Adam Cates
Master Teacher & Studio Choreographer


Adam Cates received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Utah, and trained with some of LA’s top choreographers while on a scholarship to Tremaine Dance Center in Hollywood. He also was on a work/study scholarship at Steps on Broadway in NYC. Adam is currently touring with Tommy Tune in Dr. Doolittle Musical (Pre-Broadway/1st National Tour) as choreographer, dance captain and swing.

Adam is on staff as a Guest teacher, Judge and/or Choreographer at Broadway Dance Center in NY, Dance Masters of America – Various Chapters, Spotlight Dance Cup , and N-House Productions. As a performer, he has appeared throughout the US with credits including National tours, Regional theatre productions, Walt Disney World, Casino and Cruise Line shows, Feature Films, Industrials, and benefits both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, working with some of Hollywood and Broadway’s biggest names. He has assisted award winning choreographers including Patti Colombo, John Charron, Peggy Hickey, Melinda Roy, Joey Pizzi and Tommy Tune.

Adam has been a Master teacher and Choreographer at SKDS for the past 3 years. He choreographed several high score pieces for the studios competition team. These entertaining dances are featured in the annual dance recital.



Tuvshin Bold
Master Teacher







Kelsey Kaplan
Teacher


Miss Kelsey received extensive training and built her foundation of dance under the supervision of Miss Susie for over 10 years. She trained at Radio City Music Hall at the Rockette Experience. Her dance education includes Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Kelsey studied master classes under Jacquie Bird, Adam Cates, Beth Woods, Thomas Hanner, Wendy Stein, Bronna Lipton and Tyce Diorio.

Being a member of the studios competition dance company, Kelsey has had the thrill associated with working hard, being part of a team, perfroming in Walt Disney World, and performing on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas cruise ship. Kelsey has been certified to teach dance and is currently attending Kean University.

Miss Kelsey’s dedication and commitment to the studio enables her to work with students of all ages, sharing her love of dance and motivating them to do their best.


Maritza Barrios
Teacher


Miss Maritza received extensive training and built her foundation of dance under the supervision of Miss Susie for over 7 years. Maritza’s calm personality allows her students to grasp the quality dance lessons that she teaches. Her dance background includes Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Pointe and Hip Hop. Maritza studied with master teachers Thomas Hanner, Jacquie Bird, Wendy Stein, Bronna Lipton, Adam Cates, Beth Woods and Tyce Diorio.

Maritza has performed in Walt Disney World and on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas cruise ship. Maritza has been certified to teach dance and is currently attending Berkeley College.


Kenny 'Ken-Dogg' Thomas
Teacher


Kenny comes to SKDS with all five styles of Hip-Hop. Lockin', Poppin', Breakin'/B-boyin, 90's hip-hop and House Dance. He is the CEO of Face Da Phlave Entertainment. He performs annually at BET's 106 & Park Live, the JFK Center (Reflections a hip-hop story), ABC Network Show Visions and at Trump Taj Mahal (Zombie). He's a perfectionist when it comes to teaching hip-hop. His choreography is solid and strong. His performances leave the audience dancing in their seats. SKDS welcomes back Ken-dogg to their staff!


Janine Sievert
Substitute Teacher


Janine received a BS in Health & Physical Education from Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania where she was a member of the two-time Div. II National Gymnastic Championship Team. She claimed three All American rankings. After College she taught physical education for grades K-12 for 10 years and became a certified personal trainer and massage therapist. Her love for gymnastics, dance, and competition led her to train and compete in several fitness and bodybuilding competitions (she won the title of Ms. New Jersey in 1999). Janine was also head coach of the Somerset Hills YMCA, where she led her team to 6th place in the YMCA Nationals. Janine is very excited to be on staff teaching Acrobatics and sharing her knowledge and love of dance and competition with all the talented students at SKDS.


Andrea Bautista
Teacher


Miss Andrea received extensive training and built her foundation of dance under the supervision of Miss Susie for over 10 years. Her dance training includes Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop. Andrea studied master classes under Jacquie Bird, Adam Cates, Thomas Hanner, Bronna Lipton, Wendy Stein and Tyce Diorio.

Andrea was crowned Miss Heart of Freedom in a Philippine pageant.

Being part of the studio's competition dance company, Andrea performed on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas cruiseship. She has an upbeat personality and relates to children of all ages.


Lisa Newsome
Teacher




Michelle Roache
Teacher




Kelly Janocko
Teacher


Kelly Janocko's career in dancing started at the age of five when she began learning jazz, tap, and ballet, and continued through high school, where she was captain of the award-winning Linden High School Color Guard. After receiving a BA in Broadcasting at Montclair State University, Kelly became an ACE-certified personal trainer and later a nationally certified Zumba instructor. Kelly loves to share her passion for dancing with those who attend her Zumba classes and welcomes all levels, beginner to experienced.