06/09/08

Welcome to
Judy Hakes School of Dance
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS
"We teach our students to dance; not a dance."
Charles Kelley, World Renowned Dance Educator

E-mail Trey with billing questions

Judy Hakes

Judy began her dance education at the age of 4 with the studio's former owner, Betty Keller. At the age of 17, Judy purchased the business from Betty and began teaching at its current location. In 1990 she expanded into a second studio located in the upstairs of the Masonic Building. Judy is a certified member of the Dance Educators of America and is constantly updating her knowledge by attending annual conventions and seminars held by the Northeast Workshop for Dancers, Al Gilbert Dance Seminars, and of course, Dance Educators of America. Judy has had the pleasure to study under such notables as Debbie Dee, Al Gilbert, Janice Barringer, and Darryl Retter. These professionals have had the most influence over the techniques she uses today. Not only does Judy provide students with the foundations for success, she is proud to have started three former students in their own studios, as well as several who are dancing and choreographing throughout the east coast.  Locally, Judy enjoys choreographing musicals for the Montoursville High School such as Fiddler on The Roof, Crazy for You and 42nd Street, to name her favorites.

Christine Miller

Christine Miller Started her dance lessons at the age of three with Eudora Lyon, a locally renowned dance instructor. She began studying with Judy upon Eudora's retirement and began teaching for her in 1982.  Christine graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS in Elementary Education and obtained an AS in computer science from WACC.  She now works as a kindergarten teacher for South Williamsport Area School District while pursuing a Master's Degree.  Christine has two daughters, Heather and Mackenzie, whom also study dance.

Kelly Miller

Kelly Miller started dedicating her time to the art of dance at the age of seven.  She has been teaching professionally since 1999.  Kelly is a graduate of Penn College with an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy.  She is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for Guthrie in Sayre, PA and hosts children's Birthday dance parties at the studio.

Toni Troxell

Toni Troxell, another protege of Betty Keller since the age of four, has studied under Judy since grade five. Toni is one of two original pupils that have been with Judy since her very first recital in May of 1973. Toni has a degree in Accounting from WACC and works full time with STEP INC. This former cheerleading coach began instructing with Judy in 2004 and participates in two adult tap classes at the studio.

Katie Benson came to the Judy Hakes School of Dance in 2004 with over five years of teaching experience. She's taken lessons locally since the age of eight and recently completed the second of four years toward her Teacher Certification with Dance Masters of America.  She travels frequently to such workshops as Broadway Dance Center, Dance Teacher Magazine, and Dance Educators of America. Katie has had the honor of studying under some favorite instructors like Bob Rizzo, Cathy Roe and Frank Hatchett. She is involved with the musical program at Montoursville High School and had the privilege of assisting Judy with the choreography of Bye Bye Birdie. Not only has she introduced the Special Needs classes to the studio, but she taught Hip-Hop classes at three local schools this past winter.

Shelly Neubauer

Shelly Neubauer, Judy's niece, began dancing at age three and started as a student helper for Judy at age eleven. Shelly graduated from Penn State University in 1994 with a degree in Marketing and currently works in the Marketing Department at Woolrich. Her favorite dance style is Tap with an emphasis on Funk and her daughter, Jaycie, will be dancing with the kindergarten class this year.

Lyndsey Follmer

Lyndsey Follmer began dancing with Judy at the age of five and continued until her high school graduation.  After earning her BS in psychology from Penn State University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Widner University, Lyndsey returned to her hometown and works as a therapist for Community Services Group.  She will be teaching on Saturday's beginning January 2008.

"Shay" joins the JHSD in 2007 and brings with her a wealth of dance experience.  Growing up in Southern California, she really developed a passion for performing around the age of 19.  In her career, she's been a dance choreographer and feature dancer in numerous productions and has performed with such notables as LL Cool Jay and The New Radicals.  Shay was a Los Angeles Laker Girl and notes some of the most memorable experiences of her life were performing USO tours for the brave men and women serving our country.  Her favorite style of dance is jazz!

Copyright 2007, Judy Hakes School of Dance

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