Faculty

Gabrielle Laity is a professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and the Creative Director and Owner of The Movement Collective. Gabrielle’s career spans performance, commercial work, choreography, and dance education. Her professional credits include performing with Holland America Line as a dancer and Dance Captain, as well as working with ABC’s Dancing with the Stars at Sea as both an instructor and performer. Her performance and commercial credits also include The Wendy Williams Show, Calvin Klein, Fashion’s Night Out, the New York Stock Exchange, and various commercial and television projects.

A graduate of the Broadway Dance Center Professional Semester in New York City, Gabrielle has trained extensively in jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, ballet and tap. Her training includes conventions and intensives with many of the industry’s leading choreographers and educators.

Beyond her professional performance career, Gabrielle has built an extensive career as a choreographer and educator, creating work that has earned numerous choreography and overall awards throughout the years. Her choreography is rooted in musicality, storytelling, individuality, and strong technical foundations, with an emphasis on creating meaningful performance experiences for dancers.

Her professional experience includes assisting choreographers and working as a principal company member with MarInspired; The Storytellers directed by Marinda Davis as well as teaching dancers of varying levels, and developing choreography designed to challenge dancers both technically and artistically. She is passionate about creating dancers who are not only technically trained, but also versatile and prepared for the realities of the professional dance world.

Today, that vision continues through The Movement Collective, where Gabrielle brings her professional performance experience, award-winning choreography, and passion for mentorship together to create a training environment designed to bridge the gap between studio and industry. Her mission is to provide dancers with the tools, experiences, and confidence to take their next step whether that leads to the professional industry, higher education, or simply a lifelong relationship with movement.

Francesca is the proud Administrative Director, owner and acro teacher at The Movement Collective. As a devoted dance mom, her personal and professional life has always centered around supporting the health, happiness, and well-being of others.

Her years in the medical field have shaped her into a compassionate leader, strong communicator, and trusted advocate for children and families. She brings those same qualities to The Movement Collective, where she oversees daily operations, family communication, enrollment, scheduling, and the many behind-the-scenes details that keep the studio running smoothly.

As an acro teacher, Francesca brings over 16 years of cheerleading and many years of coaching and judging experience. She is passionate about helping her students build strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence. She takes pride in encouraging each dancer to work toward their individual goals while celebrating their progress along the way.

As both a parent and studio leader, Francesca understands the importance of creating a safe, organized, and positive environment where every dancer feels welcomed, supported, and valued. She is passionate about building more than a dance studio she is helping create a community where dancers can grow in confidence, form lasting friendships, and discover a true sense of belonging.

Maddy Meyer is a versatile dancer and performer with experience across live performance, commercial work, and creative film. She has performed with companies such as RWS Global as well as the CLI Conservatory. Her commercial and print work includes the CLI Creative Film “Surf Rider,” Chris Scott’s Creative Film “ADHD,” and Jo&Jax Brand Advertisement.

Maddy has trained extensively in contemporary, jazz/theater, street styles, ballet, and tap, working with industry professionals including Teddy Forance, Chaz Buzan, Martha Nichols, Billy Griffin, Jason Williams, Liana Blackburn, Candace Brown, Scott Myrick, Josh Assor, and many others. She also has experience in aerials/silks and partnering, and is Pilates-certified.

With a strong work ethic and a love for movement, Maddy strives to bring versatility, individuality, and intention to every room. As a teacher, she hopes to bring that same passion into the studio by creating a positive and encouraging environment where students feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. She believes in helping dancers build confidence and understand that hard work and fun can coexist at the same time. Maddy is passionate about continuing to grow as an artist, performer, and educator while creating meaningful connections through dance.

Dan Barris, aka Mr. Dan, is no stranger to the performing arts industry. At 7, Dan began a career in Musical Theatre and hasn't left the stage since. Some of Dan's credits include: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, George M, Burlesque, a Review of Vaudeville, and his favorite role, Rooster in the Broadway Musical Annie. Dan has also created a pilot program for the state of New Jersey teaching rhythm through sound vibrations to hearing impaired students.

Dan is the previous owner of Dancers Inc., Competitions and Conventions for 20 years. Dan has also taught Master Classes all over the world. He is currently retired and teaching in his new home state of Florida. "We can all win a medal or a trophy," Dan says. But teaching a dancer to improve is what he considers to be his biggest success in life thus far! Celebrating his 50th year of teaching in 2026, Dan keeps moving forward and challenging the next generation to be better than the one before.