Faculty

Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts

Akiko (Ako) Kyong-McClain 

Owner and Director

Akiko (Ako) Kyong-McClain began her dance training taking classes in Chengdu, China at the age of 4. She then continued her dance training at the Champaign Ballet Academy in Illinois, and then under the instruction of Arleen Sugano in Little Rock, Arkansas. With ballet as her focus, she was able to perform in many full-length ballets such as Coppelia, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and more Nutcrackers than she can count. Ako trained further at Alonzo King LINES, Joffrey New York, the Harid Conservatory, Texas Ballet Theater, and the Beijing Dance Academy and was able to perform pieces by a great many choreographers. Ako received a BA in Criminal Justice from Temple University and an MS in Intelligence and Crime Analysis from Saint Joseph's University. Additionally, Ako was a member of her college dance team and served as its captain during her senior year.

Ako is thrilled to announce her new role as the Owner and Director of PADA. She looks forward to working closely with the children, nurturing their talent and passion for dance, and taking the studio to the next level. Additionally, Ako is excited about the opportunity to bring back former teachers and collaborate with both returning and new staff members. She eagerly anticipates the coming seasons and is committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment where every dancer can thrive. Ako also teaches adult dance classes in the Philadelphia area and remains dedicated to her own growth as a dancer, attending as many classes as her schedule allows and always working to expand upon her teaching capabilities.

Taylor Brown

Director of Competition Team

Taylor Brown is a dancer, educator and choreographer. She began her training at the age of 5 in Collegeville, PA, studying numerous styles including ballet, jazz and modern. While training at her home studio, she had the opportunity to travel to many competitions, classes, and summer intensives from New York City to Los Angeles. She furthered her dance and high school education by attending The Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA) in West Chester, PA. Graduating from the University of the Arts in 2021, Taylor received a BFA in Dance under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. While in college, she had the pleasure of training and performing works by Sidra Bell, Wayne David, and Gary Jeter. Taylor was a member of the Klassic Contemporary Ballet Company (KCBC) from 2020 to 2023, dancing in Philadelphia’s annual Fringe Festival, and currently is a substitute teacher at her high school alma mater in her spare time.

Taylor started her teaching journey at the age of 13 as an assistant teacher and is now sharing her passion and love for dance throughout studios in Delaware and Montgomery County. She is a firm believer in the value of dance outside the studio and what it can do for a child in their day-to-day life. Taylor’s approach to teaching is to instill confidence and grow the artist inside each of her students. She strives to be the role model that she once had through her dance teachers.

Jessica Afflerbach

Jessica Afflerbach is a dance educator, performer, and choreographer based in the greater Philadelphia Area. She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance, with a concentration in Education and Performance. While in school she trained with artists such as Megan Flynn, Heidi Cruz- Austin, Karen Dearborn, Tiffany Mills, Kevin Jenkins, Trinette Singleton and more. Jessica’s primary passion for dance lies in teaching. Throughout her four years of college, she was an instructor with the Muhlenberg Community Dance Center teaching Ballet, Modern, and Creative Movement. She is currently a teaching artist with Koresh Kids Dance where she works with third through fifth graders throughout the Philadelphia Public School district teaching through a creative dance curriculum. She is also an instructor at Delaware Valley Dance Academy and Macrina Academy of Dance.



Jessica refined her teaching philosophy and approach to dance education alongside her professor, mentor, and friend Teresa VanDenend Sorge. Under her direction, Jessica was able to develop a somatic approach to teaching technique, of many styles, through the lens of creative movement. Her teaching style is rooted in Brain Compatible Dance Education (BCDE), as developed by Anne Green-Gilbert. Her approach is to teach to the whole child, encouraging creativity and imagination while also developing strong technical dancers. She believes deeply in nurturing the artist, just as much as the technician, that is inside every dancer.

Teagan Bittner

Teagan Bittner is currently studying at West Chester University as an Early Childhood Education major. She is working and performing with the West Chester University Dance Company in various styles, continuing her love for performing. Teagan began her dance training in Collegeville PA at the age of 2. She values what dance can do for you in your every day life and hopes to instill in her students the importance of trying new things, different styles, and discovering new ways to move your body daily. Teagan has been a member of KCBC II under the direction of Kimberly D. Landle since the very beginning of the program in 2017, and has most recently been promoted to Company Member with Klassic Contemporary Ballet Company and performed with KCBC in the 23-24 season as a soloist.

Teagan is a natural born leader with an innate ability to help others succeed. She has been teaching at PADA for several seasons now and her love for dancing combined with that of helping others has lead her to wanting to continue education in her future. She is very excited for this year at PADA and whatever the future holds.

