MARY BETH, DIRECTOR
Mary Beth began dancing at the age of four and her love and enthusiasm for the art has grown ever since. She is formally trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical and hip hop. Throughout her years of training, she has taken master classes under renowned dancers and choreographers such as, Mia Michaels, tWitch, Mandy Moore, Savion Glover, Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett and many others. She has won numerous awards at national dance competitions. Mary Beth also performed as a backup dancer in a Jessica Simpson concert in Syracuse, NY.
After graduating from high school, Mary Beth attended Siena College where she was a member of the Siena College Dance Team for four years and served as Captain of the Dance Team for her junior and senior year. During the same time, she studied ballet and modern at Skidmore College. Mary Beth continues to expand her dance education and teaching skills by regularly attending seminars and conventions with some of the most knowledgeable and talented people in the industry. She is constantly looking for new and creative ideas to keep everyone who walks into The Dance Lab engaged and having fun.
Mary Beth has owned and operated The Dance Lab for the past 7 years and has been teaching dance for the last 20 years. Throughout those years her dancers have won many awards including placement and Entertainment Awards for her choreography. One of her former students recently performed on Broadway! She was also a consultant to the Head Coach of the Ice Mice Dance Team, which performed at AHL Hockey Games. Along with her dance training, Mary Beth was also a certified Zumba instructor for two years. She also continues to expand her knowledge of dance through continuing education courses.
The Dance Lab has been a life-long dream of Mary Beth’s and she is beyond excited to share her passion and knowledge of dance with her students!
Brittany
Brittany Collyer began her dancing career at local area dance studios where she went on to compete at both regional and national levels. Following her high school graduation, she attended college at SUNY Oneonta. While in college, Brittany participated in both the Terpsichorean Dance Company choreographing numerous tap numbers for their end-of-semester performances as well as the SUNY Oneonta Dance Team where she performed at basketball games and competed in regional level competitions. She also continued to share her love of tap by becoming an instructor at Jillian’s Dance Arts in Oneonta. Upon graduating from college, she continued to teach at local dance studios while attending nursing school. She is now a full-time RN in the ICU at Saratoga Hospital and loves to share the art of tap with all of the students at The Dance Lab!
Brittany
Brittany began her dancing career at local area dance studios where she went on to compete at both regional and national levels. Following her high school graduation, she attended college at SUNY Oneonta. While in college, Brittany participated in both the Terpsichorean Dance Company choreographing numerous tap numbers for their end-of-semester performances as well as the SUNY Oneonta Dance Team where she performed at basketball games and competed in regional level competitions. She also continued to share her love of tap by becoming an instructor at Jillian’s Dance Arts in Oneonta. Upon graduating from college, she continued to teach at local dance studios while attending nursing school. She is now a full-time RN in the ICU at Saratoga Hospital and loves to share the art of tap with all of the students at The Dance Lab!
Brittney
Brittney’s dance journey began at the age of 4 at her hometown studio in East Greenbush, NY, where she trained in various styles. Her passion for dance led her to choreograph and compete in regional and national competitions throughout high school. After graduation, she continued her education through renowned workshops, classes, and conventions while teaching at local studios.
As an assistant director at one of these studios, Brittney earned multiple awards for her choreography and performance pieces. Notably, she received an invitation to The World Dance Pageant, where she competed in her Senior Team’s jazz routine against dancers from eight other countries.
Brittney also performed with the Albany Empire’s semi-pro dance team, the Albany Empresses, for two seasons at the Times Union Center, where she had the opportunity to choreograph the Arena Bowl routine alongside a fellow teammate. Her most recent role was as the head choreographer and dancer for the Emeralds, the dance team supporting Albany’s semi-pro basketball team, The Patroons.
Currently, Brittney continues to share her love for dance by teaching students of all ages at The Dance Lab, where she brings her extensive experience and passion for the art form.
Brittney
Brittney’s dance journey began at the age of 4 at her hometown studio in East Greenbush, NY, where she trained in various styles. Her passion for dance led her to choreograph and compete in regional and national competitions throughout high school. After graduation, she continued her education through renowned workshops, classes, and conventions while teaching at local studios.
As an assistant director at one of these studios, Brittney earned multiple awards for her choreography and performance pieces. Notably, she received an invitation to The World Dance Pageant, where she competed in her Senior Team’s jazz routine against dancers from eight other countries.
Brittney also performed with the Albany Empire’s semi-pro dance team, the Albany Empresses, for two seasons at the Times Union Center, where she had the opportunity to choreograph the Arena Bowl routine alongside a fellow teammate. Her most recent role was as the head choreographer and dancer for the Emeralds, the dance team supporting Albany’s semi-pro basketball team, The Patroons.
