Brittany Alexis

Brittany Alexis comes to The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio with ten years of professional experience as a dance educator, choreographer and performer on the east and west coasts. She has trained with former JNDS faculty member, Kelly Peters, and was a dancer in several of his pieces as a selected member of the Dean College Dance Company. Brittany was a member of the WNBA Connecticut Sun "Solar Power Dance Team" as captain and co-choreographer for four consecutive seasons. She performed in the Boston Celtics Dancer Finals at Foxwoods Resort and Casino and was a featured dancer on the ESPN series Dreaming Green: The Making of the Celtics Dance Team. Additional performance credits include: WTNH Early Morning Show, IDO World Dance Championships in Reisa, Germany, and Rascal Flatts "Bob That Head" Concert Tour.

This year, Brittany returns to Massachusetts from Los Angeles where she trained with well-known choreographers such as Kyle Hanagami, Nicco O'Connor, and Kevin Maher and became inspired by the jazz funk and pop dance culture.

Brittany's LA-inspired street funk class transmits a very unique and current style by integrating popular movements of today into her innovative and ever-changing course material. She begins with a warm-up that includes body isolations and groove exercises that will get your blood pumping, followed by an upbeat, challenging piece of choreography that emphasizes the use of musicality, execution and attitude!

The focus of this class is to aid the dancer in retaining choreography, developing technical abilities, while gaining self-confidence in personal style.

Rachel Bertone

Rachel Bertone is an active and recognized choreographer, director, performer and teacher in the Boston area. As an actor and dancer, she has performed with several theaters and companies such as The Lyric Stage, Reagle Music Theatre, Fiddlehead Theatre, The LAB, The Awesome 80's Prom, The Boston Ballet, Prometheus Dance, Ballet Rox, and Windhover Dance Company. As a choreographer, her credits include: My Fair Lady (Reagle Music Theatre), West Side Story (Turtle Lane Playhouse), Big River, Animal Crackers (Lyric Stage), A Little Night Music (Metro Stage), Lucky Stiff, Floyd Collins (Moonbox Productions) and Seussical Jr. (Boston ChildrenÕs Theatre). She has won prestigious awards for her work, including a two-time win for "Broadway World's Best Choreography of a Musical", and has been recognized by several critics as a "talented and capable" choreographer whose work can "take your breath away". Her next project is directing and choreographing Joseph at Turtle Lane (their final production). Holding a BFA in Dance from The Boston Conservatory, she serves as the Associate Director of the Reagle Music Theatre Youth Program and is on faculty at The Boston Ballet, Artbarn Community Theater, and The Dance Inn.

Beginning/Intermediate Musical Theatre

Rachel fuses her ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theater backgrounds to create a stimulating dance class for all levels and ages. With an emphasis on placement and alignment, she focuses on the development of technique through her challenging exercises that will strengthen the entire body-particularly the core, arms, and legs-and increase stamina. Combinations typically include original Broadway choreography or works inspired by legendary theatrical choreographers and performers. These routines will encourage students to work on expression, acting, and movement quality while building self-confidence in their own personal style. Rachel stresses the importance of artistry, musicality, and positive-thinking but most importantly, she wants you to have FUN!!

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Sean Bjerke

Sean Bjerke graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University in 2004 but he'll be quick to tell you his true life passions have been Tae Kwon Do, which he has studied since age 8, and dance which he began exploring in college. Sean began dancing in 2001 when he joined the Tufts Dance Collective (TDC), and eventually became TDC director in 2004. Sean sought formal dance training, and studied ballet and West African Dance under Daniel McKusker and Daniel Locke, respectively. Sean has worked with many prominent Hip Hop artists and has traveled to Los Angeles to train under notable Hip Hop icons including Marty Kudelka, Tucker Barkley and Mike Song.

Sean is currently a principal dancer and assistant choreographer for Ricardo Foster's Hip Hop dance company, Unyted Stylz Crew. Training under Foster led Sean to appreciate the foundation dances of hip-hop, particularly popping, locking and house. As a member of US Crew, Sean has performed at various competitions, universities, and sporting venues, including TD Garden and Fenway Park. He has helped co-produce two Unyted Stylz variety shows entitled "Circles" in 2009 and 2010, and is planning production of a third installment.

