Prior to entering college, Kristen gained her technical and competitive dance experience with Sally McDermott Dance Centers, LMT Dance Academy and Canty Dance Centre.  Over the years, she was the recipient of several accolades including “Miss Ray of Sunshine,” “Best Overall Dancer,” “Best Technical Dancer” and multiple  monetary scholarships.  She has also had several years experience as an assistant and student teacher. 

Kristen graduated from Worcester State College Magna Cum Laude, where she earned her BA in English/Journalism and French.  She was an active member and choreographer of the Worcester State Dance Company, as well as President/Captain of the Worcester State College Dance Team for the 2007-2008 inaugural season.  In addition to dance, Kristen was involved in several other campus-wide groups and activities including: Alpha Mu Gamma; staff writer at Worcester Business Journal’s intern program; the WSC French Club; Best Buddies; and “Who’s Who Among Students in America’s Colleges and Universities.”  While completing her college education, Kristen continued to teach dance classes at local studios, dance companies and for several performance/entertainment events.

Professionally, Kristen has had experience working with children of all ages in various educational settings.  She has worked as a one-on-one aid for autistic preschoolers; as a Creative Movement instructor at the former Commerce Insurance Daycare in Webster, MA; as a camp counselor for terminally ill children at Camp Sunshine in Saco, ME; as a Best Buddies mentor in Bristol, RI; as the resident instructor for the Sutton Elementary After-Care Dance Program, teaching ballet & hip-hop to grades K-5; and as a dance educator via Discover Champions in the Dudley/Charlton regional school district. 

Kristen has taken several classes from highly-recognized choreographers & dance educators, including Cris Judd, Napoleon and Tabitha D’Umo (aka “Nappy-Tabs”), Kaelyn Gray, Gil Duldulao, Mark Goodman, Tricia Miranda, Matt Steffanina, Ian Eastwood, Nancy O’Meara, Derek Piquette, Sandi Duncan and Rhonda Miller, to name a few.  She has taken part in the Dance Masters of America Teacher's Workshops, classes at The Jeannette Neil Dance Studio in Boston and several classes at “Steps” & “Broadway Dance Centre” in New York City - most recently in July 2023.  Kristen continues to educate herself as both a choreographer and a studio owner, most recently participating in online classes from The Streamlined Studio, CLI Studios, Acrobatic Arts, Rhee Gold's Dance Life Teacher Training & several other reputable, professional dance companies.  Kristen most recently attended Rhee Gold's "Soul Conference" at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT in Summer 2024 as an extension to her development as both a studio owner and a dance educator.  

Kristen would like express gratitude to all of her students for inspiring her to create, teach & pursue her passion of dance performance & choreography.  She would also like to thank her fellow teachers for encouraging & fully supporting her both in & out of the dance studio.  Finally, she sends love and appreciation to her family for their consistent support in allowing her to chase her creativity & her passion for the art and education of dance, and never giving up on her dream of “dancing forever."

Miss Kristen has been involved in dance for nearly 35 years and has encompassed multiple roles during this time, including: student; performer; team coach; teacher; and studio owner.  Kristen teaches at the competitive and recreational levels, specializing in tap, jazz + contemporary.  She also teaches lyrical, technique, conditioning, ballet, adult and tot classes, and works with several soloists and duets on the competitive level.  As of July 2021, Kristen is proud to be a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor (Modules 1-6).  ​

Miss Greta Pearson - Competitive & Recreational Choreographer & Instructor

2024-2025 TDS Faculty & Staff

Miss Kristen Surprise St. Laurent - Owner/Director; Competitive & Recreational Choreographer & Instructor

Miss Stephanie Campbell - Recreational Instructor

Miss Erin is a 2011 graduate of Auburn High School and also attended Quinsigamond Community College, majoring in Early Childhood Education. In addition to teaching at The Dancer’s Sole and pursuing her higher education, Erin also works as a full-time certified teacher at Up Up & Play Academy in Shrewsbury, MA.

