Miss Leigh

Leigh received her BFA from Ohio State University where she majored in dance education. This is where she fell in love with the power and impact of movement and dance on child development. She then went on to receive her MA from Hannemann Drexel University Hospital specializing in dance/movement therapy. After a career in the mental health field, Leigh then decided to take her thesis study on the influence of dance movement intervention on preschool and child development and created several creative movement programs in that area. Leigh has taught all levels and styles for about 30+ years and her choreography has won numerous awards. She loves being a part of the Dance with M.E. staff after being one of Miss Mel's first students before DWM.E. even opened its doors. Leigh looks forward to sharing her love of dance and movement with everyone.

 Miss Fran

Fran has been teaching and training for 30+ years in the dance field. Being certified through Dance Educators of America and Dance Masters, she has had the pleasure of focusing on and perfecting her craft. Born and raised in Bucks County, Fran danced and competed throughout the tri-state area, studying under some of the very best in the dance community like Savion Glover, Marcea, Doug Caldwell, Mike Minery, and Frank Hatchett.  After her competitive career, she remained in the area and continued teaching, as well as taking regular trips to Broadway Dance Center in New York.  After getting married and becoming a mom, it was harder for her to go into New York to take class, so she made time to take a tap class at Moravian College in Bethlehem.  While Fran is known as the "baby dancer whisperer," tap has always been and continues to be her favorite style to teach.  She was hired at Dance with M.E. in 1992 as a teacher and not long after became studio manager. It's only fitting that she now is the Owner/Director of Dance with M.E. studio here in Southampton. 

Fran wishes for the studio to be a fun and stress-free zone for all of the students and families who walk through her doors. Having fun while still being able to learn this art form has always been extremely important to her and lies at the foundation of the dance environment she fosters at Dance with M.E. studio. Each and every dance family plays an important role here, and Fran wishes for everyone to feel as though they are a part of our ever-growing dance community, to uplift one another, and be comfortable within our walls.  

Miss Allison

Allison is a graduate of the Hofstra University BA dance program. She had the honor of training and performing for some of the top New York choreographers such as Robin Becker, Lance Westergaurd, Karal Wolfangle, Amy Marshall, and Nathan Trice while also consistently taking classes at Peridance, Steps on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center. Through her college career, she was able to perform student works at the American College Dance Association and trained at the American Ballet Theater's summer collegiate program. Graduating in 2009 with her Bachelor of Arts in dance, she quickly began to train in NYC at various facilities with some of the top choreographers, as well as auditioning. 

In 2010, Allison started to seek other dance fulfillment opportunities such as teaching and soon found her second home at Dance with M.E. studio. Immediately discovering her passion for choreography and the great joy she received from training and mentoring her students, Allison made the switch from performer to teacher/trainor. She now teaches master classes, summer programs, and technique sessions all around the Bucks and Montgomery County area. Her choreography over the years has been recognized at the competitive level receiving specialty, outstanding choreography, and overall high scoring awards. Allison only wishes to push herself further as a teacher, to make her classes as comfortable, challenging, rewarding, and above all a safe space for all of her dancers.   

Miss Leigh

Leigh received her BFA from Ohio State University where she majored in dance education. This is where she fell in love with the power and impact of movement and dance on child development. She then went on to receive her MA from Hannemann Drexel University Hospital specializing in dance/movement therapy. After a career in the mental health field, Leigh then decided to take her thesis study on the influence of dance movement intervention on preschool and child development and created several creative movement programs in that area. Leigh has taught all levels and styles for about 30+ years and her choreography has won numerous awards. She loves being a part of the Dance with M.E. staff after being one of Miss Mel's first students before DWM.E. even opened its doors. Leigh looks forward to sharing her love of dance and movement with everyone.

Miss Lauren

Lauren has been at Dance with M.E. for 31 years, first as a student for 11 years, and then as a teacher for the past 20 years. Lauren's specialty and passion is Street Jazz and Jazz Funk. She has studied with some of the leading choreographers of our time in these genres such as Marty Kudelka, Mia Michaels, and Brian Friedman.

As a bonus, Lauren has extensive training and experience in the field of Pilates having received several specialty certifications. Throughout her career, she has had the pleasure of studying with first generation pilates instructors who worked alongside Joseph Pilates himself. She maintains a stream of clients who train with her to improve and manage their health, as well as rehab from various injuries. 

Incorporating her unique pilates background into her dance class helps define the unique dance experience Lauren provides to build a strong foundation for the dancer body.

Miss Nay

Tanaisha Alvis, also known as Nay, is originally from the Philadelphia area and a former Dance with M.E. Dance Company member. She attended Temple University where she received her BFA in dance. She had the privilege to present her senior thesis at the American College Dance Association. While working towards her degree, Nay performed as part of the Temple University College Dance Team, the Diamond Gems and competed on a national level. Currently, she is teaching and choreographing while working as a licensed sports massage therapist.

Miss Bridget

Bridget's love for dance started at Dance with M.E. when she was just 3 years old. Throughout her time dancing, she has had the opportunity to perform and compete, winning numerous specialty and overall awards, as well as studying under top teachers in the convention circuit. She will be graduating Millersville University this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, with a minor in Psychology, and hanging up her hat as the president of the Millersville Dance Team. Next she will be gearing up for earning her Master degree in Social Work. Bridget is excited to continue to share her passion for dance with her peers and all new students.

Miss Alexis

Alexis started training at the young age of 6 with the Philadelphia 76ers at their day camps during her summers and she fell in love with it all. She then moved on to joining the 76ers Mini Dream Team in 2010, performing during half time and timeouts at their home games, then the Junior Dream Team in 2013. In 2012, Alexis joined Touch of Class Dance Studio in Broomall, PA, where she then studied modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and pointe to then begin dancing at the competitive level in 2013. She continued her training in the tri state area and signed to the agency Clear Talent Group in New York, NY in 2017. After graduating in 2019, she moved to Los Angeles and began training with I Am Force’s Industry Project and had the opportunity to audition for major productions following her transfer from NY to Clear Talent Group in Los Angeles, LA. She trained at studios like Millenium Dance Complex and Playground LA with choreographers as Kenny Wormald, Fullout Courtland, Taja Riley, JR Taylor, Kanec and more. After moving back to the Philadelphia area in 2020, Alexis began to train with Creative Reaction Company where the team recently competed at World of Dance New Jersey 2022 placing 2nd at regionals and 9th overall at the world championships. Alexis also performs as a backup dancer for the artist, Evangelia.

Miss Lex’s classes consist of innovative ways to adhere to the fundamentals of dance. She encourages body awareness and observations to all of her students in the classroom. She wishes to make each student feel that they are having fun while also learning something new. Alexis always shows her dedication to teaching and is so excited to be a part of the Dance with M.E. family!