Staff
Melissa Arizzi
Owner/Director
Miss Missy opened JUST DANCE in 2004 with one goal in mind, to provide quality dance instruction for the children of the Danbury area... the place where she grew up. Miss Missy found her passion for the art of dance at a very early age. Her rewarding career began as a student at local dancing schools where she participated in many competitions, winning many awards along the way.
At age 18, Miss Missy auditioned for and secured a position with the prestigious Hoctor’s Dance Caravan. This exciting accomplishment took her on a NATIONAL TOUR as a “Caravan Kid,” traveling to many cities across the United States, working with professional choreographers and performing in many of the most famous theaters in the Country.
Miss Missy has studied extensively at STEPS ON BROADWAY and the BROADWAY DANCE CENTER in New York City, while also attending Gibbs College as a business major. She has studied under the tutelage of Ms. Jeri Kansas, a Radio City Music Hall Rockette and accomplished star of broadway and television. She continues to work and study with famed choreographers such as Barry Youngblood, Jeri Rose, Bambi Swazye, Loree Russeau, Mallory Graham, Nick Lazarini, Tommy Tune, Tracie Stanfield, Gill Stroming and Tabitha and Napolean.
Miss Missy has been the recipient of many awards of EXCELLENCE in dance, some of which include regional tap solo championships and best in shows for both Performance Quality, and Outstanding Choreography.
Emily Beers
Instructor
Miss Emily has approximately 20 years of dance experience, having studied extensively in jazz, lyrical, ballet, pointe and hip hop. When I was 16, I was asked to be an Assistant Teacher at the studio that I was attending. I loved being a role model for young dancers and knew that dancing would be a huge part of my future. I began teaching at Just Dance in my hometown of Danbury, CT, while attending college. After graduating from Sacred Heart University with a BS in Athletic Training, I was awarded an intership as an Athletic Trainer for the Radio City Rockettes in New York City. This was the job of a lifetime for a dancer and working with such a prestigious dance troupe was a very exciting and rewarding experience. While working with the Rockettes, I was exposted to every aspect of professional theatrial life and of what it takes to be a professional dancer. The education I received while interning at Radio City gave me an extrordinary amount of knowledge I am now able to pass on to my dance students. The audition process, rehearsal schedule, physical fitness demands and practical living situation are all part of what I am able to offer the young, promising dancer who seeks a career in professional dance. In addition to teaching dance, I am an Athletic Trainer with Select Physical Therapy in Danbury, CT, and am contracted out to the Danbury High School Athletic Department coverling all of the schools sporting activities.
Kathleen Caragine
Instructor
Kathleen Caragine, a New York City based modern/contemporary dancer began her dance training at the age of three in Danbury, Connecticut. Her training continued at Hofstra University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, under the direction of Rachel List, and a minor in Exercise Science in 2017. During her time at Hofstra she studied Modern and Ballet and worked with faculty and guest artists Amy Marshall, Heather Waldon, Bill Young, Sean Curran, Karla Wolfangle and Rachel List. Kathleen is currently a member of Dances We Dance under the direction of Artistic Director Francesca Todesco. In 2022, she completed her Pilates Certification under Jennifer DeLuca and teaches in Brooklyn, NY.
Natalee Brenner
Bio Coming Soon
Paul Houseknecht
Bio Coming Soon
Karli Andreozzi
Bio Coming Soon
