Jennifer Peterson
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 is also an Insurance Underwriter for Massamont Insurance Agency in Greenfield, MA. She also obtained her MBA
this summer. Jen teaches the Ballet and Lyrical programs as well as the NSD 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 is also an Insurance Underwriter for Massamont Insurance Agency in Greenfield, MA. She also obtained her MBA
this summer. Jen teaches the Ballet and Lyrical programs as well as the NSD Lyrical Companies.
Andrea Mawson
Andrea Mawson studied Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical at North Andover School of Dance in North Andover, MA from
1983-1995. While with NASD, she 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 at both NSD and Holmes Studio of Dance
and Music. Andrea was born and raised in eastern MA but now resides in Northampton. She is also an IT Analyst at
Massamont Insurance Agency in Greenfield, MA. Andrea teaches Tap II, III and IV, Jazz IV and the NSD Jazz and Tap
Companies.
Andrea Mawson studied Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical at North Andover School of Dance in North Andover, MA from
1983-1995. While with NASD, she 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 at both NSD and Holmes Studio of Dance
and Music. Andrea was born and raised in eastern MA but now resides in Northampton. She is also an IT Analyst at
Massamont Insurance Agency in Greenfield, MA. Andrea teaches Tap II, III and IV, Jazz IV and the NSD Jazz and Tap
Companies.
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| DIRECTOR |
| INSTRUCTORS |
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David Bovat
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 Acro II and III and the NSD Acro
Comapnies.
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 Acro II and III and the NSD Acro
Comapnies.
Marisa Babb
Marisa Babb is a junior at Hopkins Academy in Hadley, MA. She began dancing at age five and began dancing competitively
at age six. Marisa has studied jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, and acro. She was a teacher’s assistant at Hampshire Performing Arts
and began teaching her own classes at NSD during the summer of 2006. Marisa has taught cheering, as well as programs
for children ages 2 ½ to 6. She was a member of the Movement Ensemble dance company for three years. She performed
with the company at Look Park’s Pines Theatre and in shows with the Commonwealth Opera. With the Commonwealth
Opera she appeared in Camelot, Hansel and Gretel, Brigadoon, and Kiss Me, Kate. Marisa has also performed in The
Nutcracker with both Pioneer Valley Ballet and the Moscow Ballet. She is a varsity cheerleader at Hopkins Academy. She
hopes to continue dancing and cheering, and would like to pursue a career in education. At NSD, Marisa currently teaches
the Lil’ Tykes and 5&6 year old programs.
Marisa Babb is a junior at Hopkins Academy in Hadley, MA. She began dancing at age five and began dancing competitively
at age six. Marisa has studied jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, and acro. She was a teacher’s assistant at Hampshire Performing Arts
and began teaching her own classes at NSD during the summer of 2006. Marisa has taught cheering, as well as programs
for children ages 2 ½ to 6. She was a member of the Movement Ensemble dance company for three years. She performed
with the company at Look Park’s Pines Theatre and in shows with the Commonwealth Opera. With the Commonwealth
Opera she appeared in Camelot, Hansel and Gretel, Brigadoon, and Kiss Me, Kate. Marisa has also performed in The
Nutcracker with both Pioneer Valley Ballet and the Moscow Ballet. She is a varsity cheerleader at Hopkins Academy. She
hopes to continue dancing and cheering, and would like to pursue a career in education. At NSD, Marisa currently teaches
the Lil’ Tykes and 5&6 year old programs.
Katie Parsons
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 Tap I and Acro I and
Adult 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 Tap I and Acro I and
Adult Tap.
Jill Newman
Jill Newman has been dancing since the age of three beginning in Dallas, TX, and continuing in Andover, MA, at Dance
Infusion Dance Studio from 1999 until 2005. She now takes classes through the UMass Dance Department. She has
studied in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and West African Dance. She began teaching Hip Hop at NSD in 2008, and currently
teaches Jazz I, II, III, V, Adult Jazz, Hip Hop I, II, and Teen/Adult. In addition, Jill is also excited to begin choreographing for the
NSD Jazz Company A and C. Jill is a senior at University of Massachusetts Amherst, and will graduate this year with a BA
in Sociology.
Jill Newman has been dancing since the age of three beginning in Dallas, TX, and continuing in Andover, MA, at Dance
Infusion Dance Studio from 1999 until 2005. She now takes classes through the UMass Dance Department. She has
studied in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and West African Dance. She began teaching Hip Hop at NSD in 2008, and currently
teaches Jazz I, II, III, V, Adult Jazz, Hip Hop I, II, and Teen/Adult. In addition, Jill is also excited to begin choreographing for the
NSD Jazz Company A and C. Jill is a senior at University of Massachusetts Amherst, and will graduate this year with a BA
in Sociology.
Kathleen Doherty
Kathleen Doherty is a freshman at UMass Amherst. She has been an Irish step dancer for eight years and has been
teaching for three. 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 will teach
Irish Step this year.
Kathleen Doherty is a freshman at UMass Amherst. She has been an Irish step dancer for eight years and has been
teaching for three. 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 will teach
Irish Step this year.
Nicole Kedaroe
Nicole is a native of Boston, MA where she began her Modern dance training at the Boston Arts Academy for Performing and
Visual Arts. There she performed and worked with Modern choreographers such as Sean Curran. Nicole moved on to
attended Franklin Pierce University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts Management and Dance.
Nicole has been training extensively in Modern dance by attending festivals such as White Mountain Summer Dance
Festival, Tisch Summer Dance Festival, the American College Dance Festival, and Bates Summer Dance Festival. She has
worked with artist such as Rebecca Lazier, Gregory Maqoma, and Victoria Marks. She has also had the privilege to perform
repertory work with companies such as David Dorfman, Gina Gibney, Terrain Dance, and Keigwin + Company. Currently,
Nicole is attending Smith College for an MFA degree in Dance. She is also a Teaching Fellow at the college, teaching Ballet
and Jazz in the Five College undergraduate dance department. Nicole will be teaching Modern and Adult Lyrical this year.
Nicole is a native of Boston, MA where she began her Modern dance training at the Boston Arts Academy for Performing and
Visual Arts. There she performed and worked with Modern choreographers such as Sean Curran. Nicole moved on to
attended Franklin Pierce University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Arts Management and Dance.
Nicole has been training extensively in Modern dance by attending festivals such as White Mountain Summer Dance
Festival, Tisch Summer Dance Festival, the American College Dance Festival, and Bates Summer Dance Festival. She has
worked with artist such as Rebecca Lazier, Gregory Maqoma, and Victoria Marks. She has also had the privilege to perform
repertory work with companies such as David Dorfman, Gina Gibney, Terrain Dance, and Keigwin + Company. Currently,
Nicole is attending Smith College for an MFA degree in Dance. She is also a Teaching Fellow at the college, teaching Ballet
and Jazz in the Five College undergraduate dance department. Nicole will be teaching Modern and Adult Lyrical this year.
