Meet Our Exceptional Dance Instructors

Michele Smith is a cultured entertainer as the daughter of our founder, Miss Jeanette and owner, director, and manager here at Jeanette's School of Dance. She started her study of dance at the age of 3 at the studio and has been teaching dance for over 30 years. She earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in dance and dance education at Towson University, as well as k-12 teaching certification from the State of Maryland, and is a member of Dance Masters of America.

Kierstyn is our Competition Director, the creator of JSD's elite hip-hop dance team, Kierstyn's squad, and a longtime member of the Jeanette's School of Dance Family. Starting at the age of 3, she has gained experience in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, hip-hop, and zumba. Kierstyn brings passion, energy, and endless laughter to the studio, her devotion to dance inspires her students to be confident and to reach their full potential.

 Emma, one of JSD's Assistant Competition directors, has been dancing for over twenty years, her training including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern and hip-hop. She was a leader and member of Fordham University’s ballet company, as well as being a part of the University’s Poms and Hip Hop groups. 

Dani has been a part of the Jeanette's School of Dance family since she was 3, where she was trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop, and is now an Assistant Director of Competition. While studying at Texas State University, Dani taught at multiple different studios and had the privilege of teaching alongside celebrity dance instructors. After finishing her bachelor's degree and with over a decade of instructing experience, Dani is excited to share her love of dance with her students.

Shaun is currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Professional Dance and Choreography at Towson University. He is a member of The Ensemble,  through which he has received numerous exciting opportunities. With The Ensemble, Shaun has collaborated with Ballet After Dark, Le Mondo Arts, Night Brunch, and performed in Michael Hersch’s new opera, AND WE EACH. He brings 8 years of experience in tumbling and gymnastics, as well as 4 years of specialized training in aerial dance, with a focus on the trapeze apparatus. He was a competitive dancer for 9 years, training in a variety of styles including Acro, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Contemporary. Throughout his training, Shaun has worked with renowned artists in the dance field such as Victor Smalley, Brittany Hall, Mollee Gray, Courtney Thurston, and Britt Stewart. 

 Julia has been dancing ever since she was 2 years old. She grew up in Pennsylvania and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, modern, pointe, and contemporary. She began competing at the age of 7 and won numerous performance, technique, and overall high score awards throughout her 10+ years of competing. She began teaching and choreographing at the age 15 and never looked back. A recent graduate of Johns Hopkins University, she captained, choreographed, performed, and competed as a member of Jaywalk Dance Team for her 4 years of college. She is excited to bring her passion for dance and teaching to Jeanette’s School of Dance! 

Jennie began dancing at Jeanette's School of Dance when she was 2 years old and she has been teaching tap, ballet, jazz, and lyrical for over 18 years. When she isn't at the studio she is running her small business, making and selling her crafts. Her creativity and organization skills shine in her highly structured and fun classes that are enjoyed by dancers of all ages.