Sean also teaches and still actively competes in Tae Kwon Do at the JH Kim TKD Institute in Cambridge. No matter what he teaches, Sean preaches the importance of confidence to his students. "After all, if you hadn't the confidence to try something new, you wouldn't be here right now. You are already confident!"

Hip Hop Foundation

In this class, Sean strengthens his students' dance foundation by teaching basic steps and body isolations from various Hip Hop styles, including popping, locking and house. Class warm-ups focus on improving basic skills, with an added emphasis on stretching and conditioning. Students will then learn dance choreography and work on improving the musicality of their movements. The goal of this class is not to master all styles of Hip Hop, but rather to allow students to use what they learn to refine their own personal style.
The class assumes students have some prior dance experience, but also welcomes new students looking to develop a solid foundation in Hip Hop!

View some combinations from Sean's classes below:




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Lillian Carter

Lillian Carter is creator and artistic director for the performance group Greenglass Dance Theater. She has received critical acclaim for her work as a performer, teacher and choreographer throughout New England and New York. She received a BFA in Choreography from the Boston Conservatory in 1990 and continues to teach locally at the Boston Conservatory, and the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio. Lillian provides dance workshops and master classes for many local studios and institutions. She was a guest choreographer at Regis College, Merrimack College, Bradford College and the Walnut Hill School Summer Theater Program. She developed and presented a dance performance and education series sponsored by Borders Books that was presented at the World Trade Center in Manhattan, Downtown Crossing in Boston, and throughout Long Island, New York.

Jazz 1

Lillian CarterÕs Jazz 1 class is a culmination of jazz, ballet and modern techniques. All three styles are utilized to create a well rounded dancer. This is a fast paced class that requires prior experience in basic movement techniques. Combinations presented in class range from a fast paced classical jazz style to a contemporary lyrical to musical theater. All combinations will explore performance techniques as well.

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Sue Casey-Murray

Sue received her BFA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Upon graduation, Sue worked as a guest teacher and choreographer for the University Dancers. During a stay in New York City, Sue worked as an assistant to choreographer Michelle Assaf and danced in two music videos. Sue has taught dance throughout New England for more than twenty years and joined the faculty of The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio in 1985. She has also worked extensively with ACE Entertainment and the Jeannette Neill Dancers. Sue was on the faculty of the first Boston Summer Dance Festival which originated in 1996. She began teaching in Boston Youth Moves at the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio in 1996.

Jazz 2/3

This lyrical jazz class is ideal for aspiring professionals and recreational dancers, who seek the challenge to learn choreography quickly and make it their own! Sue's 90 minute class consists of a 40 minute set warm-up followed by progressions and a combination.

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Tommy Coye

Tommy Coye has been a faculty member of The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio for more than twenty years, teaching jazz, musical theatre dance and video dance in the studio's various adult and teen programs. He is currently teaching musical theatre dance at the Boston Conservatory, has taught musical theatre dance at Emerson College and video dance classes at Sports Club/LA Boston, as well as master classes and workshops throughout New England.

As a performer and choreographer, Tommy's work has been seen both nationally and internationally: touring with major recording stars, opening for entertainment headliners, performing in product presentations for major sportswear companies, commercials, as well as at global corporate events, on cruise ships, and in regional theatres, supper clubs, casinos and arenas throughout the world.

Tommy has also been involved with Boston Youth Moves (BYM), a non-profit pre-professional dance training ground for teens, since its inception in 1990. Having been actively involved in virtually every aspect of the BYM organization, he served as Board President for over 15 years and currently serves as Chair of Development. Additionally, he continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member as a choreographer and styles instructor.

Video Dance

Video dance is a high-energy experience that begins with a low-impact, high-intensity aerobic warm-up. This is followed by an intense abdominal workout. Dance combinations feature choreography similar to dance you'd find in music videos like Madonna, Britney Spears or Janet Jackson. Since it is not a technique class, Video Dance is appropriate for any level, as long as you're in for a challenging but fun experience. Sneakers or Dance Sneakers are appropriate for footwear.

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Elena Greenspan

Elena Greenspan grew up in Massachusetts and received her early training at Donna Miceli Dance Center. She graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo with a BA in Dance and a minor in Speech and Hearing Science. Elena is a current member of Prometheus Dance Company, a modern company based in Cambridge, and has performed as a dancer in commercials that have appeared regionally on television. Elena has had additional training with Elisa Monte, Ronald K. Brown, H.T. Chen, Urban Bush Women, Jon Lehrer, and The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio. Elena's love and passion for dance is also expressed through her desire to teach. She has worked with handicapped children using movement as a means of expression and as an outlet for their innate creativity. She hopes to continue to innovate and educate using dance as a language to allow students to express their individual personality.

