Faculty Biographies
Jennifer Bourgeault: Artistic Director, Intro to Dance, Jazz, and Modern Program Instructor
Jennifer Bourgeault (she/her) holds a BA in Dance from DeSales University, where she studied the classical Modern techniques of Limon, Cunningham, Horton, and Taylor as well as the Cecchetti method of Ballet under Trinette Singleton. Additionally, Jenn has trained with the Paul Taylor Dance Company and David Parsons Dance.
While in Philadelphia, Jennifer was a soloist with the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s “The Pearl Fishers” and “Aida”. Upon returning to her native state of Maine in 2006, she established Collective Motion (CM), a collaborative modern dance company. With CM, she has had the opportunity to work with Maine’s best dancers and choreographers, presenting work throughout Maine and New England. Most notable Maine performances include “The Magic of Christmas” with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Maine Island Dance Festival, and “Been here Before,” an evening work by Collective Motion. In recent years, Jenn has had the pleasure of continuing her craft as a performing artist with Ballet Bloom Project and Biddeford Movement Map.
Jennifer lives in gratitude that she’s been able to bring quality dance training to the Saco/Biddeford area for over a decade. Since opening Collective Motion Arts Center in 2013, Jenn has nurtured the next generation of dancers, seeing many excel with continued education at Bates Dance Festival, The Ailey School, and The Hartt School. Giving dancers not only the space to grow in skills but to find their people, their second home, has been an honor to Jenn.
Jenn’s classes are educational, enthusiastic, and an all-around good time. Jenn is a kind teacher who loves to work her dancer’s brains as much as their bodies!
Rose Hutchins: Ballet and Pointe Program Instructor
Rose Hutchins (she/her), is a Maine-based dance artist, educator, choreographer, and photographer. She holds a BFA in Dance (Ballet) from Utah Valley University and an MFA in Dance (Contemporary Choreography and Performance) from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Hutchins is the founder and artistic director of Ballet Bloom Project, a professional project-based contemporary ballet company in southern Maine.
A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Hutchins trained at Berks Ballet Theatre and attended summer intensive programs at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Richmond Ballet, and the School of Ballet Arizona before going on to study dance at a collegiate level. While an undergraduate student, Hutchins published “Sociopolitical Influences on the Creation of the Ballet Giselle,” a peer-reviewed article receiving the distinction of “best paper” in the arts division of The Journal of the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. As part of Hutchins’s graduate thesis, she developed and tested a somatic-based contemporary ballet technique curriculum aimed at enhancing dancers’ proficiency in contemporary ballet. This research culminated in her choreographic work, Essence (2020), which she created in collaboration with composer Allen Russell. Completed remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the piece was featured in the mini-documentary NEW STAGE, alongside Hutchins’s reflections on the creative process.
Hutchins’s performance career includes dancing with Ballet Bloom Project, Maine Dance Company, Maine State Ballet, Safe Haven Ballet, and as a freelance artist. With over two decades of teaching experience, Hutchins has taught in diverse settings, inspiring students ranging from beginner to professional with her somatic-informed approach to ballet pedagogy. A prolific choreographer, Hutchins’s work is known for its emotional resonance, musicality, and dynamic imagery. Notable works include her full-length contemporary ballet, The Little Mermaid (2024), set to original music by composer Evan Hart Marsh; The Fairy Queen (2021), developed in collaboration with the Portland Bach Experience; Embark (2016), selected for Regional Dance America/Pacific; and Degas (2015), which placed first in the emerging division of Utah Regional Ballet’s Choreography Design Competition. Recently, Hutchins has delved into the world of dance photography, bringing her embodied knowledge to a new medium through which she enjoys capturing the ephemeral beauty of dance both on stage and behind the scenes.
Rose’s classes are elegant, consistent, and full of strong technique. Rose is a sweet teacher who loves to make Ballet accessible for all of her students.
