As a true Gorham girl, Mariel grew up dancing at the Centre of Movement School of Performing Arts. Even at the age of 2, she knew she loved to dance! She began assistant teaching in middle school, and eventually taught her own classes at 14. Mariel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dean College in 2011. While there, she was able to study under renowned teachers, participate in student choreography showcases, and perform with their dance company. After college, she returned to teach and choreograph at the Centre.
Since the age of 14, Mariel has been choreographing competitive dance routines. Her choreography has earned numerous high score and choreography awards, both regionally and nationally. Many of her students have received scholarships to prestigious dance intensives, as well.
In addition to teaching dance, Mariel also loves to choreograph musicals! Since 2012, she has been choreographing the musicals at Biddeford City Theater, The University of New England, and Gorham High School.
Throughout her career, Mariel has had the opportunity to study under and work with some wonderful teachers. Continuing her own dance education is something very important to her, as it is the only way she can grow as both a teacher and choreographer. She hopes to bring the same opportunities to her students!
Ashley Jolly
Hip Hop Instructor, Competition Choreographer, Barre and Stiletto Strut Instructor
At 7 years old Ashley found her love for dancing and has stuck with it for over 15 years! She has been trained in several styles of dance such as tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, and ballet. Her favorite style by far is hip hop.
Ashley has competed in several dance competitions where she was awarded many special awards as well as placing in her division for numerous routines. She has danced in musicals (such as A Christmas Carol, Gypsy, and 9 to 5) as well as other performances at the Old Port Festival and with Flash Mob America.
She also has a degree in nutrition and is a licensed NDTR, so Ashley hopes to help the girls feel their best on the inside so they can perform their best!
Pam Collins-Stahle
Acro and Jazz Instructor, Competition Choreographer
Pamela Collins-Stahle has been a dance educator and performer for over 20 years. Her career as a professional dancer has carried her overseas to such exotic places as Singapore and Taiwan while employed with "DisneyFest" and "Sesame Street Live". She has graced the Disney World stages performing in "Mickey's International Songbook" at Epcot Center and in the 25th Anniversary "Spectro Magic Parade". One of her most memorable moments as a professional dancer was performing on the Today Show with NBC.
Pam is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor and member of USA Gymnastics. She has been a competitive dance choreographer for HipHop, Jazz, Acro, Contemporary and Musical Theater. Her dance numbers have won numerous awards including Specialty Awards, and Top Scores at Turn It Up Dance Challenge, Dancer’s Inc., Headliners, Showstoppers, Spirit of Dance Awards, and Jump. Her competitive Musical Theater pieces have earned the Industry Dance Awards for Best Musical Theater, Entertainments Awards, and National Champions.
Another favorite past time of Miss Pam's is choreographing Musicals. She has undertaken this persona for fifteen years and has pieced together over 13 shows between Lake Region Community Theater, Lake Region High School and Lewiston Middle School. Some of her most notable work includes "High School Musical", "Oliver!", "Cinderella", and "Seussical the Musical". She states "one of my passions in life is mentoring young dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders. As a child I really needed a caring and loving female to look up too, but there wasn't one for the longest time. I hope to go above and beyond educating in the classroom, I want to inspire".