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Stephanie Heroux

Stephanie Heroux has toured internationally as Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean International cruise line, and performed locally with the The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, Lorraine Chapman The Company, and as a principal dancer for ACE Entertainment. She studied under the instruction of Matt Mattox and Chet Walker at The School at Jacob's Pillow, and holds a BA in English Literature and Business Administration from Boston University. In 2005 Stephanie founded Jazz Inc., a production company specializing in contemporary dance and commercial theatre. Clients have included 28 degrees, Pearl Vodka, Bacardi, the Boston Bruins, The Webster Company, the Latin Pride National Awards, and several local theatre companies and dance festivals. She has choreographed regional theatre productions of Fiddler on the Roof, The Wiz, Fame, and On the Town, and worked for the Lowell House Opera Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She teaches company class and choreographs for Harvard University's Mainly Jazz dance company, in addition to teaching master classes across New England. Currently, Stephanie is on faculty at The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio, Ballet Arts Center of Winchester, and Emerson College.

Jazz 2/3

Challenge yourself physically and artistically! Class begins with a half-hour warm up focused on alignment, rhythm, stretching and strengthening, and employs elements of ballet, modern, and jazz. Adagio and progressions build and challenge rhythmic and technical elements. Combinations are taught quickly, span a variety of jazz styles, and incorporate turns, leaps, and floor work. Artistic variations and performance elements are encouraged throughout the class. This class is aimed at the intermediate to advanced dancer who yearns to be challenged technically and artistically, and to hone performance skills.

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SKooJ CorE-O (Sarah-Kay Jerome)

Sarah-Katarina "SKooJ CorE-O" brings her knowledge and talents to The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio, with experience in performance, choreography, instruction, and adjudication. Presently, her main focus is Commercial/Theatrical Hip Hop and Contemporary dance. Sarah is a member of the New England-based Static Noyze Dance Company and is a master teacher, national adjudicator, and choreographer of various styles throughout New England. Her award-winning choreography has been recognized at numerous dance competitions and has been included in performances such as the Massachusetts Dance Festival, DanceWorks Boston, Australia's CEO Music, and Turn it Up Dance Challenge's Annual National Performance Dance Team.

SKooJ CorE-O is a graduate of Dean College with a degree in Dance and Business Administration. In addition to Dean, she has studied intensively with Kelly Peters, Suzette Sagisi (ABDC), and is currently teaching at performing arts conventions alongside Peter Sabasino, Channing Cooke, Russell Ferguson (SYTYCD) and many more individuals who inspire the dance community.

SKooJ CorE-O is now putting music videos on her check list, becoming a backup dancer and lead choreographer for many recording artists on the East coast, such as international pop star, Tamara Rodriguez, and recently premiered singer, Erene. Connecting with corporate entertainment for commercials and convention performances has also become a specialty. SKooJ recently debuted the Boston Community Dance Project, which gives non-professionals the opportunity to train, improve, and perform.

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Static Noyze

Static Noyze Dance Company is dedicated to creating innovative and stimulating theatrical performances with a focus on the contemporary styles of hip-hop dance. Founded in April of 2006, the company is based in Boston, MA, and hopes to contribute to the community through workshops, showcases, and other events.

The Static Noyze Dance Company Class

Kit Pang

Kit Pang began his dance career shortly after graduating high school as a street performer and a member of Unique Rhythm, a salsa/hip hop dance troupe that has entertained audiences throughout Boston and was invited to perform in the Street Music Festival in Paris. Kit continued his dance studies during his time at Hamilton College. Later on, he furthered his training in Paris with Raphael Sergio and Didier Firmin, and in New York City with Luam, Buddha Stretch and Brian Green.

Kit has taught and performed throughout Boston, New York and internationally, including Lithuania and Paris. Kit is the founder of Spotlight|The Choreographers' Showcase, a dance showcase in Utica, NY where emerging and established choreographers showcase their original works. Kit recently returned to Boston from Utica, NY in June 2013 to further pursue his career with dance and arts administration.

