Jennifer Peterson (Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Lil' Tykes)
Jen Peterson started dancing in 1982 at the age of two and a half at Carol Butler's School of Dance and stayed there until 1993.
She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Tap, Modern, Pointe, Acting, Musical Comedy and even Clogging. She has also
competed in various dance and modeling competitions throughout the New England area. Jen performed with Pioneer Valley
Ballet from 1993 through 1999. She also studied with various instructors in Regional Dance of America workshops across the
country. She performed in PVB's, The Nutcracker, from 1988 through 1999 and also assisted classes, choreographed routines,
and helped run rehearsals for The Nutcracker. Jen was a member of the Westfield State College Dance Team from 2000 through
2002. She graduated from Westfield State College with a BS in Business and a Minor in Psychology in 2002. Jen taught at
Hampshire Performing Arts for three years. She was born and raised in Florence and currently lives in Southampton. Aside from
owning and teaching at the dance school, Jen obtained her MBA in 2008 and also attends the Dance Masters of America Teacher
Training Program once a year in Buffalo, NY. She is also Zumba certified. Jen teaches Lil' Tykes, Pointe, Ballet and Lyrical as
well as the NSD Ballet and Lyrical Companies.
Jen Peterson started dancing in 1982 at the age of two and a half at Carol Butler's School of Dance and stayed there until 1993.
She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Tap, Modern, Pointe, Acting, Musical Comedy and even Clogging. She has also
competed in various dance and modeling competitions throughout the New England area. Jen performed with Pioneer Valley
Ballet from 1993 through 1999. She also studied with various instructors in Regional Dance of America workshops across the
country. She performed in PVB's, The Nutcracker, from 1988 through 1999 and also assisted classes, choreographed routines,
and helped run rehearsals for The Nutcracker. Jen was a member of the Westfield State College Dance Team from 2000 through
2002. She graduated from Westfield State College with a BS in Business and a Minor in Psychology in 2002. Jen taught at
Hampshire Performing Arts for three years. She was born and raised in Florence and currently lives in Southampton. Aside from
owning and teaching at the dance school, Jen obtained her MBA in 2008 and also attends the Dance Masters of America Teacher
Training Program once a year in Buffalo, NY. She is also Zumba certified. Jen teaches Lil' Tykes, Pointe, Ballet and Lyrical as
well as the NSD Ballet and Lyrical Companies.
Andrea Mawson (Tap, Jazz)
Andrea Mawson began dancing at the age of three at the North Andover School of Dance in North Andover, MA. While with
NASD, she studied ballet, lyrical, tap and jazz and was a part of the Rhythm Dance Company and competed in regional and
national dance competitions. She also performed in many local dance productions and dance workshops. Andrea also
studied gymnastics for three years at NASD. While she wasn't dancing, Andrea was a competitive cheerleader for many years.
Andrea graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BA in Communication in 2002. She has taught classes
in Acrobatics, Jazz, Lil' Tykes, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Cheerleading for the past 8 years. Andrea was born and raised in
eastern MA but now resides in Northampton. She is also a Business Analyst at Argo Group US. Andrea teaches the NSD Tap
and Jazz Companies.
Andrea Mawson began dancing at the age of three at the North Andover School of Dance in North Andover, MA. While with
NASD, she studied ballet, lyrical, tap and jazz and was a part of the Rhythm Dance Company and competed in regional and
national dance competitions. She also performed in many local dance productions and dance workshops. Andrea also
studied gymnastics for three years at NASD. While she wasn't dancing, Andrea was a competitive cheerleader for many years.
Andrea graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BA in Communication in 2002. She has taught classes
in Acrobatics, Jazz, Lil' Tykes, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Cheerleading for the past 8 years. Andrea was born and raised in
eastern MA but now resides in Northampton. She is also a Business Analyst at Argo Group US. Andrea teaches the NSD Tap
and Jazz Companies.
