Our Story

Centerstage Dance Academy was founded in 1992 by Kathy Coughlin with the goal of offering quality dance education in an atmosphere that is positive and supportive and promotes a genuine sense of self-esteem - which leads to confident and happy dancers!

We’re so excited you’ll be joining us! As you begin your dance classes you'll come to know "us" well. We are Kathy Coughlin, Artistic Director and Allyson Bird, Studio Director, a mother-daughter team that you'll find everywhere and anywhere in the studio. We have 8 other dance educators in our studio family, Mikaela, Melanie, Rebecca, Brittany, Stacey, Holly, Maegan and Sarah that you'll also come to know well. We are your Centerstage family! We believe that dance is for everyone, and no matter what level you are or what style of dance you enjoy, we have a place for you. Whether your dancer wants the fun of a once a week dance class or a more intensive dance education program; we provide all of our families with classes that are just the right fit for them. If you have any questions, big or small, come see us. We're here to guide your dancer to reach their goals, have fun and stay dancing!

Meet Our Faculty

**Allyson Bird**
Allyson has a passion for dance and the performing arts and grew up dancing at Centerstage. She has been trained extensively in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and various styles of tap. She was a member of the Centerstage Dance Company and earned many regional and national titles for performances in competitions. She was also a class assistant and an associate teacher during her years at Centerstage and is a graduate of the Dance Education Training program provided by the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston.
During her college career, Allyson earned a degree in Public Relations and Marketing at Quinnipiac University. She was also a member of the Dance Company in which she both performed and choreographed for.
Upon graduating college, she relocated and began teaching and choreographing for a dance studio along the Shoreline of Connecticut. She taught at this studio and choreographed for their competition dance team for eight years. Currently, Allyson is an active member of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston. She is also a certified acrobatic instructor through Acrobatic Arts and AcroDance Preschool which focuses on dancers ages 3-5.

Allyson Bird
Studio Owner, Director & Dance Educator

Mikaela Bradley

Growing up, Mikaela danced at Centerstage Dance Academy and then moved on to study dance at college. She recently graduated from Springfield College in May 2014, with a Bachelors degree in Dance. While at Springfield, she was able to study under many notable choreographers in order to continue her dance education, while learning many valuable teaching skills. Mikaela has been teaching dance since 2009 in both dance studios, and public schools. Trained in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance, Mikaela is always interested in learning more about these styles while sharing her current knowledge with other dancers.

Mikaela Bradley
Dance Educator & Dance Company Assistant Director

Melanie is a versatile performer with an impressive array of talents. She has trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, breaking and gymnastics. Combined with her enthusiasm for the art and her positive attitude towards her children, Melanie loves to share her knowledge of dance through teaching. She started dancing at five years old, and her training continued throughout college where she attended the University of New Hampshire. During her college career Melanie earned a BA in Business and filled her extra classes with Theatre and Dance courses that ranged from "Theatre and Dance III (Adv Jazz and Tap)" to "Dance Pedagogy" so she could continue to broaden her knowledge of the art. Melanie was also a member of the UNH Dance Team for four years, where she competed at NDA/NCA Regional and National Competitions. Melanie is a graduate of the Dance Education Training Program provided by the Dance Teachers Club of Boston, where she graduated in the top of her class. Melanie is a certified acro instructor through Acrobatic Arts.A dancer for more than twenty years, she has earned many regional and national titles for performances and choreography and she continues to takes classes throughout the Boston Area to strengthen her knowledge of the art and to keep fresh ideas flowing into Centerstage — Melanie is a versatile performer with an impressive array of talents. She has trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, breaking and gymnastics. Combined with her enthusiasm for the art and her positive attitude towards her children, Melanie loves to share her knowledge of dance through teaching. She started dancing at five years old, and her training continued throughout college where she attended the University of New Hampshire.
During her college career Melanie earned a BA in Business and filled her extra classes with Theatre and Dance courses that ranged from "Theatre and Dance III (Adv Jazz and Tap)" to "Dance Pedagogy" so she could continue to broaden her knowledge of the art. Melanie was also a member of the UNH Dance Team for four years, where she competed at NDA/NCA Regional and National Competitions. Melanie is a graduate of the Dance Education Training Program provided by the Dance Teachers Club of Boston, where she graduated in the top of her class. Melanie is a certified acro instructor through Acrobatic Arts.
A dancer for more than twenty years, she has earned many regional and national titles for performances and choreography and she continues to takes classes throughout the Boston Area to strengthen her knowledge of the art and to keep fresh ideas flowing into Centerstage

