Drum roll! We are proud to introduce the unbelievably talented faculty of Music in Motion. Our star-studded educators are all professionally trained with countless years of instruction, performance, and choreography experience. Each instructor is committed to the development and progression of your children. Teaching proper dance technique and providing a safe environment for all our students is of the utmost importance. Let’s introduce you to our dream team!
Owner Lauren Kelly started her dance career at Music in Motion Dance Studio in 1989 at the age of 3 under the instruction of her mother and Studio founder, Darlene Davenport. After an extensive dance and Pilates career, Lauren returned home in June of 2016 to step into her mother's *jazz* shoes at the helm of the Music in Motion Dance Studio.
Introducing our newest teachers!
With over 30 years of dance experience, Jamey Dilley has traveled the world as a professional dancer and choreographer. He studied dance at Virginia Intermont College on a full scholarship and trained at Broadway Dance Center, Nevada Ballet, and Tampa Ballet. Some of Jay’s extensive performing credits include his role in the original cast of the Broadway hit “Mamma Mia” in Las Vegas. Jamey is known for his award-winning choreography for competitions teams and has been seen all over the USA and Canada as a Master Class teacher and competition judge.
Veronica got a late start in dance at the age of 10, when her family settled in the Virginia Beach area. Her main focus became ballet and modern/contemporary as she spent more time at the studio and learning things outside of the studio to really round out her knowledge. Veronica has performed in local parades, danced at Disney, and has had multiple lead roles in performances, and is currently training to perform a contemporary piece in February for Raw Artists of Virginia.
Patrick, a Virginia native from Hampton Roads, has been dancing in the art of Hip Hop Freestyle and Choreography for 10 + years. He is well known for his energy and creativity when it comes to his dancing. He is passionate about the development of self-confidence and artistic expression within the classroom. When not training he also has a passion for teaching and sharing his own movement through Hip Hop, Funk Style, and Street Styles through choreography.
Our beloved longtime faculty members!
Ms. Jessica has served as co-director of Music in Motion’s non-profit dance company for many years and will continue doing so this season. Now returning for her 12th season to Music in Motion, she is thrilled to be back with her beloved dance family.
Miranda joined Charlotte Ballet as a trainee and then Apprentice for 2 years. She has also danced as a Company member with Nevada Ballet, performing in Las Vegas's primary ballet company. Miranda is currently back at home attending a nursing program and is looking forward to a great upcoming year!
Jessica is a Music in Motion alum, having trained here as a student and a company member. Jessica now choreographs for the Music in Motion Dance Company and teaches countless classes. She is beloved by her students as a kind, technical and compassionate, yet firm educator.
Ms. Kathleen's background is in corporate and retail management, which has taken her from Baltimore to Virginia Beach. She now calls MIM her home! Her favorite part about being in the studio is getting to meet all the dancers and watching them progress.
After graduating in 2010, Auriel has taught multiple genres of dance including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, and Hip Hop with several dance and gymnastic companies in Virginia and Colorado. What she loves most about teaching dance is seeing students grow and develop their self-confidence, self-esteem, and belief in themselves through the art of dance.
Elijah Ramirez and Chris Dizon have been dancing since 2007, 11 years in total. They became established in Virginia Beach and have been through performances, music videos and have competed in competitions all along the East Coast. They look forward to training the next generation of Hip-Hop & Breakdancers in Virginia and passing on what their teachers have taught them.
From touring nationally to choreographing for Disney World’s Christmas Parade, Whitney has done it all! Whitney expresses, “I hope to inspire and show my love of dance through my teaching and choreography. I love to shape young minds and be a role model to all of my students inside and outside of the classroom”.