Jennifer Faulkner (she/her)
Artistic Director and CEO
Jennifer began studying dance at a very young age. She is trained in various styles, but has always had a love for ballet & modern dance. As she grew older, she continued her studies, and received a B.A. in dance from The University of Akron and a Mat Pilates certification. She also studied dance at The University of North Carolina, and attended New York University’s prestigious Summer Dance Program. Before starting her teaching career Jennifer performed for several years with The Choreographer’s Group in Boston.
One of her favorite things about teaching is the ah-ha moment: When you see a student working so hard and then they finally figure out how to execute a step properly. It’s a joy seeing them realize what they are truly capable of through commitment and focus.
When not at the studio you can find Jennifer painting, salsa dancing, taking aerial classes and planning her next adventure! She loves to travel and learn about different cultures. Jennifer also enjoys Yoga and in 2019, she completed her Yoga Teacher Training and is now a Registered Yoga Teacher.
Miss Muriel (she/her)
Studio Manager
Muriel Jones is an experienced marketing professional with a background in operations and customer service. Serving most exclusively in the events industry, she spent her career organizing and promoting leadership development classes, webinars, workshops, and conferences with a special focus on diversity & inclusion, and advancing women leaders in the workplace. Muriel holds a BA in International Business from the Institute Supérieur des Affaires et du Management in Paris, France.
Before settling down in New England in the mid 90’s, she studied in Madrid, Spain, and in Hartford, CT; and she held a 4-month internship as part of her course of studies in London, England. She values kindness and compassion in the workplace, and fosters nurturing working environments that are conducive to growth and self-discovery for all.
Miss Mikayla (she/her)
Empowering Dance Educator
Mikayla Martin began her training at the age of three at a small studio in Massachusetts. It didn’t take long for her to realize her love for dance. She’s trained in Modern, Classical Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and more. When she was eighteen Mikayla auditioned for and joined professional dance companies in Boston, MA. She started to teach and choreograph, and went on to perform and flourish in Boston.
In 2012 Mikayla joined Kairos Dance Theater and trained and performed with them as a principal dancer for four years. She also choreographed and danced in Bad Rabbit’s music video “ get up and go “ and was featured in Static Selektah’s music video “ Up every night “ In 2015 Mikayla decided to get her BFA in Dance. She started her education at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and trained under Pat Hon, Deborah Wolf, Michele Miller, Wade Madison, Sidra Bell and others.
She then decided to move back home and continued her dance career in Boston. She’s since danced back up for the opening artist for Ashanti & Ja Rule, performed all over New England with various artists and trained and performed with an all female Hip Hop crew called We The Females. She has also directed her own youth company, as well as co-directed alongside others. She’s excited to continue her training and share her love of art with the greater Boston Dance Community.
Miss Lucinda (they/them)
Empowering Dance Educator
Lucinda Hodges began dancing at age six and has spent the years since training in tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip hop, musical theatre, and more. They have trained with studios and programs throughout Pennsylvania, New York City, and Los Angeles, giving them the opportunity to learn from many talented choreographers and educators. As an instructor and choreographer, Lucinda has worked with dancers of all ages and levels, with a particular passion for tap and competition training.
One of their favorite things about teaching is creating a space where dancers feel like they truly belong. Lucinda believes a dance studio should feel like a second home, where students can be themselves, build friendships, discover their strengths, and feel encouraged to shine. They love watching dancers support one another and believe some of the most special moments in dance happen when students celebrate each other’s successes.
When they are not at the studio, Lucinda enjoys scrapbooking, playing video games, weightlifting, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. They are also a big fan of live theatre and all things performing arts.
Miss Melanie (she/her)
Empowering Dance Educator, Competition Director
Melanie Capalbo began dancing and tumbling at the age of 3. She became competitive in both at the age of 7, but soon realized dance was her passion. After high school, Melanie attended Dean College, receiving, with high honors, her degree in Dance Pedagogy and Performance. While at Dean, she was chosen to perform with the Dean Dance Company, accepted into the Alvin Ailey Dance Certification program in NYC, and received the Gregory Hines Tap Dance Scholarship.
Melanie also attended the Hartford Conservatory of Music and Dance in Hartford, CT. After college, Melanie continued her dance education at renowned studios including EDGE Performing Arts (LA), Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio (LA), Millenium Dance Complex (LA), Broadway Dance Center (NYC), and STEPS on Broadway (NYC). Some of the many master instructors she has trained with include Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, tWitch, Nappy Tabs, Geo Hubela, Debbie Dee, Brenda Buffalino, Dr. Henry LeTang, BOSCO, and Savion Glover.
Melanie has been teaching dance for 30+ years and is also a certified Ballet Barre Fitness instructor and has experience teaching Zumba®, Cardio-Dance, Pilates, and Group Fitness. In addition to being an accomplished and successful competitive dancer and gymnast, Melanie was also captain of a pop-warner cheerleading squad in Southern NH. The squad went on to win Regionals, State, and the National Pop Warner Championship held in San Jose, CA. She was also nominated as All American Cheerleader by the National Cheerleader’s Association.
Melanie loves that she has been able to not only share her passion for dance with all of her students, but also provide an artistic outlet for them to find their own expression through movement, boost their confidence and self-esteem, and also fall in love with the art of dance. She is so excited to be able to share her passion with the dancers at The Movement Center! When she is not dancing or teaching, she enjoys gardening, swimming, beach days, and most of all, spending time with her two fur babies, Rocky and Sassy!
Miss Grace (she/her)
Empowering Dance Educator, Competition Director
Grace Goldberg discovered her passion for dance at just two years old, and began dancing at Dance Junction in Saugus, MA, where she trained and competed until she graduated high school. Throughout her time there, she studied a wide range of styles including jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, ballet, and acro. While she enjoyed all forms of dance, her favorites have always been jazz and hip hop. In addition to dancing, Grace was also a dedicated cheerleader for many years.
Grace decided to elevate her love of dance by pursuing it in college. She began her studies at the University of Tampa, where she expanded her dance training to include modern, improvisation, and advanced levels of tap and jazz. After two years, Grace transferred to Salem State University to complete her degree, receiving a Bachelor’s in Media and Communications with minors in Entrepreneurship and Dance. While at Salem State, she continued to choreograph and perform in shows, further broadening her dance experience. She also began teaching at local dance studios, creating competition and recital pieces for dancers of all ages and skill levels.
One of Grace’s favorite parts of teaching is seeing the joy and excitement in her students when they master a new skill. Watching their pride and sense of accomplishment is incredibly rewarding for her.
When she’s not in the studio, Grace coaches a high school cheerleading team as well as competitive gymnastics teams. She is passionate about coaching and loves being involved in her other favorite sports—cheerleading and gymnastics. Outside of the studio and gym, Grace enjoys skiing and hits the slopes in Colorado every year, often tackling challenging black diamond trails! Grace also loves to spend time binge-watching her favorite tv shows in bed with her favorite foods!
Mr. Shawn (he/him)
Empowering Dance Educator
Shawn McClintock began his love for dance staring with performing in his local show choirs from 6th-12th grade. He was his show choirs’ dance captain both in middle & high school. He slowly began choreographing for his high school’s talent shows and various after school activities.
He began his dance career as a hip hop teacher at Morlock School of Dance in East Hartford, CT in 2014. He taught many classes from intro all the way to adult hip hop. He also began teaching competitively where various of his routines won platinum and was in the top 5 many times and even a special judges award! Shawn is super excited and eager to keep working on his craft with talented students of all ages and dance levels.