The Pixie Pods Squad!

Teaches: Pixie Dance, Pixie Ballet, Pre-Professional Ballet 

Hey! I’m Teacher Michaella! (She/Her) (fully vaccinated). Based in Hell's Kitchen. I moved to New York City to attend the Ailey School/Fordham University BFA dance program and I also double majored in International Political Economy with a concentration in Italian Language. Since being in NYC, I have been honored to perform works by Manuele Vignoulle, Martha Graham, Jessica Lang, Andrea Guajardo, Earl Mosley, Jaclyn Buglisi, Chalvar Monteiro, and more! 

I’ve enjoyed teaching for the Junior Division at Alvin Ailey, Pointe Academy Dance Center, the JUNTOS Collective, and I developed my own movement practice called Movement Empowerment. I also co-created the virtual community platform Artist After Hours based on discovery, versatility, and discussion of the dance field. I’m excited to be a part of the Pixie Pods Squad! Looking forward to dancing with your little one!

 Teaches: Pixie Dance and Pixie Ballet Birthday classes! 

 Hi everyone! My name is Teacher Ishaun (She/Her) (fully vaccinated). I was born in Baltimore, MD and moved to Los Angeles, CA at the age of 3. Once I started kindergarten, I told my mother that I “want to be a ballerina” when I grow up. She enrolled me in the Lula Washington Dance Theatre where I fell in love with various styles from ballet, West African, tap, and modern dance. I am also an alumna of the Los Angeles County HS for the Arts and am currently obtaining my BFA in dance at my dream school Fordham University/ The Ailey School.

I use my love of dance, choreography, and teaching to give my students the greatest learning experience! I spent the summer of 2021 in Baltimore as a Service Leader Intern and dance coach for ​​P.O.P. Freedom Schools summer camp where I created the daily lesson plans, activities and instructed beginning ballet and jazz dance classes for kids age 5-8. I particularly enjoy working with kids because their playful and eager energy is contagious and being a witness to their growth as a student myself is most fulfilling. I’m super excited to start my new journey with The Pixie Pods Squad and I look forward to jammin’ with your little ones, we are going to have a blast! 

 Teaches:  Zumba kids/Zumba kids Jr., Birthdays​ ,  ACRO, Grown-up and me, Pixie Dance, Pixie Ballet  

Hi! I’m Teacher Alexis or you can also call me Teacher Lexi!   (She/her)  (Fully Vaccinated) 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! 

 Teaches: Zumbini and theatre Birthday classes 

 Hello! My name is Teacher Hannah Chism (she/her) (fully vaccinated) based in Flatbush, Brooklyn. I am a musical theatre performer with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of West Florida. Before the pandemic, I worked with the Missoula Children’s Theatre, travelling across the US; where we taught kids life-skills through performing arts! I have experience in tap, jazz, and ballet. I grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and recently moved to Brooklyn to continue my pursuit of musical theatre, which has been a dream of mine since I was your kids’ age! I’m so excited to continue to pursue my craft while working with the amazing team here at Pixie Pods, and your little stars too! 

 Teaches: all ACRO classes and ACRO Birthday classes 

  
Hey! I'm Teacher Stephanie (she/her) (fully vaccinated) and I was born in the Bronx, but was raised in Westchester, NY. I have been dancing since I was 2 1/2 years old and went on to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Dance with a concentration in Teaching from Marymount Manhattan College. I also have a minor in Business Management. 

I had the privilege of assisting my dance teachers at the age of 12 and by 16 years old, I was teaching classes on my own. I have experience teaching in Acro, Contemporary/Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, and Tap to kids ages 3-18, as well as, choreography. I am currently a dance/acro teacher at The Pulse Performing Arts Studio in Westchester where I teach students both recreational and on our competitive team. I am also on the administrative staff. In addition to my love for teaching, I absolutely love to perform. I have performed in college dance performances, as well as, an apprentice in Urban Humans Dance Company, music videos and a web series. My most recent performance was this past summer (2021) where I danced in "Grand Carnivale" at Valleyfair Amusement Park in Minnesota under the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. 

Through my love for performing and teaching, I am thrilled to share my passion with you and your children. I hope to bring new skills, inspiration, joy, and fun to them during my class! 