| DIRECTOR |
| INSTRUCTORS |
David Bovat (Acro)
David Michael Bovat has earned both a Local and National reputation in the field of dance as a “Teachers, Teacher” and has
consistently taught in the New England area, being associated with the David Bovat’s Academy of Dance, LHQ Dance Force
Unlimited, Joannes School of Dance, Carol Boardways Shooting Star and Northampton School of Dance. He has taught
hundreds of dancers and teachers over the years and has been represented on the stage with dancers in many musicals for the
past 20 years, as well as dancers in every phase of the art. He has taught for many major dance teacher’s organizations (doing
his first convention at the age of 16). Which brought him to Chicago and Binghamton, NY, where he has conducted master tap
classes and workshops for hundreds of dancers, with NADAA (National Association of Dance Affiliate Artists). He is in constant
demand as an adjudicator for beauty and talent competitions throughout the area. He has staged and choreographed for many
dance companies, competition routines, nightclubs, benefit shows, fitness pageants, and most recently, for the Miss
Massachusetts Pageant. His former professional career includes the stock production of “A Chorus Line”, in Buffalo and
Syracuse, NY. He has studied with many teachers including Anita Oski Barrett, Toni DeVechi, Frank Hatchet, Phil Black, Chuck
Kelly, Diana Vancini, and Paula Abdul. David teaches Intermediate/Advanced Acro and the NSD Acro Companies.
David Michael Bovat has earned both a Local and National reputation in the field of dance as a “Teachers, Teacher” and has
consistently taught in the New England area, being associated with the David Bovat’s Academy of Dance, LHQ Dance Force
Unlimited, Joannes School of Dance, Carol Boardways Shooting Star and Northampton School of Dance. He has taught
hundreds of dancers and teachers over the years and has been represented on the stage with dancers in many musicals for the
past 20 years, as well as dancers in every phase of the art. He has taught for many major dance teacher’s organizations (doing
his first convention at the age of 16). Which brought him to Chicago and Binghamton, NY, where he has conducted master tap
classes and workshops for hundreds of dancers, with NADAA (National Association of Dance Affiliate Artists). He is in constant
demand as an adjudicator for beauty and talent competitions throughout the area. He has staged and choreographed for many
dance companies, competition routines, nightclubs, benefit shows, fitness pageants, and most recently, for the Miss
Massachusetts Pageant. His former professional career includes the stock production of “A Chorus Line”, in Buffalo and
Syracuse, NY. He has studied with many teachers including Anita Oski Barrett, Toni DeVechi, Frank Hatchet, Phil Black, Chuck
Kelly, Diana Vancini, and Paula Abdul. David teaches Intermediate/Advanced Acro and the NSD Acro Companies.
Katie Parsons (Acro, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical)
Katie Parsons has been dancing for the past 19 years. She received her training from the Hackworth School of Performing Arts
and the Holmes Studio of Dance and Music in tap, pointe, ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro, and gymnastics. While with HSPA, she
received a Tap Award along with various awards in both regional and national dance competitions. Katie has also been in local
dance productions, has participated in various workshops with Frank Hatchett, Dance Olympus and Tam Jams and was a
member of the Holyoke Catholic High School Dance Club. She has taught classes in acro, lyrical, tap, ballet and jazz at the
Holmes Studio of Dance and Music. Katie earned her Associates Degree from HCC in Arts and Sciences and is currently
enrolled at UMass Amherst as a Nutrition major. She also works at Mercy Medical Center as a Nutrition Assistant and resides in
Easthampton, MA where she was born and raised. Katie teaches Acro, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap.
Katie Parsons has been dancing for the past 19 years. She received her training from the Hackworth School of Performing Arts
and the Holmes Studio of Dance and Music in tap, pointe, ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro, and gymnastics. While with HSPA, she
received a Tap Award along with various awards in both regional and national dance competitions. Katie has also been in local
dance productions, has participated in various workshops with Frank Hatchett, Dance Olympus and Tam Jams and was a
member of the Holyoke Catholic High School Dance Club. She has taught classes in acro, lyrical, tap, ballet and jazz at the
Holmes Studio of Dance and Music. Katie earned her Associates Degree from HCC in Arts and Sciences and is currently
enrolled at UMass Amherst as a Nutrition major. She also works at Mercy Medical Center as a Nutrition Assistant and resides in
Easthampton, MA where she was born and raised. Katie teaches Acro, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap.
Kathleen Doherty (Irish Step)
Kathleen Doherty is a student at UMass Amherst. She has been an Irish step dancer for nine years and has been teaching for
four. She started out a Sheridan Step Dancer, but she has also studied with acclaimed Boston dancer Kieran Jordan. She has
been trained in both hard shoe and soft shoe dancing. She teaches ceili dancing (group dancing) as well as solo soft shoe
steps in reel, jig, and slip jig. Kathleen loves the music, dance, food, and culture of Ireland. When not at college she lives in
Chelmsford, MA, with her parents and sister. She hopes to be a Spanish teacher. Kathleen teaches Irish Step.
