THE BDC TEAM
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Jenna Schilit
Director
Jenna grew up outside of Boston in a family where performing arts was at the center. Trained in ballet, tap, and jazz, Jenna danced in countless recitals and musicals, and later enjoyed choreographing dances and musicals in college. Bethesda Dance Center has been a passion project for Jenna who, with her BDC Team, looks to establish a positive dance environment as well high quality dance education for the community. Jenna received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her M.A. in Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Jenna’s experience as an elementary school teacher has gone hand-in-hand with her work as a Studio Director, seeking to connect with and nurture the growth of children, and in this case, specifically dancers. Jenna is also, importantly, a wife and the mother of three incredible children, Levi, Micah, and Bella.
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Meg Bunn
Assistant Director
Meg is a Maryland native who grew up performing wherever she could– stages, backyards, and everywhere in between. She went on to receive a B.M. in Musical Theatre from Catholic University, where she was a performer, director, and producer of countless plays, musicals & cabarets. Meg is a Helen-Hayes nominated director and producer in the DC theatre scene, and is the Associate Artistic Director of Monumental Theatre Company. She brings her theatrical expertise and creativity to her work as Assistant Director at Bethesda Dance Center, where she has been on the team since day one, working with Jenna to grow the studio from a backyard class to a dance community for over 300 dancers. Among many things, Meg proudly leads BDC's Preschool program, and loves instilling the joy of movement in our littlest dancers!
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Faith
AcroDance Program Director
Faith Rokowski (she/her) began dancing at age three in Massachusetts, training recreationally in a variety of styles. She earned her degree in Political Science from American University, where she performed and choreographed for AU In Motion. Since 2023, she has taught at BDC across all ages and genres, holding certifications in Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, and choreography through the ICONS Choreographic Institute. Outside the studio, Faith is the founder and principal of Stage Left Strategies, a political consulting agency, and dances with Freedom Dance Collective. She is also the founder and artistic director of the Effervescence Collective, a contemporary-modern dance company based in Washington, DC. Her one-act choreography has been presented through the Effervescence Collective, including “they had light inside” (Dance Place Co-Presentation Series, Feb. 2024, aurora), “it’s the universe in there” (Dance Loft presents!, April 2025, fast and…), and a currently-untitled new collaboration with Dance Place premiering in March 2026.
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Carmen
Teams Program Co-Coordinator
Carmen began dancing at age 3, and grew up on the competition circuit through the DC Area. She began choreographing and teaching at the age of 14 while continuing her own training. Carmen prides herself on being a versatile teacher and dancer, with training in all styles including ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, latin ballroom, musical theater, and more! Carmen has received many awards including Excellence in Choreography and Excellence in Entertainment for her competitive choreography and continues to grow as a choreographer and teacher through various professional development programs and workshops. Carmen attended Penn State University where she was a member of Penn State Dance Company, serving as a showcase choreographer, advanced technique teacher, and head choreographer of the company's select ensemble. Outside of being a dance professional, Carmen is a nationally-certified fitness professional, which gives her an in-depth and highly technical approach to training her dancers. At BDC, Carmen has led the Teams Program since its inception in 2023. Since then, the program has expanded to include both a Competition Team and Performance Company. This past season, Carmen led the Competition Team to an undefeated regional season and as a finalist at the World Dance Championships. She also secured opportunities for Performance Company to perform at Capital One Arena with the NBA and at several local universities, festivals, and charity events. Carmen is honored to be part of the special program and looks forward to continuing to grow as a teacher and leader at Bethesda Dance Center!
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Devinne
Teams Program Co-Coordinator
Devinne is a passionate dance educator and choreographer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Master’s in Business Management. Specializing in contemporary and jazz styles, Devinne brings a dynamic blend of professional performance experience, including as a three-time NFL cheerleader with the Carolina Panthers and a deep commitment to technical training. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Howard Community College, where she teaches Intermediate Jazz Dance, and works nationally as an adjudicator for dance competitions. Devinne’s teaching approach focuses on building strong foundational technique, musicality, and performance quality. She values creating an inclusive and motivating classroom environment that nurtures each dancer’s unique style and voice. In addition to her academic and performance credentials, Devinne is a certified Pure Barre instructor and freelance choreographer. She is dedicated to helping dancers build strong, versatile technique while fostering growth, confidence, and artistry in every class.
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Imani
Studio Manager
Imani is a Philadelphia native with a passion for the creative arts from a young age. Starting with ballet and tap at the age of 3, she went on to participate in every play and musical in high school, eventually earning a scholarship for her involvement. After graduating with a B.A. in Theater and Art History from Temple University, she went on to immerse herself in different cultures by moving to the United Kingdom to obtain an M.A. in Contemporary Art History from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. After returning to the States and collecting a slew of technical skills in Early and Higher Education in Pennsylvania and the DMV, Imani has been eager to integrate her creative vision and practical skills and is so happy to have found it at BDC. While focusing on compassionately supporting the growth and development of the students at BDC, she is so excited to return to her roots in the performing arts and is thrilled to be a part of the inclusive community that is Bethesda Dance Center.
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Khail
Manager, Teacher
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Khail found her passion both on stage and screen at only four years old. Bryant began dance training at The Dance Theater of Harlem before settling at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she trained for 15 years under some of the most revered dancers in the world. While at Ailey, Khail was chosen to dance in The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and at The White House for the Obamas. In addition to her love for dance, Khail has turned her love for acting into a thriving profession, starring in over 50 national commercials––one of which received an Emmy. Additionally, Khail has starred in films such as, “The Perfect Holiday,” “Alex Strangelove,” “See You Yesterday,” “My B.F.F, “ and even starred as Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway for three years. In 2021, Khail graduated from Brown University, Magna Cum Laude. Khail is excited to share her love and passion for dance with her BDC dancers and looks forward to watching them grow as dancers an individuals!
