SHANNA MACKEY
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Shanna has been teaching at TDA for 9 years and Is very grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of director. She previously studied under Miss Lisamarie for 15 years. She has studied all types of dance, which include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, and pointe. She has been choreographing for the competition team for 7 years and has received numerous awards from local and national competitions. She has personally won top awards and scholarships along with dancing for world-renowned choreographers like Allison Holker, Robert Hoffman, Alex Wong & many more.
Shanna enjoys being at TDA and looks forward to bringing all she has learned and continues to learn to her students. She would like to inspire them as the teachers at TDA have done for her in the past.
LISAMARIE MARKS
OWNER/DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Lisamarie Marks started dancing at the age of five at a small studio in New Jersey (Rifino School of Dance) under the direction of Felicia Rifino, where she stayed until it closed (1987). She also supplemented her studies by joining the New Jersey Dance Theatre Guild, a company of local girls studying from teachers who were brought in from New York two or three times a week. Dance exams were given at each level of dance, and there were also two performances a year ("The Nutcracker" and a spring production). Miss Lisamarie studied with the Guild for 10 years under Marina Stavitskaya and E. Laura Hausmann. She also studied at Dance Dimension (NJ) during her senior year of high school. The following year, Miss Lisamarie started her teaching career as well as her education at Rowan College of New Jersey, where she graduated with a Speech/Theatre/Dance degree. During her college years, she belonged to several companies, including Ballet South for six years, where her repertoire included:
"The King and I', "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", "Snow White", "Peter and the Wolf", and "The Nutcracker”. She also performed with The Atlantic City Jazz Company under the direction of Patty Harris and The Sterling Dance Theatre, which became Allied Motion under the direction of K.T. Huckabee Milburn. Miss Lisamarie has also studied with several professional dance instructors, including Bella Lewitsky, Judith Jamison, David Parsons, Frank Hatchett, and Shelia Barker.
Miss Lisamarie was with The Hanover Academy of Dance for 13 years, most of which was under the direction of Barbara Hare, for whom The Dance Academy's Scholarship is named. She proudly served as artistic director of The Dance Academy for 16 years before retiring in 2023.
ELYNDA GARCIA
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Elynda began dancing at the age of three and became a student of Lisamarie’s when she was eight. Over the years, she has trained in a wide variety of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hula, contemporary, modern, hip hop, musical theater, and pointe. At ten years old, she joined The Dance Academy’s competition team, where she had the opportunity to learn from renowned choreographers such as Alex Wong, Kent Boyd, Lauren Froderman, and many others. While competing with the team, Elynda earned numerous top placements and special awards, as well as appearing in several local theater productions. After graduating from Hanover High School in 2019, she began student teaching at The Dance Academy under the guidance of various instructors, gaining valuable experience that shaped her as both a dancer and an educator. In 2021, she was granted her own classes and has been teaching ever since.
Miss Elynda has always loved spending time at The Dance Academy and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with her students. She prides herself on not only passing along her dance experience but also being a positive influence in her students’ lives. In 2024, she reached a new milestone in her career when she joined the faculty as a company teacher and choreographer for The Dance Academy’s competition team. In this role, she enjoys mentoring dancers and helping them grow both technically and artistically. With pieces she has choreographed and co-choreographed, she looks forward each season to the excitement of competition and to celebrating the team’s achievements, including numerous awards at both local and national levels.
Elynda graduated in 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education, which has allowed her to pursue both of her dreams—teaching in the classroom and teaching in the studio. By day, she helps young students learn to read, and by night, she teaches them the art of dance. Miss Elynda is excited to continue her journey as a dance educator at The Dance Academy for many years to come!
AMY BERNHARDT
ACRO INSTRUCTOR
Miss Amy is originally from Annapolis, Maryland, and began gymnastics at the young age of two. By age eight, she was a top ten finalist in the Maryland States ranking. When she was ten, she had grown a passion for dance and started competing with the acro team at C&C Dance Company in Bowie, MD, where she won many regional and national titles. She continued dancing through middle school, specializing in jazz, ballet, and acro, and as a freshman in high school, made the varsity dance company. As a senior, she tried her hand at cheerleading. She was asked to help out with a beginner tumbling class and fell in love with teaching others what she had learned over the years.
