Our Dance Teachers

Donnajean Kline

Donnajean is the artistic director and creator of The Dance Academy in Holland, Pa. She had a vision from an early age and was determined to open a dance school that could become a second home to all students. “My goal was and still is to offer high quality dance education that enables students to discover themselves, establish self-confidence, and a positive sense of self-esteem,” states Donnajean.

Miss Donnajean was enrolled in dance class at the age of three to help her overcome her extreme shyness. As a young dancer she studied with Isobel Stewart-Johnson and then in New York City with Charles Kelly and various other master teachers. She graduated Cum Laude from Temple University College of HPERD, was honored to receive the Outstanding Senior Award and was named to the Who’s Who list in American Colleges and Universities.

In 1987, Donnajean and her husband Ramo, along with the support of their parents opened The Dance Academy. A dream that started at the age of eight, became a reality. With the constant love and support of family over the years they have been able to nurture and develop The Dance Academy into the multifaceted school that it is today.

Donnajean has obtained her Dance Masters of America certification. And over the years, has received numerous such as, The Diamond Award for choreography multiple times through the years; the Class Act Award for age appropriate material representing the studio and good showmanship from TDA students; and the Living Legacy Award of distinction, 2014.

She has been recognized for contributions to community service and believes that it is extremely important to give back to the community and to teach the children to give as early as possible.

Donnajean strives each day to offer a level of dance education and curriculum that is designed to enable each student to attain the goals they set for themselves whether that be weekly enjoyment, a community theater company, a college dance team or a professional performer gracing the stage of Radio City Music Hall, Broadway or perhaps performing around the world on tour.

Donnajean considers it a privilege each day to unlock the studio door and share her knowledge and love of dance with the students and their families. In her words, “someone once told me that ‘to teach is to touch a life forever.’ To have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our future generations is of great importance to me.”

Ashton Kline Gebhard

Miss Ashton grew up studying tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical and acro for 23 years at The Dance Academy; and furthered her craft at the Broadway Dance Center, New York City Dance Alliance and West Coast Dance Explosion. She then went onto Hofstra University and performed with Dance Works, the university dance company for four years. Miss Ashton graduated magna cum laude with honors from Hofstra University and then found her way back to The Dance Academy as an instructor. You can also find Miss Ashton choreographing musicals for the Neshaminy School District and local Newtown community organizations.

Miss Ashton’s love of dance has led her to teaching and choreographing because dance teaches personal discipline not only in the studio, but in life. In her kind hearted, supportive and persistent manner; helping students from the age of three to eighteen; she works with each child to help them grow to be confident, accomplished and sophisticated dancers.

BJ Byrne

Nicole Dorman Shultz

Miss Nicole began dancing at The Dance Academy at the young age of three. Before she knew it, 15 years had been spent at The Dance Academy taking classes in jazz, lyrical, ballet and tap. Miss Nicole’s love of dance was so strong that she spent countless hours at the studio as a member of the dance team and attended many competitions and workshops.

Miss Nicole is a graduate from the University of Delaware and was a member of the Sesame Street Live tour in the United States and abroad for five years. She’s found her way back to The Dance Academy as her true passion is dance; especially tap. “I love mentoring and working with the students; seeing them develop and refine their skills and grow into young adults is very gratifying,” says Miss Nicole and “I am fortunate to be part of the TDA family.”

Ashley Hillis

Ashley Hillis is a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Captain. She started dancing when she was two years old at The Dance Academy and has been a competitive dancer for over sixteen years. Her professional training includes; jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, acrobatics, and musical theatre. She graduated from West Chester University studying Dance and Nutrition. She was on the WCU dance team and captain for 2 years where she competed at UDA nationals in Orlando, Florida.  She performed on national television with Colbie Caillat and Wyclef Jean in “Nickelodeon’s Mega Music Fest” and also performed as a dancing cartoon character in “Dora’s Explorer Girls.” Ashley made several appearances in movies and commercials. She has performed at The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, The Joyce Theater and The Schimmel Center in New York City, and The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. Ashley danced as a backup dancer with Lacey Schwimmer (former dancer on Dancing With the Stars) on a live broadcast at Showstoppers Nationals. She has been able to share her passion with dance to all ages through teaching.

Melissa Schectman

Johnathan Najera

LeaRae Hernandez

Sarabeth Rowland

Valeen Williams

Valeen has taught dance for over 14 years. She enjoys teaching dance of all styles – including hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and ballet. She attended and graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Dance Education. Her love of dance and theater come through in her teaching each and every class. Miss Valeen brings her professional dance and theatre experience into the studio to help motivate, excite and educate her students.

In addition to teaching dance, Valeen has toured professionally and appeared in a variety of dance videos, theater productions and performed for various dance companies. Some of her accolades include Sesame Street Live east coast tour, The Water Dance artists Chris Porter and Pitbull; Chicago, Cats, and Sweet Charity (off-Broadway).

Our friendly office staff is in the building 4 days a week to help answer any of your questions.