our dansations family

TEACHER

A native of North Alabama, Keri Ann moved to Saint Augustine in 2020 and  is thrilled to be teaching her 2nd year with Dansations! Keri is a  national award-winning choreographer and has been teaching the art of  dance for over 15 years. Specializing in jazz, tap, and contemporary,  she is also certified in classical ballet through Dance Educators of  America. Keri has also choreographed many shows in Alabama and Tennessee  including Cabaret, Hairspray, Aladdin, Camp Rock, and most recently  Beauty and the Beast. She was a cast member for Walt Disney World where  she appeared in a Nation-wide commercial and is now a member of the Walt  Disney World College Program Alumni Association. In 2014, Keri Ann  founded The Factory Dance Productions in Cullman, AL where she started  the competitive dance program as well as the Cullman County special  needs dance program. Keri Ann studied Broadcast Journalism at the  University of North Alabama and served as a DJ for both 104.3 WZYP and  Big River Broadcasting's  Q107.3. Mostly recently, Keri finished up a 3  year tour with Beyond The Stars, a national dance competition, where she  served as DJ, emcee, and audio engineer. Keri Ann is also a full-time  Preschool teacher and a Red Cross certified lifeguard.

TEACHER

  Lasana's journey with teaching children spans various traditional and unconventional settings. From traditional studio environments to teaching freshmen in high school and working with public middle schools and competition teams, Lasana has honed her skills in inspiring young dancers. Her secret sauce for creating engaging and educational dance classes involves incorporating their favorite music, weaving fun stories, and introducing silly moves to keep them connected and involved in the movement. What truly brings joy to Lasana's heart is witnessing her students' confidence grow as they become comfortable with the moves and eagerly showcase them to their parents and classmates. She cherishes the moments when trust is built, making each class a fun and exciting experience. Beyond dance, Lasana's quirky passions include diving into her extensive Books to Read list and experimenting with new recipes to delight her and her husband's taste buds.   

TEACHER

  I’ve been dancing since I was 13, but my journey started earlier with gymnastics and acro. I’ve had the privilege of teaching dance for the past 5 years, leading classes in jazz, jazz funk, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and technique for students of all ages. After years of being a competitive dancer, I transitioned into choreography for my old competition teams.  Born and raised in SoCal, I recently moved to Florida and am excited for the next chapter! My favorite part of dance is choreographing new routines and combos, as it’s my ultimate creative outlet. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching my students build their confidence and grow through dance—there’s nothing like seeing them shine! 

TEACHER 

Channing Mae Malz is a passionate and accomplished dance educator originally from Jacksonville, Florida. She began her dance training at the age of three and entered the competitive dance world by age five. Channing is a skilled performer and award-winning choreographer with extensive training in ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, west- African, acro, and tumbling.

Her formal dance education includes LaVilla School of the Arts, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and the University of Florida, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with Cum Laude honors. Channing also trained during the summers at prestigious institutions such as American Ballet Theatre, The Rock School for Dance Education, University of the Arts, FDA on Tour, and ARCHCORE.

Through these programs, she had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers including Robert Battle (Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Jennifer Archibald (ARCHCORE), Larry Keigwin (Keigwin + Company), Cleo Parker Robinson, Edgar Zendejas, Kanji Segawa (Principal Dancer, Alvin Ailey), and Brian Friedman (So You Think You Can Dance), among others. 

Channing also performed professionally as an NFL cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a dance educator, Channing believes in creating a positive, structured, and welcoming environment that promotes confidence and individuality. Channing hopes to share her contagious energy and inspire all students to chase their dreams. 

TEACHER 

Michelle is a native of Louisville, Ky, where her passion for dance was set into motion. She danced competitively, attended a performing arts high school, and graduated from Point Park University with a Bachelor of the Arts degree.  

Michelle specializes in nurturing children ages 18 months to 3 years old. She creates a magical, safe, and joyful environment for the tiny cubs alongside their grownups. Her classes are filled with imagination, rhythm exploration, motor skills, and connection.

