Nicole is the owner & director of Spear Dance Center. Before opening SDC Nicole was previously a lead instructor and choreographer under the previous name, Loralee’s Dance Studio. Nicole is a graduate of Rhode Island College where she earned a B. A. in Dance Performance, B.A. Youth Development, and a certificate in non-profit grant studies. Throughout her time in college she was a member of the RIC Dance Company where she had the opportunity to work with choreographers from around the country. She also studied at the Joffrey Ballet School Jazz Summer Program and Jennifer Archibald’s Arch Core 40. After her time in college she was the rehearsal director for the RIC Dance Company from 2016-2020, and is currently an adjunct instructor at Rhode Island College and former guest instructor & choreographer at the University of Rhode Island. In addition to her dance training she is also a certified yoga instructor and certified Acrobatics Arts Instructor.
Favorite thing about teaching: Creating an atmosphere where students can thrive. My biggest goal as a teacher is to create a classroom where all of my student can be successful, grow in confidence, and work hard while having a great time. Seeing those smiles and getting to see my students accomplish big or small goals is the absolute best!
“This studio gave me a place to dance, but the people at this studio gave me a lifetime of memories, friendship, and opportunity.”
— former student class of 2022
Jenn is a graduate of Rhode Island College where she earned a B.A. in Dance Performance. She was a previously a lead instructor and choreographer under the previous name, Loralee’s Dance Studio. Throughout her 20 years of teaching, her choreography has earned numerous awards at regional and national competitions. Along with teaching at SDC, Jenn is also a paraprofessional special education teacher at Somerset Berkley Regional High School, Drama Coach at Somerset Middle School and former Adjunct Faculty at Rhode Island College Dance Department. Jenn is very excited to bring her love and passion of the dance art form to students at Spear Dance Center.
Favorite thing about teaching: I love being able to watch my students grow as human beings and not just as dancers. I love witnessing the newfound love and joy in their hearts for an art form that has been so influential in my life. Most of all, I cherish the bonds we create and ultimately flourish throughout the years, which I take with me always.
Hailey is a graduate of Bridgewater State University where she earned a Bachelors in Marketing and Masters in Business Administration. Hailey has been teaching dance for 7 years and is so excited to be a part of the SDC team. During her time at Bridgewater, Hailey was a member of Kinetic Edge hip hop team where she competed in NDA nationals in both 2016 and 2017. After her time at BSU Hailey continued teaching dance at the studio level as well as choreographing for several schools and colleges including BSU, UMASS Dartmouth, Argosy Collegiate Charter School, and more. She is so excited to be working with the students at SDC this year!
Favorite thing about teaching: Having the opportunity to work in an environment where the staff and students can be themselves and pour their heart and soul into what they love.
Lauren started her dance journey in this very studio 19 years ago. Soon after graduating she began teaching hip hop at various local dance studios in addition to working with the Bridgewater State University’s hip hop dance team Kinetic Edge. She has had the opportunity to both perform and choreograph for Kinetic Edge including at NDA Nationals in Daytona Florida. She has studied at both Bristol Community College and Bridgewater State University where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Communications with a focus in film, video, and media studies. As well as a minor in Public Relations and Marketing.
Favorite thing about teaching: Making each student feel confident. I believe that keeping a positive attitude is so important in dancing & life. I never want any student to feel like they have to hold back. Seeing students grow and dance outside of their comfort zone is so special.
Olivia Aguiar is a recent graduate of Rhode Island College where she received her B.A. in Dance Performance. She was a part of the Rhode Island College Dance Company. During her time at RIC she has been given opportunities to work with prestigious choreographers and professors. Olivia has spent time training at the Joffrey Ballet School and attending master classes outside of her school training to further her knowledge. Before expanding her dance education at a collegiate level, Olivia grew up dancing at Loralee’s Dance Studio where she trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Irish Step and Acro. Olivia has been dancing for 17 years, seven of those years spent as a competitive dancer. While winning multiple awards and national titles Olivia has also had the chance to assist at dance conventions. Olivia is certified under USA Gymnastics and AcrobaticArts which allows her to share her passion for the arts with students in dance and gymnastics.
Favorite thing about teaching: Providing an experience in the classroom that leaves the dancers feeling confident and accomplished in and outside of the dance studio!
Samantha Moreira began her dance experience at Loralee’s Dance Studio where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern, Acro, and Irish Step. In high school she expanded her arts education by joining the Footlights Theatre Company and the Joseph Case High School Dance Company, and the JCHS Theatre Company. She was also given the opportunity to work as an assistant dance instructor for LDS. Samantha was a Helen Forman Talent Scholarship recipient at Rhode Island College where she studied Dance Performance and Psychology, in hopes to one day become a dance movement therapist. She is also a part of the Rhode Island College Dance Company where she trains with different professors and guest artists, and serves as the company’s treasurer. Samantha has continued her dance education at multiple festivals and intensives including Bates Dance Festival and the Pantos Project Dance workshop. In addition to dancing, competing, and choreographing for a total of 17 years, Samantha is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. Samantha is excited to join the Spear Dance Company staff and share her love for dance with the students.
Favorite thing about teaching: Providing students with a safe place to release both energy and emotion into something they love!