Hip Hop 1 / 2 - Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm

Prepare to lose your inhibitions and groove to the beat. This is a beginner/intermediate level Hip Hop class that begins with a set isolation and groove warm up to improve body control and musicality. Kit challenges his students by teaching combinations that will focus on precise movements that flow with the intricacy of the music. Students will develop a deeper appreciation for Hip Hop dance after executing fresh and exciting dance routines that explore, not only Hip Hop, but include Popping, Locking, Krumping, Breakdancing and current popular dance styles.

Nikki Sell

Nikki Sell began her pursuit of dance at the age of 3 at a small studio in Western Nebraska. As a teen, she spent her summers studying dance at the Ballet/Aspen program in Colorado and at the Dupree Studios in Los Angeles. She completed her high school years at the Idyllwild School of Music and Performing Arts in California and graduated Valedictorian of her class. She then studied at The Boston Conservatory, earning a BFA in Dance and graduating Summa Cum Laude and Salutatorian of her class.

Nikki performs regionally and internationally with Prometheus Dance, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nikki has also performed with ACE Entertainment, including a leading role in an industrial video for Spalding sports equipment, with Impulse Dance Company, Boston Dance Company, Brian Brooks Moving Company, and John Freedman Dancers. Her credits include a TV commercial for W.B. Mason, for which she was also the choreographer and the 2006 Weston Drama Workshop production of Ragtime, which won the prestigious Moss Award.

Besides being on the faculty of The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio, Nikki also teaches for Boston Youth Moves, Walnut Hill School & Academy, and The Boston Conservatory. She was a master teacher for the Regional Dance America/SW Festival, San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet, Brandeis University, Framingham State College, and Arts Rochester.

Modern/Jazz 2

Modern/Jazz 2 class combines Nikki's influences from Luigi and lyrical styles of jazz, Limon and Horton based modern techniques, and classical ballet to create a style that is expressive, sensual, and athletic. The class consists of a 45-minute warm-up, a progression across the floor, and a choreographed dance phrase. The choreography usually includes floor work, so pants or padding are recommended for slides and falls. Also bare feet or "dance paws" are recommended for footwear.

Ballet 1

Ballet 1 is focused on the physics of dance and stems from her experience as a young dancer with the eternal question: "But how?" The class consists of exercises at the barre, in the center, and progressions across the floor. It is recommended for the adult just learning or returning to dance, the jazz dancer who wants to focus on technique, or the advanced dancer returning from an injury.

Techno-Ballet

A blend of muscle-isolating stretching and strengthening exercises and simple ballet barre-work set to electronica/techno music. Recommended for beginners through advanced dancers, it is a great way to reinforce your technique, rehab an injury, or just get started in the language of dance.

Beg/Int Tap

The class consists of a warm-up and progressions across the floor, specific focus on a "Step of the Week", and a dance combination to practice putting different steps together. The class will be aimed at beginners, but will include options (additional sounds/turns/etc.) for more advanced tappers.

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Jim Viera

Jim Viera has been a leading teacher and choreographer in the Boston area for more than twenty years. In addition to The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio, he has served on the faculties of The Boston Summer Dance Festival, The Boston Conservatory, Jacob's Pillow, Walnut Hill School of Performing Arts and The Harvard Summer Dance Festival. Jim was also Associate Artistic Director of the Wheaton College Dance Program.

As a choreographer for ACE Entertainment, he has choreographed opening numbers for Rita Moreno, Gregory Hines, Grace Jones and Harry Connick, Jr. Jim has also choreographed industrial films for Digital Equipment, and live industrial presentations for Intellution, Champion Sportswear, Pioneer Investments, PUMA, Jordan's Furniture and EMC Corporation.

It was Jim's vision of providing positive, professional, non-competitive dance training for young people that was the catalyst for the formation of Boston Youth Moves in 1990.

Jazz 1

Jim Viera teaches a fast Jazz One class that incorporates many elements of Horton Modern technique, including flat-backs and full-body isolations. A lengthy abdominal workout and an adagio are also included. Across-the-floor sequences are next, followed by dance combinations that are usually blues or slow lyrical.

Musical Theatre

Jim Viera's musical theatre class is of an intermediate level with a set warmup and rhythmic exercises that improve musicality. A brief segment of across-the-floor is followed by combinations in various musical theatre styles and movie musicals from the 20's through the 90's, as well as choreography or music indicative of what is happening on Broadway today.

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