Amanda Durst was born and raised in Erie, PA where she began dancing at the age of three. She trained in all styles of dance and was also a member of the Long’s Performing Arts Team LLC and traveled to Disney World twice to perform. Amanda also spent a year on faculty with Long’s School of the Dance, training under Long’s co-founder Marge Long.

In 2009, Amanda graduated from the Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre. While attending BoCo she had the privilege of studying with and attending master classes with many world renowned performing artists. During her time in Boston, Amanda developed a dance program for a Watertown cheer leading academy, Full Out Cheer. Her Junior and Senior teams became National Champions and were invited to compete in Hawaii by the World Spirit Federation.

After graduating, Amanda moved to NYC! She has performed regionally and toured nationally with multiple productions and companies such as; The Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Trumpet in the Land, Once Upon A Time Inc., American Family Theatre Co., and The Secret Theatre. Amanda is also an Acting and Drama teacher that has worked with South Asian Youth Action, American Dance and Drama, and CloverPrep Academy to bring the performing arts to students across the Queens borough.

Amanda is proud to be a member of the Fancy Feet faculty and family.

Raylynne Kuhn was raised in Norwich, New York where she began dancing at the age of six. She trained in all styles of dance and was also a member of the Donna Frech School of Dance and traveled to Disney World twice to perform. Raylynne trained with Donna Frech School of Dance and became a teaching assistant at the age of ten. While training with Donna Frech she earned the title of Miss. Pre NADAA at a National Convention, and was a member of the opening act for The Power of Dance National competition in 2020.

In 2021, Raylynne graduated from Unadilla Valley Central School and then began her college education at Russell Sage College where she studies Psychology, Expressive Arts in Mental Health with her focus being in dance. While studying at Russell Sage, she has the privilege of working with the college’s dance team, where she instructs beginner to advanced level dancers. While being a part of the dance team, Raylynne has filled the job as Co-Director and managed the social media pages, while also choreographing several dances for their spring show.

Raylynne’s primary focus in dance is creating a safe environment for all forms of expression. Raylynne believes that a subsequent part of creating this type of environment is creating a healthy bond between student, teacher and parents. Raylynne enjoys all styles of dance, but loves ballet, contemporary, and jazz. She believes that all people have a true dancer inside of them and that all we need to release that dancer is confidence. Gaining confidence and trust are essential for a healthy dancing environment.

Raylynne is so proud to become a part of this amazing family.

Payten Breton is from Troy, New York, and has been dancing competitively since the age of 9. She began her dance journey at Premier Dance Performing Arts Center in Clifton Park before continuing her training at Turning Pointe Dance Center in Latham, where she graduated. Throughout her dance career, Payten has also had the incredible opportunity to train with the Moscow Russian Ballet and perform in The Nutcracker on several occasions.

Payten's primary focus in dance is building a sense of community through movement, creativity, and shared experiences. She believes that dance is more than just learning steps and choreography; it is an opportunity to connect with others, express yourself, and create meaningful relationships. For Payten, the dance studio will always be a place where students can grow, feel supported, and create positive, long-lasting memories.

Payten is excited to share her passion for dance with the Fancy Feet community and hopes to create an encouraging and welcoming environment where every dancer feels inspired to learn, grow, and express themselves. She believes that some of the most meaningful moments happen when people come together through a shared love of dance, creating memories and friendships that last far beyond the studio.

Erin Schulz grew up in Averill Park, New York, and has been dancing since the age of 3. She began her dance journey at Isabelle School of Dance in West Sand Lake, where she developed her love and passion for dance. Ms. Erin continued pursuing dance throughout her undergraduate years at SUNY Geneseo, allowing her to continue growing as a dancer while building lasting connections through her love of movement

Erin's primary focus in dance is fostering a sense of community, connection, and joy. She believes that dance is about so much more than learning choreography; it is about bringing people together, building lifelong friendships, and creating memories that last far beyond the studio. Through her own experiences, Ms. Erin has met some of the most incredible people through dance and hopes to provide that same opportunity for her students.

Erin is excited to share her passion for dance with the Fancy Feet community and hopes to create a fun, welcoming, and encouraging environment where dancers can grow, build confidence, and form meaningful relationships. She believes that dance has a special way of bringing people together, and that the friendships, experiences, and memories made in the studio are just as important as the dancing itself!