Steppin' Out Dance Academy
52 Church Street, Kingston, NH
603-642-7711
MEET OUR TALENTED INSTRUCTORS
Abby Sprackland - Instructor
Ballet - Lyrical - Jazz - Contemporary
Abby began dancing at the age of 6 at SODA and competed in regional and national dance competitions across New England for over a decade. In her junior and senior year of high school, she was awarded scholarships in memory of Danielle Janco, for her love and commitment to dance.
Abby continued her dance education at Plymouth State University under the direction of Amanda Whitworth and was a member of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. She earned a B.A. in Communication & Media Studies, double minor in Marketing and Dance, certificate in Dance Pedagogy and was a dance talent grant recipient. Abby continues to enjoy opportunities to further her dance education and has performed professionally in showcases like, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival.
Abby has been teaching at SODA since 2017. She strives to create a positive environment in her classes that gives students a safe space to challenge themselves, feel proud of their growth and discover their own unique movement style.
Abby is also a co-director of SODA's Company & Team Program.
Cailyn Pollard - Instructor
Cailyn is thrilled to be teaching at Steppin' Out, where her love of dance first began. She trained at the studio for 18 years before attending Endicott College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. During her time at Endicott, she choreographed Something Rotten! and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 while continuing her tap training with professional tap dancer Ryan Casey.
Cailyn also had the opportunity to perform with the pre-professional tap companies TapLife Too and the New England Alliance of Tap.
She is excited to share her passion for dance with her students and to return to the studio that started it all.
Crystal Skahan - Instructor
Crystal is a Recreation Therapist that discovered aerial sling, fabric and circus arts as an adult, and enjoys any opportunity to advance her training, teaching experience, and share her passion and enthusiasm with others. She has completed an Introduction to Teaching Aerials training in 2021 through the New England Center for Circus Arts. In addition she is a hula hoop enthusiast and has instructor certifications in HoolaFit and HoopYogini.
Darice Collie - Instructor
Ballet - Tap - Jazz ~ Lyrical ~ Rhythm Works Certified
Hattie Norton-Ford - Instructor
Acrobatics - Contemporary - Lyrical - Hip Hop
Hattie has been dancing at SODA since she was 11 years old. She started as a gymnast and transitioned to dance throughout her teens. She spent her teen and young adult years dancing in Company and Recreational classes as well as taking Aerial classes. She started teaching dance in 2006 and graduated from Exeter High School in 2007.
She attended the University of New Hampshire and received a bachelor’s degree in Theatre with a Dance Focus. While at UNH, she taught Aerial dance and some Lyrical and Hip-Hop classes at SODA and attended a Trapeze Teacher Training program at New England Center for Circus Arts. She was also the lead dancer in UNH’s performance of “RENT”. Hattie started teaching Acrobatics at the studio in 2015 and coached gymnastics at Granite State Gymnastics for 4 years.
Recently she has received her Acrobatic Arts certification, which she applies to her acrobatic classes at the studio as well as teaching both recreational and company classes in various dance forms. Her favorite dance forms are Acrobatics, Contemporary and Hip Hop.
Hattie loves teaching and loves being a part of the SODA family.
Jordan Simpson- Instructor
Jordan began dancing at Steppin’Out Dance Academy at the age of four and was a member of the studio’s Competitive Dance Company. After graduating from SODA, she transitioned directly into teaching, sharing her lifelong love of dance with the next generation of students.
For the past five years, Jordan has also served as a dedicated volunteer dance buddy in the Shining Stars adaptive dance program, a role she continues to cherish. She completed the Shining Stars Adaptive Dance Assistant Training and has participated in Steppin’Out Dance Academy’s Instructor Training Program. This August, Jordan will continue her dance education by participating in a Foundations of Jazz teacher training.
In addition to teaching at Steppin’Out, Jordan teaches at Aerial Northeast and works full-time at Market Basket. She loves walking into the studio each day, seeing the many talented students, and being part of the supportive SODA community that has played such an important role in her life.
