Our Staff

Top Row From Left To Right: Miss Karen, Miss Deanna, Miss Michelle, Miss Judie, and Miss Gail. Bottom Row From Left To Right: Miss Jackie, Miss Bernadette, Miss Cheryl, Miss Gretchen, and Miss Meredith. Not Pictured: Miss Bonnie & Miss Dawn.

KAREN HALE-ASSANTE, OUR DIRECTOR, is an active member of Dance Educators of America, Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, as well as the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Dancing since the age of 2, she is a veteran performer and instructor with an excellent foundation and D.E.A. Certifications in all phases of dance. Most recently, Miss Karen has been serving the NJ Dance Community as a Member of The Board of Directors of the Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey.

OUR FACULTY is comprised of well trained teachers with extensive credentials who are interested in developing the overall talent and ability of each student. They are available to to answer any and all inquiries you might have with regard to your (or your child's) dance education and training.

OUR OFFICE STAFF is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns that you might have. We are extraordinarily proud to have the most knowledgeable, caring, and mature office staff in the area.

SHALL WE GET MORE PERSONAL???

Hi I'm MISS BERNADETTE...I have been teaching dance for over 30 years. I have been a member of the New Jersey Ballet Company, I understudied with Jeoffrey Co., worked with the North Jersey Operetta Guild, and did summer stock, where I performed in such musicals as: Carousel, Cole Porter's Can Can, Carnival, Gypsy, Lil Abner, South Pacific, the Boyfriend and more. But the best years have been the last Twelve as a staff member here at Mary Lou Hale's School of Dance!

Hi I'm MISS BONNIE...I started learning gymnastics at age 4 at Sussex Dance and Gymnastics in Hopatcong. By age 16, I was well on my way in helping others lean the great art of gymnstics through teaching. Prior to leaving Sussex Dance and Gymnastics in 1998, I was teaching a wide range of children ages 3-16. I first learned about Mary Lou Hale's School of Dance through my former director, Joan Kressman who was a childhood friend of our very own Miss Mary Lou. I became part of the Mary Lou team in the fall of 1998 and recently marked my 14th year here. I am Gymnastics Safety Certified, Rutgers Safety Certified, Cheer Safety Certified as well as Certified in Coaching Artistic Gymnastic Levels 1-3. I have also obtained my Re-Certification in First Aid and CPR as well as becoming certified in Competition Gymnastics Levels 4-6.

Hi I'm MISS CHERYL...I teach Zumba here at Mary Lou's. I'm a full-time mom of two and I can truthfully say that Zumba gave me back my mojo!! Almost three years ago, I took my first Zumba class and my lifelong love of dance was reawakened. The music and movement is inspired by international rhythms, so it transports you around the world, from here to Cuba, to India, to Africa, to Mexico, and back again. One year and 20 pounds later, I got certified to teach Zumba so I could spread the joy of dancing myself. And I love teaching at Mary Lou's because everyone here shares that joy! I'm happiest when I see my class smiling and laughing while their sweat is dripping and their bodies are working! Whether you're in your 20s or your 80s, a beginner or lifelong dancer, you can get your Zumba groove on. Come join me and get your feet stomping, your hips shaking, and your heart pumping! I'm a certified Zumba Instructor (ZIN) and a certified Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA).

Hi I'm MISS DAWN...I have been dancing since I was 3, and have spent more than 25 years dancing and more than 15 years teaching at Mary Lou's. I earned my B.A. in Theatre Arts from Drew University, where I served as the President of the Drew Dance Club for two years. I am an experienced dancer, choreographer, director, singer, and actress, having performed in more than 30 shows at semi-professional, community and university-based theatres throughout the state. As a dance teacher certified by the Dance Educators of America and the Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey, I am dedicated to advancing my student's capabilities and self-esteem through sharing my love of dance.

Hi I'm MISS DEANNA...I have been dancing since the age of 3 and could not imagine my life without dance in it. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance and am a current member of Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey. I have dance, teaching, and choreography experience in many forms of dance including tap, ballet and jazz. I love dancing and I love teaching others to dance. The enjoyment in watching a student learn and master a new step makes it all worth it. I have been teaching here at Mary Lou Hale's School of Dance for seven years. I have taught at various studios, but none of them compare to Mary Lou Hale's. We are more than a studio...we are family. I hope that you will consider being part of our dance family!

Hi I’m MISS GAIL. I am the founder and former owner/director of the Gail De Santis’ Dance & Performing Arts Studios. After running a successful dancing school for over 40 years, I decided to sell my business, but continue with my teaching and choreographing. I am honored to again be a part of the dynamic, dedicated teaching staff at Mary Lou Hale’s.

I met Mary Lou in 1991 and we became instant friends. We shared the same love of dance, teaching and the joy of sharing the passion for dance and performance with our students. She invited me to be a guest teacher at her school whenever I had a few extra hours. I immediately loved teaching at Mary Lou’s and felt as at home there as I did in my own school. Everyone was and still is part of a big happy family.

