Malloree Miller: Owner
At just two years old, Malloree knew she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a dancer. She began taking classes at her home studio in Akron, Ohio. After dedicating herself to the art and discovering her true passion, she found her forever home at The Performing Arts Center (PAC).
While continuing to live in Akron, Malloree’s parents committed to driving her to Youngstown for dance from the age of nine until she graduated from PAC at eighteen and began her college journey at Youngstown State University.
Malloree earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Management from YSU in just four years. During her time there, she served as captain of the YSU cheerleading team, balanced a full-time course load, competed as a student-athlete, and held two jobs, including teaching at PAC, where she remained on staff for eight years.
Passionate about dance, art, children, competition, and education, Malloree also launched the Dance Abilities program at PAC, which continues to be the leading inclusive dance initiative for individuals with disabilities in the area.
Three years ago, Malloree fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking ownership of The Performing Arts Center. Her hard work, drive, focus, and deep love for the students made the decision an easy one, and turned that dream into reality.
Malloree is endlessly grateful to her amazing parents, Matt and Linda Miller, for their unwavering physical, mental, and financial support since she was nine years old. Her younger sister, Macee, and Macee’s spouse, Hannah, were by her side on the very first day she received the keys to the studio. Beyond her biological family, Malloree has built a second family with the PAC parents. Their support, positivity, and dedication have uplifted her in more ways than she can count.
PAC has always been—and will always be—where Malloree’s heart lies. Her dancers make the building a home, and watching them grow from tiny beginners into graduating seniors is something she treasures deeply. The decision to purchase PAC felt as natural as breathing, and she would do it again in a heartbeat.
Cheers to another amazing year. May there be many, many more to come. Malloree hopes you enjoy the show and sincerely appreciates your support.
Lynn Mickey
Studio Admin
Miss Lynn has been part of the dance world—and connected to Miss Malloree—for 16 years. Her experience, gained from raising a competitive dancer who is now performing at the collegiate level, is invaluable to both our dance parents and staff. She runs the front of the house with fierce friendliness, a touch of goofiness, and just the right amount of sternness when needed. She is our account-keeping, dancer-hugging, parent-advising, content-creating force who truly loves being in the dance arena.
When she’s not immersed in all things PAC, she’s all things Penn State and Ohio State, as many of you already know! She also works in the attendance department at Girard High School.
In her spare time, Miss Lynn enjoys relaxing at her Berlin Lake house with her amazing husband (aka Daddy Jack), her rock star kids—Ashley, Kelsey, and Nolan—and her fabulous circle of friends. In addition to cheering on all of your beautiful dancers, she also loves country music concerts, playing bocce at the MVR, and game nights with the girls featuring Bunco, dominoes, and cards!
Leah skowron
Teacher
Leah has been passionate about dance since the age of five, when she began her journey as a competitive dancer. By thirteen, she was assisting in classes and learning to choreograph in all styles. She continued her training at Point Park University, where she further honed her technique while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Intelligence and National Security.
After graduation, Leah moved to Northern Virginia to begin her career working with various government agencies. Since 2020, she has also been teaching and choreographing professionally, bringing energy, experience, and dedication to every class.
Leah loves being in the studio and is thrilled to be back at PAC.
Jasmine Williams
Teacher
Jasmine began dancing at the age of three and competed from age nine to eighteen. Throughout her competitive years, she took on the role of assisting in many of the studio’s classes. After graduating in 2021, she signed with Go2Talent Agency, officially becoming a represented dancer in the industry.
Early in her career, Jasmine received a dance contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, which allowed her to perform and travel around the world. After that contract ended, she took a year off from ship life to return home and teach. During the 2023–2024 competition season, she also worked with Legacy Dance Championships as a backstage manager.
Following that season, Jasmine landed another contract with Royal Caribbean, performing aboard the Anthem of the Seas. Most recently, she joined a local company called The MAC Experience LLC and became part of the creative and production team alongside Mr. Michael Cotton (Dance Director) at Chaney High School.
She’s back at the studio teaching, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
bella canterino
Teacher
Bella Canterino has been dancing at the Performing Arts Center since the age of three and joined the company team at age six. During her fourteen years at PAC, she has earned numerous awards, scholarships, and standout recognitions. Bella has always been eager to take on teaching roles at the studio and has choreographed several pieces for both regional and company teams.
She is a graduate of Girard High School, where she participated in various clubs and was a member of the varsity cheerleading squad. This fall, Bella plans to attend The Ohio State University, majoring in Exercise Science, with hopes of joining the club dance team.
Kelsey Mickey
Teacher
Kelsey danced at The Performing Arts Center from age of four through graduation. During her time at PAC, her passion and determination quickly helped her emerge as a leader, contributing to many successes and accomplishments for both herself and the team. After establishing herself within the studio, she took on the role of class assistant for beginner-level students and eventually began teaching all ages and choreographing for the Company team.
Kelsey recently completed her second year at Penn State University, where she is a member of the Penn State Dance Team and is majoring in Biomedical Engineering. We are so excited to have her back!
Kate Berdis
Teacher
Katie is a proud PAC alumna who began her dance career at the age of three. She has always had a strong passion for tap and started teaching at just sixteen years old. Katie is married to her husband, Anthony, and is the proud mom of two boys—Mason (6) and Cooper (2).
She views teaching dance as a creative outlet and has received several awards for her choreography. Outside the studio, Katie enjoys motherhood, golfing, and teaching infant aquatic self-rescue through Mahoning Valley Infant Swimming Resource, where she is also a co-owner.
Virginia Hartman
Teacher
With over twenty-five years of experience, Virginia is known for inspiring students by blending technical expertise with artistic expression in both classical and contemporary ballet. She began her training under Anita Lin in Youngstown, OH, and later studied at the Richmond School of Ballet with renowned teachers such as Ruth Petrinovic, David Howard, and Lourdes Lopez. After graduating high school, Virginia danced professionally with the Richmond Ballet and later with the Atlanta Ballet.
Following her performance career, she returned to her hometown to teach and coach pre-professional and competitive dancers of all ages. Her students have been accepted into prestigious programs, including American Ballet Theatre, BalletMet, Cincinnati Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Conservatory, The Joffrey School of Dance, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Many have gone on to successful careers as professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers.