Heidi Moe

Since beginning her dance journey at 2 years old, Heidi has dedicated her life to the art. After training in tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, pom, and hip hop throughout her earlier years, she continued to dance as she pursued a degree in athletic training and minored in dance at Virginia Commonwealth University. After college, she returned to the studio where she had grown up dancing and devoted 25 years to teaching dance there.

Specializing in lyrical, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, conditioning, and technique, Heidi has garnered numerous entertainment and choreography awards on the competition circuit and has judged collegiate-level dance competitions.

Heidi is passionate about bringing her vast experience and unwavering dedication to the studio. Her mission: to provide rigorous training, expand students’ dance vocabulary, and foster a loving and nurturing environment where kids can grow and develop their art. She is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers to reach their fullest potential, both in dance and in life.

Melissa began her dance training when she was 3 years old. For 19 years she trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, and musical theater and participated in competitive cheerleading as well. From the age of 7, Ms. Melissa participated in dance competitions, earning multiple award winning titles. 

Melissa attended the University of Tennessee, where she majored in communications and minored in dance. Melissa has been teaching in the competitive dance circuit for 10 years. With a primary focus on teaching jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap and musical theater, Melissa loves imparting to her students her lifelong passion for dance. Above all, she enjoys watching students’ hard work pay off as they progress in her classes and private lessons. 

Kate Kosinski Kane grew up in the dance competition circuit and has been dancing for over thirty years. 

She graduated with a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts, where she had the opportunity to study under tap legend LaVaughn Robinson, perform in a restaging of “Suite Otis” by George Faison, and work with several choreographers and principal dancers from Philadanco, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Koresh Dance Company and Paul Taylor Dance Company, among others.

For over twenty years, Kate has taught jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, contemporary and strength & conditioning. She has won numerous choreography awards from multiple dance competitions. In addition, many of her students have won national titles from major talent competitions and have gone on to dance professionally. 

“To dance is to fully express oneself, whole and true.”

Anne's dance journey began at age 5 in Detroit, Michigan. After studying ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, and Hungarian folk dance as a child, she went on to attend Churchill High School in Livonia Michigan, as part of a creative and performing arts magnet program. There, she studied ballet for 2 hours a day, and had instruction in modern dance and visual arts as well. Following high school, she attended Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Dance Studio Management with a concentration in dance education.

In addition to her years of dance training, Anne's performance credits include productions like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty at Eastern Michigan University, and performances at The American College Dance Festival. After college, Anne moved to Virginia to teach dance full-time. 

Anne has a special love for working with young dancers, finding joy in their inspiration and growth. Her expertise includes ballet, lyrical, jazz, and musical theater.

With over 17 years of teaching experience, Anne is dedicated to imparting lessons that extend beyond the dance floor. She finds true fulfillment in seeing her students apply classroom lessons to all aspects of their lives. 

Renee Henderson studied dance in Loudoun County for 14 years. She went on to share her passion as a teacher, first teaching dance in college and then starting her own community dance classes. 

Renee has over 15 years of experience choreographing and teaching dance, focusing on the basics in ballet, jazz and lyrical. She brings a unique patience to beginning and young students, and to those with special needs. Her teaching philosophy is to meet each student where they are and help shape them into the best dancer, teammate, and person they can be. She loves helping students develop a lifelong love for dance, and building confidence and performance ability in all of her students. 

Renee holds a a BA from the University of Virginia and has experience as a children’s choir director and homeschool co-op teacher. 

Michael Jackson Jr. is a multidisciplinary artist, teacher, and photographer known for his soulful presence and transformative storytelling through movement and imagery. A New Orleans native and graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Michael danced for 12 seasons with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (2012–2024), performing iconic works by Alvin Ailey, Rennie Harris, Kyle Abraham, and more. He’s also danced with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Philadanco, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and appeared in The Little Mermaid(Disney, 2023), B-Boy Blues (BET+), and a special performance with Cynthia Erivo at New York City Center in 2023. 

As a choreographer and master teacher, Michael has taught internationally, fusing Horton, ballet, and contemporary modern with storytelling and spiritual depth. He is also the founder of Good Mess, a photography and lifestyle brand that celebrates Black artistry, healing, and creative freedom. His portrait and dance work has been featured on Vogue.com and in major campaigns like Hope Boykin’s States of Hope.

Based between NYC and D.C., Michael continues to empower artists through movement, mentorship, and bold creative vision.

Mary Beth began dancing at age two, performing and competing on many different stages. Her fondest memory as a dancer was performing at the Ritz Carlton as the sugar plum fairy and Cinderella for their Nutcracker and Princess teas, respectively. She has been teaching competitive dance since she was 16-years-old. Mary Beth has numerous overall, choreography, and entertainment awards to her name. Mary Beth has helped choreograph 5 different productions of the Nutcracker, including co-producing an inaugural Nutcracker with a cast of over 70 dancers. She is passionate about building strong foundational technique in her students, setting them up for long-term success.

Mary Beth holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, which enhances her ability to connect with dancers and teach in a way that nurtures both skill and creativity at a developmentally appropriate level. At RISE, Mary Beth looks forward to fostering a classroom environment where dancers can excel, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the art of dance.

Thomas Russ, a specialist in hip-hop, musical theater, jazz funk, and tap, began dancing at the age of eight. Thomas continued dancing through college as a member of the Georgia Tech Goldrush Dance Team, notably winning a national championship in the D1A Hip Hop category at the National Dance Alliance competition. 

