OUR STORY | the-studio-kg

OUR STORY

Mrs. Emily had a passion for the performing arts from a young age, and her journey in the world of dance and theater began in her childhood. Born and raised in King George, Virginia, Emily danced with the King George Ballet Company and School for over 10 years. She participated in local community theater productions and school plays, where her natural talent and love for the stage shone through.

After graduating from high school, Emily pursued her dreams of furthering her education in theater. She attended Shenandoah University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Musical Theatre. Shenandoah University is renowned for its excellent performing arts programs, and Emily's time there allowed her to refine her skills, gain invaluable experience, and learn from seasoned professionals in the field.

During her time at Shenandoah University, Emily had the opportunity to participate in numerous productions, both on and off the stage. She showcased her acting, singing, and dancing abilities in various musicals and plays, further honing her craft and building a strong foundation for her future career. Emily's dedication, talent, and hard work earned her recognition among her peers and faculty, solidifying her passion for theater.

After completing her studies at Shenandoah University, Emily sought new avenues to expand her theatrical experience. Along with her husband Evan, she joined the world renowned Missoula Children's Theatre, an organization that tours across the world, working with children to produce full-scale musical productions. Emily and Evan took on the roles of both actor and director, traveling to different communities and inspiring young minds through the magic of theater. This experience not only allowed Emily to further develop her skills as a performer but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of a fine arts education.

Motivated by her desire to make a lasting impact on her community and share her passion for theater, Emily decided to establish her own performing arts studio. She returned to her hometown of King George, Virginia, and became the owner of The Studio!

This creative space has become a hub for aspiring dancers, actors, and singers of all ages, offering a wide range of classes, workshops, and performances. With the help of an amazing group of teachers and staff, we continue to mentor and nurture young talent, fostering their growth, and helping them discover their own artistic potential.

Through our guidance, countless students have found their voices, developed confidence, and embarked on their own journeys in the performing arts.

Our love for the performing arts, combined with our dedication and talent, have made a profound impact on the lives of those we teach and the community we serve.

Join our story today!

Meet Our Instructors

Emily Karlewicz

Owner/Dance, Musical Theatre, and Voice Instructor

Mrs. Emily Karlewicz is the Owner of The Studio, and teaches Dance, Music Theatre, Acting, and Voice. Emily began dancing at the age of 6, and was trained by Victoria Shiflet Kress, founder of The King George Ballet Co. and School. In High School, after deciding to pursue a life in the Theatre, she performed at The Riverside Dinner Theatre for 2 Seasons. She graduated from college in 2008 from Shenandoah Conservatory, with a BFA in Musical Theatre. After college she traveled for 3 years as a tour actor/director with the world-renowned Missoula Children’s Theatre. Emily is so grateful to all the teachers who inspired her, and encouraged her to dream. She hopes to follow in their footsteps, and spread her love of the arts to all the families of King George, her hometown.

Hope Janowsky

Dance Instructor

Miss Hope Janowsky is a Dance Instructor at The Studio. Hope has been with The Studio for over a decade and teaches Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Pointe, Fitness and more. She is also a Certified Instructor through Acrobatic Arts. Throughout her dance career she has performed as a competitive dancer and in many ballet performances including: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Gift of the Magi, Giselle and many others. Her passion for dance is only outweighed by her dedication and care for her students.

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Amy Kohl

Acrobatics Instructor

Mrs. Amy Kohl is a Dance Instructor at The Studio. She has enjoyed 15 years of training in competitive gymnastics, and modern dance and has coached a variety of levels and ages of gymnastics for 25 years. She graduated from Longwood College with a B.A. in English Education, a minor in Dance Education and a teaching certificate. When she first became a mommy, she stopped teaching to create Majik Motions, a children’s gymnastics program in Spotsylvania. She has now turned her sights on the King George community. Amy is excited to be able to share her love of acrobatics and kids with The Studio. She hopes to provide a safe, fun environment to allow children to build character and strength while learning the challenges and rewards of physical effort and dedication to goals.

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Cadence Shriver

Dance and Acrobatics Instructor

Miss Cadence Shriver is a former student and now a dance instructor at The Studio. Over the last 12 years she has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Pointe, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Acting and Voice. As a competition dancer, she has won multiple awards for performance and technique and understands the important qualities of hard work and dedication. As a new teacher, she continues her education under the mentorship of The Studio teachers and is working on certifications with Acrobatic Arts, CLI Studios and Dance Teacher Life.

Rylee Norris

Dance and Acrobatics Instructor

Miss Rylee Norris is a former student and now a dance instructor at The Studio. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Pointe, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Musical Theatre. As a new teacher, she continues her education under the mentorship of The Studio teachers and is working on certifications with Acrobatic Arts, CLI Studios and Dance Teacher Life.

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Hayden Livesay

Choreographer and Dance Instructor

Mr. Hayden Livesay is a choreographer at The Studio. He has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Musical Theatre with Amyclae Dance Academy and Studio Bleu in DC. He will attend Boston Conservatory for Dance in the Fall of 2024.

Majo Merlin Leyva

Dance Instructor

Miss Majo Merlin Leyva originally from Oaxaca Mexico, is a professional dancer and model. For the last 20 years she has trained and performed in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, jazz funk, heels, and Latin dance. She has also competed in various styles in both Mexico and the United States. Her dance Company credits include: Chapkis Dance Family and La Fuerza Dance Company. She has been a Dance instructor for over 12 years, and had her own dance studio while in Mexico. She has a passion for dance education and is excited to work with the students of The Studio.

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Amanda Baker-Foley

Dance Instructor

Mrs. Amanda Baker-Foley is a Dance Instructor at The Studio. She has taught for many years in the Fredericksburg and Northern VA area. She is the Head Coach for the Brooke Point Dance Team.

registration for summer now open!registration for summer now open!

Meet Our Instructors