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.

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 400 dancers. Among many things, Meg proudly leads BDC's Preschool program, and loves instilling the joy of movement in our littlest dancers!

Teams Program Director

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.

Studio Administrator, Customer Care Team Lead, Teacher

Originally from England, Imogen began dancing at the age of two and quickly developed a lifelong passion for the performing arts. She trained extensively in a wide variety of dance styles before earning a degree in Dance and Sport Psychology from Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom, where she combined her love of movement with an understanding of how dance positively impacts confidence, performance, and overall well-being. Seven years ago, Imogen moved to the United States and has continued to grow as both a performer and educator. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to perform in a variety of stage productions and on-camera projects, while also choreographing theatrical productions throughout the Washington, DC area. Alongside her performance experience, Imogen has worked at several dance studios in the DC area in both instructional and administrative roles, giving her a well-rounded understanding of creating a positive, supportive environment for students and their families. Imogen is passionate about helping every student who walks through Bethesda Dance Center's doors feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. She strives to build confidence while helping dancers develop strong technical foundations, expressive performance skills, and the freedom to explore their own creativity. Her goal is to create a positive environment where every student can grow, reach their full potential, and develop a lifelong love of dance.

Communications Coordinator, Performance Company Lead, Teacher

Sophie Malin grew up in Boston, MA and Mason, OH. She trained extensively in Ballet & Modern dance at Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet under the direction of Oliver Arana (Cincinnati Ballet) and Susanne Payne (Dayton Contemporary). After relocating to Philadelphia, Sophie danced professionally with Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, Alchemy Dance Company, SHARP Dance Company, and Klassic Contemporary Ballet Company. She also worked as a freelance artist for Blythe Smith, Evalina (Wally) Carbonell, Asya Zlatina and several others. Sophie has attended intensives at BalletX, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Joffrey School of Ballet, Northwest Dance Project and Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet. Sophie has a deep passion for teaching, including working as the Assistant Director/Artist in Residency at Wilmington Ballet in Delaware. Sophie joined Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers in 2019 as a dance artist and KYL/D’s Education Coordinator. In August 2024, Sophie was invited to perform in the Scotland Fringe Festival with Evalina (Wally) Carbonell. After returning to the States she relocated to the Alexandria, Virginia area and is excited to join Bethesda Dance Center this season in multiple roles. She looks forward to sharing her passion for dance, knowledge of mindfulness, and creativity in movement of the body to all her new students at BDC. 

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.

Teacher, STAR Leadership Coordinator

Caitlin began dancing at the age of three in New York, where she trained in ballet, as well as jazz and contemporary. As the captain of her studio’s company, she performed annually in The Nutcracker and spring recitals, and traveled to California, Florida, and NYC for additional performance and training opportunities. She continued dancing while earning her degree in Secondary Education with a minor in English from Penn State University, performing with a collegiate dance club for two years. Outside the studio, Caitlin is a middle school English teacher in Northern Virginia. She is passionate about fostering a supportive and encouraging classroom where dancers build confidence, develop strong technical foundations, and discover a lifelong love of dance. Caitlin also leads the STAR Leadership Program at BDC, where she works with students to develop leadership skills, responsibility, and confidence. She is excited to continue sharing her love of ballet with the students and families of BDC!

Teacher

Precious Simone is a professional dancer, educator, and performing artist with international experience spanning 35 countries across Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. Throughout her career, she has performed on world tours, worked alongside renowned artists and productions, and completed three contracts with Norwegian Cruise Line, entertaining audiences around the globe. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts, Precious combines extensive professional performance experience with a passion for arts education. In 2026, she expanded her career into teaching, bringing real-world industry knowledge into the classroom and inspiring the next generation of dancers to develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. Known for her energetic teaching style and commitment to student growth, Precious creates a positive and engaging learning environment where dancers of all ages and levels can thrive both artistically and personally.

Teacher

Anna is so excited to be teaching again at Bethesda Dance Center after being the Studio Manager this past season. Originally from New Jersey, she began dancing at the age of 3. From then until she graduated high school, she attended New Jersey Center of Dance and became a competition team captain at the age of 14. In high school, she was also a part of the NYC Tap Crew, with multiple performances in New York. She attended American University for her Psychology and Criminology bachelor degrees, where she joined the largest student-run dance club--AU in Motion--her freshman year. She choreographed multiple tap and contemporary routines throughout her years in the club, and her sophomore year, she became a co-president until she graduated. Her sophomore year is also when she first joined Bethesda Dance Center as a choreographer of tap, jazz, and ballet. Anna remained at AU for her master's degree in Clinical Science for Psychology, which she received in December of 2025. In January 2025, she returned to BDC as Studio Manager is thrilled to be teaching tap at BDC for the 2026-2027 dance season.

