About Happy Feet Dance School

Meet Our Staff

Mission:
Our mission is simple. We believe that everyone can dance! It is our goal to create a fun and welcoming environment where all students can learn, gain confidence and have fun while growing a love for the art of dance!

Philosophy:
We believe that every student has their own unique potential and should be encouraged to reach their own, personal goals. We use an educational approach, in a child focused facility, where student’s abilities can be nurtured through a positive, supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive dance program that was designed based on the various stages of child development.

About Us:
Happy Feet Dance School, LLC opened its’ doors in 2005 with a handful of classes per week, hoping to share a love of dance. Since its’ inception, the school has grown to be facility serving hundreds of families on a weekly basis with over 40 classes to choose from. The school takes pride in giving back to its’ community through various community events and sponsorships.  We are thrilled to be recognized by many as “the friendly dance school!”We are honored to have the opportunity to watch our students grow into beautiful dancers, as well as people.  We believe that dance education can be a prominent part in helping to develop children into confident, happy young adults.

Meet the Staff:

Miss Erica (Director):

The school is owned and operated by Erica O’Donaghue. Erica has extensive dance training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Lyrical. She also holds a multitude of college credits in early childhood and elementary education, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. She is a certified member of Dance Masters of America, Inc. by successfully completing oral and written exams. She began working in dance education as an assistant teacher, while in high school. She has been working as a professional dance educator for over 10 years. Erica founded Happy Feet Dance School, LLC in 2005. She currently instructs students from the age of two through adult, beginner to advanced. She has received many bouts of recognition for her work with children. Her of love of children and her passion for dance make every child’s experience an enjoyable one.

Currently, she instructs and oversees a wonderful group of instructors at Happy Feet Dance School, LLC. The staff is comprised of a professional, adult group of dance educators. All of the staff members bring enthusiasm and love of dance to their classrooms. They also continue to educate themselves in dance through conventions, classes and seminars on a regular basis.

Miss Andrea (Instructor):

Miss Andrea has received extensive training in Ballet, Modern and Jazz from some of New England’s finest instructors. She started working at Happy Feet in 2005 as a teacher in training. This gave her hands on training with students of all ages and levels in multiple forms of dance. Once she completed her training, she quickly grew to be a well respected member of the Happy Feet team! Her students are drawn to her fun personality and inventive choreography.

Miss Melissa (Instructor):

Miss Melissa trained in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet under several dance studios in New England throughout her childhood. She also has a background in competitive gymnastics and cheerleading.  Miss Melissa has been part of the Happy Feet staff since 2007. Prior to teaching at Happy Feet, she was the dance coordinator/teacher for the YWCA in Manchester, NH. She has also taught for several other dance studios in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts area.  She worked in financial services for 8 years, prior to deciding to stay at home with her three young daughters, while continuing her true passion of dance and teaching kids. Melissa’s high energy and positive attitude are enjoyed by all of her students at Happy Feet!

Miss Jackee (Instructor):

Miss Jackee grew up training in both dance and gymnastics. She has been professionally working as a dance educator since 2005. She holds a dance education certificate and many college credits in dance. She has danced in productions such as Fame and Chicago. She has also performed two years in a row at the American College Dance Festival. Miss Jackee has been with Happy Feet since 2008. Her students enjoy the creativity she brings to her classes.

Miss Barbara (Instructor):

Miss Barbara has been teaching dance for twelve years. She is passionate about teaching and has served as an instructor/choreographer for numerous studios throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Barbara completed a three year intensive teacher training program with the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston of which she is an active member. All of Barbara’s students benefit greatly from her knowledge and love of dance.

Miss Amy (Instructor):

Miss Amy completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in dance from Springfield College. She recently finished course work for her Masters degree in Education at Fitchburg State.  She has been part of the Happy Feet staff since 2009. Her love of dance and understanding of young children are apparent in all her work.

Miss Laurie graduated from Keene State College in 1994, earning a BA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Dance. She earned a Certificate in Vaganova Ballet Technique in 1996 through the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet at Bryn Mawr College. For the past 16 years, she has taught dance, including owning her own studio for 9 years. She currently teaches a broad range of techniques including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Musical Theatre and much more.