Robin began her dance training at a small, local studio in Baltimore at the age of three, where she couldn’t get enough of “dance studio life”.

Later, she was fortunate enough to attend the prestigious Baltimore School for the Arts, where she received a proper dance education and a love for teaching.

Upon graduation from high school, Robin attended college briefly, but the entrepreneurial bug bit hard and she jumped at the chance to open her studio when the opportunity presented itself.

In 1992, at the age of 22, Robin started her studio in a single room studio in Baltimore City. She made many mistakes along the way but with the support of her husband, Walter who joined in and made the dance studio dream his own, the studio soon became a second home to hundreds of children and teens every week.

Today, EMC Performing Arts Studio provides Dance, Music, Theater and AcroGymnastics classes to nearly 1000 weekly enrollments in New Freedom, PA.

As a founding member of DSO Connect, Robin has been generous in sharing her knowledge and experience with studio owners around the country through this online community and her podcast.

In 2024, Robin jumped back into the podcast world with In the Spotlight: Raising Leaders in the Performing Arts, where she chats with industry experts parents, students, educators and more to discuss the many ways in which the performing arts help to nurture and guide our young people into becoming amazing adults.

In the next chapter, Robin hopes to continue to grow the EMC Performing Arts Studio community while also traveling and spending time with her sons, grandchildren and husband wherever their RV may take them.

Jaime joined EMC in 2010 and is responsible for keeping on top of all the HR needs of our very vibrant and dynamic Team.

Jaime holds a Bachelor’s degree from IUP (Indiana University of PA) in Business Marketing and before joining EMC, she had been working in Human Resources for 10 years.

She lives at home with her husband, Kerry and two beautiful children, Van & Wyn. Jaime loves being outdoors, watching and playing sports and being active. Running, swimming, skiing, playing volleyball and playing with her kids are her favorites.

Jaime truly enjoys working at EMC and watching the students grow into wonderful young adults and finding their way in the world. She believes that with hard work, dedication and patience anything is possible.

Kathy has been part of the EMC Team since 2006 and she is the “friendly face” of EMC that our families have grown to know and love. She enjoys interacting with our students in her role as Office Manager and she loves her job!

Fun facts: Miss Kathy has a cosmetology teaching license and worked as a barber for many years. She also has a CDL and has worked as a school bus driver.

Currently, she shares a home with her husband, Monte, and spends her free time riding on the back of a Harley Davidson, kayaking and enjoying sightseeing adventures most weekends.

Kathy has three grown children and five grandchildren that she spends time with as much as possible. Her oldest daughter, Ashley was one of EMC’s first dancers in PA and is now running the EMC Spirit Shop on Facebook.

Kathy makes it a point to always attend our Holiday Celebration and Spring Concert at the Pullo Center and loves seeing the students grow from year to year.

Rachel graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2006 with a BFA in Acting. She also has a teaching certificate from Towson University.

“Miss Rachel” has been a part of the team at EMC Performing Arts Studio since 2010.

She enjoys teaching EMC’s Kreative Kidz dancers, acrobatics, and theatre classes. Rachel visits many of the local schools sharing EMC’s programs with the community. She also is the costume manager at EMC.

Rachel loves working with young people and helping them grow creatively.

Santina has been working with EMC since 2020, as part of our marketing team, and supports studios/dance educators/dance businesses through Dance Marketing. She also works as a Stage Manager and Dance Educator. 

Originally born and raised in Australia, now living in Seattle, Santina has been a part of the dance world in many facets throughout her career, from managing a performing arts company to coaching national Hip Hop Champions, performing and touring to choreographing and teaching, owning her own studio to working with creatives and shifting the marketing game.

She has worked with artists such as Tony Czar, Andre Fuentes, Nappy Tabs, Wade Robson, and more.

Santina believes that dance should be accessible to all bodies, and works to provide a safe, inclusive, diverse, empowering, and confidence building space, for others to enjoy dance and movement.

Suzanne graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in Graphic Design/Communication. She has worked as an art director and creative director in the Advertising industry for over 30 years and is currently the Director of Design and Production for a national urology company.

Suzanne has been a part of the EMC Performing Arts Studio team since 2010. Her daughter attended EMC Performing Arts Studio from the age of 8, graduated from EMC in 2021 and is currently pursuing her career in Musical Theater.

Suzanne lives in York County with her husband and two children. She enjoys Pilates, hiking, bicycling, gardening, cooking, watching her son’s soccer games, and recently enjoys repurposing items.

Walter Wiencek, affectionately known around the studio as “Mr. Wally” is an unsung hero at EMC. He works mostly during the day, when the building is quiet and he is responsible for keeping our space in tip-top shape.

