UNDERGROUND DANCE - Key Persons

Andrew Pankiewicz discovered a love for dance in a dark, abandoned room. Growing in skill Andrew has developed technique in Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Congolese, Contemporary, and Modern dance. In 2022, Andrew received his Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance from Wayne State University. Training with Meg Paul, Dr. Biba Bell, Dr. Ras Mikey Courtney, and the BIARA Mvmnt Phlsphy taught him the importance of authenticity in dance. Studying under Mary Sherman, Hannah Anderson, Jessica Rajko, Lisa LaMarre, and Brandon Koepsell strengthened his understanding of ballet, contemporary, and musicality.

Kelly Giacona started dancing when she was only three years old at one of the top-rated studios in the state of Michigan. There she joined their performing company in 2nd grade. She continued training with them through her junior year of high school in: ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, pointe, hip hop, and clogging. Ms. Kelly finished off her senior year of high school dancing on Eisenhower High School's varsity dance team. In her freshman year of college, she attended Wayne State University where she trained in ballet. She also coached both the JV and Varsity dance team for Henry Ford II High School. In 2010 and 2012 Ms. Kelly was assistant to the choreographer and a featured dancer in the Kid Rock Thanksgiving half time shows for the Detroit Lions. She is also an alumni of the Detroit Dolls dance troupe. Ms. Kelly is married to her best friend who (fun fact) she has known since they were babies. As a mother she loves sharing dance with her two little girls, Kenzie and Rory. Ms. Kelly is both a company and recreational program teacher specializing in tap and hip hop but loves all styles of dance! She has been with us since the day we opened our doors in 2006 and loves sharing her passion and knowledge of dance with our students.

Job Titles:

• Assistant Teacher With Our Dancing Without Limits

Robin Ronayne is an assistant teacher with our Dancing Without Limits program since 2020. Robin has a background that is endless, filled with amazing accomplishments. She graduated from Eisenhower High School and also attended the UCNECT program. Robin has competed for multiple years in the Special Olympics. In the 2020 Winter Games she received a Gold Medal in the 50m and Bronze Medal in the 100m Cross Country Skiing events. Robin has also volunteered as a classroom assistant at Seminole School, attends the Shelby Township Special Rec Program and is a member of St. Theresa Faith and Friends.

Samantha Raab has been dancing since she was 2 years old and started competing when she was 5 years old. She was trained from one of the top studios in Michigan in many areas such as ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and tumbling. Throughout her training she was also certified in Cecchetti Ballet. While dancing she was a part of the Junior Automotion Dance Team for the Detroit Pistons. During high school she was on the Dakota Varsity Dance Team for 4 years. Miss Sam has taught and trained dancers of all ages and levels since she was 16 years old when she began her career. While teaching, she trained and took many classes from choreographers from around the world. She has choreographed for different college and high school dance teams as well. She was also the Junior Varsity Dance Team Coach for Chippewa Valley High School. As a Paraprofessional at Glen Peters School she works with students that have cognitive and physical impairments, as well as being a caregiver for children with special needs. She is certified in CPR and AED training, first aid, CPI (crisis prevention), and more. Miss Sam has helped develop our Dancing Without Limits (DWL) program and has been with Underground since 2015. She continues to grow and share her love of dance with all her students in our performing company and recreational program.