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Sydney
Teacher
With a passion for dance and education, Sydney grew up dancing competitively at conventions and competitions along the East Coast. In addition to two incredible summers training with the Radio City Rockettes and contributing to the Miss America Organization, she has also choreographed for a wide range of large-scale productions and special events. When not in the studio, Sydney is an educator in Montgomery County Public Schools. She utilizes her summers off by assisting the studio in their summer camps. Sydney is excited for another exciting year at Bethesda Dance Center, and is thrilled to continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation.
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BreAnna
Teacher
BreAnna is an internationally trained dance artist, performer, and educator who has made her home in the greater Washington D.C area. BreAnna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom where she received the highest academic honors. While performing and studying in the UK she received the Jasmin Vardimon Prize for Excellence in Physical Theatre and Outstanding Achievement in Dance. As a certified personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and months away from completing her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance, BreAnna brings her holistic expertise to each class. Using all of her training and skills she has spent the past decade sharing her passion for modern, contemporary, ballet, and jazz with dancers of all ages helping them build confidence and discipline through movement. When she's not dancing or teaching, you can find BreAnna enjoying a good cup of coffee, taking peaceful walks, and watching Agatha Christie inspired shows. BreAnna is thrilled to bring her love of dance to the students at Bethesda Dance Center, where she hopes to inspire the same joy and passion for movement that has shaped her own journey.
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Caitlin
Teacher
Ms. Caitlin is thrilled to join the studio as a ballet instructor! She graduated from Penn State University in 2024 with a degree in Secondary Education and a minor in English. In addition to teaching dance, she is also a middle school English teacher. Originally from New York, Caitlin has been dancing for over 18 years. She trained primarily in ballet, along with jazz and contemporary, at her local studio where she danced throughout her childhood. As part of her studio’s company, she performed annually in The Nutcracker and spring recitals, and also traveled to California and Florida for special dance opportunities. During her time at Penn State, she continued dancing with a club team for two years. Teaching ballet is a dream come true for Ms. Caitlin. She is passionate about creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where every dancer feels welcome and supported. She’s so excited to share her love of ballet, and help each student grow with confidence and dance for joy!
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Rachel
Teacher
Rachel has been dancing since she was 5. Rachel is a Maryland native and has been teaching since 2017. Her education is well-rounded in different styles of dance. She teaches AcroDance, Lyrical, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, hip-hop and has her Progressive Ballet Technique and Acrobatic Arts certifications. She is also a certified personal trainer. Rachel received her BA in Dance with a minor in humanities, health, and medicine from the University of Maryland, College Park. She has a passion for teaching as well as helping others learn and grow their love for dance. Rachel has danced with many community groups. To name a few, Rachel was a part of the Montgomery college dance company which is directed by Alice Howes. In addition, Rachel has danced in one-act works by emerging choreographers Faith Rokowski (2023) and Svetlana Nikoloff (2024) through the ICONS Choreographic Institute program. She currently dances with the Effervescence Dance Collective. In her free time Rachel loves to line dance and travel! She is excited to be back at BDC after teaching at the studio in 2022-23 and looks forward to seeing her old dancers and meeting her new ones!
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Rebecca
Teacher
Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Rebecca Scruggs received rigorous dance training at BalletNova Center for Dance in Falls Church, Virginia. Summer intensives with Joffrey Jazz & Contemporary in New York City and with companies like Christopher K. Morgan & Artists, have expanded Rebecca’s movement repertoire. Rebecca received conservatory-level training in acting, directing and technical theatre and is a member of the International Thespian Society. She also studied voice with Harnes Selway Arts. In 2018, Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Shenandoah University. She has since performed with Momentum Dance Theatre, DHH Dance Collective, and the Effervescence Collective as well as choreographed for DHH Dance Collective. Rebecca currently takes dance classes to maintain her training, attends stage-combat workshops to develop new skills and movement understandings, and operates as a photography assistant and posing coach for local photographers.
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Raquel
Teacher
Raquel has been dancing since the age of 4 with the Livingston Dance Academy based in Northern New Jersey. She has competed in regional dance competitions throughout New Jersey and New York, specializing in acrodance and lyrical dance styles. Currently attending Georgetown University, Raquel has continued her dance journey by choreographing for Mask & Bauble, a campus theater group. Raquel is certified in Acrobatic Arts and is excited to share her love of acro with her dancers. She is thrilled to be teaching at BDC and looks forward to becoming part of the studio community.
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Chloe
Teacher
Chloe’s dance journey began at the age of 3, and over the years she has trained in nearly every style. While she has explored many genres, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, and Ballet became her specialties and remain her biggest passions. A Maryland native, Chloe grew up dancing with Tap, Hip Hop, and Freestyle companies, which gave her the chance to perform at iconic venues such as the White House, Disney World, Nationals Stadium, and the Washington Redskins halftime show in 2021. Chloe graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Biology. While at UVM, she was a member and choreographer for the Catamount Dance Crew, a student-run Hip Hop dance team. She has also had the privilege of training at Broadway Dance Center in New York City and attending the MONSTERS Dance Convention, where she worked with world-renowned choreographers including Chloe & Maud, Rhapsody James, Luther Brown, Kevin Maher, and several NFL cheerleaders. In high school, Chloe was a dedicated member of her school’s dance team, performing in Hip Hop, Jazz, Pom, Kick line, and Contemporary. She served as co-captain her junior year and captain her senior year, helping lead her team to a Montgomery County Division 1 Championship. Chloe is passionate about fostering a kind, inclusive, and supportive environment where dancers can grow in confidence, artistry, and self-expression. She is thrilled to return to BDC and cannot wait to meet her students and share her love of dance with them!