STAFF

Kianna Brenneman • Owner/Director/Instructor

Miss Kianna has been immersed in dance and acrobatics since the age of three, training across a variety of styles and studying under a wide range of instructors throughout her journey. Her passion for movement began at a young age and quickly grew into a lifelong dedication to both performance and technical excellence.

Over the years, Kianna has trained in multiple studios and performance environments, developing a strong foundation in dance technique, acrobatics, and stage presence. She has competed and performed extensively, earning recognition and awards for her work and commitment to her craft. Her experience spans both recreational and competitive settings, giving her a well-rounded perspective on what it means to grow as a dancer at every level. Kianna is especially known for her discipline, artistry, and ability to connect emotionally through movement.

Kianna has also been recognized for her award-winning choreography at both the regional and national levels. Her creative work reflects her passion for storytelling through movement and her ability to create routines that are both technically strong and emotionally engaging. In addition to choreography, she has shared her knowledge and experience by teaching master classes, workshops, and clinics for dancers of varying ages and skill levels.

In addition to her dance background, Kianna also has experience in Varsity Theatre and Drama, where she further developed her skills in performance, storytelling, character work, and stage confidence. Her theatre experience has strengthened her ability to bring emotion and authenticity to every performance while helping her cultivate a strong appreciation for creativity and artistic expression both on and off the stage.

Beyond her achievements, Kianna is deeply passionate about sharing what she has learned with the next generation of dancers. She believes dance is not only about technique, but also about confidence, expression, and resilience—values she continues to carry into her teaching and creative work.

Kianna’s journey reflects years of dedication, growth, and love for the art of dance, shaping her into both a skilled performer and an inspiring mentor.

Miss Madison • Ballet/Pointe Instructor

With 13 years of dance training, Madison has cultivated a strong foundation in ballet, contemporary, and musical theater with an emphasis on proper technique and musicality. Originally from Washington, she trained at Harbor Dance Company before relocating to Connecticut in 2019 to continue her education at the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance.

Throughout her training, she has had the opportunity to work under instructors and dancers affiliated with the Seattle Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, gaining valuable insight into classical and contemporary performance styles. Her performance experience includes excerpts from renowned productions such as Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Wizard of Oz.

While ballet has remained her primary focus, her versatility across multiple styles has helped shape her into a dynamic and expressive performer dedicated to both artistry and technical excellence.

Gaige Smith • Summer Intensive Instructor

With 10 years of competitive dance experience, Gaige Smith brings both passion and dedication to every class he teaches at The Dance Elements and Acrobatics. This fall, he will continue his dance journey as a member of the University of Connecticut Dance Team, combining his love for performance with his commitment to higher education.

A proud member of the National Honor Society, Gaige strongly believes in the importance of hard work, discipline, and balance both in dance and academics. Throughout his competitive career, he has earned numerous overall high score awards, title placements, and scholarships, showcasing his dedication to technical excellence and artistic growth. Known for his strong work ethic, determination, expressive performance quality, and technical skill, Gaige is excited to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers. He looks forward to sharing his passion for dance and helping students grow in confidence, artistry, and performance at The Dance Elements and Acrobatics.

Miss Kylie • Tap/Unified Dance Instructor/Studio Media

Miss Kylie began dancing at a young age and spent many years training and performing alongside her sister, Miss Kianna. Throughout her dance journey, she developed a strong passion for rhythm, performance, and artistry, with a special love for tap dancing. Her dedication to the style led to multiple first place wins for her tap performances at competitions, reflecting both her technical skill and stage presence.

After graduating, Kylie spent several years teaching dance and sharing her passion with young dancers before stepping away from the dance world to pursue a career in healthcare as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). Through her work as an OTA, she has been able to help individuals across the lifespan build confidence, independence, and meaningful life skills. She also brings this experience into the studio as the instructor for TDE’s Unified Dance class, a program designed for dancers with disabilities that focuses on creativity, movement, confidence, and inclusion in a supportive environment.

In addition to teaching and mentoring dancers, Miss Kylie plays a major role behind the scenes at TDE. She manages much of the studio’s background and creative work, including website updates, graphic creation, promotional materials, and document design. With over seven years of experience in graphic design and print production, she brings both creativity and professionalism to every aspect of the studio’s branding and communication.

Miss Kylie is passionate about creating a welcoming and encouraging environment where dancers feel supported, inspired, and confident. Through both her teaching and creative work, she strives to help every student grow not only as a dancer, but also in confidence, self-expression, and individuality.

Jeremy "J-Rock" Wheat • Hip-Hop Instructor

Miss Charlotte • Recreational/Dance Discovery Instructor

Miss Charlotte has been dancing since the age of 3 and has spent most of her life developing her passion for dance while sharing that love with others.

A 2025 graduate of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, she currently works as a Certified Nursing Assistant while continuing her dance career and pursuing her passion for teaching.

Charlotte has been teaching dance for three years and has assisted classes since she was 12 years old. She believes that dance is for everyone and is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive environment where dancers can build confidence, develop strong skills, and most importantly, have fun. Her goal is to help each student discover their unique style through movement while fostering a lifelong love of dance.

Known for her caring and encouraging nature, Charlotte values every student as both a dancer and an individual. She strives to make each class a place where dancers feel comfortable taking risks, growing their abilities, and celebrating their accomplishments.

Several of her choreographed routines have earned First Place Overall awards, along with Special Judges Awards at competition. Charlotte especially enjoys working with recreational dancers, helping them strengthen their technique, gain confidence, and reach their full potential both in and out of the studio.

COMING SOON