In a building that is over 130 years old, there is always something that needs attention, and we are thankful to have “Mr. Wally” keeping up with all the things.

Walter is also responsible for load-in and load out at EMC performances, makes a mean pulled pork for the Video Premier, cooks and serves delicious food at Team planning meetings and practically single-handedly renovated the entire 19,000 square foot building that EMC currently calls home.

Fun fact: in his younger years, Mr. Wally has been known to step in and act as a surrogate “Dad” in our Adagio Partnering classes when one dad had two daughters and couldn’t dance with them both.

Mr. Wally’s shining moment comes in December each year, when he appears as Santa in our Holiday Celebration at the Pullo Center. This is a job he claims he won’t ever give up. He even performed through the pain in the months before his double knee replacement. Now that’s commitment!

Mr. Wally is dad to 5 grown-up kids, grandpa to 2 grand-kiddos, and cat-dad to 2 felines that he adores. Also, he is married to Miss Robin, the hardest job of all.

Nicholas Umezawa grew up studying at EMC Performing Arts Studio since the age of 3. As the son of the Director, he had access to all that the studio had to offer, including dance, art and gymnastics…but his true calling was in the Music Academy.

Nicholas began studying the guitar at age 8 under Ren Williams and continued with Curt Sipe, James McGarvey, Seth Kibel, Ethan Walker, Mark Kraus and Allison Hutchison.

After graduating from Susquehannock High School in 2015, Nicholas received a scholarship to Pace University in Manhattan, then transferred to City Tech where he earned a degree in Entertainment Technology.

Today, Nicholas has returned to his hometown to raise his family and teach the next generation of guitar students at EMC. He is also the Technical Director for events and productions here at the studio.

Nick hopes to share his love of music with his students and has an easy-going demeanor that makes him especially popular with pre-teen and teenaged musicians.

Ashley Rosario has been with EMC since she was 12 years old, starting dance classes the day EMC opened in New Freedom! She continued dancing and student teaching at EMC until she graduated in 2008.

After graduation, she attended classes at Harrisburg Area Community College, before settling in Trenton, NJ. She is now enjoying being a stay-at-home mother to 3 beautiful children.

Now that Ashley’s children are all in school, she has taken on the role of being on EMC’s Customer Care Team, helping new families get scheduled for trial classes and guiding them through the registration process.

Ashley says that even when she graduated from EMC, her heart never left, and she is so happy to be back (even though it’s virtually)!

Fun fact, Ashley is EMC’s Office Manager Miss Kathy’s daughter!

A Baltimore native, Maria Cotto was fortunate to dance with the Maryland Ballet, the Donetsk Ballet, and with such renowned professionals as Sylvester Campbell, Norma Pera, and Stephanie Powell while attending Baltimore School for the Arts.

She has taught and choreographed for The Russian Ballet Academy, DEX, The Kirov, and many private studios up and down the east coast. Former students have been in the top twelve of YAGP, IBC, and World Ballet Competition as well as began international and National careers all over the United States. She is happy to be teaching as a part of the EMC team.

Elisabeth is a “home grown” EMC Dancer. She began her journey with EMC in the Technique Program in 2003 and graduated in 2010. Throughout these early EMC years, Elisabeth took on assisting roles, which led to her leading and instructing her own classes by 2006.

Elisabeth continued teaching with EMC through her undergraduate college years, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Millersville University in 2014.

After graduation, Elisabeth began her teaching career in public education and earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership. With her return to the Shrewsbury/New Freedom area, Elisabeth is returning to EMC ready to share her love of dance (with a focus on tap) with the EMC family.

Molly grew up dancing in numerous productions, including playing Wendy in Harford Dance Theatre’s “Peter Pan”, Aurora in the Danse Macabre’s “Screaming Beauty”, and Belle in Charm City Ballet’s “A Christmas Carol.

Molly received her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from Towson University for “Dance Performance and Choreography” in May of 2019. She has choreographed numerous works over the years. Her duet “Accidental Bond” performed at the Peabody Dance Festival in 2020. She began her teaching career at Churchville Rec. during their 2016-2017 season, and later taught at Havre De Grace Dancers, and White Marsh Ballet Academy.

Molly is currently an instructor at Forest Hill Dance. In 2023, Molly directed her first of many shows “Jessi’s Story” through Pirouette Productions alongside her colleague, Alexa Hewitt. She is looking forward to continuing her experience as director for Pirouette Productions 2024 show “Rapunzel”.

When not in the studio, Molly enjoys going to church, exercising, and caring for her daughter, Kelsey.

Join us in welcoming another EMC Grad to our Dream Team!

