Dance Factory Ridgefield, LLC

Private choreography and coaching sessions can be scheduled with DFR's expert Faculty and Guest Choreographers outside of regular classes.

DFR's Competition Team /Elite Training Faculty offer private coaching, guidance, choreography, photos and videos for auditions to Summer Intensives, College dance programs and professional working engagements within the dance industry.

Each Company and Crew have weekly "rehearsal classes" which focus on building strong technique, creating deep emotional connections to music, embodying intricate musicality, developing storytelling, dynamics, and textures, and polishing Competition routine choreography.

DFR recommends cross training in each of these dance styles, as well as a weekly conditioning, strength training and flexibility regiment outside of class time.

Enrolling in Acrodance classes, workshops or private lessons as a means to elevate routine choreography is also encouraged.

Hip Hop Crew dancers must be enrolled in Hip Hop and Contemporary or Jazz technique classes. Adding Ballet is highly recommended. These classes focus on building strong technique, creating deep emotional connections to music, embodying intricate musicality, developing storytelling, dynamics, and textures, and polishing Competition routine choreography.

Company dancers must be enrolled in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary technique classes. These classes focus on building strong technique, creating deep emotional connections to music, embodying intricate musicality, developing storytelling, dynamics, and textures, and polishing Competition routine choreography.

Summer Dance Classes follow the same format as our Fall/Spring classes and are offered in 60-90 minute durations for our Tween dancers during the Summer Session.

Hip Hop classes are offered for beginner to advanced Tween dancers. In these 60 minute classes, dancers will focus on body isolations, musicality and control to create sharp rhythmic movements, and learn fun combinations with stylized dance steps and Acro "tricks".

Acrodance are 60 minute classes which combine classic dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements to create a unique, athletic dance style. Acro classes utilize various music styles and focus on building strength, balance and flexibility as well as beginner to advanced level acrobatic and dance skills for Tween dancers.

Contemporary / Jazz / Lyrical are 60 minute "fusion" technique classes that explore the various sub genres of the Jazz dance style. Utilizing different types of music to evoke a range of emotions and movement, the primary focus is to build and strengthen dance technique.

Ballet Levels IIA, IIIB & IIIA are 75-90 minute Ballet technique classes, each building upon the foundations of the previous level. Ballet is the foundation of all dance, and at DFR we strive to remove the "old school" perceptions of Ballet by making Ballet fun and inclusive for all.

Summer Dance Classes follow the same format as our Fall/Spring classes and are offered in 60-90 minute durations for our Teen dancers during the Summer Session.

Classes are offered for beginner to advanced Teen dancers. In these 60 minute classes, dancers will focus on body isolations, musicality and control to create sharp rhythmic movements, and learn fun combinations with stylized dance steps and Acro "tricks". Dancers are encouraged to express their personality and begin exploring improv and choreography through age appropriate Hip Hop and Pop music.

Classes which combine classic dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements to create a unique, athletic dance style. Acro classes utilize various music styles and focus on building strength, balance and flexibility as well as beginner to advanced level acrobatic and dance skills for Teen dancers.

Fusion technique classes that explore the various sub genres of the Jazz dance style. Utilizing different types of music to evoke a range of emotions and movement, the primary focus of intermediate to advanced level classes is to build strong dance technique, master body control for more difficult turns and leaps, and develop intricate musicality.

Ballet technique classes, each building upon the foundations of the previous level. Ballet is the foundation of all dance, and at DFR we strive to remove the "old school" perceptions of Ballet by making Ballet fun and inclusive for all. We place emphasis on positive body image, providing mindful corrections, and supporting dancers individually at each level.

follow the same format as our Fall/Spring classes and are offered in 45-60 minute durations for our Rising Stars dancers during our Summer Session.

classes are offered for beginner dancers ages 7-10. In these 60 minute classes, dancers will focus on body isolations, musicality and control to create sharp rhythmic movements, and learn fun combinations with stylized dance steps and basic Acro "tricks". Dancers are encouraged to express their personality and begin exploring improv and choreography through age appropriate Hip Hop and Pop music.

are 60 minute classes which combine classic dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements to create an athletic dance style. Acro classes utilize upbeat, fun music and focus on building strength, balance and flexibility as well as beginner to intermediate level acrobatic and dance skills for dancers ages 7-9.

