THE LEARNING & EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE ARTS PROGRAM
"Nurturing healthy minds and bodies through the incredible power of the arts!"
GET TO KNOW EACH OF THEM A LITTLE MORE:
GENIEVE HANLEY
Owner, Managing Director, Tutor, Choreographer
The Visionary.
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Deeply inspired by her creative experiences in the visual and performing arts over a span of over two decades (don't worry, she's really sixteen), Genieve is the Founder and Director of LEAP - the engine of the Program. Committed to sharing her passion with others, her main goal when establishing the organization was to provide more access to the arts in St. Kitts & Nevis. Zooming in from her far-reaching overall management, she heads up our Pre-Teen & Teen LEAP Nevis Dance Teams; LEAP Nevis Gymnastics Teams; and our Musical Theatre, Adults Dance and LCE (LEAP Company Ensemble) Programs, on both islands - St. Kitts & Nevis.
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She is formally trained locally and internationally, the most recent of her arts education coming from South Bank University in London, UK with a first class honours (BA) degree in Arts Management through which she specialized in Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts & Event Management. She has worked in the arts in prestigious places and spaces such as The Oval House Theatre (UK) and for Nike Women. Her resumé also shines from her work in Sales, Hospitality, Marketing & Digital Design, collaborating with major companies like Hyatt, Digicel, Synnovate (UK), Marriott and Sunlinc. She applies this diverse knowledge, experience and skills set to her tutelage and leadership at LEAP, and the conceptualization and production of our grand showcases.
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So what's on her menu of favorite things in the field? Take away her headphones and you'd have likely caught her listening to some 90's R&B, 'old-school' Hip-Hop or Beyoncé -
her pop idol (and stalking victim). Her favorite style of dance is modern contemporary and she thoroughly enjoys photography and film when it comes to the visual arts.
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When asked what she loved most about teaching art, she confidently replied "I'm a rebel at heart and I love going against the grain. Art for me represents no restrictions and I love the limitlessness of it. When it comes to creativity there are no boundaries. It's ultimate freedom, and I love sharing and exploring what's outside of the box with others."
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Fun Fact: Genieve prefers to wear flats over heels on any given day, even though she is a former pageant queen - Miss St. Kitts & Nevis (2002) & Miss Caribbean Tourism (2003).
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KENISHA RAMESHWAR
Dance Tutor, Choreographer
The Winner.
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Don't you dare put a contest in front of her. Kenisha is the ultimate competitor, with her eyes always on the prize and a notable knack for successful outcomes. She is a long-standing member of our Program, introduced to dance as one of our first adult members back in 2011. With a decade of experience under her belt, she takes charge of our Toddlers at LEAP, as her patient, fun-loving, careful and motherly persona makes her the perfect guide and motivator for our tiniest of LEAPers.
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When Kenisha isn't on the dance floor, she is a full-time paralegal. She also owns and runs 'SKN Teens Club' - an ever popular motivational group dedicated to the holistic development and activism of youngsters in the Federation. She also gladly supports Genieve in many managerial and administrative roles at LEAP throughout the year, as her dearest, most loyal friend. She therefore views LEAP's achievements as if they were her very own, which they actually are in several ways. One team, one dream.
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Kenisha's greatest love and strength on the dance floor lands in the category of lyrical dance. She has taken part in just about all adult dance groups across LEAP over the years, including drama, and has performed for many local and regional events. Hop in her car and it's likely you'll hear gospel, classic soca and dancehall or even some motivational speeches running through her sound system.
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Beaming with pride on her favorite aspect about being a dance tutor at LEAP, she commented: "It's the eagerness and enjoyment on the children's faces that I see every time when they come to classes. Sometimes they don't even want to leave when it's home time, and it makes me feel like I'm living up to my duty as a role model for them. I have a whole new extended family here through the Program".
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Fun Fact: Kenisha once played a dragon in one of our most popular showcases and danced 'Gangnam Style' in full costume! She also knows how to play the fife.
JEMMA WILLIAMS
Dance Tutor, Choreographer
The Craft Master.
