Meet the Faculty

Jennifer Loterzo is a highly accomplished dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner with over 29 years of experience in the dance industry. She is a graduate of George Mason University, with a B.A. Honors Degree in Dance and Studio Management.  While at GMU, she was on the Massonette Dance Team and a member of the GMU Dance Company.

Upon graduation from GMU, Jennifer became the owner and director of Dance and Theatre Unlimited, school of dance, in Powhatan, VA from 1998 – 2004.  In 2004, Jennifer moved in closer to home and became the owner and director of Premiere Dance Academy in Chesterfield County.  This will be her 29th year as a dance studio owner and dance educator.

She has won countless awards for her outstanding choreography and teaching excellence.  Jennifer was recognized in the November 2015 national publication of Dance Studio Life Magazine for her methods of incorporating dance history into the dance classroom.

Jennifer is a certified instructor in Alixa Flexibility (Module 1), specializing in safe, effective flexibility training for dancers, and Progressing Ballet Technique, an innovative program that develops strength, alignment, muscle memory, and injury prevention. She also holds extensive certifications through Acrobatic Arts, including Module 1, Module 2, Aerials, Back Handsprings, AcroDance Preschool, 2nd A.C.T., AcroFlex, and AcroDance Competition Adjudication, equipping her to teach acro dance with a strong emphasis on proper technique, safety, and progressive skill development while also evaluating competitive performances. 

In addition, Jennifer is a Mental Wellness Certified Dance Adjudicator through Danscend, reflecting her commitment to providing constructive, supportive feedback that prioritizes dancers' well-being alongside artistic excellence. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Jennifer is also an alumna of Karida Griffith's Tap Teacher Lounge, an advanced professional development program focused on tap pedagogy, artistry, and teaching excellence. 

In 2023, Jennifer joined the judging faculty for Ignite Dance Competition, where she evaluates dancers and studios from across the country. Known for her thoughtful, encouraging approach, she provides constructive feedback that fosters technical growth, artistry, and confidence while creating a positive and inspiring adjudication experience. Jennifer's dedication and expertise have led to her being selected twice to judge Ignite's National Finals, and she was also chosen to choreograph the opening production number for one of the national events—an honor that reflects her creativity, leadership, and respected standing within the organization. 

Sara Herlong is a dedicated dance educator, choreographer, and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in both business and the performing arts. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship, along with a minor in Dance and Choreography.

Sara has been an integral part of Premiere Dance Academy for over 16 years, where she has taught and choreographed for dancers of all ages and levels. Her work spans both annual recitals and the competitive dance team, where she is known for her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to connect with her students. Throughout her teaching career, she has continued to expand her training by taking master classes with renowned instructors such as Laurie Johnson, Tony Bellissimo, Emily Zachary, Keri LaGrand, and Derrick Schrader.

From 2014 to 2018, Sara worked with The AmeriCheer Family of Brands as a Dance Coordinator and Assistant Dance Manager, gaining valuable leadership and organizational experience within the competitive dance industry. During this time, she was also a certified Dance Safety Judge through the USASF for four consecutive years.

In 2016, Sara founded her own business, Express Yourself School of the Arts, where she continues to share her passion for dance and creative expression with her community. (https://expressyourselfarts.com/) 

Sara’s commitment to health, wellness, and safe training is reflected in her certifications, which include YogaFit Level 1, Personal Trainer Certification through the American Council on Exercise, Alixa Flexibility (Module 1), and Acrobatic Arts (Module 1).

Sara is passionate about inspiring others through movement and surrounds herself daily with dance and individuals who share that same enthusiasm. She strives to create a positive, motivating environment where students can grow in both skill and confidence.

With over 23 years of experience in the performing arts, Sara Christman is a dedicated and accomplished choreographer, educator, and business owner. Having been a competitive gymnast and dancer early on, Sara transitioned into teaching, where she has built a reputation for excellence and creativity in the dance community.

Sara Christman is a graduate of George Mason University, with a B.F.A in Dance & Choreography as well as a Minor in Business Administration.  Sara is also a Certified Acrobatics Arts Module 1 Instructor.

Upon graduation from GMU, Sara began teaching at Powhatan School of Performing Arts, she taught there from 2003-2008. Sara then became a Teacher & Co-Manager of Sound Movement from 2008-2012. Then Sara started her own dance studio in Powhatan, VA where she worked for 13 years!

