Meet Our Team
Kaitlyn Knapp
Owner, Head Visionary, and Teacher
Driven by her mission to prioritize student well-being and development, Miss Kaitlyn founded Uplift to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where all dancers are celebrated for their authentic selves. When she isn’t working in the business, she’s working on the business, dedicating her days to teaching classes, building community relationships, and supporting her team - and she loves every single minute.
She recently shared:
"When you are driven by a higher purpose, it doesn’t feel like work. It is no small thing to discover one’s passion. I feel extremely fortunate for the moment that I realized mine was dance. I am so grateful to spend every day sharing the gift of dance with others.”
Kaitlyn majored in Dance Management and Instruction at New Hampshire’s Plymouth State University and holds high-level certification from Acrobatic Arts, the world’s leader in AcroDance education. She has been teaching her craft for 18 years.
Kaitlyn’s favorite part about being a dance and acrobatics teacher is building strong bonds with the children she teaches and their families. She enjoys being a positive role model for her students and is grateful for the ability to watch their confidence, courage and strength grow with every new skill learned and with each passing year.
Kaitlyn's mission is to help our youth spend less time on screens and more time in the studio where they can become masters of their own bodies, learning to use them as a medium to create art and express themselves.
When Kaitlyn isn't at the studio, she loves spending time with her husband and their son, Caleb. She enjoys getting outdoors with her Chocolate Lab, Bella, and cuddling up with her two cats, Ava and Max. Kaitlyn also has a passion for kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, practicing yoga, and foraging for wild seasonal foods. In her downtime, she cherishes moments with friends.
Emily Fuguet
Dance and Acrobatics Teacher
Known for her dedication to teaching our littlest learners, Miss Emily has been such a wonderful addition to our Uplift team! As a teacher for 7 years, she ignites a passion for dance in every child she works with. It only takes a moment with Emily to see that working with and teaching children is truly her gift. Her students often share that they simply feel better after being in her class.
Emily currently holds a certification to teach in PreK-4th grade in the state of Vermont. She has an incredible attention to detail and is a dedicated teacher. Continuing education is a daily practice for Emily as she is always researching new skills and new combinations to share with her students to take them to the next level. This year, Emily is most excited to teach Lyra and Silks at Uplift!
When not at the studio, she's often gardening, chasing butterflies or grilling pizzas!
Alison Friend
Dance and Acrobatics Teacher
Ladies and Gentlemen - it’s time to introduce our very own, Ali Friend…all those things about her we hold near and dear to our hearts.
With over 20 years of dance experience and a degree from AMDA in New York City , Miss Ali is not just any instructor. She's a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher, a dynamic performer, and a passionate educator dedicated to sharing her love for the performing arts with Uplift’s next generation of dancers.
When we asked Miss Ali about what she’s most looking forward to at Uplift this season, it was hard to pick. Though, I have it on good authority that her eyes sparkled brighter than Broadway lights when she talked about All. That. Jazz!
Ali has become well-known for her innovative dance moves, outstanding choreography, and her talent for guiding students to reach their highest potential in both dance and acrobatics.
When Ali’s not teaching she loves being with her friends, family, and of course her dog, Hope.
Lyndsay Knight
Senior Studio Assistant
Norah Prodoehl
Senior Studio Assistant