Company Eight Dance Studio provides a family oriented second home for children of all ages. We establish a safe environment where students feel free to express themselves through movement, challenge their comfort zone and actively improve their technical, performance and artistic skills. Discipline, self-respect and teamwork skills developed in the Company Eight curriculum will benefit students both on and off the stage. The Company Eight Faculty is a group of highly qualified professionals dedicated to providing exceptional dance training to students of all levels.
Beyond our versatile team of teachers, talented guest instructors will be brought in to demonstrate and teach their unique style and artistry.
Register NowJennifer McLenigan
Dance Instructor
Jennifer has been teaching dance for over 30 years. She has danced professionally with Greg Thompson Productions performing in Toronto, Philadelphia and with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines where she held positions as Lead Dancer and Dance Captain. Jennifer's credentials have enabled her to judge regional and national dance competitions and to teach master classes and conventions throughout the country, a stand out being her work as guest choreographer for the Infinity Dance Project here in Buffalo. Jennifer has earned top honors for her choreography in high school musicals and at regional and national dance competitions.
Colleen McLenigan
Dance Instructor
Colleen received her B.F.A. in dance from the University at Buffalo and has been teaching dance for over four years. During her time at the university, she was a member of the prestigious Zodiaque Dance Company. Among other choreographic opportunities, Colleen was selected to choreograph for the program's Emerging Choreographer's Showcase, Dancers Workshop and the Infinity Dance Project. She has also worked with Dance Masters of America as an assistant for their SHIP and TTS summer programs and held the position of assistant to the directors of Infinity Dance Project.
Karen Palmerton
Dance Instructor
Karen has a very special gift when it comes to choreography and working with younger children and competition teams. She has judged extensively for many national dance competitions. Her students have been recognized for high score awards at national competitions. Also, she has received numerous choreography and entertainment awards. Karen has had many of her students go on to perform on Broadway, in national dance companies, movies and television.
Debbie Molloy
Acro Instructor
Debbie started dancing at the age of 2 at her mothers dance studio, Carol Joy’s School Of Dance in Buffalo, New York and has been teaching acro, tap and jazz in the Western New York area for over 25 years! Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her classes. She and her students have accumulated numerous awards and accolades in dance competitions all over the country. Debbie is proud to join Company Eight Dance Studio and is a welcome addition to our faculty!
Kaitlyn Arnold
Hip-Hop / Jazz / Contemporary / Pilates Instructor
Kaitlyn is a graduate of the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor in the Fine Arts with a focus on Dance. While attending the University at Buffalo, she was a part of the Zodiaque Dance Company for 3 years, which gave her many performance opportunities to work with different choreographers from all over the country. Kaitlyn also had the privilege to choreograph for the Emerging Choreographers Showcase and Dancers Workshop. Kaitlyn has trained in many different styles including hip-hop, ballet, modern, jazz, and tap as well as heels. She also has a certification in Barre Pilates from BuffaloBarre that she enjoys incorporating into everyday class work. Kaitlyn is very excited to be a part of the Company Eight team this coming year and hopes to share her passion for dance with everyone!
Ann Marie Jenczka-Caldiero
Ballet / Pointe Instructor
Ann Marie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Mercyhurst College as well as a Masters degree in Education from the University at Buffalo. Her over 30 years of experience specializing in teaching ballet and pointe is a valued asset to Company Eight. Ann Marie also teaches a comprehensive dance curriculum in the Buffalo Public School District.
Shanon Dean
Dance Instructor
Shanon has been teaching dance for over twenty-five years. Her philosophy is to stress the beauty and health benefits of dance and that its value has nothing to do with winning awards. Shanon's experience working with special needs children in the Amherst School District has given her unique depth and perspective with her work as a dance teacher. We are very proud to have Shanon on our team of instructors.