Michelle has 10 years of teaching early childhood movement experience, and completed training from the Twinkle Star Dance program. She believes that every toe tap and twirl builds a lifelong love for movement. Her mission is to ignite joy, and confidence in every "tiny paw" that enters the studio. 

TEACHER 

Katrica has been dancing since she was 3 years old and started competing in all styles by the time she was 5 with her favorite styles being tap & jazz. She continued competitive dance through high school, and throughout college, where she held the role of line dance team captain for her sorority. Dance has always been a huge part of Katrina's life, and she loves being able to share that passion with her students.

Outside of the studio, she works as a special education teacher for Duval County Schools. Teaching is something that’s close to her heart, and she especially loves working with kids of all ages and ability levels. Whether it's in the classroom or on the dance floor, she strives to create a positive, supportive environment where every child can grow, have fun, and feel confident.

TEACHER 

Ms. Roberts is a classically trained dancer with a strong background in ballet, having studied at renowned schools including the School of American Ballet and Ballet West. She is currently a Trainee with The Florida Ballet in Jacksonville, continuing to refine her technique and artistry at a professional level.

While ballet is her specialty, Devree has extensive experience in all styles of dance. She has performed professionally in musical theatre productions across the country and has also worked in commercial dance. With a passion for both performing and teaching, Ms. Roberts loves helping students grow not only as dancers, but as confident, expressive artists.Bio coming soon.

TEACHER 

Danielle started her dance career as a competitive gymnast and at the age of
9 found her passion for dance. After high school Danielle attended FSCJ and was a part of the Danceworks Dance team. Danielle began choreographing her own dances in High School and continues to grow and share her choreography in shows and competitions. Danielle has won Title of Miss Senior Platinum and many dance awards throughout her career. Helping give the gift of dance to students all over the city of Jacksonville, she teaches at a
multitude of daycare and after school programs. She teaches the children’s
portion of the renowned ballet, “Swan Lake” which is performed each year at
The Jacksonville Center of the Performing Arts. Outside of Jacksonville, Danielle helps to choreograph competitive dances for the Sharon Davis Dance Company in Tallahassee. Teaching ballet, jazz, contemporary, acrobatics, tap, and hip hop to ages 2 to adult, she strives to build the love of dance and movement through all ages of her community. 

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS

  I’m Courtney—a bubbly, outgoing, and creative individual who believes in living authentically and with purpose. I value strong connections with family and friends, and I bring that same passion for people into every part of my life. Known for my confidence, energy, and originality, I approach challenges with a bold mindset and a professional drive to succeed. Whether I’m collaborating with others, sharing new ideas, or creating opportunities, I strive to leave a positive and lasting impact through both my work and my relationships. 

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

 You’ll hear her from time to time, but Liz (affectionally nicknamed “Charlie”) Jacobs’s identity remains a mystery. (Did you catch the Charlie's Angel reference - that was Keri's idea:). Liz is a professional with over 25 years of administrative and marketing experience in a variety of industries from construction, legal, finance and design to hospitality and more. She’s originally from Miami, FL but currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two young children. She graduated in 2012 with an Associates of Arts degree from Florida State College at Jacksonville and currently attends Western Carolina University where Liz is working towards a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. Outside of formal education, Liz attends and has led industry-specific trainings, expo’s and continuing education classes in her field. Liz assists the studio with a variety of administrative and marketing tasks to help keep the studio running smoothly. 

DOFI - SATURDAYS

Tonisha,  Born in Oceanside, California, was raised in Jacksonville, NC. When she's not welcoming happy faces to Dansations on Saturdays, she works as a devoted Lead Preschool Teacher and dance instructor at DivaDance Jacksonville and Chuze Fitness. She has harbored a love for dance throughout her whole life. With a background in Zumba Fitness, she remains dedicated to enhancing her dance expertise while motivating her young students.