Theresa Falzone started her dance training at EMC at the age of 6.

While she was a student here, Theresa was a member of The Susquehanna Youth Ballet and Company Elite. She also went through the Teacher Training Program under Ciara Miller Driscoll, which allowed her to understand and perform all the roles of the dance classroom- student, assistant, teacher, and choreographer.

Additionally, Theresa performed and assisted with choreography in the Susquehannock Theatre’s musical productions and Concert Choir during her time in high school.

In May 2023, Theresa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s of Art in Language and Culture, specializing in French, and minoring in Linguistics and Political Science. At Bloomsburg, she participated in the BU Dance Ensemble, was the Secretary of the BU French Club, and was a founder of the newest local sorority, Alpha Theta Kappa in which she created the Diversity and Inclusion Chair position along with serving as a Vice President of Public Relations.

Theresa is so happy to be back at her home studio and hopes to share her knowledge of the linguistic aspect of dance terminology and the main language of ballet, French!

Meghann Potter started dancing at the age of 3 in Baltimore, MD where she competed and won regional and national dance titles. She also studied dance technique at EMC Performing Arts Studio in preparation for the Baltimore School for the Arts. Upon graduation, Meghann attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she received her BFA in Jazz Dance.

After college, Meghann moved to New York City to pursue her dance career and ended up finding a studio she fell in love with! She taught at the Downtown Dance Factory for 10 years and acted as head of their Leaps and Turns Program.

Meghann is thrilled to return to her home studio and help grow the next generation of EMC dancers!

Molly grew up dancing in numerous productions, including playing Wendy in Harford Dance Theatre’s “Peter Pan”, Aurora in the Danse Macabre’s “Screaming Beauty”, and Belle in Charm City Ballet’s “A Christmas Carol.

Molly received her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree from Towson University for “Dance Performance and Choreography” in May of 2019. She has choreographed numerous works over the years. Her duet “Accidental Bond” performed at the Peabody Dance Festival in 2020. She began her teaching career at Churchville Rec. during their 2016-2017 season, and later taught at Havre De Grace Dancers, and White Marsh Ballet Academy.

Molly is currently an instructor at Forest Hill Dance. In 2023, Molly directed her first of many shows “Jessi’s Story” through Pirouette Productions alongside her colleague, Alexa Hewitt. She is looking forward to continuing her experience as director for Pirouette Productions 2024 show “Rapunzel”.

When not in the studio, Molly enjoys going to church, exercising, and caring for her daughter, Kelsey.

Erica Bull is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, adjudicator and educator based in Baltimore, MD. In 2021, Erica graduated Cum Laude from Goucher College with her BA in Dance, Honors in Dance. During her time at Goucher, Erica was Goucher Dance Council’s NDEO Representative as a Collegiate Member of NHSDA. Her accolades include the Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship (2017), the Dance Gala Scholarship (2020), and The Ruth Baird Thompson ’31 Award (2021).

In her career, Erica has performed in works choreographed by Taylor Wickham, Mark Caserta, Christopher K. Morgan, Stephanie Powell, Daniel Burkholder, Rick Southerland, Stephanie Pizzo, Amanda Woodson, Eddie Stockton, and Tamara Thomas. Erica has taken opportunities to train under the Joffrey Ballet School’s Summer Jazz/Contemporary Intensive (2019 - Pre-Professional Scholarship) and Eisenhower Dance Detroit (2021). In 2022, Erica became a company member for NITROGENthecompany in New York (Taylor Wickham). For 2 years, she received many opportunities, including a live performance under Christopher Kessenich (Sybarite Productions - Gramercy Theater). Performance credits consist of NewDANCEFest (2021), LOVEisLOVE Choreographer’s Showcase (2022), Flair Dance Festival (2022), among others.

In composition, Erica has been a resident choreographer for various private and public dance programs, including Notre Dame Preparatory High School’s Upper Level Dance Company. Choreographically, Erica’s work has been accepted into NewDANCEFest, Goucher College Fall Virtual Dance Film Festival, Broadway Dance Center AIM Invitational, Ascending Choreographer's Festival, among others. Her studio pieces have been recognized regionally and nationally, receiving multiple Choreography/Entertainment Awards, Adjudication Placements and National Team Invitations. Outside of studios, Erica continues to train students privately (concert and competitive) as a coach.

As an instructor, Erica has trained competitive and concert-level dancers in the DMV and PA areas for over 8 years. Her competitive dancers have received scholarships, collegiate training invitations, and convention assistant positions. Her dancers have gone onto pursuing careers on collegiate-level dance teams and BFA/BA programs in Dance/Composition/Education. Outside of dance, Erica has been a certified Intermediate Level Barre Instructor, under Neighborhood Barre, since 2022. The same year, she was offered an adjudication contract with On Point National Dance Competition. She continues to travel across the country to provide instruction and constructive feedback to future generations.

