Miss Leslie Howell began dancing at the age of 5, and studied all forms of dance for 15 years until she opened her studio in 1978. She has since been teaching dance for 46 years. Miss Leslie studied at the University of New York in Buffalo, where she completed the Dance Masters of America Teacher’s training school. She also studied Hawaiian & Polynesian dance at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. Miss Leslie continues her dance education by attending yearly dance workshops and conventions. She is certified to teach by Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, Miami Valley Dance Teachers Association, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Miss Leslie has a passion for dancing and teaching all ages of students, and is so excited to begin yet another year!
Miss Jessika Avery has been dancing with Miss Leslie since 1995, at the age of 5. She has studied all styles of dance at the studio from Jazz, Hula, Tahitian, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Kickline and Clogging with her favorite always being Tap. After graduating high school, Miss Jessie continued to dance while going to college and working as well as helping to teach at the studio. Miss Jessie has also attended workshops and dance conventions and continues her dance education with Miss Leslie. Most recently, Miss Jessie has enjoyed adding “Dance Mom” to her dance journey and loves having her daughter around the studio to take classes from Miss Leslie just like she did! Miss Jessie is excited for another year at the studio!
Miss Kara Lam has been dancing with Miss Leslie since the age of 3 in 1996. She has taken every class offered at the studio throughout her years with Miss Leslie. After graduating high school, Kara took dance courses in college at the University of Cincinnati's CCM, served as a competitive dance adjudicator, and taught dance throughout the Cincinnati area. Miss Kara has also attended numerous dance conventions and workshops and is certified to teach acrobatic dance through Acrobatic Arts. Additionally, Miss Kara currently dances professionally with a contemporary dance company based in Columbus. Since moving back to the Dayton area, Miss Kara has loved getting to come back to help Miss Leslie at the studio!