Currently, Brittney continues to share her love for dance by teaching students of all ages at The Dance Lab, where she brings her extensive experience and passion for the art form.
Caitlin
Caitlin began dancing at the age of five at Chickee’s Dance World in Worcester, MA. At the age of 10, she was asked to participate in her studio’s competition team and remained a member of the team for the next four years. During that time she began training in pointe and fell in love with ballet. Upon moving to Pennsylvania, Caitlin continued her training and began to focus on ballet.
During her college years, Caitlin attended Penn State where she was a member of Orchesis Dance Company – a modern dance company that focused on student choreography. Caitlin choreographed in the student showcase three times.
After college, Caitlin taught ballet to students of all ages at a local studio in Idaho Falls before returning to Pennsylvania to attend law school.
Following law school, Caitlin moved to Saratoga Springs and began looking for a dance studio. By chance, she saw a sign for a new dance studio opening just around the corner from her house and decided to check it out. Caitlin realized The Dance Lab was a perfect fit and has been an amazing dance home since, allowing her to continue sharing her love for dance.
Caitlin
Caitlin began dancing at the age of five at Chickee’s Dance World in Worcester, MA. At the age of 10, she was asked to participate in her studio’s competition team and remained a member of the team for the next four years. During that time she began training in pointe and fell in love with ballet. Upon moving to Pennsylvania, Caitlin continued her training and began to focus on ballet.
During her college years, Caitlin attended Penn State where she was a member of Orchesis Dance Company – a modern dance company that focused on student choreography. Caitlin choreographed in the student showcase three times.
After college, Caitlin taught ballet to students of all ages at a local studio in Idaho Falls before returning to Pennsylvania to attend law school.
Following law school, Caitlin moved to Saratoga Springs and began looking for a dance studio. By chance, she saw a sign for a new dance studio opening just around the corner from her house and decided to check it out. Caitlin realized The Dance Lab was a perfect fit and has been an amazing dance home since, allowing her to continue sharing her love for dance.
Caroline
Caroline began dancing at the age of 4 at Hudson Valley Conservatory and New Rose Theater in Walden, NY. She was trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theater. Caroline continued dancing through high school and college, finding a particular love for musical theater and ballet. Prior to graduating high school, through her own experiences with overcoming injuries and scoliosis, Caroline discovered she wanted to create a career centered around helping others overcome physical adversities, especially dancers.
In college, Caroline was a member of Sacred Heart University’s Pre-professional Dance Company as she studied exercise science. After receiving her Bachelor in Exercise Science, she went on to study for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Sacred Heart while she worked under one of her mentors, Samara Dimattia, MPT, owner of CT Dance Physical Therapy. She also achieved her Mat level 1 Pilates certification during her Doctorate studies. Caroline continued to seek out clinical experiences with dancers and completed her fourth and final clinical rotation at Westside Dance P, owned by “the founder of dance medicine,” Marika Molnar, PT. Caroline worked under Andrea Zujiko, DPT, and Adrienne Gregorek, DPT, while treating NYC Ballet Dancers and School of American Ballet dancers on location, as well as treating various Broadway performers, professional ballet/contemporary dancers, adolescent pre-professional dancers, and a range of musician all in clinic. Caroline is so excited to be in Saratoga Springs and have the opportunity to share her knowledge in dance medicine and Pilates with the dancers at The Dance Lab.
Caroline
Caroline began dancing at the age of 4 at Hudson Valley Conservatory and New Rose Theater in Walden, NY. She was trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theater. Caroline continued dancing through high school and college, finding a particular love for musical theater and ballet. Prior to graduating high school, through her own experiences with overcoming injuries and scoliosis, Caroline discovered she wanted to create a career centered around helping others overcome physical adversities, especially dancers.
In college, Caroline was a member of Sacred Heart University’s Pre-professional Dance Company as she studied exercise science. After receiving her Bachelor in Exercise Science, she went on to study for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Sacred Heart while she worked under one of her mentors, Samara Dimattia, MPT, owner of CT Dance Physical Therapy. She also achieved her Mat level 1 Pilates certification during her Doctorate studies. Caroline continued to seek out clinical experiences with dancers and completed her fourth and final clinical rotation at Westside Dance P, owned by “the founder of dance medicine,” Marika Molnar, PT. Caroline worked under Andrea Zujiko, DPT, and Adrienne Gregorek, DPT, while treating NYC Ballet Dancers and School of American Ballet dancers on location, as well as treating various Broadway performers, professional ballet/contemporary dancers, adolescent pre-professional dancers, and a range of musician all in clinic. Caroline is so excited to be in Saratoga Springs and have the opportunity to share her knowledge in dance medicine and Pilates with the dancers at The Dance Lab.
