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The DCD Faculty
Gia Carson
Owner & Director
Gia began dancing at the Dance Center at the age of 6 under the direction of Pamela Christo, where she continued her studies in Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Lyrical Dance, and Hip Hop through her teen years. She also trained in Classical Ballet at the Gene Murray School of Dance, a well respected and recognized technical dance school in Salem, MA. At the age of 16, Gia was selected to tour the country as one of Art Stone’s Dance Olympus V.I.P Dancers. A VIP has a once in a lifetime opportunity to study with a highly skilled and competent group of professionals, while traveling throughout the United States. A VIP becomes a stronger technician, a better performer, and a more mature person after an exciting, educational and exhausting summer with this tour. After high school, Gia continued her studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida with concentration in Classical Ballet and Modern Dance. After marrying and beginning her family, Gia returned to the Dance Center of Danvers to pursue her love of teaching and help keep the studio the successful teaching facility that it has always been.
Gia began dancing at the Dance Center at the age of 6 under the direction of Pamela Christo, where she continued her studies in Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet, Lyrical Dance, and Hip Hop through her teen years. She also trained in Classical Ballet at the Gene Murray School of Dance, a well respected and recognized technical dance school in Salem, MA. At the age of 16, Gia was selected to tour the country as one of Art Stone’s Dance Olympus V.I.P Dancers. A VIP has a once in a lifetime opportunity to study with a highly skilled and competent group of professionals, while traveling throughout the United States. A VIP becomes a stronger technician, a better performer, and a more mature person after an exciting, educational and exhausting summer with this tour. After high school, Gia continued her studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida with concentration in Classical Ballet and Modern Dance. After marrying and beginning her family, Gia returned to the Dance Center of Danvers to pursue her love of teaching and help keep the studio the successful teaching facility that it has always been.
Kristin Flynn
Instructor
Kristin began dancing at the age of 8 at her local Boys and Girls Club. It was there she realized her love for dance. In her early teens, Kristin joined a competitive studio to develop her skills. She studied jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop. During her summers, she also studied ballet and contemporary at the Konservatoriet Dance Studio in Alfred, Maine. Miss Kristin teaches a wide array of students and classes here at DCD. She loves her time with her "littles" as well as her teen dancers. With Miss Kristin's choreography, DCD's competition teams have received high-scoring placements and many recognition awards from judges. Kristin is a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and shares her expertise to increase our dancer's flexibility, technique, and strength. Miss Kristin is looking forward to starting her 11th year at DCD!
Kristin began dancing at the age of 8 at her local Boys and Girls Club. It was there she realized her love for dance. In her early teens, Kristin joined a competitive studio to develop her skills. She studied jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop. During her summers, she also studied ballet and contemporary at the Konservatoriet Dance Studio in Alfred, Maine. Miss Kristin teaches a wide array of students and classes here at DCD. She loves her time with her "littles" as well as her teen dancers. With Miss Kristin's choreography, DCD's competition teams have received high-scoring placements and many recognition awards from judges. Kristin is a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and shares her expertise to increase our dancer's flexibility, technique, and strength. Miss Kristin is looking forward to starting her 11th year at DCD!
Caroline Chestna
Instructor
Caroline began dancing at a young age at J & D Dance Academy in Reading, MA. Here she trained in all genres for thirteen years. Caroline was also a musical theatre performer throughout her childhood. Caroline became a member of the UNH Dance Team training and competing in styles of Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Pom. Caroline also was a Lowell Spinners Dancer for two years. Throughout her years at DCD, Caroline has led the studio's competitive teams to top-placing scores, overall competition placements, and judges' choice awards. Caroline holds Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Caroline is also a Kindergarten Teacher in Lexington. Miss Caroline is excited to return for her 10th year at The Dance Center and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with her students!
Caroline began dancing at a young age at J & D Dance Academy in Reading, MA. Here she trained in all genres for thirteen years. Caroline was also a musical theatre performer throughout her childhood. Caroline became a member of the UNH Dance Team training and competing in styles of Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Pom. Caroline also was a Lowell Spinners Dancer for two years. Throughout her years at DCD, Caroline has led the studio's competitive teams to top-placing scores, overall competition placements, and judges' choice awards. Caroline holds Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Caroline is also a Kindergarten Teacher in Lexington. Miss Caroline is excited to return for her 10th year at The Dance Center and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with her students!
Sarah Bristol
Instructor
Sarah graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management and a minor in Dance. Sarah trained for fourteen years at Kerry's Dance Center in NH. During her years as a student, she was a student-choreographer, assistant teacher, and competition team member. Her choreography has been performed in front of thousands of people at UNH, in local promotional performances, state competitions, Boston Celtic’s Games, and even on the Miss New Hampshire Stage where she took home the title of Miss New Hampshire from 2019-2020. While training with her team at UNH, she studied tap, jazz, ballet, aerial arts, dance composition, and choreography. Sarah served as the head coach of the Timberlane High Dance Team. Sarah is trained in Aerial Silks and Trapeze and is a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor. Over the past years at DCD, Miss Sarah has taught all ages from Twirl and Tumblers to our senior competitive group. She has led our competitive teams to many high-placing regional championships and judge's awards. Sarah is thrilled to return to DCD for her 9th year and continue her passion for teaching.