Amy began teaching when she was 17 years old at the Maryland Flyers gym. By the age of 20, she was the head tumbling coach, working with all ages and abilities, and had her own dance team that she started at the gym. The dance team won a state title in Maryland, and they traveled to Florida to compete at nationals. At age 23, Amy graduated from college with an associate degree in Nursing. She now lives in Hanover, PA, with her husband and two young children.
Teaching has remained a passion of hers, and she takes great pride in watching the girls she works with grow and improve in their skills. For the past 18 years, she's continued to teach acro and tumbling to dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders and is currently working at the Hanover YMCA gymnastics as the tumbling manager, specializing in flexibility and strength training. She also works part-time at Carroll Hospital Center as an orthopedic nurse. Amy believes there is no limit to what you can do as long as you have the passion and drive, you can achieve anything.
EMILY THOMAS
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Emily began dancing at the age of nine at a small studio in Gettysburg and then later began dancing at The Dance Academy under the direction of Lisamarie Marks. Emily specializes in working with some of our youngest dancers in the Creative Movement and Novice Tap programs here at TDA. She enjoys creating an exciting and welcoming environment for our young dancers, which makes learning fun! We are excited to welcome Ms. Emily back for another season with TDA!
LINDSEY PITTMAN
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Lindsey Pittman is a Baltimore native with extensive training in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, and modern techniques. She trained for over a decade at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Performing Arts, under the direction of Shannon Torres and went on to graduate with honors from the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York City with a certificate in ballet.
Her performance experience includes featured roles in Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, as well as original works performed at the Joffrey Ballet School, Central Park’s Summer Stage Concert Series, and Youth America Grand Prix tours. Lindsey has also performed with the Invisible Wings Dance Project and the Vaught Contemporary Dance Company; using her art to inspire and support meaningful causes.
As an educator, Lindsey has taught and choreographed for the Baltimore Ballet School and has coached soloists for the Youth America Grand Prix, with her students earning top recognition. She specializes in fostering a strong technical foundation while encouraging artistry and confidence in her dancers.
This year, Lindsey is excited to return to The Dance Academy after previously teaching here and looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with a new generation of students. Outside of the studio, she is a proud mom to two boys, Jonah and Jamie, who inspire her daily with their energy and joy.
RACHEL SMITH
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Rachel Smith graduated from Shenandoah University with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography with a focus on Education. While at Shenandoah, she also completed a 40+ hour training program with Pilates Method Alliance to become a certified Pilates mat instructor. She began her dance training with Gettysburg International Ballet, New York Ballet Institute, and Gettysburg Dance Center. In high school, Rachel was accepted to the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts, where she was one of three students selected to perform her audition solo in their student showcase. She has performed throughout the NYC area, including Carnegie Hall and the Broadway Dance Center Choreographers Showcase.
Additionally, she has performed in the Czech Republic, Disney World, Spain, Taiwan, and Ireland. After college, Rachel was a member of Danco 2, Philadanco’s second company. While there, she studied under such dance masters as Joan Myers Brown, Don Martin, Bill Thomas, Camille Brown, Virginia Johnson, Dudley Williams, Christopher Huggins, Kayoko Amemiya, Kimberly Bears-Baily, and Donald Lunsford. Rachel was the owner of Gettysburg Dance Center from 2010 until 2019, when GDC merged with the Gettysburg Community Theatre to become their dance program. As owner of GDC, Rachel began an educational partnership with William Waldinger of the Joffrey Ballet School and served as dance coordinator for the Moscow Ballet when they staged The Great Russian Nutcracker in Gettysburg in 2011.
Rachel currently teaches dance, Pilates, and barre fitness in Adams County and surrounding areas.
