Our Instructors

Our dance instructors are the best in the South Coast area! Meet them below:

  • Jennifer Dion – Ballet/Pointe Teacher
    Jen has been with SDS for 15 years and danced at Kristine’s School of Dance. In her younger years she attended Cheryl McCormack’s School of Dance in New Bedford.
    Originally from New Bedford,  Jen is the daughter of the late Louise and Normand Dion and is a graduate of New Bedford High School.
    At SDS, she has choreographed the advanced Pointe class for the last 8 years. She is very focused, has patience, and contributes her strong technique background to her classes. 
    This is  Jen’s last year at SDS.  She is my very good friend and I have valued her business opinion on many occasions. She has supported me and SDS since the beginning and, as a teacher, has especially contributed to my Ballet and Pointe classes. Jen will always be a part of our dance family and we wish her the best of luck.

 

  • Nicole Gonsalves Hip Hop/Ballet Teacher
    Nicole has been with Susan’s Dance Studio since day one, September 11, 1995! Prior to that she was also a student at Kristine’s School of Dance where she started at 2 years old! She began assisting at SDS when she was 15. Now she’s 23, and teaching two Hip Hop classes a week and assisting me in other classes. As a dancer Nicole has a natural talent and is especially versed in Ballet, Pointe, and Hip Hop. She is currently taking class at the Fall River Dance Academy and brings new and exciting ideas to our classes. Nicole is my very good friend and continues to contribute to the growth of Susan’s Dance Studio. Nicole is the daughter of Gil and Lori Gonsalves of Rochester and currently works as a hairdresser at Sensations in New Bedford.

 

  • Joel Lombard
    SDS welcomed Joel Lombard on board this year to teach a Poppin’ n Wavin’ class with boys and girls! Joel started dancing 3 years ago at age 17. He’s self taught in Poppin’ and Wavin, performing in street shows and in local charities at the YMCA. He also choreographs and teaches workshops at local high schools. Joel is originally from Mattapoisett and graduated from Old Rochester High School in 2007.

 

  • Breanne Sanchez
    Breanne Sanchez started dancing at SDS when she was 8 years old and continued until she was 13. She is now 18 years old and has come back to teach west-coast style hip hop. Breanne has such a natural talent and has studied with many well known artists from California, such as, Maura Edwards, Nick Demoura, Rhapsody, and Dave Scott to name a few. She is the daughter of Maureen Sanchez and is a senior at New Bedford High School. Upon graduation Breanne is hoping to further her education in dance and is currently looking at numerous schools in California.

 

 

 

  • Elizabeth Martin
    Elizabeth started at SDS when she was three and she has certainly come a long way! She is versed in all areas of dance and is currently assisting in a ballet/hip hop class.
    Elizabeth, both as a teacher and student, brings more than her talent to her classes. She has a great personality and sense of humor and has a wonderful repor with the kids. Elizabeth always brings a smile and laughter to the classroom and it has been a pleasure having her at SDS for the past 12 years.
    Elizabeth is the daughter of Bob and Diane Martin of New Bedford and is currently a senior at Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth.
  • Bianca Veiria
    Bianca has been a student at SDS for ten years and currently assists Susan in two classes; ballet/hip hop and jazz/tap. She is a very mature and confident young lady who is certainly very capable at commanding the class room. She is vocal, organized, and is always a step ahead.
    As a dancer, Bianca has taken jazz, tap, ballet, and pointe. She is very talented in ballet and is so beautiful to watch on stage. Bianca is the daughter of Franco and Goretti Veiria of New Bedford and is currently a Senior at New Bedford High School.