Meet The Staff

Leslie Genest

I started my dance career 25 years ago with Charmaine Gregory Schick at her studio in Roseville and grew there until I left to attend Michigan State University. At MSU (Go Green!), I studied Communications and Social Science and danced with the MSU Dance Orkesis Rep Company as well as off campus with Ann's Studio of Dance and Danceworks MI LLC. I also performed with the MSU Collegiate Singers and the Women's Glee Club. I love being on stage and have danced and sang in front of all size audiences from black box theaters and board rooms to the halftime of an MSU basketball game in front of thousands.

My early dance years were consumed exclusively with tap (following in the footsteps fo my father, a great tap dancer), but eventually I integrated jazz, hip hop, and lyrical and added cheerleading to my activities list. I acquired an appreciation for contemporary during college and following school, dove into teaching a variety of classes. I returned to my first "home", Charmaines Studio, some years ago and was honored to be asked to take over our "Opening Number".

I'm a big believer in keeping things moving in class and bring a ton of energy and enthusiasm to my classes. I truly love teaching and watching my students grow as dancers. I have appreciated all the great experiences dance has produced for me and am thrilled to provide that for my own students.

During the day, I work as the Marketing Manager for an architectural firm and serve on the board of directors for the non-profit, the Junior League of Detroit, where I have mentored, tutored, and organized children's activities for hundreds of kids. I live with my husband, Joe, and son, Cameron, in Grosse Pointe Woods.