FACULTY
Kim Okie McDonough
Kim Okie McDonough
Kim Okie McDonough
DIRECTOR
Kim Okie McDonough has owned and directed Dansations for over twenty years. She has been teaching and choreographing since 1986. Kim was the founding member and president of Rutgers Performing Dance Company in New Brunswick, NJ. Her Company won Organization of the Year and President of the Year in 1990-91. Today, this Compan
DIRECTOR
Kim Okie McDonough has owned and directed Dansations for over twenty years. She has been teaching and choreographing since 1986. Kim was the founding member and president of Rutgers Performing Dance Company in New Brunswick, NJ. Her Company won Organization of the Year and President of the Year in 1990-91. Today, this Company is still in existence at Rutgers. While teaching at Jazz Unlimited and Rutgers University, Kim won regional and national acclaim with many of her dance pieces. Living in New Jersey, Kim had many opportunities to study with many famous dance faculty such as; Carryl Slobotkin, Frank Hatchett, Joe Laniteri, Suzy Miller, Ronen Koresh, Finis Jhung, Bill Hastings, Chet Walker and Countless others.
Kim moved to Jacksonville in 1994 and since that time has taught at Landon Middle School, Lavilla Middle School for the Arts until 2014, Fascinatin' Rhythm, FCCJ, Jacksonville University, Georgio's American Dance Center, Theatre Jacksonville and many other dance studios in the area. Some of her accomplishments include Regional Director of Northeast Florida for National Dance Week 1996 to 2017, Access Broadway and LADF Choreography Awards, Company Dance's Educator Award in 2002 through 2004.
Since the summer of 2008, Kim has been a Guest dance teacher for Rios Dance, Guatemala City, Guatemala. other guests appearances include The Dance Conservatory, Phoenix Arizona; Jazz Unlimited, Marlton, New Jersey, and Georgio's American Dance Center. Kim founded Dansations in 1997 and has been going strong ever since. Celebrating its 25th year, Kim has made a commitment to make dance a memorable experience for all dancers. She has surrounded herself with a highly qualified dance teachers to insure that with every class this commitment is renewed.
Breanna King
Kim Okie McDonough
Kim Okie McDonough
TEACHER
Breanna King began her dance training at the age of 9 at Dansations Performing Arts Center studying the styles of ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and hip hop. Traveling to such places as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago Breanna has had the great opportunity to reinforce her training and expand her performance oppor
TEACHER
Breanna King began her dance training at the age of 9 at Dansations Performing Arts Center studying the styles of ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and hip hop. Traveling to such places as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Chicago Breanna has had the great opportunity to reinforce her training and expand her performance opportunities. Breanna continued her dance and artistic education at the University of South Florida in Tampa where she had the opportunity to work with and perform in the works of Jeanne Travers, Andee Scott, and Katurah Robinson as well as visiting artists Sarah Gamblin and Donna Mejia. While in Tampa Breanna was also rehearsal director and choreographer to student organization Relentless Dance inc. Breanna received a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree with honors from the University of South Florida in the spring of 2015. She is thrilled to be back with her dance studio in Jacksonville and will continue seeking opportunities to further expand and share her knowledge and passion for the arts.
Kelly Radcliffe
Kim Okie McDonough
Kelly Radcliffe
TEACHER
Kelly Radcliffe, a native to Pennsylvania, began her professional career while still in high school, performing with such artists as the Mandrell sisters and Dino Kartonakis. Upon completion of high school, Kelly attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, where she studied with world-renowned faculty and performed with Alvin
TEACHER
Kelly Radcliffe, a native to Pennsylvania, began her professional career while still in high school, performing with such artists as the Mandrell sisters and Dino Kartonakis. Upon completion of high school, Kelly attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, where she studied with world-renowned faculty and performed with Alvin Ailey's Dance Ensemble. Since receiving her certificate of dance from Alvin Ailey, Kelly has been a faculty member at various Universities, Schools and dance studios throughout Florida, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Aside from teaching, Kelly choreographed the theatrical productions "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" and "Two by Two" for the Cookeville Theatre in Cookeville, TN, and directed The Movement Center's 2003 production "Super....docious!" in Honolulu, HI. Kelly has also performed as a principle dancer in "The Nutcracker AllJazzed Up", "Jesus Christ Superstar", Planet Rock 2000, Dance Fusion Dance Company, Dancer's workshop Dance Company and was a guest artist in FCCJ"s Spring Dance Concert 2000. Kelly has been part of the Dansations staff since 1998. Kelly has won many choreography awards for her dance pieces over the years. She has been a guest artist at LaVilla Middle School of the Arts for numerous years. Her varied expertise in Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, hip hop and creative dance education makes her an integral part of the studio.
Keri Ann Payne
Keri Ann Payne
Keri Ann Payne
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 throug
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.