Melanie Coughlin
Acrobatics Director & Dance Educator

KATHY COUGHLIN, Artistic Director Director, Kathy Coughlin founded Centerstage Dance Academy and its company (The Centerstage Dancers) in 1991. Her goal is to provide the training that will nurture both the potential artist as well as the dance stud… — **KATHY COUGHLIN, Emerita & Instructor**
Director, Kathy Coughlin founded Centerstage Dance Academy and its company (The Centerstage Dancers) in 1991. Her goal is to provide the training that will nurture both the potential artist as well as the dance student who studies for the inherent rewards. Kathy inspires young dancers to dance from their hearts and enjoy the experience along the way. Through her extensive training she has developed a curriculum with up to date techniques and innovative teaching methods. Her students have enjoyed acceptance into the most prestigious dance colleges and dance companies in the United States. She received her formative training from E. Virginia Bowser and subsequently with The Boston School of Ballet, The Joy of Movement Center and Boston State College. She also spends her time in New York studying with various Master Teachers. Kathy received her teaching credentials through The Dance Teachers Club of Boston where she was the recipient of the Carwood Ballet Scholarship. She is an active member of Dance Masters of America and The Dance Teachers Club of Boston where she is now on the Board of Directors serves as the Dance Education Training Program Chair. The Dance Education Training Program is designed to offer structure and guidance to dancers who have aspirations of becoming dance educators themselves.
Mrs. Coughlin has more than 25 years of teaching experience. She has been a guest teacher throughout the U.S. and Russia and has served as a master teacher for dance organizations and colleges. As an independent, award winning choreographer she has staged a wide variety of musicals and has been commissioned to choreograph routines that have been performed in such places as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, and Disneyworld. She has performed in television, industrials and commercials. She recently choreographed and appeared in (along with The Centerstage Dancers) the video for "First Night 2000" in Boston.
Kathy received her judges credentials from The National Dance Council of America and is also the Treasurer of the Tyngsborough Arts Council.
Kathy and the Centerstage studio have been featured in two episodes of MTV's MADE

Kathy Coughlin
Emerita (Founder) & Dance Educator

Rebecca danced at Centerstage Dance Academy before attending University of Massachusetts Lowell. She graduates in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics. While at UMass Lowell, Rebecca was part of the Ballroom Dance Team. She studied Latin and Standard dance under Mark Nocera, Ashan Samarasinghe, and Eleanor van der Zwan. Rebecca competed in collegiate ballroom competitions in Gold level Latin and Silver level Standard. She was Treasurer of the Ballroom Dance Team for one semester and President for two years. She also participated in Dancing with the Lowell House Stars where she danced with Lowell Superintendent William M. Taylor.
Rebecca is a certified dance teacher through the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston and has been a member since 2014. She is continuing her education at UMass Lowell and is pursuing her Masters of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics

Rebecca Donnelley
Dance Educator

Jill Hertzog has been teaching dance for over 20 years, and holds a BA in Dance/Performance Studies and Secondary Education from *Roger Williams University*. During her studies, she trained under the school faculty, and well-known guest artists including; Sean Curran, Carl Flink (Limon Dance Company) and Jennifer Conley (Martha Graham Dance Company). Her junior year she was awarded the *Thomas Paolino* scholarship for excellence in the performing arts. Jill received her *Massachusetts Teacher License* for dance in 2009.
Post college, Jill danced with local modern and contemporary companies/choreographers in Massachusetts including *GuiDance Inc*., *Dendron Dance Company*, *Navarsa Dance Theatre, Tony Guglietti* and Audra Carabetta. She also had the privilege of sharing choreography at emerging artist performances at *The Dance Complex* and *Green Street Studios*.
Jill co-directed *Awakening Youth Dance Company* of Fitchburg in 2008-2010, and produced/directed *dance theatre productions for* *Vineyard Community Church in 2012-2015*.
In 2015, Jill was hired by *Cavod Performing Arts* in *Lancaster County, Pennsylvania* where she served as Artistic Director for 9 years. She directed the dance department, and their dance company *Citylight Dance Theatre*; a youth mentorship program that performs inspiring shows for outreach events, schools, and communities in need. While director, Jill created original storyline dance productions and choreographed over 100 pieces of repertoire.
Prior to *moving to PA*, Jill was a *Children’s, Youth, & Arts Director* at a church, Preschool teacher, and dance teacher at various studios and theaters throughout Massachusetts. Since moving back to New England, she is excited to reconnect with the *Greater Boston* dance community!
Jill is always striving to grow as an artist. Her desire is to instill the joy of movement in others, while building humble confidence in her students, and being a light to those around her!

Jill Hertzog
Dance Educator

Holly Gosselin
Dance Educator

Maegan is proud to be teaching at the studio where she grew up dancing, bringing her dance journey full circle as she now shares her love of movement with the next generation of dancers. In 2024, she graduated from the Dance Teachers’ Club of Boston Teacher Training Program, where she gained valuable skills in technique, choreography, and classroom instruction. Maegan strives to create a welcoming environment that blends creativity, structure, and fun, encouraging every student to build confidence and explore their own potential. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Public Health at the University of Alabama, Maegan is on track to graduate a year early in Spring 2026. She plans to combine her passion for movement and wellness by pursuing a career as an athletic trainer in film and television. Teaching where her own dance story began is both meaningful and rewarding for Maegan, and she is excited to inspire her students to discover the same joy and confidence that dance has given her.

