Little Beats Team

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Emily grew up at The Dance Academy since her family opened the studio in 1998. Inspired by her father's life's work sharing music with the community, Emily has discovered her life's ambition as an early childhood educator and champion for movement and music-based learning. Emily infuses Little Beats with high energy, passion, and A LOT of love for the LB parents and their children. As a mom of two, she "gets it" and is honored to be on this parenting journey alongside you and all of the Little Beats families!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

With a background in early childhood education, Dani truly understands the link between movement and learning for students of all ages. A life long love of dance led her to explore other avenues of movement including yoga and group fitness. While working as a traditional preschool teacher, Dani observed the strong connection between body and brain as children develop and felt most fulfilled leading her students through yoga, movement and music activities. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students develop a sense of confidence in themselves and their own abilities.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR & HEAD OF ADAPTIVE DANCE PROGRAM

Holly has been dancing and singing ever since she could walk and talk. With a degree in Psychology and Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy, she is excited to bring her expertise to our LB families. Holly has worked in early childhood education as a certified infant, toddler, and preschool teacher and is currently building an adaptive dance program for children with diverse needs. She finds joy in using the creative arts to help children develop social/emotional skills and express themselves. ​

LEAD TEACHER & OFFSITE COORDINATOR

​Sara is a dancer and dance educator who loves working with young dancers! She has her B.A in Dance Education and Performance from Muhlenberg College as well as a minor in Jewish Studies. Sara is currently pursuing her M.ED from Lesley University in Arts, Community and Education. Sara aims to give each child a sense of agency in the dance classroom to help them build creativity and show them that dance can be whatever they want it to be!

LEAD TEACHER

Jillee is a recent graduate of Bridgewater State University with a degree in Dance Education and a double minor in Childhood Studies and Sociology. She has been dancing since she could walk, and her passion for dance has allowed her to train nationally and internationally. She is also a certified 200-hour yoga teacher. Within the classroom, Jillee is passionate about allowing children to explore movement creation and patterning as well as seeing those “ah-ha!” moments. She has a strong background in body-mind cohesion and loves to watch children’s development through dance, yoga, and music.

LEAD TEACHER

Katrine is an artsy mama of three little ones who loves to get creative with kids. She has a BA in Art and Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology and has studied Early Childhood Education at UCLA. Before returning to her home state of Massachusetts, Katrine taught “Mommy and Me” toddler classes as well as process art programs for preschoolers in Los Angeles where she combined interactive music and movement with early literacy and experiential art. Katrine believes so much in the value of learning though play and the importance of child-led creative expression. She is passionate about building imaginative and inviting artistic and sensory experiences for little children and loves watching their faces light up while having so much fun with art.

ROCK-A-BABY MUSICIAN

Al is on the piano and playing the role of Harmony in the Rock-a-Baby band! He is a teacher at the School of Rock in Natick, and performs in various groups and events throughout the Northeast. Al studied music education at Berklee College of Music, and plays and teaches numerous different instruments. Starting out as a drummer over 20 years ago, he has added more instruments to his repertoire becoming the musician he is today.

ROCK-A-BABY MUSICIAN

Nick plays guitar and performs as Rhythm in the Rock-a-Baby band! He teaches guitar at School of Rock Natick and plays for a variety of bands and ensembles through out New England. Nick studied Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. Nick looks forward to sharing his love of music with all the Little Beats families!

LEAD TEACHER

Sarina has been teaching dance for over 20 years with many ages and levels. She is as warm and fuzzy as it gets and loves nothing more than to watch her students blossom. Sarina teaches children of all ages at various studios in the Greater Boston area (but her favorite is of course, Little Beats). You'll see her rocking out at our dance camps, birthday parties, community events, and you may even see her next to you in class with her budding-ballerina daughter. With a creative, artistic flare, she is always ready to make magic with her young dancers!