Amanda Boyer

Amanda Boyer is a Philadelphia/NYC based movement artist, educator, and choreographer. She earned her BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts in May of 2023, with a minor in business. Growing up in Southeastern PA, Amanda was informed by many dance techniques, but she developed a special interest in contemporary, modern, and improvisational forms. She has traveled to study in dance spaces from New York to Berlin. In addition to performing, Amanda shares her passion by teaching in studios around PA, and mentoring young artists at the University of the Arts. She is interested in dance as an exchange of energy, an outpour of feeling. She has performed in works by Martha Graham, Doug Varone, Sidra Bell, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Jesse Zaritt, Jordan Demetrius Lloyd, and Mark Caserta. 

Canyon Carroll

New York-based queer artist, Canyon Carroll was born in Roanoke, Virginia. Canyon was awarded his BFA in performance arts in the spring of 2022 at The University of the Arts under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. During their time as a student, they had the opportunity to work with and perform in works by Andrea Miller, Annie Rigney, Sidra Bell, Doug Verone and other world renowned artists and faculty. Following graduation, Canyon was invited to the Centre of National Danse in Paris, France to perform and collaborate a work under the direction of Niall Jones, he also performed with Gallim Dance Company In Brooklyn, New York under the direction of Andrea Miller and Sheer Spectacle under the direction of Lily Mello and Kali Petrizzo.

Bella D'Orazio

Bella D'Orazio has been a part of competitive gymnastics for her whole life and continued to compete as an NCAA Division II gymnast at West Chester University. She has been teaching acro for 4 years and competitive gymnastics for 10 years. Miss Bella graduated with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and currently works for Penn Medicine.

Bella hopes to cultivate an environment that is inclusive, empowering, and light-hearted. She consistently tells her students to strive for progress, not perfection each week. The daily work in the studio is about experimenting, taking risks, and self-discovery. She is eager to be a part of each student's journey and development as a dancer here at PADA. 

Michelle Figueiredo “Chellie”

Michelle Figueiredo “Chellie” is a Philadelphia-based Dancer, Educator, & Olympic Ice-Dance Choreographer. She graduated magna cum laude from Rider University with degrees in Behavioral Neuroscience and Dance Performance. As a four-year veteran and two-year captain of the NBA Sixers Dancers, she toured internationally with NBA China, appeared at two NBA All-Star Games, and shared the stage with artists including Pharrell Williams, Vanilla Ice, and Nico & Vinz. She has also appeared in many Philadelphia Fringe Festivals, 6ABC’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and local media outlets. Currently, Michelle performs with ARTIST HOUSE and Melissa Rector, while also serving on faculty at Koresh School of Dance, Philadelphia Ballet, and Impact Dance Adjudicators. She works with college programs, dance studios, and dance teams both domestically and internationally.

Azari Ford

Azari earned her B.F.A in Dance and minor in Business from the University Of The Arts all while being a member of The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders. Azari is a 6th year veteran and captain of the team. She has represented the Eagles organization on international media outlets as a global brand ambassador and performed at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. As well as being voted the Philadelphia Eagles 2024 Pro Bowl Cheerleader. Representing the Eagles Cheerleaders and organization at the NFL’s 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Excelling both on and off the field, Azari was awarded two of the most prestigious and highly selective scholarships for exceptional talent during her time at UArts. She has performed works of many artistic directors and choreographers, including Thom White, Queen Dinita and JustSole Clark and Robert Battle of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Concert Goers could even spot her performing with iconic musicians such as Queen, New Kids On The Block and Darius Rucker. Azari enjoys sharing her gifts not only as a performer but also as a dance educator in the tri-state area. Helping others to see dance as a language and not just movement, is just one of her many artistic objectives.

Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson grew up in a Performance Based Studio in South Central Pennsylvania where she was trained in various styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Belly dancing, Salsa, Lyrical, Contemporary and Theatre. She continued to dance through college and continues to take classes for personal growth as an adult. Whitney found a passion while dancing in college for other forms of fitness and discovered how this role greatly improved her dance ability and continued to learn in the fitness world. This encouraged her to learn more about nutrition and physical fitness to inspire and teach young students to get them to peak performance levels. Whitney is currently working towards her National Academy of Sports Medicine Training Certificate and is looking to enroll in a Master's Program for Nutrition next fall. 

Haylie Jost

With over 16 years of dance experience, Ms. Haylie has been immersed in the world of dance since a young age, training in a variety of styles at LA Dance Galaxy and Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts since the age of 3. She has been teaching at PADA for over a year, sharing their passion for movement, creativity, and technical precision with students of all ages and skill levels.



