GET TO KNOW THE ERIN RAE’S STAFF
Erin Rae McNamara
Erin Rae McNamara is the proud owner and director of Erin Rae’s School of Dance, where the mission has always been clear: to create a nurturing, empowering, and joy-filled space where dancers feel seen, supported, and celebrated. What began in the summer of 2005 as a heartfelt dream in the historic mills of Fall River—with just 67 dancers—has blossomed into a vibrant and positive dance family, welcoming nearly 300 dancers through its doors each week.
A lifelong dancer, Erin Rae began dancing at age four, teaching by fifteen, and officially opened the studio at just twenty years old. Raised in Westport, Massachusetts, she knew early on that she wanted to build something meaningful—not just a studio, but a home. Today, Erin Rae’s is known not only for its inspiring training and creative programs, but for its strong and inclusive culture built on kindness, community, and connection.
You’ll find Erin Rae in the classroom every week—whether it’s leading a preschool class or guiding dancers in the Intensive Program—all while proudly running the business behind the scenes. She leads by example, pouring love and encouragement into each class and dancer, creating an environment where everyone—students, families, and faculty—can thrive!
She is an active member of the Studio Owner Alliance and the Gold Alliance with Rhee Gold, and has been attending the DanceLife Teacher Conference (DLTC) for over a decade—always bringing new ideas and inspiration back to the studio. Erin Rae has also judged for regional and national competitions. Her choreography has earned awards for many years, and she absolutely loves creating pieces that are tailored to suit the unique talents and personalities of her dancers. Erin Rae also mentors fellow studio owners who share her passion for creating meaningful impact through dance.
When she’s not at the studio, Erin Rae is a proud wife and mom, who treasures the balance of family and purpose. She brings that same love and dedication into E-Rae’s, where every dancer is valued, and every family feels like they belong. Erin Rae continues to lead with heart, purpose, and vision—making sure Erin Rae’s School of Dance remains a place where dancers grow, friendships flourish, and everyone feels at home.
Samantha Emmett
Samantha is a proud E-Rae’s graduate who has been part of our teaching staff for over 10 years. She began her dance journey at a young age and quickly fell in love with performing through competitive dance. Her passion for the art form led her to Dean College in Massachusetts, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance with a focus on performance and choreography.
Following college, Miss Samantha danced professionally with the company Metamorphosis, performing in a variety of shows and events that deepened her love for storytelling through movement. Always eager to grow, she continues to explore new methods and techniques to bring fresh, exciting energy into her classes.
Now, she’s a proud dance teacher who brings both experience and heart into everything she does. Her favorite styles to teach include ballet, modern, PBT, lyrical, jazz, tap, contemporary, stretch & strength, and performance. Known for her positive energy and signature love of all things pink, Miss Samantha creates a warm and encouraging classroom where dancers feel supported, inspired, and empowered. She’s also passionate about healthy living and helping dancers feel strong from the inside out.
We are so grateful to have Miss Samantha guiding and inspiring the next generation of E-Rae’s dancers with love and grace!
Kyle Weaver
Kyle brings over 20 years of professional teaching experience to the E-Rae’s community, specializing in Hip Hop across all levels. A graduate of Rhode Island College with a degree in Music, Kyle blends rhythm, musicality, and movement to create high-energy classes that challenge and inspire.
Since becoming part of the E-Rae’s family in 2014, Kyle has shared his extensive knowledge and love for Hip Hop with hundreds of students. His choreography has earned numerous top awards, including multiple 1st and 2nd place overall scores at regional and national dance competitions. In 2005, he was honored with the Young Choreography Award at ADA, a testament to his creativity and artistic vision.
Kyle has also taught for various conventions and intensives, serving as a guest teacher at both regional and national events. His classes are known for their creativity, musical precision, and an atmosphere that encourages self-expression and confidence, all while being mindful of age-appropriate movement and style.
Outside of the studio, Kyle enjoys game night just as much as a dance night — he’s a board game enthusiast who loves the strategy and fun behind every move, whether on the dance floor or at the table.
E-Rae’s is proud to have an instructor like Kyle, who brings not only experience and artistry but also a genuine passion for sharing what he loves with the next generation of dancers.
