Jenifer Dobbins
Owner

  • Are you ready to embark on a fulfilling dance journey? With 25 years of experience and a passion for nurturing dancers of all ages and abilities, Jenifer Dobbins is here to guide you every step of the way. As a Licensed Cecchetti Council of America instructor and seasoned dance educator, choreographer, and performer, Jen offers a well-rounded approach that will help you develop your technique, artistry, and confidence. Her anatomically sound and inclusive teaching style ensures a safe and supportive learning environment where you can explore your potential and achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills, Jen's personalized attention and dedication to excellence will help you flourish. Benefit from her extensive experience teaching at renowned institutions like Joy of Motion Dance Center and The Washington School of Ballet and experience the joy of ballet as you develop a strong foundation in classical technique. Explore diverse dance styles, expand your movement vocabulary, and discover your unique artistic voice in a welcoming community where you can connect with fellow dancers and share your passion for movement.

    Enroll today and experience the transformative power of dance with Jenifer Dobbins at Unity Dance and Movement!

Zoë W. Hester
Admin

  • You'll find Zoë's diverse dance expertise a valuable asset at Unity, where she happily rejoined the community last year! Having trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern dance throughout her youth and further developed her skills with a dance minor at East Tennessee State University, Zoë brings a wealth of knowledge to the studio. Her experience performing in Musical Theater, Modern, and Aerial dance showcases, along with founding the Amalgam Dance Group, underpins her ability to foster a dynamic and inspiring space for your dance journey. Zoë's commitment to education, highlighted by her master's degrees and work as a high school teacher, ensures a welcoming and enriching experience for every client.

Alex Wells
Work Studies

  • Meet Alex, a passionate dance instructor with 12 years of personal dance experience and two years dedicated to guiding others. Alex is expertly trained in hip hop, jazz, modern, and ballet. Alex's true passion lies in helping students build confidence and truly express themselves through the art of movement. Whether you're taking your very first steps in dance or looking to refine your technique, Alex is committed to providing the support and inspiration you need to achieve your dance goals.

Katie Ganem
Educator & Admin

  • At Unity, we believe that dance is for everyone. That's why we're thrilled to have Katie Ganem as part of our team, bringing her passion for performance and love for working with children to create a joyful and inclusive dance experience. Katie's lifelong journey with dance, from her early days at the Ballet School of Glyndon to the musical theatre stage and her MFA in classical acting, has shaped her into a dynamic and engaging teacher. With her diverse background as a nanny, children's museum associate, pirate entertainer, and Imagination Stage teaching artist, Katie has a special gift for connecting with young dancers and inspiring them through movement and creativity. In her classes, you'll find a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, celebrated, and free to express themselves. Katie believes that dance is an essential part of being human, and she's dedicated to helping every child, regardless of age, body type, or skill level, experience the joy and freedom of movement.

LaTia Barrett
Admin

  • With her warm smile and DMV roots, LaTia's passion for both singing and dance shines through at Unity Dance Studio. When she's not greeting you and your family, you might catch her performing at a local venue! LaTia lives in Rockville with her wife, daughter, two cats, and a dog. She's always happy to chat about Disney or running, so feel free to say hello!

    "Your child's journey in dance is important to me. I'm here to make your experience at Unity smooth and enjoyable, from your first visit to the big recital. I'm passionate about fostering a supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to explore their creativity. Feel free to reach out to me anytime - I'm always happy to help!"

Marijke McConkie
Educator

  • Imagine your child discovering the pure joy of dance in a nurturing, exciting environment! Marijke brings a wealth of experience to our Unity studio, having danced since she was a toddler herself. She's passionate about sharing her love of movement with your little ones.

    Marijke's background is incredibly diverse – she's trained in everything from classical ballet to hip hop, and even flamenco! She's studied with renowned institutions like the Royal Ballet School and the Washington School of Ballet and has graced the stage alongside impressive names like Ballet West and the Utah Symphony.

    But it's not just about technique; Marijke understands how early arts education benefits children in all areas of their development. With a BFA in Fine Art and experience as a photographer, she brings a unique and creative perspective to her classes.

    Your child will thrive in her warm and encouraging atmosphere, building confidence and a lifelong love of dance.

