seussical, Annie, Peter Pan, and more
-Consistently awarded specialty awards for her stage presence, performance quality, and dedication to her craft.
-Continuing her education by taking classes at Broadway Dance Academy, in New York City, in the fall of 2023
-Started as a student teacher and is now on staff at her home studio, N-Step Dance, in Hooksett, NH

Caitlin Ericson

Caitlin Ericson

Acro

- Studio 109 Instructor from 2018-2021, Resumed in 2023
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology/Exercise Science from the University of Rhode Island
- Coached Preschool, Recreational and USAG Pre-Team gymnastics in Rhode Island
- Coached competitive USAG Gymnastics in Colorado
- Head Coach for Xcel Gymnastics Team in Colorado
- Growing up was a USAG Gymnast in Rhode Island

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