Jennifer Rachal, owner of Just Dance, is a native of Alexandria. She trained at The Dance Experience under the direction of Michelle Friede and performed and competed in and out of state starting at the age of eight. Jennifer attended Alexandria Senior High School where she was a member of the A.S.H. Troydolls for three years. She served as co-captain her junior year and as captain her senior year. Jennifer had the honor of performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1989.

Over the years, Jennifer has taken classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York and has trained with some of the world’s top choreographers and instructors, including Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Dave Scott, Chris Judd, and Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo.

In 1999, Jennifer was the choreographer and a performer with the Alexandria Warthogs pro-am ice hockey dance team, The Thunderbolts. In 2000, she was the choreographer and a performer with the Rangers pro-am indoor arena football team’s cheer/dance team, The Rangerettes.

From 2000 through 2005 Jennifer was the coach and choreographer of Dance Team 2000 at Vicki’s Dance Centers. During that time, Jennifer won numerous awards for her choreography and Dance Team 2000 won performance awards at Showstoppers, Dance Makers Inc., LA Dance Magic, Applause, and International Dance Challenge. Her dance routines won national titles at both Universal Studios in Orlando, FL in 2002 and at the Cashman Convention Center in Las Vegas in 2003. The National Dance Alliance awarded her the Grand National Champion Choreography Award in 2003. In April of 2004, Jennifer choreographed and performed with Royal Caribbean’s Stars at Sea.

Jennifer, along with Kayla Fung, choreographed for Louisiana Tech’s competition dance line in 2005, winning first place at nationals. She was the choreographer for the Distinguished Young Women of Louisiana (formerly known as Louisiana Junior Miss) program 2005 - 2015.

Jennifer was the choreographer for the A.S.H. Troydolls from 2010 through 2014, winning local, state, and national titles. She has choreographed for the Just Dance Company for the past 18 years, winning numerous awards for her choreography. Jennifer took several of her dancers to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2012, 2016 and 2021. Her students have been selected to perform in dance projects and workshops both in and out of state. Several have gone on to dance in college and also professionally.

Jennifer is proud to have participated, along with her students and members of her staff, in the Untapped Together Campaign. In August 2016, the Untapped film crew visited Just Dance to film participating students while they danced routines choreographed by Jennifer and two other faculty members. Untapped compiled and edited footage from dance studios across the nation and screened the completed film in movie theaters in February 2017.

Jennifer is the mother of three, stepmother of two, and resides in Alexandria with her husband. She is the proud Gammy of two granddaughters, Kiri and Miley; two grandsons, Canaan and Dutton; and a step-grandson, Bentley.

Jennifer is extremely proud to have built her successful dance studio from the ground up. She says that it is gratifying to see the positive contributions that Just Dance makes in the lives of its students and also in the local community.
 

Kayla grew up in the dancing world and Cenla’s dance community. Her knowledge and skill learned throughout her many years of dance have continued to drive her to continue educating the young dancers in Central Louisiana. While she enjoys all subjects of dance, ballet is what she has been drawn to since she was little.

Kayla believes in developing and training a solid technique foundation. She focuses on training dancers on the basics of ballet and building on those basics to create excellent technicians in dance. In addition to developing technique, the art of movement and performance are continually explored throughout her classes. Dancers are challenged to bring the ballet story to life for their audience. Kayla believes that once the dancer is confident in their skill, the performance will happen naturally. She believes in meeting each and every dancer where they are in their own dance journey and help them grow further in both skill and performance.

In August of 2015, Kayla completed the Ballet Blog/Perfect Form Physiotherapy’s Level I teacher training course taught by Lisa Howell. This course is designed to give dance educators a deeper insight into the mechanics of dance and the skills to correct technique issues and prevent injuries. In the Summer of 2022, she completed Level 1 Progressing Ballet Technique certification program. She is trained and has been assessed in Progressing Ballet Technique junior, senior and advanced programs. She is actively working to obtain her Level 2 certification. She feels that the training in both of these programs helps educate and prepare her dancers for their future endeavors.

Kayla is the creator of the Ballet Rêve program at Just Dance. This program is designed to further elevate those dancers wanting to pursue a more serious ballet career.

Besides her dance endeavors, Kayla is a full time Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at a local hospital. She is a graduate of Louisiana Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Northwestern State University Master of Science in Nursing program. She is a native of Alexandria, La. She enjoys spending time with her family, husband, Chris, and children, Audrey and Eli.

