Faculty

Miss Cathy Mae’s dream has come true! Over 20 years ago, Cathy Mae Cavanaugh helped her dance teachers open Turning Pointe – A Dance Studio in Longwood, Fl. She has been a huge part of the dance studio ever since and in 2013 she took ownership of Turning Pointe! Her love for dance and teaching children are apparent within the first few minutes of every class. She is a compassionate teacher and her students adore her. She is always there to listen and support them outside the walls of Turning Pointe. “What I teach these children goes beyond pointing their toes. I love to help them grow as people. They learn to be responsible, loving, caring, dependable human beings.” Says, Cathy Mae.

Cathy Mae Cavanaugh graduated from Bishop Moore Catholic High School and continued her education at Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology in 2002. Go Knight’s! She grew up dancing in the Orlando Area and competed through high school. She has worked with community theatres as lead choreographer and co-director on shows such as, Alice In Wonderland, Annie Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., Fiddler on the Roof, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes just to name a few. She has attended dance teacher conferences, summits and workshops throughout her career as a dance teacher. Cathy Mae believes that “Today’s dream is tomorrow’s dream come true. I hope all my students past, present and future know that they should never give up. Dreams can become a reality.”

Angela Kenski has been a part of the Turning Pointe family since it opened. She started as a twinkler and worked her way up in the STARS program. She competed until she was 18 winning multiple dance awards. After she graduated from Lake Brantley High School she started teaching and continued to for 5 years. After Two years of living in New York, she is back and ready for a great year. Her specialty areas are Jazz and Lyrical.

While attending Lake Brantley, she was a member of the varsity dance team for 4 years as well as captain for 2. This included a large variety of styles of dance including: kick, pom, jazz funk, military commands and others. While being a member of the team she also choreographed many routines which when on to place at state competitions and even won choreography awards. After graduating she continued to help coach for two years after.

Outside of dance Angela enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is continuing her education at Seminole State College in the early childhood education field with a minor in Business. She is also a teachers assistant at Annunciation Catholic Academy. She loves seeing the dancers grow up at Turning Pointe, and is so honored to be apart of it!

Danielle Justine has found her calling and is overjoyed to be living it out as the Artistic Director at Turning Pointe - A Dance Studio. At the impressionable age of seven, Danielle began dancing. She fell in love, and since then she has never looked back. She was a standout competitive dancer at Showtime (III & Central) and Xtreme Dance Studio, where she trained under the direc-tion of Sheri Metcalf. Danielle gained an abundance of experience in the dance world. She was a back-up dancer for Colby O’Donis, performed with The Harlem Globe Trotters and Lithiuanian, danced in an opening routine for Paul Mitchell, and even had her first gig in Downtown Disney at the ambitious age of 12.

Those formative years of competitive dance and performance are what helped to instill the pas-sion and drive Danielle brings to her artistry. She discovered early on that she was a choreogra-pher and has dedicated herself to honing her craft. Over the past 12 years Danielle has devel-oped a unique approach to composing dances, which is rooted in her ingenious philosophy. She thrives on creating a vision, sitting in the background, and incorporating the collaborative minds of her dancers. Danielle believes strongly in authentic develop when she is choreographing.

Danielle’s love for imagining and executing an artistic vision through dance, is highlighted in her various awards and recognitions. Some of her proud moments include receiving the Choreogra-phy Award for the pieces: Fix You, Escalate, I Found, Fortunate Son, Heroes, The Night We Met, Burden Down, Surrender and Skin. Danielle’s work earned her Starbound National Grand Champion four years in a row: Escalate (2018), Chasing Cars (2019), Heroes (2020), and Fu-ture Rising (2021). And at the Showstoppers 2020 Southern Finals, Burden Down won the title of American Dance Champion!

Danielle Justine believes that competitive dance is not just physical; it’s a mental game. She re-lays such gems to her students each and every day. So when she’s using “tough” talk, which MIGHT result in bruised feelings, just know, she is building tough skin! She is building work ethic. She is building resilience! These are the qualities that will take young dancers remarkably far! Danielle knows that Dance is ever-evolving; she teaches her dancers to be strong, flexible, and versatile, both bodily and mentally.