CHRISTINE MAGEE
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Christine started dancing at the age of four and has made it an integral part of her life ever since. She began her journey with classical ballet training and soon after pursued all other styles of dance. Christine trained for a semester at Point Park University and shortly after moved to South Carolina to complete a professional contract with Unbound Dance Company.
She felt a calling to teach and expand her choreography skills so she moved back to Maryland to start her career as Dance Instructor. She has since taught for over a decade and has provided masterclasses to various studios. Now living in Pennsylvania and enjoying her new title as "Mom", Christine continues to expand her knowledge in other avenues. Through her own journey of self exploration, she found a yoga practice and immersed herself in training and growth. Christine completed her RYT 200 yoga certification and has taught well over 1,000 hours, leading to her current designation as E-RYT 200. She also completed her Personal Trainer certification, as well as a certification in Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching.
All of these modalities of healing, movement, and nutrition have positively impacted her role as Dance Instructor; she hopes to teach dancers the most efficient and healthy ways to pursue their training.
MACKENZIE HAHN
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Mackenzie began dancing under Lisamarie’s instruction at the age of five. She has studied many styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and pointe. At the age of ten, Miss Mackenzie joined The Dance Academy’s competition team, where she earned numerous top adjudicated and special awards alongside her teammates. She also had the opportunity to learn from several acclaimed choreographers throughout her competitive years.
After graduating from high school, Miss Mackenzie attended Millersville University, where she was a member of the Millersville University Dance Team. There, she continued to practice hip hop, jazz, contemporary, and pom, and competed at the national level, earning top-ten finishes in both jazz and pom. Miss Mackenzie graduated from Millersville in the spring of 2025 with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Miss Mackenzie is excited to return to The Dance Academy to share her passion, knowledge, and love of dance with her students. She looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers and helping them grow both in skill and confidence.
TIFFANY HUFF
OFFICE MANAGER
Tiffany started dancing when she was just 4 years old and made her debut as "Michael" in The Dance Academy's first annual ballet production, Mary Poppins, at the age of 7.
Upon completing her dance training, Tiffany went on to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. In addition to managing the office, Tiffany is a proud mother of three beautiful boys, James, Jensen, and Jett, who occasionally drop by for visits.
This marks Tiffany's 7th year working in the office at TDA and her 4th year as the Office Manager!
TOMMI FETT
OFFICE STAFF
Tommi joined the TDA family 12 years ago when her daughter began in creative movements. Her daughter, Abigail, is a proud member of the company and she is a proud comp mom. When people ask Tommi what her hobbies are, it is really quite simple. She is just a mom helping her children live their best lives. When not at the studio you will find her cheering on her son, Tyler, at a football game, basketball game, or track and field. She volunteers making team dinners, working in the concession stand, PTO, and any other parent or teacher organization that helps the CVSD. The Fett’s are Colonials and TDA through and through.
Following graduating from Southwestern High School Tommi went to Central Pennsylvania Business School where she graduated with an associate degree in child care management. She continued her education at Shippensburg University where she earned a bachelor degree. After accepting a teaching position in the Conewago Valley School District she earned a Master's degree from Penn State University.
Although she has been teaching for 25 years, she has had a plethora of business experience that makes her an asset to TDA. She put herself through college as a manager at BMOSS Clothing Company, was a file clerk for the Federal Aviation Administration, and worked in the office for NTE. On top of teaching 4th grade at CVIS, she has been the Mini-THON coordinator for the past 16 years. CVIS has proudly raised over $100,000 over the years, and many TDA dancers have contributed to making each year a success.