Kayla Gallerani - Instructor
Ballet - Jazz - Lyrical - Contemporary - Tap
Kayla began dancing at the age of 5 at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy. When she was 7 years old, she auditioned and made it into company. She continued dancing and competing at Steppin’ Out until she graduated high school in 2011. Kayla attended the University of New Hampshire and obtained her degree in Dance. During her four years, she was a member of the Jazz, Tap & Aerial company as well as one of the company’s aerialists. The UNH dance company is also how Kayla met her husband as he was one of the spotters. She was very fortunate to be attending college nearby as it allowed her to begin teaching at Steppin’ Out in the fall of 2012 during her sophomore year. Her first year of teaching, she taught jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and aerial. Her junior year, she was awarded UNH’s Jean Mattox Scholarship which is given to two Dance Majors for their excellence in dance. After graduating, Kayla continued working at Steppin’ Out as a dance and aerial instructor, UNH as an aerial instructor and was the assistant director during UNH’s summer dance and aerial intensives. Kayla continued teaching as an aerial instructor for Steppin’ Out and UNH until she had her daughter in fall of 2018.
Currently she continues as a dance instructor at Steppin’ Out, focusing mainly on Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical as well as being the assistant director for the UNH summer intensives. Outside of dance, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son. She enjoys traveling and has been to over 12 countries.
Her favorite thing about teaching has been watching students grow their passion for dance and pushing to better themselves. She especially loves seeing students graduate and choose to continue their dancing career.
Kayla is also a co-director of SODA's Company & Team Program.
Kayla Waldron - Instructor
Jazz - Musical Theater - Hip Hop
From the moment she slipped on her first pair of dance shoes at three years old, Kayla Waldron has lived and breathed movement. What began as a tiny ballerina’s leap quickly blossomed into a lifelong devotion to performance, choreography, and teaching. Her earliest stage memories include dancing across the stage in Ballet New England’s The Nutcracker—a formative experience that sparked her passion for bringing stories to life through dance. Kayla also started competing with Steppin Outs Junior team at the age of 8. With the company she traveled to nationals as well as performed in Disney and Universal. Today, more than 30 years later, Kayla still calls Steppin' Out (where her journey began) “home,” guiding new generations of dancers with the same love and dedication that once inspired her.
Kayla’s artistry has carried her from local stages to training with renowned choreographers in Boston and New York City. Along the way, she helped launch one of New Hampshire’s first high school dance teams, toured New England with a hip-hop ensemble, and has lent her choreography to stages. Now Kayla has had the honor to be invited to choreograph shows for The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Acting Out Theater,and Exit Dance Theatre. She works with Governor’s Academy in Byfield MA, where she choreographs the winter musicals. Since 2017, she has been a recurring guest instructor with the academy, and now is actively the Dance Director where she is charge of showcases , choreography, and outreach programs.
Kayla is excited to bring a spirit of creativity, shaping young performers with her signature mix of rigor and joy.
Community is at the heart of her work. Whether directing the Emmaus House Annual Fundraiser Gala, creating benefit performances for Anna Jaques Hospital, or mentoring her students toward careers in professional companies, Kayla believes dance is as much about connection as it is about art. Since 2013, she has directed the Theater in the Open Summer Arts Workshop, where she continues to spark creativity in young performers each summer. She is also a proud member of Exit Dance Theater, contributing both choreography and performances to the modern company’s repertoire.
Her credentials are as strong as her artistry. Kayla is a certified instructor through Dance Masters of America and holds specialized training in Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, ensuring inclusivity for dancers of all abilities. Her curiosity and commitment to safe technique keep her studying kinesiology and injury prevention to better support her students.
On the competitive stage, her choreography has earned high honors, and she serves as an adjudicator as well as convention choreographer across the regional dance circuit, bringing her eye for both detail and artistry to aspiring performers.
Beyond the studio, Kayla’s world is vibrant and full of movement—whether hiking trails, cycling, tending her garden, capturing moments behind a camera, or dancing in the aisles at live music events. Her proudest role, however, is being a mom to two daughters who now share her love of dance, allowing her to experience the joy of artistry all over again—this time through their eyes.
