FACULTY AND STAFF
Faculty Member, Dancer, Administrative Coordinator
Kathleen Bostleman (she/her) began her dance training at the Toledo Ballet and the Toledo School for the Arts, and she later attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City on scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude with honors from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and holds a BFA in Ballet. While completing her degree, she studied ballet and modern dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and graduated from the Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Training Program under the direction of Karah Abiog. In addition, she spent summers studying at the Joffrey Ballet School, Colorado Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. She has performed and choreographed new work as a freelance artist in San Francisco and New York City and taught classes and workshops for Toledo Ballet, the Teens@LINES program at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Bay Area Ballet Conservatory, and UCLA Ballet Company. She is an E-RYT 200 certified yoga instructor and a Licensed Massage Therapist. Embodimentessentials.com
Kathleen Bostleman (she/her) began her dance training at the Toledo Ballet and the Toledo School for the Arts, and she later attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City on scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude with honors from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and holds a BFA in Ballet. While completing her degree, she studied ballet and modern dance at the Beijing Dance Academy and graduated from the Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Training Program under the direction of Karah Abiog. In addition, she spent summers studying at the Joffrey Ballet School, Colorado Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. She has performed and choreographed new work as a freelance artist in San Francisco and New York City and taught classes and workshops for Toledo Ballet, the Teens@LINES program at Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Bay Area Ballet Conservatory, and UCLA Ballet Company. She is an E-RYT 200 certified yoga instructor and a Licensed Massage Therapist. Embodimentessentials.com
Faculty Member, Dancer
Veda Manly (she/her) grew up in Madison, WI and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance and an additional degree in Economics. She previously worked as the communications and special projects coordinator at Li Chiao-Ping Dance in Madison, WI. As a teacher, she has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts project, teaching elementary kids dance and movement skills as well as ballet classes. She received early training in Martha Graham Technique with Lisa Thurrell at Kanopy Dance, who she studied with for eight years. She performed with Kanopy Dance Company II for three years, and while attending UW-Madison, performed in works choreographed by Kimi Evelyn, Li Chiao-Ping, Duane Lee Holland, Liz Sexe, Maree ReMalia, Kia Smith, and Christian vonHoward. Veda is excited to now be in Brooklyn and working with Alden Moves!
Veda Manly (she/her) grew up in Madison, WI and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance and an additional degree in Economics. She previously worked as the communications and special projects coordinator at Li Chiao-Ping Dance in Madison, WI. As a teacher, she has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts project, teaching elementary kids dance and movement skills as well as ballet classes. She received early training in Martha Graham Technique with Lisa Thurrell at Kanopy Dance, who she studied with for eight years. She performed with Kanopy Dance Company II for three years, and while attending UW-Madison, performed in works choreographed by Kimi Evelyn, Li Chiao-Ping, Duane Lee Holland, Liz Sexe, Maree ReMalia, Kia Smith, and Christian vonHoward. Veda is excited to now be in Brooklyn and working with Alden Moves!
Faculty Member, Dancer
Hannah Schayes (she/her), originally from Syracuse, New York, became serious about her dance training at the age of thirteen. She studied at summer intensive programs with dance companies across the country including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor, and José Limón. Hannah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercyhurst University where she earned a BFA in Dance and Sociology minor. During her undergraduate studies, she achieved various dance and academic scholarships. As an inductee of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA), she was involved in experiences on and off campus that allowed her to be engaged in the community. Additionally, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Dungarvan, Ireland, where she performed and furthered her studies. Currently, she resides in New York City where she is dancing and teaching.
Hannah Schayes (she/her), originally from Syracuse, New York, became serious about her dance training at the age of thirteen. She studied at summer intensive programs with dance companies across the country including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor, and José Limón. Hannah graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercyhurst University where she earned a BFA in Dance and Sociology minor. During her undergraduate studies, she achieved various dance and academic scholarships. As an inductee of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA), she was involved in experiences on and off campus that allowed her to be engaged in the community. Additionally, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Dungarvan, Ireland, where she performed and furthered her studies. Currently, she resides in New York City where she is dancing and teaching.
