Miss Holli
Holli Faria is the founder and artistic director of Studio Life Art & Studio Life Performing Art and has nearly 25 years of dance experience. She has taught and choreographed for over 15 years. Holli has been immersed in all styles and genres of dance throughout her lifetime. She received numerous choreography and high score awards from multiple regional and national dance competitions across the east coast. She strives to stay up to date and familiar with new dance techniques and choreographic trends and believes all good teachers never stop educating themselves. She is a certified dance educator in Acrobatic Arts and is a member of the Dance Alliance of Rhode Island and National Dance Educators Organization where she continues her studies through the Professional Development Institute of Dance. Holli continues to attend professional teacher training workshops studying with master instructors such as Steve Sirico, Jessica Rizzo, Aaron Turner, Tony Coppola, Mandy Yip and Liz Imperio. She believes the arts are essential to our progress as a Community and it is a way to knowing our power to innovate, transform and evolve. While working towards her BFA in Visual Design she involved herself in many community art and dance events and received a community service leadership award in 2012 during graduation. She continues her support and is involved with the creative arts network (CAN) and offers her time to multiple non profit organizations. Holli always puts forth her best effort in running a fun, friendly, and professional atmosphere at Studio Life Performing Art while maintaining a strict technical dance discipline & instilling dance and life skills in her students. She believes in the value of dance and art as a source of inspiration, self-discovery, expression, and fulfillment for everyone who studies it. “Every dance student deserves the respect of being given quality training and the integrity of a dance and art education.” |
Mr. Martin
Martin Nikolov is the founder and artistic director of M Dance. The first time Martin stepped on the dance floor he was 9 years old. He started as a competitor representing Bulgaria, before relocating to the United Kingdom. He made his first appearance in the UK at the famous Blackpool Dance Festival. Martin then began training in St. Petersburg, Russia where he and his partner, Liana Churilova (current World American Rhythm Champion), took over the podiums and were one of the top 3 couples in Russia. After returning home, Martin opened his own studio “M Dance Studio” in Bulgaria where he coached many successful couples that had much success in several competitions throughout Europe. His students have been seen internationally on VIP Dance and Dancing With The Stars. In May 2010, Martin received an invitation from Igor and Irina Suvorov to be a part of a show program in one of the biggest and global events organized in USA – The Desert Classic DanceSport Championships. This opportunity lead him to permanently move to USA. Martin has certifications from World Dance Council (WDC) for Professional Dance Teacher in Latin-American/Ballroom Dance Branch as well as his adjudicator certification. Martin has taught at Fred Astaire Dance Studios where he received the highest score certification and has lead his students to win numerous national competitions. Martin is registered in the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) as a Professional Competitor and Certified Dance Teacher. Martin is excited to start his ballroom program at Studio Life Performing Art in Fall River , MA and is happy to share his talent, experience and knowledge of ballroom technique with all his students. |
Miss Tammy
Tammy started dancing at the age of 6 and immediately fell in love with dance. She danced through high school in Fall River, MA and then attended Stonehill College in Easton, MA where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop while majoring in Biology. Tammy has been teaching in Fall River since 2008 and continues to attend workshops and conventions such as Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston and Dance Teacher Web Live. Several of her routines and dancers have placed at local and national dance competitions and have been recipients of special awards. Though dance was her first love, Tammy found a second passion – the ocean. While teaching at Studio Life Performing Art, Tammy is also pursuing a PhD in Marine Science and Technology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Tammy hopes to inspire her students to break boundaries in dance and in life. Her goals are to push students outside of their comfort zones, while fostering the belief that they can accomplish anything they set their minds (and bodies) to and to encourage cultivation and pursuit of multiple, diverse passions! |
Miss Erica
Erica is a graduate of Lesley University where she received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy. Erica also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from Dean College, where she spent 4 years rigorously training and performing in classical styles of dance including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern techniques and Hip Hop. She has been training in dance for 22 years and has been teaching dance for 8 years at different locations in Massachusetts. Erica is trained in many genres of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Acrobatics, and Irish Step. She has studied under many notable teachers in her years of dance, including Gregory King (Horton), Donalin Foreman (Graham), Laura Young, (Ballet), Shura Baryshnikov (Contemporary), Todd Shanks (Jazz), Jean Wenzel (Tap), Ricardo Foster (Hip Hop), and more. As well as technique classes, Erica is also trained in subjects such as Psychology, Dance/Movement Therapy, Laban Movement Analysis, Dance Composition, Pedagogy