1358 Cape St. Claire Road, Annapolis, MD
240-476-6145
Meet Our Faculty
T. Michelle Davy
Director & Owner
B.A. Dance Performance, M.A. Administration & Supervision
Ms. Davy has been a dancer since the tender age of two. She began her dance training at Linda Natoli School of Dance in Temple Hills, Maryland. She received a B.A. in Dance Performance from University of Maryland College Park. While completing her college degree, she served as the Assistant Director of Central Maryland School of Ballet in Laurel, Maryland. During her tenure at Central Maryland School of Ballet she performed and choreographed several ballets including the 12 Dancing Princesses, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Carmen, The Nutcracker and annual recital performances. While in college and after graduating from University of Maryland College Park, she performed with Ailey II (ADF Festival), Bill T. Jones (ADF Festival), Alvin Mayes, Tony Powell, Meriam Rosen, Shane O’Hara, Mark Dendy, Anne Waren and Alcine Wiltz.
As a teacher, she has taught Cecchetti Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Lyrical and Musical Theatre at Linda Natoli, Central Maryland School of Ballet, Dance Depot, National Ballet and community theatre in the Washington DC area. Michelle directed the Performing Arts program at The Harbour School in Annapolis, Maryland for 12 years. During her twelve years tenure, Ms. Davy directed and choreographed over 24 high school musical productions including Annie, The Music Man, Oklahoma, Cinderella, High School Musical, Pippi, State Fair, Fame, A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast. Ms. Davy is excited to continue her life-long dream of owning her own dance studio! Her mission is to bring the artistry of dance to young people in a fun, and supportive environment.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Caitlyn Connolly
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, & Lyrical Teacher
Company Lite Director
Caitlyn began studying dance at the age of four. She has trained in Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary at various studios in Philadelphia. Growing up, she enjoyed performing in various dance and theatre productions including, The Nutcracker, Wizard of Oz, and Newsies. She attended Bloomsburg University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2013. During her undergraduate study, she was a member and choreographer for the Bloomsburg University Dance Ensemble. Post-graduation, Caitlyn had the pleasure of working with Turning Out Performing Company of Pennsylvania as a teacher and choreographer for all ages and styles, including Musical Theatre, Tap, Lyrical and Jazz, with opportunities to perform at Disney World, Indie 500, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since starting her teaching career in Maryland, Caitlyn has become the co-director of the Chesapeake Bay Middle School Dance Ensemble along side Katie Dillner. The highlight of her dance career has been having several opportunities to learn from choreographers including Mandy Moore, Mia Michaels, and Ray Leeper.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Lyrical, Tap or Jazz
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
Justin Timberlake
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?To Build A Home by Cinematic Orchestra (Lyrical/Contemporary)
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
My favorite experience at DDA has been getting to watch my students grow each year. It is always exciting to watch them finally master a skill that they have worked on for a long time.
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
The audience does not know the dance - only you can let them know if you messed up. So, if something goes wrong on stage, keep dancing like it was meant to be that way all along!
Kelly Ringer
Ballet Teacher
Progressive Ballet Technique Certified
Barre Certified
Kelly Ringer has been dancing since the age of 3. She began her ballet training at Maryland Ballet Theatre. Her passion then took her to National Ballet Institute for the Arts, where she studied under Helen and Pamela Moore. There, Kelly was privileged to dance in an original ballet at the White House and completed testing with the Cecchetti Council of America. As Kelly branched out into other areas of dance, she began taking classes at Spark Center for the Creative and Performing Arts. It was at this studio that she continued her ballet career, but also studied Lyrical, Jazz, Broadway and Modern. At Spark, Kelly regularly traveled to New York City to take master classes at the famous Steps on Broadway. Kelly was a member of the Arundel High School Dance Company for 4 years, becoming a Captain her senior year. At the University of Maryland at College Park, Kelly took dance classes at the university level. Her love of dance led her to form a student-run group, Revolutions Dance Ensemble. Under her guidance, RDE performed at Towson University, Maryland Day at College Park, and many other local events.
Since graduating, Kelly has continued her dance education at Maryland Hall for the Performing Arts and at numerous conferences and training sessions. Kelly has taught at the Student Dance Association at College Park, Maryland Ballet Theatre, Bear Creek Dance, Arts n’ Motion and the Dance Matrix. Kelly has performed and presented work throughout the DMV area in events, competitions and festivals including the Strawberry Festival, the Anne Arundel County Fair, the Mrs. Maryland Pageant, and the Cherry Blossom Festival.