classes focus on the various sub-genres of the Jazz dance style, and are offered for beginner to intermediate dancers ages 7-9. Dancers will build their technical vocabulary and are encouraged to explore improvisation and choreography as they deepen their emotional connection to music and movement in these 60 minute classes.

classes for ages 5-9 include Ballet I, Ballet IIB and Ballet IIA. Evaluation may be required to ensure dancers are placed in the appropriate Ballet level. Ballet classes range from 60-90 minutes in length depending on level. Our annual production of The Nutcracker includes all dancers in Ballet I and above.

is a 45 minute beginner level class for ages 6-9 which focuses on the Hip Hop dance style and incorporates acrobatic moves and "tricks" often used in popular Hip Hop choreography.

is a 60 minute intermediate level combo class for dancers ages 7-9 that builds on the fundamentals of "Funky Friends I" exploring more difficult skills and building technique in the jazz , tap , acro and hip hop styles.

is a 60 minute combo class for advanced beginner dancers ages 5-7 that explores jazz, tap , basic acro and hip hop moves.

is a 45 minute combo class for beginner dancers ages 4-6 that explores jazz, tap and basic acro dance skills like forward rolls, backward rolls, cartwheels and handstands.

Pre-ballet/Creative Movement is a 45 minute class for beginner dancers ages 3-5. Students build motor skills and coordination while embracing the joy of movement and unlocking their personal creativity and connection to music.

DFR Teen & Senior Team dancers and Advanced level dancers Ages 14+ should register for the Advanced /Senior Intensive. Dancers should come prepared with proper dance attire (pink tights and black leotard for ballet - black leggings, black leotard or sports top for all other styles). Dancers should bring appropriate shoes for each style, arrive with hair neatly pulled back in a bun or ponytail, and bring ample water.

DFR Junior Team dancers and Intermediate/Advanced level dancers Ages 9-13 should register for the Intermediate /Advanced /Junior Intensive. Dancers should come prepared with proper dance attire (pink tights and black leotard for ballet - black leggings, black leotard or sports top for all other styles). Dancers should bring appropriate shoes for each style, arrive with hair neatly pulled back in a bun or ponytail, and bring ample water.

DFR Petite Team dancers and Intermediate level dancers Ages 8-10 should register for the Intermediate /Petite Intensive. Dancers should come prepared with proper dance attire (pink tights and black leotard for ballet - black leggings, black leotard or sports top for all other styles). Dancers should bring appropriate shoes for each style, arrive with hair neatly pulled back in a bun or ponytail, and bring ample water.

Our passionate, expert Instructors are dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering growth in every dancer. We deliver a world class education in ballet, pointe, contemporary, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, acro-dance, and creative movement for beginner to advanced level students ages 3 to 18. Adult classes are also available.

Keegan Scesny is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, based in Norwalk Connecticut. She just wrapped up three seasons as a Company Member with Bosoma Dance Company under the direction of Katherine Hooper. Keegan previously trained and performed with Aurora Borealis Dance Company under the direction of Katie Pustizzi, for two seasons. She currently teaches regularly at the Spot at Just Dance Studios, and guest teaches at Dawn’s School of Dance, where she received her early dance training. In more recent years, Keegan has had the honor of working with many Master teachers and choreographers such as Cat Cogliandro, Emily Greenwell, Kate Jablonski, Jaclyn Waguespack, and Adrienne Hawkins. Keegan was also a core dancer in “Matriarch: a Woman’s Immigration” story by Ann-Marie Ciaraldi, “After Dark” by Laura Sanchez, and “Liquid Spine, Cape Ann by Katie Pustizzi. Keegan’s passion for expression, creativity, and allowing herself to be vulnerable has paved the way for a life involved in dance and the performing arts- passions that she strives to pass on to the younger generations of dancers she teaches. We are so excited to welcome Keagan to Dance Factory Ridgefield!