Christine
Miss Chris developed a passion for dance and music at a very young age. As a young dancer, Miss Chris studied at various studios before finding her home in musical theater. She attended Ithaca College for theater and has remained very active in community theater through the years. As an adult dancer, she studied ballet at Phyllis Latins American Dance Center in Saratoga Springs as well as took classes at other locations before studying with Mary Beth at The Dance Lab. Miss Chris is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater and has been honored to be sharing her knowledge and love of dance with students at the Dance Lab for the last four years. When not at The Dance Lab, Miss Chris owns and operates a family child care business. She brings with her many years of experience with children of all ages and recognizes the importance of introducing all children to the wonders and magic of movement and music!
Christine
Miss Chris developed a passion for dance and music at a very young age. As a young dancer, Miss Chris studied at various studios before finding her home in musical theater. She attended Ithaca College for theater and has remained very active in community theater through the years. As an adult dancer, she studied ballet at Phyllis Latins American Dance Center in Saratoga Springs as well as took classes at JDC in Ballston Spa before studying with Mary Beth at The Dance Lab. Miss Chris is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater and has been honored to be sharing her knowledge and love of dance with students at the Dance Lab for the last four years. When not at The Dance Lab, Miss Chris owns and operates a family child care business. She brings with her many years of experience with children of all ages and recognizes the importance of introducing all children to the wonders and magic of movement and music!
Grace
Grace started dancing at age 4 and has trained in various styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. In middle school, she started dancing at Coupé Theatre Studio in Nanuet, NY, where she continued her training through high school. After graduation, Grace studied at Cornell University for five years, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering and her Master of Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering. While at Cornell, Grace auditioned for and joined two student-led and choreographed dance groups: On Tap Dance Troupe (all tap!) and Rise Dance Group (contemporary/jazz focus). After graduation, Grace moved to Saratoga Springs to work as a research engineer at GE Aerospace Research in Niskayuna. She started taking adult classes at the Dance Lab, and is so excited to now be teaching!
Grace
Grace started dancing at age 4 and has trained in various styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. In middle school, she started dancing at Coupé Theatre Studio in Nanuet, NY, where she continued her training through high school. After graduation, Grace studied at Cornell University for five years, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering and her Master of Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering. While at Cornell, Grace auditioned for and joined two student-led and choreographed dance groups: On Tap Dance Troupe (all tap!) and Rise Dance Group (contemporary/jazz focus). After graduation, Grace moved to Saratoga Springs to work as a research engineer at GE Aerospace Research in Niskayuna. She started taking adult classes at the Dance Lab, and is so excited to now be teaching!
Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn “Jacqui” was born and raised in New York City, where she was classically trained in ballet from the age of 5 under the direction of Elfried Merman, former soloist with Ballet Russe. In high school, she also pursued training in various forms of modern dance and jazz. Before going to college, Jacquelyn was accepted into American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive, where she spent a month dancing in Texas. Jacquelyn continued her studies at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where she graduated with a B.S. in Dance with a concentration in Dance Research Studies. While at Skidmore, she performed works by Robert Battle, Erika Pujič, Mary Harney, and Denise Limoli, as well as choreographed her own pieces. Jacquelyn’s studies at Skidmore culminated in a final capstone that she presented in the form of a three-part dance lesson plan for preschoolers. Jacquelyn is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. With the aim of sharing her love and knowledge of dance through teaching and choreographing, Jacquelyn hopes to continue to provide inclusive dance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn “Jacqui” was born and raised in New York City, where she was classically trained in ballet from the age of 5 under the direction of Elfried Merman, former soloist with Ballet Russe. In high school, she also pursued training in various forms of modern dance and jazz. Before going to college, Jacquelyn was accepted into American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive, where she spent a month dancing in Texas. Jacquelyn continued her studies at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where she graduated with a B.S. in Dance with a concentration in Dance Research Studies. While at Skidmore, she performed works by Robert Battle, Erika Pujič, Mary Harney, and Denise Limoli, as well as choreographed her own pieces. Jacquelyn’s studies at Skidmore culminated in a final capstone that she presented in the form of a three-part dance lesson plan for preschoolers. Jacquelyn is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. With the aim of sharing her love and knowledge of dance through teaching and choreographing, Jacquelyn hopes to continue to provide inclusive dance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Jen
Jen began dancing at the age of six and continued dancing for many years. She has taken numerous forms of dance instruction including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern. After receiving a B.S. in Health Management & Policy from the University of New Hampshire, she continued to pursue her love of dance by taking adult classes at local dance studios. In 2016, after enrolling her daughter in a class at The Dance Lab, she also began studying with Mary Beth. She has worked at The Dance Lab since 2018 and absolutely loves teaching and sharing her passion for dance and her love of The Dance Lab with her students. When she’s not teaching or taking dance classes, Jen enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Jen
Jen began dancing at the age of six and continued dancing for many years. She has taken numerous forms of dance instruction including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern. After receiving a B.S. in Health Management & Policy from the University of New Hampshire, she continued to pursue her love of dance by taking adult classes at local dance studios. In 2016, after enrolling her daughter in a class at The Dance Lab, she also began studying with Mary Beth. She has worked at The Dance Lab since 2018 and absolutely loves teaching and sharing her passion for dance and her love of The Dance Lab with her students. When she’s not teaching or taking dance classes, Jen enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Joann
Joann’s dance journey began at the age of 3, when she first started tapping with Harriet Boex in Schuylerville. By 9, she was a dedicated student at Stepping Star Studio, where she immersed herself in tap, jazz, ballet, and gymnastics classes. Her passion for dance led her to begin teaching there at just 12 years old.
