Emily Ackin-O'Mahoney (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pom, Pointe) Emily is a graduate of the University of the Arts where she earned a BFA in Dance Education. There she studied under masters such as Wayne St. David, Roni Koresh, Scott Jovovich, Kim Bears-Bailey, and Michael Sheridan. Emily grew up in Kansas City, Missouri training at Ibsen Dance Theatre, supplemented by Joffrey San Antonio, Missouri Fine Arts Academy, and Stephens College Summer Dance Program. She was a member of the award-winning North Kansas City High School Dance Team and two-time UDA All-Star recipient. Emily has taught at studios across the Philadelphia suburbs for over a decade and is a former Universal Dance Association instructor where she taught & evaluated high school dance teams throughout the eastern region of the country. She is currently the Co-Head Coach for the Garnet Valley High School Dance Team. Her choreography has been performed in the Philadelphia area as well as in showcases at Disney World and Universal Florida. Emily has been honored with acknowledgements including Innovative Choreography (NDA). When not teaching or coaching, you can find Emily as a property manager or spending time with her husband and their two adorable dogs, Gary and Dottie. Emily loves teaching at Darlington - spreading a love for dance and appreciation for the arts!
Melissa Hanigosky (Yoga) Melissa is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor who was an on-again, off-again yogi for about 10 years, taking her first yoga class in college. Through moves and life changes, Melissa came back to a consistent physical yoga practice when relocating to the Philadelphia area. She loves to share a fun and fast flow with her classes, building strength in our bodies to build strength in our minds and actions.
Ryir Norris (Dance, Theater) Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ryir began his performing career at the tender age of 6 year old. Ryir is classically trained in voice and ballet alike while also specializing in modern dance and musical theatre. Ryir has worked with Azuka Theatre, Delaware Theater Company, Eastern University Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia Dance Theater, Gwen Bye Dance, Providence Creek Dance, and many more! Ryir has spent the last 7 years as an arts educator in and around the city of Philadelphia. Ryir is currently engaged in uplifting Philadelphia communities and allocating resources for underrepresented demographics.