Kayla is excited to bring a spirit of creativity, inclusivity, and artistry to the studio—where every class she teaches carries not only discipline, but joy.
Kaylee Mensinger - Instructor
Kaylee Mensinger began dancing when she was only 5 years old, but started at SODA around the age of 9. Her passion for dance grew each year as she gained more experience and became closer with all of her friends and peers here at the studio. Growing up, the studio was Kaylee's favorite place to be, regardless of what life brought to her. One of her most memorable moments was self-choreographing a duo with her close friend Brianna Burke during her senior year titled “The Wheel”. Kaylee is majoring in sociology at Southern New Hampshire University, and it is a goal of hers to incorporate this knowledge into her everyday life, including dance. Aside from this, she enjoys art in many forms, such as drawing, painting, jewelry making, and dancing (of course). She hopes to continue her passion for dance by helping other students to grow, learn, and express themselves confidently through movement.
Lisa Finocchiaro - Instructor
Ballet - Tap - Jazz
Lisa is another SODA alumna who is now an instructor here, sharing her love of dance with the next generation. After high school, she continued her dance training at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and later earned her B.A. in Dance from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts in 2006. While at Dean, Lisa performed and choreographed with the Dean Dance Company and was a member of the Dean College Dance Team.
Over the years, Lisa has trained with many respected teachers and choreographers such as She studied with master teachers such as Jill Silverman, Jean Wenzel, Nailah Randall-Bellinger, Lisa Pari, Maryanne Kodzis, Jil Matrisciano, Wyatt Jackson, Jay T. Jenkins, Derick K. Grant, Troy Powell, Dudley Williams, Kristin Horrigan and Kelly Peters, and others; gaining experience in a wide range of dance styles and techniques. One of her performance highlights was appearing in the Video Game Awards Show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
In addition to teaching at Steppin' Out, Lisa has taught dance at the Haverhill YMCA and in Andover, Massachusetts. She loves helping students build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of dance.
Lois Bick - Instructor
Ballet - Tap ~ Rhythm Works Certified
Lois believes that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. She loves creating a fun, welcoming, and encouraging classroom where students can build confidence, express themselves through movement, and simply have fun while learning.
Lois teaches Creative Movement, Ballet, and Tap and is a Rhythm Works® Certified instructor. She also holds certifications as a Special Education Assistant and a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. With more than 20 years of experience working with preschool and elementary-aged children, she brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and understanding to every class.
One of the things that makes Lois's story unique is that she didn't begin dancing until she was an adult. Because of her own journey, she understands that everyone learns at their own pace and believes it's never too late to discover a love of dance. Her classes focus on celebrating progress, encouraging creativity, and helping every child feel successful.
Whether she's introducing a preschooler to their very first dance class or helping a young dancer develop new skills, Lois is passionate about making every student feel seen, supported, and excited to learn. She believes dance is about so much more than steps—it's about building confidence, making friends, expressing creativity, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Megan Linehan - Instructor
Ballet - Tap - Jazz - Lyrical - Hip Hop - Contemporary - Pointe
Megan Linehan was born into a family of dance and put into dance classes from the moment she could walk. Dancing at SODA since 2002, her love of dance took off. Megan took classes for 16 years before graduating and moving on to continue her dance studies at the University of New Hampshire.
Over her years at UNH, Megan developed a focus on aerial arts. In 2020 she became a certified aerial instructor through the Paper Doll Militia teacher training program.
As a life long student at Steppin' Out and graduate of UNH with a degree in Dance, Megan is excited to share her knowledge and experience with her students and hopes to further her studies and training in dance and aerial arts.