of Dance, Dance History, Creative Movement, and Film Survey in Dance. Erica regularly attends master classes and workshops including Dance Teacher's Club of Boston and Dance Teacher Live. Through her passion, Erica has had the opportunity to perform and choreograph various styles of dance in different venues across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Although performing is a great joy for Erica, she enjoys teaching and working with children. She is currently a registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) and is a candidate for her Massachusetts License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). Erica is excited to continue her journey in dance not only through teaching but also incorporating movement and the expressive arts with children and families in therapeutic settings. Recently, she has had the opportunity to work with children and families at Hasbro Children’s Hospital creating and facilitating Dance/Movement Therapy sessions and group therapy sessions. She loves teaching and sharing her experience with her students. Erica is excited to join the dance facility at Studio Life Performing Art and share her experience and love of dance with her students. |
Miss Jen
Jen has been living in Fall River her entire life. She has been dancing Hip Hop for 20 years and teaching for 14 years now. Jen has competed in multiple competitions as well as choreographing a competition team. She has taken classes from Tap, Jazz, Modern and even Ballroom. She loves to teach girls and boys of all ages and she teaches adults as well. Jennifer is also Bilingual, Portuguese is her second language. Besides teaching Jen loves to sing, dance, read, draw, watch movies, spend time with friends and family and taking care of her pets. Jen works at an office as a full time position and she is also currently working towards a Bachelor’s in Psychology at Bridgewater State University. |
Miss Ashley
Ashley has been training in dance for 13 years and has been competing in dance for 3 years, at both the regional and national level. She has been seen performing at numerous venues, events, and dance competitions throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Recently, Ashley achieved the Senior Title Award and Crown at the Diva Dance National Competition in July 2017. Ashley is trained in many genres of dance including, Acrobatics, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern and is skilled in other genres such as Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, and Tap. She regularly attends master classes, workshops, and conventions in all genres of dance to supplement her education and progress. In addition to her dance training, Ashley has been a student apprentice instructor for 3 years working alongside many of her dedicated dance instructors. Over the course of the year, Ashley hold a position as a lead instructor at ENVY Gymnastics in Tiverton, RI where she has been training and instructing recreational and competitive gymnasts for 2 years. With experience in dance and gymnastics, she hopes to create a safe, fun, and creative environment for learning dance and the arts. Ashley is excited to join the dance facility at Studio Life Performing Art to continue her growth as a dance educator. |
Miss Eliza
Eliza has been training in dance for 13 years and has been competing for 5 years, at the regional and national level. She has been seen performing at numerous venues, events, and dance competitions throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Eliza is trained in many genres of dance including, Acrobatics, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, and Tap. Eliza has been an apprentice instructor for 4 years, working alongside many instructors who have shaped her teaching philosophy and love for dance. In addition to her tenure as an apprentice instructor, she has choreographed and performed at many venues and events across Massachusetts and Rhode Island including St. James Baptist Church’s Annual Festival and for the Curry College Dance Team. Eliza regularly attends master classes and workshops including dance conventions and The Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston. Over the course of the year, Eliza works with children 3-12 at Citizens for Citizens Daycare, a facility where she creates a welcoming and nurturing environment for the children she advises. With experience in both early childhood education and dance education, Eliza is excited to join the dance facility at Studio Life Performing Art to continue her growth as a dance educator. |
Miss Raistlyn
Raistlyn has been training in dance for 13 years and has been competing in dance for 4 years. She has performed at many competitions throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, at the regional and national level in group and solo entries. Recently, she has recently achieved the Overall-Senior Highest Scoring Entry award for her tap solo at Diva Dance Competition. Raistlyn regularly attends master classes, workshops, and conventions in all genres of dance to supplement her education and progress in dance. In addition to dance, Raistlyn is a dedicated academic student who is studying health care assisting and aspires to be a pediatric surgeon. Raistlyn has been inspired by her dance instructors to further her journey in dance and is excited to join alongside them this upcoming year. She hopes that her dedication and love of dance translates to her students, creating a positive and enriching learning environment. Raistlyn is looking forward to an amazing year and is excited to be part the dance facility at Studio Life Performing Art to continue her growth as a dance educator. |
Miss Kiane