Miss Darlene has been dancing since the age of 3. She studied in New Jersey at The Joe Ruddy School of the Dance. She took classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Acro, Hawaiian and her favorite style, Tap. Darlene also studied dance in New York with members of the cast of Cats and 42nd St. In High School, Darlene was in the cast of her high school’s productions of The Best of Broadway and The King and I. She was also a contestant in the Miss Union County Pageant in New Jersey, a preliminary pageant to Miss America. She performed a Tap Solo and placed in the Top 5.

Darlene attended college at Kean University in New Jersey and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. She currently teaches 1st grade and was awarded “Catholic Educator of the Year” in 2018.

Darlene is married to her husband Michael and they have 2 children, Jamie and Jason. Fun Fact: Darlene and Michael met tap dancing together. She joined the Turning Pointe family as a parent in 2000 when Jamie first began Miss Cathy Mae’s Special Combo class and the rest, as they say, is history. She taught Zumba at Turning Pointe from 2016-2019 and has been teaching Tap and Special Combo Classes since 2014. Miss Darlene says, “I can’t imagine teaching dance anywhere else.”

Teaching young children has always been Darlene’s passion, and she is so happy to do that and share her love of dance, as well.

“Life is better when you dance.”

Marie Wiley was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y. She has been dancing since the age of 5. She attended Brockport State University of New York. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dance. She is a former NFL Buffalo Jills cheerleader, and also an AFL Orlando Predators cheerleader.

Marie has been teaching and mentoring children of all ages for both recreational and competitive groups since she was teenager. She has taught locally here in Orlando for Showtime Dance Studio, Dance Centers of Orlando and has now found her home at Turning Point A Dance Studio.

Her passion for teaching has also lead her to become a school teacher for grades K-3. She currently teaches at The Crenshaw School. She continues to bring her love of dance into the academic world by coaching her dance team called "The Crenshaw Dance Stars."

Marie has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, and musical theatre. Her choreography has earned her multiple awards such as outstanding and most creative choreography just to name a few.

Miss "Aunt" Becky retired after 37 years of service from the US Department of Agriculture/NASS (National Agriculture Statistics Service). Upon her retirement, she joined her niece, Miss Cathy Mae's Dance Studio! She found it to be an easy transition because of the friendly and professional atmosphere.

Becky works in the office with the Accounts Receivable. She answers the phone and returns messages.

As a side job, you can find her helping children with their homework. She says, "I tell the kids math is like dance, the more you practice the better you get!"

Jamie Jacoby has been a part of the Turning Pointe Family for as long as she can remember. She began dancing at the age of 2 ½. When she came to Turning Pointe as a young dancer, Miss Cathy Mae was her teacher! She loves being able to teach and choreograph at the studio she grew up dancing at.

When Jamie was 7 years old, she became a Twinkler and began her journey as a competition dancer. She competed with Turning Pointe for 12 years, until she graduated high school in 2012. She was a part of many award-winning routines and attended many conventions and competitions throughout the state of Florida. Jamie was also a West Coast Dance Explosion scholarship recipient, an all-star dancer in the Opening Number at Hall of Fame Nationals, part of the Most Dancers on Pointe World Record, and was able to take classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York City while she was a member of the Turning Pointe competition team. While Jamie was in high school, she was also co-captain of Wekiva High School’s Dance Company. This opportunity allowed her to choreograph various routines, perform at different school events, and participate in the All-County dance program.

After Jamie graduated high school, she attended college at the Florida State University (Go Noles!) where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree at the University of Central Florida. She loves working with kids. Before coming to the studio to teach each day, Jamie works as a first grade teacher in Orange County Public Schools. Earlier this year, she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for being an outstanding classroom teacher.

Jamie thinks it is cool that she started as a Twinkler and now works closely with the current group of Twinklers! Her experience in different styles allows her to teach a variety of classes and choreograph routines for our STARS competition team. Jamie loves being a part of the Turning Pointe faculty and continue to share her passion for dance with others.

Kelli grew up dancing at Turning Pointe at the age of 2, started competing for the STARS Competition Team at 5 years old. She continued through her Senior year of high school to count for 16 years of training at Turning Pointe. At her time competing with Turning Pointe she has won a multitude of scholarships, overalls, and judges awards at conventions and competitions. Kelli was awarded the “Future Star Award” and featured in Dance Spirit Magazine in 2017.