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Extremely skillful with her hands, Jemma possesses an unrivaled natural knack for visual art. A member of our Program since 2011 (and usually armed and dangerous with a glue gun), she has converted her God-given talent into wonderful creations as a camp leader, costume and set designer and now she even runs her own business - Tres Jolie Collection - making the most adorable bows and accessories for girls.
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But don't get it twisted, Jemma is equally as good on her feet! She fell in love with dance from the moment she joined LEAP, making our studio a second home by committing to every single adult session we have held since inception - Prancers, The Aces, Klub Koreo and Flirty Friday classes. A particular highlight of her dance experiences, is her attendance of a national dance tutors workshop hosted by the renowned Marlon Simms. It's no wonder why today she is a beloved dance teacher of our Skippers (5 - 7 year olds in St. Kitts).
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Sneak up to her bedroom window and you'll likely hear Dancehall and Reggae blazing away in the background. But ask her to choose a favorite genre of dance, and she finds it near impossible as she sees great pleasure in all types, as they have their own unique lovable traits.
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When we asked Jemma what she loved most about being a dance tutor, she passionately answered, "That's pretty easy. I work with Skippers, some of the smallest LEAPers (ages 5 - 7), and I absolutely adore seeing them smile during our sessions, and hearing them say 'This is fun! Let's do it again!' after the sessions are over". Jemma is most inspired by her tender-aged students, her dancemates and her trainers.
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Fun Fact: Jemma is the first ever and current 'Aces Game Show Champion' (insert confetti here), and she polishes her trophy regularly.
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KAYLOR BASS
Dance Tutor, Choreographer
The Firecracker.
Loud, vibrant, diligent. Kaylor is a huge lover of the arts. She cried when she saw 'The Lion King' on Broadway and even enjoyed 'Cats' which has been criticized as a "weird" or even boring show. She's seen 'Hamilton' online AT LEAST 8 times.
She loves all things musical theater: dancing, singing, acting. Theater Arts was her favorite subject in school and she received a Grade 1 pass when she sat that CSEC exam in 2015. She currently serves as secretary for a local drama group that she is a part of. She also co-heads her church's dance group that not only does liturgical and contemporary style dances but also does a lot of Afro-Caribbean, Jazz and Hip-Hop.
Kaylor has been dancing since she was a little child. She officially started dancing at the age of 5 at her church and began with LEAP in January, 2012 at the age of 14. In her LEAP Team, Jumpers, she stayed in the Top 3 of her class every single year.
Her favorite genre of music is soca and the style of dance is in her top two. She adores the fact that it requires high energy throughout and even looking at someone dancing to the genre makes you feel happy!
What does Kaylor love about being a tutor of our Springers (11 - 13 year old dancers)? -
The interactions with them and their different personalities. No two sessions are ever alike!
Fun Fact: Kaylor is a songbird. She entered and won Kittitian Superstar Juniors in 2011 and then went on to win Kittitian Superstar Juniors All Stars competition in 2012!
Pass the mic, please!
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ZAKIYA MAYNARD
Gymnastics Tutor, Choreographer
The Bendy Babe.
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As young as she is, Zakiya Maynard brings over a decade of dance experience to the table, with grace, high focus, humility and the sweetest smile. With a passion for nurturing talent, she has become a vital part of the LEAP teaching team.
Zakiya began her tutoring journey by working with some of our most impressionable LEAPers - our Toddlers (3 - 4 year old dancers in St. Kitts). She has taken great pride in allowing our tiny dancers to take their first steps into the wide, wonderful world of dance. Through her patient and encouraging approach, she creates a positive and engaging environment for our Members to build their confidence and develop foundational skills.
As Zakiya continues to 'leap' from strength to strength, she has recently transitioned to teaching Flippers - our gymnastics classes - covering a broader age range of students and a more complex genre, with her impressive leadership.
In addition to her teaching roles, Zakiya has her own shining dance achievements. She has participated in our SHAPE Program (2023) and traveled with us to St. Maarten that same year to take part in the annual Art Saves Lives Foundation Dance Intensive, which pools together the region's most enthusiastic dancers to be trained by some of the world's best! Zakiya also initiated her own Intensive Event in 2024, which shaped a new level of understanding of the art form and enhanced her ability to lead and guide others.