Kiane has been training in dance for 14 years and has had 2 years of competition dance experience. Kiane has been seen in group and solo performances at many events and competitions in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Kiane regularly attends master classes, workshops, and dance conventions in all genres of dance to supplement her education and progress as a dancer. Over the course of the year, she has had many volunteer opportunities which have shaped her personal and professional endeavors. Recently, she has had the opportunity to teach elementary school students through a high school teaching program offered during the academic year. In addition to being a dedicated and passionate dance student, Kiane also takes pride in her rigorous academic career. Her continuing hard work has provided her with being a coveted member of the National Honors Society. In school, Kiane participates in the Sports Medicine Career Center which has earned her many training opportunities including being certified in CPR and First Aid. Many of her academic and personal skills translate to her love of dance and her aspiration to teach and perform dance at a professional level. Kiane is excited to join the dance facility at Studio Life Performing Art and continue her growth as a dance educator. |
Miss Jamie
Jamie has been training in dance for 12 years and has been competing for 2 years. She has performed at many competitions throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, at the both the regional and national level in group and solo entries. She is trained in several different styles of dance such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Lyrical. Over the course of her dance training, Jamie has acquired skills in other genres of dance such as Contemporary, Modern, and Tap. She regularly attends master classes, workshops, and conventions to supplement her education and progress in dance. She is a dedicated student in both dance and academics. In the fall, Jamie will be attending the University of Rhode Island as part of the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Jamie started her tenure as a student apprentice instructor 3 years ago, working alongside instructors teaching students ages 3-6. With her rigorous academic schedule, Jamie hopes to inspire her students to strive to meet their goals in academics, dance, and the arts. Jamie is excited to join the dance facility at Studio Life Performing Art to continue her growth as a dance educator. |
Miss Hazel
Hazel was born in Manila, Philippines. At 18, she worked as a back-up dancer and choreographer for Billy Crawford, Apl de Ap (Black Eyed Peas), Sarah Geronimo and Gary Valenciano in a television show called ASAP Live on ABS-CBN Channel 2. She also performed as a dancer for the Jabbawockeez, Flo-Rida, Lenka, Snoop Dogg, Melissa Reyes of Pussycat Dolls and the legendary Hip Hop group Wreckx-N-Effect in several Rumple Minze commercials. She has trained at the top dance studios in North Hollywood, California namely, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studios, International Dance Academy and Playground LA. Her training includes Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Ballet, Bboying, Waacking, Locking, Popping, Contemporary, Tap, Gymnastics and West African Dance. In 2010, she was hired by Disney to perform as a parade dancer at Hong Kong Disneyland for the show called "Flights of Fantasy" and shortly after, she choreographed their Hip Hop shows "Tomorrowland Street Jam" and "Tron City Dance Crew" wherein she performed as a dancer too. She also became a resident choreographer and dance teacher at Red Shoe Dance Company, one of the biggest dance studios in Hong Kong. She taught Hip Hop, Lyrical Jazz and Acro Dance to children ages 6 and above. She was the very first dance teacher to introduce Acro Dance in Hong Kong after she completed her certification in Sydney, Australia. After Hong Kong, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she performed as a back-up dancer for Solid Gold Soul at Bally's Hotel & Casino. She has also performed in many corporate events and shows all over Las Vegas and has taught in 5 different dance studios. She has now moved to the East Coast and very excited to teach Studio Life to inspire young dancers to reach for their dreams! |
Miss Katelyn
With nearly 25 years of dance experience, Miss Katelyn is a true life-long learner. She has had the privilege of instructing Ballet, Tap, and Jazz from ages 3 and up for over 8 years. As both a student and instructor, Katelyn’s passion for dance and learning has been enhanced through her participation in dance workshops and conventions over the years. With over 20+ years of practical experience, including numerous collegiate dance courses throughout her education at both Bridgewater State University and Salve Regina University, she also participated as a member of Salve’s dance team for two years. Furthermore, Miss Katelyn has choreographed several competitive dance pieces that have placed at both regional and/or national levels as well. Miss Katelyn has two Bachelor of Science degrees-in Psychology and Nursing that she feels bring value to the classroom. Miss Katelyn’s knowledge base from both backgrounds provide her with the tools to facilitate a developmentally-appropriate and enriching learning environment, as well as an environment that promotes health and well-being. As a registered nurse, dancer, and yoga-lover, Miss Katelyn strives to create a holistic, wholesome, and positive atmosphere where every dancer can learn to explore their creative selves through movement. The movement arts embrace a culture of diversity, creativity, and individuality encouraging participants to find a dance that is their own. Miss Katelyn is honored to be apart of the Studio Life Performing Art family and very excited to share her love of dance with her students! “The purpose of any artistic endeavor is to find oneself through the art.” |
