The Pixie Pods Squad!

 Instructor/Operations assistant

 MiKayla Young, a Baltimore native, took her first dance class at the YMCA. She then began training under the tutelage of Stephanie Powell. She has performed at the International Associations of Blacks in Dance Conferences. She has since obtained her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University with a minor in Social Welfare, studying under artists like; Trebien Pollard, Scott Puttman and, Sinclair Emoghene. Throughout her time at VCU she performed work with artists such as Dr. E. Gaynell Sherrod, MK Abadoo and Christine Wyatt. Now a Brooklyn-based artist, she has recently performed works with The Dynamite Experience and has been in residency with MODArts Dance Collective. MiKayla is a former apprentice with Urban Bush Women under the guidance of Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Spies. She looks forward to continuing finding her voice as a mover and choreographer to serve and advocate for her community. Additionally, MiKayla loves teaching and believes engaging and empowering our youth is like sending a message to a future we will never see from the wise words of Elijah Cummings. MiKayla believes dance should be fun, engaging and for everyone! 

Instructor/Social Media intern

 Angelina Farrell is a passionate and versatile dancer with a rich background in multiple styles including ballet, African, jazz, and hip hop. With years of experience both performing and working with young dancers, she brings creativity, energy, and care into every class. Her goal is to help each camper feel confident, expressive, and free to explore movement in a joyful environment 

 Instructor

Hi! I’m Teacher Alexis or you can also call me Teacher Lexi!  Based in Sunnyside, Queens. Raised in Buffalo, NY, I recently moved to NYC to further my career. I started dancing at the age of 6 at a local dance studio taking classes in tap, jazz, ballet, acro, hip hop and lyrical. I participated in numerous musicals and ballets such as “Annie” and “The Nutcracker” while in high school. I then went onto college and graduated from The College at Brockport with Bachelor’s degrees in Dance and Childhood Education. While in college I got to perform in North Carolina, NYC various venues around Rochester, NY. I was also on my school’s dance team: “Brockport Dance Team Emeralds” and performed at football and basketball games throughout the year. I competed regionally and nationally with the team placing 1st -3rd at regional competitions and 4th in the nation at National Dance Alliance Collegiate Nationals.

After college I began teaching at Studio J, a studio based in Buffalo, NY. For 8 years I taught toddler classes, pre-ballet, ballet and acro classes. I specialized in teaching most of the children who were under the age of 6. I was frequently known as everyone’s “First dance teacher”. I have also taught dance at numerous after school programs and have been fortunate enough to teach dance classes for the Girl Scouts of WNY to help girls earn their dancer badge. When I’m not teaching dance, I’m a full time Preschool teacher during the week. I’m so excited to now be with Pixie Pods and bring my love of dance to children all over NYC! Can’t wait to meet and dance together soon! 

Instructor
Joye Giuffre is a performance artist and movement instructor based in New York. They received a BFA in performance from the University of the Arts in 2020. Joye is currently on childrens programming staff at STREB and has created an acro curriculum that they teach at studios in New Jersey. As a teacher of acrobatics and dance for ages K-12, Joye’s practices ask how dancers can be as authentic as they are strong.

Instructor

Irving Dyson Jr  is a dedicated teaching artist and performer with over ten years of experience in the performing arts. Throughout his career, he has participated in workshops in the UK at renowned institutions including the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, deepening his understanding of classical text, physical storytelling, and ensemble work.

His performance credits include the National Tour of Peter Pan 360, HBO’s The Deuce, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in both San Francisco and on Broadway.

As a teaching artist, Irving has led masterclasses and ongoing programming throughout New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. He has worked with a wide range of students across public, private, and arts-focused institutions, including the Leadership Program (serving Title I schools throughout NYC), The Gathering (a 21st Century Grant program), StageDoor Manor, Norwalk Academy for the Performing Arts, and he currently serves on faculty at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, where he teaches acting, movement, characterization, TV and film technique, and Shakespeare.

In addition to conservatory and youth training, Irving spent three years leading preschool preparatory classes at a play-space facility in DUMBO, Brooklyn. In this role, he developed foundational social-emotional skills through creative play and early performance exercises, and also planned and facilitated themed drop-off events designed to encourage imagination, collaboration, and confidence in young learners.

Instructor
 

Carrington Symone is a dedicated scholar passionate about the intersection of the arts and social justice who aspires to create media that engage, inform and inspire individuals to activism. In 2024, Carrington moved to New York and began a Master of Music in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Music Theatre at NYU.

As a Black and Indigenous educator, Carrington strives to create nurturing environments where young children feel seen, valued, and empowered to explore the world around them. Her work in early childhood education began through arts-based teaching, where she discovered that creativity is not an “extra,” but a vital developmental tool.

Carrington brings warmth, consistency, and responsiveness to her teaching. Carrington’s long-term goal is to create early learning spaces that integrate the arts, cultural affirmation, and social-emotional development, ensuring every child experiences joyful and meaningful learning.

Instructor
 

  Hi! I’m Kayla. Born and raised in Brooklyn, I’m a passionate educator who loves helping children learn through play, creativity, and movement. I discovered my love for teaching at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, where I led hands-on, interactive lessons for young learners. I’ve also worked at Recess DUMBO as a preschool prep, tap, hip-hop, and art teacher, supporting children from early childhood through elementary school.

I began my formal teaching career as a first-grade teacher during the pandemic, which strengthened my commitment to supporting children socially, emotionally, and academically. I hold a B.A. in Childhood Education and a Master’s in Literacy, and I love using fun, nurturing, multisensory activities to build confidence, independence, and joy in learning—both in and out of the classroom!