Peter danced with the Westchester Ballet Company in New York, under the directorship of Jean Logrea and Beth Fritz. There, he danced many lead and solo roles from Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball, Les Patineurs, Peter and the Wolf, and other classics. In Texas, he was Artist In Residence with the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre while it was under the directorship of Patricia Thornton and Gari Boehm. Peter performed lead roles in the classics including Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, along with original works based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Additionally, contemporary works were created on him by guest choreographers, most notably Ron Cunningham, director of Sacramento Ballet. After returning to the New England area, Peter continues to enjoy teaching, choreographing and performing. Such credits include SoNo Dance, Ridgefield School of Dance, Wilton Dance, Woodbury Ballet, and other guest teaching/performing engagements. Peter joined the Faculty at Dance Factory Ridgefield in 2022. We are so fortunate to have Peter as a resident choreographer and instructor at Dance Factory Ridgefield!

Kenny Hernandez is a self taught dancer and choreographer from The Bronx, NY. Growing up, he started to build his street style by training with different teams and groups based in NYC. Kenny later continued his training through different places such as Broadway Dance Center, EXPG, BrickHouseDance, and MonstersDance. Kenny has a passion for teaching and has taught workshops and classes all over the country and in Australia. He loves inspiring and wants to share his knowledge and passion for dance with all of his students. We are so excited to have Kenny join us for his 5th DFR Summer Intensive!

Amelia was born and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA. Throughout her training, she was on competition teams, winning many first place and overall soloist awards. Amelia was selected for numerous scholarships from competitions and conventions all over California, including a one year scholarship to Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. Some of Amelia's credits include The Hello Kitty National Tour, Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush, Promo for Disney's 'Camp Rock 2', FOX 'Mobbed', Good Day L.A., and regional productions of In The Heights(Dance Captain), Beauty and The Beast and Peter Pan. She has also worked alongside of celebrities Demi Lavato, Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, Wilmer Valderrama, and Howie Mendel. She has danced for famous choreographers, NappyTabs, Tyce Diorio, Matt Cady, Galen Hooks and Neil Schwartz. She was a featured dancer and one of the assistant production coordinators for the world famous dance show, Choreographers' Carnival. She was a company member and assistant for the popular LA based company, Mischief Makers. They are invited to perform all over the country, including Hawaii, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Etc. Amelia also travels the United States judging studio dance competitions for Starpower, Imagine, and Revolution Talent Competitions. Over her professional career, Amelia has been teaching at several dance studios, high schools, and universities on the East and West Coast, including UCLA, Cal State Channel Islands, and University of Delaware. She currently is a traveling faculty member for Liberate Artists INC teaching and choreographing alongside Phil Wright, Comfort Fedoke, Lauren Froderman, Mollee Gray, Etc. She is also now on faculty at Steps On Broadway in NYC. Amelia continues to reside in NYC pursuing her dance, acting, and teaching career. We are overjoyed to welcome Amelia back to DFR for her 8th Summer Intensive with us !!

Amelia was born and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA. Throughout her training, she was on competition teams, winning many first place and overall soloist awards. Amelia was selected for numerous scholarships from competitions and conventions all over California, including a one year scholarship to Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. Some of Amelia's credits include The Hello Kitty National Tour, Nickelodeon's Big Time Rush, Promo for Disney's 'Camp Rock 2', FOX 'Mobbed', Good Day L.A., and regional productions of In The Heights(Dance Captain), Beauty and The Beast and Peter Pan. She has also worked alongside of celebrities Demi Lavato, Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, Wilmer Valderrama, and Howie Mendel. She has danced for famous choreographers, NappyTabs, Tyce Diorio, Matt Cady, Galen Hooks and Neil Schwartz. She was a featured dancer and one of the assistant production coordinators for the world famous dance show, Choreographers' Carnival. She was a company member and assistant for the popular LA based company, Mischief Makers. They are invited to perform all over the country, including Hawaii, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Etc. Amelia also travels the United States judging studio dance competitions for Starpower, Imagine, and Revolution Talent Competitions. Over her professional career, Amelia has been teaching at several dance studios, high schools, and universities on the East and West Coast, including UCLA, Cal State Channel Islands, and University of Delaware. She currently is a traveling faculty member for Liberate Artists INC teaching and choreographing alongside Phil Wright, Comfort Fedoke, Lauren Froderman, Mollee Gray, Etc. She is also now on faculty at Steps On Broadway in NYC. Amelia continues to reside in NYC pursuing her dance, acting, and teaching career. We are overjoyed to welcome Amelia back to DFR for her 8th Summer Intensive with us !!

