The Instructors
Meet our expert team at Byrd Dance, where passion meets expertise in our elementary school dance and yoga programs. Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and unique backgrounds to nurture a love of dance and wellness in every student. Join us to experience the difference that skilled, passionate instructors can make in fostering artistic expression, confidence, and personal growth in dance and yoga.
Ms. Shane
Shane Gerardi started dancing at a very young age and continued to study dance throughout college. She was a professional NBA Dancer for the Nets for several years and also worked as a backup dancer for several artists. She has been a dance educator and choreographer for over 25 years. Shane has coached and choreographed for many award-winning cheer/dance teams and also brings her love of dance to teaching children of all abilities. Shane works during the day as a preschool teacher in a 4/5-year-old classroom.
Ms. Julia
Julia fell in love with yoga and meditation once she realized how beneficial it was for her physical and emotional well-being. With a background in gymnastics and dance, yoga was a familiar yet challenging way to broaden her variety in movement. After practicing yoga for many years, she was ready to grow her experience on a deeper level. In April of 2022, Julia received her 200-hour RYT Training through Yoga Alliance. She plans to take continuing education courses to further her knowledge of this beautiful, soul-touching practice.​After instructing classes in the studio, Julia knew it was time to share this practice with her preschool students. After seeing the joy and calmness that yoga brought out of the children, she knew it was time to instruct more yoga classes tailored to young individuals. Through Yoga, Julia hopes to help guide and connect people with their inner self, and find a balance and harmony they can achieve off the mat.
Ms. Isabella
Isabella Verma is a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and educator with a lifelong passion for dance. As a member of her hometown studio growing up, Isabella performed at nursing homes, malls, and charity events, as well as competing at regional and national competitions. She has attended the Peridance Summer Intensive, Rockette Mini Summer Intensive, and the Joffrey Ballet School Contemporary and Jazz Summer Intensive. She has attended the Disney Dancin’ workshop and performed at Disney Springs in Florida with the Paramus High School Spartanettes Dance Company. In 2020, Isabella became a recipient of the NJGAAE Student Award for Artistic Excellence and Leadership. She was inducted as a member of NHSDA in the National Dance Education Organization in both the Secondary chapter (‘21) and Collegiate chapter (‘25). Along with receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Montclair State University in Dance Education, Isabella was awarded the MSU Dance Education Award for her achievements with student teaching during her college career. At this time, Isabella is a dance educator at a local dance studio and several preschools. She continues to explore dance education with different ages and levels, and is very excited for her future with teaching and choreographing.