Teaching Faculty
Sarah Keeler, director
Sarah Keeler is a dance educator, Pilates teacher and writer with nearly two decades of professional experience in the arts.
A native of San Antonio, TX, Sarah received her classical training at the Ballet San Antonio Academy, along with the Joffrey Workshop. After graduating from North East School of the Arts with double majors in dance and musical theatre, Sarah moved to New York City to pursue a career in dance. She's appeared with numerous dance companies in NY and TX, along with regional theatres and theme parks. Sarah founded Genesee Dance Theatre to bring professional dance productions and pre-professional training opportunities to rural communities in the Genesee Valley, thanks in part to a grant from the Wyoming County Rural Arts Initiative. Previously, she was a teaching artist for Neglia Conservatory of Ballet, Young Audiences of Western NY and In-Sight Dance Company.
Sarah Keeler is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the
ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a certified Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Pilates instructor.
Ms. Sarah believes that dance training should center the well-being of each student. She is an advocate for safe, supportive and challenging ballet education that preserves the integrity of the art form while helping students flourish and develop respect for self and others.
Fun fact: One of Sarah’s first jobs was dancing as “Dolly Dolphin” at SeaWorld!
Charlotte Meilaender
Charlotte Meilaender is a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher. She received her training at Genesee Dance Theatre School and Mercyhurst University, as well as training at acclaimed international ballet schools such as Masters of Ballet Academy in London, England.
Charlotte has performed both classical and contemporary repertoire with the Mercyhurst University Dance Department and Genesee Dance Theatre, and has choreographed for both stage and screen. Her performing credits include Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker, as well as original works by Jeffrey Rockland, Russell Adamson, and Noelle Partusch.
Charlotte holds a BFA in dance from Mercyhurst University, and has extensive experience teaching dance to students of all ages. She is passionate about fostering individuality and creative growth in her students, and is excited to return to Genesee Dance Theatre in a teaching capacity.
Fun Fact: Charlotte was the original “Spanish Chocolate” in GDT’s first Nutcracker in 2014! She has performed in all but one of our Nutcracker productions, including guest appearances as the Sugar Plum Fairy in 2019 and 2021.