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About Us ~ About our Team

Michelle Little and Rachel Bilodeau are business partners, co-directors, and teachers of Studio 3 Dance. Together, they bring a combined 50 years of teaching experience and specialize in Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, African & Hip Hop. They delight in every aspect of the studio but most of all sharing their love for dance with students of all ages, levels and backgrounds.  For Michelle and Rachel, nothing compares to the joy of being at the studio with their students, families and their amazing team of teachers!  When you walk through the door, you will feel welcomed, positive, supported, and ready for fun!  

Rachel Bilodeau

Rachel, proud mom of four awesome kids- Kelsie, Violet, Abby, and Beckham - embraces all facets of dance. She finds joy in running a family-friendly business, ensuring her kids can participate when they choose. Rachel's first choreography debuted in 1995 while she was still in high school. Showcasing her talent across various genres, including Contemporary, Lyrical, African, Hip Hop, and Jazz, she creates several dances each year for teams of all ages as well as solos, duos and trios. Rachel has received numerous choreography awards throughout the years as well as her students earning top scores for her pieces. 

In 2003 Rachel graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology and Minor in Dance from Vermont College. She worked in Psychology as a Behavioral Interventionist until 2005 when she took a position as an Employee Benefits Specialist. Throughout her professional career as well as in college, she continued to teach dance, as it was always her passion. In 2009 she pursued her dream, co-founding Studio 3 Dance & Fitness with Michelle Little, her ideal business partner; embarking on an exciting adventure together! Rachel cherishes the opportunity to share her love and expertise in dance with people of all ages and abilities, eager to guide them on their own dance journey.

 
 
 
Michelle Little

Michelle takes great pride in her role as co-founder and inspiration at S3D. Despite experiencing the loss of her mother to cancer, she embraced Rachel's invitation to embark on this exciting new joint venture.

A Burlington native, Michelle's dance journey began as a young girl at a neighborhood studio, igniting a lifelong passion. From her early days as a competition dancer to her success as a choreographer and teacher, Michelle's dedication shines through in her students' achievements. Her routines have garnered many Special Judges Awards, Judges Choice, and 1st place awards, and numerous accolades throughout her career. Michelle continues her training by attending Master Classes and Conventions throughout the year. 

Michelle holds a BS in Business Management/Finance from Trinity College of Vermont and has held leadership roles including Director of Finance at the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, followed by CVOEO. In 2015, she made the pivotal decision to focus solely on growing the dance studio as a thriving business. Michelle's commitment to her community extends to her years of involvement and board positions with Spectrum Youth & Family Services and Puppets in Education. In 2022, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Franklin County Animal Rescue, where she also volunteers often. When not teaching or managing the studio, Michelle and her husband Tim enjoy traveling the world. They love their sibling fur babies Miss Marley and Lil Ziggy and siblings Charlie and Maggie along with Snowball. They reside in Milton, VT.

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SADIE MACKINNON

Sadie MacKinnon began dancing in Boston at the age of three at Tony Williams Dance Center where she continued training intensively in ballet and pointe throughout high school, spending summers at The American Academy of Ballet in Purchase, NY. After attending Champlain College in Burlington, VT, she joined Ballet Vermont under artistic director Chatch Pregger performing soloist roles in Farm to Ballet, Bees & Friends, and contemporary mixed rep shows. In 2023 and 2024 Sadie danced professionally in Albany Berkshire Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker and was their Burlington youth rehearsal director (she will be coming back to this role in 2025).

 

She has taught ages 4-adult ballet for several years and looks forward to fostering a supportive and fun learning environment in her ballet classes!


SAMANTHA WITHAM

Samantha began her dance training at the age of three in North Carolina. Her training and experience in competition dance has influenced her technical style of movement and her hometown studio teachers inspired her to continue to pursue her passion for dance. She loves embracing any and all styles of dance and is especially inspired by contemporary and modern style movement in the body. Through her love of teaching, Samantha hopes to inspire future generations to love dance as much as she does. She has been teaching in New England since 2017 in various styles including modern, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, commercial jazz and improvisation movement to persons of all ages. She graduated from Keene State College with a B.A. in Dance and a Specialization in choreography and performance, while also minoring in Business Management. Samantha has been teaching and choreographing at Studio 3 since 2021 and her choreography has garnered numerous high scores and awards at Dance Competitions throughout New England. She continues her pursuit of dance not only in teaching and choreography, but also performing in two local dance companies; Slow Shapes Dance Company and 2 Inspire Dance LLC.

