About Us
Our Mission
Our mission at Marissa’s Dance Academy is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where students of all ages and skill levels can discover the joy of dance. We strive to offer high-quality instruction in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and more, while also nurturing creativity and self-expression in each of our students.
We believe in the power of dance to transform lives, and we are committed to helping our students build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of movement. We foster a sense of community among our students and their families, and we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring space where everyone feels valued and encouraged to pursue their dreams.
Through our passion for dance and our commitment to excellence, we aim to inspire our students to reach their full potential, both on and off the dance floor.
Our Staff
Marissa Ruddat
Marissa's passion for dance ignited during her youth in Massachusetts, where she competed with both her high school's dance team and local studio. Her exceptional talent landed her performance opportunities across the United States, including at Disney World and Disneyland, the Orange Bowl, and on various cruise ships.
Her love of dance only grew stronger during college, where she served as captain of the modern and jazz dance groups, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Dance from Dickinson College in 2016. Marissa's talent as a choreographer earned her multiple awards through the American College Dance Association. However, her main focus was on using dance as a way to bring communities together.
After college, Marissa continued to pursue her love of dance by teaching at local dance studios while earning a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. By day, she works as an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility, helping the elderly regain and maintain their independence.
Despite her busy schedule, Marissa's dream of owning her own dance studio persisted. She envisioned a place where she could combine her passion for dance with her skills in helping others. Today, she is proud to bring this dream to life as the Director of Marissa’s Dance Academy.
Sara Leduc
Sara’s love for dancing began at the age of 2, and has continued for the past 17 years. She has experience in both recreational and competitive dance in many styles, as well as gymnastics and acrobatics training. Dancing everything from ballet to hip hop, Sara has found her strengths and passions in lyrical and contemporary styles. Currently attending Eastern Connecticut State University, Sara continues to learn as a dance student while growing as a choreographer.