Erin has more than 25 years of dance experience starting at LMT Dance Academy, then graduated as student and student teacher from Canty Dance Centre. 

She has been a partial and full dance scholarship recipient, as well as a Company member and a Company Team Captain. Erin was awarded “The Hall of Fame Competitive Scholarship” and was the “Dance Ovations” 1st and 3rd runner-up competitive Title contestant.    Erin previously choreographed for the TDS Performance Group Team, bringing their routines to various locations throughout the area.

She has taken and continues to take master classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York City, Shock the Intensive and the Teacher’s Workshop at Dance Masters of America.  Erin truly enjoys teaching at The Dancer’s Sole and wishes to thank her family for all of their support. A special shout out to all of her students– she has had many wonderful years with you, and is looking forward to teaching your future performances!

Miss Erin Katinas - Recreational Choreographer & Instructor

Jessica is a proud TDS alumni whose love for dance began at age 3. Jessica danced competitively throughout her life, having her first solo choreographed by Miss Greta as a Petite Company Member, and her Senior Solos choreographed by Miss Kristen.  Jessica went onto join the D1A collegiate dance team at UMass Amherst where she had the opportunity to compete at both NDA and UDA college nationals held in Florida. Jessica’s favorite styles of dance are contemporary and pom. Jessica is hoping to continue her dance training in Boston this Fall. 

Miss Lexani Lewis - Recreational Instructor

Miss Greta graduated from Dean College summa cum laude in May of 2007 where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and a Minor in Psychology. She completed in-depth coursework in Kinesiology, Anatomy & Physiology with a graduate focus in Dance History & Pedagogy. She studied all genres of dance with a concentration in ballet, modern, jazz and tap under the tutelage of Professors Joan Phelps Palladino, Jill Silverman, Nailah Randall-Bellinger, Maryanne Kodzis, 

Miss Abbie White - Recreational & Competitive Choreographer & Instructor, TDS Crew Leader

Jessica Lorkiewicz is a 2023 graduate of UMass Amherst where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Criminal Behavior and minored in Psychology. Jessica is an advocate for Mental Health and currently works full time at the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department and House of Corrections. Jessica will be attending Boston College in Fall 2024 to continue her education and pursue her Masters in Clinical Social Work. 

Miss Maddy began her dance training at Wendy’s Dance Studio before moving to Canty Dance Centre where she went on to receive the “Junior Best All-Around Dancer” and the “Full Scholarship” awards.  During her time as a student, she practiced ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip-hop and tap.  In addition to her dance classes, she was a student teacher as well as a teacher assistant. As of March 2024, Miss Maddy is proud to be a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor (Modules 1-6), alongside Miss Kristen.​

“Soul Dancer Conference”, “ Turn It Up National Dance Team”, and various other local conventions and intensives. She also has experience performing in several theater productions with Wachusett Theatre Company and has received multiple showmanship awards over the years.  Lexani is a very passionate dancer with lots of professionalism, dedication and ambition and she is prepared to translate these assets into her teaching style.

Lexani has enjoyed her role as a teacher’s assistant since the age of 10, where she was able to learn valuable skills and develop a dream to become a dance teacher. She has assisted various classes, styles and ages and is very excited to become a student teacher at TDS!  Lexani is beyond thrilled and is very thankful to be living out one of her biggest aspirations! She strives to give her students a year filled with fun, growth and knowledge and hopes to inspire them just like her dance teachers have inspired her.

Abbie is a passionate and versatile dancer, choreographer, and educator with a BA in Dance, specializing in Hip Hop, alongside a certificate in Dance Education. She is certified in Modules 1 and 2 of Acrobatic Arts, and currently teaches at multiple studios where she shares her expertise in Hip Hop, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary. As the founder and director of the TDS Hip Hop Crew at The Dancer’s Sole, and a freelance show choir choreographer, Abbie’s dynamic choreography has earned top accolades, including Best Choreography, Overall High Scores, and Revolution Talent’s National Grand Champion title.