Chelsea Shanks: Hip Hop Program Instructor
Chelsea Shanks has been dancing for over 30 years with training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop. She spent 8 years in the Portland Youth Dance Company formally known as “Upbeat Feet” before moving on to Fordham University where she furthered her passion for movement through a student-run dance company called “Expressions Dance Alliance”. During her 4 years with EDA, Chelsea was instrumental in choreographing, dancing, and serving the board as events coordinator, successfully producing two shows per year. Her specific love for Hip Hop came shining through during these years and has only grown during her time at Collective Motion.
Alongside teaching Hip Hop, Chelsea recently completed her teacher training in a style called JourneyDance™. She now facilitates transformative experiences that invite participants to release what’s held, reconnect, and return to their inner knowing. In these classes she holds a grounded, supportive space infused with joy, light, and connection—believing that through expression and high-vibrational energy, we have the power to go deep, heal, and nourish our divine well-being.
Chelsea is a member of the Collective Motion Dance Company and enjoys sharing her love for performance and choreography with this amazing group throughout the community. School teacher by day, Chelsea could not be more excited to continue her work with the students at Collective, extending her passion for enriching young minds through the beautiful art of movement.
Chelsea’s classes are fun and funky! Chelsea is a high-energy teacher who loves to start the dance party with her students!
Kate Whalen: Musical Theater and Tap Program Instructor
Kate Whalen (she/her) joined the faculty at Collective Motion after relocating to the Portland area in 2019. She began dancing at the age of four, studying Tap, Ballet, and Musical Theater Jazz. Over the years, she trained with Spotlight Vermont, the Vermont Conservatory of Ballet, and the University of Vermont. She has also taken classes at Steps in New York City and master classes with notable tappers including Lisa Hopkins, Jeannie Hill, Josh Hilberman, and Michelle Dorrance.
Before moving to Maine, Kate taught tap, ballet, and Musical Theater Jazz at Spotlight Vermont, as well as Tap at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. Beyond dance, she has been deeply involved in theater since her first musical at age six. Kate has choreographed and performed in productions with Lyric Music Theater, Portland Players, Schoolhouse Arts, and City Theater. She has appeared in numerous shows across Maine and Vermont and has enjoyed expanding her artistic work into directing – most proudly serving as director for Lyric Theatre Company’s production of Mary Poppins in Vermont.
Kate is thrilled to share her passion for dance, especially the joy of Tap and Musical Theater Jazz, with the CMAC family.
Kate’s classes are full of energy and style. Kate is a fun teacher who pushes her dancers to perform to the max!
Cassandra Yasko: Adult Drop-In Ballet, Littles Yoga Instructor, Lead Substitute, Website and Social Media Management
Cassandra Yasko (she/her) found a love for dance at a young age in rural Maine, advancing her studies into the cities of Boston and New York. Her passion for dance flourished while spending summers at Boston Conservatory, Alvin Ailey, ABT, and attending the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program. After receiving an AA in Dance Performance from Dean College, Cassie went on to complete her BA through UMass Amherst with a dual degree in Dance & Health. While completing her BA, Cassie performed in companies based in Boston, Massachusetts and became a Certified Yoga Instructor. She continues educational studies in Yoga Specialization to enhance and support the ability to teach safe movement.
Cassandra has over fifteen years of experience teaching at various locations across New England. She believes that both dance and yoga offer powerful tools that every individual can benefit from. She enjoys helping individuals of every age find joy, strength, and healing through movement, bringing a wealth of lived experience to her teaching style. Cassie specifically loves working with little ones – she deeply feels that it is a privilege to support young minds and bodies as they grow, discovering all they’re capable of.
Cassandra teaches at studios that prioritize a solid foundation in community, kindness, and educated movement leaders.
Cassie’s classes are focused on the collective need each day, easily shifting from high-energy to mellow/peaceful. Cassie is a patient teacher who enjoys challenging her students in a nurturing way.