I am a certified member of Dance Educators of America, Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey and a past member of Dance Masters of America and the Professional Dance Teachers Association. I am on the Board of Directors of Associated Dance Teachers of NJ and also the faculty coordinator.

I have studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and theater dance and continually study in NYC and at dance teacher workshops and conventions to ensure my students of the best possible dance education.

In addition to choreographing and performing in my own shows, I have choreographed many High School Musicals, Little Theater Productions and charity performances.

I am proud of all of my students and especially those that have become successful dance teachers and/or performers.

I love teaching dance to all ages – beginners through advanced. I especially like to teach Theater Dance, Jazz, Tap and Lyrical. I adore performing and sharing the joy and excitement of dance. I doubt if I will ever stop dancing and still feel as delighted as a child whenever taking class. HAPPY DANCING!

Hi I'm MISS GRETCHEN...I never had any dance lessons as a child I just knew I liked to dance at parties or weddings. I didn't know or care if I was good, I just liked dancing. About 15 years ago my girlfriend got me interested in going to a dance class she knew about in West Orange and I was there for 3 years. My girlfriend moved so I stopped going there. Then about 10 years ago I was interested in signing up my daughter for a class and low and behold Miss Mary Lou found out that I had danced and right there before I knew it, I was signed up for a class too. As for getting my wonderful job at Mary Lou's, I was waiting for my daughter to get out of her class and a little girl in the class lost a tooth. She was frantic because of the blood. I stepped in and calmed her down because my mothering instinct kicked in. I can't stand to see a child upset or hurt so I'm always trying to help. So the next week Miss Mary Lou asked me if I would be interested in being an assistant in the pre-school and combination classes. I thought about it and said yes and I'm so glad I did. The teaching staff here at Mary Lou's are so wonderful! We really have a wonderful relationship as co-workers. I've met so many wonderful parents and children through the years too. Being a mother, I think gives me an edge on helping to teach and it's been fun to watch all of them grow up. Having two adults in the class for the little ones' first years, I think really helps them adjust in the class as well as being apart from their mom for the first time. So the lesson here is that you're never too old to start dancing.

Hi, I’m MISS JACKIE…My Mom enrolled me in ballet at the age of 5. I can remember the excitement I felt every Saturday morning. I couldn’t wait to get into my dance clothes and get to ballet class. That excitement and enthusiasm continued as I danced and competed through my childhood and teen years. Today, I experience that same excitement driving to May Lou Hale’s where I have had the honor of teaching Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, and ABSolute Body Sculpting for the last thirteen years. Additionally, I am assisting Miss Bonnie in the Wednesday tumbling class! A former cheerleader and tumbler myself, this placement as assistant teacher to Miss Bonnie is the perfect fit! I am a graduate of NPTI, National Personal Training Institute where I received a diploma in personal training and nutrition, and certification in personal training, first aid and CPR. My love of dance and enthusiasm for fitness come together in teaching each class to help motivate students to reap the benefit of daily physical activity as well as understand its role in enhancing their dance training and all around well being.

Hi, I'm MISS JUDIE...I have been dancing at Mary Lou's for more than 30 years and I became a staff member over 20 years ago. When I'm not teaching dance, I am a Certified Teacher for Head Start in East Orange, NJ. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Montclair State University, am CPR Certified, and certified by the Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey.

Hi, I'm MISS KAREN...I literally grew up at Mary Lou's; it is my home away from home. I am honored to be able to walk in my mother's footsteps in order to carry on her hopes, dreams, and traditions here at Mary Lou's. Of course, I couldn't do any of it without our wonderful family of dancers, parents, staff, friends, and alumni who I get to share the joy of dance with everyday! I am truly grateful to you all!

Hi, I'm MISS MEREDITH...I am a graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have been dancing since I was three years old and danced competitively in my childhood. After dancing at another dance studio, I found a home at Mary Lou Hale's in 1996 and have been teaching here for more than 8 years. I feel that Mary Lou's is not just a place you take dance lessons, it's a place that becomes a part of you and enhances your passion for dance. I am proud to be a member of the teaching staff here at Mary Lou's and hope to influence young dancers the way that my instructors influenced me and helped me to develop my love of dance.

Hi I'm MISS MICHELLE...I have been dancing at the studio since 1991 taking classes in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop. I have been teaching children's classes and part of the office staff since 1998. I have an AS in Early Childhood Education and also took classes in jazz, modern, and ballet at County College of Morris. I have taken many workshops through Broadway Dance Center, Associated Dance Teachers of NJ, and the Dance Teacher Magazine Conference. In my spare time, I can be found relaxing on the beach or playing several sports including soccer, softball, volleyball, or bowling.