During her professional career, Erica was accepted into Tufts University - Boston’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in 2023. With an opportunity she could not refuse, she halted her dance career to inspire future dancers of the many ways to continue education and branch out. She is set to graduate in August 2025. Although busy in her career, Erica has always believed in becoming a leader and providing opportunities for others. She continues to mentor NHSDA Junior and Secondary Chapters as well as becoming a Graduate Student Leadership Mentor within Tufts University - Boston’s DPT Program.

Natasha Rhodes has been dancing for over 35 years and received a BA in Dance and Arts Administration from Elon University. She is an ABT® Certified Teacher, Primary through Level 3 as well as Pilates Mat 1 and 2. While in North Carolina she created and implemented a ballet curriculum for a local studio and fell in love with the art of teaching. 

Early training and performing credits include: Baltimore School for the Arts, Elmhurst Ballet School, UK, Baltimore Actors Theatre Conservatory, Peabody Preparatory and The American Academy of Ballet, Parsons Dance Company, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway. 

For the past 16 years she has been the dance director at The St. Paul's Schools teaching both Middle and Upper School ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary. She founded the after-school Dance Conservatory and directed Inertia, TSPS’s elite curricular dance ensemble, while also choreographing the Upper School Musicals. 

Britt began dancing at the age of 3 and made EMC her dance home as a young teenager. While she trained in all styles of dance, her true love has always been ballet.

During her years at EMC, she was a student teacher, a member of the Senior Ensemble and a principal dancer in the Susquehanna Youth Ballet.

Her leadership training began under Ciara Driscoll as an assistant in the Kreative Kidz Program, where she learned the skills to run a fun and inspiring class while building a strong foundation of basic skills and movement in her students. Bringing out the confidence in her students and revealing the joy and freedom dance brings is the basis for every class she teaches. Britt believes dance can and should be enjoyed by everyone.

In 2024, Britt returned to EMC to continue her training as a dance educator, and also step into the role of Kreative Kidz Director and teacher. She is well loved by students, parents and her co-workers, and always brings a positive energy to every project, and every room!

Rachel graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2006 with a BFA in Acting. She also has a teaching certificate from Towson University.

“Miss Rachel” has been a part of the team at EMC Performing Arts Studio since 2010.

She enjoys teaching EMC’s Kreative Kidz dancers, acrobatics, and theatre classes. Rachel visits many of the local schools sharing EMC’s programs with the community. She also is the costume manager at EMC.

Rachel loves working with young people and helping them grow creatively.

Nessa has been dancing at EMC for ten years. She joined the Kreative Kidz program in 2019 as an assistant and became a student teacher in 2023. 

She is a member of Company Elite and president of EMC’s chapter of NHSDA. She enjoys watching kids grow and find their confidence in all varieties and aspects of dance.

Akyla began dancing in July 2014 with at EMC in the Creative Movement and Rhythm class. She continued to progress, joining the Dance Company as a Showstopper in 2016. Her passion for ballet continued to expand as she became a member of the Susquehanna Youth Ballet in 2019. Akyla is currently a member of the Titanium Ensemble, Pearl Technique Level, SYB3, and Adagio Partnering programs. Her favorite type of dance is Contemporary.

Akyla is a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) and Academics (NJHS). She has attended various leadership programs including EMC’s Rising Leaders and Jr. National Youth Leaders Conference in 2022. She is active in her church Youth Group, Student Council, and Susquehannock High School’s Dance Team.

Rhiannon began studying at EMC when she was just 18 months old in Tumble Bugs then Creative Movement & Rhythm. She quickly moved through the levels, following her heart to life full of dance!

Rhiannon has been a part of many wonderful opportunities through EMC and is trained in multiple genres of dance. Her favorite is tap.

Rhiannon has been part of the EMC Leadership Program since she was just 9 years old. She really enjoys the art of teaching kids how to dance because it’s something that’s so special to her heart.

Annabelle began dancing in 2016, at EMC, in the Ballet and Tap Basics class. She has continued through the dance program and in now a member of Company Elite and Diamond Technique Level. She also takes Contemporary and now a Leaps and Turns class. Her favorite style of dance is Jazz or Contemporary.

Annabelle is the Vice president of National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA). She is active in many other things such as the Susquehannock High School’s Dance Team and other volunteer work. 

