We believe that while providing a fun atmosphere for learning, that it is also imperative to train and prepare the serious dancer who aspires to reach their individual goals whether recreational or professional.
This is a place for all who have the simple desire to dance and learn to dance no matter what level they wish to take their dance education. There are no limits to the belief we have in our students as long as they believe in themselves. Our teaching methods are sound and based on progressive learning.
Why choose The Dance Haven?
Instructors have over 20 years of dance experience and over 15 years of teaching experience.
Instructors are constantly educating themselves to provide a better education for their students.
Instructors are dedicated to making each and every students experience a positive one.
We believe to be mentors in the community and are committed to enriching the lives of our students through a proper dance and performing arts education.
Click Here to Read some of our customers' testimonials. | |
Our Faculty |
| About the Director:
Rachele Kakles founded The Dance Haven for one reason: her passion to teach and share her knowledge with anyone who has the desire to dance. She opened “this dance haven” so that students could be properly educated and gain appreciation for the performing arts.
She studied dance with retired instructor Anne Marie Ciampa Pace for 15 years where she assisted and taught for five years. In addition to her dance experience, Rachele has training in gymnastics, theatre, and voice. In 1991 she won 3rd place in the North East Conference for High School Gymnastics team. In 1995 she received an honorary award for the direction of a One Act Play for Winthrop Middle School.
In 1995 She continued her dance education as a at Salem State College where she performed for the Presidential Art Scholarships and was an active board of director and choreographer for their Repertory Dance Theatre. Throughout the years she has studied at many conventions and studios. She has a certification in physical fitness and training, a Business Associates Degree in Marketing and completed her dance minor at Salem State. Rachele has participated in various master conventions and is involved in outside entertainment groups. She has trained with many renowned dance professionals such as Caitlin Corbett, Jennifer Uhl, Daniel Swain, Densil Adams, Debbie Dee, Diane Walker, Frank Hatchett, Bob Rizzo, Greg Russell, Pat-y-o and the Martha Graham Dance Ensemble to name a few. She has attended the Master Dance Teacher Summer Conference in New York City where she attended classes given by the top master dance teachers in the industry. Rachele is also a licensed Zumba & Zumba Gold Instructor.
Rachele's teaching methods are fueled by her passion for dance, her training and creativity. Rather than adhering to one style of training, she draws the best from many styles. Primary emphasis is always placed on correct alignment, positive attitude, and on a graded approach to material so that the dancers extend their skills in a balanced way and without injury. She has the ability to not only educate her students but helps students to appreciate the art of dance and music. They are prepared to go on in their training in many forms of dance. Rachele encourages her students to take dance to the level that is fun and rewarding for them individually and believes that dance is a positive way to improve your quality of life. Rachele has been teaching locally for other dance studios, and non profit organizations and also teaches creative dance at public schools, recreation centers, pre-schools and is involved in community theatre and entertainment groups for over 15 years and hopes to continue teaching for many years to come.
“ Dance, it is a constant in my mind, it’s all I ever wanted to do. Now I get to share it with others.” Rachele R. Kakles
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Special Thanks
“To Mom & Dad, thank you for paying for my dance education it was the best gift a parent could give a child. I appreciate how hard you both worked to allow your 7th child an opportunity that would ultimately change her life. I can’t thank you enough for your support all these years. Dad all those dance lessons finally paid off. Mom, I know you are looking down with a big smile on your face. Where ever I am, the last dance will always be dedicated to the both of you.”
“To all the Instructors that have impacted my life, you know who you are, thank you for helping me discover what talents I truly had, taking a chance on me, and believing in me.”
“ To all the friends and family members who listened to me propose this idea of owning a dance school since the age of 13, thank you for listening, I finally did what I said I was going to do. ”
“Ann Marie, you will never know the depths of how you impacted my life, I am forever grateful for the education you provided to me, the teaching opportunities you gave me, and all your advice. I don’t have to tell you how wonderful you are because wonderful is an understatement.”
“To Brenda Girolamo, for your logo design and marketing assistance. I new you could help me express my vision.”
“To my Mother & Father In-law, thank you for all your support always. I am truly blessed to have such a great friendship with you both. You always make me smile. Your generous hearts are a gift that I will always keep close to me. When it doubt, just dance.”
“To my husband, my dance partner, all this is not worth a minute if I don’t’ get to share it with you. Thank you for taking a leap of faith and supporting my biggest dream ever.”
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| Assistant Director, Kelly Lush
Kelly Browne has been dancing for 20 years and has been teaching for the past seven years. Kelly received her pre-professional training at prestigious Jeanette Neill Dance Studio in Boston where she was a part of Boston Youth Moves. She has performed in several professional productions including Disney's Boston Common Tree Lighting and performances with the Boston Pops.