Between 2017 and 2019, Sara also served as a judge for Eastern Cheer & Dance Competition, bringing her extensive knowledge to the judging panel.

Since 2021, she has been the choreographer for Keisha Sounds’ music videos, contributing her expertise to projects such as “Demons” and “Wake of The Dragon.”

With two decades of experience in the competition circuit, Sara’s work has earned the highest level recognition and numerous special awards, including Showmanship, Technique, Entertainment, and Choreography.

Outside of her professional life, Sara enjoys training in jiu-jitsu alongside her husband and two children, embracing a family-centered approach to fitness and personal growth.

Amber has been a dedicated member of Premiere Dance Academy since the age of four and has proudly served on the faculty for the past 6 years. Her lifelong connection to the studio gives her a unique perspective as both a former student and an instructor, allowing her to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers.

Amber holds an Associate of Arts degree from John Tyler Community College and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond, where she studied both Health Policy and Dance. She has also earned a second Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, further demonstrating her commitment to education and professional growth.

Her formal training includes an intensive high school education at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, where she focused on ballet and modern dance and performed as a member of the school’s pre-professional dance company, Interface. While at the University of Richmond, Amber further expanded her performance experience as a member of the university’s dance team, SpinnURS, performing at televised basketball games and participating in numerous community events.

Amber has a strong passion for contemporary dance, but her teaching philosophy is rooted in building a solid technical foundation across all styles. She places a strong emphasis on proper technique, alignment, and body mechanics to ensure her dancers develop safely and effectively.

Above all, Amber is passionate about developing not only strong, confident dancers, but also well-rounded individuals. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment that encourages self-love, confidence, and personal growth. Amber is excited to share her love of dance with your dancers this season!

Lindsey Rose is a dedicated and accomplished dancer and choreographer with a lifelong passion for the art form that she has immersed herself in since the age of 4. With over 15 years of rigorous in-studio training and five years of competitive dance experience, Lindsey has refined her craft under the guidance of some of the dance industry’s most esteemed educators.

A graduate of the Appomattox Regional Governors School, Lindsey honed her expertise in ballet, modern dance, and choreography, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. 

She continued to cultivate her artistic talents at Christopher Newport University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, complemented by a minor in Dance in 2022. During her time at CNU, Lindsey made notable contributions to the university’s Annual Dance Concert and played an integral role in the Alpha Phi Alpha Stroll to the Polls competition, both as a dancer and choreographer—a tradition she held dear throughout her college years.

For the past 3 years, Lindsey has shared her profound expertise with others as a teacher and choreographer, shaping the next generation of dancers. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she also serves as a Financial Aid Specialist at Reynolds Community College, balancing her passion for dance with a commitment to supporting students in their academic journeys.

Dance has always been a safe space and Lindsey’s biggest passion, and she is deeply excited to bring this passion to her students at PDA.

Skylar began her dance journey at Premiere Dance Academy, where she trained extensively and was a dedicated member of the competitive dance company for 11 years. She continued to build on her passion and leadership skills as a four-year member of her high school varsity dance team, the Lancer Dancers.

Skylar is a proud graduate of Liberty University, where she earned her Bachelors of Education in Special Education. During her time at Liberty, she was a member of the university’s hip hop dance crew, D-TREX, performing and choreographing for audiences of over 10,000 people. This experience provided her with invaluable training in both performance and choreography. She also expanded her artistic experience by working with local dance organizations, including the Lynchburg Tap Project under the direction of Michelle Thomas and the Lynchburg Dance Connection Hip Hop Crew, led by Alisha Dixon.

In 2022, Skylar brought her creativity and innovation to Premiere Dance Academy’s social media platforms. Under her direction, the studio’s online presence grew tremendously—from 400 followers to over 11,000. Her engaging and dynamic content has reached a wide audience, generating more than 10 million views across platforms, including a Facebook video with over 942,000 views and multiple Instagram videos surpassing 1 million views, with her highest reaching 3.2 million.

Following graduation, Skylar began her career as a high school special education teacher while also serving as a coach for the Clover Hill Cavalettes dance team.

Skylar is passionate about combining her love for dance, education, and creativity to inspire others. Through her work in the classroom, the studio, and the digital space, she continues to make a meaningful impact on her students and the broader dance community.