Meet Dee!
Dee Okoth (Often referred to as: Ms. Dee, Miss D, Miss DeeDee) is the founder of Rise Up Dance Community, and Instructor of all our classes. Growing up loving dance - she always wished she could have found a dance studio that celebrated students the way they already are - focusing on having fun and being part of an uplifting community. Teaching in the Worcester and Greater Boston areas for 8 years through different dance studios, she decided it was time to take a chance to create a better dance environment. In May of 2021 she opened RUDC and began creating our welcoming, inclusive, diverse - and fun Community. Before opening RUDC, Dee greatly enjoyed working with African Refugee students as an after-school dance teacher, and working in home health aid. She loves camping, spending time with her family, and the color yellow. Her favorite part about teaching? Watching her students confidence bloom. Dee is always up for a chat, and loves the connections she's created with our dance families. Make sure to introduce yourself.. but she will probably start talking to you first.
Meet Dennis!
Dennis Okoth (Mr. Dennis) is our biggest supporter. Whether he's dressed as Santa for a Winter Showcase, setting up at Recital, leading games at our Halloween Parties.. he's our guy! (Fun facts.. Dennis and Ms. Dee got married in 2020! Make sure to say hi if you see him around!
Meet Ria!
Ria Padayachee (Miss Ria) is one of our Teacher Assistants and Substitute Teacher! This is her third year with us, and you will primarily catch her working with our age 3-5 and grade 1-3 students. Ria loves working with children, and hopes that every RUDC student can learn to share her love and passion for dancing. As a child, Ria took Bollywood dance classes, and since - has enjoyed learning many other dance styles. Her motto? Keep on smiling. Ria is a Freshman at Framingham State University, likes the color green, and loves to travel.
Say hi!
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Meet Julia!
Julia Daloisio (Miss Julia) is one of our Teacher Assistants! This is her second year Assisting, and third year dancing with us. You will catch Julia Assisting our age 3-5 Ballet/Hip Hop students. She loves working with our youngest dancers, bringing positivity and open arms. Julia is a Freshman at Algonquin High School, likes the color purple, and enjoys acting in her schools plays. Say hey!
Meet Zianna!
Zianna Odogwu (Zianna) is one of our Teacher Assistants!
This is her second year with us, and you will catch her working with our Saturday age 3-5 Hip Hop students. She enjoys working with children, and likes to make learning fun. Zianna is a Senior at Framingham High School, enjoys working at a local daycare, loves biology, and enjoys going on walks. We know you'll love her! Say hello!
Meet Sammy!
Sammy Silk (Sammy, Miss Sammy) is one of our Teacher Assistants! This is her second year with us as an Assistant and dancer. You will catch her working primarily with our age 3-5 and grade 1-3 students.. but she has been known to move around and help in multiple settings! She is a burst of sunshine, and has sincere care for all our dancers. Sammy is a Senior at Framingham High School, started dance at age 14, has had many pets (over 20!), and will be starting her journey to become a Doctor this coming Fall. She will be off to Drexel University, where she will also be minoring in Dance.
Say hi!
Meet Isabella!
Isabella Dallas (Isabella, Miss Izzy, Miss Iza) is one of our Teacher Assistants! This is her first year Assisting. You will catch her Assisting our Saturday age 3-5 Hip Hop class. She enjoys combining her love of working with children with her love of dance. Isabella is a Freshman at Algonquin High School, likes the color purple, and plays three sports! Make sure to say hey!
Meet Tessa!
Tessa Lillie (Tessa) is one of our Teacher Assistants! This is her first year Assisting, and fourth year dancing with us. You will catch her working with our age 3-5 students in Ballet/Tap. Tessa enjoys dancing multiple styles, and is a competitive swimmer. We know you will love her! Say hi!
Meet Vivian!
Vivian DeAntonio (Vivian) is one of our Teacher Assistants! This is her first year Assisting, and fourth year dancing with us. You will catch her Assisting our Grades 1-3 weekday Hip Hop class, where she always brings her fun and caring personality. Vivian's favorite dance style is Tap, she enjoys acting in school plays, and plays soccer. Make sure to say hey!
Meet Maddie!
Maddie Odgren (Maddie) is one of our Teacher Assistants! This is her first year Assisting, and fourth year dancing with us. She works with our Grades 1-3 Ballet/Tap students. Maddie is sweet and friendly, and we're glad to have her start her Assistant journey this year! Say hello!
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. Zoey is also our Snow Day announcer! Keep a lookout for our Instagram stories for when there's a Snow Day! Say meow!