Studio Administrator, Dance Explorers Assistant
Jalisa Wright (she/her) is a dancer and movement enthusiast from Brooklyn, NY who believes that every body dances and movement is medicine. Passionate about the expressive and healing power of dance, Jalisa inspires others to move not for perfection, but for joy, connection, and self-discovery. She is also known among dancers for sharing resources on free classes and programs for movement artists.
Jalisa Wright (she/her) is a dancer and movement enthusiast from Brooklyn, NY who believes that every body dances and movement is medicine. Passionate about the expressive and healing power of dance, Jalisa inspires others to move not for perfection, but for joy, connection, and self-discovery. She is also known among dancers for sharing resources on free classes and programs for movement artists.
Dance Explorers Assistant
Tracy Pierre-Louis (she/her) grew up in Queens, New York, and proudly celebrates her Haitian heritage. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Social Work with a minor in Jewelry Design from Queens College. Tracy has worked with children across a range of programs as a fitness, arts and crafts, and chess coach, fostering curiosity, teamwork, and confidence through creative and active play. With a deep belief in the power of movement and self-expression, Tracy loves helping young learners discover their creativity and hidden talents. She brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a strong sense of commitment to every class and is excited to support the growth and joy of the Dance Explorers community.
Tracy Pierre-Louis (she/her) grew up in Queens, New York, and proudly celebrates her Haitian heritage. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Social Work with a minor in Jewelry Design from Queens College. Tracy has worked with children across a range of programs as a fitness, arts and crafts, and chess coach, fostering curiosity, teamwork, and confidence through creative and active play. With a deep belief in the power of movement and self-expression, Tracy loves helping young learners discover their creativity and hidden talents. She brings enthusiasm, empathy, and a strong sense of commitment to every class and is excited to support the growth and joy of the Dance Explorers community.
Dancer
Tess Driscoll (she/her) grew up just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, dancing at Dance Workshop of Hanover. There, she studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and acro. She also danced on the competition team, and performed in the Nutcracker, recitals, and other local shows. She went to several summer intensive programs, including José Mateo Ballet Theatre. This spring, she will be graduating with a double major in Contemporary Dance & Contemporary Music from Eugene Lang College at the New School in New York City. At Lang, she studied ballet, contemporary and choreography, in addition to taking classes at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Peridance & more. Over the past four years, Tess performed at New York Live Arts in pieces choreographed by Rebecca Stenn, Beth Gill, Stacey Spence, and other guest artists in residence. Last spring, she created and performed her piece “Heart Out”, combining her own remixed music and choreography with a self-directed accompanying video. Tess also participated in the I Have a Dream Program, teaching dance to public school students in Harlem and Chelsea. She has taught at summer intensives across the South Shore and is currently on faculty at South Shore Dance Ensemble, where she has choreographed pieces for competition and Nutcracker. Currently, she is based in NYC, where she continues to dance and teach. Tess is passionate about blending technique with artistry, helping kids feel the rewards of their hard work. She aims to make dancing as fun as it is challenging and create a safe space for experimentation and expression.
Tess Driscoll (she/her) grew up just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, dancing at Dance Workshop of Hanover. There, she studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and acro. She also danced on the competition team, and performed in the Nutcracker, recitals, and other local shows. She went to several summer intensive programs, including José Mateo Ballet Theatre. This spring, she will be graduating with a double major in Contemporary Dance & Contemporary Music from Eugene Lang College at the New School in New York City. At Lang, she studied ballet, contemporary and choreography, in addition to taking classes at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Peridance & more. Over the past four years, Tess performed at New York Live Arts in pieces choreographed by Rebecca Stenn, Beth Gill, Stacey Spence, and other guest artists in residence. Last spring, she created and performed her piece “Heart Out”, combining her own remixed music and choreography with a self-directed accompanying video. Tess also participated in the I Have a Dream Program, teaching dance to public school students in Harlem and Chelsea. She has taught at summer intensives across the South Shore and is currently on faculty at South Shore Dance Ensemble, where she has choreographed pieces for competition and Nutcracker. Currently, she is based in NYC, where she continues to dance and teach. Tess is passionate about blending technique with artistry, helping kids feel the rewards of their hard work. She aims to make dancing as fun as it is challenging and create a safe space for experimentation and expression.
