The Faculty

 

Kaitlyn Arnold

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!

 

Shanon Dean

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.

 

Ann Marie Jenczka-Caldiero

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.

 

Colleen McLenigan

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.
 

Jennifer McLenigan (Studio Director)

Jennifer brings over 30 years of teaching experience to the students of Company Eight Dance Studio.  Jennifer is proud to have received her early training as both a student and young teacher from the legendary master, David DeMarie.  She went on to study dance at the University at Buffalo under the direction of Tom Ralabate and she continues to enhance her skills by regularly attending a variety of intensives, seminars, conventions and workshops.  
After an extensive career as a performer, including positions as lead dancer and dance captain with Greg Thompson Productions and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, she began pursuing her passion to teach.  Throughout her career, she has worked as a master teacher and guest choreographer at many dance establishments throughout the country, a stand out being her work for the Infinity Dance Project.  Over the years, Jen has earned top honors for her choreography at both regional and national dance competitions.  She has also had the honor to judge for numerous dance competitions and pageants providing her an additional perspective in training young dancers.  She has also choreographed for several high school musicals and dance presentations throughout our community.  Jennifer considers it a great honor and priviledge to nurture young dancers, to help them discover confidence and joy through dance and to realize their own individual potential as an artist.

 

Debbie Molloy

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!

 

Karen Palmerton

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.
Beyond our versatile team of teachers, talented guest instructors will be brought in to demonstrate and teach their unique style and artistry.