Jess Stafford is a native New Yorker and graduate of NYU Steinhardt's Dance Education Master’s Program. She also has her BFA in dance performance from UMASS Amherst. Following her life as a professional dancer, Jess now teaches and choreographs nationally and internationally, bringing her love of movement and creating to all her classes. Jess’ performance credits include: The National Tour of Guys & Dolls, The European Tour of Grease, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Salute to Dudley Moore at Carnegie Hall, guest-dancer with the World Famous Pontani Sisters and IMPULSE Modern Dance Company. Jess has been on faculty for the Perichild Program at Peridance, New Dance Group and 92nd Street Y in NYC and was Company Director at Steffi Nossen School of Dance. In 2008 Jess traveled to Uganda where she taught creative-movement and was a featured instructor at the Queen's Kampala Dance School. She has conducted workshops for the cast of LA REVE at the Wynn, Las Vegas and has been on faculty at the IDS International Dance Teacher Conference at The Royal Ballet, MPower Summer Dance Intensives and annual Dance Teacher WebConferences. Jess has adjunct faculty to the Rutgers University Dance Dept. and has also served as Master Teacher & adjudicator for various dance competitions. She is the Chief Editor for the Dance Teacher Web blog and is also faculty member and contributing writer.Her latest passion project includes becoming a 500HR RYT, RPYT and is the creator of 44 Yoga + Movement. www.44yogamove.com We are so excited to welcome Jess back for her 4th DFR Summer Intensive !

Jess Stafford is a native New Yorker and graduate of NYU Steinhardt's Dance Education Master’s Program. She also has her BFA in dance performance from UMASS Amherst. Following her life as a professional dancer, Jess now teaches and choreographs nationally and internationally, bringing her love of movement and creating to all her classes. Jess’ performance credits include: The National Tour of Guys & Dolls, The European Tour of Grease, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Salute to Dudley Moore at Carnegie Hall, guest-dancer with the World Famous Pontani Sisters and IMPULSE Modern Dance Company. Jess has been on faculty for the Perichild Program at Peridance, New Dance Group and 92nd Street Y in NYC and was Company Director at Steffi Nossen School of Dance. In 2008 Jess traveled to Uganda where she taught creative-movement and was a featured instructor at the Queen's Kampala Dance School. She has conducted workshops for the cast of LA REVE at the Wynn, Las Vegas and has been on faculty at the IDS International Dance Teacher Conference at The Royal Ballet, MPower Summer Dance Intensives and annual Dance Teacher WebConferences. Jess has adjunct faculty to the Rutgers University Dance Dept. and has also served as Master Teacher & adjudicator for various dance competitions. She is the Chief Editor for the Dance Teacher Web blog and is also faculty member and contributing writer.Her latest passion project includes becoming a 500HR RYT, RPYT and is the creator of 44 Yoga + Movement. www.44yogamove.com We are so excited to welcome Jess back for her 4th DFR Summer Intensive !

Weekend rehearsals occur 1-3 times per month for large group routines and Productions.

For intermediate to advanced level dancers ages 8+ - our Summer Intensive Master Class Series features Guest Artists from NYC as well as DFR Faculty. Mandatory for DFR Competition Team dancers, the Summer Intensive is open to all dancers on a limited basis.

Keegan Scesny is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, based in Norwalk Connecticut. She just wrapped up three seasons as a Company Member with Bosoma Dance Company under the direction of Katherine Hooper. Keegan previously trained and performed with Aurora Borealis Dance Company under the direction of Katie Pustizzi, for two seasons. She currently teaches regularly at the Spot at Just Dance Studios, and guest teaches at Dawn’s School of Dance, where she received her early dance training. In more recent years, Keegan has had the honor of working with many Master teachers and choreographers such as Cat Cogliandro, Emily Greenwell, Kate Jablonski, Jaclyn Waguespack, and Adrienne Hawkins. Keegan was also a core dancer in “Matriarch: a Woman’s Immigration” story by Ann-Marie Ciaraldi, “After Dark” by Laura Sanchez, and “Liquid Spine, Cape Ann by Katie Pustizzi. Keegan’s passion for expression, creativity, and allowing herself to be vulnerable has paved the way for a life involved in dance and the performing arts- passions that she strives to pass on to the younger generations of dancers she teaches. We are so excited to welcome Keagan to Dance Factory Ridgefield!

