A proud alum of the Dance Academy, Lena Trotier is a professional dancer, choreographer, artistic director and teacher. Trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary and acrobatic dance, she has performed and choreographed for professional companies, dance teams, educational programs, competitions and film.

She is a member of the Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion Institute, a mentor and committee leader with the National Dance Education Organization, and an award winning choreographer. In addition to her artistic and educational work, she is an active researcher in dance education practices. She sees dance as a pathway for discovery, empowerment, and community

Clarissa grew up dancing at The Dance Academy and is excited to be back teaching our youngest dancers! A kindergarten teacher by day, she loves helping little ones learn and move. She believes dance is the perfect mix of creativity and self-discipline. When she’s not in the studio or classroom, you’ll find her reading, traveling, or golfing.

Catherine joined The Dance Academy after a decade of experience as a dancer, teacher and choreographer. She grew up in St. Louis where she trained at COCA. While in New York, she danced in workshops with the Merce Cunningham Trust, Ballet BC, and Complexions Contemporary Dance in New York. She toured nationally and internationally, performing works by Arpino, Joffrey, and Balanchine. After New York, she performed with Chicago Repertory Ballet in MacBeth’s world premiere and recently performed lea roles with Madison Ballet in classical and contemporary works including The Nutcracker.

As a teacher, Catherine believes in collaboration and joy in the classroom within the structure of discipline and respect. She loves to connect with and mentor students to encourage their success in and out of the classroom. Outside of the studio, Catherine loves to spend time with her wonderful husband, Joe and their adorable son, Max.

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Sarah began her dance journey with classical ballet training and performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Her passion for education led her to earn a degree in Dance Education from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD.

In 2007, Sarah relocated to St. Louis and joined the faculty at COCA – Center of Creative Arts, where she spent many years sharing her love of dance with students of all ages. Eventually, she stepped away to focus on her full-time career in Human Resources, but her heart never left the studio.

Sarah recently returned to teaching at The Dance Academy, where she continues to inspire young dancers. With a versatile background across genres and age groups, her true passion lies in early childhood education. Sarah brings vibrant energy, creativity, and a nurturing spirit to every class, instilling a lifelong love of movement in the next generation.