Tommi feels that the absolute best part of working in the office is being here for your dancers. She loves watching them join as tiny dancers and progress into our highest level classes. She loves when they share stories about their day, show new moves that they have learned, or even just smile when they stop by the office. She feels blessed to watch them grow from their tutus into pointe shoes. Working in the office has given her a chance to get to know all of the dancers at TDA, not just the ones that take classes with Abby. She loves hearing parents interacting with their dancers with excitement when they get their costumes, perform recital dances, and find out their child is ready to progress to the next level. TDA is more than just a dance studio to Tommi. It is a family that she feels blessed to call home
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS AND INSTRUCTORS
SILVIE DAMSKEY
CHOREOGRAPHER
Miss Silvie began studying dance at the age of two and has continued to share her passion of the art these last eleven years through education. She prides herself on sharing her experience as well as providing a positive influence on her student's lives. Several of her students have won regional as well as national titles. Her choreography has received top and special awards within the competitive circuit. Silvie is also a vocal coach. Many of her students have received leads in musicals and won local events. Silvie splits her time being a mom of two amazing girls, teaching her wonderful students, and being the Maryland Operations Manager at Discovery Title Services. This is Miss Silvie’s 12th year at TDA!
JENNIFER REED
CHOREOGRAPHER
Jennifer is a professional dancer, instructor, choreographer, and mother with over 20 years of teaching experience. Her love for dance began at just two years old, when she took her first ballet class in the basement of a local church. Since then, she has trained extensively in a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. After graduating, Jennifer studied in the Dance Certificate Program at The University of the Arts, launching her professional career in the dance industry. She is currently expanding her expertise by studying Ayurveda Wellness and Integrated Health at Maharishi International University. Her professional performance credits include Carnival Cruise Lines (M.S. Paradise, M.S. Pride, M.S. Miracle), The Fulton Theatre (A Chorus Line), Olney Theatre (On the Town, Candide, Elf, Singin’ in the Rain), and Totem Pole Playhouse (Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Christmas Carol), among others.
Jennifer brings extensive experience working with students of all ages—from toddlers to adults—across a variety of dance styles. She specializes in Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theatre, and is a Certified Level 1 instructor in Progressing Ballet Technique. Many of Jennifer’s former students have gone on to enjoy successful performance careers, including roles as backup dancers for Taylor Swift and Poppy; members of Ailey II, Giordano Dance Company, and IamForce; performers with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines; and professional cheerleaders for the Brooklynettes, Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens. Her students have also been featured in Glee, Smash, Disney World productions, regional theater, and national television commercials.
Beyond her dedication to teaching, Jennifer is a seasoned choreographer with credits spanning professional theater, collegiate productions, talent showcases, and competitive dance. She remains an active presence in the performing arts industry, continuing to work in both stage and film.
ABIGAIL ELDER
CHOREOGRAPHER
Miss Abby has been dancing since she was 3 years old, beginning at The Hanover Academy of Dance under the direction of Ms. Barbara Hare. She continued dancing with Miss Lisamarie and TDA until graduation. She was an award-winning competitive dancer for ten years with TDA. Under Miss Lisamaries’s tutelage and being a student assistant and a teacher assistant, Abby discovered her passion for teaching dance. She received her dance teaching certificate from Dance and Gymnastics in 2014 and continued with TDA for two more years after high school. Miss Abby then taught for another local dance studio for 4 years until deciding to return home to TDA in 2021. Abby has been awarded several choreography awards from local competitions and choreographed the highest-scoring routine at the Disney World Dance Championship.
Miss Abby loves teaching Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern, and Contemporary. Miss Abby has two very energetic little boys that keep her busy, along with her full-time job as a billing administrator with a local business. Miss Abby looks forward to this coming season with TDA!
BRIANNA DOSS
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Brianna was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, for 22 years and moved to PA in 2016. She began dancing at the age of 5 and is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, hip-hop, Lyrical, and Contemporary. Brianna’s training includes Studio Rejoice! Performing Arts Academy, Linda Kinlaw School of Dance in NC, as well as various classes and workshops with Ballet Magnificant in Jackson, MI, and Dance Revolution, to name a few. Brianna went on to pursue a career in Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell while she continued to teach dance. She holds a certification in Strength Training and Injury Prevention from CLI Studios. Bri is passionate about teaching Strength Training, Body Conditioning/Stretching Technique, Contemporary/Modern, and Jazz. In addition to teaching, Ms. Bri is still an active dancer/performer.