During her high school years, Joann had the privilege of studying ballet with Melissa Hayden, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. After starting her family, Joann founded and operated Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio in Greenwich for a decade, nurturing young dancers and sharing her love for the art form.
Joann later joined Tim McGuire’s studio in Glens Falls, where she continued to shine alongside her youngest daughter, Kara. For 10 years, Joann played a prominent role in the studio’s annual Nutcracker performances, taking on major roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Since 1991, Joann has been actively involved in choreography, working with area high schools, community theaters, Fort Salem Theater, and contributing to SUNY Albany’s Danny Kaye theatrical biography. Currently, she shares her expertise at The Dance Lab, where she teaches Adult Tap, continuing to inspire and educate dancers of all ages.
Joann
Joann’s dance journey began at the age of 3, when she first started tapping with Harriet Boex in Schuylerville. By 9, she was a dedicated student at Stepping Star Studio, where she immersed herself in tap, jazz, ballet, and gymnastics classes. Her passion for dance led her to begin teaching there at just 12 years old.
During her high school years, Joann had the privilege of studying ballet with Melissa Hayden, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. After starting her family, Joann founded and operated Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio in Greenwich for a decade, nurturing young dancers and sharing her love for the art form.
Joann later joined Tim McGuire’s studio in Glens Falls, where she continued to shine alongside her youngest daughter, Kara. For 10 years, Joann played a prominent role in the studio’s annual Nutcracker performances, taking on major roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Since 1991, Joann has been actively involved in choreography, working with area high schools, community theaters, Fort Salem Theater, and contributing to SUNY Albany’s Danny Kaye theatrical biography. Currently, she shares her expertise at The Dance Lab, where she teaches Adult Tap, continuing to inspire and educate dancers of all ages.
Karalyn
Karalyn began dancing at the age of 8 and is trained in tap, ballet, modern, and jazz. While still in high school, she began teaching toddler-level tap and ballet classes. Her love of dance led her to achieve her Minor in Dance from Russell Sage College. Karalyn began working at The Dance Lab in 2020 and has been an amazing addition ever since.
Karalyn
Karalyn began dancing at the age of 8 and is trained in tap, ballet, modern, and jazz. While still in high school, she began teaching toddler-level tap and ballet classes. Her love of dance led her to achieve her Minor in Dance from Russell Sage College. Karalyn began working at The Dance Lab in 2020 and has been an amazing addition ever since.
Lindsay
Lindsay began her dance training at the Mary Lee School of Dance in Virginia and then Carter School of Dance in Maryland, where she trained in ballet (Cecchetti Method), tap, jazz, modern, pointe, and hip hop. Lindsay received her B.S. in Dance from Radford University in 2001, graduating with honors. While at Radford, she studied under Frano Jelincic, Dagmar Kessler, Dr. Pegeen Albig, Margaret Devaney, and Doris Ressl and performed in Ballet and Modern productions. She was also one of the original members of the RU Cloggers.
Lindsay has experience teaching creative movement, tumbling, ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe, hip hop, and liturgical and has worked with ages 2-adult. In addition to teaching, Lindsay spent 2 years performing professionally with Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Eileen Carson-Schatz. Footworks performs Appalachian Clogging, Irish, Cape Bretton Step Dancing, South African Boot Dances, Hambone, and Tap.
