Creative Hope Academy of Dance

Ms. Casey is from Cranston, RI, and has been training in all genres of dance since the age of 10. She began in hip hop, and quickly fell in love with the classical genres from there. She trained at a number of schools, focusing on strength, flexibility, and technique, as well as attending multiple conventions and additional training opportunities. She knew right away teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers was her passion and love. 

 

At the age of 17, she joined the modern dance company FusionWorks, she later decided to further her career with a move to New York City, where she received training from world-renowned teachers and choreographers. Throughout her time as a dance teacher, her students have succeeded not only in the competitive world by winning numerous top awards, including top 12 placements at YAGP (a prestigious ballet competition), but their technique and strength also shines through. She has also received multiple choreography awards. 

 

Ms. Casey continues to educate herself and certify herself in many different genres. Some of which include AcrobaticArts, American Barre Technique, International Dance Technique, MUV Methods, Intelligence, and so much more! 

 

Casey believes in teaching for each individual student. Not all students learn in the same way, but all can thrive equally with good instruction. It is her HOPE that all students walk away from her classes refreshed, confident, and loving who they are on and off the dance floor. 

Teacher/ Choreographer 

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Lindsey Pires is a graduate of Dean College with a

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance. She has been teaching

dance on the recreational and competitive level for many

years. Lindsey has experience teaching ballet, jazz,

modern, acrobatics, lyrical jazz, musical theater, PBT, and

contemporary styles. Additionally, she has taught drama

and dance at a performing arts intensive in Italy and is

TEFL certified. Lindsey’s choreography has been

recognized at both the regional and national levels,

winning many choreography, high score, costume, and

overall championship awards.

Lindsey is also a working actress and stunt performer

who has been cast in several feature films, television

shows, and commercials. Her most recent films include

“Little Women,” “The Unholy,” “Salem’s Lot,” “Joy,” “The

Finest Hours,” and “The Purge Election Year,” in which

she was cast as the lead principal dancer. Lindsey strives

to pass on to young dancers what her mentors have

taught her, and to create a positive learning environment

in which to explore the art of dance.

Teacher/ Choreographer 

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Jennifer Tilley Freeman is a Rhode Island native, working as a dance educator and musical theatre director with various organizations. She began her dance training as a young child and grew up performing in showcases and competitions. Since becoming a certified dance teacher through Dance Teachers' Club of Boston in 2003, Jen has had the pleasure of teaching thousands of students. She continued her training at Rhode Island College and was fortunate to work with talented artists and choreographers while performing with the college’s dance company and in musical theatre productions. Jen is a veteran dance instructor with experience teaching all ages at schools and studios in RI and MA, including Dance with Energy, Riverside Dance Center, the Portsmouth Abbey School, Rocky Hill School, St. Philomena's School, Just Dance!, Twinkle Toes Dance Studio, RI Dance Alliance’s Chance to Dance, J-DAPA, and now Creative Hope Academy of Dance. Since 2013 she has been part of the creative team at Arts Alive! Barrington. She has had the pleasure of directing and choreographing for summer camps, workshops, and many shows including Lion King, Seussical, Willy Wonka, Wizard of Oz, Aladdin, Shrek, Pinocchio, and Moana. In 2014 she was a dance artist in residence at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. She has received awards for her jazz, contemporary, and tap choreography. Jen is passionate about her craft and is fortunate to be sharing it with young performers for over 20 years! 

Teacher/ Choreographer 

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I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I’ve danced all kinds of genres - ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. Hip Hop has always been my favorite to perform because it allows you to truly express yourself! My dance journey has led me through a few different dance studios and each helped me grow into the dancer I am today. I’ve always had a passion for dancing and after a few years of being out of it, I’m so glad I was given the chance to get back into it and happy I’m able to share this joy by teaching others!

Teacher/ Choreographer 

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Ashley is an accomplished dance teacher and choreographer whose love for dance is evident in every step she takes. With a solid foundation in dance education, Ashley obtained her Associate of Arts Degree from Dean College, where she honed her skills in an array of styles, including jazz, ballet, tap, and modern.
During her time at Dean College, Ashley's exceptional talent and dedication earned her a coveted Teaching Assistant Internship at The Boston Ballet, where she was chosen as one of only five interns. Under the guidance of Luciana Aimar, renowned for his expertise in children's curriculum, Ashley had the incredible opportunity to learn from the best.
Ashley's dance journey began at Central Mass Dance Academy in Worcester, Ma, where she laid the groundwork for her passion. She furthered her training at Burncoat Middle and High School Fine Arts program, immersing herself in ballet, jazz, and lyrical styles.
Beyond her dance expertise, Ashley possesses a deep admiration for working with seniors and sharing the joy of dance. She has had the pleasure of organizing performances for retirement home communities, bringing happiness and entertainment to the residents.
Adding to her list of achievements, Ashley recently won first place for a captivating jazz number she choreographed this year, showcasing her innovative vision and artistic prowess. Eager to continue inspiring and educating students of all ages, Ashley looks forward to sharing her boundless passion for dance.

Teacher/ Choreographer 

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Dakota has been dancing since the age of 7. Under the roof of her studio, she worked hard and trained in various styles including, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Contortion, and Musical Theatre. In these early years, she worked with the best teachers to push her in the right direction and help her find her passion in dancing.

As a dancer, Dakota received many awards from competitions all around New England. Even at the young age of 12, Dakota was privileged to be able to go on a two month tour with famous choreographer, Debbie Allen, in her musical, “Brothers of the Knight”. Here, Dakota danced around the country inspiring kids from everywhere to peruse dancing. 

Recently, Dakota just finished college with her associates degree in the arts and is motivated and inspired to be able to teach her students and help them fall in love with dance the way that she has.