 Julia started her dance journey when she was 3 years old. She moved to the Discovery Gym at age 5 and joined the Hot Shots for several years. When she was 10, Julia’s passion for dance was reignited and she continued her training in Ballet, Acrodance, Tap and Modern styles of dance. She joined the company shortly after and added contemporary and pointe to her repertoire. She is currently a member of the Titanium Ensemble and is taking ballet, pointe, tap, modern, advanced tap, and contemporary. Her favorite style of dance is tap and she loves choreographing dances and helping younger dancers develop a love for dance. 

Moriah began dancing 12 years ago, and started  in the gym and Technique Level One as a young dancer. Over the past six years, she has continued to grow as a dancer, progressing from Silver to becoming a Company Elite dancer. She is also a member of EMC’s chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA).

Outside of dance, Moriah is an active member of her school’s Student Council, Powerlifting Club, and Grain or Shine Club, which works to give back to the community through food and baked goods.

Moriah has a passion for inspiring young dancers and creating a positive outlet where they can grow, build confidence, and develop their love for dance. Her goal as a dancer and mentor is to help younger dancers advance their technique and abilities while teaching them valuable lessons that they can carry with them both inside and outside of the studio.

Caroline has been dancing since 2013 and joined EMC Performing Arts Studio in 2017, beginning in the Ballet & Tap Basics class. As she progressed in her training, she joined the Company Ensemble and advanced through the ensemble levels. She is currently a member of the Titanium Ensemble and trains in Pearl Technique, Advanced Contemporary, and Adagio Partnering.

Caroline began her teaching journey at EMC in Fall 2022 as an Assistant in Training. She continued as an Assistant in Fall 2023, became a Student Teacher in Training in 2024, and has been a Student Teacher since 2025. Throughout her time as an assistant and student teacher, Caroline has developed a love for helping young dancers learn, grow, and gain confidence.

Tap has always been one of Caroline’s favorite styles of dance, and she especially enjoys sharing her love of tap with her students. She loves creating a fun and encouraging environment where dancers can learn new skills, build confidence, and enjoy dancing.

Caroline is a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) at EMC. Outside of dance, she is active in York Catholic High School’s Student Council, Student Ambassador Program and plays on the school volleyball team.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

Katie’s highly successful acrobatics program at EMC Performing Arts Studio was established in 2008. Katie has used her background as a national champion gymnast and child development educator to craft a unique program that cultivates your child’s potential.

Katie was a gymnastics participant for 13 years including several national championships, training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a Member of the NCAA Division I Women’s Gymnastics Team.

Following her gymnastics career, Katie obtained a degree in Child Development, Safety Certification, and has worked continuously in the field of Child Development since 2000.

Some highlights of Katie’s career are coaching many state champions, starting a preschool program, and developing cutting edge cognitive and physical therapy programs for special needs children.

Katie credits gymnastics as offering a great source of fun, self-esteem, and teamwork in all children. She is looking forward to emphasizing those ideals while working with you and your child to reach your goals.

Rachel graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2006 with a BFA in Acting. She also has a teaching certificate from Towson University.

“Miss Rachel” has been a part of the team at EMC Performing Arts Studio since 2010.

She enjoys teaching EMC’s Kreative Kidz dancers, acrobatics, and theatre classes. Rachel visits many of the local schools sharing EMC’s programs with the community. She also is the costume manager at EMC.

Rachel loves working with young people and helping them grow creatively.

Ava began gymnastics at the age of 9 and practiced for several years before her focus transitioned to soccer. She maintained an interest in gymnastics and used her experience and training under Miss Katie to help her teach in the Discovery Gym.

Ava is thankful for the opportunity to work with so many young students and enjoys playing a part in nurturing their love for AcroGymnastics. Ava is always seeking out new ways to teach valuable lessons that help her students grow technically, artistically and as young humans.

Ava also enjoys theater and running sound for all Susquehannock High School’s productions and also assists with the technical aspects of EMC’s The Musical Experience.

Alli Walker is a dedicated AcroGymnastics coach and aspiring Occupational Therapist, currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Spanish, along with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College, graduating in 2027. Her passion for movement began at age four with gymnastics at EMC, expanding into cheerleading, dance, theater, and choir.

In high school Alli shifted her focus to cheerleading, where she was a Varsity team member at Susquehannock High School for five years and participated in the Big 33 Cheer program. Her artistic flair also led her to perform in musicals such as Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Singin’ in the Rain, and the 2020 Outdoor Showcase at Stewartstown United Methodist Church’s Summer Theatre.

Since 2021 Alli has loved teaching AcroGymnastics at the Discovery Gym, where she combines her love for working with children and helping them grow. Certified in Mat Pilates, she also enjoys coaching group fitness classes, helping others connect mind and body through movement.

