New England Dance Academy | Faculty and Staff

Teachers
There is nothing like enthusiastic go-getters to spark ideas and lead you in directions you’ve never considered! You are sure to find a teacher whose style will more than meet your needs and expose you to completely new experiences!

Jill Jacome
Jill is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer. She has been on staff at New England Dance Academy for the past 6 years. This season she received Recognition from On Stage America, StarQuest And All American Talent Competitions for outstanding Choreography and Teaching. Before coming to NEDA, she taught for eight years in Dallas, TX. Jill keeps up with the latest styles and techniques by attending the finest conventions on both the East and West Coast. Jill has studied extensively with Gus Giordano in Chicago and the L.A. Danceforce staff at the edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, California.

Libby Stackhouse
Libby comes to us with an extensive ballet background. She has trained with Ballet New England, The Chatagua Institute, The Boston Ballet and the Lousiville Ballet. As well as teaching, Libby earned her BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory. Libby continues to perform extensively through out Massachusetts, New York and Providence.

C J Racinski
Director/Choreographer, currently residing in Providence. CJ has performed in stage productions, Music videos. Film and television in New York, Los Angelos, Florida, New Orleans and Washington, D.C. She has performed, directed and choreographed locally, for the Trinity Rep, URI, Roger Williams University, Providence College, RIC, and Brown University. She will begin her second season as teacher/Choreographer For New England Dance Academy this fall.

Ann Gagnon
Ann is our residence office manager. She is on staff during the week and on Saturdays to assist you with your needs. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask Ann!

Guest Artists

Marrie Hedfield
Originally from Philadelphia, Marrie danced as a principal artist with the San Diego Ballet, California Ballet and San Diego Opera Ballet. She also Performed as a principal character artist with Ballet West in Salt Lake City. Ms. Hedfield developed educational outreach programs for elementary Students in Utah and received the Governors Award for “Outstanding Contributions To the Arts”. Since returning to the East Coast, Marrie has been on Faculty at Festival Ballet Providence and will begin her second season with New England Dance Academy this Fall.

Michelle Sheene
Michelle has an extensive background both teaching and choreographing in the Boston area. She has a BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory. She was a principle dancer with Fusionworks in Rhode Island. Michelle is a professional dancer, choreographer and former studio owner. She has extensive training and teaching in all dance subjects.

Artistic Director
Stephanie P. Kemp
Stephanie has received both regional and national recognition for her extensive knowledge and expertise in teaching and choreography. She has mastered the latest techniques in all aspects of dance education including anatomy, dance history, laban notation, dance production and theatrical staging. She attended Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA where she received a B.A. in dance. Since graduation her choreography and teaching has been honored with many overall high score awards and cash scholarship. Her professional background and creative insight has enabled her to create a school motivated by challenge and driven by high standards.