Mickey is an internationally award winning physical theatre actor and dancer. He originally hails from Ramer, Alabama. He began his dance training at Alabama Dance Theatre and has a B.A. in Communication/Theatre at Auburn Montgomery. While in college, he became the emcee, entertaining 7000 fans nightly, for the Montgomery Biscuits. After graduating, Mickey moved to Italy to pursue an M.F.A. in Physical Theatre at the Accademia del’Arte. He received training in Commedia Dell’Arte, Clown, Dance, Choreography, and Acting. During this time, he attended Flic Scoula di Circo, Circus School, where he trained in acrobatics, acro dance, Chinese pole, walking globe, and various other circus skills. While in Europe, he performed with companies such as Familie Floz in Germany, Divaldo Continuo in the Czech Republic, and Red Dot Theatre in Italy and Turkey. After receiving his M.F.A., Mickey moved to the NYC area where has starred in several independent films, commercials, TV shows, and works as a free-lance dancer/choreographer. He is also a founding member of Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre. This company tours all over the world telling compelling stories using acrobatics, dance, and physical acting. Mickey has developed techniques that help children develop motor skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and social skills. He has made it his goal to help children reignite their imagination to know and feel that whatever their dreams are, they can accomplish them. Mickey co-founded Circus Splendiferous LLC with his wife, Jesse, in March of 2020. We are so fortunate to have Mickey as a resident choreographer and instructor at DFR !

Lauren grew up dancing at Robin Horneff’s Performing Arts Center under direction of Robin Horneff and Kelley Larkin (Studio L). Through the studio she was able to train closely with teachers such as Gil Stroming (Owner, Break The Floor Productions), Larissa Saveliev (Founder, Youth America Grand Prix), Ray Leeper, Michelle Barber, Ricci Milan, Joe Lanteri, Mike Minery and Rose Ivory-Yamout. She has performed on “The View”, CBS morning show, ESPN, ESPN2 and in an International American Express Commercial. She has been a member of two contemporary companies in NYC. Synthesis Dance Project - Dir. Tracie Stanfield - where she performed at Capezio ACE awards, DUMBO Dance Festival, SoNo CT festival and the Elan Awards. As well as Pushing Progress - Dir. Calen Kurka - where she had the chance to perform at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Lauren has taught at the New Dance Group, NYC and choreographed for showcases there as well as Bridge For Dance, NYC. She has performed with Busta Rhymes, Debbie Gibson, Ethan Stiefel, Sasha Radetsky and The Temptations. She has also had the privilege of choreographing for the College of Charleston Dance Team, Ramapo College of New Jersey dancers as well as teaching at International Dance Day events and at National Dance Showcase’s Conventions. Lauren has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years. Her students have gone on to be signed with Bloc Agency and Clear Talent Group, top ten on SYTYCD, Radio City Rockettes, Broadway as well as performing on TV, films and commercials. She's helped her students to win numerous awards, titles and and accolades as well as winning over 50 choreography and concept awards herself. She is so excited to be a part of this studio and looks forward to helping the students to reach their goals! We are so very fortunate to have Lauren as a resident choreographer and instructor at Dance Factory Ridgefield!

Mickey is an internationally award winning physical theatre actor and dancer. He originally hails from Ramer, Alabama. He began his dance training at Alabama Dance Theatre and has a B.A. in Communication/Theatre at Auburn Montgomery. While in college, he became the emcee, entertaining 7000 fans nightly, for the Montgomery Biscuits. After graduating, Mickey moved to Italy to pursue an M.F.A. in Physical Theatre at the Accademia del’Arte. He received training in Commedia Dell’Arte, Clown, Dance, Choreography, and Acting. During this time, he attended Flic Scoula di Circo, Circus School, where he trained in acrobatics, acro dance, Chinese pole, walking globe, and various other circus skills. While in Europe, he performed with companies such as Familie Floz in Germany, Divaldo Continuo in the Czech Republic, and Red Dot Theatre in Italy and Turkey. After receiving his M.F.A., Mickey moved to the NYC area where has starred in several independent films, commercials, TV shows, and works as a free-lance dancer/choreographer. He is also a founding member of Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre. This company tours all over the world telling compelling stories using acrobatics, dance, and physical acting. Mickey has developed techniques that help children develop motor skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and social skills. He has made it his goal to help children reignite their imagination to know and feel that whatever their dreams are, they can accomplish them. Mickey co-founded Circus Splendiferous LLC with his wife, Jesse, in March of 2020. We are so fortunate to have Mickey as a resident choreographer and instructor at DFR !

