Est. 2025 • Port Richey, FL
Our Story
Two sisters, one shared dream — building a dance studio where everyone belongs.
How It Started
From a Dream to a Dance Floor
Samantha Cressman grew up in the dance world. From her earliest memories, she was in the studio — learning plies at the barre, perfecting turns across the floor, and discovering that dance was more than movement. It was expression. It was connection. It was home.
That passion carried her through years of training and into a career in dance education. She taught at studios, mentored young dancers, and eventually became part of a studio in the Tampa area — pouring her heart into building something meaningful for her students and their families.
When the opportunity came to take ownership of that studio, Samantha didn't hesitate. She bought it outright and made it her own, refining the curriculum, deepening the community, and creating a space where dancers of every age could grow. But life had a bigger plan.
A move to Port Richey meant starting fresh — and this time, she wouldn't do it alone. Her sister Ashley McElroy came on board, bringing the organizational talent and warmth that would turn a startup studio into a thriving family business.
Together, they founded Kinesi Dance Complex — named from the Greek word for movement. It's a studio built on the belief that dance should be accessible, joyful, and rooted in real training. Whether you're three years old taking your first ballet class or an adult discovering dance for the first time, Kinesi was made for you.
Meet the Team
The Sisters Behind Kinesi
Samantha Cressman
Studio Director
Samantha is a lifelong dancer and certified dance educator with over a decade of teaching experience. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop — and has a special gift for making young dancers fall in love with the art form. As Studio Director, she designs Kinesi's curriculum, leads instructor development, and personally teaches many of the studio's classes. Her philosophy is simple: every dancer deserves real training in a supportive environment. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Dance from the University of Tampa, with a focus on brain-compatible dance education.
Ashley McElroy
Studio Manager
Ashley is the operational backbone of Kinesi Dance Complex. She manages scheduling, family communications, registration, and all the behind-the-scenes details that keep the studio running smoothly. With a natural warmth and an eye for detail, Ashley ensures every family feels welcome from their very first phone call. She believes the studio experience extends far beyond the dance floor — and she's dedicated to making every interaction feel personal. When Ashley is not greeting families at the front desk, you can catch her leading our Zumba classes. Ashley is currently a licensed Zumba Instructor with plans to expand her Zumba offerings in the future.
Our Teaching Team
Meet Your Instructors
Jessica Schoenfeld
Instructor
Jessica is an accomplished singer, actor, dancer, and educator in the Tampa Bay Area. Beginning her dance career at age 3, she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acrobatics, hip-hop, singing, and acting — and even appeared in commercials as a child! She has performed professionally for Tampa Princess Company, Busch Gardens Tampa, Timeless Tales, ZooTampa, Enchant St. Pete, and LegoLand, is signed with Alexa Model and Talent agency, and has cheered professionally for the Florida Tropics and Orlando Apollos. She is also an experienced stage manager, having worked with touring companies, USF, and Brandon Ballet.
Her teaching career spans a decade across studios and private schools, including directing several performing arts programs, and she adjudicates for two national competitions. A lifelong learner, she holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of South Florida, a Certificate in Dance Education from Oakland University, a FL DOE Professional Educator's Certificate in Drama and Music, Progressing Ballet Technique, and Acrobatic Arts certification — and recently completed the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of performers and compassionate individuals.
Brianna Rios
Instructor
Brianna began dancing at age three, training and performing at a professional level through age thirteen. From fourteen to twenty-one she dedicated herself to competitive cheerleading, growing as an athlete and performer while staying deeply connected to her love for dance. To this day she still moves and choreographs her own pieces, using dance as a form of expression whenever inspiration strikes. A college injury shifted her perspective on movement — she turned to fitness and intentional training to rebuild her strength, a journey that deepened her appreciation for movement.
Academically, Brianna holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on psychology and is pursuing a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with aspirations to attend law school. Her long-term goal is to create a community-based space that is safe, supportive, and accessible. She's excited to join Kinesi Dance Complex, where the focus on community, inclusivity, and personal growth mirrors the values she strives to promote both in and out of the studio.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Community
We're more than a studio — we're a family. Dancers, parents, and instructors all belong here. Connections made on the dance floor last a lifetime.
Family
Family-owned and sister-operated. We treat every student the way we'd treat our own kids — with patience, encouragement, and high expectations.
Passion
Dance isn't just what we do — it's who we are. That energy shows up in every class, every recital, and every moment we spend with our students.
Growth
We believe in pushing boundaries — for our dancers and ourselves. Real training builds real confidence, and every dancer has the potential to surprise themselves.
Come See Us — Your First Class is Free
We'd love to meet you. Drop in, take a class, and see what Kinesi is all about — no strings attached.
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