In addition to their experience in dance, Ms. Haylie brings a unique skill set from their work as a swim instructor and 1:1 aid. For three years, she taught at Kids First Swim School, working with children ranging from 2 months to adults. This experience honed their ability to teach in a patient and individualized manner, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for students to thrive.

Along with PADA, She currently works as a 1:1 aid in the vocational transition program at Valley Forge Educational Services, supporting students with special needs. This role has deepened her understanding of how to meet diverse learning needs, reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity in the dance studio. Haylie believes in tailoring instruction to each student’s unique abilities, ensuring everyone feels confident and empowered to express themselves through movement.

Hailey McCormack

Hailey McCormack began her training at age 3 at Step-by-Step Studio of Dance in Medway, MA. At age 6 she began dancing competitively, where she won several accolades, scholarships, and solo titles. She continued to dance throughout her adolescence, training at her home studio and with other programs, including with the New York City Rockettes. She has trained in all styles but fell in love with Jazz and Musical Theater. Hailey attended Temple University as an Early Childhood Education major, where she continued dancing and choreographing for her college’s dance team. Her love for teaching dance began at her home studio at 13 and continued at PADA (Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts) starting in 2020. Hailey now attends Teachers College, Columbia University as a graduate student in the Education Policy program, specializing in Data Analysis. 

Hailey is an incredibly motivated and creative choreographer, supporting her students as they continue to grow as dancers. 

Eva Szabo

Eva was born in Budapest, Hungary and accepted into the Hungarian National Ballet Institute in 1970, graduating with honors. This very class was the Genesis of what was to become of “Gyori Ballet.” The company was co-founded by Eva and celebrates its 45th year anniversary. Appearing in all international tours from 1979-1987 and collaborating with exceptional teachers, such as Boris Bregvadze from the Vaganova School, Lyudmilla Cherkasova from the Bolshoi Ballet and choreographers Gyorgy Vamos and Maguy Marin, Eva became quite well known.
 
Eva returned to attain a four-year degree to teach dance, graduating with honors. It was the first of its kind ever awarded by the Hungarian National Ballet Institute. She continued to teach at the Gyori Ballet until she moved to Philadelphia and married in 1988. She began teaching at several dance schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and was on the faculty at the University of the Arts, as an Adjunct Associate Professor for 17 years. Eva also began teaching for The Rock School for Dance Education for 28 years and the Koresh Dance Company and School, since 2013.
 
Eva has trained and taught a myriad of levels in Classical Ballet, Point technique, Historical Dance, Ballroom Dance, Character Dance, Pas de deux technique and Variations. Her exemplary experience and teaching performance is just a few reasons why she is well respected by her peers. Eva is a master teacher and clearly offers a wealth of expertise to those who are fortunate enough to study with her. She demonstrates exceptional care and dedication to both her students and the studio where she teaches.

Samantha Sam

Samantha Sam began her dance education at The Rock School for Dance Education under the leadership of Bojan and Stephanie Spassoff, where she was awarded a merit scholarship to train in the school’s professional division. Throughout her years at The Rock School, she performed extensively, undertook student teaching, and competed in the Youth America Grand Prix. During this time, her studies were guided by the mentorship of Natalya Lushina Zeiger,

soloist of the Bolshoi Ballet, and Eva Greiner Szabo, co-founder of the Győri Ballet and dancer with the Hungarian National Ballet. Over the course of seven years at The Rock School,

Samantha trained professionally in classical ballet, pointe, variations, and pas de deux. After receiving offers to study at the Kirov Ballet Academy, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Ballet Austin, and other renowned institutions, Samantha went on to study at Ellison Ballet in New York City. There, she pursued a Vaganova-based course of study under the guidance of Jolanta Valeikaite, Edward Ellison, Olga Pavlova, Evgenia Singur, and Gaiane Akopian. Beyond her classical ballet training, she studied repertoire under Maina Gielgud, character dance under Vladimir Dvorovenko, and contemporary dance under Cody Berkeley.

Samantha is a certified practitioner of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s Vaganova Syllabus Method, officially accredited by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy to teach Pre-Ballet through Level 6. She currently leads the dance program for the Mann Center’s Motion & Music Academy, overseeing curriculum development, choreography, and instruction across multiple schools throughout Philadelphia. Her artistic and pedagogical practice extends to the Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts, as well as various educational and performing arts institutions throughout the region. Prior to her current roles, she served as a Teaching Artist with BalletX and as an instructor at the Koresh School of Dance.