Katie Yourse
Educator

  • Ready to take your dance skills to the next level? Learn from the best with Katie Yourse, a highly accomplished dancer and educator with an MFA from Arizona State University. Katie's extensive experience—from performing with prestigious companies like The PGK Project Dance Company to pioneering inclusive dance programs at Mesa Arts Center—ensures you'll receive top-tier instruction and inspiration. Whether you're new to dance or looking to refine your technique, Katie's passion for teaching shines through in every class, creating a supportive and encouraging environments for all.

    Benefit from her expert guidance as a seasoned professional with a diverse performance and teaching background, spanning studios across the U.S. and internationally. Experience a focus on inclusivity where every dancer feels welcome and valued and gain choreographic insights from a creator of main stage productions, theatrical collaborations, and site-specific works. Katie's unique blend of technical training and artistic expression, further nurtured by her ongoing exploration of various dance forms—including liturgical dance—will inspire and challenge you.

Sarah Laughland
Educator

  • Ready to unleash your inner dancer and experience the transformative power of movement? Sarah, a dynamic performer and passionate educator, is here to guide you on an exciting journey of self-discovery through dance. With a background spanning theater, dance, and fitness, Sarah's classes offer a unique blend of technical training, artistic expression, and body awareness. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe and encouraging space where you can get curious, ask questions, and explore the beautiful connection between science and emotion in dance. Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, Sarah's classes will inspire you to find your own personal style of movement, build strength and efficiency, and experience the joy that dance brings to every aspect of your life. Join her for theater jazz, contemporary & jazz fusion, tap, dance conditioning, or ballet, and discover the dancer within!

Haelly King
Educator

  • From conquering the dance floor at The Summit Championship to sharing her infectious passion for movement, this instructor is ready to help you discover the joy and power of dance. With a background spanning vibrant Latin rhythms to the expressive world of contemporary heels, she creates a supportive space where everyone can embrace their unique movement, cultivate self-assurance, and express themselves boldly — on and off the dance floor. Get ready to ignite your passion for dance and experience the transformative power of movement in her classes!

Avelyn Hetzel
Educator

  • With over two decades of experience as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Avelyn is passionate about sharing her love of dance with students of all ages and abilities. Her extensive training with the Lexington Ballet, where she performed iconic roles like Marie in "The Nutcracker," and her diverse background in ballet, modern, musical theater, and other dance forms, ensure a well-rounded and enriching learning experience for her students. Avelyn's dedication to her craft is evident in her accomplishments, including attending the prestigious Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts as a dance major and choreographing for the Lexington Kentucky Ballet. Her patient and encouraging teaching style, combined with her deep knowledge of dance technique and artistry, will inspire and guide you on your own dance journey. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer looking to refine your skills, Avelyn is committed to helping you reach your full potential and discover the joy of movement.

Molly MacDonald
High School Workforce

  • Hi, I'm Molly MacDonald! I'm passionate about sharing my love of dance with students of all ages. I've trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Pointe, and Poms at Unity Dance and Movement, a studio that has become like a second home to me.

    I'm excited to bring my enthusiasm and experience to the classroom, creating a fun and supportive learning environment. I also enjoy teaching mini hip hop and volunteering with Adult Dance Inclusive, which allows me to connect with the wider dance community.

    With three years of training under my belt and the guidance of Unity's incredible teachers, I'm confident in my ability to help you discover the joy of dance!

Jozanne Summerville
Educator

  • Looking for a dance educator who understands the importance of both passion and discipline? Jozanne, a Virginia native with a love for movement and a dedication to fostering young talent, brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical thinking to her classes. With a strong foundation in dance from her training at Barton & Williams Dance School and a deep appreciation for the arts honed at Sweet Briar College, Jozanne is committed to nurturing your child's love for dance while providing a supportive and enriching learning environment. Her background in mathematics and economics adds a unique layer to her teaching, emphasizing the importance of focus, problem-solving, and sustainable creative practices.

    In Jozanne's classes, your child will not only develop their dance skills but also cultivate a sense of self-confidence, discipline, and creative expression. Whether they're just starting their dance journey or looking to refine their technique, Jozanne’s patient and encouraging approach will help them thrive.

    Join Jozanne and discover the joy of dance in a nurturing and empowering space.

