History
Under the direction of Emily Bernazzoli, Dance Dimensions of Hedgesville, LLC opened its doors in 2006. Under the guidance of a wonderful DDH faculty, a decade and a half flew by with so many fond memories! We are proud to have students who have received numerous scholarships including returning to Dance WV as well as to study at summer programs at several universities. After 15 years, Emily closed the studio for 5 years to raise her elementary age childen and quality family time. During those 5 years, she returned to the classroom and is currently a Kindergarten teacher in Jefferson County. She also continued to share her love of dance and taught tap and ballet classes in the tri-state area. DDH is now open for chapter 2! We are welcoming new students!
Emily Bernazzoli, Owner/Director
Emily began dancing at the age of three with training in ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap at Inwood Performing Arts Company. She graduated summa cum laude from Radford University, VA with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education (PreK-6) with an additional license in Dance Education (K-12). She has 20 years of teaching experience. She is certified to teach the methods of Leap n’ Learn TM, a nationally certified early childhood dance program that is focused on the child’s mental and cognitive development. In July 2016 she was accepted into the American Tap Dance Foundation’s Teacher Training Program and has obtained her level 1 teaching certificate. Emily Bernazzoli is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 7 & Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
“I am passionate about inspiring children to be involved and excited about learning. I believe the number one life lesson learned in a dance classroom is encouraging oneself to continue seeking to find their personal best. It is a rewarding to watch a child bloom into a confident young person that happens to learn dance along the way. Our studio is a home away from home where students, support one another and share the joy of movement.”
Gabrielle Butler,
Gabrielle began dancing at the age of three with training in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. Throughout Gabrielle’s training, she attended and performed at the West Virginia Dance Festival and Dance Works, and in 2019 she attended the WV Governor’s School for the Arts. In high school, Gabrielle was co-captain of her dance team. Gabrielle holds a B.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Business, with a minor in Event Planning from WVU. While in college, she joined the WVU Hip Hop Dance Team, where she performed and competed in NDA Nationals.
As part of the WVU Dance Program, she performed throughout the year, and in 2023. Gabrielle was inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts and served as vice president of the chapter. At WVU, she choreographed multiple works, with her piece “Know Your Every Move” getting selected to perform in the mainstage production Dance Now!, the American College Dance Association Festival, and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Tamiya Earley
Tamiya Earley is a native of Richmond, VA and presently resides in Winchester, VA with daughter Julonda (9) and dog Luna. Tamiya is currently the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Vice-President for Student Affairs at Shenandoah University. Tamiya began her dance training at the age of 7 and continued her studies with the Richmond City Dance troupe which allowed her to perform and compete across the country for five years. Tamiya obtained additional training at the Henrico High School Center for the Arts, graduating with honors in 2002 and earning the Brad Boynton Excellence in the Arts award. She furthered her training at Shenandoah University Conservatory earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance performance in 2006. Tamiya holds certifications in the Leap N’ Learn Curriculum for early childhood movement as well as Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. Tamiya has taught and choreographed extensively throughout Virginia and West Virginia including DanceXone Extreme located in Fairfax, VA and serving as Contemporary Dance Manager of Dance Dimensions of Hedgesville, LLC for 12 years.
Matti Frye
Miss Matti is currently a member of The Frederick Flying Cows Professional Dance Team, The Cowbelles, and beginning her 4th season on the team! In her youth, she had the honor of being selected for the JAM Youth Project, a pre-professional tap company, as well as a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Across her 17 years of training she has studied in various styles including: Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Shuffling/Cutting Shapes, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Ballet. She was on staff at 24/7 Dance Studio in Maryland for three years before joining us at Dance Dimensions.
“Being part of a professional dance team has allowed me to continue doing what I love, dancing and performing! As a past student at Dance Dimensions, I am excited to be returning and apart of the Dance Dimensions' faculty this year!”
Rachel Hock
Rachel has been passionate about dance since the age of three and began competing at just nine years old. Years of training and performance experience across multiple styles helped shape both her technical foundation and love for the art of dance.
In 2021, Rachel earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Shenandoah University, where she refined her artistry, performance skills, and teaching techniques. She continued her education at Shepherd University, graduating in 2023 with a degree in Elementary Education.
As a dance instructor, Rachel is dedicated to creating a positive, encouraging environment where students can grow in both confidence and technique. By combining a strong background in dance with professional training in education, she strives to help every dancer reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of movement and the performing arts. She is also a Kindergarten Teacher in VA.