Star Dance Academy Staff

Miss Chantel Martin
Studio Director

Miss Chantel's passion for dance began at the age of three, and she is endlessly grateful to continue living her dream as the Studio Director of Star Dance Academy. As an award winning dancer, instructor and choreographer, she has over twenty years of dance experience and over ten years of teaching experience. She is a devoted teacher whose greatest joy is sharing her passion for the art of dance and inspiring her students to reach their fullest potential.

Miss Chantel’s proudest awards as a studio director and instructor/choreographer include multiple “Best Choreography” awards from competitions,' “Heart and Soul” award, “Best Studio Owner” and “Best Dance Family” at the Royal Dance Family Competition. We were also awarded “Best Dance School” by the Record Journal 3 years in a row. Miss Chantel is overwhelmingly humbled and honored by these extraordinary recognitions. 

In addition to teaching classes at her studio, Miss Chantel enjoys choreographing for musical theatre groups and teaching wedding dances. She has choreographed over 100 musical productions and over 30 wedding first dances. She also has had fun choreographing bridesmaid/groomsmen dances, college dance auditions with successful turn outs such as The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), flash mobs, sweet 16 group dances, solo, small group and large group dances for fundraisers, and more. Miss Chantel has recently been asked to be on The Knot which is the #1 wedding planning website that recognizes exceptional vendors across the country. The Knot only chooses the top wedding vendors that are known for being trustworthy, dependable, and delivering quality service.

Miss Chantel has participated in numerous NADAA workshops and dance competitions in Connecticut, Boston, and New York. Each year she enriches her dance education and leadership skills by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops such as Broadway Dance Center in New York City, The Pulse and Broadway Dance Center's Teacher Intensive Workshop in New York, and Rhee Gold's Dance Life Seminars in Massachusetts. She is affiliated with the Dance Studio Owners Association and was chosen to be part of the Inner Circle. She has studied with some of the world's most renowned choreographers and instructors such as Dave Scott, Sheila Barker, Ricky Hinds, Mike Wittmers, Matt Steffanina, and Tracie Stanfield. Miss Chantel loves challenging her dancers and bringing new ideas back to the studio. 

Miss Chantel seems to never run out of energy and enthusiasm because she is doing what she loves. She has overcome many challenges such as teaching virtually during the pandemic and being innovative by holding our end of the year recital outside by transforming a pavilion into a stage.

Miss Chantel is thankful for the support of her dance family and loves who she shares her dance studio with.