Kelli traveled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic on Mission trips for 1 summer with 3D Missions and 2 summers to Footprints of the Son, where she danced and helped the communities in many ways. She was also on Lake Brantley High School Dance Team.

Kelli went onto Florida State University where she became a Florida State Golden Girl. She performed on the sidelines of FSU football, basketball, and volleyball. She competed at UDA Nationals with her team where they are consistently ranked top in the country. She graduated July of 2021 with her Masters in Business Marketing from FSU. She is so excited to be back to her home.

Bio coming soon.

Jaliyah “Juicy” Kersten has been dancing for the past 15 years and is trained in a plethora of styles including ballet, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, latin, modern, kick, pom, and tap. Recently she was a finalist on SYTYCD the new season until they cancelled it due to COVID. Jaliyah was a part of Immabeast and Immabreathe as well as traveled and assisted for many different dance conventions including Intrigue and Step It Up in LA. Jaliyah began choreographing national championship routines as the early age of 13 years old. She now travels across the country choreographing for many studios, high schools and Bowl games. Jaliyah also sets award winning solos on dancers of all ages within any style listed. She presently coaches for the National Championship team Lake Mary Marionettes and is their lead choreographer. “Juicy” is known for bringing her flavor to the stage, her students and her choreography!

Alexis Furness is a performer and educator residing in Orlando, Florida. Originally from Sunrise, Florida, she began her dance training at the age of three. She went on to graduate with a B.F.A. in Modern Dance Performance from the University of South Florida, where she spent June 2013 studying abroad in Paris, France. Upon graduation, she went on to perform with various dance companies across Florida, teach and share her dance education at many studios. Alexis then performed on cruise ships and at various theme parks. Her professional experience includes Norwegian Cruise Lines, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, and more. As a member of the Actor's Equity Association, she is currently entertaining as a dancer in “Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage” and "Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire" at Walt Disney World. The more Alexis learns the more she wants to create and perform to share her joy for the art of dance with others.

Brittany Shore has been a part of the Turning Pointe Family since 2005. She started with recreational class before joining the STARS competition team in 2007. She competed with us until she graduated from Lyman high school. Brittany attended FAU in Boca Raton, receiving a bachelor's degree in Education and Leadership Studies. Throughout her 4 years she would travel home to attend competitions, winter performances, recitals, and to make sure the girls' hair was always ready to go!

While growing up in the studio, Brittany was either taking classes or assisting classes. She was always wanting to help the younger dancers. Her passion has always been working with children of all ages.

Outside of dance Brittany works for Orange County Public Schools in the ESE field. Brittany is also a part of nonprofit organization known as Footprints of the Son, located in Haiti. She makes yearly visits to lend a hand in their outreach and school program.

Marie Wiley was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y. She has been dancing since the age of 5. She attended Brockport State University of New York. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dance. She is a former NFL Buffalo Bills (Jills) cheerleader, and also an AFL Orlando Predators cheerleader.

Marie has been teaching and mentoring children of all ages for both recreational and competitive groups since she was teenager. She has taught locally here in Orlando for Showtime Dance Studio, Dance Centers of Orlando and has now found her home at Turning Pointe- A Dance Studio.

Her passion for teaching has also lead her to become a school teacher for grades K-3. She currently teaches at The Crenshaw School. She continues to bring her love of dance into the academic world by coaching her dance team called "The Crenshaw Dance Stars."

Marie has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, and musical theatre. Her choreography has earned her multiple awards such as outstanding and most creative choreography just to name a few.

Bio coming soon

Jessy Lay has been dancing since she was 1.5 years old training in all styles. She then decided to compete when she was 13. Jessy joined the Turning Pointe - A Dance Studio family at the age of 15 and has been here ever since. Jessy was trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, and Hip Hop. During her senior year she was offered a teaching job and took it with no hesitation. Jessy has always wanted to impact young dancers and touch their hearts. She now is seizing her opportunity as the youngest current staff member at Turning Pointe - A Dance Studio! Miss Jessy is currently teaching Hip Hop, Jazz, and Lyrical. She also assists/teaches with the Artistic Director, Ms. Danielle Justine. Jessy is excited to see where this new journey will take her.

Bio coming soon