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. | The Dance Haven is honored with a Standing Ovation at the 1st Performance on June 23, 2007 at Lexington High School Auditorium. Thank you to all the parents and students who made this performance a special and memorable one.
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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 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 and has a Business Associates Degree in Marketing and her studies in dance are on going. Through various conventions and entertainment groups Rachele has trained with many renowned dance professionals such as Caitlin Corbett, Jennifer Uhl, Daniel Swain, Densil Adams, Debbie Dee, Frank Hatchett, Bob Rizzo, Greg Russell, Pat-y-o and the Martha Graham Dance Ensemble as well as, performed with professionals from all over the world. This past summer she attended the Master Dance Teacher Summer Conference in New York City where she attended classes given by top master dance teachers in the industry.
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, without injury and help 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.
“ 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 Browne
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.
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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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| Kristen Sbrizza, Dance & Fitness Intern
Kristen Sbrizza has been dancing for over 15 years. Kristen received extensive Ballet training at the Agnes Strecker Dance School in Revere Ma. She then studied Ballet under Dean Vollick previously of the Boston Ballet. In 2004 Kristen was honored by the opportunity to perform an Irish Step routine at the Democratic National Convention in Boston Ma. Kristen has been at the Dance Haven for three years and has been excited to excel in new genres of dance including Contemporary and Hip Hop.
In December of 2009 Kristen will graduate from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Health Sciences. Kristen's educational interests are primarily nutrition, training, and rehabilitation of sports athletes. She has been able to utilize her educational skills with her employer McGovern Physical Therapy where she was a physical therapy aide, and worked one on one with recovering patients teaching them to correctly perform therapeutic exercises. Upon graduation Kristen is excited to continue her education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in the Health Policy Master's degree program this spring.
Kristen is thrilled to have the opportunity to be an intern at The Dance Haven and to develop proper planning and instructional skills in the areas of physical and flex fitness. Being able to utilize and develop her educational skills in such a thriving atmosphere is something very important to her.
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| Jillian Anderson, Assistant Teacher/Intern
Jillian has been dancing for over 15 years, and has been and assistant teacher for the past three 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 is currently attending the University of Massachusetts, majoring in Exercise and Health Sciences, with minor studies in dance. Jillian hopes to use what she will learn at UMass, and The Dance Haven, to develop the necessary skills in becoming a dance instructor.
Jillian is passionate about dance and teaching. She is very excited to be taking classes this year, as well as assisting in teaching again. She knows this experience will benefit her future dance ambitions.
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