Rachel Bertone

Rachel Bertone is an active and recognized performer, choreographer, and teacher in the Boston area. Theater credits: Kiss me, Kate (Lyric Stage Company), Funny Girl (Fiddlehead Theatre), Le Cabaret Grimm, Song of Songs (The LAB), The Awesome 80s Prom (Bello Productions), The Music Man, JosephÉ, The King and I, Annie, 42nd Street, Singin' in the Rain, No, No Nanette, Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and Oklahoma (Reagle Music Theatre). Holding a BFA in Dance from The Boston Conservatory, she has performed with The Boston Ballet, Prometheus Dance, Ballet Rox, Windhover Dance Company and The Yiddish Players (Harvard University). Film credits include starring in an industrial for the Federal Reserve in Boston as well as appearances in the films Stiffs and My Best Friend's Girl. Choreographic credits: Big River, Animal Crackers (Lyric Stage Company), A Little Night Music (Broadway World Best of Boston Winner for Best Choreography, Metro Stage Company), Lucky Stiff (Moonbox Productions), Seussical Jr. (The Boston Children's Theatre), and projects for Partners HealthCare and Fidelity Investments. She currently 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!!

Back to top of the page

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:




Back to top of the page

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.

Back to top of the page

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.

Back to top of the page

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.

Back to top of the page

Sarah Elentukh

Elementary school teacher by day and dancer by night, Sarah Elentukh is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and has been actively involved in the dance community for the past five years. Sarah is one of the artistic directors of Static Noyze Dance Company, and she has been a member of numerous dance companies, including Unyted Stylz, Project Nailz, Wrush Dance Crew, and Fusion (Boston University). Sarah teaches dance workshops and master classes for many local studios and institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University's School of Education.

Hip Hop

When you take a hip hop class from Sarah, you can expect a good time. Her style varies with every routine she choreographs, and can range from having a very "street" feel to being more of a jazz fusion. This is an energetic class that will include stretching and a cardiovascular warm up, along with basic body isolations, coordination exercises, and a choreographed routine.

Jazz

Sarah is inspired by old dance movies and Broadway musicals. Her jazz classes include a technical warm-up that encourages proper alignment, a strong center and balance, and ballet fundamentals. Students also learn a choreographed routine.

Back to top of the page

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.

Back to top of the page

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.

Back to top of the page

Deanna Jackson

Deanna Jackson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts where she graduated cum laude with a BFA in dance. She was formally the director of the Topf Center for Dance Education dance studio. Through working at Topf Center, Deanna had the wonderful opportunity to teach dance at various Boston public schools. She has been a member of the JNDS faculty since 1996. Throughout the years, Deanna studied and performed with many wonderful dance artists: Lynn Simonson, Ina Hahn, Marcus Schulkind, Andy Taylor-Blenis, Adrienne Mincz and the Alvin Ailey summer program to name a few. Deanna has four daughters and runs an at home childcare. She also is working on her masterÕs degree in early childhood education at Gordon College.

Back to top of the page

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.

Sarah-Kay 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.

Back to top of the page

Carly Jurman

Carly Jurman is a recent graduate from Emerson College receiving her BA in writing, literature, publishing and dance. She has been dancing actively in Boston for the past three years in the styles of contemporary, hip hop, and modern. At Emerson, Carly danced and choreographed for Emerson Stage Presents: XDance, a yearly experimental dance concert based on the creation of extended concept pieces. She is also a founding member, dancer, and choreographer for Emerge Danceworks, a brand new small modern dance company based out of Emerson that focuses on the evolution of movement and constant reformation of dance phrasing. She is a member of Wrush Dance Crew, who has performed at different venues and shows throughout Boston and the Northeast, including the House of Blues. During September 2010, Carly performed with NYC modern dance company, Doug Elkins and Friends, in their run of Fraulein Maria at the Paramount Theater. She trained with the company during their stay in Boston and was introduced to new forms of dance such as breaking and the incorporation of the martial art capoeira. Carly is currently pursuing a career in film makeup artisty and hoping to dance professionally.

Back to top of the page

Mikayla Martin

Mikayla Martin is a native of Massachusetts and has been dancing since the age of three. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Contemporary. After graduating high school, Mikayla decided to pursue dance as a career, and is now on the faculty of several dance schools in New England. She trained with and choreographed for Static Noyze Dance Company from August of 2010, to October of 2011.

Mikayla says, "Dance has been a constant passion in my life. I love the art, the freedom of expression it provides, and I love teaching and sharing my passion with others."

Back to top of the page

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

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.

Back to top of the page

Mai A. Telesford

Mai A. Telesford started studying Nihon-buyo (Japanese traditional dance) when she was 2 years old. At age 4, she decided to learn jazz dance after watching her mother in class. From there, Mai continued to train in jazz and tap dance while working as an assistant instructor, then added ballet and rhythmic gymnastics training when she was 13 years old. After graduating high school, Mai moved to Tokyo where she began learning hip hop. A few years later, she moved to New York to study at the Broadway Dance Center (BDC) under renowned teachers such as Rhapsody, Jermaine, Brian Green, Sheryl Murakami, and Luam, amongst others. After completing BDC's prestigious international program, Mai returned to Tokyo as a professional dancer and choreographer for concerts, music videos, and other events. Her clients have included Japanese pop stars such as TRF (Tetsuya Komuro Rave Factory). During this time, Mai also taught classes for Tokyo Disneyland/sea dancers. In 2008, she moved to Boston where she studied at the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio under Jeannette Neill and NIkki Sell. Most recently Mai has been teaching hip hop.

Hip Hop

Mai's class is all about getting your groove on. This class has a wide range of style. It involves strengthening basic jazz technique while exploring rhythms and lyrics in music. Add your taste to her choreography and bring knee pads!

Back to top of the page

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.

Back to top of the page