Faculty
We know how difficult it is to trust others with the well being of your children. At Knecht Dance we strive to provide the highest quality dance education in a positive, nurturing, and safe environment. All our faculty is extremely qualified and dedicated to making your dance experience, a wonderful one.
Proudly certified through Acrobatic Arts.
Dedicated to the protection of young dancers-mind, body, and soul.
ALWAYS age appropriate choreography, songs, and costumes.
Proud members of Dance Masters of America
Ch. 25 Pennsylvania Association of Dance Teachers
Ch. 26 New York City
Elise Knecht
Owner/Director
Teeny Tiny Tots/Tiny Tots/Kinderdance/Musical Theater/Adults
Elise Knecht began dancing at her family's dance studio and spent her childhood competing in dance regionally and nationally. After winning the title of Miss Dance of New York City at the age of 16, she began performing professionally at Six Flags Great Adventure. While performing in various shows throughout the summer and the holiday season, Elise was promoted to Dance Captain and began choreographing several shows for the Six Flags Company. Immediately following high school graduation, Elise continued her performance career. She had the opportunity to perform in the Bahamas, Las Vegas, and New York City. After a decade of traveling and performing, Elise returned to the studio and was named owner and director. Elise's students have gone on to win national titles like Master Dance of America, Miss and Mr. Dance of America, and Junior Mister Dance of the United States. Other students can be seen performing across television in shows like Ugly Betty, iCarly, and Law and Order. Elise is certified by test through Dance Masters of America and is a 35 year member of Chapter 25 Pennsylvania Association of Dance Teachers and Chapter 26 New York City. Elise has also served as Vice President of New York City Dance Masters and as a judge for several Dance Masters of America National Championships. Elise loves teaching our preschool program and is proud to continue the Knecht legacy. When Elise is not teaching, she loves spending time with her cats, dog, and three children.
Ashlee Knecht
Owner/Director
Ballet/HipHop/Acro/Tap/Technique
Ashlee began dancing at her family's dance studio when she was three years old and began her competitive career at six. While being a member of the Knecht Dance Company, she was able to perform regionally and nationally and was awarded numerous titles including Senior Miss Dancers Inc. After graduating from Neshaminy High School, Ashlee moved to New York City to attend Pace University as a commercial dance major. Ashlee has attended Broadway Dance Center's Professional Semester, completed levels 1-3 of Dance Masters of America's Teachers Training School, and is certified through Acrobatic Arts Module 1. Ashlee is a member of Dance Masters of America's Chapter 25 Pennsylvania Association of Dance Teachers and 26 New York City. Ashlee is also certified by test through Dance Masters of America to teach ballet, tap, and jazz. Ashlee has had the opportunity to share her passion for dance with dance studios across the country and judges for various competitions throughout the United States. When Ashlee is not at the studio she loves spending time with her dog Theodore and cozying up with a good book.
Taylor Johnson
Instructor
Taylor began dancing at Knecht Dance Acaemy when she was three years old. She began competing at an early age and had the opportunity to travel regionally and nationally as a Knecht Dance Company member. After graduating from Pennsbury High School, Taylor went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania majoring in communications with a minor in dance. At IUP, Taylor had the opportunity to serve as Captain of the Dance Explosion Dance Team for three years and teach dance at various local dance studios. Taylor has been on faculty at Knecht Dance since 2020 and is loved by all her students. When Taylor is not teaching, she serves as the photo shoot coordinator for A WISH COME TRUE DANCE COSTUMES COMPANY. Taylor loves relaxing with her puppy Jersey and spending time with her two nephews. We are so grateful to have Taylor as a member of our dance family!
Ardyn Gaber
Instructor
Ardyn is a recent graduate of Neshaminy High School and has spent the last 17 years training at Knecht Dance. During this time, Ardyn trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, acrobatics, and hiphop. As a member of the Knecht Dance Company, Ardyn had the opportunity to compete regionally and nationally, winning high score overalls, judges awards, and convention scholarships. When not dancing, Ardyn continued to perform for Neshaminy High School’s theater productions and the Neshaminy Summer Stock as a dance captain. Ardyn is currently majoring in exercise science at Bucks County Community College. Ardyn has been an integral member of the Knecht Dance community, loved by her peers, teachers, and company members. Ardyn is thrilled to be on faculty this season and can’t wait to work with her students!
Josh Epp
Instructor
Josh grew up in Bensalem, Pa. and began dancing at 15 years old. Josh went on to continue his dance education at the University of the Arts as a jazz dance education major with a minor in creative writing.
While at University of the Arts, Josh had the opportunity to work with world renowned educators and focus on all facets of dance including ballet, tap, modern, FOSSE, voice, jazz, contemporary, and more.
Josh has been educating dancersin the tri-state area for over 10 years. While teaching at various studios, Josh has also choreographed for local festivals, high school theater programs, and performing arts high schools. When Josh is not teaching, he is travelling the country as a judge for Starquest Dance Competition, That’s Entertainment Performing Arts Competition, and Precision Arts Challenge. Josh is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in choreography, dance therapy, and exercise science. Josh loves hanging low with his four cats and playing video games. Knecht Dance is thrilled to welcome Josh to our dance family!
Donna Ahearn
Instructor
Donna began dancing in North Jersey at the age of three and by the age of seven, began her competitive career. Her training includes ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hiphop, musical theater, acro, and pointe. Donna went on to graduate with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Morris County College. After high school she pursued a career as a preschool teacher while auditioning and taking class in New York City. After moving to South Jersey Donna taught at Dance Arts in Cherry Hill for 20 years, working with all ages and managing the studio’s competition team. Her choreography has won numerous regional and national awards and has been performed at Lincoln Center. In 2011, Donna was invited to audition for Paula Abdul’s “Live To Dance” show. Donna’s performance credits include but are not limited to the 76ers, ABC’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Make A Wish Foundation, Disney Dance Parades, and Great Adventure. As Donna continues to teach, her knowledge and passion for dance grows as well. While pursuing more workshops and learning opportunities, Donna will be certified by test through Dance Masters of America in the 2024-2025 season. Donna is excited for the opportunity to teach and choreograph for children of all ages hoping each child will learn something new while striving to be the best version of themselves.
Taylor Foret
Instructor
Taylor is so excited to be joining the Knecht Dance faculty for her second season. Taylor joined the Knecht Dance famiy as a student in 2020. She immediately fell in love and joined the Knecht Dance Company. As a KDC member she had the opportunity to compete across the tri-state area and perform throughout the community. While a student, Taylor also spent three years as a Knecht Dance Intern. Taylor graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School and is now pursuing a degree in marine science with a minor in dance at Stockton University. Taylor is obsessed with Taylor Swift and when she’s not dancing, she’s spending time at the beach. We are so happy to have Taylor part of our Knecht Dance team for another year!