Mandy has been dancing since the age of three. She began her training at Cenla Academy of Performing Arts under the direction of Rita Barton, later continuing her training at Just Dance under the direction of Jennifer Rachal. She has learned from professionals such as Dave Scott, Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo and Shane Sparks. She was awarded a dance scholarship by Tyce Diorio.

Mandy attended Holy Savior Menard Central High School, where she participated in both junior high cheer and varsity danceline. Mandy then transferred to Alexandria Senior High School, where she danced as a Troydoll for two consecutive years. As an ASH Troydoll, she received the title of American All-Star at dance line camp. This included an invitation to dance in Italy. Mandy is a 2009 graduate of ASH. After high school, Mandy danced as a member of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin' Jazz dance team and taught hip-hop at ULL's recreational sports gym. Mandy is a graduate of Louisiana State University at Alexandria.

Mandy has always enjoyed choreographing dance routines for individuals, groups, and junior high and high school dance teams. She was the talent choreographer for the first runner-up of Louisiana's 2013 Distinguished Young Women. Mandy, along with Jennifer Rachal, coached the Alexandria Senior High Troydolls danceline to a National Championship in 2013. She continued coaching the ASH Troydolls in 2015, 2016, and 2017, winning first, second, and third place titles at both the state and national level. Mandy was honored to receive the Outstanding Choreography Award at the United States Dance/Drill Team Championship in 2016. She coached for the LSU of Alexandria Lieutenants pomline and the ASH Troydolls danceline. In 2021, Mandy, choreographed ASH dancelines winning routine.

Mandy has been a choreographer and coach for Alexandria Country Day School’s Dancing with the Stars Cenla Style fundraiser. In 2015, she coached Robert Fontane and Amy Grimes to win the Judges’ Award. In 2016, she coached Sam Mahfouz and Kristy Flynn, who won the Mirror Ball Trophy, and Todd Morrow and Mitzi Fairbanks, who won the Fan Favorite award.

Mandy is currently the dance director at Bolton High School Conservatory. Currently resides in Alexandria with her husband and two daughters. She is thankful that her mentor, Jennifer Rachal, has given her so many opportunities, including the opportunity to teach. Dancing is something she loves to do. It is her passion and she would love to continue it for many years.

Reghan began dancing at age two and started dancing competitively at age five. Throughout her competitive years of dance, she had the opportunity to dance in an off-Broadway show, attend summer intensives in New York and California, and perform in a music video. She was also awarded numerous dance convention scholarships.

Reghan was a member of her high school dance team for four years and was named captain her senior year. Her team traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, all four years to compete in Universal Dance Association’s (UDA) National Dance Team Championship. They placed number seven in the nation during Reghan’s senior year.

After high school, Reghan attended the University of Louisiana – Lafayette where she was a member of the Ragin’ Jazz dance team for three years. The team performed for football, basketball, and volleyball games each season and also performed at one Saints professional football game each year. The Ragin’ Jazz dance team also traveled to Walt Disney World each year to compete in UDA’s College National Dance Team Championship. During her third year with the Ragin’ Jazz dance team, Reghan was an officer and helped choreograph the performances for events.

Reghan has previously coached the dance teams of Acadiana High School and Brame Middle School. She choreographed routines for pep rallies, band half-time dances, and the routines that were performed at their competitions, including UDA’s National Dance Team Championship.

Reghan received a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from the University of Louisiana Lafayette and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She then went on to graduate from Louisiana College with her BSN and Northwestern State University with her FNP. She currently works as a Nurse Practitioner at the Neuromedical Clinic of Cenla. Reghan currently resides in Alexandria with her husband Will Littlepage. They are the proud parents of two daughters and a son
 

Sarah is a native of Alexandria and has been dancing since the age of three. Dance became her passion at a young age and has always played a significant role in her life. Over the course of 15 years, Sarah studied a combination of ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap and jazz. She received scholarships and various other accolades for her performances.

Sarah attended Alexandria Senior High School where she was a member of the ASH Troydolls for two years. She completed her high school career at Pineville High School, where she was awarded numerous dance roles during her participation in the PHS theater department.

