Meet Our Dance Instructors
Experienced Dance Teachers in Killingworth, CT
We are proud to have a talented and passionate faculty dedicated to helping every dancer grow both in and out of the classroom. Our instructors bring diverse teaching styles, specialized training, and real-world experience while working together to support the individual goals of each student.
At Back Stage Dance Center, we believe dance education is about more than technique. Our faculty is committed to building confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance in a positive and supportive environment.
Michelle Bailey
CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Co- Artistic Director of Back Stage Dance Center LLC has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Quinnipiac College. She is proud to have been trained at The Dancer’s Studio under the direction of Sharon DiCrosta, beginning at age three. Michelle is a master teacher and has had the honor to judge dance competitions and auditions throughout the United States and Canada. She is USGA safety certified in acrobatic instruction and is a nationally certified member and examiner of Dance Masters of America (DMA). Michelle is active in the dance community and currently holds the position of secretary on the board of directors for DMA Chapter 18, CT. She graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo through the Dance Masters of America Teacher’s Training School Program.
Michelle believes in training the entire human being, she is an Analogical Coach, Shaman, Certified Personal Trainer and 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher.
Michelle is the Chief Operations Officer of Project Courage in Old Saybrook, CT. In addition to direct care, Michelle's favorite responsibility is organizing quarterly charity events to give back to the community.
Stacey Nagel Lankarge
CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Co-Artistic Director of Back Stage Dance Center LLC, began dancing when she was eight at Dawn Michaele’s School of Dance, North Branford. She studied Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, andModern dance. She won several awards in regional and national competitions. To further her knowledge, she attended classes at the New Haven Ballet in Madison. Throughout high school, Stacey participated in the Educational Center for the Arts program. This program allows students to attend concentrated high school courses in the morning and artistic courses in the afternoon. While attending Quinnipiac College, she choreographed for and performed with their Dance Company. Stacey is certified by test to teach through Dance Masters of America Chapters 26 & 18. Currently, she attends classes at Broadway Dance Center, NY & through Dance Masters of America Master Classes. When Stacey is not teaching, she is a Registered Nurse at Connecticut Valley Hospital.
The BSDC Faculty
Specialists in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro & More
Every instructor at Back Stage Dance Center brings unique experience, passion, and expertise to the classroom. Together, our team works to create a supportive environment where dancers can build confidence, develop strong technique, and enjoy the learning process.
Browse our faculty below or use the filters to discover which instructors teach each dance style.
Michelle Bailey
Stacey Lankarge
Caity Steele
Kristen Carpentier
Sandy Taddei Nye
Emily Branigan
Kimberly Spanier
Corrina Thomas
Luke Bermingham
Melissa Klien-Yarnell
Riley Bauer
Kaitlyn Mauris
Learn From Instructors Who Care
At Back Stage Dance Center, our faculty is committed to helping every dancer feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Whether your child is taking their first dance class or pursuing advanced training, our instructors are dedicated to creating a positive environment where dancers can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.
Ready to Start Your Dance Journey?
Explore our programs to find the right fit for your dancer, or contact us to learn more about class placement and enrollment opportunities.
