Our PureJoy! Staff
Marsha McEwan
Owner/Director
For the last 20+ years, Miss Marsha has considered it PUREJO\Y! to be surrounded by children and immersed with them in the wonderful world of the performing arts. Whether it be whirling & twirling with the Wee Ones in their very first dance classes or directing fully staged versions of Musical Theatre Productions, Miss Marsha’s joy is complete in the world of children. A former actress, with a B.A in Theatre/Drama from Indiana University, Miss Marsha stumbled upon a love for teaching while living in Moscow, Russia and helping fill a void in a private school’s theatre program there. Her own daughter began preschool dance classes in Moscow as well, and Miss Marsha spent hours watching how one particular Russian woman taught preschool dance, flitting about like a happy little bird, enchanting the children with her lively energy and delightful spirit. And so it was, 5,000 miles away and 20+ years ago, that the essence of PureJoy! Performing Arts was planted in Miss Marsha’a heart. Today, she has taught juicy and delightful gobs of preschoolers and elementary age children saying, “With every single class I discover anew, the magic of the performing arts through the natural talent and innate creativity of kids!”
The proof is in what happy parents such as these have to say, “I cannot believe all that you were able to pull out of our girls at your dance camp in just one week. They all want to come back for classes in the Fall! My daughter had a blast this school year and can’t wait to get back to class! Thank you for your amazing talent, endless patience and inspiring charm energy.”
For more Reviews on Miss Marsha and our PureJoy! program, click here!
Karen Mitchell
Instructor
Miss Karen first came to our studio as a parent looking for a joyful, nurturing environment for her children to experience dance. Miss Marsha was so taken by Karen’s kindness, joyful poise, presence and captivating smile every week at Drop Off and Pick Up. Miss Marsha tucked away the hopes of one day hiring this former Rockette, Creative Director with the Radio City Rockettes and MFA in Dance graduate from NYU’s Tisch School Of Arts. We are so happy that this dream has come true and Karen will be joining us in September for the Fall 2025 Season.
Miss Karen will be teaching a combination class of ballet and tap. Giving students a solid foundation in both styles will enable them to grow with confidence, respect and pride while finding joy and inspiration through dance. As a mother of 2 elementary school age children, she brings an awareness to the love, nurturing and discipline it takes to discover & develop a true passion and talent for dance. Welcome to our PureJoy! Dance Family, Karen!
~ Click here to read Miss Karen’s full bio!
Jahad Shawe
Instructor
It is a beautiful dream come true to welcome Jahad back to our dance floors for the 2026/2027 school year. We had the great joy of having Jahad teaching our dancers for 8 incredible years showering us with his incredible, joyous energy.
In his own words, he shares his heart for children and dance:
I strongly believe a dance class should encourage growth, confidence, and a positive learning experience while maintaining healthy discipline. I commit myself to creating quality choreography, helping students progress, and bringing positive energy into every classroom. I am passionate about teaching, mentoring young dancers, and sharing authentic hip-hop culture in a positive and professional environment.
Sammy
Instructor
Meet Sammy!
Sammy was one of Miss Marsha’s students 15 years ago and says, “You started me on my dance journey. It all began here and getting to come back to teach children the same age I was when I took your classes is a full circle dream come true.”
Miss Marsha initially hired Sammy as a Class Assistant and quickly saw how much the students loved her! She now teaches 3 classes with us on Saturdays! In addition to training 5 days a week at her own studio, she also dances daily with the Fox Lane Varsity Team. Sammy also shines bright during her Competition Season, where she performs pieces in Ballet Pointe Technique, Jazz and Lyrical.
Sammy’s Love For Dance and Teaching:
I love dance because I can express every emotion, depending on the style, with power and beauty.
It has also built in me a skill set of learning that positively impacts all areas of my life.
Dance Teachers are so lucky because it is where we can express all our love for movement and inspire students to discover the best version of themselves through the art form.