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.

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.

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!

Teacher

Amanda Attiya (she/her/hers) is a dance artist and educator based in the DMV. Originally from southern New Jersey, she began dancing at age five and trained competitively at Starstruck Dance Academy. She has performed with Capitol Movement, Effervescence Collective, AVA Dance Company, and various local choreographers; and has premiered original work at A Place to Dance Festival and National Choreographers Month. She has also taught at various dance studios and conventions across the DC area. Amanda holds a BS in Public Administration from George Mason University and an MPP from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and is a State Policy Specialist at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Performance Company Teacher

Currently in her second year as a professional dancer for the NBA’s Washington Wizards Dancers, Josie brings high-energy industry experience and a versatile background to the studio. Performing professionally in styles ranging from hip hop, jazz, and heels to musical theatre and ballroom, she grew up dancing competitively before training in ballet pre-professionally at the Dance Conservatory of Charleston. Her training includes summer intensives with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, and Interlochen. Originally from South Carolina, Josie moved to DC after graduating from the College of William & Mary with a BA in International Relations and Economics. She is thrilled to share her passion, technique, and love for dance with the next generation.

Teacher

Emmanuel Patterson is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Ballet. During his time at UNCSA, he performed works by internationally renowned choreographers including Ethan Stiefel, Susan Jaffe, Alexei Kremnev, Merce Cunningham, and Aszure Barton, developing a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary repertory. Following graduation, Emmanuel joined Ballet Virginia under the artistic direction of Lydia Roberts Coco and Suzanne Lowsenbery. As a company artist, he performed a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works, including The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Boléro. After his performing career, Emmanuel transitioned into dance education, serving as Co-Chair of the Dance Department at the High School of Liberal Arts in New York City. There, he taught ballet and modern dance to beginning through advanced students, developed curriculum, directed student performances, and produced multiple dance showcases. Emmanuel has also served on the faculty of The Washington Ballet and The Washington Ballet Summer Program, where he trained aspiring dancers in classical ballet technique. He is passionate about fostering technical excellence, artistry, and confidence in young dancers through disciplined, supportive instruction. Emmanuel is excited to join Bethesda Dance Center and looks forward to sharing his passion for dance while inspiring the next generation of artists.

Teacher

Hannah Long graduated from Georgetown University in 2024, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and German. While a student at Georgetown, Hannah was a member of the Georgetown University Dance Company (GUDC), where she intensively studied and trained in Balanchine Ballet Technique and various Modern and Contemporary Techniques. Her dance training at Georgetown emphasized experience with diverse dance styles, including Street Jazz, Disco, and Bollywood. During her time with GUDC, Hannah performed in and choreographed for multiple shows for both stage and film. In 2023, Hannah successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. From 2023 to 2024, Hannah was a member of Carolina Dance Masters, and was certified by Dance Masters of America to teach Ballet and Modern techniques. Hannah’s dance career began at Jami Masters School of Dance, where she started dancing at the age of four and returned as a member of the teaching faculty for two years after college. Her performance experience includes appearances as a soloist in Jami Masters School of Dance’s Happy Holidays!, Charlotte Emerging Dance Awards and Charlotte Dance Festival Youth Gala, and appearances at a Carolina Panthers Halftime Show and the Levine Children‘s Hospital Gala. Hannah has attended programs at Charlotte Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the Ballettakademie der Wiener Staatsoper (Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera) in Vienna, Austria to expand her experience, repertoire and knowledge of dance.

Teacher

Lia Janae (she/her) graduated from Shenandoah University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree as an early graduate in 2025. She began dancing at the age of two at Jessica Morgan/Prestige Dance Studio in Chesterfield, Virginia and grew up as a competitive dancer, parade performer, and dance teacher/assistant. Lia Janae was also represented by an agency and company, Studio4 Agency and Richmond Urban Dance, which gave her the opportunity to perform for American singer-songwriter, Gavin DeGraw in the 2019 Orange Bowl Halftime show in Miami, Florida. During her time at Shenandoah University, she was able to work with notable guest artists such as Ehizoje “Zojea” Azeke and Mike Esperanza. Professionally, Lia Janae has been a mainstage performer at King’s Dominion where she has performed in the mainstage show, “Retrospect”,  directed by Sarah Mawyer. Lia Janae is currently on her second season of the Wizards Dancers for the Washington Wizards NBA team.