Sarah graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management and a minor in Dance. Sarah trained for fourteen years at Kerry's Dance Center in NH. During her years as a student, she was a student-choreographer, assistant teacher, and competition team member. Her choreography has been performed in front of thousands of people at UNH, in local promotional performances, state competitions, Boston Celtic’s Games, and even on the Miss New Hampshire Stage where she took home the title of Miss New Hampshire from 2019-2020. While training with her team at UNH, she studied tap, jazz, ballet, aerial arts, dance composition, and choreography. Sarah served as the head coach of the Timberlane High Dance Team. Sarah is trained in Aerial Silks and Trapeze and is a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor. Over the past years at DCD, Miss Sarah has taught all ages from Twirl and Tumblers to our senior competitive group. She has led our competitive teams to many high-placing regional championships and judge's awards. Sarah is thrilled to return to DCD for her 9th year and continue her passion for teaching.
Shawna O'Neil
Instructor
Shawna began her dance training at a young age at Denise’s Dance Studio in Johnston, RI. She performed and competed in styles such as ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and her favorite – hip hop. She began assistant teaching at the age of 13 and had independent classes by the age of 16. She choreographed for the studio’s peewee and junior competition teams, winning an innovative choreography award twice. After high school, Shawna was selected to join the UNH Dance Team, a Division 1 collegiate team who competed against other colleges and universities across the country and where she trained in styles such as Pom, Hip, Hop, Jazz, and competed in Lyrical. Shawna holds bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Policy. For the last 4 years, she has been focused on her other passion – her career as a commercial loan officer for affordable apartment buildings. Shawna has continued to take master classes and attend conventions to keep her dance skills fresh.
Shawna began her dance training at a young age at Denise’s Dance Studio in Johnston, RI. She performed and competed in styles such as ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and her favorite – hip hop. She began assistant teaching at the age of 13 and had independent classes by the age of 16. She choreographed for the studio’s peewee and junior competition teams, winning an innovative choreography award twice. After high school, Shawna was selected to join the UNH Dance Team, a Division 1 collegiate team who competed against other colleges and universities across the country and where she trained in styles such as Pom, Hip, Hop, Jazz, and competed in Lyrical. Shawna holds bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Policy. For the last 4 years, she has been focused on her other passion – her career as a commercial loan officer for affordable apartment buildings. Shawna has continued to take master classes and attend conventions to keep her dance skills fresh.
Kyah Wallimann
Instructor
Kyah began dancing at the age of 7 right here at The Dance Center of Danvers! Learning the technique and styles of ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and modern, Kyah danced competitively for 9 years. Throughout her years at DCD, Kyah danced many hours a week assisting younger dancers, improving her own technique, and attending conventions of intense training. Kyah then started her focus on hip hop for her final years of high school at Phunk Phenomenon in Peabody. After graduating, Kyah continued her love for dance at Southern New Hampshire University on their competitive dance team on which she served as both vice president and captain. The team was ranked 5th in the nation at their competition in Anaheim, California. Since then she has kept training at conventions, master classes, and local studios. Kyah also completed her Acrobatic Arts Instructor certification. Kyah is incredibly excited to begin her 3rd year teaching at DCD and returning to what feels like a second home.
Kyah began dancing at the age of 7 right here at The Dance Center of Danvers! Learning the technique and styles of ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and modern, Kyah danced competitively for 9 years. Throughout her years at DCD, Kyah danced many hours a week assisting younger dancers, improving her own technique, and attending conventions of intense training. Kyah then started her focus on hip hop for her final years of high school at Phunk Phenomenon in Peabody. After graduating, Kyah continued her love for dance at Southern New Hampshire University on their competitive dance team on which she served as both vice president and captain. The team was ranked 5th in the nation at their competition in Anaheim, California. Since then she has kept training at conventions, master classes, and local studios. Kyah also completed her Acrobatic Arts Instructor certification. Kyah is incredibly excited to begin her 3rd year teaching at DCD and returning to what feels like a second home.
Rhiannon Jones
Instructor
Rhi began dancing at the age of 3 at a studio in New Jersey. There she began with jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. In 2012, she joined The Dance Center of Danvers, further training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. She later danced competitively with the studio for seven years and became an assistant teacher. Rhi discovered her love for teaching dance and after graduating in 2021 continued as an assistant teacher and substitute at DCD. She is currently a student at Salem State University, studying Biology and Education. She continues her dance education, taking classes to improve her techniques in various styles. Rhi is looking forward to her 3rd year teaching at DCD and continuing to share her love for dance.