Kathleen Doherty is a student at UMass Amherst. She has been an Irish step dancer for nine years and has been teaching for
four. She started out a Sheridan Step Dancer, but she has also studied with acclaimed Boston dancer Kieran Jordan. She has
been trained in both hard shoe and soft shoe dancing. She teaches ceili dancing (group dancing) as well as solo soft shoe
steps in reel, jig, and slip jig. Kathleen loves the music, dance, food, and culture of Ireland. When not at college she lives in
Chelmsford, MA, with her parents and sister. She hopes to be a Spanish teacher. Kathleen teaches Irish Step.
 |
Nicole Zaccari (Jazz, Modern, Lil' Tykes, Hip-Hop)
Nicole Zaccari started dancing at the age of seven and throughout high school, studied Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz and Tap
intensely. After graduating high school, she attended Dean College in Franklin, MA where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts in
Dance in May 2010. While at Dean, she was a member of the Dean College Dance Team and had the privilege of performing at
Patriot’s Place in Foxboro, MA both years. Nicole performed in numerous student-choreographed shows and had her own
choreography chosen to be in The Dance Team Show in 2008. She was selected to be in the Dean College Modern Dance
Company where she performed the choreography of her two Modern professors. Nicole was accepted and attended The Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater summer intensive program in 2010, where she studied Dunham, Horton, West African and Ballet
for a rigorous seven weeks. Nicole has been dancing for sixteen years, and has been teaching for five. Nicole grew up in
Williamsburg and now lives in Deerfield. Aside from teaching, Nicole is a member of The Eclipse Modern Dance Company and
has her own jewelry and accessory business, Handmade by Nicole. Nicole teaches Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Lil' Tykes and the
NSD Jazz Companies.
Nicole Zaccari started dancing at the age of seven and throughout high school, studied Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz and Tap
intensely. After graduating high school, she attended Dean College in Franklin, MA where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts in
Dance in May 2010. While at Dean, she was a member of the Dean College Dance Team and had the privilege of performing at
Patriot’s Place in Foxboro, MA both years. Nicole performed in numerous student-choreographed shows and had her own
choreography chosen to be in The Dance Team Show in 2008. She was selected to be in the Dean College Modern Dance
Company where she performed the choreography of her two Modern professors. Nicole was accepted and attended The Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater summer intensive program in 2010, where she studied Dunham, Horton, West African and Ballet
for a rigorous seven weeks. Nicole has been dancing for sixteen years, and has been teaching for five. Nicole grew up in
Williamsburg and now lives in Deerfield. Aside from teaching, Nicole is a member of The Eclipse Modern Dance Company and
has her own jewelry and accessory business, Handmade by Nicole. Nicole teaches Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Lil' Tykes and the
NSD Jazz Companies.
Brenden Silbaugh (Hip-Hop)
Brenden's consistent drive and passion for entertainment have made him a notable performer and educator throughout Western
Massachusetts. Brenden has won numerous awards for his hip hop performances in national competition. Brenden has been
a featured dancer in such shows as Le Cirque at the Hippodrome, Dead Man's Party at Six Flags New England and The Cher
Extravaganza. Brenden shares his knowledge of hip hop and street jazz as a faculty member at American International College
and the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School. When not in the studio, Brenden can be seen performing with Eclipse
Dance Co. and as a backup dancer for local Hip Hop and R&B Artists. He is the lead choreographer for the NCAA Elite Eight
Dance Team and his work has been featured at NCAA championship games televised on CBS, and ESPN-U. Brenden thrives in
always expanding his dance knowledge through new and creative educational outlets. His streetwise and stylish choreography
make for a fun and energetic hip hop experience.
Brenden's consistent drive and passion for entertainment have made him a notable performer and educator throughout Western
Massachusetts. Brenden has won numerous awards for his hip hop performances in national competition. Brenden has been
a featured dancer in such shows as Le Cirque at the Hippodrome, Dead Man's Party at Six Flags New England and The Cher
Extravaganza. Brenden shares his knowledge of hip hop and street jazz as a faculty member at American International College
and the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School. When not in the studio, Brenden can be seen performing with Eclipse
Dance Co. and as a backup dancer for local Hip Hop and R&B Artists. He is the lead choreographer for the NCAA Elite Eight
Dance Team and his work has been featured at NCAA championship games televised on CBS, and ESPN-U. Brenden thrives in
always expanding his dance knowledge through new and creative educational outlets. His streetwise and stylish choreography
make for a fun and energetic hip hop experience.
