NEDA Faculty

The Brand Faculty DNA

We are made up of teachers who are hard working and excited for opportunity. Teachers who are results driven and who choose impact over activity. Teachers who don’t give up or give in, but who persevere. Teachers who can take direction but still work independently. Teachers who love collaboration and team effort. Teachers who are generous, kind and eager to move forward. Teachers who want to make a difference in the life of a child.

Stephanie P. Kemp

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Stephanie P. Kemp

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Artistic Director, Choreographer, Leadership Mentor, Business Coach, and Entrepreneur As Artistic Director of New England Dance Academy (NEDA), Stephanie Kemp has created one of the most successful dance studios in New England. Now in its 32nd season, NEDA is recognized nationally as a premiere facility for dancers and acrobats of all ages.

Jill D'Aguanno

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Jill D'Aguanno

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Jill D’Aguanno started her professional career in Chicago, IL, where she studied extensively with Gus Giordano. Her career then took her to Dallas, TX where she fell in love with teaching.

Hope Specht

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Hope Specht

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Hope Specht has an impeccable reputation in the New England dance world. Known for her explosive and innovative choreography, she is in constant demand as a teacher and adjudicator. Having owned and operated her own dance studio for over 15 years, her students were World Champions and 2-Time Silver Medalists in Germany. Hope also had the prestigious honor of being nominated to choreograph and perform for then-President George Bush, Sr.

Courtney D'Olivera

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Courtney D'Olivera

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Courtney D’Olivera holds over 15 National Titles in Dance and Acrobatics, including JR Miss Dance USA and JR Miss Acrobat USA. Her professional Dance Career began in the Off-Broadway Musical “One”. In 2003, Courtney was chosen to represent the United States at the WORLD SHOW DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS in Riesa, Germany. There she competed and won the Adult Championship Dance Division.

Erin Fort

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Erin Fort

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Erin Fort has been a member of the NEDA family since our grand opening in 1990. She spent most of her childhood in the dance studio, and she danced and competed with NEDA until her high school graduation in 2002.

Judy Weiland

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Judy Weiland

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Judy Weiland is a graduate of Bridgewater State University. She is renowned for her compassionate and nurturing teaching style. Miss Judy utilizes the NEDA preschool dance program to inspire her young students. She encourages her young dancers to experience the magic and creativity of dance through music and self-expression.

Jesse So

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Jesse So

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Hi, I’m Mr. Jesse and I specialize in breakdancing and tumbling! I’ll be joining the NEDA family on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. Through my love for movement, I have competed in and coached multiple sports such as gymnastics, cheerleading, parkour, tricking, and Bboying! I have worked with multiple all-star cheerleading gyms and with some of the best athletes in each respective sport! I look forward to this upcoming season and can’t wait to continue working with all these amazing dancers!

Katie Briggs

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Katie Briggs

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Amanda Foster

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Amanda Foster

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Amanda Foster started dancing at NEDA in 1992 at the age of six. She fell in love with dance and found her passion. Amanda called NEDA her “home away from home” and danced and competed until her high school graduation in 2004.

Josh Perez

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Josh Perez

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In 2010, Josh Perez made his television debut on the 5th season of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew”. In 2012 he was a backup dancer for Jordan Knight on the “Live and Unfinished” tour. In early 2017 he choreographed and was showcased on, the new hit reality TV show “World of Dance” by Jennifer Lopez.

Ashley Andries

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Ashley Andries

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Ashley Andries began dancing at the age of 5 and received her early ballet training at the Eastern Connecticut Ballet. She attended several summer programs including Boston Ballet and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, as well as performed in the Youth America Grand Prix for 2 years.

Tina Clarke

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Tina Clarke

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Tina Clarke is not only an amazing dance instructor she is also the resident Office Manager. Delivering outstanding customer service has always been an essential part of the NEDA experience. As Office Manager, Tina is responsible for all day-to-day operations behind the desk, and she can answer any questions or concerns. Tina attended Dean college for dance, she has a strong dance background which has made her an integral part of our team. The entire NEDA team will work efficiently to get your needs met … YOU are our #1 priority!

Jayni Shumila

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Jayni Shumila

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Danielle Bazinet

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Danielle Bazinet

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Hello! My name is Miss Danielle and my dance career began at NEDA when the studio first opened. Since then, I returned as a guest teacher, and a parent, and this year I’m excited to be a faculty member focusing on musical theater! I’ve been a dance and theater educator for over 20 years having taught in dance studios, elementary schools, and universities. I teach at a local elementary school where I’ve directed an award-winning musical theater program for over 15 years and I’m a professor at Bridgewater State University in the dance program. One of my favorite courses to teach is to aspiring dance teachers and one of my former students, Miss Katie, is a faculty member at NEDA! I have a bachelor’s degree in theater and dance from Regis College, and a master’s degree in dance and dance education from NYU. Recently, I completed my doctorate in leadership in education at Regis College, and love researching arts education, especially dance! I also work as a consultant on the dance and theater curriculums for Massachusetts, present at conferences, practice yoga, and drive my daughter to dance classes at NEDA!

Jeanna Sousa

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Jeanna Sousa

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My name is Miss Jeanna and I will be teaching on Sunday mornings this season! I have been a part of the NEDA family since it first opened back in 1990. At 2 years old I joined my first class and at 7 years old I became a member of the competition team. 16 years later I continued my passion for dance on the collegiate dance team at Keene State. NEDA was like a second home to me growing up so it was only natural to return and teach. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband Jesse, two children Ava (4) and Hunter (born April 2022), and our two dogs. I can’t wait to start season 33 with everyone!

Missy Callen

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Missy Callen

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Missy Callen has been a part of the NEDA family since 2009. As a dance mom, she continually supported all the dancers backstage during competitions and recitals. She was a mentor and advisor to new dance parents in the waiting room and she was always willing and eager to lend a helping hand. When we decided to add this liaison position to NEDA, we knew Missy would be the perfect person for the job!

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Class Schedule

Dance Classes

NEDA Faculty

The Brand Faculty DNA

Stephanie P. Kemp

Jill D'Aguanno

Hope Specht

Courtney D'Olivera

Erin Fort

Judy Weiland

Jesse So

Katie Briggs

Amanda Foster

Josh Perez

Ashley Andries

Tina Clarke

Jayni Shumila

Danielle Bazinet

Jeanna Sousa

Missy Callen

Loved by Dancers, Trusted by Parents

Get In Touch

About Us

Dance Classes

Class Schedule

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NEDA Faculty

The Brand Faculty DNA

Loved by Dancers, Trusted by Parents

Get In Touch

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Dance Classes

Class Schedule

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