Stephanie Campbell began dancing at the age of 7, and her feet haven’t stopped moving since, whether she is performing or sharing her love of the art with students of all ages.
Throughout her years of dance, Stephanie has held many roles, including student, competitor, teacher and studio owner. She received her training in various styles from Joan Sheary Dance Centre, Sheila’s School of Dance, and Joan Yankauskas Dance School, while also participating in numerous competitions.

Lexani is a competitive dancer at TDS and a high school senior. She has been dancing for 15 years with TDS (formerly known as Canty Dance Centre) where she has received “Best All Around Dancer," “Most Improved Ballet,” and the full and partial scholarships. Lexani takes classes at TDS in the styles of tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, musical theater, ballet, pointe and hip hop. Lexani believes it is important to further her dance training, therefore she has participated in “Hanover Theater & Conservatory Summer Dance Intensive Week”, “Move: The Initiative'', 

Miss Jessica Lorkiewicz - Summer Competitive + Guest Instructor 

Beyond the classroom, Abbie continues to evolve as an artist by training across various dance styles in the vibrant Boston area. A former member of The Concept Artists, she has performed throughout New England and trained at the renowned Bates Dance Festival. Her collegiate journey includes performing with the Emmanuel College Dance Team and choreographing for the Salem Dance Ensemble, where she earned the prestigious Salem State Creativity Award. Her work has even been featured in The Boston Globe for her innovative approach to creating art during the pandemic.

Abbie’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a safe, inclusive space where students are encouraged to explore, create, and find their unique voice. She strives to nurture not only skilled dancers but well-rounded artists who are empowered to express themselves through movement.

Jean Wenzel, Lisa Vanessa Pari, Wyatt Jackson, Antonio Ricardo, Jr., Thomas Vacanti and Judie Clark.​​  She was the recipient of the “Who’s Who Among Students in America’s Colleges and Universities” Award, the “Excellence in Dance” Award, and was the featured Baccalaureate Speaker at her graduation ceremony.

While in college, Greta served as the Vice President of Dean College’s Honor Society, and performed in numerous shows including, “Cabaret”, “Founder’s Day Show”, “Dance Extravaganza”, “Dance Composition Show”, "Midnight Madness", and “Senior Performance," to name a few.  She participated in many dance workshops, including Tap Jam, Haitian Folklore, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She worked with renowned dance choreographers and performers, including Denise Jefferson, Troy Powell, and Dudley Williams of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Diane “Lady Di” Walker, Jimmy Slyde, Jean Appolon, Maurice Hines, A.C. Ciulla, Derrick Grant,  J.T. Jenkins, and Napoleon & Tabitha D’Umo (“NappyTabs”). To further enrich her dance experience, she has taken master classes with renowned teachers and choreographers at Steps and Broadway Dance Centre in New York City, the SHOCK Teacher’s Convention, and the Dance Masters of America Teacher's Workshop.

Prior to college, Greta gained her earliest technical dance training at the LMT Dance Academy and Canty Dance Centre where she was awarded a Full Scholarship and the “Best All-Around Dancer” Award. In addition to her dance training, she performed with Dance Prism's New England Touring Cast of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker,” and was a member of the University of Connecticut’s Tap Team. Currently, Greta teaches ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theatre, character, and hip-hop. Each year, she also works with several groups, duets and soloists on the competitive level. Her competitive routines have been recognized for her choreography and concepts and have earned many accolades including “Top Scoring Routine,” “Amazing Concept,” “Outstanding Choreography” and “Most Entertaining.”  In addition to teaching at The Dancer’s Sole, Greta is also a judge for dance competitions on the regional and national level. 