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FAITH MORGAN

Faith Morgan grew up dancing in CT. She trained competitively and recreationally with Papermoon Performing Arts of Litchfield. After high school, she attended Saint Michael’s College where she was a dedicated member of the dance team. As a sophomore, Faith accepted an offer to be captain of the dance team and served in that role for five semesters during which she managed the production of two spring showcases. As captain, she choreographed numerous jazz and contemporary pieces for showcases as well as half-time and time-out performances at basketball games. She continues to nurture her love for dance as a member of Slow Shapes Dance Company based in South Burlington. She is dedicated to being a lifelong learner and frequently takes dance classes in all genres and styles.

ELIZABETH BRODY

Elizabeth received her B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Utah and has taught, choreographed and performed works in ballet and contemporary dance throughout her life. As a young student she attended summer intensives at Boston, Milwaukee, and Cleveland Ballet Schools. Later and to further her training, she attended teacher workshops at the National Ballet School of Canada, Dance for PD (Parkinsons), as well as ABT, PBT, and yoga certification courses. She taught ballet for the Deaf Shall Dance Program in Salt Lake City while in college and has since, taught locally for many studios and at UVM. Elizabeth is also an architectural designer and enjoys yoga and travel. She is especially grateful to be on the faculty at Studio 3 where she is inspired by her colleagues who share their passion for “all things dance” with each other and their students. 
 

 


CAITLIN MORGAN

Caitlin Morgan began formal training at 14-years-old via the Berrien County Dancers: a pre-professional conservatory program in Stevensville, Michigan. There, under direction of Theresa Graziano, she studied with and performed in works by Nan Giordano, Autumn Eckman, Stephanie Martinez, members of Hubbard Street Dance, and other Chicago-based artists. While earning a dual BFA in Dance and BA in English from Ohio University, she trained in Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, African, and Ballet, and performed in works by Joanna Kotze, Kyle Abraham, David Dorfman, Anna and the Annadroids, Ani Javian, Nathan Andary, and Nii-Tete Yartey (National Dance Company of Ghana), amongst others. Post-graduation — until her move to Burlington in 2021 — Caitlin performed professionally in NYC as both a freelance artist and collaborator at the Mark Morris Dance Center, Teatro LATEA, Threes Brewing, The Actor’s Fund Arts Center, and Open Mice. She is now increasingly involved in the greater Burlington arts and wellness scene as a 200 hour registered yoga teacher (certified through Sangha Studio), and a dancer and choreographer for Slow Shapes Dance Company. Caitlin looks forward to building on her 13+ years as a teaching artist for various styles and ages (3-adult) with the Studio 3 community. 

 

 

MEGHAN PETRIE

Meghan was born and raised in Vermont and has been dancing since the age of 4 and participated in dance competitions through the age of 18. Meghan started teaching at Studio 3 in 2017. She teaches jazz, hip hop, and contemporary dance genres and also dances with SynRgy Dance, an adult dance company directed by colleague Rose Bedard.

In addtion to teaching and coaching dance, Meghan is a middle school Math teacher and loves being with children every chance she can get! Meghan is proud to be part of the Studio 3 family! 


CHLOE BROCK

Chloe was born and raised in Vermont. She grew up in South Burlington and started dancing at the age of 5 at the prestigious Stowe Dance Academy where she received her dance education through high school. Studying all dance genres, she was also a member of the TRIP Competition Team traveling throughout New England. After graduating, she attended auditions for various dance opportunities on Cruise Lines and for Disney. Chloe started teaching soon after and has taught in many different genres and age divisions. Her choreography has won many platinum awards, high scores and titles. Dancing and teaching is her passion and she is so excited to be part of Studio 3 !

MANDY MOXLEY

Mandy began dancing at the age of eight. She studied Ballet/Pointe, Tap, Jazz, and Modern at Berkshire Dance Theatre in Bennington, Vermont and North Adams, Massachusetts; and Hubbard Hall Dance Theatre in Cambridge, New York. She was captain of her high school dance team, and became a member of the Ballet, Modern and Hip Hop dance teams at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandy moved to Burlington in 2008 to attend the University of Vermont. She began taking classes at Studio 3 in 2013, and a year later accepted the position to teach dance. Mandy has choreographed several pieces for both competitive and recreational dancers; specifically Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop genres. Her Hip Hop piece, “Carousel”, won first place and received special judges awards at both local and away competitions, and her Contemporary duet, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, won first place at the Elite Dance Competition in Massachusetts.  Mandy also enjoys judging for high school dance competitions throughout the state of Vermont.


