Faculty Bios

Ms. Kendra Slatt

Studio Owner / Director

Ms. Kendra Slatt has been studying the art of dance since the age of five. She holds a B.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Business Administration/Marketing from the State University of New York at Buffalo. During her time at UB she studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe, partnering, classical Indian dance, choreography, dance kinesiology, dance history, teaching methods, and technical theater production in addition to her business classes. She has performed several leading roles with the Hornell City Youth Ballet and was a member and performer with the University at Buffalo's "Dancers' Workshop." She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and is certified to teach by Dance Masters of America. She has previously taught at numerous studios in Western New York and the Washington, DC area prior to opening her own studio. She has also choreographed for numerous Hornell Rotary Club Theater Productions and many High School shows. She continues to expand her dance expertise through various workshops and seminars by the National Dance Education Organization, Dance Masters of America and other prestigious dance organizations.

Ms. Renee Rufo

Dance Instructor

Ms. Renee Rufo grew up outside of Philadelphia and began dancing when she was eight years old. In high school she was asked to start teaching classes at her local studio; she then went on to college at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA where she earned a minor in dance. By day, Renee is a government contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency. When she isn't busy working or dancing, she enjoys a good book, a long run and hanging out with friends.

Ms. Jaime Kuhns

Dance Instructor

Ms. Jaime Kuhns received her B.A. in Dance from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. She was a student at the American Dance Festival and the Laban Centre in London. She has performed with Meredith Monk, the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and has worked professionally with Trisha Brown, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Pilobolus Dance Theatre. After earning an M.A. in Dance Education from American University she is pursuing a career in Dance Education.

Ms. Erica Hart

Assistant Dance Instructor

Ms. Erica Hart is a current senior at Saint Johns College High School. Beginning to take dance classes at the age of four, under the direction of Joyce Mosso at Creative Dance Center, movement has always been in her life. Ms. Erica is always trying to broaden her understanding of dance with experiences like studying with the Washington Ballet and with choreographers such as Shawn Cosby, Aysha Upchurch and "Spex". She has also taken classes with Debbie Allen and Jennifer Archibald. Ms. Erica is currently a member of Urban Impact, Joy of Motion's resident teen hip hop company under the direction of Nikki Gambhir. Erica is also a film maker, editor and percussionist.

Ms. Avril Hernandez

Assistant Dance Instructor

Ms. Avril Hernandez has been training in ballet and in dozens of performances since she was four years old. During her teen years, she began studying jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance. In high school, she started to assist with teaching at the Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet. Every summer, she attends the Amy Marshall Dance Company Intensive Program in New York. Currently attending NOVA Community College in Annandale, she plans to pursue her dance career in Los Angeles after school. When she is not dancing, she is busy working three jobs and going out with friends.

Ms. Jackie Refo

Assistant Dance Instructor

Ms. Jackie Refo began dancing at the age of three in Baltimore, MD, where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical and modern dance. She was the captain of her high school competitive dance team and continued her education in dance at the University of MD, College Park while persuing degrees in English and Journalism. Ms. Jackie has also worked in childcare, theater, camp, and school environments over the years, and now spends her days as an editor at washingtonpost.com. Since moving to Arlington, Ms. Jackie is thrilled to join Perfect Pointe Dance Studio and keep dance in her life.

Ms. Emily Guyton

Receptionist

Ms. Emily Guyton grew up in Tennessee, where she studied ballet, tap, and jazz for fourteen years. She was a Junior member of Ballet Arts, a youth ballet company in Jackson, TN. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and works for a non-profit society in Arlington. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and nephews.