The Director: Ms. Jo-Ann Donnelly

Ms. Jo-Ann has been teaching for more than thirty years. She is a member of the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston and has been tested and certified to teach dance. She is also a member of Dance Alliance. Ms.Jo-Ann is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Elementary Education. She continues to study dance with various choreographers through D.T.C.B.and is currently enjoying the art of "Ballroom" dance. This September, Ms. Jo-Ann is proud to receive her "25 year pin" as a distinguished member of the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston. After retiring from her fourth grade position in East Providence, Ms. Jo-Ann looks forward to devoting more time to her two passions: her family and dance!

The Artistic Director: Ms. Shannon Ashton

Ms. Shannon Ashton, artistic director, is a member of the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston and has been tested and certified to teach dance. She has danced and performed at various competitions, workshops, and showcases for over twenty-five years. Ms. Shannon's extensive training in jazz has brought her success in teaching our Jr. and Sr. Jazz companies, as well as our newly formed Hip-Hop Crews. Over the years, her students have been recipients of silver, gold, and platinum awards. Ms. Shannon continues to motivate and challenge our acro-gym classes.

Our Staff:

Miss Shana Fox has been involved in dance for over 24 years, studying classical ballet at the Brae Crest School under the direction of her grandmother, Prima Ballerina-Herci Marsden. She was a company member of The State Ballet of Rhode Island for more than ten years, currently performing as an alumna dancer. Over the years, she has performed in such ballets as Coppelia, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Graduation Ball, and the world premiere of Princess and the Pea. Shana is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she was a dancer and choreographer in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop for the UNH Dance Company. She also danced with Bayside Tap Company. A native of Lincoln, R.I., Shana is a member of the Board of Directors for the State Ballet of R.I. and is currently teaching an instructor and choreographer for various schools and youth organizations throughout R.I. and nearby Massachusetts. She is thrilled to experience her first year on staff at Jo-Ann's Dance Studio!

Miss Sandra Olson has been dancing for twenty-three years and began her dance career at the age of three with Ms. Jo-Ann. She graduated from the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston's training course in 1996. She then continued her dance studies at Roger Williams University, where she worked with many different choreographers and artists from all over the world. While attending R.W.U., as part of their dance company, "The Dance Theatre", she performed in many productions and traveled to many festivals around New England. Miss Sandra currently teaches our Senior Company lyric class, as well as instructing individual students in jazz. Ms.Sandra currently teaches our Jr. and Sr. company Lyric and Modern classes. She also enjoys teaching Modern for ages 19 & over.

Miss Jennifer Tilley has been dancing for 21 years. She is a 2003 graduate from the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston's Training Course. During her training at Riverside Dance Center she has competed and received many silver and gold awards. Miss Jen has a bachelor's degree in dance performance from Rhode Island College. During her four years of college she was a member of the R.I.C. Dance Company and was fortunate to work with many talented artists and choreographers. Miss Jen currently enjoys teaching our Hip-Hop I class and is also a pre school teacher at the Children's Workshop.