Rhi began dancing at the age of 3 at a studio in New Jersey. There she began with jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. In 2012, she joined The Dance Center of Danvers, further training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. She later danced competitively with the studio for seven years and became an assistant teacher. Rhi discovered her love for teaching dance and after graduating in 2021 continued as an assistant teacher and substitute at DCD. She is currently a student at Salem State University, studying Biology and Education. She continues her dance education, taking classes to improve her techniques in various styles. Rhi is looking forward to her 3rd year teaching at DCD and continuing to share her love for dance.
Michelle Sencabaugh
Instructor
Michelle began dancing at the age of three at LeAnne Leslie’s School of Theatrical Dance in Lynn, MA. There she learned the genres of ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and pointe, competed in multiple dance competitions, and also obtained the role as an assistant teacher. Michelle went on to study visual and performing arts at Endicott College. During her entire time at Endicott College, Michelle was a dance minor, a member of the Repertory Dance Ensemble, a member and student-choreographer of the dance club EDGE and its President for two years. She took various dance courses that allowed her to further study the techniques and histories of modern, contemporary, global dance, tap, commercial, and dance teaching methods. Michelle graduated from Endicott College with her BFA in Graphic Design and her minor in Dance in 2022. Following graduation, she became the Endicott Repertory Dance Ensemble Assistant Director and has currently helped put on four performances at the college. She has also guest-choreographed for the Endicott Dance Club’s Spring 2023 Showcase. This is Michelle’s 3rd year at The Dance Center of Danvers and she looks forward to sharing her passion of dance with her students!
Michelle began dancing at the age of three at LeAnne Leslie’s School of Theatrical Dance in Lynn, MA. There she learned the genres of ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and pointe, competed in multiple dance competitions, and also obtained the role as an assistant teacher. Michelle went on to study visual and performing arts at Endicott College. During her entire time at Endicott College, Michelle was a dance minor, a member of the Repertory Dance Ensemble, a member and student-choreographer of the dance club EDGE and its President for two years. She took various dance courses that allowed her to further study the techniques and histories of modern, contemporary, global dance, tap, commercial, and dance teaching methods. Michelle graduated from Endicott College with her BFA in Graphic Design and her minor in Dance in 2022. Following graduation, she became the Endicott Repertory Dance Ensemble Assistant Director and has currently helped put on four performances at the college. She has also guest-choreographed for the Endicott Dance Club’s Spring 2023 Showcase. This is Michelle’s 3rd year at The Dance Center of Danvers and she looks forward to sharing her passion of dance with her students!
Mia Shinney
Instructor
Mia began dancing at the age of 2 and grew up training at Dance Track Studio. She competed with the studio in middle and high school in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. In high school, she joined the Wakefield High School Dance team and earned captain her senior year. Mia attended Stonehill College and received a B.A in Elementary Education and Performing Arts (Dance). While at Stonehill, she took classes in Dance Pedagogy, Dance Composition, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, and Dance History. She was also a 4 year member of the Stonehill College Dance Team and Stoneworks Dance Company. She competed nationally at the DTU College Classic in Pom and Hip Hop. Mia was on the national championship winning hip hop roster her sophomore year. Mia is extremely excited to begin her first year at DCD, where her love of both teaching and dance will come together!
Mia began dancing at the age of 2 and grew up training at Dance Track Studio. She competed with the studio in middle and high school in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. In high school, she joined the Wakefield High School Dance team and earned captain her senior year. Mia attended Stonehill College and received a B.A in Elementary Education and Performing Arts (Dance). While at Stonehill, she took classes in Dance Pedagogy, Dance Composition, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, and Dance History. She was also a 4 year member of the Stonehill College Dance Team and Stoneworks Dance Company. She competed nationally at the DTU College Classic in Pom and Hip Hop. Mia was on the national championship winning hip hop roster her sophomore year. Mia is extremely excited to begin her first year at DCD, where her love of both teaching and dance will come together!
Nina Carpenter
Instructor
Nina grew up training for 13 years at The Dance Studio of Wakefield, where her passion for dance began at a young age. She went on to teach dancers ages 2 to 18 at Xscape Performing Arts Center for six years, choreographing award-winning competition routines that showcased her students’ growth and commitment.
Now in her first year at DCD, Nina is excited to share her love of dance by helping students build strong technique, confidence, and a true joy for movement in a fun and supportive environment.
Nina grew up training for 13 years at The Dance Studio of Wakefield, where her passion for dance began at a young age. She went on to teach dancers ages 2 to 18 at Xscape Performing Arts Center for six years, choreographing award-winning competition routines that showcased her students’ growth and commitment.
Now in her first year at DCD, Nina is excited to share her love of dance by helping students build strong technique, confidence, and a true joy for movement in a fun and supportive environment.
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