 Teaches: all ACRO classes and Dance + Acro Birthday classes 

  
Hey there my name is Teacher Tayshiana I also go by Tay! (She/her) (fully vaccinated) I started dancing at age four under the direction of Arranette Polite. My skill set quickly began to increase as well as a love for my new found passion. This was celebrated when I received the first A5 Academy of the Arts dancer of the year award at the age of six. I continued to attend the academy in St. Martinville Louisiana, until I later relocated to San Diego California. I then was accepted into the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts high school studying as a dance major.   S.C.P.A opened doors for me as I performed repertoire from legends of the dance world such as; Donald Mckayle, Anna Sokolow, José Limón and Christopher Huggins. Graduating in 2013 and immediately began working as a professional dancer booking an ensemble role for the Musical In The Heights with the San Diego Repertory Theater. In January 2014, I officially became a part of the Disney Cruise Line family as a performer, traveling internationally for the past five years.   

Since the pandemic 2020, I have taught numerous private dance and gymnastics classes throughout the Brooklyn area. Some include choreographing for a competition hip-hop team as well as recently working with after school programs instructing gymnastics. 

 I’m excited to bring my enthusiastic high energy to pixie pods and rock out with new friends! 

 Teaches: all Dance classes and Dance Birthday classes 

  
Hi there! My name is Teacher Shae Reynolds! (she / her) (fully vaccinated) I was raised in Massachusetts and currently reside in Hamilton Heights. I recently graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), majoring in dance theatre. I have worked in many student films, dance productions (such as the New England Dance Ensemble's "The Nutcracker"), and performed as "Baby Bear" in the 92Y's production of "Goldilocks" during May 2022. Prior to my time in NYC, I have been dancing for 18 years in various styles such as tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and more! I have trained at Liza Indiciani Studio of Dance (LISD) in Beverly, Massachusetts. While at LISD, I participated on the competition team and as a competitive solo performer. 

I also assisted dance classes and summer dance camps ranging from ages 2 - 13 in ballet, tap, hip-hop, and jazz. Outside of Liza's studio, I was on my high school's dance team, was a teacher-assistant at my high school, and was a teacher assistant at my local elementary school for the 3rd grade. Additionally, I have been a part of multiple community service projects. I had the privilege to be a volunteer at PAWS animal shelter, a member of the "Diversity Leaders" program at my high school, a member of the Social Awareness/Interact club, a member of Best Buddies, along with many others.   

 I look forward to sharing my passion for dance through movement and music with you and your children! I hope to create an enthusiastic, encouraging, and memorable experience for everyone! 

  Teaches: Zumba kids/Zumba kids Jr., Birthdays​ 

 Hi! I’m Teacher Alexia Nicole! (She/her) (fully vaccinated) I am an actress, singer, and dancer based in New York City. I have always been passionate about performance and I love being in spaces that cultivate an inspired and fun environment! I moved to NYC from Atlanta and studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Arts Academy and completed my Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the New School. 

I started my teaching experience by assisting Musical Theatre kids class and fell in love with sharing my love for theatre and learning something new in every class. I have since then been teaching kids theatre and musical theatre classes for 3 years and counting! I have experience teaching acting, improv, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, Zumba kids dance, and yoga!. I am a certified Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and Zumba kids!  My goal is to touch people with art and inspire them to make a positive influence and to have a blast while doing so!

 Teaches: Zumbini, (OUTSIDE classes only), Music Time, Piano, Voice  

  Hi there friends! I'm Teacher Xan (She/her) (Fully Vaccinated)! I am a musical theatre performer, singer/songwriter, and teacher based in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan! Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to have a life filled with the arts.I don’t remember a time in my life that I wasn’t in love with music and performing. I can still remember seeing a production of Wicked in LA when I was 10 and knowing that I wanted to perform onstage more than anything.

In 2019, I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre Performance. Right after graduation, I moved to NYC! Since arriving in New York, I have performed in Ramona, a New Musical, The Polar Express Train Ride, and Scandusical.I am also a songwriter and pop music artist. I have two released singles and a third on the way!
Although I adore performing, I also love teaching! I have always been passionate about music and dance, and I know the amazing effect creative atmospheres can have on children.