In 2003 Kelly graduated from Dean College and received her A.A. in Dance. While at Dean Kelly was a member of their Dance Company and Dance Team. Dean College School of Dance is affiliated with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York and thus Kelly received ample training from Denise Jefferson, Director of Alvin Ailey. She has studied under many professionals including Brad Musgrove, Dance Captain of the hit Broadway Musical "Fosse", Gregory Hines, and J.T. Jenkins.
Kelly's teaching philosophy is proper technique. Proper Technique allows the student to gain strength and grow as a dancer without injury to the body. When teaching, Kelly focuses on many aspects of dance including vocabulary, style, attitude, and musical rhythm. Her dance experience allows her to teach a broad range of students from beginners to professionals. Her mission is to develop versatile, professional trained dancers who exemplify the professional techniques and artistry of dance. Kelly is also an official Zumba Instructor.
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| Christine Daly, Dance Instructor & Head of Personal Training
Christine has been dancing for over 22 years and had been a teacher for over 10. Her love for dance started at the age of 5 with her first ballet class and it was enough to get her hooked! She studied and performed many styles of dance part time in college and really wanted to continue her passion and share it with others; she is excited to be part of the faculty at The Dance Haven!
Her diverse training background includes: tap, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, modern and salsa. Christine has studied with professional instructors and choreographers and is always continuing her training and furthering her dance education. She really enjoys teaching classes of all ages and her biggest reward is waching her students grow throughout the year and demonstrate that growth each recital. She believes dance is a great way to build confidence, to stay healthy and to be happy.
In 2000 Christine graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness/Physical Education and works as a full time Personal Trainer. Before breaking into the Personal Training field she worked in the corporate fitness industry for 5 years as an Exercise Physiologist and Center Manager. Throughout her childhood and adult life she has been active in playing sports and outdoor activities. She always knew that sitting behind a desk would not be for her; therefore she decided to transform this is energetic and passionate belief in excersise and fitness into a career. Christine loves Personal Training because of the one on one interaction and the joy she gains by helping people make healthy positive changes in their lives everyday. She enjoys working with people of all ages! The American Red Cross certifies Christine in Heartsaver AED. Christine is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)We are excited to have Christine's Personal Training services at The Dance Haven, Inc.
To inquire about scheduling a personal training session with Christine email christine@thedancehaven.com.
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| Jillian Anderson, Dance Instructor
Jillian has been dancing for over 15 years, and has been and assistant teacher for the past four years. She has studied a variety of dance styles, and has been a part of The Dance Haven’s pre-professional program, RDT III, for 3 years. Her involvement in this program has given her extensive training in hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, tap, jazz, musical comedy and ballet. She has participated in local competitions under the direction of Rachele Kakles and Kelly Browne.
In March of 2009 she competed as a senior jazz soloist in “The Dance Xplosion Talent Tour USA Competition”, where she received an “Xtreme Gold” medal. Although this is her fourth year at The Dance Haven, she has studied with the same instructors for the past seven years.
She attendied the University of Massachusetts, majoring in Exercise and Health Sciences, with minor studies in dance. She is nowin her Junior Year at Bridge Water State University, majoring in Dance Education. Jillian's education at The Dance Haven along with her college courses have helped her to attain the necessary skills in becoming a qualified dance instructor. |
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| Daniella DiDiego - Official Zumbatomic, Zumba Gold, & Zumba Instructor / Dance Instructor
Daniella has been dancing for over fifteen years, and hastrained as an assistant teacher for over five years. She has been involved in the Dance Haven’s pre-professional training program since 2006, studying various genres of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical and musical comedy. Daniella has participated in local competitions for 7 years, such as ADI and Dance Xplosion. As a competitive soloist, she has earned two 1st place titles, a second place title, gold, x-treme gold and platinum medals, the “Great Face” award in 2007, and the “Most Photogenic” award in 2009 and 2010. In the fall of 2009 Daniella auditioned at Arizona State University, one of the most highly regarded programs in the country and was accepted to their B.F.A Dance program. Along with this honor, Daniella was also accepted into other prestigious programs such as those at the University of North Carolina, SanDiego State University, and University of Texas at Austin. Daniella is licensed ZUMBA instructor and her dance training is ongoing. She is currently enrolled in Harvard University's Extension Program. Daniella’s passion is to working with children and is looking forward to a career in not only dance education but also elementary and special education.
ZUMBA® and the Zumba Fitness logo are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license. www.zumba.com |
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