OLIVIA PETRIE

​Olivia started dancing in Vermont at the age of 2, she danced competitively throughout her years. She danced all genres growing up, but had a love for hip hop and did mostly hip hop throughout her high school dance career. Olivia currently teaches jazz and lyrical to a variety of age groups. Outside of dance, she is a high school math teacher who enjoys spending time with family and friends.

 

 

 

STEPHANIE LAWRENCE

Stephanie started dancing at the age of three at Miss Jackie's Studio of Dance in Rutland, Vt. She Studied and specializes in Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical. Stephanie joined Studio 3 in 2011 and currently instructs competitive solo, duet and group choreography as well as Tap and Ballet technique. In 2015 her senior Tap piece, "Stubborn Love" was recognized for the overall highest score at the Diva Dance Competition.

CAROLYN CONNOR

Carolyn started dancing at age five in Bethesda, Maryland where she took classes in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. Her passion for dance grew when she moved to Burlington, to attend college at the University of Vermont. There she expanded her dance knowledge to include modern, improv, and contemporary dance. She graduated in 2015 with a minor in Dance and proud accomplishments, such as presenting her choreography to the prestigious ACDA festival and UVM’s Dancing Uphill Concert. Carolyn has been teaching for the past decade at summer camps, the Vermont Dance Academy and now at Studio 3. When she's not teaching, Carolyn dances for a local modern dance company; Paula Higa Dance & ERs.

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MacKenzie Casperson

Mackenzie Casperson is a 2025 graduate from Keene State College. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in dance with a specialization in performance and choreography. Mackenzie has been dancing since she was 10 years old. She grew curious of the relationship between emotion and movement. She began choreographing in her early years and never stopped. Mackenzie continued to nurture her creative ideas, leading her to go to college for dance. Her mission following graduation to share her creative ideas in foster creative minds.

 

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LEANDRA BURTON

I grew up in Dartmouth, Massachusetts and began dancing at Erin Rae’s School of Dance when I was 5 years old. I started dancing competitively in 2006, at the age of 8 years old. I loved and still do love every style of dance. I began teaching at Erin Rae’s School of Dance when I was 14 and taught until I moved away for college. At Bridgewater State University, I was part of their Dance Company and Hip Hop Team. After my undergraduate studies I moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University. I took dance classes alongside Boston Celtics Dancers and New England Patriots Cheerleaders. I then moved to Vermont in 2023 and immediately looked for a dance family to be a part of. I luckily found Studio 3 Dance and have enjoyed working here ever since.


JULIANA TURNER

Juliana Turner is a dedicated dance educator and choreographer born and raised in Vermont. She has over 13 years of experience in both training and performance. She grew up dancing with Electric Youth Dance Company, where she spent more than a decade competing and earned multiple national titles. Her background spans jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, and hip hop, all of which have shaped her passion for storytelling through movement.

 

Juliana began teaching at just 10 years old and hasn’t stopped since. She currently teaches at Studio 3 Dance, working with recreational and competitive dancers. Her classes are known for being energetic, encouraging, and rooted in musicality and creativity. She strives to create a space where every dancer feels supported and challenged in the best way.

 

Outside the studio, Juliana works in a therapeutic school with neurodivergent and trauma-impacted students. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont and brings that knowledge into her teaching, taking a thoughtful and trauma-informed approach. Whether in the classroom or on the dance floor, Juliana is passionate about helping students build confidence, express themselves, and grow as dancers and people.

 

 


 

ROB A. MYERS

Rob is a force to be reckoned in the the dance and performing arena. Currently living in North Carolina, Rob has provided his dance expertise to studios, theatre companies and dance teams in Georgia, Florida, and Vermont. Presently the Interim Director of Admissions at North Carolina School of the Arts, he is also a 2023-2024 Artist in Residence at the Dance Project in Greensboro, NC. Rob is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he received a BA in Public and Cultural Communication. During High School he took classes in Choreography, Jazz and Improv and at USF furthered his training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and African Dance under notable choreographers: Chuck Maldando, Kevin Maher,Marty Kudelka,and NappyTabs. Rob has been coaching dance competitively for many years. He has choreographed for the Georgia Falcon "Red Hots" Dance team, the Fashionizta Divas, the African American Dance Review, and advised & coached for the Legacy Dance Team at Spelman College. Through his work with Stage Ready Productions, Rob has staged dance productions, directed fashion shows & pageants, provided casting for music videos, shows and concert tours, and produced some original works. Rob's choreographic works have garnered top honors and special recognition throughout the competitive dance arena in various states. Rob served as Men's Dance Captain for the Pre-game and Half-time shows for Super Bowl 33, and performed with Stevie Wonder, Cher, and KISS. Rob believes "Dance is not an option, it's a lifestyle. Live it. Love it. Breath it. Work it. DANCE!"

