Taught by people who've done it.

Founder of Kay’s Act II Dance Studio

Kay Rudolph

Kay Rudolph is the founder of Kay’s Act II Dance Studio, established in 1980. What began with Miss Kay’s love of dance, teaching and children has grown into a studio tradition that has touched generations of dancers and families for more than four decades.

Miss Kay built her studio around the belief that dance education is about much more than learning steps. She created a place where children could develop confidence, discipline, friendships and a lifelong love of dance while always feeling like part of a family.

Her influence can still be felt throughout Kay’s today. The traditions she established, the importance she placed on quality dance education, and the personal connection she created with her students continue to guide the studio more than 46 years later.

Perhaps Miss Kay’s greatest legacy is seeing what she created continue through the next generation. Today, Kay’s Act II is proudly led by her daughter, Kathleen Rudolph Ross, carrying forward the foundation and values Miss Kay established while continuing to grow and evolve for a new generation of dancers.

From the thousands of children who have walked through the studio doors to the former students who now bring their own children to Kay’s, Miss Kay’s impact reaches far beyond the dance floor. Kay’s Act II is more than a name — it is Miss Kay’s legacy, and we are incredibly proud to continue it.

Instructor

Katie Rafferty

Katie Rafferty’s dance journey began right here at Kay’s Act II Dance Studio, where she trained before continuing her studies at the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Jazz Dance Performance, where she received the Outstanding Jazz Dance Performance Award.

Katie built an extraordinary professional career with Giordano Dance Chicago, one of America’s premier jazz dance companies. During her tenure, she performed as a main company member, served in leadership roles including Director of Giordano II and Rehearsal Captain, and choreographed for the company. She is also certified at the Professional Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®.

Her professional performance career has taken her to stages throughout the country, while her experience as an educator has allowed her to share her knowledge with the next generation of dancers. Katie has also served as a teaching artist with the Joffrey Academy of Dance at The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.

Now recognized as a Giordano Dance Chicago Emeritus Artist, Katie brings an exceptional combination of professional performance experience, artistry, technique, choreography and dance education back to the studio where her own journey began. We are incredibly proud to welcome Miss Katie home to Kay’s.

Instructor

Veronica Higgins

Veronica Higgins is a professional ballet dancer and instructor with extensive training and performance experience. Originally from Fergus, Ontario, Veronica began her ballet training at Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts before continuing her studies with Northeast Academy of Dance, The Carret Dance Conservatory, Texas Ballet Theatre, and Nashville Ballet.

In 2019, Veronica joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company, where her performance credits included The Merry Widow, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Emeralds, and Swan Lake. She joined Roxey Ballet in 2023 and has since performed in numerous productions, including Dracula, Frida, Carmina Burana, Carmen, and A Very Lambertville Holiday Celebration. In addition to performing professionally, Veronica teaches Ballet and Pointe at Mill Ballet School.

Veronica brings professional-level training, artistry, and performance experience into the classroom and is passionate about helping dancers develop strong classical technique, confidence, musicality, and a genuine appreciation for the art of ballet.

Instructor

Kathleen Ochs

Kathleen Ochs is an experienced educator, choreographer, and dance instructor with a longstanding passion for dance and the performing arts. She holds a Pennsylvania teaching certification in K–12 Dance Education, bringing the combination of professional dance knowledge and certified educational training to her work with students.

In addition to her work as an educator at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Kathleen has played an integral role in the school’s theater program, serving as choreographer for musical productions including Mamma Mia! and Footloose. She has worked closely with student performers to create and teach choreography while developing musicality, stage presence, confidence, and performance quality.

Kathleen’s background as both a certified dance educator and choreographer gives her a strong understanding of age-appropriate instruction and how dancers learn and develop. She brings an educator’s approach to the studio, focusing not only on technique, but also on creativity, confidence, discipline, and each dancer’s individual growth.

Instructor

Shavonne Strange

Shavonne Strange brings more than two decades of professional entertainment and performance experience to Kay’s Act II Dance Studio. Shavonne spent 22 years with Sesame Place, beginning her career as a performer and growing into leadership roles within Entertainment Operations. Throughout her career, she gained extensive experience in live entertainment, performance, auditions, rehearsals, production, and the development of professional performers.

