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!

Johanna Barbosa
Educator

  • Is your child ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery through dance? Johanna, a graduate of The University of the Arts and a seasoned dancer and choreographer, is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where young dancers can flourish. With over a decade of diverse training in ballet, modern, contemporary, and improvisation, Johanna brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for nurturing the next generation of artists.

    Johanna's impressive background includes a full scholarship to the renowned Rioult Dance Company and collaborations with leading figures in the dance world. She infuses her classes with the same artistic vision and collaborative spirit she's cultivated throughout her career. Whether your child is drawn to the grace of ballet, the power of modern, or the freedom of improvisation, Johanna's teaching fosters a love for movement and encourages self-expression.

    In Johanna's classes, your child will not only develop technical skills but also experience the transformative power of dance. She believes dance is a dynamic tool for personal growth, emotional exploration, and creative problem-solving. With unwavering enthusiasm, Johanna is ready to inspire your child and instill in them the same profound love for dance that has shaped her own journey.

Amma Bempa
Educator & Admin

  • New to dance or looking to rediscover your passion for movement? Amma is here to guide you on an exciting and fulfilling journey. With a background in kinesiology and a lifelong love for dance, Amma creates a safe and empowering space where you can explore your potential, regardless of your experience level. Amma's unique approach blends her scientific understanding of the body with her artistic expression, ensuring that you move efficiently, safely, and with confidence. She's particularly passionate about supporting dancers who, like herself, discovered their love for dance later in life. In Amma’s classes, you'll develop a strong foundation in movement fundamentals, learn proper technique to prevent injuries and optimize performance, experience the joy of expressing yourself through dance, and build confidence as you embrace your unique movement style.

    Amma's journey from gymnast to dancer and kinesiology graduate has given her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of movement. Join her classes and unlock your dance potential today!

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.

Miejo Dambita
Educator

  • Ready to discover the joy and power of movement? Miejo Dambita, a Maryland native with a passion for dance and a dedication to her students, is here to guide you on an exciting journey of self-discovery. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps, Miejo's dynamic teaching style and diverse training background will inspire and challenge you to reach new heights.

    With a foundation in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, West-African, and tap, Miejo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her classes. She's trained with renowned artists like Chuck Wilt & UNA Productions, PEARSONWIDRIG Dance Theater, Carlos Funn, and A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, and her passion for sharing her love of dance shines through in every interaction.

    Miejo's focus is on helping you unlock your full potential, showing you that you can achieve things you never thought possible. Her classes are a safe and supportive space where you'll build confidence, refine your technique, and express yourself freely through movement.

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!

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!

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.

Katie Yourse
Educator & Admin

  • 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.

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.

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."

Kristin Bolger
Educator

  • Are you ready to embark on a dance journey that celebrates both the joy of movement and the pursuit of technical excellence? With Kristen Bolger, you'll find a dedicated educator and experienced performer who creates a vibrant and supportive learning environment for dancers of all ages and levels.

    Kristen's classes are designed to spark your curiosity and ignite your passion for dance. Her unique approach blends fun and exploration with a focus on artistic and technical development, allowing you to discover your full potential. Whether you're drawn to the energy of jazz, the grace of ballet, the expressiveness of contemporary, or the power of modern, Kristen’s expert guidance will help you refine your skills and expand your movement vocabulary.

    Beyond the studio, Kristen's performances at renowned venues like the Richmond Dance Festival and The Place in London demonstrate her commitment to artistic growth and innovation. She brings this wealth of experience and a global perspective to her teaching, inspiring students to embrace their own unique movement journeys.

Jane Fisher
High School Workforce

  • Nurture your child's love of dance with Jane Fisher. With over 14 years of experience at the prestigious Maryland Youth Ballet, Jane brings expertise and a deep passion for dance to every class. She understands the balance between school and dance, making her the perfect guide for your child's journey.

     

Zoe Neufeld
High School Workforce

  • I'm Zoe Neufeld, and I've been dancing for as long as I can remember! I've found a second home at Unity, where I've been teaching for the past two years. My goal is to help young dancers like you discover the power and joy of expressing themselves through movement. I'm trained in hip hop and jazz, and especially love teaching our youth hip hop class. I can't wait to dance with you and help you grow!