At Rhythm Dance Academy we have a highly qualified staff of teachers with their own areas of expertise. We have structured curriculum that each teacher follows while incorporating their own style and teaching method.
Aimee Rochler(Director)
Teaching Staff:
Becky Daly
I have been dancing at Rhythm Dance since I was eleven years old. My training includes tap, jazz, hip hop, and assisting children's classes. You'll usually find me teaching children's combo classes and tap. My favorite style of dance is tap, but I enjoy watching and trying all styles! When I'm not teaching dance, I spend my time teaching 6th grade math and planning my upcoming wedding! I also love sitting down to eat a bowl of ice cream while watching "So You Think You Can Dance?" My favorite dance memory was when I saw 42nd Street with the studio, learned a number from the show, and got to perform it in the recital production. Seeing kids mature and improve throughout the year is what I like most about teaching at Rhythm!!!
Candice Dodge
I have been dancing for 19 years and my training includes ballet, lyrical, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, gymnastics.
You'll see me teaching ballet, lyrical, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap. My favorite style of dance is ballet.
When I'm not teaching dance, I spend my time studying to become a Physician Assistant at Quinnipiac University and dancing in the QU Dance Company. I also enjoy relaxing with my friends and family, sipping on Dunkin Donuts ice coffee, and watching movies.
My favorite dance memory was when I was named in the Top Ten at American Dance Awards' Dancer of the Year National Competition in 2005.
Sharing my love for dance is what I like most about teaching at Rhythm Dance!!!
Lauren Fikslin
I have been dancing for 23 years and my training includes ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. You'll see me teaching ballet and tap. My favorite style of dance is classical ballet. When I'm not teaching dance, you can see me working at Quinnipiac University, studying for my MBA courses, spending time with family and friends, and shopping (for shoes)!! My favorite dance memory is studying at the Royal Academy of Dance summer intensive in England. Teaching my passion, the fun atmosphere, and great friends are what I like best about working at Rhythm Dance.
Ashley Glenn
Rhythm Dance Academy is proud to announce that Ashley is Miss Connecticut 2008!
I have been dancing for 20 years and my training includes ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, modern, and musical theater. This summer I was crowned Miss Connecticut 2008 at the Garde Arts Center in New London, and was the recipient of the overall talent award from my lyrical routine. I am also working towards my doctorate in physical therapy at Quinnipiac University. Being able to share my love for dance is just the beginning. Inspiring young dancers to discover and be proud of who they are is what I like most about teaching at Rhythm Dance Academy!!!
Jessica Korab
I have been dancing for 9 years and my training includes jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, ballet, and tap. You’ll see me teaching jazz and hip hop. My favorite style of dance is hip hop. When I’m not teaching dance, I spend my time studying to obtain my doctorate in physical therapy at Quinnipiac University and dancing on the QU Dance Company. I also enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, watching movies, and going shopping! My favorite dance memory was when I went to a dance workshop during my Junior year of high school and was the only person chosen from my entire age group to attend the workshop for free the following year! I look forward to teaching at Rhythm Dance and being able to share my love of dance with all of the talented dancers!!!
Michele Schweighoffer
I have been dancing collectively for approximately 17 years, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop.
Though Hip Hop is my favorite style of dance, I love trying and learning all styles (from Greek line dancing to ballroom, mambo and swing).
When not teaching dance, I spend my time being a stay-at-home mom to two young girls (school age and toddler), and going to the gym.
My favorite dance memory is seeing my daughter dance on stage and loving every minute of it.
What I like most about teaching at Rhythm Dance is the opportunity to watch students grow, both in their dance abilities and also their love of this wonderful art form.
Brianne Vazquez
I have been dancing for 14 years and my training includes dancing at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Boston Ballet, ABT, and Allergro Dance Arts Academy. Currently I am on Quinnipiac University's Dance Company. You'll see me teaching Ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. My favorite style of dance is lyrical. When I'm not teaching dance, I spend my time scrapbooking and doing school work. My favorite dance memory was when I was accepted into the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC. There I danced with many famous dancers such as Ashley Canterna. Watching every dancer become the best they can be is what I like most about teaching at Rhythm Dance!!!
