Ariana is a native of Worcester, where she began dancing at the age of 18 Months. Ariana began her training at Chickee’s Dance world and simultaneously began training as a gymnast. After over 15 years of training and 5 years of competing as a gymnast she began to strictly focus on her dancing. Ariana started student teaching at the age of 11 and won her first outstanding choreography award at the age of 15. Throughout her dance career, Ariana won many overall top score awards and scholarships, along with regional and national outstanding choreography awards. In 2014, Ariana had an award named after her at Starstruck Dance Challenge for positive messages in her choreography. She is a graduate from Stonehill College with a degree in dance technique and business administration and a minor in entrepreneurship. Ariana is Artistic Director and Manager of Chickee’s Dance World – her certifications include – Acrobatic Arts Module 1, Acrobatic Arts Module 2, AcroDance Pre – School, Alixa Flexiblity Module 1, Contortion and Flexibility Workshop, AcroDance Competition Adjudicator and UDA High School & College Adjudicator. She has worked as the Head Coach for Varsity Dance Team, Varsity Cheerleading Tumbling Coach, Fitness Instructor and currently an Adjudicator for Dance Competitions and Guest Teacher for various workshops, competitions and conventions. Ariana loves dance, loves judging and sharing her passion with dancers wherever she goes!

Stephanie Dery, born and raised in Massachusetts, started dancing when she was four years old, training in ballet and jazz until finding her passion within hip hop. During high school she was invited to join the senior hip hop competition team with Miss Tanya’s School of Dance, and competed throughout New England for two seasons where they were consistently top scorers. Stephanie enjoys sharing her love of dance and participated in her high school’s STEP program by interning as a student teacher, and has since substituted for the studio Director when needed. She has trained at the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio in Boston and has performed in their repertory show for several years.

Stephanie enjoys continuing her dance education by participating in conventions such as Monsters of Hip Hop. Stephanie is a graduate of Fitchburg State University with a major in Business Management and has choreographed and taught Street classes in the University’s Dance club. She has been invited to teach master classes and workshops at studios in Central Massachusetts and is excited to join the Chickee’s Dance World faculty!

Jill Krauss has been a long time member of the CDW dance community beginning at the age of 3 when she first began her training. During her time at CDW, Jill trained in jazz, ballet and tap (her favorite). After graduating, Jill continued to support CDW by attending events and performances until it was time for her to enroll her own daughter in classes. Jill is an incredibly proud and supportive dance mom to her daughter, who is on the CDW Competition Team. Jill became the head instructor of our Itty Bitty Movers in 2021 and could not be happier. She is kind, patient and compassionate. Teaching those babies fill her with so much joy and she is so thankful for the opportunity to dance with them each and every week!

Brooklyn began dancing at Chickee’s Dance World at the age of 3 and began her competitive dance career shortly after. During her time in studio Brooklyn trained in the styles of jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop and acrobatics. She was also a member of her High School Dance Team where she trained in Pom and Kick Line. As a competitive dancer, Brooklyn competed Regionally and Nationally and attended dance conventions training under the industry’s top dancers and choreographers. At the age of 10 Brooklyn became a Junior Assistant working closely with Artistic Director Ariana, by the age of 18 she became a Junior Instructor. Brooklyn is now attending Assumption College where she is studying Sports Medicine. She loves her CDW Family and is so happy to be on staff this season!

As a dancer, Natalie has achieved many awards at both Regional and National events, including overall high score placements and regional titles: Junior, Teen, and Miss Dance of New England, as well as Miss Headliners and Hall of Fame MVP Winner. Nationally, Natalie placed 4^th Runner up for Teen Miss Dance of America and came in top 10 for Miss Dance of America. Over the years, Natalie has attended several dance and teaching conventions which has allowed her to experience many different dance styles, as well as teaching styles. She has completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2021, and now works in a biology laboratory. She was also the President and Captain of her college dance team. Natalie’s favorite part of being a dance instructor is connecting with each dancer and providing them with unique ideas and movement. Natalie enjoys the passion and freedom which dance provides her with, and she aims to share this passion with her students while helping them to grow in an encouraging environment.