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.”
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Mari Milnar Principal Teacher/Artistic DirectorMs. 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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Gabrielle Slack Associate Teacher Hip Hop/ JazzGabrielle 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.
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Melissa Phillips Associate Teacher
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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.
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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.
