The study of dance is highly beneficial for the physical, intellectual, and emotional development of children and teens. Students develop muscle strength and coordination, flexibility, agility, and balance. Intellectually, they are called upon to focus and concentrate and to remember combinations of movement. Emotionally, students benefit from the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to explore who they are in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, by working together in classes and performances, students foster friendships and build self-esteem.
The Ferndale Dance Academy offers classes for children and teens from the ages of 3 years old and up. All classes are held at our spacious studio at the Danish Hall at 430 Ocean Avenue. Please see the Classes page for more information and a schedule of the classes.
The Ferndale Dance Academy provides more than just instruction. Students benefit from these special features, as well:
- Annual winter and spring performances
- Teacher Training Program
- Biannual Trips to Dance Conventions and Competitions
Our Instructors
Laura East
Laura took her first ballet class at the age of four with Miss Pam. During her most formative years, she studied with Miss Anna at the Allan Hancock College Youth Department. During high school, she spent each summer on the East Coast training with the Joffrey Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Upon graduating, she was awarded a scholarship and a position as a trainee with the Joffrey Ballet in New York City. While there, she also danced with the Westchester Ballet. Later, Laura studied dance and musical theater at the University of Arizona before returning to New York City where she apprenticed as a ballet instructor at Ballet Academy East, created her own cabaret show, danced, acted, and sang in numerous productions, and recorded an album of children’s lullabies. She has completed a workshop for dance instructors taught by Jillana, former Principle with the New York City Ballet, and attends annual dance conventions to stay current in the field of dance. Laura collaborated with Vítor Murta of Círculo Cultural Scalabitano in Santarém, Portugal to create their first artistic and cultural dance exchange between their two studios. She traveled to Santarém in July of 2023 with her advanced students and dancers to teach master classes, choreograph, and co-direct the joint performance. Most recently, Laura was the guest choreographer for the Cal Poly Humboldt Dance Department’s spring performances of Dance Visions. Laura founded the Ferndale Dance Academy in 2003 and to this day, still loves her job.
Maryn Gossien
Maryn began dancing at the Ferndale Dance Academy at the age of five, after attending a FDA performance and being inspired by Kelsey Synder’s portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch. At the age of twelve, she began competing and since that time, has been awarded numerous honors including Gold and High Gold at JUMP, second place at Tremaine, and Gold at New York City Dance Alliance. During her teenage years, Maryn began training with Laura East to become a dance instructor and has completed FDA’s Teacher Training Seminar taught by Kyleigh Brine. She is now a valued member of the FDA faculty. Maryn is a certified teacher with Acrobatic Arts and created the Tumbling for Dancers program at the studio. She has attended summer dance intensives at Nor Cal Dance Arts in San Jose and performed at Disneyland. In July of 2023, Maryn traveled to Santarém, Portugal to train, teach a master class, and perform as a part of FDA’s artistic and cultural dance exchange with Círculo Cultural Scalabitano.
Rosemary Swan
Even before kindergarten, Rosemary was swept onto the stage in the FDA production of The Great Oz. Here she found her place in the spotlight; on stage where she belonged. When not at work on a show, her living room became her stage and her family the audience. Rosemary has since studied ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre and contemporary. She has competed at NYCDA, JUMP, and Hollywood Vibe in group and solo pieces and and won numerous awards. As an actor, Rosemary appeared on stage in a production of Matilda at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre and was a featured extra in Griffin Loch’s film A Spark in Nothing. Rosemary is a graduate of FDA’s Teacher Training Seminar led by Kyleigh Brine and is motivated and excited to be sharing her passion for dance and theater with her students. In July of 2023, she traveled to Santarém, Portugal to train and perform as a part of FDA’s artistic and cultural dance exchange with Círculo Cultural Scalabitano. Most recently, Rosemary performed as a Guest Artist in the Cal Poly Humboldt Dance Department’s spring performances of Dance Visions.
Kelsey Snyder
Kelsey was a student in the first dance class held at the Ferndale Dance Academy. She was 13 years old at the time, and it was her first dance class too. In no time, Kelsey was hooked and delved into her dance training. Within a few years, she auditioned and was accepted to Anaheim Ballet’s summer intensive. In addition, Kelsey has attended summer intensives at City Ballet of San Diego and the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop. While in high school, Kelsey began training with Laura East to become a dance instructor. Kelsey has since taught all ages, created and directed original dance productions, and stage managed recitals.