D&K's Studio of Dance, Piano & Fitness
About Us...Meet the Staff
Miss Kellie is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, Kellie, along with Duane opened and ran D&K’s Youngland…a group daycare & preschool for 13 years. A year into opening their daycare, Kellie and Duane opened D&K’s Studio of Dance, Piano & Fitness. Kellie’s dream was always to work and spend her time with children…and owning & teaching at the studio is better than any dream she could have imagined. Kellie also teaches piano lessons and has been doing so for over 30 years. In Kellie’s spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, and their daughter, Bailey. Traveling, shopping, visiting family & friends are also favorites!
“This life seems to be exactly what I was meant to do…to spend my time with such lovely, silly, talented, unique individuals…I am forever grateful. They have danced through so many seasons of my own life…how lucky I am when I watch a new three-year-old dance into our studio for the first time and the pure privilege of attending the high school graduation of that same dancer. Our dancers have brought me more joy and happiness than I could ever put into words. I can’t wait to see what each new season brings.”
Mr Duane is married to Miss Kellie and co-owner/director of D&K's Studio. He started his training in the 90's in the local Williamsport area and quickly fell in love with dance. (Jazz dance being his favorite!) Having over 30 years of dance and training under his belt he continues to educate himself to continually grow and learn as an educator and teacher and loves passing on that knowledge to those in the classroom. Duane has trained with teachers from the east and west coasts with some of his favorites being Frank Hatchett and Travis Wall. He continues to dance in classes at conventions,
teacher workshops and at the famous Broadway Dance Center in NYC. One of his greatest opportunities was being able to work with and set choreography on the 80's girl band Exposé!
"In my spare time, I love spending time with my wife and daughter and I really do love to shop. I am also sure I am a superhero! I have loved superhero cartoons, movies and comic books since I have been a little boy and that still hasn't changed to this day."
Miss Bailey is the daughter of Duane and Kellie and has been immersed in the studio since the day she was born. (literally!) Bailey recently graduated from Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in dance education and performance. Now home and a full time teacher at D&K, Bailey is the director of the teen competition team, co-director of the senior and junior competition teams, and teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and tap to numerous ages and levels. Miss Bailey is living out her dream doing what she loves most and is thrilled to be able to share her knowledge, love and passion with her dancers every day.
"I find so much fulfillment as an educator through seeing my students tune into their own movement styles and gain confidence in who they are and all they are capable of.
I strive to create a space that encourages students to be themselves and to be proud of who they are and all they have to share. I believe that movement is powerful, oftentimes speaking louder volumes than words can and is my goal to share movement with my students and provide them that opportunity to connect to both themselves, and one another on a level that transcends speaking. I want nothing more than for all of my dancers to know just how valuable, unique, supported, and loved they are when they come to the studio. We are constantly growing together and fostering relationships that will translate way beyond the studio, and every day I am learning so much from the dancers I work with as they inspire me to be the best teacher I can be. I am constantly in awe of the passion, dedication, and the individuals they grow into becoming and I could not be more grateful to be surrounded by such incredible dancers and teachers at D&K."
Miss Sammy has been a D&K dancer since 1995 and has been on staff for over 10 years. Her deepest passion is to ensure that every student is seen, valued, and grounded in confidence in themselves while being apart of her classes. Sammy enjoys teaching all ages and styles, including jazz, lyrical, musical theater, hip hop, ballet, and tap. She has also developed a love for teaching our youngest dancers in a Mommy/ Caregiver and Me class, as well as an adult fitness class. Outside of the studio, Sammy is watching her two daughters (who also love to dance!) grow up along side her husband. She is also heavily involved in her church and community. Sammy has a strong faith, and loves to share it as a communicator for churches and special events. Most of all, Sammy believes wholeheartedly in encouraging all of our dancers to believe in themselves…and to fall in love with dance!
Miss Lauren is thrilled to return to D&K for her second year as a full time teacher and choreographer. Lauren graduated Magna Cum Laude from Muhlenberg College in 2018 with dual Bachelor of the Arts degrees in Dance and Theatre and continues to intermix these two disciplines in her teaching. After starring in and choreographing for multiple mainstage dance and theatre productions at Muhlenberg College, Lauren went on to continue her dance training at Peridance Capezio Center in New York City in 2019 where she was on work study. Lauren joined D&K staff in the fall of 2020 and reignited her passion for teaching children and young adults who inspire her to become a better teacher, artist and human being each and every day.
Lauren is excited to be teaching tap, hip hop, ballet, musical theatre and pointe this year in both Hughesville and Lewisburg locations while also choreographing for the competition teams. She is anticipating the premiere of “Hansel and Gretel and the Lost Children” and “Peter Pan” where her love of acting can be incorporated into her choreography. Lauren lives in Bloomsburg, PA with her four cats and enjoys scary movies and Indian food.
Miss Jennifer enrolled in her first Adult Jazz class in 2005 and has been dancing with D&K's Studio ever since! She has continued to take jazz and tap classes and has also participated in many ballet and improv classes over the years. Jennifer has also been a class assistant for over 10 years. It has been a very fulfilling role that has given her the opportunity to learn more about various styles of dance, and also see our dancers continue to grow and excel in thier own dance journey from year to year.
One of her most exciting moments was becoming a D&K Dance Teacher in 2018...
"Having the opportunity to teach our Petites and Mini's has been one of the most rewarding and special experiences in my time here at D&K's Studio. I LOVE LOVE LOVE teaching and spending time these kids. Our classes are filled with smiles, giggles and so much fun! I am forever grateful to be a part of such a wonderful studio and Dance Family <3" ~ Miss Jennifer
Miss Sydney will be starting her 20th year that she has been with the D&K family and it will be her 3rd year teaching. After graduating high school she attended the Millennium Dance Complex in Pittsburgh and completed 528 hours, receiving her certificate.
While there, she enjoyed dancing with their competition team and performing at the PPG Arena for the Harlem Globetrotters half time show for 3 years. After enjoying her experience in Pittsburgh she returned back to Hughesville and her dance family at D&K. Miss Sydney shares her passion of Hip-Hop with every student that walks into her classroom.
Miss Lisa lives in Lewisburg with her husband Bill and their 3 cats. Their daughter, Emily, is a recent college graduate and currently lives in Philadelphia She danced with D&K for many years before going to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. We moved to Lewisburg in 2004 from Long Island. Miss Lisa was employed at AHRC for 14 years working with both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
"I love working with the youngest of our students and have been teaching and assisting at D&K for four years."