About
The Instructors
Ashley Meeken
Owner/Instructor
Ashley Meeken studied theatre and dance at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA and earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Some of Ashley’s professional credits include performing in the musical Chicago at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, singing with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra on PBS, and performing at NYC’s Lincoln Center. Ashley traveled the world as the company manager and principal singer for Jean Ann Ryan Productions on Norwegian Cruise Line and P&O Ventura Cruise Lines.
Since returning back to NH, Ashley has continued her professional performance career. She has performed with the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra and played numerous roles locally, including her award-winning performance for Best Actress as Velma in the Winnipesaukee Playhouse’s 2019 production of Chicago. Ashley was last seen on stage as “Donna” in Mamma Mia.
Ashley is passionate about arts education in the Lakes region and is the proud owner/director of The Studio at Meredith Bay!
Allison Patterson
Modern, Performance Group
A native of the Lakes Region, Allison found her passion for movement and “all things dance” at Meredith’s Sally’s School of Dance. After graduating from Interlakes High School, Allison went on to study modern dance at Keene State College and then at SUNY Brockport where she earned her BFA. As a college performer, Allison was cast in many dance reviews including the American College Dance Festival’s Gala in Buffalo, NY. Allison brings her passion for creative movement to the Studio where she trains our youngest dancers to enjoy the fun, elegance and energy of self-expression through movement. Movement also plays a major role in her life outside of The Studio, as Allison works as a licensed physical therapist’s assistant.
Suzanna Derynioski
Ballet, POinte, Foundations
Suzanna Derynioski is a graduate of Plymouth State University with a Bachelor of Science in Management with a focus in Small Business Entrepreneurship and a minor in dance, with a certificate in dance pedagogy.
Suzanna co-founded New Hampshire Dance Movement in 2013 and organized several shows which raised over $10,000 for college scholarships through the Faith, Hope, and Love Foundation.
While at PSU, she performed in several works in the Dance Division’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble performances, including those of guest artists from Urbanity Dance, Pantos Project, Refractions Dance Collective, Amy Marshall Dance Company, and JazzArt Dance Theatre. Suzanna has had her work featured with the PSU Contemporary Dance Ensemble, PSU Dance Team, New Hampshire Dance Movement, and at Shaker Village. Suzanna received the Contemporary Dance Ensemble Award, in recognition of contributions made for the development and furtherance of the art of dance at PSU.
Suzanna is a Pointe Safe certified teacher and has completed courses with world-renowned dance physiotherapist Lisa Howell, including Training Turnout in Tiny Dancers and the Flexibility Intensive. She incorporates dance science into her classes to help dancers become safer, stronger, and more efficient.
Suzanna is excited to share her love of dance with the Studio dancers!
Nicole Sullivan
KENDRA FOX
Kendra Fox is a graduate from Plymouth State University where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Studies with a minor in Dance, with a Dance Pedagogy Certificate. She regularly performed in both faculty and student works in the Dance Division’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble performances each semester, including performing in a guest artist piece with Lorraine Chapman. Kendra has also had work showcased at the Plymouth State University Dance Premiere and Gala. Kendra has had the opportunity to perform and showcase work far and wide in Shaker Village’s summer events in Canterbury, New Hampshire, at Boston University for the American College Dance Association’s New England conference, in the Lakes Region working with the New Hampshire Dance Movement and back to Plymouth where her choreography was selected to be performed at the University Showcase of Excellence.
Most recently Kendra has joined Alchemy Movement Company. As a member of Alchemy, Kendra has performed around New England, including the Boston Contemporary Dance Festival and in Hartford as part of The Dance Collective’s Winter Showcase.
Kendra strives to ensure that each of her students are feeling challenged, supported, fulfilled and empowered from every class to every performance. Kendra has a passion for choreographing and teaching, and is excited to be able to share her love of movement with the artists at The Studio!
The Studio