Sarah graduated from Northwestern State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She recently got her MBA in 2020. Now, Sarah is working towards becoming a CPA. During her time at NSU, Sarah continued to follow her passion for dance by studying ballet, tap, jazz, theatrical dance and practicum in dance. She also performed in many pageants and a variety of assemblies. It was at that time that Sarah found a true love for tap under the instruction of Susan Hussey.

Sarah is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her love for dance and tap at Just Dance. She is proud to be part of the positive contribution that Just Dance brings to the local community. Sarah looks forward to many more years of teaching as she strives to challenge, inspire, and encourage her students to work hard and never lose sight of their dreams!
 

Jess started dancing before she could even walk! She began formal training at the age of three at Arts of the Dance Centre in Vineland, New Jersey. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, Hawaiian, pointe and lyrical. Jess and two fellow dancers were invited to dance with the Philadelphia Ballet Academy for their performance of The Nutcracker.

Jess attended Alexandria Senior High School and was an ASH Troydoll for four years, serving as Co-Captain her senior year. She won numerous awards: National Dance Alliance (NDA) All-American, NDA Drill Downs, and Universal Dance Association (UDA) All-Star - 2 years. Jess was invited to dance in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and at several bowl games. She graduated from ASH in 2005.

After high school, Jess went on to dance for Louisiana Tech's Regal Blues. While on the team, she was invited to become a UDA instructor and also helped coach several junior high and high school dance teams. In 2009, Jess moved to Philadelphia for school and found a studio where she could share her love of dance. She taught jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary for two years at Sandie Mulie Dance Studio. As an instructor, she brought several of her students to New York City for a day of learning.

Jess found a passion for marketing and social media and pursued a career at Ugly Mug Marketing. Working there she got to work with many small business owners in Cenla and help host several events. Through working there, she grew in technology advancement and marketing and is now the Technology Coordinator and Social Media Manager at Our Lady of Prompt Succor School.

Jess coached the Menard Jr. High Danceline from 2014-2017. They went on to win numerous awards. She coached 4 different couples in Country Days Dancing with the Stars. She is married and the mother of two. Jess is a member of the Junior League of Alexandria and an active member of the community. Jess could not be happier to be part of the Just Dance family!

Katie began dancing at the age of three. At the age of five, she was selected to dance competitively with Dance Team 2000 under the direction of Jennifer Rachal. She became a member of the Just Dance Company in 2005. During her 15 years of dance training and performing, Katie found her life’s passion in dance.

Katie is an honor graduate of Holy Savior Menard Central High School (Menard), where she was a member of the Golden Eaglettes danceline. She was a four-year letterman in dance and served as dance line co-captain (junior year) and captain (senior year). As a member of the Golden Eaglettes, Katie was selected and invited to perform around the world in places like Hawaii; Miami, FL; Houston, TX; New York, NY; and London. She has also been invited to perform in several collegiate bowl football games and parades. While attending Menard, Katie received many awards, including the High Kick Award and two Outstanding Leadership Awards. She was a three-time American All-Star and a Universal Dance Association (UDA) All-American. Katie was also chosen as a UDA Staff Nominee.

As a member of the Just Dance Company, Katie has pursued her dream of performing as well as competing. She has enjoyed the opportunity to study many forms of dance and compete in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop. Katie has taken numerous workshops and master classes and has studied with some of the world’s most influential dancers and instructors, including Frank Hatchett (Broadway Dance Center), Tony Bellissimo and Tiffany Maher (Tremaine Dance), and Chris Koehl and Melissa Sandvig (So You Think You Can Dance). A highlight of her dance career was being invited to perform in the Macy’s 2012 Thanksgiving Day Parade as a “Spirit of America” dancer. Katie was a teacher’s assistant at Just Dance for nine years and was trained as an apprentice teacher by her mentors Lissie Theriot and Jennifer Rachal.

Katie is a graduate of Louisiana State University of Alexandria and teaches Pre-K at Our Lady of Prompt Succor School. She is a former member of the LSUA pom line and is the former coach of the Brame Gator Girls dance team. Having the opportunity to be an instructor at Just Dance is the fulfillment of one of Katie’s lifelong goals. She is excited to continue to explore her love for dance and to continue working with children. Katie hopes to instill a passion for dance in each of her students so that they may have the same types of opportunities and wonderful experiences that dance has afforded her.
 