Robersy romero
Keri Ann Payne
Keri Ann Payne
TEACHER
Robersy has been dancing for 16 years. She started dancing at the age of 13 in Orange Park, FL. She has traveled and competed in several conventions including JUMP and Youth American Grand Prix. She has trained in various styles of dance, but has strongest training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary. She has traine
TEACHER
Robersy has been dancing for 16 years. She started dancing at the age of 13 in Orange Park, FL. She has traveled and competed in several conventions including JUMP and Youth American Grand Prix. She has trained in various styles of dance, but has strongest training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary. She has trained under such faculty as Heather Olschewske, Carlos/Ihaia Miller, Marta Jackson, Linda Jenkins, Laurie Picinich-Byrd, Savery Morgan, Dewitt Cooper, Joe Kemper, and James Kinney. Robersy has been a company member of the Cooper Morgan Dance Theatre as well as Paradigm Flux Dance Company. Robersy has been part of Musical Theatre productions for Players by the Sea such as “In the Heights” and she is currently Directing Sakoso, a Salsa on2 team. Robersy is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Miss Robersy has also recently become a Certified Instructor of the Progressing Ballet Technique under Robyn Segel Shifren. Miss Robersy is going on to her fourth year teaching at Dansations and she’s super excited to watch her students continue to grow this year!
jordan pratko
Keri Ann Payne
jordan pratko
TEACHER
Jordan is a passionate educator and performer, originally from New Jersey and now based in Jacksonville, Florida. She is a graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, with an Ed.M. in Dance Education from the Graduate School of Education and a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts. During her
TEACHER
Jordan is a passionate educator and performer, originally from New Jersey and now based in Jacksonville, Florida. She is a graduate of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, with an Ed.M. in Dance Education from the Graduate School of Education and a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts. During her graduate studies, Jordan served as the chair of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) Student Chapter, received the Mastrobuono Scholarship for excellence in the study of Dance Education, and was inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
Previously, Jordan enriched the lives of students as a full-time dance educator and yoga instructor at Bayonne High School (BHS) in Bayonne, New Jersey, as well as instructed weekly dance classes in various styles for students ages 2-18 at Washington Rock Dance (WRD) in Warren, NJ. Jordan has led yoga and pilates classes at Ken Pilates in Hoboken, NJ.
Over the years, Jordan has performed with Rock Dance Collective (RDC) in various venues across New York and New Jersey. She is a certified 200-Hour Registered Vinyasa Yoga Teacher through the Om Factory in NYC under the instruction of Blair Ritchie and Taryn Vander Hoop.
Now based in Florida, Jordan looks forward to continuing her passion for dance education and performance, bringing her expertise and creativity to her new community.
ELAINA TOFF
brooke albury
jordan pratko
TEACHER
With an impressive background in dance, Elaina brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team.Her journey began in South Jersey, where she discovered her love for dance at a young age. Over the years, she has honed her skills in various dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics
TEACHER
With an impressive background in dance, Elaina brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team.Her journey began in South Jersey, where she discovered her love for dance at a young age. Over the years, she has honed her skills in various dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics.
Her dedication and talent have afforded her numerous opportunities to perform in ballet productions, including notable works such as “The Nutcracker”, “Coppelia”, “Hansel and Gretel”, “Cinderella”, and “Snow White”. Miss Elaina has also competed throughout her dance career and had the privilege to perform alongside such greats as Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Having recently moved to St. Augustine, Miss Elaina brings a diverse set of skills and experiences that will contribute to the growth and success of our team.
brooke albury
brooke albury
brooke albury
TEACHER
Brooke has been dancing since the age of three in various styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics and ballroom. She attended On Your Toes Dance Studio in Tavernier, Florida and Dance Attack Miami in Miami, Florida. She grew up competitively dancing and has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, co
TEACHER
Brooke has been dancing since the age of three in various styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics and ballroom. She attended On Your Toes Dance Studio in Tavernier, Florida and Dance Attack Miami in Miami, Florida. She grew up competitively dancing and has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and acrobatics for the past three years. She enjoys assisting and seeing dancers grow and improve to their full potential. As a student, teacher and competition judge of dance, Brooke loves to be a part of the dance community and the opportunity to be around others who share the same passion for dance. Brooke is excited to be the newest member of the Dansations family!
Paige Uddin
brooke albury
brooke albury
TEACHER
Paige has been dancing since she could walk. Her great grandmother danced on Broadway. She then opened up a studio which really inspired family members to pick up dancing. She has done many performances, dance competitions and recitals. Paige performed in the Community Nutcracker at the Florida Theater for several years. She has
TEACHER
Paige has been dancing since she could walk. Her great grandmother danced on Broadway. She then opened up a studio which really inspired family members to pick up dancing. She has done many performances, dance competitions and recitals. Paige performed in the Community Nutcracker at the Florida Theater for several years. She has loved her time performing and has transitioned that love into a passion for teaching dance. She has been teaching for almost 6 years now and her favorite part is getting to know the students and just watching them grow as dancers.
lasana murphy
Liz "Charlie" Jacobs
Liz "Charlie" Jacobs
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 e
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.
Liz "Charlie" Jacobs
Liz "Charlie" Jacobs
Liz "Charlie" Jacobs
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, lega
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. 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.