Meet Dee
Dee Okoth (Often referred to as: Miss Dee, Miss D, Miss DeeDee, Mrs. O) is the founder and head Instructor of Rise Up Dance Community. Learning dance from a young age and dancing throughout many dance studios in advanced competition teams- her career in teaching began with working at a Non Profit after- school program for African Refugee students, teaching Hip Hop. She greatly enjoys watching her students build confidence within themselves, and helping them find the style and level of dance that makes them happy. Being a Dance Instructor for the past seven years in the Worcester and Greater Boston areas - in May 2021 she officially decided it was time to establish the ideal studio. Having years of experience with multiple dance studios, dance programs, and after schools programs- she has experienced the ins and outs - the pros the cons - and everything in between. Believing the average dance studio is overdue for a change- Dee has implemented these key points into RUDC. Adding Culture and History into her teachings, a community based atmosphere where all ages and levels feel welcome, and the strive to make RUDC the place where everyone has the opportunity to dance. Dee has also traveled globally - Uganda, Morocco, Ghana, and Haiti to name a few, spreading her love of dance as far and wide as she can. To learn even more, send us a message!
Meet Dennis
Mr. Dennis is a big help behind the scenes of RUDC. With everything from helping out at the studio and events, to popping into Hip Hop classes for a game, or being Santa at our Winter Showcase.. he can do it all. Originally from Nairobi Kenya, Dennis has lived in Massachusetts for many years as a Tennis Coach. Did you know? Mr. Dennis and Miss Dee got married in 2020!
Meet Ria
Ria is our Saturday Assistant for all ages 3 through 5 classes!
Now in her Senior year of Highschool, she is back for her second season with us!
As a child, she took Bollywood dance classes, and since has enjoyed learning other styles of dance. Ria made the High School Varsity Dance Team where she performed and competed last year. Now, she dances every chance she gets! Ria loves working with children, and hopes that every RUDC student can learn to share her love and passion for dancing. Motto: Keep on smiling.
Ashlyn (they/them) is back for their second season! Ashlyn has been dancing for 15 years, and is so excited to use everything they've learned, to help RUDC's students grow to be the best dancers they can be. You may catch Ashlyn assisting, subbing, at the front desk, amoung many other things!
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Meet Ashlyn
Meet Julia
Miss Julia is one of our 8th grade dancers, who is now our newest Assistant! Julia is full of positivity, and is a great addition to our Crew. Catch her assisting our Tuesday ages 3 through 5 students!
Meet Kim
Miss Kim is a part of the behind the scenes of RUDC. Especially known as our "Raffle Queen", she runs our Raffle Table at our Recitals. You may also catch Kim helping run some of our Birthday Parties and events! Her favorite style of dance is Tap, and she greatly looks forward to seeing our dancers perform each year on the big stage with their new skills and amazing costumes.
Meet Nick
Nick is a part of our behind the scenes at RUDC, such as being our videographer at every end of season Recital. He always captures the best videos for us to have to remember the special day. We love Nick's humor and he's a great addition to our Crew!
Meet Zoey
While you most likely will never see Zoey at the studio, she sure is a part of the behind the scenes! Zoey loves getting involved with all the paperwork at the home office set-up, and treats it as her throne.
Her favorite part of the dance season is when costumes arrive, so she can play in all the boxes.