Sarah began dancing at the age of two at Vicki’s Dance Centers in Alexandria, LA. At age five, she joined Dance Team 2000 and began dancing competitively under the direction of her mother, Jennifer Rachal. In 2005, Sarah became a member of The Just Dance Company Dancers. She performed and competed with Just Dance for nine years.

Sarah is a graduate of Alexandria Senior High School, where she was a member of the A.S.H. Troydolls. She was a four year letterman in dance and served as co-captain her last two years of high school. Sarah competed with the A.S.H. Troydolls in Orlando, Florida, winning national titles both her junior year and senior year. During high school, she was invited to perform in Hawaii, New York, and London.

In 2012, Sarah was honored to receive an invitation to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. She traveled with 16 other Just Dance students to perform with the Spirit of America Dance Stars.

Over the years, Sarah has trained with some of the world’s top choreographers and instructors including: Frank Hatchett, Mia Michaels, Dave Scott, Marty Dew, Tyce Diorio, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tony Bellissimo, Melissa Sandvig, and others.

In August 2015, Sarah completed The Ballet Blog/Perfect Form Physiotherapy’s Level I Teacher Training course taught by Lisa Howell. The course is designed to give dance teachers a deeper insight into the mechanics of dance and the skills to correct technique issues and prevent injuries.

Sarah resides in Alexandria, LA. She is married to Timothy Foreman, a Pineville Beauty School graduate, and currently works full-time at Just Dance. Sarah is the proud mother of four: daughter Miley, son Canaan, son Dutton, and step-son Bentley.

Candace, a native of Dry Prong, began dancing at the age of three, first with Michelle Friede at The Dance Experience and then at Vicki’s Dance Centers. She danced competitively with Dance Team 2000 at Vicki’s Dance Centers under the direction of Jennifer Rachal. Candace is a graduate of Grant High School, where she was a member of the Golden Girls dance team for four years. As a member of the Golden Girls, Candace had the opportunity to perform at Disneyland Paris and at the Hula Bowl half-time show in Maui, HI.

Candace has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas and an associate degree from Northwestern State University, where she was a member of the Purple Pizzazz pom line. Candace was honored to perform under the direction of Jennifer Rachal as a member of the Rangers pro-am indoor arena football team’s cheer/dance team The Rangerettes.

Candace currently resides in Pineville with her husband, Adam, and two children, Noah and Olivia. She is the Chemistry teacher and coach of the Red Hot Dixie Dancers dance line at Pineville High School. Candace lists Jennifer Rachal as one of her biggest sources of dance inspiration. According to Candace, “She taught me how to challenge myself to do more than I thought I was capable of. Her passion for dance and love for her students is truly inspirational. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Just Dance family!”

Kim began her dance training at age three at Rosie’s Dance Center in Kinder, LA. After moving to Pineville, she danced at Dance by Deborah for ten years. During her years of studio dance, Kim competed several times per year and attended many dance conventions, where she had the opportunity to train with instructors such as Mia Michaels.

Kim attended Pineville High School where she was a member of the Dixie Dancers dance line her sophomore through senior years. She was co-captain of the Dixie Dancers during her senior year.

After high school, Kim attended Louisiana Tech University. She was a member of the Regal Blues dance team from 2004 through 2009 and was captain during her last two years. As a member of the Regal Blues, she attended Pro Dance Camp and learned from instructors and choreographers like Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo (So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew). As captain of the Regal Blues, Kim helped choreograph and perfect routines. In 2007, she was invited to become a Universal Dance Association (UDA) instructor. During college, Kim coached the Choudrant High School dance line from 2005 to 2007. She also choreographed a hip-hop competition routine for Brame Junior High School’s dance line, which won first place at the state level. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design, she coached the Regal Blues for a year before moving back to Pineville.

Kim has 4 kids, 3 daughters and a son and curriculum and admissions director at St. Frances Cabrini School. She was awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching, Early Childhood Education from Northwestern State University. Kim is also a 200-hour registered yoga teacher. She finds inspiration in watching dancers improve themselves, perfect their skills, and meet their goals. Kim loves that moment when everything falls into place – when the dancers and the choreography come together so perfectly and beautifully. While she loves performing for an audience, Kim also enjoys dancing for her own enjoyment. Some people sing in the car... Kim dances!