Lauren grew up dancing at Robin Horneff’s Performing Arts Center under direction of Robin Horneff and Kelley Larkin (Studio L). Through the studio she was able to train closely with teachers such as Gil Stroming (Owner, Break The Floor Productions), Larissa Saveliev (Founder, Youth America Grand Prix), Ray Leeper, Michelle Barber, Ricci Milan, Joe Lanteri, Mike Minery and Rose Ivory-Yamout. She has performed on “The View”, CBS morning show, ESPN, ESPN2 and in an International American Express Commercial. She has been a member of two contemporary companies in NYC. Synthesis Dance Project - Dir. Tracie Stanfield - where she performed at Capezio ACE awards, DUMBO Dance Festival, SoNo CT festival and the Elan Awards. As well as Pushing Progress - Dir. Calen Kurka - where she had the chance to perform at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Lauren has taught at the New Dance Group, NYC and choreographed for showcases there as well as Bridge For Dance, NYC. She has performed with Busta Rhymes, Debbie Gibson, Ethan Stiefel, Sasha Radetsky and The Temptations. She has also had the privilege of choreographing for the College of Charleston Dance Team, Ramapo College of New Jersey dancers as well as teaching at International Dance Day events and at National Dance Showcase’s Conventions. Lauren has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years. Her students have gone on to be signed with Bloc Agency and Clear Talent Group, top ten on SYTYCD, Radio City Rockettes, Broadway as well as performing on TV, films and commercials. She's helped her students to win numerous awards, titles and and accolades as well as winning over 50 choreography and concept awards herself. She is so excited to be a part of this studio and looks forward to helping the students to reach their goals! We are so very fortunate to have Lauren as a resident choreographer and instructor at Dance Factory Ridgefield!

Mickey is an internationally award winning physical theatre actor and dancer. He originally hails from Ramer, Alabama. He began his dance training at Alabama Dance Theatre and has a B.A. in Communication/Theatre at Auburn Montgomery. While in college, he became the emcee, entertaining 7000 fans nightly, for the Montgomery Biscuits. After graduating, Mickey moved to Italy to pursue an M.F.A. in Physical Theatre at the Accademia del’Arte. He received training in Commedia Dell’Arte, Clown, Dance, Choreography, and Acting. During this time, he attended Flic Scoula di Circo, Circus School, where he trained in acrobatics, acro dance, Chinese pole, walking globe, and various other circus skills. While in Europe, he performed with companies such as Familie Floz in Germany, Divaldo Continuo in the Czech Republic, and Red Dot Theatre in Italy and Turkey. After receiving his M.F.A., Mickey moved to the NYC area where has starred in several independent films, commercials, TV shows, and works as a free-lance dancer/choreographer. He is also a founding member of Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre. This company tours all over the world telling compelling stories using acrobatics, dance, and physical acting. Mickey has developed techniques that help children develop motor skills, critical thinking, problem solving, and social skills. He has made it his goal to help children reignite their imagination to know and feel that whatever their dreams are, they can accomplish them. Mickey co-founded Circus Splendiferous LLC with his wife, Jesse, in March of 2020. We are so fortunate to have Mickey as a resident choreographer and instructor at DFR !

Lauren grew up dancing at Robin Horneff’s Performing Arts Center under direction of Robin Horneff and Kelley Larkin (Studio L). Through the studio she was able to train closely with teachers such as Gil Stroming (Owner, Break The Floor Productions), Larissa Saveliev (Founder, Youth America Grand Prix), Ray Leeper, Michelle Barber, Ricci Milan, Joe Lanteri, Mike Minery and Rose Ivory-Yamout. She has performed on “The View”, CBS morning show, ESPN, ESPN2 and in an International American Express Commercial. She has been a member of two contemporary companies in NYC. Synthesis Dance Project - Dir. Tracie Stanfield - where she performed at Capezio ACE awards, DUMBO Dance Festival, SoNo CT festival and the Elan Awards. As well as Pushing Progress - Dir. Calen Kurka - where she had the chance to perform at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Lauren has taught at the New Dance Group, NYC and choreographed for showcases there as well as Bridge For Dance, NYC. She has performed with Busta Rhymes, Debbie Gibson, Ethan Stiefel, Sasha Radetsky and The Temptations. She has also had the privilege of choreographing for the College of Charleston Dance Team, Ramapo College of New Jersey dancers as well as teaching at International Dance Day events and at National Dance Showcase’s Conventions. Lauren has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years. Her students have gone on to be signed with Bloc Agency and Clear Talent Group, top ten on SYTYCD, Radio City Rockettes, Broadway as well as performing on TV, films and commercials. She's helped her students to win numerous awards, titles and and accolades as well as winning over 50 choreography and concept awards herself. She is so excited to be a part of this studio and looks forward to helping the students to reach their goals! We are so very fortunate to have Lauren as a resident choreographer and instructor at Dance Factory Ridgefield!

