Cathy Richard – OWNER

**Cathy Richard** is a dedicated community advocate and accomplished dance educator, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to her work. As the founder of Granite State Dance Center, Cathy has devoted her life to nurturing the talents of young dancers while instilling values of confidence and empowerment. With a passion for dance that began at the age of two, she started teaching by the age of 14. After gaining experience in New Hampshire, she ventured to New York City and Boston, where she honed her skills as a soloist and studied under the renowned Gregory Hines.

 

Residing on her picturesque farm in Pembroke, New Hampshire, Cathy enjoys a fulfilling life surrounded by beloved animals, including goats, donkeys, chickens, and two dogs. This tranquil environment serves as a source of inspiration and reflection, allowing her to balance her professional endeavors with her passion for animal care and family.

 

Cathy is a proud wife and mother of two adult children and currently a doting grandmother of two grandsons. Family is central to her life, and she cherishes every moment spent together, creating lasting memories.

 

With a background as a former licensed veterinary technician, Cathy’s passion for helping others seamlessly transitions into her robust involvement in community service projects across New Hampshire. She works closely with local schools and is actively engaged in the NH D.E.A/EF Youth Dance Program, where she plays a critical role in introducing valuable life skills and support to children at risk. Committed to making a positive impact in her community, Cathy nurtures the next generation and fosters an environment of safety and respect.

 

Cathy Richard exemplifies the spirit of empowerment, championing the belief that every individual has their own unique talents and contributions to make. Her dedication to nurturing self-esteem and confidence in young women promises to make a profound impact in the community.

Amy Collins teaches the style of lyrical at GSDC. Amy has been dancing since she was three years old and trained at GSDC in a variety of styles for over 17 years! Amy’s goal is to provide all of her students with a positive dance environment where they are able to develop and expand their skills. Along with being a dance teacher, Amy received her degree in elementary education and special education from SNHU in 2018 and is currently an elementary school teacher. Teaching at GSDC allows her to combine her love of teaching with her passion for dance!

Danielle is the director of our GSDC Ballet Company. She specializes in ballet and pointe technique and has been part of our teaching staff for over five years. Danielle graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2016. She combines her love of dance and degree in teaching to provide students of all ages with exceptional ballet training. In addition to ballet, Danielle has studied many genres including modern, jazz, tap, and lyrical. Danielle is excited to share her knowledge and passion of dance with her students in the upcoming year.

Sladjana Grgic

Sladjana has been dancing for 13 years! Over the years she has danced different styles such as ballet, tap, and jazz. Sladjana is the Assistant Company Director for the Granite State Dance Center Ballet Company. As a ballet company alumni Sladjana has dance in several lead roles such as Hot Chocolate, the Enchantress, and Cinderella! She is currently studying at Southern New Hampshire University for Business Administration. Sladjana is so excited to be part of the Granite State Dance Center, and continue her love for dance!

Dya is a hip-hop dancer of 16 years. She started performing on the streets of downtown Boston at just 8 years old before forming a dance crew, then a girl group and traveling the country from New York to LA polishing her skills. She found a love for theatrical dance, ensembles, and flash mobs in high school and helped choreograph and block school performances, talent shows, and showcases. Dya loves to share her passion for dance and hopes to help others find their creativity and freedom though rhythm and groove!

We are thrilled to have Phyllicity Drennan Coaching,C horeographing ,Teaching Competitive dance pieces at GSDC. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, she relocated to New Hampshire 24 years ago. As a competitive coach and instructor, Phyllicity has gained numerous awards for her exceptional choreography and outstanding dancers throughout the competition scene. Her expertise spans various genres, including Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theater, and Acro. Philicity emphasizes the importance of having fun while perfecting skills to succeed in the dance world. She has trained with renowned dance masters in the industry in Manhattan New York, including Lynda Gache, Phil Black, Michele Assaf, Michael Owens, Debbie Dee, Gus Giordano, Bob Rizzo, Frank Hatchett, Celia Marta, Anastasia Brusnitsyna, Nadia Zhivotenk, and Robert Christopher. Phyllicity has taught workshops and master classes nationwide and has judged various competitions.  She credits Lynda Gache for most of her dance training. Phyllicity has also trained dancers at St. Paul’s Academy School in New Hampshire and BOCES Cultural Art Center on Long Island, New York. Her professional stage credits include Hello Broadway and 42nd Street. Phyllicity has choreographed for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a portion of the 1996 Super Bowl. She also choreographed the opening act for Selena Gomez and the Scene’s concert at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in 2011. Phyllicity’s students have gone on to perform professionally in various Broadway shows, including Stomp, Swing, Tap Dance Kid, Tap Dogs, The Gene Kelly Story, Disney World Japan, and High School Musical Disney World Florida. Her students have also performed in the Broadway tour of Revolutions Tap Show, as Rockettes in New York and on tour, and in the Broadway show Legally Blonde. 

We are so excited to have her join our staff !

Alyssa has been dancing since the age of 4 and trained at Granite State Dance Center in a variety of styles including ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, and more. Growing up, she assisted many different classes, worked numerous dance camps, and was a member of the studio’s ballet company.

She is currently the co-captain of the SNHU Dance Team, where she performs at halftime events and competes at NDA Nationals each year. Alyssa is also studying psychology at Southern New Hampshire University with a concentration in childhood development.

Alyssa has been teaching dance for the past 2 years and loves sharing her passion for dance with her students. She enjoys helping dancers build confidence, improve their technique, and have fun while growing in the classroom.

Anya Kelley

Anya Kelley has dedicated her life to the study and teaching of dance, with extensive training in classical ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, character, ballroom, and choreography. She trained with renowned instructors across New England, the Russian Kirov Academy, Bossov Ballet Academy, and Utah Valley University, where she performed with the University’s Ballet Company and Repertory Ballet Ensemble. Throughout her career, Anya has performed in numerous classical ballets and musicals, and competed successfully at the national level. Anya served as Artistic Director at Ballet North, and choreographed award-winning competition routines and full-scale productions. Today, as a mother and full-time professional, she remains passionate about sharing her knowledge of dance, creating a supportive and disciplined learning environment where every student is encouraged to grow with confidence, respect, and individualized instruction while reaching their fullest artistic potential.