To assist in her work with developing dancers and alignment she became certified through INLINE’s Barre Method and received her Pilates Mat training through Balance Body.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Contemporary Ballet
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
Judy Garland or Prince
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?Shut Up and Dance With Me - Contemporary Ballet
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
Watching one of my first students become a teacher.
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
A guest choreographer shared that our mind/body connect plays a bigger part than you know. Both must be present, connected and committed for success.
Mary Katherine
Irish Ensemble Director, Irish Teacher
Mary Katherine started Irish Dancing at the age of three in Buffalo, NY with the CLRG (An Coimisun Le Rinci Faelacha) Irish Dance Commission. During a successful 21 years of competing, she has achieved Regional and National titles along with numerous top placements at the Irish, British and Scottish Nationals. Mary Katherine has qualified for the World Championship her entire dance career where she earned multiple World Placements. In 2017 Mary Katherine placed 6th at the World Championships in Dublin, Ireland.
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She has trained with dancers and teachers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance and has participated in countless local shows and parades, especially during the St. Patrick’s Day Season! Over the past 10 years, Mary Katherine has taught dance classes of all ages and levels and has choreographed multiple dances and show numbers.
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Mary Katherine not only has a passion for Irish Dance, but also the Irish culture and traditions. She was named the “Maid of Erin” by the Binghamton, New York Ancient Order of Hibernian Committee in 2011 for exemplifying Grace, Faith and Pride in her Irish community. Mary Katherine is currently working towards earning her TCRG Dance Certification.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Irish Dance
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
Michael Jackson, I would love to be able to see him perform live! I love his style and energy on stage, his passion for entertaining is inspiring.
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?Celtic Dream by Ronan Hardiman. Style - Irish Dance
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
Watching the Irish program grow each year! It's so exciting to see students interested in Irish Dance and watching my current student achieve their goals!
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Always aim to be the hardest working person in the room. My college track coach gave me that advice.
Jenna Wood
Pre-Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap & Acro Teacher
Mini, Petites, & Junior Comopany Asst. Director
Acrobatic Arts Certified
Ms. Jenna began her dance training at 2 years old at Julie Rogers Studio of Dance. She started training as a competitive dancers at the age of 10 and attended several regional and national competitions while growing up at the studio. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Maryland College Park. While at UMD, she performed on the Maryland Dance Team and was captain during her senior year. Jenna received additional dance training from attending conventions and workshops at Broadway Dance Center, NYCDA and DMI. She is currently working on her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction at McDaniel University.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Jazz
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
J.LO!
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?Let’s get loud! Jazz
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
Watching the dancers grow so rapidly in just a short amount of time.
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Never stop learning and growing!
Kristy Pioro
Front Desk Manager
Kristy has been the Davy Dance Academy’s front desk manager for 5 years. She became a part of the DDA family 7 years ago when her daughter started in the Twinkle Toes class. She enjoys seeing how much the dancers grow each year and getting to know their families. She looks forward to helping each dancer, their family, and the studio wherever she can!
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Jasmine Caffee
Acro, Ballet, Jazz, & Tap Teacher
Mini, Petites and Junior Company Asst. Director
Acrobatic Arts Certified
Ms. Jasmine started dancing when she was about 2.5 at National Ballet Institute for the Arts and continued her training through college at Davy Dance Academy. Ms. Jasmine has previously done competitive gymnastics for 9 years and currently has two Acrobatic Arts Certifications. Ms. Jasmine has received numerous awards such as All State Dancer and All County Dancer. She has also danced competitively at an International Competition in Germany! She has received her Associates of Arts Degree from Anne Arundel Community College as a dance major and plans to continue her education at University of Maryland of College Park. Ms. Jasmine is so excited to begin my second season as a teacher at DDA!
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Contemporary or Modern
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
Justin Bieber or Brian Friedman
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?Bottom Of The River and Modern
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
Traveling to Europe for an International Dance Competition
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Push yourself past your limits and you will prosper
Nicole Lindskog
Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, & Lyrical Teacher
Jr Elite & Senior Company Director
Nicole has been dancing since the age of three and danced competitively for much of her life. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. After competing with her local New Jersey dance studio, she went on to become a member of the Towson University Pom Squad for four years. She performed at various sporting events, fundraisers and benefits, and competed in UDA Dance Competition and was a Jazz D 1 finalist for 2 years. Nicole became Co-Captain of the Pom Squad her Senior year, choreographing, managing, and running the team alongside her other captain. Nicole graduated from Towson University with a Dance Performance/Choreography Degree with a K-12 Teaching Certificate in December of 2018.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Classical ballet
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
Michael Jackson
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?