Jessyka Bagdon
Educator

  • With over a decade of professional experience, Jessyka is a dedicated dance educator committed to fostering a passion for dance in every student. Her extensive training across various dance styles, from ballet and tap to contemporary and jazz, enables her to guide dancers of all ages and abilities on their unique dance journeys. Jessyka's teaching philosophy centers on creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore their creativity and express themselves through movement. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, Jessyka's personalized approach will inspire you to reach new heights and discover the joy of dance.

Avital Baer
High School Workforce

  • Hi, I'm Avital! With over 8 years of experience training in hip-hop, jazz, and ballet, I'm excited to help you discover the joy of dance. I'm passionate about creating a fun and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your potential. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, I'm here to guide you on your dance journey.

Lauren Borchard
Educator

  • Discover the joy of movement with Lauren Borchard! With over two decades of experience since 2002, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her classes. Whether you're looking to explore the expressive flow of modern dance, the vibrant energy of jazz, or find your foundation in Intro to Dance, Lauren provides a welcoming and supportive environment. She also offers rejuvenating yoga sessions, drawing from her extensive training, including certifications from Tranquil Space (2008) and YogaWorks (2020). As a seasoned dancer who has performed with D.C.-area choreographers and companies like The Playground and Glade Dance Collective, Lauren understands the transformative power of dance. Join her to unlock your potential and experience the freedom of movement – maybe even find yourself blues dancing along the way!

Maddie Lash
Work Studies

  • Get to know Maddie, a dedicated junior at BCC and the head captain of the BCC Poms team! With eight years of dance experience, Maddie brings a strong work ethic and passion for movement to Unity. She loves being part of our dance community and is excited to share her energy with you in every class.

Adena Santiago
Admin

  • Welcome to our studio! I'm Adena, and like many of you, dance is my outlet and way to relax. As a proud dance mom to one of our very own Unity dancers, and mom to three wonderful kids (and two playful cats!), I understand the joys and demands of a busy family life. After a career as a lawyer, I'm thrilled to be part of the studio team, where I can combine my love for our dance community with my administrative skills.
    I'm passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our families. You might also find me brightening the studio with twinkle lights – I love them! When I'm not here, I enjoy peaceful walks and sitting by the water. I also founded and run a non-profit dedicated to supporting widows and widowers, a cause close to my heart. I'm excited to be a part of your dance journey and look forward to seeing you at the front desk!

Izzy Clark
High School Workforce

  • Whether you're a beginner or seasoned dancer, Izzy will guide you to build a strong foundation in all dance styles. Izzy's extensive training in contemporary-ballet and experience in jazz, hip-hop, and competitive poms will help you develop the technique and confidence to shine on stage.

    With four years of teaching experience, Izzy fosters a welcoming and encouraging environment where you'll make lasting friendships and feel inspired to reach new heights.

Sarah Waldrop
Educator

  • Looking for a dance instructor with a rich and diverse background? Sarah Waldrop brings a wealth of experience to her teaching, honed through rigorous training with renowned instructors like Marjorie Kovich and Maris Battaglia. Her journey has taken her from the classical foundations of the American Academy of Ballet to the dynamic stages of companies like Moveius Contemporary Ballet. This broad exposure, including prestigious summer programs at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, ensures Sarah can guide you through a wide range of dance styles and techniques, tailored to your individual goals and aspirations

Michelle Whiting
Educator

  • Looking for a dance class that feels like home? Michelle Whiting, originally from the West Coast, offers a supportive and inspiring space to explore contemporary, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and improvisation. With a deep understanding of dance as a tool for personal expression, Michelle has been guiding students of all ages and backgrounds since she was sixteen. You'll benefit from her diverse teaching experience and her commitment to building a strong sense of community in every class. Michelle's background as a choreographer and performer adds a unique dimension to her teaching, encouraging creativity and a love for movement. Join Michelle's class and discover the joy of moving together!

Madeline Garland
Educator

  • Madeline's passion lies in creating joyful and transformative experiences through the art of dance. With a background in social work and arts management, she understands the unique power of dance to connect people and enrich lives.

    As a classically trained ballet dancer, Madeline shares her expertise with students of all ages through her work with the Washington Ballet's Dance DC Program, Unity Dance and Movement studio, and The Lion's Den DMV workshops.

    Madeline's commitment to fostering a positive and enriching dance environment is evident in her extensive experience in arts education and community engagement.

    "I believe dance is for everyone. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where each student feels empowered to explore their movement and discover the joy of dance."