Additionally, Alli’s passion for graphic design and content creation shines through in her administrative role, where she creates engaging and visually captivating material. Her diverse skills and enthusiasm make her a dynamic presence in the gymnastics community.

Alexa began gymnastics at the age of 3 and continued for several years. She graduatel from Susquehannock High School in 2019 and went on to Misericordia University to pursue medical imaging.

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in her junior year, she switched majors to health science. While receiving treatment she traveled back and forth from home and school.

Alexa graduated from Misericordia university in May of 2023 and has taken on a full time job with Wellspan Philhaven where she is a psychiatric technician with the intensive behavioral health services at an after school program.

Alexa has been working at EMC in the Discovery Gym since 2018. Teaching children and watching them shine in the glow of their successes is a true passion for Alexa.

Bio Coming Soon!

Katy began dancing at EMC at the age of three and trained here until she was 13 years old before moving to Florida, where she continued her dance education.

She has trained in a variety of styles, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and Acro.

After graduating from high school in 2022, Katy began teaching dance and Acro in Florida. She is Acrobatic Arts Certified and has enjoyed helping young dancers build confidence, technique, and a love for movement since 2022.

Throughout her dance journey, Katy has performed in numerous recitals, competitions, and community performances, including productions with Susquehannock High School musicals.

She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging classroom where students can grow both as dancers and as individuals.

Katy moved back to Pennsylvania in 2025 and is excited to return to EMC and share her love of dance with the next generation of students.

Jaden graduated from EMC in 2025 as an Elite Dancer after spending many years growing and learning as part of the EMC family. Her journey began in the Discovery Gym before she transitioned into the dance program at just 6 years old.

Throughout her time at EMC, Jaden trained in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, and more. As Company Dancer, she had the opportunity to travel to New York City for master classes, participate in company field trips, and perform in numerous festivals, recitals, and productions.

After experiencing the full EMC program as a student, Jaden is excited to take the next step and become part of the team that makes EMC so special. Since graduating, she has already returned to help with dance intensives and Hot Shots Camp. She is always happy to lend a hand wherever she is needed.

Jaden will be working as an assistant in the Discovery Gym while also helping as a hostess and KK Dance assistant when needed. She is excited to continue being a part of the EMC community and looks forward to creating the same positive and memorable experiences for the next generation of dancers and gymnasts that she experienced herself!

Davelyn Basta is a former dancer at EMC. She started dancing at the age of 3. She soon found herself at EMC and began a more serious training dance program. Davelyn worked hard and got accepted into SYB. She enjoyed being in the Nutcracker Ballet. EMC provided a great experience for her. She loves working with young children and has been a teaching assistant for ballet for younger students. She looks forward to working in the gym and assisting with the students.  

Ofelia began gymnastics with EMC at the age of 3 joining the “3 Way Split Club” later that year. After a brief time away from gymnastics classes, she returned to EMC as both a gymnast and dancer. She quickly advanced to a member of EMC’s performing Acro gymnastics team “Hot Shots” for 4 years. Ofelia continued to join the Press Handstand, and 35-foot Hand Stand Walk Clubs before graduating from EMC’s Gymnastics program. She continues her gymnastics training in a competitive setting.

One of Ofelia’s proudest achievements was a wall sit for 17 minutes and 21 seconds before she had to stop to go to gymnastics class.

Ofelia loves working with young children. She enjoys bonding with them as individuals and sharing her passion for gymnastics. Outside of EMC, she plays the Bells with her school band, is active in her church youth group, a member of 4H, and a competitive gymnast.

Bio Coming Soon!

Izzi’s journey with EMC Performing Arts Studio began as a dancer, where she trained in a variety of styles for many years. Last year, she transitioned from being a student at EMC to working at the studio as a gym assistant and hostess. She currently takes ballet and contemporary at EMC and is also joining her school’s dance team this year, where she will continue training in a variety of styles.

Izzi attends Hereford High School and is entering her sophomore year. Having grown up at EMC, Izzi loves giving back to the studio that has been such an important part of her life. She especially enjoys working with the younger gymnasts/dancers and helping them feel welcomed. Working at EMC has also helped Izzi grow in responsibility, communication, independence, and maturity while balancing work, school, and dance.

Ally is a student at Susquehannock High School and will graduate in 2028. She plays lacrosse and field hockey for my school and is also a part of Unified club and Multicultural club. 

"In my free time, I enjoy camping at the beach, reading, and spending time with my family."

I am currently a student at Hereford High School and will graduate in 2028! I do all star cheer in Hanover Pennsylvania outside of school and am apart of one love and varsity club within my school! I like going on walks, traveling and spending time with my family and friends! I enjoy working with children and helping them learn to do what they love! 

