Faculty

After more than 18 years of teaching at Karla Pattavina’s Dance Academy, Caity is honored to continue the studio’s incredible legacy as owner. Her passion for dance and dedication to her students shine through in every class she teaches.

From the babies taking their first steps into the studio to advanced high schoolers preparing for their next chapter, Caity has the privilege to work with and meet them all. While she teaches a variety of styles, ballet has always held a special place in her heart. Her goal is to make classical technique approachable, inspiring, and full of joy, helping each dancer find confidence and artistry along the way.

Beyond the classroom, Caity is also the studio’s lead costume designer. Her attention to detail and creative eye ensure that every dancer feels their best on stage—inside and out.

Over the years, many of her students have gone on to pursue dance in college programs, perform professionally, and become award-winning teachers and choreographers themselves.

At Karla Pattavina’s Dance Academy, Caity is passionate about fostering a positive, encouraging environment where every dancer—no matter their age or experience—can grow, achieve their goals, and fall in love with dance just like she did.

Karla owned and operated The Dance Academy for 40 years. During this time she has enjoyed teaching thousands of students to dance.  Karla has been awarded countless choreography awards for her clean and inventive routines. Her students have received dance scholarships on the regional and national level.  Many of her former students have continued their dance training at prestigious colleges, and then began dancing professionally in New York, LA, and Chicago. Karla received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Salem State College and then served on their Dance Faculty for four years. She is a former All-Star gymnast and was inducted into the Methuen High School Hall of Fame for this sport. Although retired from studio ownership, Karla still loves to teach and inspire dancers at KPDA.  She is the proud mom and biggest fan of Shauna, who is in her rookie year as an NFL cheerleader.

Lisa has been a part of KPDA from the beginning. She started her training at age 10, with Karla, when the studio opened. She often says the best thing her mom ever did was sign her up for lessons at KPDA! From the very early days she loved nothing more than to be at the studio dancing. That quickly grew into a long career here at KPDA, as a teacher and award winning regional and national choreographer. Lisa has received many accolades for her choreography, but nothing gives her more pride than seeing her former students succeeding in the world of dance. Some have gone on to open their own studios, teach on staff at conventions and dance in college. Lisa enjoys teaching all levels and ages, and especially enjoys passing on her love of lyrical to the dancers. If you have been here long enough, you’ve for sure seen a tear jerker somewhere along the way!

Currently, Lisa is enjoying watching her daughter Lila pursue her love of dance here at the studio, as she reminds her a lot of herself! When she is not at the studio you can find her coaching flag football for her youngest daughter Talia, training her puppy Louie, and eating her husband Franks delicious cooking! 

Jenn began dancing at the age of 2 in the inaugural year of Karla Pattavina's Dance Academy.  She trained in all areas of dance and was a part of one of KPDA's first competition teams.  Jenn's lifelong love for dance is evident in her commitment across multiple generations of KPDA dancers to bring out the very best of each of her students. Her students have received numerous  prestigious awards at both regional and national levels, and her choreography has been recognized at several competitions.

Jenn has continued her dance education, with a focus on alignment and strength within technique to support strong, healthy dancers and limit injuries. In 2019, Jenn also became a certified yoga instructor, extending the diversity of classes available to our students. She was the Co-Owner of Improv Dancewear for 8 years and in addition to teaching, Jenn Mom to 3 KPDA dancers and one alumni.  

Meg began her dance career soon after she took her first steps. She received her technical training at KPDA where she participated in various competitions and recitals. During high school she began teaching hip hop and latin rhythms to the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. She then attended Merrimack College and founded the Merrimack College Dance Club . She served as president for all four years and choreographed the team’s performances. She also found great joy teaching Zumba at the college’s fitness center to students and faculty. Since college she has joined DanceWorks Boston as a choreographer where she teaches dancers 18 and older and performs in their bi-annual shows. She’s extremely grateful and excited to be rejoining the KPDA family!

Shauna Bradley has trained in all styles of dance at Karla Pattavina’s Dance Academy her whole life! In college, she brought the energy to every UMass Football and Basketball game as a member of the UMass dance tam. Her team didn’t just bring the spirit - they brought home their first silver medal in Spirit Gameday from UDA Nationals in Orlando, FL! After college, Shauna kept the momentum going, joining the Maine Celtics Dance Team. She is now living out her dreams in her rookie season as an NFL Cheerleader, and loves to spend her Sundays on the sideline! Off the field, she brings the same dedication and spark to her career in marketing. Shauna loves to be back with her KPDA family training the next generation of stars!