GUEST DANCERS
Guest Dancer
Liz McKendry (she/her) hails from Buffalo, N.Y and is celebrating her fifth year with this beautiful company. Liz got her start performing in Donn Arden's Jubilee! before landing a spot in the Broadway Musical The Producers. Off-Broadway: Sleep No More (McKittrick Hotel), Comedy of Errors, Othello (The Shakespeare Lab NYC). Regional: The Red Dress (The New Phoenix Theatre), Mamma Mia (The Gateway), The Producers (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Funny Thing...Forum (Paper Mill Playhouse), Boeing (Cape May Stage). Film: The Producers. Gratitude to Alden Moves Dance Theatre and Luigi's Jazz Centre.
Liz McKendry (she/her) hails from Buffalo, N.Y and is celebrating her fifth year with this beautiful company. Liz got her start performing in Donn Arden's Jubilee! before landing a spot in the Broadway Musical The Producers. Off-Broadway: Sleep No More (McKittrick Hotel), Comedy of Errors, Othello (The Shakespeare Lab NYC). Regional: The Red Dress (The New Phoenix Theatre), Mamma Mia (The Gateway), The Producers (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Funny Thing...Forum (Paper Mill Playhouse), Boeing (Cape May Stage). Film: The Producers. Gratitude to Alden Moves Dance Theatre and Luigi's Jazz Centre.
Guest Dancer
Michelle Palatucci (she/her) Originally from Australia, Michelle has been dancing since a young age in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. She came to New York on a scholarship to attend the Joffrey Ballet school, while also earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance form NJCU graduating Magna Cum Laude and is now working as a professional dancer and teacher. Michelle has performed professionally with Arts Align Dance Company, Jennifer Muller / The Works and Pandora Ballet Company as well as dancing at The Apollo Theater, Bryant Park Summer Stage and Dixion Place. Michelle has also worked in the Australian Television industry on the show Dance Academy. She is also a certified Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor.
Michelle Palatucci (she/her) Originally from Australia, Michelle has been dancing since a young age in Classical Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz. She came to New York on a scholarship to attend the Joffrey Ballet school, while also earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance form NJCU graduating Magna Cum Laude and is now working as a professional dancer and teacher. Michelle has performed professionally with Arts Align Dance Company, Jennifer Muller / The Works and Pandora Ballet Company as well as dancing at The Apollo Theater, Bryant Park Summer Stage and Dixion Place. Michelle has also worked in the Australian Television industry on the show Dance Academy. She is also a certified Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor.
Dancer
Kana Takahashi (she/her) Originally from Saitama, Japan, Kana Takahashi is a NYC-based dancer/actor. Her favorite theater credits include South Pacific at Midtown Arts Center and West Virginia Public Theatre, Miss Saigon, Hair, Pippin, Oklahoma!, Unto These Hills, Six Strings Sonics (Fringe NYC), and War+Lovers (off-Broadway). As a dancer, she has performed for John Cage Centennial Festival, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Ailey Citigroup Theater, MuSE, Azul Dance Theatre, Surati Holi Hai and Vangeline Theater/ New York Butoh Institute, among others. She received her certificate of dance from the Ailey School. She also holds a Single Sword Stage Combat certification by SAFD and a Flexibility Specialist certification by IFPA. She has been dancing with ALDEN MOVES Dance Theater since 2012. kanatakahashidance.com
Kana Takahashi (she/her) Originally from Saitama, Japan, Kana Takahashi is a NYC-based dancer/actor. Her favorite theater credits include South Pacific at Midtown Arts Center and West Virginia Public Theatre, Miss Saigon, Hair, Pippin, Oklahoma!, Unto These Hills, Six Strings Sonics (Fringe NYC), and War+Lovers (off-Broadway). As a dancer, she has performed for John Cage Centennial Festival, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Ailey Citigroup Theater, MuSE, Azul Dance Theatre, Surati Holi Hai and Vangeline Theater/ New York Butoh Institute, among others. She received her certificate of dance from the Ailey School. She also holds a Single Sword Stage Combat certification by SAFD and a Flexibility Specialist certification by IFPA. She has been dancing with ALDEN MOVES Dance Theater since 2012. kanatakahashidance.com