Her exceptional passion for dance, gymnastics and teaching also transcends the dance floor, with numerous accolades in track and field and academics.
Fun Fact: Zakiya will always be that girl with the glowy, healthy skin! She carries around a tub of Vaseline in her dance bag.
ZNESSA BLONDEL
Dance Tutor, Choreographer, Owner of 'Dancercise'
The Energy Goddess.
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We dare you to out-dance Znessa! Go on. Try it.
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Not many are brave enough to take up that challenge, as Znessa reigns supreme and unmatched as the dancer on the floor who gives it her all and more, every... single... time.
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Znessa's passion for dance runs deep and long, beginning with 5 years of experience as a youngster at The Children's Dance Theatre, followed by training with N' Sync. She has been a member of LEAP since 2011 and has developed rapidly and beautifully into an instrumental member of our Program with her outstanding skill, bubbly personality, super-creative choreography, and oh... her everlasting stamina.
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Znessa has harnessed her inexhaustible energy to found 'Dancercise' her signature program on the LEAP roster which seamlessly fuses dance and exercise for persons seeking to enhance their fitness levels in a fun, rhythmic way. Soca nights are a favorite of her followers, as her unshakable love for this style of dance and music shines brightly through.
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As the adored trainer of our teen dancers, Znessa's response was natural and spirited when she was asked what she loved most about teaching dance: "I love witnessing the growth of dancers during their time with me at LEAP, and feeling their love and appreciation. I take pride in their accomplishments and marvel at the beauty of a well-performed dance".
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Fun Fact: Znessa thoroughly enjoys planning and decorating events. Don't be surprised if she has decor on stand-by in the bottom of her handbag!
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AVONNIE WYATT
Dance Tutor, Choreographer
The Graceful Gem.
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You've never seen a flow that is smoother! Avonnie brings sass and sensationalism to any stage, and it is her joy to teach the brilliant art of performance to our LEAP littles. As Tutor of our Toddlers (Dancers, ages 3 - 4, St. Kitts), Avonnie demonstrates her outstanding passion for athletics, art and academics - the masterful combo skillset of a prominent dancer!
Her formal education journey began early, completing her first CSEC subject at just 14 years old. She also recently joined the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Association, as part of her commitment to thriving in STEM.
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A multi gold and silver medalist, Avonnie also shines repeatedly on the track, and has been named her school's Under 17 Female Champion (2024). Her skills, spirit and soft-spot for youth also flourish, as a Senior Model & Fashion Coach through SKN Unchained.
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Avonnie's standard of excellence also transcends into the world of pageantry and philanthropy - awarded 'Best Ambassadorial Speech' in the Miss Talented Teen Pageant (2023), and she is a long standing member of Kidz Club SKN and the SKN Teens Club. Through these experiences she has developed a deep fondness for patriotism, helping those in need, and actively engaging in voluntary community work. Excitingly, at just 16 years old, Avonnie is set to launch her first business in early 2025, focusing on the empowerment of youth, females and philanthropy.
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This 'LEAP Sweetheart' has lots on her plate, but expertly balances her various interests and activities by setting clear goals for each endeavor as she maintains keen focus, without feeling overwhelmed. Her zest for progress, drives her to stay organized and committed, making her a remarkable role model for her peers and her impressionable dance students. Her impressive determination, diverse talents and darling personality, make her poised to continue to make a significant impact in at LEAP, in her community and beyond.
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Fun Fact: Avonnie loves to experiment in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and sometimes creating her own unique dishes. Do we also see a culinary career coming, Chef Avonnie?
KHALIA POWELL
Dance Tutor, Choreographer
The Go-All-Outer​
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If rising to the occasion was a project, Khalia always understands the assignment. This dance and theatre enthusiast walks, talks, breathes the arts since she was about three years old. She would dance through the supermarket aisle, dance in the school yard, dance on special occasions, and dance on ordinary days, converting them to extraordinary!
