Meet Our Staff
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Cheryl Ann Kelley
Founder / Director / Teacher & Choreographer
Electric Youth Dance began in 1989 by Cheryl Ann Kelley, and this year in September, she celebrates her 34th year of dance. A native Vermonter, born and raised in St. Albans, Cheryl Ann's true joy has been through teaching the many students who have passed through her doors over the years.
Her dance expertise has expanded beyond her studio to include performances by her students at Kid’s Day, Market Festival, Church Street Lighting Ceremony, South Hero Apple Fest, Vermont Maple Festival, First Night in Burlington, Disney Magic Music Day, Orlando, FL, Boston Celtics pregame shows in Boston, Miss Vermont Pageants, Raising money for Franklin County Animal Rescue with an annual " Have A Heart Dance Show Case", and so much more.
Cheryl Ann is also Co-founder and Director of the First High School Dance Competition in Vermont. She coached the Voltage, Sparkette Dancers, and participates in the Open Doors program through the local schools. She introduced her students to dance competitions and over the years has watched this program grow, with amazing dedication, talent, team spirit, and the LOVE and JOY of dance.
Her dedication, experience, and commitment to dance over the years shine brightly through her students in the many performances and recitals they have given .Her love and commitment for her students of all ages sparkle brightly and she will always go the extra mile for each and every one of them.
Cheryl's thoughts..."I will always look back! I will always remember and be grateful for everyone that has walked through my studio doors. Together we have built an amazing gift of dance for everyone in our community's in Vermont.
Constant motivation and dedication has been my devotion to the dance of life.
Be Happy, Be Kind, Build Confidence, Takes Chances, and Live Life to the Fullest!
I hope to share my JOY and LOVE of dance for many more years to come and continue to be there for the children in our community! Amen!!!"
Samantha Fletcher
Years Teaching: 10
Years Dancing: 30
Large emphasis on tap and jazz technique instruction to students ages 10+, but have also dabbled in ballet and hip hop.
Q: What got you interested in dancing?
A: I began dancing at the age of 2 and haven't stopped moving since. I grew up dancing and competing with a dance studio outside of Albany, NY, and then continued learning and performing in college. I've always loved the physical challenges dance presents and the emotional outlet it provides.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: I enjoy dancing, but I LOVE teaching dance. It is such a joy to watch the girls grow and learn over the years. I'm inspired by their growth, their optimism, and their thirst for new learning.
Q: What is something interesting about you?
A: I'm a middle school math teacher in Enosburg. It's always a fun game to see how I can connect my math and dance backgrounds together. I believe it is important to understand the science behind how our brain learns and retains new information, and provide opportunities to incorporate these principles into my dance instruction. I'm also a mother of two boys, that will often be seen in the studio with me. If you find a random matchbox car or monster truck, it's probably ours.
Elizabeth Leahy
Years Teaching: 15
Years Dancing: 25
I teach contemporary choreography/technique as well as a hip hop for ages 10-17 for our competition teams.
Q: What got you interested in dancing?
A: My mom saw an advertisement in the paper for ballet at EYDC, I was about to turn 5. With my brothers being much older than I, she thought it would be a good way for me to meet other little girls. I had a hard time paying attention to Cheryl, I was way too fixated on watching my reflection.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: My students constantly challenge me to be the best I can, and for that I am indebted to each of them. Watching them grow each year as they discover who they are as dancers but also as young women is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What is something interesting about you?
A: My family owns and operates “Leahy’s maple farm”
" I look forward to being with EYDC for years to come!"
Aislyn Allen
Years Teaching: 6
Years Dancing: 22
Dance Choreographer / Yoga Instructor
Q: What got you interested in dancing?
A: My mom put me into dance classes at the age of three just to get my energy out then something about it clicked. I love working through moments in life through movement and have always felt a strong connection to work with others.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: The girls that I work with are my inspiration. You watch them grow into their own beings from such a young age and develop into these incredible people. They are excellent role models, friends, and dancers within our own community and it gives me such satisfaction to be part of that journey with them!
Q: What is something interesting about you?
A: I am both an Irish and American citizen that is one out of five kids. I grew up in New York, went to college in New Hampshire, and landed in Vermont. I am a mother of two beautiful children! In my spare time, I enjoy taking and teaching yoga as well as French lessons! I will obtain my MBA in executive management in April 2022 from Ohio University.
" It is my hope in the future to become a certified wellness instructor with my free time!"
Athena Furioni
Years Teaching: 5
Years Dancing: 24
Dance teacher: primary ballet, lyrical, and musical theater.
Q: What got you interested in dancing?
A: To quote ABBA, "mother says I was a dancer before I could walk". It's as simple as that, I've always loved the simplicity and ease that came with ballet. CATS, the Nutcracker, Step Up, and any dance movie I could get my hands on, that's why I wanted to dance and perform. I wanted to be like that.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: Watching students learn what you have to teach and then watching them turn into beautiful grown dancers. It's them creating new ways to move. It's their desire and their commitment that inspires me every day.
Q: What is something interesting about you?
A: While in college I performed in 22 shows.
"Teaching at EYDC has been the best opportunity to have ever reached me."
Emma Rainville
Years Teaching: 2
Years Dancing: 16
Teacher and Choreographer of all styles and ages with a focus in contemporary.
Q: What got you interested in dancing?
A: My mom put me in dance when I was 3 at EYDC, and I have been with the studio ever since. I fell in love with dance from a young age. Every time I dance, I feel like nothing else matters, and it allows you to be creative along with staying active.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: Teaching at the studio I grew up in is a blessing. I am able to teach and watch the kids grow the way I did. Knowing you may have an impact on a kids life, and seeing how they love it just as much as you is a blessing.
Abigayle Domingue
Years Teaching: 4
Years Dancing: 15
Dance choreographer and instructor.
Q: What got you interested in dancing?
A: I began dancing around the age of 4 with the one and only, Cheryl Ann Kelley. Initially, dance was a simply pastime to keep me busy. However, with time, the genuine camaraderie among my teammates, and my wonderful mentors at EYDC, it grew into much more. I love the platform dance provides for creative expression as well as personal growth and discovery.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: I want to share that same love and wisdom that I received learning dance from my fantastic teachers. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching your students grow. I also love to collaborate with students, younger or older, to create new ideas.
Q: What is something interesting about you?
A: I absolutely love naps! Perhaps this stems from my current status as a college student, but I am a firm believer in taking a daily afternoon nap.
"As a newly graduated senior, I can't wait to start teaching!"
