Discover the Joy of Dance
Where every step inspires creativity and passion.
The Story Behind Pointe Première School of Dance
After Paulette Harward retired and closed her dance studios, Amanda Liljedahl embraced the opportunity to carry forward Paulette’s guiding principles through the new Pointe Première School of Dance in Medfield, MA. With the honor of dancing under Paulette’s mentorship for over 35 years, Amanda is dedicated to shaping the next generation of dancers.
A former faculty member of the Boston Ballet, Amanda is committed to making classical ballet accessible to all students. She completed extensive training and achieved an “A” average in her exams, earning certification from the American Ballet Theater in New York City to teach their prestigious National Training Curriculum, bringing exceptional ballet education to the Commonwealth.
At Pointe Première, our faculty comprises experienced teachers and dance professionals who empower students to reach their fullest potential, ensuring every dancer feels supported and valued. We believe that a solid dance education fosters discipline and illustrates the value of hard work, benefiting all areas of life.
Dance is not just movement; it’s a heartfelt expression.
Emma Thompson
Our Passion for Dance
Meet the Team
Ms. Amanda
Owner/Director
Amanda is the proud Owner and Director of Pointe Première School of Dance, which she established to help children discover their love of movement and music. Her ballet journey began at age four with Paulette Harwood and continued through college, where she focused on dance. After performing, she found her passion in teaching, working with both children and adults at various institutions. She prioritizes continuous education and has earned certifications from respected organizations. Amanda looks forward to sharing her love of dance with the next generation!
Ms. Abby
Instructor
Abby has been dancing since she was three years old. She grew up training in a variety of styles and spent many years competing, which helped shape her technique, discipline, and love for performing. As an instructor, she is passionate about helping dancers grow not just in skill, but also in confidence and expression. Abby especially enjoys choreographing jazz and lyrical pieces; she feels that there’s something about the energy of jazz and the emotion in lyrical that truly resonates with her. Her goal in every class is to create a space where dancers feel motivated, inspired, and supported.
Ms. Alex
Instructor
Alexandria has a lifelong passion for dance and extensive experience performing and teaching across various genres. She cheered professionally in the NFL for five seasons, including at a Super Bowl, and served as team captain. Her teaching experience includes roles with Boston Public Schools and as head coach of the Northeastern University Dance Team. She was the Dance Trainer and eventually Head Coach and Manager for the New England Patriots Cheerleaders through the 2024 season. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for dance!
Ms. Bridget
Company Director
Bridget holds a BFA in Dance Performance with a concentration in ballet from Marymount Manhattan College, where she trained with notable instructors and performed works by renowned choreographers. She has choreographed original pieces and was an inaugural member of the Boston Celtics Dance Team. Bridget has performed at Turtle Lane Playhouse and engaged in various film and commercial projects. With over twenty years of teaching experience, she has been on faculty at Ballet Academy East and Nevada Ballet Theatre, and teaches at several studios in Massachusetts.
Ms. Courtney
Instructor
Courtney started dancing at thirteen with Jeannie Lykourinos and Cheryl Madeux Abbott. She trained at the Boston Ballet School and performed in their annual Nutcracker. After completing the program, she joined the Boston Dance Company, dancing lead roles like Marzipan and Trepak in the Nutcracker and the Crystal Fountain Fairy in Sleeping Beauty. She also danced with Dance Prism Ballet and currently trains with the Dancing Arts Center. Courtney has taught ballet at all levels and is eager to share her passion with the next generation at Pointe Première School of Dance.
Ms. Emily
Instructor
Emily focuses on Acro at Pointe Première. She specializes in handstands, group stunts, and everything in between. Originally a Division 1 gymnast with a ballet background, Emily has been teaching flips and tricks for over fifteen years. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, which focuses on body movement science. Emily looks forward to another great year upside down!
Ms. Haley
Instructor
Haley is a dance and fitness instructor from Long Island, NY, with a background in training and competing in the NYC area. She earned a BFA in Business and Journalism with a minor in Dance from Adelphi University, studying ballet and modern techniques. Haley also holds a Master’s degree in Public Relations from Hofstra University, where she performed with the New York Riptide Dance Team. In 2023, she joined the New England Patriots Cheerleaders as a rookie and is now entering her third season with the team, serving as a line captain.
Mr. Isaac
Instructor
Isaac Akiba is a former soloist with Boston Ballet, performing for over 15 years in 90 productions. He began ballet at nine through the Citydance program and gained recognition in roles like the Lead Russian in The Nutcracker.
After a significant ACL injury in 2019, he returned to perform in 2021 and retired in 2023, later penning a reflective piece in Boston Magazine about his journey.
Now, Isaac has an MBA from Boston University and works as a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker while teaching ballet locally.
Ms. Kelly
Instructor
Kelly is a passionate dance teacher with over twenty-five years of experience. She began dancing at age four and has taught at various institutions, including PPSD, while also developing dance programs for Boston Public Schools. Kelly holds a Master’s Degree in Severe Special Education and enjoys sharing the stage with her three daughters. She is a member of several dance organizations and has choreographed for local musicals and charitable events.
Ms. Kristina
Studio Office Administrator
Kristina grew up dancing at Paulette’s Ballet Studio, where she also worked at the desk. She wrote her college essay about this experience and earned her BA in Communication at Westfield State, where she participated in the dance company, choreographed routines, and served on the leadership board. After over 10 years as a Project Manager in digital advertising, she returned to the studio as office administrator and now teaches classes. Outside of dance, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, Kathryn, Charlie, and Victoria.
Ms. Meg
Instructor
Megan from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, recently graduated from Stonehill College in 2025 with dual degrees in Elementary Education and Dance. She began pre-professional ballet training at a young age and has since expanded her skills to various dance styles. Currently in her second season as an NFL Cheerleader for the New England Patriots, Megan enjoys performing, connecting with the community, and working with a talented team. She is excited to join Pointe Première to help young dancers grow in confidence and skill.
Ms. Sue
Instructor
Sue has taught dance for thirty years, focusing on helping students build technique, confidence, and artistry. She trained under Paulette Harwood and continued her love of dance at Skidmore College. Sue is happiest when she is in the dance studio, both as a student and as a teacher. She is excited about sharing the art of dance, creating a welcoming space where all dancers can express themselves.
What Our Families Say
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