I have taught private music lessons for several years and was also the lead instructor of after school dance classes in several elementary schools throughout Arizona. I have several years of training in styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, latin, and musical theatre. I am also a licensed Zubmini instructor! I am so excited to bring dance and music into your little one's life! The arts have had such an incredible impact on me since I was just a tiny baby, and I can't wait to share that magic with you and your child!  

 Teaches: Zumbini and theatre Birthday classes 

  Hi everybody! I'm Teacher Amanda (she/her) (fully- vaccinated) and I am so jazzed to be joining the Pixie Pods team! I am a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, majoring in Musical Theater and Dance. I am an actress, dancer, amateur comedian and singer located in Washington Heights. I have performed professionally and educationally in over 20 musicals, plays, shows for young audiences and dance concerts. My most recent performance was in the Ensemble of Young Frankenstein at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse in Minnesota.In addition to my 10+ years of performance training, I have also worked as a Theater & Dance Camp Counselor, Teacher's Assistant, and private dance/voice/audition coach for kids of all ages! I am a certified Zumbini instructor for kids ages 0-3 and a firm believer that art is for everyone! I am so excited to get to share the magic of music, dance, and creativity with you and your little ones. 

  Teaches: All DANCE 

  Hey! My name is Miranda Shaughnessy. (She/her) (fully vaccinated) I am a professional dancer and actor in NYC.   Originating in Minneapolis, MN, I trained in dance at studios such as Larkin Dance Studio, Ashley Ballet Arts, and The Bridge training program. I am currently attending Pace University for a BFA in Commercial Acting and a minor in Commercial Dance.  I have performed professionally at the Xcel Energy Center, the Souther Theater, the Cowells Center, and more. I've danced for artists such as Paula Abdul, Omi, and Jake Music. I was a dancer with the MN Dance Collaborative, ShapeShift, and Collide Theatrical. In addition to my work on stage, I've worked professionally on film for networks such as ABC and HBO along with dancing in music videos for Grayson DeWolfe.   

I began teaching 7 years ago; It ignited a passion that I have chosen to follow ever since. I have taught and/or choreographed for The Vibe, The Movement, MN Dance Collaborative, and Acting in Motion. I am extremely excited to be a member of the Pixie Pods squad! I can't wait to see you in class!

  Teaches: All DANCE 

  Hi! I'm Teacher Katie! (She/Her) (fully vaccinated) I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, where I trained with former Prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet, Alla Khanishvili, and former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, Vitaly Artuskin. While attending college here in NYC, at The New School University, I continued my professional ballet training with Sara Knight of SLK Ballet, located in Tribeca.  

After graduating cum laude with a BA in Visual Studies/ Art History, I began my professional career as a ballet dancer and as a ballet teacher. I have performed and guested for several companies and choreographers in and around New York City, as well as nationally. My classical repertoire includes principal, soloist, and corps de ballet roles in The Nutcracker, Esmeralda, Le Corsaire, Flames of Paris, La Vivandiere, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, and Don Quixote. For the last six years, I have been teaching students of various ages and levels; from dancers at a pre-professional level who are about to begin their own professional careers, to beginner teens, to pre-ballet children, aged three years old. 

I am so excited to be a part of the Pixie Pod community, and I can’t wait to teach and share with your little one the wonderful world of dance!

  Teaches: All DANCE 

Hey there! I’m Teacher Dan (he/Him) (fully vaccinated) , and I’m really looking forward to creating some magical creative memories with your little ones. I’m a professional actor, singer, and dancer. I graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, and also hold a Certificate of Excellence from Broadway Dance Center. I’ve performed on television and at theatres across the country. You can find out more about my performance work at my website, DanielReardonOnline.com.

When I’m not performing, I love spreading my passion for the performing arts via teaching. I began my teaching artist journey as an assistant at the theatre school I first attended as a kid. Since then, I have taught for public school systems, pre-professional training programs, professional theatres’ education departments, and online and in- person as a freelancer. I have taught drama, dance and movement, and music for children as young as one to as old as eighteen. I am so looking forward to exploring the wide world of creativity with your kiddos!