Vanessa Berry – Artistic Director/Instructor

A Jersey Shore native, Vanessa Berry has taught dance since she was 16. Her education includes a degree in dance education from New York University, multiple fitness certifications, and extensive training in the Lotte Berke method. Performing credits include stage and television.

Before she became the proud owner of Kick Fitness and Dance she taught at some of the best studios in NY and Colorado including Equinox, New York Sports Club, Lotte Berke Method, Dance West, and the Boulder Arts Festival. As a choreographer and dance teacher, Vanessa has received many accolades including Top Studio, Best Choreography, Most Entertaining, and multiple first place awards. Her classes offer strong classic dance technique in a fun and caring environment. Her students learn confidence, grace, stage presence, and coordination while developing a love for dance in all its styles.

Kaitlyn Kurkemelis “Miss Katie” – Theater Program Director, Instructor

Dancing since the age of three, Kaitlyn’s training started at The Kathy Kull Dance Center then continued on under the direction of Janet Layden, creator of Allegro Dance Academy. Her recent training credits include Broadway Dance Center, Dance Masters of America, Dance Alliance, and Steps on Broadway. Kaitlyn has performed in numerous musicals and staged performances, many of which have been under the production team, Cabaret For Life. Immediately after high school, Kaitlyn set off to NYC to pursue a career in Broadway. She was represented under Renata English, Barry Kolker, and various casting agencies. During these years, Kaitlyn starting substituting for Miss Vanessa.

She fell in love with the Kick Dance Studio and the little town of Fair Haven, NJ. Over the past six years she has gone from teaching one class per week to teaching over 20 classes per week. Kaitlyn teaches all ages Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Her classes are high energy and tons of fun while focusing on technique and performance skills.

Miss Katie is grateful for the love she has found at the Kick Dance Studios. Sharing her passion for performing is the greatest gift and she is looking forward to what the future has in store!

Kyla Heinz – Tap Crew Director/Instructor

Deidra Wyckoff- Hip Hop Director/Instructor

Deidra began training as a dancer when she was nine years old, beginning as a young and talented Jazz student. After graduating from Brookdale Community College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts, she pursued her career as a professional dance instructor at seven different dance academies. Her career highlights include performing and training at Monsters of Hip Hop for eight consecutive years, performing at Disney World’s Magic Music Days and training with legendary dance instructors, such as Geo Hubela, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo (Nappy Tabs), and Rhapsody James among many other world renown choreographers.

Deidra has also excelled as a hip-hop dancer for infamous dance crews, including ‘In Da Clutch’ crew, which appeared on “America’s Best Dance Crew.” She even had the pleasure to train with the amazingly talented Rockettes. Deidra is currently under the instruction of Parris Goebel and Nick Demoura to expand on her styles of Hip Hop and choreography.  At the current time, Deidra’s position remains as a lead instructor teaching young students several different genres of dance and technique from Ballet to Ballroom to Hip Hop. Through this role, she has incorporated being a mentor to young children while encouraging them to learn the art of dance and helping them pursue their passion. Deidra recently received her Acrobatics Arts certification with a perfect score.

Dylan Smith – Jazz Director/Instructor

Hannah Stebe – Ballet Director/Instructor

Lauren Brancato – Vocal Director/Instructor

Kayla Kirk – Instructor/studio assistant

In Loving Memory

Laura Donlon

Laura Donlon was an award-winning dancer and gymnast throughout high school and a Cheerleader Flyer in College.  She began teaching at an early age, while still in high school, and became one of the youngest Varsity Coaches in the State when she took over the Head Coaching Position at Sayreville War Memorial High School. In her ten years at Sayreville, she took the program to a much publicized undefeated season and brought the program to a third-place ranking in the state. Laura was selected as Coach of Year twice during her tenure as Head Coach. Laura’s background in both gymnastics and dance has afforded her the opportunity to provide award-winning choreography in ballet, jazz, musical theatre and acro for the youngest of dancers to senior company performers and elite level gymnasts. Laura has served as the Artistic Director and Assistant Studio Director for several NJ dance Studios. Presently, Laura ‘s daughter Kelsey is carrying on her mom’s legacy and teaching her classes on Saturday mornings.