Next Generation Dance Studio

Ariel began dancing at the age of three at Studio One for Dancers in Oakland, ME. Here, she trained in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical and gymnastics. She began attending the Maine Dance Teacher’s workshops as an assistant teacher in 2005 and now attends the workshops throughout the year as an active Board Member. Ariel has also attended workshops all over the world taught by the likes of Sonya Tayeh (SYTYCD), Gregg Russell (Emmy nominated tap choreographer), Chris Jacobsen (Co-Founder of The Dance Sessions), Rhee Gold, and Gina Hatch (Rockette and Disney dancer.)

Ariel has taught dance classes in the UK, Ireland and across the state of Maine. This is her Thirteenth year teaching at Next Generation Dance Studio, Eleventh year as Artistic Director and Fifth season as owner of Between Friends.

Megan grew up in Bangor, Maine, and graduated from Bangor High School in 2020. She has been dancing at Next Generation since she was 6 years old and took classes in the styles of hip-hop, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, acrobatics, tap, ballet, and pointe. Megan was also a member of the competition team/performance troupe for many years and attended many local dance conventions. She assisted ballet and tap classes for 4 years and is in her 4th year teaching at Next Generation.

"I absolutely love the dance studio, and I love my students even more. I’m so excited for this year’s classes and to keep spreading my love for dance with the next generation!" - Miss Megan

Tristin was born and raised in Alabama and went to college at U of A in Tuscaloosa. While there, she was a part of the university’s dance team, Crimson Cabaret. She graduated in 2018 with dual degrees—a Bachelors in Marketing and in Dance. 

After graduation, Tristin moved to Nashville, TN for a year where she danced in the NFL as a Tennessee Titans Cheerleader.

Tristin has been Mainer for over 2 years now and is very excited to continue her 4th year as a teacher at Next Generation! 

 Abby grew up in Bangor, Maine and started dancing at Next Generation Dance Studio at the age of seven. She took classes such as jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, acro, musical theater and was involved in the competition team. 

Abby started assisting classes at Next Generation her freshman year in high school. She is in her forth year teaching at Next Generation.

"I am so excited to be teaching and enjoy working with the students on new skills and fun choreography!" -Miss Abby

   Cassie grew up in Oakland, Maine where she started dancing at Studio One for Dancers when she was three years old. There, she took classes in tap, advanced tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, pointe, and hip hop. She also assisted classes for four years at Studio One, as well as began substitute teaching at Next Generation in 2022. 

Cassie cannot wait to share her love and passion for dance with Next Generation in her first year of teaching!  

   Kacie Gerow grew up in Cape Coral, Florida where her dancing career started at 2.5 years old. She trained across all dance disciplines at Just Dancin' with Ginger Lynn. There she was member of the Show Troupe competition team and eventually a teacher. After high school, Kacie joined an international touring group called The Young Americans. 

In the YAs Kacie danced and taught in Europe, Japan, and across the USA. Kacie met her husband Tony in the Young Americans and they now reside in Bangor with their 2 daughters. Since moving to Maine Kacie has taught dance at TNT Dance Studio in Fairfield and theatre classes at Dramatic Academy at Penobscot Theatre Company. Kacie is so excited to join the Next Gen family and share her love for dance with a new group of little dancers.