How this all began…
What started as a small idea back in 2022 — just a hope to see a change within our dance industry and our kids — quickly turned into The Branch: A Dance Experience. I wanted to create something that focused on the dancer as a whole. Human first. A space where dancers could learn how to adjust when life throws obstacles their way, handle self-doubt, rediscover their worth, and fall in love with dance all over again. I wanted a place where growth didn’t just happen through movement, but through conversation, honesty, and connection.
At The Branch, we bring in teachers who truly care about their students and who speak to them, not at them. We’ve built a community that leads with heart and celebrates individuality. Each year, I’m reminded how lucky we are to keep growing and to keep touching the lives of dancers all across the map. My hope is that The Branch continues to be a light — one that helps shift our dance world into a more positive, understanding, and loving space. We can’t wait to keep being part of that change.
Meet the Team
Our team is made up of people who care. They care about our mission, they care about dance, and most importantly they care about the people we teach.
Makaihlah Stover
Founder
Makaihlah is the founder and creative director of The Branch: A Dance Experience, established in 2022 to unite her passion for dance, education, and mental well-being. With a strong commitment to reshaping the culture of the dance industry, Makaihlah advocates for mental health awareness and strives to create spaces where dancers can grow both artistically and personally. Her work reflects a belief that dance can be both healthy and transformative—an outlet for self-discovery, confidence, and connection. Through The Branch and her ongoing mentorship, Makaihlah hopes to inspire her daughters and future generations of dancers to pursue their goals with balance, purpose, and heart.
Shayna Acosta
Faculty
In my classes at The Branch, you’re invited to come exactly as you are. This is a space where you don’t need to fix yourself, prove yourself, or compare yourself to anyone else. Together, we’ll uncover what may have been buried by expectation or pressure and reconnect you to your instincts and your unique voice in movement. Science tells us that no two nervous systems experience or express movement the same way—which means your movement can never be replicated. In this class, your differences are celebrated, your individuality is honored, and you’ll leave reminded that your body carries wisdom, your movement matters, and the world genuinely needs the way you move through it.
Kaylie Bee
Faculty
"Dance has always been where I’ve felt the most confident and myself, but it’s also where I learned how easily dancers can forget to care for themselves. After years of performing and teaching, I pursued my education as a pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant where I’ve learned how the physical and emotional sides of movement are inseparable. Now, I teach dancers how to understand their bodies, honor their limits, and build strength from the inside out.
At The Branch, I bring that same passion into my classes, blending movement with lessons on mental and physical health. My goal is to remind dancers that taking care of their body and mind is what allows their artistry to truly shine. Through education, movement, and open conversation, I aim to create a space where dancers can learn, grow, and feel safe being themselves."
Gene Biscontini
Faculty
When I teach, I emphasize confidence as a performance asset. Confidence comes from truly knowing who you are, trusting your choices, and committing fully to every movement. I push dancers to take up space, lead with intention, and understand that their individuality is their power.
In my classes, we work on getting out of our comfort zone, elevating performance quality, sharpening musicality, and building smart, durable technique. I encourage dancers to think critically, make bold artistic decisions, and use their unique voice to connect with an audience. My goal is for every dancer to leave the room feeling stronger, more self-assured, and more capable of owning any stage out there.
Tyler Downey
Faculty
Be prepared to be unprepared in my class. We are going to leave defined choreography at the door for this hour and explore ways to enhance storytelling skills through vocal exercises, improv games and acting challenges. In this hour, the dance floor becomes a playground, only for you to remember it was just that all along.
Emily Langford
Faculty
Being a dance teacher is one of my greatest honors in life—so having the opportunity to travel to new studios and new cities and meeting new kids while doing what I love is simply beyond words. Spending these weekends loving every kid we get the chance to know, being surrounded by staff that feels more and more like one massive family, has only expanded my heart. No matter what, I always strive for, hope for, and pray for every dancer I meet to feel seen and heard and important and loved during and after one of my classes. I pray to focus on approaching each and every class with a sense of gratitude and willingness, and that hopefully my leading by example will bring the students along with me. I absolutely love The Branch and the incredible souls it has laid in my path. Always thankful!
Helen Estrella
Faculty
In my classes, I value dancers who show up authentically and are open to discovering their own movement quality. I think of my role as drawing the outlines—like a coloring book—while the dancers fill them in with their own style, technique, and ideas. They don’t have to stay in the lines. I love introducing music dancers may have never heard before and letting it spark new inspiration. This is a space to take risks, try something new, and begin to understand who you are as an artist.
Andie Stitt
Faculty
The Branch is an open, welcoming and non- judgmental environment. Creating a dancer isn't always about the dance moves themselves but the mental and physical demand that comes with this title. Andie brings warm, bright energy to the classroom. Her knowledge of dance and the human body work together in her classes to create an all around healthy dancer. Andie is honored to be part of such a groundbreaking company.
Want to join the team?
The Branch only happens with people from all across the country coming together with the same goal in mind. If you are interested in joining the team fill out the form below and we will be in touch!