Ally Kubin (Class Assistant)
Ally has been an assistant for six years and she is highly regarded by all of her teachers and students. She is pretty much
known as the "go to" student for teachers when they require additional support. Ally is a Dance Team member competing in
Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Ballet. Ally also competes as a solo and last year finished 5th overall out of over 20 teen solos.
She is a sophomore at Northampton High School and an Honors Student. Ally is a huge asset for NSD and we are so
happy she has agreed to donate her time once again in assisting classes.
Ally has been an assistant for six years and she is highly regarded by all of her teachers and students. She is pretty much
known as the "go to" student for teachers when they require additional support. Ally is a Dance Team member competing in
Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Ballet. Ally also competes as a solo and last year finished 5th overall out of over 20 teen solos.
She is a sophomore at Northampton High School and an Honors Student. Ally is a huge asset for NSD and we are so
happy she has agreed to donate her time once again in assisting classes.
Rylan Cote (Class Assistant)
Rylan has been an assistant for three years at NSD and we absolutely love having her help in class. She is also a Dance
Team member and competes in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical and Tap. She also takes Pointe class and competes as a solo placing
3rd overall last year out of over 20 teen solos. Rylan has been dancing for 7 years and is a freshman honors student at
Northampton High School. Rylan is mature beyond her years and is a wonderful help to our teachers and fabulous with our
young students.
Rylan has been an assistant for three years at NSD and we absolutely love having her help in class. She is also a Dance
Team member and competes in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical and Tap. She also takes Pointe class and competes as a solo placing
3rd overall last year out of over 20 teen solos. Rylan has been dancing for 7 years and is a freshman honors student at
Northampton High School. Rylan is mature beyond her years and is a wonderful help to our teachers and fabulous with our
young students.
Lauren Sankey (Class Assistant)
This is Lauren’s 2nd year assisting Lil’ Tykes and we are so thrilled to have her. Lauren is a Dance Team member and
competes in Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Ballet and Tap. She also takes Pre-Pointe and Turns and Leaps class. Lauren is an
exceptional tap dancer and her Tap Solo at competition last year placed her 1st Overall out of over 20 Junior solo’s. Last
year she placed 6th Overall, won a special Judge’s Award for “Legs For Days” and was invited to a National Workshop in
Florida. This summer she attended the Boston Tap Fest to take class with famed tap dancer Sean Fielder. Lauren has
been dancing since 2002 and attends Hopkins Academy in Hadley.
This is Lauren’s 2nd year assisting Lil’ Tykes and we are so thrilled to have her. Lauren is a Dance Team member and
competes in Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Ballet and Tap. She also takes Pre-Pointe and Turns and Leaps class. Lauren is an
exceptional tap dancer and her Tap Solo at competition last year placed her 1st Overall out of over 20 Junior solo’s. Last
year she placed 6th Overall, won a special Judge’s Award for “Legs For Days” and was invited to a National Workshop in
Florida. This summer she attended the Boston Tap Fest to take class with famed tap dancer Sean Fielder. Lauren has
been dancing since 2002 and attends Hopkins Academy in Hadley.
Hannah Davis (Class Assistant)
Hannah is an assistant in Beginner Hip-Hop.
Alyssa Woodward (Class Assistant)
Emma Almanzar (Class Assistant)
Carleen Bigelow (Administrative Assistant)
Sarah Devine (Administrative Assistant)
Hannah is an assistant in Beginner Hip-Hop.
Alyssa Woodward (Class Assistant)
Emma Almanzar (Class Assistant)
Carleen Bigelow (Administrative Assistant)
Sarah Devine (Administrative Assistant)
Emily Smith (Class Assistant)
This is Emily's 7th year dancing at NSD, and she is very happy to be finally old enough to help with the younger classes!
She absolutely loves to dance and loves little kids, so what could be better?! She is a Dance Team member and competes
in Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, and Tap and also takes Pre-Pointe and Turn and Leaps. Emily is in 7th grade at JFK Middle School
in Northampton. We are so happy Emily can assist for us this year.
This is Emily's 7th year dancing at NSD, and she is very happy to be finally old enough to help with the younger classes!
She absolutely loves to dance and loves little kids, so what could be better?! She is a Dance Team member and competes
in Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, and Tap and also takes Pre-Pointe and Turn and Leaps. Emily is in 7th grade at JFK Middle School
in Northampton. We are so happy Emily can assist for us this year.