Rose McKeen - Instructor
Ballet - Tap - Jazz/Jazz Hop
Sandy McKeen - Instructor
Ballet - Tap - Jazz/Jazz Hop - Lyrical
Jacqui Young - Instructor
Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Pointe - ABT
Jacqui Young is originally from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, lived in New York City for several years; and is now here in NH. She graduated from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Science in Choreography and Creative Theory. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Deviance and Victimization of Women, as well as an Associates Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northern Essex Community College. She is the Artistic Director of the Push Factor Dance Company; an alternative jazz dance company based in New York City and is also a certified American Ballet Theatre Instructor. Jacqui received the prestigious 92nd Street Y Harkness Space Grant and also was a Silo Residency recipient through DanceNow/NYC two years in a row. Both of these awards allowed her to premiere works in the New York City area. Jacqui’s choreography has been features at the International Dance Festival, the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, the Dicapo Opera House, Dance Harlem, The Pearl Theatre and the Duke on 42nd Street. Jacqui began dancing at the age of five, choreographed her first professional show at age sixteen, and landed her first professional dancing job at age eighteen. Her professional credits include: The Van Burch and Wellford Show, (Illusion and Comedy Show) (Branson, MO) choreographer, dancer, and magic assistant; awarded best new show, best dancers, and best choreography. Choreographer, on TNN, The Crook and Chase Show; Melinda: First Lady of Magic, Dancer and magic assistant, (Las Vegas, NV); Sh-Boom National Tour; performed in production shows at: Lady Luck Hotel, The Desert Inn, Colorado Belle & the Red Lion Hotel and Casino; The Rainbow Tribe, Dancer, Hip Hop Dance Company (Boston, MA); West End Dance Company, Dancer, Jazz Dance Company (Boston, MA); Director and Choreographer for the North American Premiere of Uncle Ebenezer, A Christmas Carol; Director and choreographer for World Premiere workshop of a new music-theatre-dance production titled Tree Story; Choreographer for professional productions of: Annie, Die Fledermaus, Grease, Hello Dolly, Man of La Mancha, Music Man, Oklahoma, Sound of Music, The King & I, The Wiz, Two for the Seesaw, and West Side Story.
Jacqui has enjoyed an extensive career as a professional dancer, concert producer, stage director, artistic director, choreographer, studio owner and educator. She has devoted her entire life to the field of dance. She feels that dance is therapeutic and brings joy to all who experience it. Dance is life.
Kimberly Mills - Owner/Artistic Director/Instructor
Tap - Aerial Sling - Jazz/Jazz Hop - Ballet - Lyrical - Fly Gym - Fitness- Rhythm Works Certified
Kim graduated from Northern Essex Community College, where she minored in Dance and was a member of the Still Pointe Dance Company. Shortly after graduation, she founded Steppin'Out Dance Academy (SODA), where she has dedicated her career to inspiring students of all ages through dance, aerial sling, and fitness.
As a lifelong learner, Kim is passionate about continuing her own education. She regularly participates in both online and in-person dance and aerial classes to stay current with new teaching methods and techniques. Over the years, she has attended numerous teacher trainings, workshops, and certification programs. She is certified through Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, New York City Dance, ACE Fitness, Fly Gym Aerial Fitness, Luna Aerial Hammock, Hoopnotica Fit, Hoopnotica Flow, Hoopnotica Kids, and Rhythm Works Integrated Dance. She has also completed the Born to Fly Aerial Sling Level 1 Instructor Training and the CirqFit Lyra Instructor Training and will be attending a Foundations of Jazz Teacher Training this summer. In addition, Kim has participated in multiple aerial sling immersions at NECCA (New England Center for Circus Arts), as well as The Big Apple Tap Festival, Beantown Tap Festival, and the Tap University Tap Intensive in San Diego, California.
Kim's choreography has earned numerous High Score, Choreography, and Entertainment Awards at both regional and national dance competitions.She is passionate about sharing her love of dance, fitness, and aerial sling while helping every student build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for movement.
Kim is incredibly grateful that Steppin'Out Dance Academy has been voted Best Dance Studio in the Best of the Seacoast Awards for the past eight consecutive years, and she is excited to celebrate SODA's 37th season.
When she's not at the studio, Kim enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking and biking through the woods, and continuing to explore new opportunities to learn and grow.