Kenny Hernandez is a self taught dancer and choreographer from The Bronx, NY. Growing up, he started to build his street style by training with different teams and groups based in NYC. Kenny later continued his training through different places such as Broadway Dance Center, EXPG, BrickHouseDance, and MonstersDance. Kenny has a passion for teaching and has taught workshops and classes all over the country and in Australia. He loves inspiring and wants to share his knowledge and passion for dance with all of his students. We are so excited to have Kenny join us for his 5th DFR Summer Intensive!

Kenny Hernandez is a self taught dancer and choreographer from The Bronx, NY. Growing up, he started to build his street style by training with different teams and groups based in NYC. Kenny later continued his training through different places such as Broadway Dance Center, EXPG, BrickHouseDance, and MonstersDance. Kenny has a passion for teaching and has taught workshops and classes all over the country and in Australia. He loves inspiring and wants to share his knowledge and passion for dance with all of his students. We are so excited to have Kenny join us for his 5th DFR Summer Intensive!

Jess Stafford is a native New Yorker and graduate of NYU Steinhardt's Dance Education Master’s Program. She also has her BFA in dance performance from UMASS Amherst. Following her life as a professional dancer, Jess now teaches and choreographs nationally and internationally, bringing her love of movement and creating to all her classes. Jess’ performance credits include: The National Tour of Guys & Dolls, The European Tour of Grease, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Salute to Dudley Moore at Carnegie Hall, guest-dancer with the World Famous Pontani Sisters and IMPULSE Modern Dance Company. Jess has been on faculty for the Perichild Program at Peridance, New Dance Group and 92nd Street Y in NYC and was Company Director at Steffi Nossen School of Dance. In 2008 Jess traveled to Uganda where she taught creative-movement and was a featured instructor at the Queen's Kampala Dance School. She has conducted workshops for the cast of LA REVE at the Wynn, Las Vegas and has been on faculty at the IDS International Dance Teacher Conference at The Royal Ballet, MPower Summer Dance Intensives and annual Dance Teacher WebConferences. Jess has adjunct faculty to the Rutgers University Dance Dept. and has also served as Master Teacher & adjudicator for various dance competitions. She is the Chief Editor for the Dance Teacher Web blog and is also faculty member and contributing writer.Her latest passion project includes becoming a 500HR RYT, RPYT and is the creator of 44 Yoga + Movement. www.44yogamove.com We are so excited to welcome Jess back for her 4th DFR Summer Intensive !

Summer Fusion Dance Camps and Junior Intensives are offered during our Summer Session for Tweens. Each week is a different themed Camp which explores various dance styles, and includes dance games, crafts, snack time and a Parent/Guardian Showcase each Friday where the dancers show off what they have learned and created during the week.

are offered during our Summer Session for ages 3-11. Each week is a different themed Camp which explores various dance styles, and includes dance, games, crafts, snack time and a Parent/Guardian Showcase each Friday where the dancers show off what they have learned and created during the week. Each themed Camp runs from Monday to Friday, and you can sign up for as many weeks as you like during our Summer Session.

All Creative Movement & Fusion Dance Camps include nut-free snacks, crafts & games. Dancers should have a personal water bottle for all classes & camps & may bring personal snacks. Creative Movement Camps have Parent Observation Performances at the studio each Friday at 11:30am.

All Creative Movement & Fusion Dance Camps include nut-free snacks, crafts & games. Dancers should have a personal water bottle for all classes & camps & may bring personal snacks. Fusion Dance Camps have a Parent Observation Showcase each Friday at 3:30pm.