Meet Our Staff

Dana Marie, Owner

Dana Marie has been dancing since the age of four. Her professional training began at Progressive Center for Dance in Philadelphia, PA. She attended Creative and Performing Arts High-School, where she majored in dance. Dana was a member of the traveling dance team as well as an independently contracted dancer for various statewide events. As a teenager, her professional dance training was at Philadanco and Gwedolyn Bye Dance School in Philadelphia, PA. Later she went to Community College of Philadelphia and Temple University where she studied dance. Dana continuously studies dance at various dance studios to perfect her craft and increase her passion for dance. She has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln University and hopes to empower youth to find the connection between the arts and education. Dana is the proud Director of the FOCUS (Finding Our Creative Unique Self) Mentoring Program, where she combines her passion for dancing and heart for empowering youth.

Carlyn Berger, Dance Instructor

Carlyn Berger (Miss Carly) began her dance education at the Lawrenceville School of Ballet in Georgia. She later became a member of Southern Ballet Theatre, the studio’s associated pre-professional company. Carly continued her training receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance from Point Park University and her Master of Arts in Dance Education from UNCG. Carly worked as a founding member of Transit Dance Company in Nashville as well as Blue Moves Modern Dance. Carly is so grateful for her opportunity to continue to grow as an educator and share her love of dance with eager students.

Jada Barron, Dance Instructor

Jada Barron is a South Jersey-based dancer and educator with over 20 years of training across Modern, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Acro. A graduate of Rowan University (Spring 2025), she holds a degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Dance, having studied under distinguished faculty such as Larysa Columbo and Dawn Marie Bazemore.

Jada’s performance credits range from university mainstage productions and the NJ Thanksgiving Day Parade to the NJ High School Dance Festival. Currently a member of Empire Dance Company, Jada blends her technical expertise with a passion for teaching and continuous artistic growth.

Laci De Luca, Dance Instructor

With 25 years of dance experience, Laci De Luca brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for the arts to the Maple Shade community. From leading award-winning teams to performing on the big stage for ABC’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Laci’s career is fueled by versatility and joy. She has mastered and taught everything from the precision of Tap to the energy of Hip-Hop. As a member of the Amped To Dance family, Laci is thrilled to inspire her students, fostering a creative environment where dancers of every age can thrive.

Mariah Hodge, Dance Instructor

Mariah Hodge began her dance journey at the age of four, developing a diverse technical foundation in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip-Hop, African, and Pointe. After years of competitive training at Dance Sensations and Chez Dance Studio—where she rose to the rank of Senior Company member—Mariah continued her artistic exploration at Rowan University through advanced coursework and conventions. With a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Literacy Studies, Mariah uniquely bridges the gap between pedagogy and performance. She leverages her background as an educator to choreograph school productions and mentor young talent, driven by a mission to uplift and share the transformative power of dance with every student.

Rhapsody Taylor, Dance Instructor

Rhapsody Taylor is a dancer, choreographer and founder. From training with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to performing at The Apollo and BAM’s DanceAfrica, Rhapsody Taylor’s career is defined by excellence. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from UArts, she transitioned seamlessly between concert dance with Philadanco’s D2 and commercial sets in Los Angeles. A versatile artist who has shared the stage with Shaquille O’Neal and choreographed for the Roots Picnic, Rhapsody now leads RHAPSODYNAMIC, a platform dedicated to the African American experience through movement. Currently a member of Contemporary West Dance Theatre, she continues to bridge the gap between technical concert dance and commercial entertainment.

Rachel Springer, Dance Instructor

With over ten years of dance experience and two National Titles under her belt, Rachel knows what it takes to succeed on stage. Trained in everything from Acrobatics to Ballet, she transitioned from a decorated competitive career at En Pointe Dance Studio to her true calling: dance education. Now a student at Temple University majoring in Psychology, Rachel brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to every class. She is excited to share her expertise with the Amped To Dance family and help her students reach their highest potential.