His performance credits include the Super Bowl LIII halftime show—headlined by Adam Levine and Maroon 5, with appearances by Travis Scott and Big Boi of OutKast—as well as performances with the Banana Ball baseball teams, Lil Baby, World of Dance, the Dance Worlds, international artists, professional ballet companies, and more. 

Thomas currently resides and teaches in Northern Virginia, while also traveling nationwide to teach and choreograph at various studios, instruct at conventions, and serve as an emcee and judge at dance competitions. Through his personal dance label, DangeRuss Choreo, LLC, Thomas has choreographed numerous award-winning routines, earning multiple entertainment and choreography accolades, regional titles, and national championships. 

Thomas is passionate about sharing his love for dance with people everywhere, inspiring dancers to have fun, grow, and give their best. 

Neico Joy, a Washington, DC native, discovered his passion for dance and tumbling at an early age. He trained extensively with several local dance companies, building a strong foundation that eventually led him to Los Angeles, where he spent 15 years growing his professional career.

While in LA, Neico had the opportunity to work with an impressive roster of artists, including Pharrell, Victoria Monét, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, and Mindless Behavior. His performance credits also include appearances on major television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Voice, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Bunheads.

Amber Seppi trained in multiple dance genres, including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, and Musical Theatre. She launched her teaching career with Axis Dance & Acro and continued working with dancers at Starmakers Academy of Dance.

Her choreography has earned top honors, including National Championships, World titles, and Battle of the Seas awards. She was also selected to teach at the Cecchetti Convention.

Amber brings an unwavering commitment to excellence in dance education, along with high energy and high standards in every class. She is passionate about developing versatile dancers in a supportive environment where discipline meets creativity—and where every student is inspired to grow.

With over 13 years of dance experience, Jonathan is passionate about inspiring others through the art of movement. Specializing in hip-hop, he brings a high-energy and distinctive style to every class. He earned his B.F.A. in Dance from George Mason University, and is also trained in ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, and modern techniques.

Currently a captain and fourth year veteran of the Washington Commanders' Command Force Dance Team, Jonathan continues to pursue his love for hip-hop while living his dream. He is grateful to have the opportunity to teach and share his passion for dance with others every day.

Jordan McEachin is a dancer, singer, actress, choreographer, and dance educator who earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. A lifelong performer, she began training in dance at the age of three and in singing and acting at the age of nine, building a strong foundation across all aspects of the performing arts.

Throughout her career, Jordan has performed in numerous stage productions, including The Producers, Beauty and the Beast, 9 to 5, Edges, and Newsies, where she portrayed Finch at Actors Theatre. Her performance experience also extends to film and commercial work, with credits on Netflix productions, other streaming platforms, commercials, music videos, and short films. Additional professional highlights include performing as a dancer and character performer with Disneyland Paris and Disney on Ice.

In addition to performing, Jordan is an accomplished choreographer with extensive experience creating award-winning productions for youth theatre, professional theatre, and competitive dance studios. Her choreography credits include Mamma Mia!, Grease, Singin' in the Rain, and Newsies. Her work on Singin' in the Rain earned her the 2023 National Youth Arts Award for Outstanding Choreography. She has also choreographed numerous competitive routines that have consistently earned Overall First Place finishes and Top 5 placements at both regional and national competitions.

For more than eight years, Jordan has shared her love of dance as an instructor, teaching students of all ages and skill levels. She is passionate about helping each dancer grow not only in technique but also in confidence, creativity, and self-expression. Jordan strives to create a positive, encouraging, and inclusive classroom where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential while developing a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Jackie Frazier brings to RISE 17 years of experience as a dance teacher. A lifelong dancer herself, Jackie has taught multiple dance styles, including jazz, ballet, tap, combo, and early childhood dance.

Jackie has a special passion for working with young dancers and takes pride in helping them build a strong dance foundation. Her teaching style focuses on developing confidence, creativity, musicality, and proper technique while creating a positive and encouraging classroom environment.

Jackie is excited to share her experience, energy, and love of dance with the RISE community.

Marina Fox, originally from Russia, is a former rhythmic gymnast. 

Over the past decade, Marina has been deeply involved in the competitive dance scene, supporting her daughters and teaching stretch classes. 

She has also served as a judge for the US Trampoline and Tumbling Association. 

Marina, known as the “stretch whisperer,” is dedicated to nurturing dancers’ unique talents and helping them thrive. 

Abby Henderson has been sharing her love of dance with young dancers for most of her life. She began assisting dance classes at just four years old in her family's dance studio, and independently taught dance classes and camps, as well.

At RISE, Abby has assisted in classes for young dancers since the studio opened.

Abby's specialty is creating choreography that allows each dancer to feel confident, connected, and successful, while helping them look and feel their best on stage.

Abby is excited to inspire young dancers, help them grow in their skills and confidence, and share the joy of dance that has been such an important part of her life.

Izzy brings over 14 years of dance experience and nine years of competitive training to RISE Dance Center. She began assisting classes during the 2023-2024 season at Studio Bleu Dance Center, working with dancers ages 11 and under and supporting classes, recital choreography, and summer camps.

Izzy joined RISE in 2024 and is a member of the RISE Collective. She has continued her training through the Joffrey Ballet School's New York City Jazz & Contemporary Summer Intensive in 2025 and 2026, as well as the Joffrey Spectrum Program, where she performed at Symphony Space in New York City.

As a teacher, Izzy enjoys working with younger dancers and helping them develop technique, confidence, and an appreciation for dance.