Lindsay
Lindsay began her dance training at the Mary Lee School of Dance in Virginia and then Carter School of Dance in Maryland, where she trained in ballet (Cecchetti Method), tap, jazz, modern, pointe, and hip hop. Lindsay received her B.S. in Dance from Radford University in 2001, graduating with honors. While at Radford, she studied under Frano Jelincic, Dagmar Kessler, Dr. Pegeen Albig, Margaret Devaney, and Doris Ressl and performed in Ballet and Modern productions. She was also one of the original members of the RU Cloggers.
Lindsay has experience teaching creative movement, tumbling, ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe, hip hop, and liturgical and has worked with ages 2-adult. In addition to teaching, Lindsay spent 2 years performing professionally with Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Eileen Carson-Schatz. Footworks performs Appalachian Clogging, Irish, Cape Bretton Step Dancing, South African Boot Dances, Hambone, and Tap.
Lizzie
Lizzie was born in Elmira NY but grew up in Saratoga Springs NY. From the age of five, she was trained in classical ballet at Saratoga City Ballet, all the way through her high school career. Throughout her youth, she trained at New York State Summer School of the Arts for Ballet with NYCB Principal Daniel Ulbricht for several summers. She continued her dance training at Skidmore College partaking in classical Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary Dance. She studied Performance and Choreography along with Business at Skidmore College and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in May 2020. In addition to her education, she worked alongside Elizabeth Streb and Ann Bogart during their 2019 residency at Skidmore College as the programs administrative assistant and continued to work with the Skidmore Office of Special Programs on academic programs, art institutes, lecture series, artist/scholar residences, and community programs until graduation in May.
Lizzie
Lizzie was born in Elmira NY but grew up in Saratoga Springs NY. From the age of five, she was trained in classical ballet at Saratoga City Ballet, all the way through her high school career. Throughout her youth, she trained at New York State Summer School of the Arts for Ballet with NYCB Principal Daniel Ulbricht for several summers. She continued her dance training at Skidmore College partaking in classical Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary Dance. She studied Performance and Choreography along with Business at Skidmore College and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in May 2020. In addition to her education, she worked alongside Elizabeth Streb and Ann Bogart during their 2019 residency at Skidmore College as the programs administrative assistant and continued to work with the Skidmore Office of Special Programs on academic programs, art institutes, lecture series, artist/scholar residences, and community programs until graduation in May.
Stephanie
Stephanie began dancing at the age of two and throughout her dance career she has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, and Clogging. Stephanie started dancing competitively at the age of seven and has competed throughout the Northeast. She holds multiple titles and overall high scores for her Clogging. Stephanie has also had the opportunity to attend the Rockettes Summer Intensive where she trained in the Rockettes’ precision dance style.
After high school, Stephanie attended Montclair State University where she received a B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science. She then went on to receive an M.S. in Applied Nutrition from the Sage Graduate School. While at Montclair, Stephanie was a member of the Montclair State Dance Company and the Montclair State Dance team. Currently, Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian at Saratoga Hospital where she works in the outpatient setting.
Stephanie
Stephanie began dancing at the age of two and throughout her dance career she has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, and Clogging. Stephanie started dancing competitively at the age of seven and has competed throughout the Northeast. She holds multiple titles and overall high scores for her Clogging. Stephanie has also had the opportunity to attend the Rockettes Summer Intensive where she trained in the Rockettes’ precision dance style.
After high school, Stephanie attended Montclair State University where she received a B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science. She then went on to receive an M.S. in Applied Nutrition from the Sage Graduate School. While at Montclair, Stephanie was a member of the Montclair State Dance Company and the Montclair State Dance team. Currently, Stephanie is a Registered Dietitian at Saratoga Hospital where she works in the outpatient setting.
Tori
Tori grew up in Saratoga Springs and has always had a love for dance. As a child, she danced for a few years and performed in her high school musicals, but her passion has always been in teaching. Tori graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, with her B.S. in Childhood Education. From there, she worked in Vermont and New Hampshire before moving back home to New York. Tori has been teaching in New York for four years and loves working with children. Tori has been working as the office manager for The Dance Lab since 2018. You can catch her working at the front desk, answering the phones, and organizing anything and everything she can.
Tori
Tori grew up in Saratoga Springs and has always had a love for dance. As a child, she danced for a few years and performed in her high school musicals, but her passion has always been in teaching. Tori graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, with her B.S. in Childhood Education. From there, she worked in Vermont and New Hampshire before moving back home to New York. Tori has been teaching in New York for four years and loves working with children. Tori has been working as the office manager for The Dance Lab since 2018. You can catch her working at the front desk, answering the phones, and organizing anything and everything she can.