 

 

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ERIKA E. DUBIN

 Erika has danced since the age of three and trained with many studios in Vermont. During high school she was a member of Studio 3’s competition dance team. She has choreographed tap solos for the past 5 years and won multiple platinums at various competitions and title winner at the Elite Dance competition for tap. In her last year of high school, she choreographed a tap group dance for competition entry. She has studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, lyrical, tap, hip hop and African dance genres.

She was also a student at Tap Kids, an audition only summer tap dance intensive for four years. During that experience, she worked with many  famous tap dancers, including Sarah Reich, Michelle Dorrance, Lisa LaTouche, Aaron Tolson, and Derick Grant. She is currently enrolled at Muhlenberg college as a Dance Major with a concentration in choreography. She is excited for her future and what lies ahead.

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LILLY THATCHER

 Lilly is an undergraduate student at Nazareth College pursuing her B.S. in Dance Studies with a double major in Community & Youth Development. She has been dancing since the age of three and grew up as a competitive dancer in Vermont receiving several titles around New England and an appreciation for every genre of dance. Teaching and choreographing is where Lilly’s true passion lies. She began assisting dance teachers at the age of 11 and created her own non-profit dance program when she was 14. Her choreographic works have been seen in seven original productions, award winning competition team pieces as well as several works at Nazareth College - including the 2022 Nazareth Spring Dance Concert. Her piece “Break the Silence” was selected to be performed and recognized nationally in the final round of dances featured live in Nacre Dance’s 2023 “So You Think You Can Choreograph”. Learning alongside her students is something Lilly is passionate about and she looks forward to working with every age and level of dancer! 

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HAYLEE NEWHALL

Haylee started dancing at the age of 11 and has been passionate ever since, dedicating her time to mastering the art.  Throughout her journey, she has earned multiple titles, overalls, top scores and been runner up at Nationals, contributing to the success of our award-winning team and studio since 2019. She is a well rounded dancer, who specializes in jazz and contemporary. Haylee is currently working towards becoming a Registered Nurse(RN), shile working as a LNA at UVM. Haylee is excited to combine her love for both healthcare and dance, and is thrilled to share her expertise and passion by teaching the next generation of dancers, helping them grow, find their motivation to excel.

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VIOLET LEWELLEN

Violet began dancing at the age of 3 and grew up as a familiar face in the studio as part of our very first set of dancers back in 2009.  She trained in numerous styles and delights in hip hop and contemporary.   Violet is currently working on her Nursing Degree at Saint Anselm College but can be found at the studio on breaks or summer teaching high energy and fun hip hop classes to recreational students or getting creative with competition students in the contemporary genra.  Violet has always been a great role model and enjoys sharing her talents with students!

 

ROSE BEDARD

Throughout her career Rose has always been known for instilling self esteem and passion through dance.

She has just completed her 4th year at the Flynn Performing Arts Center where she teaches hip hop and jazz as well as being part of the education team for their Student Matinee Series. Rose is the 13th year coach of the Mt. Mansfield Union dance team who just collected their 7th state championship title in hip hop and 3rd state championship title in jazz. Rose has the pleasure to work with many dance studios around the state on recreational and competitive level. Recently, she has become, the creator, director of her own adult dance company “SynRgy Dance Company” and continues to work as well as choreograph for local studios in Vermont under her LLC, “2INSPIRE Dance”

She also has volunteered her expertise for Rice Memorial High School’s Stunt Night, BFA St. Albans' "Mr. Bobwhite and Ms. Comet" senior scholarship contest, Miss Vermont Scholarship Pageant and other local schools and events. This past September, Rose and her celebrity dance partner were crowned winners of “Dancing With The Stars Burlington” a fundraiser for the Vermont Blind and Visually Impaired.

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