Her passion for dancing led her mother to enroll her in a dance class at the tender age of three, and since then she has not stopped sharpening her dance skills.
Khalia was amongst the first to join the LEAP Nevis Team in 2018. Her devotion and dedication to LEAP over the years has not wavered. is She gives it one hundred percent every time. Khalia’s “extraness” and passion for dancing has given her several opportunities to shine. She won the 'Best Solo' Award in her annual exams two years in a row and was devastated when she could not three-peat because of an injury. She is known for her captivating all-inclusive performances, incorporating lighting, sound, pyrotechnics, props and all the drama you and skill you need to watch and say 'wow'!
Khalia was given the privilege to travel to St. Maarten to be a part of the Art Saves Lives Foundation Summer Intensive a few years ago, which afforded her the opportunity of honing her skills and learning different types of dance in an international context.
Her seriousness and passion for the artform has propelled her to join the ranks of LEAP Dance Tutor, where she is entrusted with grooming the Bouncers, Rollers and Twirlers - some our youngest and most impressionable little LEAPers.
When Khalia is not on a ‘dance floor’ she is busy being creative. She is a young entrepreneur who has had several business adventures from crafting decorative stones and making her own soaps, to selling teen accessories (belts, bags, the works). She has also been an Assistant Camp Coordinator for her Mom’s numerous children’s camps over the years.
Khalia’s creativity and smarts have secured her 2nd place in 2021 with the Eastern Caribbean State Virtual Science Fair.
Khalia creative passion knows no bounds. She has a special affinity and zeal for pageantry. She has literally learnt all the speeches for every contestant for every pageant in St.Kitts and Nevis and can be seen creating her own stage at home where these speeches are delivered with the same poise and passion as the contestants on stage, heels and all. She really wants to compete in pageantry and intends to be a Pageant Queen one day.
Khalia’s smile brightens any room she walks into. She is also a foodie and loves trying new things. She takes pride in and is serious about everything she does. You can count on her on being extra and dancing her way through every challenge.
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Fun Fact: Khalia has the most infectious laugh. We dare you not to laugh when she's laughing!
LATAUNYA WEEKES
Dance Tutor, Choreographer
The Multi-Tasker.
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Bold, passionate, and electric—Teacher Lataunya is a force on the dance floor and beyond. Movement isn’t just an art form for her; it’s a language, a legacy, and a way of life.
Her journey began in 2005, dancing in a Christian group and within her church—where movement was more than just steps; it was a form of worship, storytelling, and self-expression. In 2010, she joined LEAP’s Jumpers, refining her craft before transitioning to the adult group, The Aces, in 2011—a space she continues to thrive in. By 2020, she stepped into a leadership role, shaping the next generation of dancers as a tutor for Hoppers, our 8-10 year old dancers, blending discipline with creativity, technique with storytelling, and structure with soul.
Specializing in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, and soca, 'Taunya' as we more affectionately call her, is a versatile artist who blends technical mastery with raw energy. Whether it’s the grace of ballet, the storytelling of contemporary, the structured flow of jazz, or the high-energy intensity of soca and hip-hop, she brings dynamic expression to every piece she creates. For her, dance is more than movement—it’s transformation, power, and an unapologetic embrace of one’s unique rhythm.
Beyond dance, Taunya’s work ethic is unmatched—she currently juggles five different roles with passion and precision. A Banker by day, Dance Teacher on Saturday afternoons, and a Personal Assistant, Henna Artist, and US Visa Consultant in between, she thrives on balancing multiple creative and professional pursuits. For her, work isn’t just about earning—it’s about impact, growth, and the thrill of always having something to build.
Her artistry also extends to the world of henna tattoos through her business, La Henna. Her designs are more than just temporary tattoos—they are wearable art, expressions of identity, and moments captured in intricate patterns. In fact, her creativity even made its way into LEAP history when she designed the LEAP logo in henna for one of the shows.
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Fun Fact: If there’s one thing Taunya doesn’t believe in, it’s boredom. She loves working, and with five jobs under her belt, she’s always on the move—literally and figuratively.