Meet the Staff
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Alissa Mall
Owner
Alissa Mall (Cocolin) a native of State College began dancing at age 3 with Mrs. Betty Jane Dittmar. During her time with Mrs. Dittmar she learned contemporary, modern and folk dance, along with learning many life lessons. At age 7 she began dancing at Centre Dance of State College to further her knowledge in all genres of dance including Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Pointe, Hip-hop and Musical Theatre. During her time at Centre Dance, Alissa was on the AVID dance competition team where she competed at various convention competitions and workshops. She was able to study under many amazing and world known choreographer’s; Travis Wall, Brian Friedman, Nappy Tabs, Mia Michaels to name a few.
In 2013 Alissa graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor's Degree in Integrative Arts with focus areas in Dance Studies, Business and Stage Management. While in college Alissa was the program director and coach of the Penn State Altoona Dance team where she held workshops and choreographed for the team. They competed at collegiate level and performed at basketball and soccer games. Alissa was also on the Ivy Side Dance Assemble which was a resident student college company. During her time in college she also became involved with the Penn State Theatre Program where she choreographed for multiple theatre performances and also was Stage Manager for Spring Awakening. In 2014 Alissa moved to the Northern Va. Area where she taught at an outreach program called Joy of Dance and traveled to various schools to teach in the Maryland, VA, DC area. She also was hired at Marymount University in Arlington VA as the Head Dance Coach.
In 2017 Alissa was the Artistic/ Program Director of Hot Styles Dance Company in Bellefonte, Pa. After having her 2nd child she stepped back from dance to raise her children. She moved to Spring Mills about 2 years ago and her family absolutely loves it here! She decided to start a small dance program, who knew it would take off!! She is so excited that she gets to help bring the joy of dance to the Valley area!
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Jessica
Teacher
Jessica Hollister, a native of Altoona, began her lifelong journey in dance at the age of three with Mrs. Deborah Anthony at The Allegheny Ballet Company. By age twelve, she transitioned to Sigel's School of Dance, where she trained under the direction of Skip Sigel and Pandy Foreman. Throughout high school, Jessica distinguished herself by dancing and competing extensively, and she also led the Lioneer dance team as its captain.
Although she contemplated pursuing a professional dance career in New York City, Jessica's passion for science led her to Juniata College, where she balanced her love for dance with her academic pursuits. At Juniata, she played an active role in the Dance Ensemble, holding leadership positions and performing regularly. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in French.
Taking a brief hiatus from academics, Jessica dedicated a year to serving with AmeriCorps Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore, MD. She then pursued a Master’s in Health Management Systems at Duquesne University, where she continued to dance and teach for the Dance Ensemble. Her academic journey culminated in Philadelphia, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree. During this period, she maintained her connection to movement through yoga.
In 2019, Jessica and her family relocated to Spring Mills. Embracing the opportunity to return to her first love, she joyfully accepted a position as a dance instructor. Jessica is passionate about the transformative power of dance and believes it is a universal language that can express emotions and stories beyond words. She is excited to share her love for dance with the community and inspire new generations of dancers.
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Brianna
Teacher
Brianna has been dancing all styles of dance for 18+ years. She previously took lessons and was a competitive dancer at T.H.E. Dance Place (TDP) in Natrona Heights, PA. In high school, she was also a featured dancer for her school's award-winning musicals. In her free time, she helped teach classes to the young students at TDP. Now attending Penn State, she is a part of Volé Dance Company, and has loved the opportunity to continue dancing.
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Bella Sand
Teacher
Miss Isabella is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. She is a kinesiology major at Pennsylvania State University, hoping to become a physical therapist specializing in dance medicine. Isabella started dancing at the age of three and is now a part of Penn State’s largest dance organization, Volé, as a choreographer and member of the Performance Company. She enjoys ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and acro. Isabella is excited to share her love for dance and help her students grow their knowledge and confidence both inside and outside the dance studio.