A lyrical routine to "Leave me lonely"
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
Being able to work with such talented, amazing, hardworking students and share my love for dance :)
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
To remember you’re dancing for yourself and not anyone else! all else fails; fake it till you make it. My parents gave me that advice!
Kristen Faraclas
Guest Artist & Ballet Teacher
Kristen Faraclas completed her MA, Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Pedagogy at New York University. She is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 7 & Partnering. Prior to this, she earned her BFA in Dance from Mercyhurst University where she also danced for the Liturgical Dance Ensemble and SoMar Dance Works, a resident dance company. During her time at Mercyhurst, she had the opportunity to study abroad and perform in Norfolk, England, and Dungarvan, Ireland! Faraclas completed the Boston Ballet Adaptive Dance Teacher Training program and spent many years teaching dance to children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities. Kristen currently dances with The Ballet Theatre of Maryland and teaches in the surrounding area.
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Samm Cwik
Tap Teacher
Samm began her dance training at the age of 3 at Dance Explosion in Glen Burnie, MD. By the age of 5, she had been asked to join the competition team and became the youngest member on the team. She performed many group dances, as well as multiple solos. On June 24, 1996 she won “Top Tiny Tot” and “Most Entertaining”. This was her first “title” award, and it happened on her mom’s 30th birthday! As she got older she was able to win many title awards, and high score awards. She was Petite Miss Headliner 1997, Miss Photogenic 1998, Junior Miss Showbiz 2000, and 1st runner up for Miss Showbiz at Nationals in 2000. She danced competitively until the age of 11 and over the course of those 6 years she won over 100 trophies. She was technically trained by many well known dancers such as Dijuan Dinzey, Tim Roberts, Colleen Parker, and Michele Wiles. She also got to participate in many dance seminars with renown dancers such as Mia Michaels, Desmond Richmond, Susie Taylor, and Mike Minery. After leaving Dance Explosion she became a recreational cheerleader for Andover Apaches in Linthicum, MD, and also was on her high school’s cheerleading team from 2004-2006, dance company from 2005-2007, and poms from 2007-2008. In her sophomore year of high school, she became an “All State Dancer” with only 11 other dancers in the entire state of Maryland. This was a huge honor for her being that she was the only dancer from her school that was selected. As an adult she was a member of a professional dance team known as the Baltimore Shuckers, who performed at semi-pro basketball games, and she has trained with the Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders, Ravens Cheerleaders, Wizard Girl Dancers (Washington Wizards), and The Washington Football Team Cheerleaders. Samm is professionally trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, modern, and afro-caribbean. Although she has danced all styles for many years, tap has always been her strongest, and her favorite to perform. Samm truly believes she was meant to be a tap dancer. Her late grandmother was always elated when she got to watch Samm tap, so she always says she taps for her grandmother. Samm is so excited for this new journey at Davy Dance Academy. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for dance with children who enjoy it just as much as she does. One of her favorite dance quotes is “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.”- Martha Graham
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
Tap
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?
Street tap style to Scream by Michael Jackson
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
The staff photo shoot was so much fun! Also, just being able to be a part of such an amazing studio alongside wonderful kids and the best staff!
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
My grandfather always told me to never give up and never waste my talent. He also told me to always make sure that I’m dancing for fun because then it will never feel like a job, I would always be doing what I love.
Iana McCalebb
Hip Hop Teacher
Miss Iana (Miss E) has been teaching Hip Hop for 9 years. She has taught Hip Hop at several dance intensives across the country. In addition, Miss Iana has choreographed for high school and college dance teams. Her style is high energy, and engaging for all students in her classes. We are excited to welcome Miss Iana to DDA!
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DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Jordan Darrow
Pre-Ballet, Jazz, & Lyrical Teacher
Company Lite Asst. Director
Junior Elite & Senior Dance Company Asst. Director
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
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DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Heather
Dance Instructor
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
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DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
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BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
Kristin Hurff
Davy Dance Academy Store Clerk
FAVORITE STYLE OF DANCE TO PERFORM?
FAVORITE SONG EVER CHOREOGRAPHED TO?
DREAM ENTERTAINER TO SEE PERFORM LIVE?
FAVORITE MEMORY AT DAVY DANCE ACADEMY?
BEST ADVICE ON BEING A DANCER?
HAPPY
FAMILIES
"I’ve been to a few of their productions and it’s top notch. I can see that the staff knows their stuff and the kids clearly enjoy doing what they love."
-DOMINIC M.