Maegan Koval
Front Desk Team & Dance Educator; Preschool Program

Sarah McQuiston began her training at the age of two when she attended her first dance class at Centerstage Dance Academy. She is now a graduate from Dean College as of 2021 . She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Teaching and a minor in Arts and Entertainment Management. During her time at Dean, Sarah took several courses related to psychology, pedagogy, and dance history, in addition to assisting with the schools' theatre productions in the costume department. She trained in hip hop, tap, jazz, and musical theatre, while attending master classes and working with renowned faculty members such as Todd Shanks and Jill Silverman.
During her senior year at Dean College Sarah published a book titled “Musical Theatre Choreography Through a Dancer’s Lens,” in collaboration with founder of Dean College’s dance program Joan Phelps Palladino.

Sarah is a certified dance teacher through the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston since 2016.

Sarah McQuiston
Dance Educator

Stacey Rancourt has been a faculty member at Centerstage since 2003, after receiving her BA in Dance and Performance from Roger Williams University. She was awarded the Dance Theatre scholarship her junior year and the "Most Outstanding Achievement in Dance" award upon graduation. Stacey has studied in Boston, Providence, and London, and has been a member of Kelley Donovan and Dancers and Perceptions Contemporary Dance Company, both based in Boston. She became a member of Dance Teachers Club of Boston in 2006, a member of Dance Masters of America in 2008 and is Acrobatic Arts Certified. In 2016 she received a Massachusetts state licensure in dance for all levels pre-k through 12.Stacey has choreographed "Oklahoma!", "Godspell", and "Little Shop of Horrors" for Roger Williams University and iwas the resident choreographer at the Richardson Middle School in Dracut from 2006-2016 and choreographed "The Little Mermaid" at Dracut High School in 2018. Stacey was also a faculty member of Bristol Community College's Theatre and Dance Department in 2008. Other credits include featured dancer in Turtle Lane Playhouse's "George M!", ensemble in ACT's "Spotlight on Broadway", swan/featured dancer and contributing choreographer in Gary Shoreâ€™s film adaptation of Swan Lake: "Ode", and featured dancer/Tammy in Gary Shore's original film "Children of Providence": winner of the Best Feature Award at The Rob Knox Film Festival, London (2010). — Stacey Rancourt has been a faculty member at Centerstage since 2003, after receiving her BA in Dance and Performance from Roger Williams University. She was awarded the Dance Theatre scholarship her junior year and the "Most Outstanding Achievement in Dance" award upon graduation. Stacey has studied in Boston, Providence, and London, and has been a member of Kelley Donovan and Dancers and Perceptions Contemporary Dance Company, both based in Boston. She became a member of Dance Teachers Club of Boston in 2006, a member of Dance Masters of America in 2008 and is Acrobatic Arts Certified. In 2016 she received a Massachusetts state licensure in dance for all levels pre-k through 12.
Stacey has choreographed "Oklahoma!", "Godspell", and "Little Shop of Horrors" for Roger Williams University and iwas the resident choreographer at the Richardson Middle School in Dracut from 2006-2016 and choreographed "The Little Mermaid" at Dracut High School in 2018. Stacey was also a faculty member of Bristol Community College's Theatre and Dance Department in 2008. Other credits include featured dancer in Turtle Lane Playhouse's "George M!", ensemble in ACT's "Spotlight on Broadway", swan/featured dancer and contributing choreographer in Gary Shoreâ€™s film adaptation of Swan Lake: "Ode", and featured dancer/Tammy in Gary Shore's original film "Children of Providence": winner of the Best Feature Award at The Rob Knox Film Festival, London (2010).

Stacey Rancourt
Artistic Director, Dance Company Director & Dance Educator

Hailey is so excited to begin her journey as a faculty member at the studio she has called home since she was three years old. She is a graduate of the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston, Dance Education Training Course completing her certification in 2024. She also graduated from the STARS Training Program and became an associate teacher at Centerstage Dance Academy; further developing her skills and knowledge.
Hailey has trained extensively in all styles of dance and is incredibly grateful for the experience she gained as a longtime member of the CSDA Dance Company. She is thrilled to share her passion and knowledge with the next generation of dancers and can't wait to see them grow and thrive as part of this community.

Hailey White
Front Desk Team & Dance Educator

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer high quality dance education and performance opportunities in a positive atmosphere - inspiring creativity, confidence and a love for the performing arts.

Our Values

Connection: Whether you dance with us once a week or dance with us every day; our studio provides a sense of belonging, friendship and connection that grows through the art of dance.

Inclusion: We believe that dance is for everyone – no matter your age, ability or the style of dance you enjoy, we have a class to for you.

Education: We provide high-quality dance education for all ages and levels through our proven curriculum, ongoing dance training and innovative classes. We are always learning, growing and elevating our studio for a professional dance experience at your local dance studio.

Inspiration: We love dance and we want all our students to love to dance. Our staff shares our love for dance by bringing passion and positivity to all our dance classes which leads to happy and healthy dancers!

Our Story

Meet Our Faculty

Our Mission

Our Values

© 2025 | centerstage dance academy

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