Studio Directors
Miss Shayla
Miss Carly
Shayla began her dance journey at the age of three, sparking a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Over the years, she has trained in and performed a wide variety of dance styles, earning numerous incredible opportunities throughout her career. Shayla served as a member and captain of both her middle school and high school dance teams, and has performed at charity events and on world-renowned stages such as Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls.
Shayla continued her dance education at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she was a member of the nationally acclaimed, 2x National Champion Ramapo College Dance Team. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Arts.
Shayla has been teaching and assisting dance classes since she was 16. She has served as a head coach and choreographer for middle school and varsity dance teams, as well as instructing at various studios throughout New Jersey and New York. Her work has received overall top scoring awards as well as numerous special judges’ recognitions and choreography accolades, reflecting her creativity, dedication, and impact as an educator and choreographer.
Dance has always been a huge passion for Shayla, and she loves sharing the magic with EDC kids of all ages. Watching their growth and confidence develop is something truly special, and she can’t wait to share that with you!
Miss Carly’s love for dance began at just three years old and has only grown stronger over the years. Raised in her sister’s dance studio, Carly developed a deep appreciation for all styles of dance, including tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, pointe, pom & more. Carly began teaching dance at studios across New Jersey and New York at age 16.
Her performance career includes the honor of dancing at New York’s prestigious Lincoln Center, taking the stage at both Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall. Her creative interests extended into theater, where she earned lead roles in school and community productions. At just 19, she was named Theater Director for Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Camp Discovery, where she directed and produced musical theater performances for students aged 5–18. Carly’s background also includes coaching flag cheerleading, cheering at the collegiate level, and years of gymnastics. By weaving together her knowledge of these activities, Carly provide dancers with balanced and well-rounded guidance. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Ramapo College.
Carly is thrilled to bring her experience, energy, and passion to the studio every day and is dedicated to helping each student grow into a well-rounded, confident dancer. She truly believes each and every child has the potential to shine on stage and in life!
Instructors
Miss Michele
Michele began dancing before the age of 3 and has not stopped since. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical growing up and decided to continue her dance education by attending Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, earning a BFA degree in Dance. While at MGSA Michele expanded her studied with Modern Dance and Improvisation and began performing with University Danceworks, the department’s touring company. Upon graduation she began teaching at a local studio. Six years later Michele became the Owner and Artistic Director of On the Move Performing Arts Center where she was honored to reach so many wonderful dancers the next 12 years. A Wife and mother of two, Michele began teaching Enrichment dance classes in her children’s school district. She has had the opportunity over the years to teach students at other local studios and is thrilled to join the EDC family. Michele has a love for dance and a passion for sharing that love, fueled by her students.
Miss Michelle
Michelle Toale has built a tremendous career in fitness and dance over the past two decades. She has studied and performed all genres of dance since the age of three. Michelle has performed on New York City’s world famous stages including Carnegie Hall, Brooks Atkinson’s Theatre, and Lincoln Centers’ Alice Tully and Avery Fisher Halls for the American Alliance of Performing Arts Educators. Michelle has extensive experience with children of all ages, both inside the studio, as well as a coach for Varsity Dance teams. She has also directed and produced many theatre productions at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Many of her students have gone on to continue their dance education and careers on university dance teams and ultimately becoming dance teachers or studio owners themselves. In 2003, Michelle was accepted into Montclair State University’s Dance Program where she continued her dance education studying ballet, jazz and modern styles. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science in 2008. Michelle continues to pursue her education in current and advanced techniques in choreography and teaching by attending workshops and seminars in the dance and fitness industries. She has over 20 years experience owning her own dance schools and is so excited to share her love and passion with EDC students! Fun facts! She has two daughters, absolutely loves dogs, and her favorite shows are baking championships!
Miss Maura
Maura Lennon graduated magna cum laude from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Arts & Entertainment Management. Throughout her college career, Maura was both a dedicated performer and choreographer, and was a proud member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.While at Dean, she was selected to join the prestigious Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance Performance Company and had the honor of performing at the Young Choreographer’s Festival in New York City. During her junior year, Maura expanded her global dance education by studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she trained with instructors from the renowned Colón Theater Ballet and immersed herself in the technique and culture of Tango. Entering her senior year, Maura was elected captain of the Dean College Pom Team, serving as a third-year veteran and leader on the team. Beyond her collegiate experience, she has trained extensively in the New York and New Jersey area in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary dance. She has studied under esteemed instructors Yuliya Akopyan and Andrey Shakhin, former principal dancers with the Bolshoi Ballet. Maura is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students and is currently teaching at local studios in the New York and New Jersey area. She strives to inspire them not only as dancers, but as individuals, while nurturing a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.
Miss Angelyna
Hi! I’m Miss Angelyna, and I am so excited to be your child’s dance teacher! I have always loved both dancing and teaching, and I bring that passion into every class. With my background as a preschool teacher and many years of experience in early-childhood and elementary education, I love creating a classroom filled with fun, creative activities and playful learning. My goal is to make dance an enjoyable experience where children not only build strong technique but also develop important life skills—confidence, teamwork, and creativity—that go far beyond the studio. I’ve spent many years dancing in a local studio, and I can’t wait to share that joy with your children as we prepare for our recital in June!