Meet the Staff
Miss Hannah
M'Lanie Hunter-Whitehead is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, holding a BFA in Dance and Drama. She has studied dance intensively beginning as a "Love of Dance"s scholarship winner with Marya Kennett Ballet Theatre. Her professional training at NYU and Broadway Dance Center led her to dance with Jeffery Ferguson, Marilyn D'hono, Bob Rizzo and many other esteemed teachers.
Some highlighted credits include:
Regional Theater- NYCA,
Forestburgh Playhouse- EMC performer,
Euro Disney- 50's Revue Dancer,
Broadway on Broadway with Mathew Broderick,
After teaching and performing professionally, her love of children and extensive experience in the performing arts has led her to developing this collaborative arts program.
Dara Jenel
Dara began her dance training at Kozlov Dance Academy (NJ) under the tutelage of former Bolshoi & NYCB Principal Leonid Kozlov. Dara continued her education at DeSales University where she received a Dance Scholarship and earned a BA in Dance.
While in high school, Dara attended the Summer Intensive at UARTS and had the fortunate opportunity to study with the late Fernando Bujones. Dara has been privileged to perform in original works by Trinette Singleton, Dan Joyce, Kip Martin, and Michael Eager. Dara has continued her studies by attending classes and intensives in NYC, studying with David Dorfman Dance, Natalya Stravo and Pascal Rioult. In 2008 Dara worked as Choreographer in Residence with Opera Company of the Highlands, directed by Claudia Cummings. Over the years Dara has trained with a wide variety of artists, choreographers, dancers, and Dance Educators, allowing her to develop an eclectic class curriculum.
Hannah Kerrigan is a former professional dancer with credits such as NYC Ballet Theatre and Ballet Russe of Russia. She is currently teaching Ballet for both students and Adults.
Rebecca Gallone
Rebecca has 16 years dance experience as well as 6 years teaching experience. She is a proud alumni of M'Lanie Hunter Dance, studying under the instruction of M'Lanie Hunter and Dara Jenel. Rebecca’s love of ballet lead her to Ballet Arts Studio, where she studied under the tutelage of Hannah Kerrigan. She was a dance major at DeSales University where she studied with renowned dancer Trinette Singleton of the Joffrey Ballet. Rebecca still furthers her dance education at Broadway Dance Center with fellow M'Lanie Hunter Dance staff. Rebecca remains up to date on her academic knowledge of dance by studying the Dance Journals and texts. Between her passion for dance and love of children, Rebecca looks forward to being a part of your child's dance education.
Ashley Decker
Ashley Decker has been dancing since the age of three. She was part of an award winning competition team for seven years. She then went on to pursue her dance education at Desales University. As a student, she had the opportunity to work with internationally recognized artists including Trinette Singleton, Rennie Harris and the Shen Wei Dance Company. She was a chosen choreographer for the DSU Informal Concert. Ashley performed as part of the DeSales Dance Team and as a cast member of the DeSales University Dance 2009 Ensemble Concert. She graduated from DeSales in 2009 achieving a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Business. Ashley strives to share her passion of dance with her students by creating a positive learning environment that stresses fun and personal growth not only as a dancer but as a person.