The Pixie Pods Squad!

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

Hey! I’m Miss 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: ACRO, Grown-up and me, Pixie Dance, Pixie Ballet

 Hi! I’m Nicole Crowl! (She/her) (fully vaccinated) I am from Cleveland, OH but I recently moved to NYC to pursue my career. I have an Acrobatic Arts Certification and a bachelor’s degree in Dance Performance from Kent State University. While attending school I led student organizations such as, East Meets West and the Student Dance Education Organization. I also had the opportunity to study dance and culture in Bangkok, Thailand, and perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  

My love for teaching began at the age of 15 when I became an assistant teacher at my dance studio. I have experience teaching acrobatics, tap, jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, and competitive dance. One of my favorite things about teaching is when a student has been persistently working on a certain skill, or task, and they finally succeed! Just seeing the pure excitement on their faces after their accomplishment, brings me nothing but joy! 

 Teaches: Pixie Dance and Pixie Ballet Birthday classes! 

 Hi everyone! My name is Miss 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 Miss Alexis or you can also call me Miss 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: Pixie Ballet, Pixie Dance, Grown up and me, and Pre-Professional ballet and jazz. 

Hello! I'm Miss Carolina  (She/her)  (Fully Vaccinated)! based in Ridgewood, Queens and speaks Spanish and English. I am an NYC professional dancer and dance teacher. I have 20 years of training and performing in a variety of styles including Ballet, Modern, Salsa, Jazz, and Hip-Hop and also 7 years of experience working with children in school settings and private lessons. Having experienced the positive impact of dance first hand, I am thrilled to continue to share this wonderful art form with your children. 

 I was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay, where I first fell in love with dance and later moved to New York with my family when I was 12 years old. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Dance and Psychology from Fordham University/ Alvin Ailey BFA Program. My Favorite Professional credits include: Tokyo Disney Resort, Esencia Salsa Company, Ballet Hispanico II, and Alvin Ailey. 

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

 Hi! I’m 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: ACRO, YOGA, Grown-up, dance, and me, Pixie Ballet, and Pixie dance.  

HI! I'm Miss Katie, (she/her) (vaccinated) based in Astoria Queens. I am a longtime performer and certified Acrobatic Arts and Cosmic Kids Yoga instructor. I have been in Broadway shows such as 'Billy Elliot" "Gypsy" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as well as most recently choreographing and dancing in the Live Stream Visual Album SUPERBLOOM for the band MisterWives. I am so passionate about passing on my love and excitement for creativity and expression through movement! I can't wait to share that with you and your little ones! 

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

  Hi there friends! I'm Miss 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: all ACRO classes and ACRO Birthday classes 

  
Hey! I'm Miss 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: Pixie Dance, Pixie Ballet, Birthdays​ 

 Hey! I’m Miss Kashia (she/her) (fully vaccinated). I am a Miami-born dancer, choreographer, performer, and artist, who earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from New World School of the Arts. While in school, I was commissioned by Peter London Global Dance Company to create two works, “War of the Women”, and “Everyday is February”, both works were presented at the Adrienne Arsht Center at the Carnival Studio Theater. I have performed in spaces like the Ailey Citigroup Theater, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, MDC Live Arts Theater, Perez Art Museum Miami, and at several other local areas in Miami. I am currently working with Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre, Adele Myers and Dancers, and Abby Z and the New Utility. I am now based in Brooklyn, New York. I’m now based in Brooklyn, New York, and continue to pursue her professional career as a dancer and choreographer. I am new to the Pixie Pods team and have years of experience teaching enthusiastic students aged between 3-16. 

 Teaches: Zumbini and theatre Birthday classes 

 Hello! My name is 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: "Grown-up,Dance, and me, Pixie Dance, Birthday  

Hello! My name is Maya (she/her) (fully vaccinated) and I am based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Originally from Washington, DC, I moved to the city after graduating from the University of Virginia to pursue a career in acting. I’m also a babysitter, so sometimes my days are filled with sing-alongs, dance parties and imaginative play. I believe that early age dance classes are a great way to encourage your children to feel more comfortable in their bodies, independent and creative. It also a great way to introduce them to basic concepts, like size and speed. Can’t wait to play and move with you and your little one!

  Teaches: Pixie Dance, Pixie Ballet, Pixie Dance birthday in Mandarin and English. 

