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OUR FACULTY

We take great pride in what we do. The minute you walk into our studio, you become part of our family.  As dance teachers, our role is less about running a studio and more about creating a sanctuary for our students.  Dance classes are more than an education in the arts, but memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

“Our light and passion for dance illuminates the light and passion in our students.”

  • Mari Milnar
    Mari Milnar Principal Teacher/Artistic Director

    Ms. Mari has 40 years teaching experience with children from all over the Westbank and surrounding areas. She prides herself in providing a quality dance experience for the tiniest of tots to her talented teens. Ms. Mari has attended Broadway Dance Centers accredited teacher convention in 2007 and 2010. She is also certified to teach Progressive ballet technique 2017 and is a lifetime certified instructor for Dance & Gym USA. Ms. Mari is also a member of the National Dance Education Organization.

    “I am passionate about using proper terminology in every class and to use every teachable moment as a gift I give my students.”

  • Shannon Seput
    Shannon Seput Associate Teacher/Competition Team Choreographer/Director

    Ms. Shannon has over 30 years teaching experience and specializes in jazz, lyrical and contemporary styles. Her competition choreography has yielded numerous overall high scoring awards as well as regional and National choreography awards. Ms. Shannon has attended Broadway Dance teachers accredited convention in 2010 and is also certified to teach Progressive ballet technique.

    “I am passionate about developing each student’s dance skills in such a way that I instill a love for dance that grows deeper and stronger with every passing year.”

  • Shari Hebert
    Shari Hebert Preschool Dance Director/Associate Teacher

    Ms. Shari has 22 years teaching experience bringing innovation and engaging dance classes to our preschool students. Her background as a dancer began at the age of 2 studying ballet, tap and jazz dance. She performed on the Sally Ann Roberts “Our Generation” show and danced in the New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Ms, Shari earned her Bachelor of Science from Holy Cross.

    “Sharing my love for dance with my students and unlocking their potential to be great is what brings joy to me as their teacher.”

  • Amethyst Clement
    Amethyst Clement preschool dance teacher/associate teacher.

    Ms. Amethyst has 12 years teaching experience and dance lessons have been a part of her life since childhood. Ms. Amethyst performed with legendary rockers “Z.Z. Top” in the Orange Bowls half time show and also halftime performances with the New Orleans Pelicans. She has a degree in  Early Childhood Education from Holy Cross College.

    “We challenge our students to reach for something bigger.  Setting goals is one of our top values.”

  • Gabrielle Slack
    Gabrielle Slack Associate Teacher Hip Hop/ Jazz
    Gabrielle Slack,
    was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana where she continues to prosper in her dance career. She has danced for over 15 years training in many dance styles such as Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Jazz, as well as many others. Working as a professional dancer, Gabbe has had the opportunity to dance during the McDonald’s 365 awards, Miss USA Pageant, dancing for artists such as Master P and more. She obtained her Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi and continues to touch, move, and inspire everyone she encounters through the art of dance.
  • Melissa Phillips
    Melissa Phillips Associate Teacher
  • Luke Landry
    Luke Landry Associate Teacher

    Our very own 2022 teacher graduate Luke is pursuing a dance degree and licensure at the University of Mississippi. Luke is a member of the New Orleans Pelicans Pel Squad and a technique coach for the Ursuline Academy Lionettes and a guest artist at Move studio in New Orleans.

  • Emma Primeaux
    Emma Primeaux

     

    Emma has trained in al genres of dance for the last 18 years and has taught children between the ages of 3 – 18 for the last  3 years. She is a teacher graduate from Shantel Robeaux’s dance studio and  is currently in college studing radiology and is a licensed esthetician. She recently attended a dance teacher conference in Boston for continuing education. We welcome her as the newest faculty member at MMDA.

     

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TAKE A LOOK INSIDE OUR STUDIO

Fallyn Chuter
Fallyn Chuter
July 28, 2021.
Mrs. Mari and her staff are amazing! The recital speaks for itself – it shows the love, dedication, and talent the school puts into their students year after year.
Alexis Francis
Alexis Francis
May 5, 2021.
Tiffiney Richard
Tiffiney Richard
February 13, 2021.
ciara mercadel
ciara mercadel
September 13, 2020.
We have been apart of the MMDA family since my daughter was 15 months and it is truly our family! If you want a family environment while your child learns dance then Mari Milnar is the place. The teacher are patient, loving, and kind they love on your babies as their own. I’m excited to see my daughter continue to flourish under Mrs. Mari leadership ❣️
Tenneal
Tenneal
September 12, 2020.
My daughter has been dancing here since she was one and there’s no other place we’d rather be. Definitely feel like family and it’s our second home. Mrs. Mari and the other teachers are amazing and extremely patient especially with the toddlers. Love MMDA
Gavin 1703
Gavin 1703
April 6, 2019.
Melanie Ferguson
Melanie Ferguson
November 1, 2018.
This is my daughter’s second year at MMDA. We came to the studio after our previous school closed. She was very nervous about joining another school so late in her dancing education. She was welcomed with open arms and has been treated like she has been there forever. She has enjoyed being part of the award winning competition team. We look forward to the next couple of years as she works her way up to teacher graduate. Thank you to the amazing choreographers and to our MMDA family for making the transition so easy and for caring about my girl and her dance education!
Christy cantrelle
Christy cantrelle
October 25, 2018.
This is our first year here, my daughter technique has grown tremendously since the start of the dancing season. We felt very welcomed. So glad we found a amazing dancing family #MMDASTRONG
ericka helmer
ericka helmer
October 25, 2018.
My daughter is new to MMDA and she absolutely loves it!!! We love the encouraging environment and the choreographers are amazing. So happy to be part of this amazing dancing family! #MMDASTRONG
Jade Coins
Jade Coins
December 4, 2017.
I went in not knowing anything. This year I am graduating from dancing not only as a dancer but as a better leader and team player. The teachers are amazing and so understanding on how each person dances differently. Everyone works the he the best they can be and I love it! #mmdastrong