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!

Deanna Woodman
Educator

  • Ready to move? Deanna Woodman (they/she) is an enthusiastic educator, choreographer, and performer with more than 10 years of experience helping students connect with dance. A California native now based in DC, Deanna has worked with dancers of all ages and levels, from teaching one-on-one to leading hundreds of kids in dance routines from the stage. Deanna is committed to making dance accessible for everyone, no matter their background or ability. Their classes are a safe, inclusive space where you can explore movement, build confidence, and discover the joy of artistic expression.

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!

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 & 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.

Katie Murtha
Admin

  • As one of the welcoming faces you'll see at our studio, I'm passionate about the arts and the incredible community we've built here. While I may not be a dancer myself, my love for the arts runs deep. I've spent summers at the Interlochen Arts Camp, and I still support their mission on the DMV recruiting board.

    I'm also a proud Unity mom! My daughter Molly is a dedicated dancer, part of our work-study program, and is helping to launch our new Big/Little Mentor Program. My older daughter, CJ, is a talented photographer whose work you may have seen in our lobby.

    I believe in the power of Unity's culture and am committed to making sure our community knows what makes our studio so special. When I'm not at the studio, you can find me reading, listening to music, and enjoying time with my family. I look forward to meeting you and helping you with all your needs!


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
Work Studies

  • 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!

Gabe Needle
Educator

  • Gabe Needle is a dedicated educator with over a decade of teaching and choreography experience in Maryland. A lifelong dancer, Gabe’s early training focused on ballet, tap, and jazz, which they later expanded upon by studying contemporary and modern dance at the University of Michigan and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is passionate about helping students of all ages and levels find joy in movement. As a new member of the Unity team, Gabe looks forward to sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Samantha Short
Educator

  • Meet Samantha Short, a dancer, choreographer, and educator dedicated to helping you find joy in movement. Samantha's training in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance began in Ohio and continued at American University, where she graduated with honors. As a professional performer, she has graced stages at The Kennedy Center and other prominent D.C. venues. Samantha’s classes are a place for curiosity and connection, where she invites students to explore their intuition and discover the narratives their bodies carry. She looks forward to sharing her passion and expertise with you in a supportive and creative environment.

Alice Fisher
Work Studies

  • A passionate dancer with 13 years of experience, Alice Fisher has graced the stage in numerous ballets and showcases, bringing a blend of grace and artistry to every performance. Specializing in ballet and pointe, she believes in the power of dance to tell stories and express emotions.

    As a dedicated member of our work-study program, Alice is eager to help make every student feel welcome and celebrated. She looks forward to sharing her love for dance and helping others discover their own passion in a supportive and encouraging environment.


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.

Chelsea Finisdore
Work Studies

  • Drawing on ten years of expertise in ballet, hip hop, jazz, and tap, Chelsea is thrilled to begin her teaching journey. Having grown within our studio community as a member of the work study program, she is uniquely positioned to help students of all levels feel welcome and supported. She can't wait to help you learn, grow, and share the joy of dance with her!

Eli Kaufman
Educator

  • A native of Reston, Virginia, Eli is currently a senior dance major at the University of Maryland. Before joining the studio dance world at 17, they honed their performance skills as a world-class colorguard performer, touring and performing across the country. Eli brings a diverse and unique background to the studio, with experience in a wide range of dance forms including poi, salsa, and bellydance, in addition to traditional styles like ballet, modern, and jazz. They are also passionate about contact improvisation and house dance. They are excited to teach our SOAR B class this year and look forward to helping students explore their creativity and see their growth as dancers.

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!

Sydney Santiago
Work Studies

  • A devoted dancer since the age of three, Sydney has spent the last four years at Unity Dance Studio, where she has focused on ballet and pointe. As a new member of the work-study team, Sydney is excited to assist in classes and help create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for all students. She is passionate about sharing her love for dance and supporting fellow dancers on their own journeys.

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

Leila Stehlik-Barry
Educator

  • Leila Stehlik-Barry (she/her) is a passionate dance teacher and performer dedicated to helping students find joy and confidence through dance. As a current member of Afta Shock DC hip-hop company, she brings a dynamic and professional approach to her classes. Her diverse experience includes performing with Capitol Movement Inc.'s contemporary company and as a freelance dancer in the DMV area. Leila's commitment to community and education is evident in her volunteer work as an ESOL teacher and in her dedication to creating an inclusive and encouraging space for all dancers.

Naomi Peritz
Work Studies

  • Naomi has been dancing since she was two years old and has been a dedicated member of the Unity Dance Studio family for four years. She is currently a student at Loiederman Performing Arts School, where she continues to hone her skills in dance and theater.

    Naomi is passionate about helping new dancers fall in love with movement. With her expertise in ballet, poms, and tap, she is excited to guide you on your dance journey and share her love for these styles with you.