FABULOUS FACULTY
JENNIFER COUGHLIN
Creative Director & Choreographer | 21 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."
SUZANNE SHAW
Studio Manager & Choreographer | 21 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ & TAP
Suzanne wears many hats for 5-6-7-8 Dance Studio, depending on her role that day, and does so with class and grace. She is a role model to her students and employees, and is the glue that holds everything together. Suzanne has been with our company since the very beginning and is a substantial member of our faculty. She is the "queen" of the back stage, works deeply with our Dance Team students and families as a Choreographer and Manager, and is always striving to make 5-6-7-8 the best it can be.
ELIZABETH SHAW
Choreographer & Social Media Manager | 21 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY
Elizabeth is one of the founding students of 5-6-7-8 Dance Studio. She has been a part of every show, performance and competition since our doors opened in 1999. Her uniquely styled choreography has won numerous awards and she is constantly impressing others with her creative concepts. Elizabeth has also been a featured dancer in many movies and music videos, as well as modeling for large brands and fashion shows.
SAMANTHA CHARETTE
Choreographer & Marketing Manager | 20 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC JAZZ
Samantha started her career with 5-6-7-8 as an Assistant and quickly moved into a Teacher and Dance Team Choreographer role. Sam has taught all over New England, was the President of Middlesex Community College Dance Club, has appeared in movies, and walked in Boston Fashion Week. She is also a skilled Marketing Professional and has helped bring the business side of 5-6-7-8 to the next level.
CHRISTINA DECKER
Choreographer | 17 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 | 10 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.
KATELIN COLLINS
Choreographer | 7 years
FAVORITE: BALLET
We're so happy to have Katelin Collins back on our roster of amazing teachers! Her combination of discipline and keen sense of technique makes her an incredible ballet and pointe teacher. She works with our beginners through to our most advanced dancers to constantly improve technique while taking proper precautions to avoid injury.
ASHLEY DESMARAIS
Choreographer | 8 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 is also the captain of the UMASS Lowell Dance Team and as well as the Spinners Dance Team.
SAMMI BLADES
Choreographer | 7 years
FAVORITE: LYRICAL
Sammi started her dance career at 5-6-7-8 as a young child, and her deep love for dance eventually landed her a spot as a teacher and choreographer for our Dance Team. She is also a member of the UMASS Lowell Dance Team as well as the Spinner's Dance Team.
SHELBY SAWTELLE
Choreographer | 7 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY
Shelby started her dance career at 5-6-7-8 and quickly found a love for dance. She joined our Dance Team where she won many awards at Regional and National competitions, including Title, 1st Place Overall Solo, Duo & Trio at Elite Dance Challenge. Shelby is a member of Merrimack College Dance Team and continues to grow her career as an Instructor and Dance Team Choreographer.
KAI HOLMES
Choreographer | 4 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ FUNK
Coming to us with an impressive repertoire, we’re thrilled to have Kai Holmes as one of the newest members of the 5-6-7-8 Faculty. She was a featured dancer in Chris Brown's "Grass Ain't Greener" music video, went on tour as a back up dancer for Brooklyn Jai in China, has been in multiple opening number for Choreographers Carnival, and has performed at Club Jete in Los Angeles. Don’t miss out on the great talent this girl brings to the stage personally and through her students.
KYLIE DOYLE
Choreographer | 4 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY
Kylie started her dance career at 5678 Dance Studio at the age of 5. She joined the dance team in 2008 and quickly fell in love with the art of dance and performing. Growing up in the competitive dance world, Kylie has won many 1st place awards, scholarships, and is a 7x national title winner. In 2018, her graduating year, she was honored to receive the title of Showstopper’s Senior National Champion. Kylie continues to dance through college, while also sharing her love for dance as a teacher and choreographer.
NIKKI TAYLOR
Choreographer | 3 years
FAVORITE: TAP & LYRICAL
Dance has been part of Nikki's life since the age of 3. She has served as an instructor, choreographer, Master/Guest/Convention Teacher and Judge spanning throughout New England, NY and NJ. As a dancer Nikki has performed throughout the United States as well as Europe. She is a graduate of Fitchburg State University where she was the VP of the FSC Dance Club . Nikki is also a graduate of the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston- Teacher’s Training Course. The world of dance has provided such a positive impact on Nikki's life. Due to that fact, it has been her career ambition to educate other individuals who share the same passion.
LAURA PETTIS
Choreographer | 2 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY & ACRO
Laura was classically trained in all genres of dance and danced competitively for fifteen years. She also performed in the World Gymnastrata in Berlin, Germany where her team represented USA. As a professional, Laura has won numerous choreography and entertainment awards and her students have obtained many top high point awards and scholarships. She has studied at many master classes with top industry professionals; Omar Merced, Sheila Barker, Cat Cogliandro, Dan Karaty, Mia Michaels, Casey Noblett, Denise Wall, and Travis Wall, just to name a few!
TANYA CARPENTER
Choreographer | 2 years
FAVORITE: JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY
Tanya has been dancing since the age of 3 and has danced competitively, nationally and internationally. Tanya went on to study at The Alvin Ailey School in New York City as a member of the Independent Study Program under the direction of Tracy Inman and Melanie Pearson. After her time in New York, she performed in Boston based contemporary companies - Urbanity Dance and BoSoma Dance Company. Tanya was the assistant choreographer for the 2015 and 2016 American Tap Company which won several medals at the World Tap Dance Championships in Germany. She has also choreographed nationally award winning routines in various styles including jazz and hip hop. Tanya is currently the Southern New Hampshire University Dance Team coach, which placed 4th in last season’s collegiate national dance championships.
AMANDA UNTRACHT
Choreographer | 1 years
FAVORITE: MODERN & CONTEMPORARY
Amanda is a dedicated performer and choreographer. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management. Over the past few years she has performed and choreographed for productions in the Boston and New York City area. Currently, Amanda is working remotely for West Virginia Dance Company as a special project dancer and is looking forward to her first year with 5-6-7-8!
MELISSA JOHNSON
Choreographer | 2 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. Currently, Melissa is a member of the UMass Lowell Dance Team and dance team choreographer.
JULIE COUGHLIN
Junior Choreographer | 2 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!
SAMANTHA MARION
Junior Choreographer | 2 years
FAVORITE: HIP HOP
Sam is a well rounded dancer; from heartfelt pretty lyrical to pin dropping creepy rag doll. Sam achieved a life long goal of dancing with the NYC Rockettes in a summer intensive at the Radio City Music Hall. Sam has achieved many extraordinary dance competition and convention awards. Sam’s love for teaching dance has inspired many others to always chase your dreams and to never give up. You can achieve anything you put your heart and soul into.
KYLEIGH MCDONALD
Junior Choreographer | 1 years
FAVORITE: CONTEMPORARY & JAZZ
Kyleigh has been dancing since she was 5 years old. She has dedicated herself to dance and spends all of her time dancing and teaching at the studio. As a competitive dancer she has won many overall awards and special judges awards with her team, taken classes with world renowned choreographers, and has danced with the Turn It Up National Dance Team with dancers all across the country. Kyleigh loves being able to share her love and passion for dance and inspire young dancers.
APPRENTICE TEACHERS & ASSISTANTS
We believe in the power of passing our love for dance on to others. Our Apprentice Teacher Program allows our advanced dancers to learn the process of becoming a dance teacher and choreographer.
Paige Blanchette
Jamie Febres
Aubrey Martin
Brianna MacNeill
Tessa Nganga
Bella Rocha
Isabella Viera