Her unique background gives Shavonne a wealth of real-world performance knowledge to share with her dancers. She understands that being a strong performer goes beyond learning choreography — it requires musicality, stage presence, confidence, professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to connect with an audience.

At Kay’s, Miss Shavonne brings her professional entertainment experience into the classroom while creating an encouraging environment where dancers can develop their technique, individuality, and confidence as performers.

Instructor

Sarah Gladish

Sarah Gladish brings extensive experience as a dance educator, director, and choreographer, with more than a decade of experience working with youth dancers and dance teams.

Throughout her career, Sarah has shared her passion for dance through teaching, choreography, and performance direction. Her experience includes directing the ANC Dance Ensemble as well as directing and choreographing full-scale theatrical productions.

Instructor

Nicole Gardner Pallante

Nicole Gardner Pallante is an experienced dance educator and cheer coach who brings a strong background in both education and the performing arts to Kay’s Act II Dance Studio. Nicole holds a BFA in Elementary Education, giving her a unique understanding of child development, age-appropriate instruction, and how to create a positive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Throughout her career, Nicole has gained extensive experience teaching dance and coaching cheer, working with young athletes and performers to develop technique, coordination, confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.

Miss Nicole combines her experience as an educator with her passion for dance to create classes that are structured, encouraging, and engaging. She believes in meeting dancers where they are, building strong foundations, and helping each student grow both as a dancer and as an individual.

Instructor

Paolina Capone

Paolina Capone is an accomplished dance educator and choreographer. Miss Paolina plays an important role in the training and development of Kay’s competitive dancers, bringing creativity, energy, and a strong understanding of performance to both the classroom and competition stage.

Her choreography has earned national recognition and awards in Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap, showcasing her versatility across multiple styles. She is passionate about creating choreography that challenges dancers technically while allowing their individual personalities and performance qualities to shine.

Paolina works closely with Kay’s dancers throughout their competitive journey, helping them develop technique, musicality, confidence, teamwork, and stage presence. Her commitment to her dancers extends beyond competition results — she is dedicated to helping each student grow as both a dancer and an individual while fostering the strong sense of teamwork and family that is at the heart of Kay’s competition program.

Instructor

Cameron Schrader

Cameron has been dancing since the age of two and grew up right here at Kay’s Act II Dance Studio. She joined Kay’s competitive team at just six years old, developing a strong foundation in dance technique, performance, and competition throughout her years at the studio.

Cameron is currently a member of Temple University’s Diamond Gems Dance Team, where she continues to train and perform at the collegiate level. A Neshaminy High School graduate and Feasterville native, Cameron brings both her competitive dance experience and her love of performing back to the studio where her dance journey began. We are so proud to have one of our own Kay’s dancers inspiring the next generation!

Instructor

Alexis Ross

Alexis Ross grew up dancing at Kay’s Act II Dance Studio, where she trained extensively and developed her passion for dance through both recreational and competitive training. As a member of Kay’s competitive program, Alexis performed and competed throughout the region and was recognized as a Dream Maker scholarship recipient while representing Kay’s Act II.

Throughout her years as a dancer, Alexis developed a strong foundation in technique, performance, musicality, and versatility. Her years at Kay’s helped shape not only her abilities as a dancer, but also her appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, confidence, and commitment that dance instills in young performers. Today, Alexis brings that experience back to the next generation of dancers, sharing the same love of dance and performance that began during her own years at Kay’s.

Instructor

Tara Kelly

A Kay’s alumna and graduate of The College of New Jersey, Tara teaches preschool and beginner ballet. She completed the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet teacher training program and has danced professionally with the Trenton Freedom Xtreme Dance Team since 2013.

Instructor

Danielle Hetherington

Danielle Hetherington is a graduate of West Chester University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Dance, and received her master’s degree from Arizona State University.

While at West Chester University, Danielle was a member of the University Dance Company, where she served as a student choreographer for three consecutive years and held a leadership position as Social Chair. She also performed at the American College Dance Association and in numerous university dance concerts.

As an educator, Danielle brings her extensive performance and choreography experience into the classroom while creating an encouraging environment where dancers can develop strong technique, confidence and a love of performing.

Instructor

Laura Metzger

Laura danced at Kay’s from age three through high school, then captained the Synergy Dance Company at The College of New Jersey. She teaches at the studio alongside her career as a pharmacist.