Rachel graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2006 with a BFA in Acting. She also has a teaching certificate from Towson University.

“Miss Rachel” has been a part of the team at EMC Performing Arts Studio since 2010.

She enjoys teaching EMC’s Kreative Kidz dancers, acrobatics, and theatre classes. Rachel visits many of the local schools sharing EMC’s programs with the community. She also is the costume manager at EMC.

Rachel loves working with young people and helping them grow creatively.

Meghan pursued her passion for dance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she earned a degree in Dance Education. She holds certification in the Cecchetti Method of Ballet, having completed grades 1-6 and earning her teaching certification for grade 1.

Since 2012, Meghan has been teaching and directing a dance program in Baltimore County Public Schools, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping dance education. Her dedication to the field led her to contribute to the development of the BCPS dance curriculum, ensuring high-quality instruction for future generations.

In addition to her dance education, Meghan earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Goucher College, expanding her expertise in inclusive teaching practices. Her dedication to education and accessibility ensures that dance remains a transformative and enriching experience for all students, regardless of ability. In 2018, she was nominated for BCPS Teacher of the Year, further acknowledging her dedication to education and her impact on the lives of her students.

Meghan’s career also includes notable recognition outside of teaching. During her time at UMBC, she served as the captain of the dance team, further honing her leadership and choreographic skills. She was a member finalist for the NBA Washington Wizards Dance Team and can be seen dancing in the film Step Up 2: The Streets, directed by Jon M. Chu. She later became the coach of the Bay Area Shuckers dance team, a local minor league basketball team, where she choreographed performances and mentored dancers at a professional level. Meghan has been involved in dance since she was two years old, training and competing at a dance studio in Columbia, MD.

In 2008, Julie Roda graduated with a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre from Point Park University located in Pittsburgh, PA. At the conservatory she studied all theatrical disciplines. While in Pittsburgh, she performed at the University and locally. After University, Julie moved to New York City and pursued her dream. Favorite roles include Kathy from The Last Five Years, Little Edie from Grey Gardens and Madame Raquin from Thou Shalt Not. Most recently, Julie was seen in CATS! at The Belmont Theater as Grizabella. Julie is a versatile singer/actor that brings a lot of power and passion to the roles she plays. Her passion for theater and performance is contagious and she loves to see those she works with grow in skill and confidence. Julie is thrilled to be at EMC and looks forward to working with beginner and advanced students as they prep for auditions and refine their acting and vocal skills. 

Nicholas Umezawa grew up studying at EMC Performing Arts Studio since the age of 3. As the son of the Director, he had access to all that the studio had to offer, including dance, art and gymnastics…but his true calling was in the Music Academy.

Nicholas began studying the guitar at age 8 under Ren Williams and continued with Curt Sipe, James McGarvey, Seth Kibel, Ethan Walker, Mark Kraus and Allison Hutchison.

After graduating from Susquehannock High School in 2015, Nicholas received a scholarship to Pace University in Manhattan, then transferred to City Tech where he earned a degree in Entertainment Technology.

Today, Nicholas has returned to his hometown to raise his family and teach the next generation of guitar students at EMC. He is also the Technical Director for events and productions here at the studio.

Nick hopes to share his love of music with his students and has an easy-going demeanor that makes him especially popular with pre-teen and teenaged musicians.

Tim grew up in a household that embraced a love for music. He grew up listening to everything from classic rock, to pop, to country music.

Born and raised in small town in Michigan, Tim went studied music from 6th grade through his high school years. He played multiple instruments and participated in the percussion group. This is where is love for playing the drums started: playing the bass drum, quads, and snare drum during marching season.

Tim received his first drum set on Christmas when he was 15, and it made his love for drums intensify. Playing in hard rock/metal bands in high school and in classic rock, blues rock bands later in his life, has taught him to appreciate all genres of music.

During his free time, Tim enjoys making drums, and has been building his granddaughter a drum set.

As a teacher, Tim believes that students must find the fun in playing music, while learning the fundamentals.

In 2008, Julie Roda graduated with a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre from Point Park University located in Pittsburgh, PA. At the conservatory she studied all theatrical disciplines. While in Pittsburgh, she performed at the University and locally. After University, Julie moved to New York City and pursued her dream. Favorite roles include Kathy from The Last Five Years, Little Edie from Grey Gardens and Madame Raquin from Thou Shalt Not. Most recently, Julie was seen in CATS! at The Belmont Theater as Grizabella. Julie is a versatile singer/actor that brings a lot of power and passion to the roles she plays. Her passion for theater and performance is contagious and she loves to see those she works with grow in skill and confidence. Julie is thrilled to be at EMC and looks forward to working with beginner and advanced students as they prep for auditions and refine their acting and vocal skills. 