Greta is extremely happy and grateful to be a part of The Dancer's Sole where she can share her passion and enthusiasm for dance education and performance with her students. She would like to thank her family for their unwavering support and encouragement, co-workers for their devotion to the studio, and her students for sharing their personalities, energy and talents. Her greatest joy as a dance educator is seeing her students’ hard work come to fruition when they improve, achieve and excel in their classes and performances. She encourages her students to always work hard, keep a positive attitude and “dance, breathe, smile and love it!” Enjoy the journey! The world is a stage, go out there and dance on it. 

Prior to graduating high school in 2011, Maddy was a member of the Canty Dance Centre Competition Team for 6 years and served as captain for both the 2010 and 2011 competition seasons.  In addition to her studio and competition experience, she has taken master classes at Broadway Dance Center, Shock the Intensive, and the Radio City Rockettes Summer Dance Intensive.

Maddy attended Bridgewater State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree, double-majoring in Early Childhood Education and Psychology and also minoring in Special Education and Dance.  She graduated cum laude in May of 2011. Maddy returned to Bridgewater State University to pursue a Master’s of Education graduating in the Spring of 2023 as a Reading Specialist. Maddy is currently a seventh grade special education teacher at a local middle school. 

During her time at Bridgewater State University, Maddy was very active in the dance community. Maddy was a 4-year member of the Bridgewater State University Dance team, a student run club that performed at homecoming, sporting events and fundraisers.  She was among the leadership board of the first team to qualify for UDA nationals where their team placed 10th in their division at their first national appearance in Disney. During her senior year, Maddy served as President of the team, further helping raise the standard of the club by actively advocating for a coach and returning to UDA Nationals for a second time. As a member of the Bridgewater State University Dance Company, she performed in 3 seasons of Winterdance and 2 seasons of Dance Kaleidoscope, choreographing for her final season of each and being selected as a soloist. Additionally, Maddy was also part of a small audition-only group for 12 dancers called Dance Ensemble, which trained and performed at the American College Dance Festival National Conference. 

Miss Maddy taught at TDS from 2018 to 2021, before taking two years off to finish her Master’s Degree and she is very excited to have returned to TDS in 2023!  After dancing and teaching in many different places and studios over the years and stepping away to pursue professional goals, she couldn’t be more excited to be back home at TDS!

Miss Maddy Clouatre - Recreational Choreographer & Instructor

Stephanie has nearly 30 years of teaching experience, beginning her career at Sheila’s School of Dance, first as an assistant and then as an instructor in Spencer.  After graduating from Emerson College, where she received a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing, she returned to teach in Charlton, where the studio had relocated. Throughout the years, her students competed at numerous regional events, winning awards for their group routines, duos and solos.

After the studio closed its doors in 2003, Stephanie opened Relevétions Dance Centre, which she operated in Dudley for 20 years, teaching children and adults in all styles and levels.  Her students participated in many community and charitable events, including half-time at Nichols College basketball games, the Dudley PTO annual Trunk or Treat, and the annual Festival of (Giving) Trees, a fundraiser to help support breast cancer research. 

Stephanie has continued her dance education by participating in events with master teachers, including Rhee Gold Dance Life Conference and the Dance Teacher Magazine’s Summer Teacher Conference, as well as online workshops with Doctors for Dancers.  She also still performs, donates time to community events, including recently at Old Sturbridge Village’s Women’s History Days event, and has competed as an adult with Diva Dance School, based in Warren.  In addition, she is the adult ballet and pointe instructor for Diva Dance School and choreographs routines for the performance team.

In her free time, Stephanie is an avid reader and book collector and writes freelance feature articles for “Worcester Magazine” and the “Telegram & Gazette.”  She loves the beach and can often be seen doing shuffles or tendus while waiting in line at stores.  Married for 14 years, she is a mom of two and works full-time for a local school district.
Stephanie is thrilled to be joining the talented staff at The Dancer’s Sole and is looking forward to meeting new students and sharing her passion for dance with them.