Danielle Cipriano
Danielle, an E-Rae’s graduate, has been a proud member of Erin Rae’s School of Dance since 2005 and began teaching in 2014. Dance has been a part of her life since she was three years old, and the studio has always felt like a second home. Over the years, Danielle has performed in numerous competitions, earning many awards alongside her fellow dancers and gaining experiences that have shaped her both personally and professionally.
Her favorite styles to teach and dance are Jazz, Modern, and Technique Classes. Danielle is passionate about helping students grow not only as dancers but as confident, expressive individuals. She has had the opportunity to attend various teacher training conferences, continually developing her skills and bringing fresh energy and ideas into the classroom. Her commitment to the E-Rae’s community is reflected in her dedication to fostering a positive, nurturing space for dancers of all ages.
In addition to her work at the studio, Danielle has been a Grade 5 educator since 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in teaching English as a Second Language. Whether in the classroom or the studio, Danielle’s goal is always to inspire, encourage, and make learning joyful — staying true to the heart of E-Rae’s: empowering every student to shine.
Dancing has brought so much happiness into Danielle’s life, and she loves being able to share that joy with each student who walks through the doors of Erin Rae’s School of Dance, fostering confidence, creativity, and growth along the way.
Rachael Letendre
Rachael has been sharing her expertise and passion for six years at Erin Rae’s School of Dance, where she especially loves teaching Acro. She finds great joy in working with our youngest competitive dancers in the Shining Star Program. As a Module 1 and Module 2 certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor, as well as holding her Module 1 certification in Alixa Flexibility Training, Rachael brings the highest level of technical knowledge to her classes.
As a child, Rachael’s journey in movement began with dance lessons, competitive gymnastics, and springboard diving in both high school and college. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 1997, she opened her own gymnastics school in West Kingston, RI. There, she created and directed Preschool, Recreational, and Competitive programs, coached Regional and National level gymnasts, and served as a judge at USAG gymnastics competitions. Rachael’s own accomplishments include being a National Champion gymnast, having placed first All Around at the 2002 AAU National Championships at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL.
Rachael is the proud mother of a 12-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. She resides in Westport with her husband, Eric, where they own and operate Eric Letendre’s Dog Training School. On weekends, when she’s not cheering on her daughter at dance competitions, Rachael is often at Ninja competitions with her son, where she also serves as a certified World Ninja League coach.
At E-Rae’s, Rachael brings her wealth of experience and passion to help our dancers thrive, creating a supportive space where every student can shine.
Sierra Beaulac
Sierra has been dancing since the age of five and began competing by the time she was eight! She joined Erin Rae’s School of Dance her freshman year of high school and instantly felt at home. After dancing through her teen years and assisting in recreational classes for two seasons, she proudly graduated as part of the E-Rae’s Class of 2019.
Now in her 6th year as a teacher, Miss Sierra brings a calm, caring presence and a deep love for dance to every class she leads. Her favorite styles to teach are tap and lyrical, and she’s passionate about helping dancers express their individuality through movement.
She has been part of the E-Rae’s family for 10 years and continues to inspire both inside and outside the studio. When she’s not teaching dance, Miss Sierra is a high school history and psychology teacher — using her gifts to guide students in all kinds of classrooms.
Fun fact: Miss Sierra is a triplet, and both of her brothers also danced competitively — making performing a full-on family tradition!
We’re so lucky to have Miss Sierra sharing her heart, her knowledge, and her love of dance with the next generation of E-Rae’s dancers!
Ashley Clark
Miss Ashley is in her fourth year of teaching and is thrilled to be celebrating her first season as part of the E-Rae’s Family! Her passion for dance began at just 2 years old, sparking a lifelong love for the arts. That early start led to years of Musical Theatre and eventually competing in the Miss America Organization—an experience that helped shape her confidence and stage presence.
Miss Ashley absolutely loves working with our littlest dancers in the Preschool Program and K-Dance classes. She finds so much joy in watching their faces light up as they explore movement, build friendships, and grow through creativity and fun.
You’ll also find her assisting in class with Miss Erin Rae, and it has been absolutely wonderful having her a part of E-Rae’s! Her positivity, kindness, and dedication shine in all she does, and we’re so lucky to have her on our team!
Outside the classroom, Miss Ashley holds a BFA in Fashion Design and shares her talents as our studio seamstress, helping us with costume alterations. She’s excited to continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation and be part of a community that inspires and uplifts!