Jillian is a student at Susquehannock High School and will graduate in 2026. She is a lacrosse player for both the SHS team and a club team. Jillian enjoys working with children at her church and EMC. She loves encouraging and inspiring our young performers and is looking forward to greeting you the next time you are at EMC. 

Ava began gymnastics at the age of 9 and practiced for several years before her focus transitioned to soccer. She maintained an interest in gymnastics and used her experience and training under Miss Katie to help her teach in the Discovery Gym.

Ava is thankful for the opportunity to work with so many young students and enjoys playing a part in nurturing their love for AcroGymnastics. Ava is always seeking out new ways to teach valuable lessons that help her students grow technically, artistically and as young humans.

Ava also enjoys theater and running sound for all Susquehannock High School’s productions and also assists with the technical aspects of EMC’s The Musical Experience.

Alli Walker is a dedicated AcroGymnastics coach and aspiring Occupational Therapist, currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Spanish, along with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College, graduating in 2027. Her passion for movement began at age four with gymnastics at EMC, expanding into cheerleading, dance, theater, and choir.

In high school Alli shifted her focus to cheerleading, where she was a Varsity team member at Susquehannock High School for five years and participated in the Big 33 Cheer program. Her artistic flair also led her to perform in musicals such as Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Singin’ in the Rain, and the 2020 Outdoor Showcase at Stewartstown United Methodist Church’s Summer Theatre.

Since 2021 Alli has loved teaching AcroGymnastics at the Discovery Gym, where she combines her love for working with children and helping them grow. Certified in Mat Pilates, she also enjoys coaching group fitness classes, helping others connect mind and body through movement.

Additionally, Alli’s passion for graphic design and content creation shines through in her administrative role, where she creates engaging and visually captivating material. Her diverse skills and enthusiasm make her a dynamic presence in the gymnastics community.

Ally is a student at Susquehannock High School and will graduate in 2028. She plays lacrosse and field hockey for my school and is also a part of Unified club and Multicultural club. In my free time, I enjoy camping at the beach, reading, and spending time with my family. 

Katy began dancing at EMC at the age of three and trained there until she was 13 years old before moving to Florida, where she continued her dance education. She has trained in a variety of styles, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and Acro.

After graduating from high school in 2022, Katy began teaching dance and Acro in Florida. She is Acrobatic Arts Module One Certified and has enjoyed helping young dancers build confidence, technique, and a love for movement since 2022.

Throughout her dance journey, Katy has performed in numerous recitals, competitions, and community performances, including productions with Susquehannock High School musicals. She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging classroom where students can grow both as dancers and as individuals. Katy moved back to Pennsylvania in 2025 and is excited to return to EMC and share her love of dance with the next generation of students.

Jaden graduated from EMC in 2025 as an Elite Dancer after spending many years growing and learning as part of the EMC family. Her journey began in the Discovery Gym before she transitioned into the dance program at just 6 years old.

Throughout her time at EMC, Jaden trained in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, and more. As Company Dancer, she had the opportunity to travel to New York City for master classes, participate in company field trips, and perform in numerous festivals, recitals, and productions.

After experiencing the full EMC program as a student, Jaden is excited to take the next step and become part of the team that makes EMC so special. Since graduating, she has already returned to help with dance intensives and Hot Shots Camp. She is always happy to lend a hand wherever she is needed.

Jaden will be working as an assistant in the Discovery Gym while also helping as a hostess and KK Dance assistant when needed. She is excited to continue being a part of the EMC community and looks forward to creating the same positive and memorable experiences for the next generation of dancers and gymnasts that she experienced herself!

Bio Coming Soon!

Izzi’s journey with EMC Performing Arts Studio began as a dancer, where she trained in a variety of styles for many years. Last year, she transitioned from being a student at EMC to working at the studio as a gym assistant and hostess. She currently takes ballet and contemporary at EMC and is also joining her school’s dance team this year, where she will continue training in a variety of styles.

Izzi attends Hereford High School and is entering her sophomore year. Having grown up at EMC, Izzi loves giving back to the studio that has been such an important part of her life. She especially enjoys working with the younger gymnasts/dancers and helping them feel welcomed. Working at EMC has also helped Izzi grow in responsibility, communication, independence, and maturity while balancing work, school, and dance.

I am currently a student at Hereford High School and will graduate in 2028! I do all star cheer in Hanover Pennsylvania outside of school and am apart of one love and varsity club within my school! I like going on walks, traveling and spending time with my family and friends! I enjoy working with children and helping them learn to do what they love!