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Dare to Dream Team

Passion. Dedication. Expertise.

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Tai Jackson-Aaron

Owner / Instructor

A highly experienced professional dance instructor with a passion for dance that spans over three decades. With over 20 years of teaching experience and performing, she combines her expertise with a deep love for the art form to inspire and empower her students.

 

Tai's journey in dance began at the prestigious Marie Wildey School of Dance in East Orange, New Jersey, where she honed her skills and developed a strong foundation in various dance styles. Over the years, Tai has continued to expand her knowledge and techniques by training at renowned institutions such as Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York City.

 

Tai's dedication to her craft led her to attend Tap workshops organized by the American Tap Dance Foundation's Tap City Intensive. Here, she had the privilege of learning from a diverse range of talented professionals, further enriching her expertise in tap dancing.

 

With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, she brings a unique blend of artistry and technical precision to her classes, creating a dynamic and enriching learning environment for her students. Energetic, passionate, and dedicated, Tai's love for dance shines through in her teaching, inspiring her students to reach new heights in their own dance journeys.

Classes

Combination

Ballet / Pointe

Tap

Jazz

Musical Theater

Praise / Worship

Hip-Hop

Contemporary / Modern

Zumba

Salsa

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Kisha Jackson

Owner / Director of Operations

Kisha is a dynamic leader and visionary co-owner who oversees all business operations while expertly managing the studio’s boutique and supply systems with precision and care. With over 15 years of experience across multiple dance genres, including jazz, praise, ballet, hip-hop, and tap, she brings both artistic depth and operational excellence to every aspect of the organization. Her unique ability to bridge creativity with strategy ensures a seamless experience for students, families, and staff alike. Known for her keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to quality, she plays a vital role in shaping the studio’s elevated standard. Her leadership continues to drive growth, innovation, and a strong sense of community.

Boutique Manager

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Dawud Jackson

Instructor

Dawud D.H. Jackson, The Well Performance Project-Creative Director, currently full-time faculty at Union County Academy for Performing Arts since 2014. Adjunct  Professor at Kean University prior to joining APA, taught jazz and modern dance for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Department of Physical Education at Kean University for over 14 years.


Mr. Jackson taught dance workshops and choreographed at dance studios throughout New York and New Jersey and for the Friends to Mankind, “Dance4Charity” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He also served on the advisory board for the Somerset Valley YMCA in Somerville and on the American Dance Council at Dance Africa Dance, FESPAD 2010 conference in Kigali, Rwanda.


His performance credits include, Jette Jazz Company, North Carolina Dance Ensemble, 7th Principle Dance NJ, Paka Dance Brooklyn, Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company (guest performer), DJUZ Dance Co. Brooklyn and another of other projects and choreographers through-out the Northeast Corridor.

Classes

Jazz

Salsa/Latin Techniques

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Leslie Britton

Instructor

A master educator and accomplished choreographer, she brings over 40 years of distinguished experience in dance, with exceptional expertise in ballet, jazz, and musical theater. Her career is marked by a legacy of artistic excellence, refined technique, and a deep commitment to storytelling through movement. As the former owner and creator of D&L Dance Expo, she cultivated platforms that celebrated talent, discipline, and innovation within the dance community. Known for her joyous and encouraging disposition, she creates an uplifting environment where dancers feel supported, confident, and motivated to grow. In every class, she inspires dancers to elevate their craft while honoring the rich traditions of the art form.

Classes

Musical Theater (youth)

Ballet

Tap

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Daneen Keith

Instructor

Daneen is a certified Kemetic Yoga instructor trained in the Tjef Sema Paut Neteru system developed by Muata Ashby and Karen Ashby. She completed her certification under Basu Asar Neter Aunkh Aakhu in Atlanta, GA. Daneen has led sessions at Branch Brook Park and Aquafit Water Bar and currently teaches at Zawadi African Dance and Drum, Inc., now joining Dare to Dream Dance Center. Her teaching emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on breath, alignment, and individual growth. She is committed to creating accessible, community-centered experiences that support overall well-being.

Classes

Yoga (Kemetic)

Yoga (Meditation / Breathing)

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Maddie Cannon Falcao

Teaching Assistant

Ms. Maddie is a talented dancer, instructor, and Teaching Assistant at Dare to Dream Dance Center. She is currently pursuing her degree at Elon University in North Carolina while continuing to share her passion for dance with the next generation of performers.

Well-versed in contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, and modern dance, Ms. Maddie brings versatility, creativity, and positive energy to every class she supports. Her strong technical foundation, encouraging teaching style, and genuine commitment to each dancer's growth make her a valued mentor and role model for our students.

Since joining Dare to Dream Dance Center, Ms. Maddie has been instrumental in the studio's continued growth and success. Her dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm have helped foster a welcoming and inspiring environment where dancers are encouraged to build confidence, develop their skills, and reach their fullest potential. We are proud to have Ms. Maddie as an important part of the D2D family and look forward to the lasting impact she will continue to make.

Classes

Healthy Movement

Tap

Jazz

Musical Theater (adult)

Modern / Contemporary

Praise / Worship

Combination (Ballet/Tap)

Combination (Jazz/Tap)

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Kayana Green

Teaching Assistant

Kayana Green is a dedicated Teaching Assistant for our Combination Classes, where she helps introduce our youngest dancers to the exciting world of dance through the fundamentals of ballet, tap, and jazz. With her warm personality, creative spirit, and patient approach, Kayana creates a fun, supportive learning environment that encourages every child to build confidence, develop coordination, and discover the joy of movement.

Kayana has quickly become a cherished member of the Dare to Dream Dance Center family. Her enthusiasm, positivity, and genuine love for working with children make her a wonderful role model and an invaluable part of our youth dance program.

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Outside of the studio, Kayana is a Scientist dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapies, contributing to innovative work that has the potential to improve patients' lives. When she's not in the lab or dancing with our youngest students, you'll likely find her planning her next trip to Disney World or expressing her creativity through a variety of arts and crafts projects.

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We are grateful for the passion, kindness, and inspiration Kayana brings to our dancers and are excited to have her as part of the Dare to Dream Dance Center team.

Classes

Combination (Ballet/Tap)

Combination (Jazz/Tap)

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Michael Walker "Mykiiey"

Studio Staff

Michael, affectionately known as "Mykiiey" is a visionary artist that  brings a wealth of experience to our studio shaped by an extensive and dynamic dance career. Having trained and performed across multiple disciplines, graced stages, and cultivated a deep understanding of both technique and artistry within dance. His passion for dance is matched only by the commitment to supporting the success of Dare to Dream. 

D2D Boutique

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