Erika has been dancing since the age of four. She danced for 13 years, including 10 years as a member of the Just Dance Company Dancers. As part of her dance education, Erika trained in a variety of styles including jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, and lyrical. She attended many dance conventions and competitions, winning multiple awards. Over the years, Erika has trained with amazing dancers and choreographers including Will Adams, Mia Michaels, Tony Bellissimo, Travis Wall, Misha Gabriel, Nika Kijun, and Brian Friedman.

Erika is a graduate of Alexandria Senior High School, where she was a member of the ASH Troydolls during her sophomore and senior years. During her senior year she was awarded the title of American All-Star at camp. She also competed at American All-Star Nationals in Orlando, Florida, where her team won the title of National Champions in both pom and hip-hop and the title of 2018 National Champions overall.

Erika lists Just Dance owner Jennifer Rachal as one of her greatest influences. "Over the years, Jennifer has taught me so many different life lessons. Those lessons have helped shape me into the person I am today. I have seen how committed she is to the studio and her students. She is truly an inspiration, and I am thrilled to be part of the Just Dance staff."

Erika has been a Just Dance assistant for over 10 years. Pineville Beauty School graduate and now works at Midtown Salon & Suites as a Hair Stylist. She is an ASH Sports Camp dance and cheer instructor and counselor. She is married and expecting her first baby girl in October! Erika hopes to continue sharing her passion for dance with the next generation of young dancers. She strives to be the best dance instructor she can be as she continues to teach, to learn from, and to inspire her students.

Emma began dancing at the age of 2 years old. She was invited to join the Just Dance Company at the age of 5 and continued to compete until she was 18. While taking at Just Dance, Emma studied jazz, ballet, tap, hip-hop, and lyrical. She was a Just Dance Assistant for 10 years. She has also been to several dance conventions and has learned from many of the ‘greats’ such as Brian Friedman. Emma was a member of Just Dance for a Cause and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts where she served as President in 2021. Emma was also invited to dance in the Macys’ Thanksgiving Parade in 2021.

Emma was a member of the Menard Junior High Danceline for 2 years where she served as Captain her 8th grade year. She was also a member of the ASH Troydolls for 4 years where she was Co-Captain her junior year and Captain her senior year. Emma has been awarded several awards over her years in danceline such as Rapides Parish Dance Diva and the All-star award at American All-Star Camps. She also received choreography and judges awards for her choreography on the state and national levels. Emma choreographed two out of the three routines that the Troydolls performed that won the American All-Star National Championship in 2022. She graduated from ASH in 2022.

Emma is beyond honored to continue her love for dance as an instructor at Just Dance. She has a passion for the art and wants to instill that very passion in each of her dancers. She cannot wait to see where this journey takes her as a choreographer and instructor.

Ella began dance at the age of two years old.  When she was nine she was invited to join the Just Dance Company.  Ella has studied many styles of dance over the years including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, and Tap.  She competed with group and solo numbers in all of these categories winning numerous awards during her years as a Company member.  She has attended many prestigious dance conventions and has studied under many of the ‘greats’ such as Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Misha Gabriel, Talia Favia, and, Tricia Miranda.  At conventions she has also been awarded scholarships in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary.  Ella was also invited to dance in the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2024.

During high school Ella was invited to be a member of the Ballet Reve program at Just Dance where she furthered her knowledge and dance experience in Classical Ballet/Pointe and Contemporary.  She is thankful for the opportunity to continue being a part of Ballet Rêve as a Division 1 instructor. 

Ella is honored to continue her love of dance as a Just Dance Instructor.  She strives to be the best dance instructor she can be as she continues to teach and to inspire her students. She hopes to instill a passion for dance in each of her students just as her instructors at this studio have for her. She cannot wait to see where this journey takes her as a choreographer and instructor.

Pam, or "Principal Pam" as she is known around the studio, is a native of Alexandria. She graduated from Bolton High School and then studied business at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. She and her husband, Paul Socia, have three amazing and talented children: Joshua, Jonathan, and Shelby. They also have one wonderful daughter-in-law, Amber, and a sweet and adorable granddaughter, Macie. Pam is so excited that Macie has started her dance training at Just Dance.

Pam loves spending time with her family and refurbishing old things. She is Just Dance's biggest cheerleader. She can be found working behind the scenes in the office to keep the studio running efficiently and to allow the staff to concentrate on their most important task: teaching the dancers. When you come to Just Dance, Pam will be one of the first to greet you with a smile. Stop by the studio today; she would love to show you around and share her love for Just Dance with you!