FABULOUS FACULTY
JENNIFER COUGHLIN
Creative Director & Choreographer | 25 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ
Jennifer has been sharing her love and passion for dance since she opened her doors in 1999. She has performed professionally all over the world but found that her true calling was nurturing and inspiring young dancers here in Dracut, Massachusetts. Over the years, her students have won hundreds of awards for technique, choreography, expression, and sportsmanship and have placed in over-alls and title awards. Many of her alumni have become professional dancers and teachers/choreographers. Jens love for dance is proven daily through her teaching, faculty, and students and she always means it when she says you are part of her "Dance Family."
CHRISTINA DECKER
Choreographer | Tap Manager | 21 years
FAVORITE: TAP
Christina has been with 5-6-7-8 for many years as a student and teacher. She is our most advanced tap instructor and choreographer, and it's no surprise since she ventures to New York to update her training monthly. She has even choreographed multiple Acapella pieces where the only music was the sounds made by her students tapping. Her bright and beautiful smile lights up her elementary classroom during the day, and our studio at night during her classes!
NICOLE DIGIORGIO
Choreographer | Team Manager | 14 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ
Nicole is an extremely detail oriented dancer and choreographer and it is showcased in her award-winning pieces. She comes to 5-6-7-8 with an expansive background in many styles and a 4-year Certification from the Dance Teachers Club of Boston. As an educator Nicole strives to provide a positive learning environment for her students.
SAMANTHA CHARETTE
Choreographer & Marketing Manager | 17 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ
'Miss Sam' started her career with 5-6-7-8 as an Assistant and quickly moved into a Teacher and Dance Team Choreographer role. She has taught all over New England, has appeared in movies, was the President of her college dance club, and walked in Boston Fashion Week. Sam is also a skilled Marketing Professional and has helped bring the business side of 5-6-7-8 to the next level.
ASHLEY DESMARAIS
Choreographer | 13 years
FAVORITE: LYRICAL
Get ready to be dazzled by the grace and flawless movements of Ashley. She specializes in Lyrical, but can teach every style to any age student. Ashley was also the captain of the UMASS Lowell Dance Team and as well as the Spinners Dance Team.
Choreographer | 4 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ
Kailey Doukszewicz, born and raised just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, began her experience with dance at a very young age. For fifteen dedicated years, she trained in a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, acro, and ballroom. After graduating high school in 2018 she went on to continue her dance training and education at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she graduated summa cum laude with her BFA in contemporary dance performance. Post- graduation, Kailey is now a Radio City Rockette performing in the world famous Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Kailey is also working as co- director of the professional assistant program on tour with West Coast Dance Explosion.
MELISSA JOHNSON
Instructor | 4 years
FAVORITE: LYRICAL
Melissa started her dance career at the young age of 2 and has continued dancing into the college level. Joining the 5678 Dance team at the age of 14 she has won several regional and national placements, along with titles. She was honored the title of Elite Dancer at Excel in Motion, assisting SYTYCD winner Lauren Froderman and Aaron Turner. Melissa was also a member of the UMass Lowell Dance Team and dance team choreographer.
SAMMI BLADES
Instructor | 3 year
FAVORITE: LYRICAL
Sammi first stepped through the doors of 5678 Dance Studio at just 2 years old and has been dedicated to dance ever since. She began assistant teaching at the age of 12 and quickly discovered her passion for teaching. Pursuing her dreams further, Sammi attended UMass Lowell, where she proudly served as the captain of the UMass Lowell Dance Team, showcasing her leadership and dedication. After graduation, she continued her involvement as the team’s choreographer, crafting innovative and captivating routines. You’ll often find her working with the youngest dancers on Saturdays, but her expertise spans Lyrical and Contemporary dance, and she enjoys teaching students of all ages. Sammi’s greatest joy as a dance teacher comes from sharing her love and enthusiasm for dance with children and helping them discover their own passion for the art form.
JULIE COUGHLIN
Choreographer | 4 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY
Julie has been dancing since the age of 2. She was inspired to be a teacher after growing up at 5-6-7-8 with so many role models around. Julie is also a competitive dancer and has trained with professionals from all over the world. She has won numerous awards at competitions including 1st place overall, title, special judge's awards and most photogenic!
VIKKI KAMBERALIS
Instructor | 1 year
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY
Vikki is an Alumni of the CLI Conservatory (CY3) and was a competitive dancer for 5 years primarily focusing on Acrobatics. She will be attending New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) where she will be training with faculty from the world known show Cirque Du Soleil. She has a strong passion for teaching and helping students find their love for dance and movement
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS
Rae-Ann Thomas
Craig Dionne
Impavido
Liam Fitzpatrick
Sadie Winer
Flora Dickenson
Alexa Luke
Kai Holmes
APPRENTICE TEACHERS
Jada Coughlin
Kiera Andre
Grace Hovey
Brooklyn O'Connor
Veronica Masymenko
Isabella Rocha
ASSISTANTS
We believe in the power of passing our love for dance on to others. Our Assistant Program allows our advanced dancers to learn the process of becoming a dance teacher and choreographer.
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Jillian Bernier
Gracie Callery
Ainsley Campbell
Chloe Collins
Carly Collett
Allison Fuller
Isabella O'Connor
Ellie Ramos