  Hi! I'm Miss Ianka! (She/Her) (fully vaccinated) During the last semester of college, I felt unsure and confused about the future because of the pandemic. However, becoming a member of the pixie pods family helps me connect to my path again. I had taught children in the creative form in the past, and I love to move with them. The light in their eyes always reminds me of my passion for dance. I am very excited to teach and create a safe environment for the kids to explore their creativity and have a good time. I was born and raised in China. I joined the dance team in elementary school and experienced different forms of dance through high school. I decided to become a professional dancer in college, and I was mainly trained in both ballet and modern. I graduated as a dance major and psychology minor with a yoga teacher certificate on May 16th, 2021, at the University of Iowa. I was very grateful for the performing, collaborating, and choreographing opportunities in college. I am very excited about this new journey of my life.  

    Intro video coming soon... 

Teaches: Bollywood Dance, Pixie Dance, Grown-up and me., and Theatre.

 Hi friends! I’m Miss Zahra! (She/her) (speaks English.) (fully vaccinated) I’m a teaching artist, director, and choreographer based in Brooklyn. I'm originally from the Bay Area, California, but I moved out to NYC to pursue my BFA in Theatre from Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in Education Studies. I have been dancing and acting for most of my life and am trained in hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, and Bollywood dance!  I have been passionate about teaching the arts since I was a young child and have worked as a dance teaching artist at organizations such as ASTEP, enFamilia Inc., and ArtStart. I truly believe that the performing arts are essential for all young children in order to build self-confidence, foster creativity and encourage resilience and joy. I am so passionate about the arts and am excited to share that with you and your child! 

  Teaches: Piano lessons, Voice Lessons, Guitar, Music Time 

 Hello! I'm Alzena (they/them) (fully vaccinated) I am a musician, performer and multi-instrumentalist from Dallas, Texas. I moved to New York after receiving my Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from The University of Oklahoma. I've appeared in several children's theatre productions including "The Meanest Birthday Girl" (Off-Broadway) and "Skippyjon Jones: Snow What?" (1st National Tour). I absolutely love working with children and pride myself on being a patient and nurturing teacher. I've played music my entire life, and my aim as an educator is to provide the skills and encouragement for my students to develop their own life-long passion for music. Music is the medicine! 

 Teaches: Piano Lessons

Hi! I’m Heather Edwards! (She/her) (fully vaccinated) I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, trained as a classical pianist and graduated from Berklee College of Music. I have always loved music, dance and acting. Being creative is part of core being. I have been working as a pianist since I was 15 years old. I currently work as a pianist/songwriter/recording artist and have performed and toured with many types of bands, from funk and rock to jazz and country. I have been writing and performing my own music since I was 11 years old. I also work as a conductor, musical director, and regularly perform in musical theatre productions around the New York area. In addition to educating children in the performing arts, I also enjoy teaching private piano and vocal lessons to children and working with them in musical theatre productions as pianist and Musical Director through my arts education non-profit AhHa!Broadway. I have released several CD albums and have also played a wide range of characters as an actress in television, film, and theatre. I am also a member of AFM Local 802 and Actors Equity Association. 

  Teaches: Piano lessons, Voice Lessons, music time

 Bio coming soon. 

 Hey! I'm Miss Faride! (speaks Spanish and English) (Fully Vaccinated). Based in Bed-stuy, Brooklyn. I grew up as a rhythmic gymnastic in Mexico and began dancing as a teenager. I also started teaching Dance and gymnastics at a very young age. I came to study Modern Dance at the José Limón Dance Foundation in New York City. During my dance journey I immersed myself in different dance styles and cultures like Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, House and Jazz. After graduating from the Limón school I began teaching in the Limón4Kids extension. I love exploring movement qualities, musicality and having the opportunity to work and create with dancers of all ages!

Hi I'm Anne Parichon-Buoncore (she/her) (fully vaccinated) I am from Paris, France. I started my training in Ballet early in age at the conservatoire in France. I have been living in NYC for seven years now, I moved here to study Modern Dance at the Martha Graham School where I completed an independent studies certification. I also hold a Pilates instructor certification and I have been happily teaching it for two years now. 

I am also the Artistic Director of my own contemporary dance company, I love creating and using my imagination to share my thoughts on the world around me and I hope I can share my passion with your little ones through some fun moves!