INSTRUCTORS

VALERIE PRINGLES

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  • Val, a Narragansett native, trained her entire childhood under the direction of Cheryl Cusick, owner and director of the former Narragansett Performing Arts Centre. Valerie was an inaugural member of the ‘Terpsichore’ Dance Company which competed and attained many special recognition awards from dance competitions throughout New England. During her final year of college, Valerie was offered a position with Carnival Cruise Lines, where she accepted a position as one of eleven female dancers. She completed two contracts with Carnival until she decided it was time to move back to a land life. She moved to Arizona where she assisted in a dance studio startup and helped in their curriculum development. She also choreographed for a sister production of “Fashion Fantastico”, a New Zealand inspired Fashion Show, during her time in Arizona. Valerie moved back home to Rhode Island in 2011, where she received a Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Salve Regina University.

    Valerie has consistently taught dance since high school and prides herself on utilizing positive reinforcement in all of her classes. She uses her training in Organizational Behavior Management to ensure effective and efficient leadership. Her experience teaching, as well as performing professionally provide her with strong tools in training her dancers to achieve their individual goals. Val dreamed of opening a dance studio since she was very young. Val is currently the Head Coach of the University of Rhode Island Ramettes Dance Team. She lives in Wakefield, RI with her husband, Bryan, and daughters Mackenzie and Zoey.

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Theater performers in colorful 1970s-inspired costumes and wigs pose on a disco-themed stage with mirrored set pieces.
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Two female dancers in sparkling pink and red dresses perform on a brightly lit stage.
Eight female dancers in colorful costumes perform on a brightly lit stage with oversized letters and costume props.

HOLDEN WEMHOFF

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  • Holden Wemhoff was born and raised in Norfolk, NE where he first discovered his love for dance. When he graduated high school, he moved to Los Angeles and quickly booked professional dance gigs during his residency there. From performing in the musical “The Producers” to working closely with Disney and some of LA’s top named artists such as Allyson Stoner, Kaycee Rice, and Sean Lew, everything has led him to finding his real love for dance; teaching and choreographing. Over the past few years, his choreography has awarded him some of the competitions top honors. He takes pride in his unique style and believes that there’s potential in every kid, as long as they put the work in.

REBECCA VIEIRA

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  • Rebecca grew up in Wakefield, RI and began dancing at Narragansett Performing Arts at the age of three. She later earned a spot on the Terpsichore Dance Company. She performed in many competitions and won many awards with her teammates as well as solo performances.

    Rebecca attended Dean College and received an Associate Degree in Performing Arts. She spent four years teaching all ages and choreographing for the dance company at Seaside Dance & Gymnastics in Westerly RI. Rebecca also used movement in her toddler classroom at The Children’s Workshop to help children express themselves. She was also a choreographer and performer for the Chorus of Westerly “A Celebration of 12th Night” for three years.

    Rebecca is also a graduate from DeVry University in Hospitality Management. She works full time as the Director of Banquets and Events at Pranzi Catering. She is excited to be teaching at Soles and cannot wait to help her students find the love of dance she did when she was younger!

GABBY SANTOS

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  • Gabby Santos began dancing at the age of two years old; studying all styles of dance, from ballet and contemporary to hip hop and tap. Throughout the years she also participated in national competitions, conventions, many master classes, and summer dance intensives. She was fortunate enough to be chosen to model for Weissmans and Dancewear Solutions, which she did for five seasons.

    She was also chosen to represent the state of Rhode Island, as a featured dancer in the published book, Dance Across the USA, by Jonathan Givens. In addition, her image, “Spirit Rise”, by Elan Studio, was featured in the publication, Kids Photos to Brighten Your Day by Tracy Sweeney. During her years dancing rigorously, she always maintained high honors and took honors and AP classes. Gabby currently attends the University of Rhode Island and dances on the Ramettes Dance Team there. Gabby is from North Kingstown, RI and has been a teacher at Soles since it’s inception!

BRITTANY MAIONE

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  • Brittany grew up in Wakefield and began dancing at the age of 7 at the former Narragansett Performing Arts Center. She studied all styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. Brittany competed alongside Miss Val in a variety of competitions and conventions throughout middle and high school and then went on to study Elementary and Middle Level Mathematics at Rhode Island College. For the next 9 years, Brittany went on to teach at Jamestown Middle School as a math and social studies teacher. After having her fourth baby, Brittany made the difficult decision to leave the classroom to stay home with her children Owen, Viviana, Levi and Rosalie. Brittany is thrilled to join the team at Soles Dance Academy and have the opportunity to combine her love for dance and teaching in a new and exciting classroom!

EMMA SENERCHIA

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  • Emma, from Warwick, Rhode Island is a recent graduate of The University of Rhode Island. She danced competitively growing up, taught and choreographed throughout high school and college, and was on the Ramettes dance team at URI for the last 4 years. Emma can’t wait to teach her students and watch them grow and expand their skills!

SARA BERRY

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  • Sara is a Rhode Island native and proud Soles Dance Academy alumna who is excited to be returning home to Soles for the 2026-2027 season! Having trained and competed throughout New England for much of her childhood and adolescence, Sara developed a passion for dance that continues to inspire her today. She went on to further her dance career as a member of the University of Rhode Island Ramettes Dance Team during her first three years at URI. With training in a wide range of dance styles, Sara is thrilled to be back in the studio, sharing her love of dance with the next generation of dancers. Outside of dancing, she is pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Rhode Island. Sara is honored to return to the studio. Welcome back Miss Sara!

RACHEL POISSON

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  • Originally from California, Rachel grew up dancing competitively and training in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. She also spent time teaching and assisting with administrative duties at her home studio, giving her experience both in the studio and behind the scenes. Rachel completed her undergraduate degree in Hawai’i and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island. She now resides in South County with her husband, who serves in the U.S. Military. Rachel is thrilled to be back in the studio and can’t wait to share her love and passion for dance with all of the students at Soles!