Lauri followed her dreams and passion for dance by opening Fitzsimmons Dance Factory in the fall of 1985. At the time, she had hoped to create a vibrant and energetic place for learning dance, while still maintaining a family-style environment for all levels of dancers. She encourages dancers to be well-rounded artists, which has earned recognition on the national level. One of Lauri's main goals was (and still is) to give every dancer, regardless of age or ability, their moment to shine at our annual recitals. For 35+ years, Lauri has provided dancers this chance by giving them the opportunity to perform in Rochester's historically known theaters and beyond.  

Lauri grew up in Rochester, NY which is where she gained her first love of dance. Upon graduating high school, she continued her dance training by commuting to Buffalo on a weekly basis to study jazz, lyrical, and tap. She also traveled to NYC three to four times a year to further her education and to study under master teachers, starting back in the early 80's. Lauri continues to attend local and national workshops to continue her growth in dance. Another goal of Lauri’s was to have her choreography shown in NYC, which was made happen in the winter of 2022. She strongly believes that you can never stop learning or being inspired by what others have to offer in the art of dance.  

Lauri has been happily married for over 30 years to her wonderful husband, Carter, who has always supported her dreams. She has two adult children, Dillon and Vivian, who are now pursuing their own dreams.  

Andrea is from Rochester, NY and began dancing at the age of eight. She danced with Fitzsimmons Dance Factory until graduating in 2012. Andrea took part in the SLIDE Tap Intensive & attended a five week long ballet program with YYCB. Additionally, Andrea spent six years dancing at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Outside of the studio, she has been playing classical piano since 2003.  

Born in Greece, NY, Annalyse received her early dance training from Danc’letics of Rochester & Premier Dance Center. Currently, she is attending Nazareth College in the pursuit of a B.S. in Mathematics & Dance Studies. Annalyse has taken a variety of master classes at the Movement & Dance Festival at Nazareth. Additionally, she has choreographed pieces for multiple Nazareth productions.  

Born in Oneonta, NY, Caitlin received her early dance education from Holbrook Wade School. She went to SUNY Brockport where she earned a B.S. in Environmental Science, Political Science, & Dance - graduating Magna Cum Laude. Caitlin went on to get her MFA in Choreography and Performance, also from SUNY Brockport.  

Additionally, Caitlin is a professor of dance at Nazareth College, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Hobart  and William Smith Colleges, Wells College, SUNY Brockport, and Syracuse University. She was the recipient of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Faculty Award: The Distinguish Professor Research Award. Outside of the studio, Caitlin lives with Chris and Riza (her dog). She is also the youngest of four kids, with three older brothers. Caitlin also works at a vet clinic on the weekends. For more information please refer to mahemdance.net 

Born in Pittsford, NY, Caitlin Schwartz received her early training from the Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education in Rochester, NY. Under the direction of Artistic Director Jamey Leverett, she took part in a variety of performances with the Rochester City Ballet during her training. She went on to earn a BFA in Dance at the University of Arizona on scholarship. There she had the opportunity to work with many renowned teachers and choreographers such as Ann Reinking, Gary Christ, and many members of the Balanchine Trust. On Medici Scholarship, she also had the opportunity to spend two summers in Chicago attending the River North Intensive and one summer in New York City attending the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Intensive. 

After college, Caitlin moved to New York City where she performed and assisted at the renowned Steps on Broadway. In 2014, Caitlin became a member of the Rochester City Ballet and under the direction of former Artistic Director David Palmer she performed leading roles in Adiemus, Under the Moonlight, Green Eggs and Ham, Summer of Love, and 52nd Street. 

In the summer of 2016, she had the opportunity to guest in a collaboration with The Washington Ballet and Imagination Stage to perform in The Little Mermaid, choreographed by Septime Weber and David Palmer. Caitlin continues to pursue her passion of teaching and sharing her many years of knowledge to the next generation. 

Heather grew up dancing with Fitzsimmons Dance Factory and graduated from Fairport High School in 1994. She went on to earn her BFA in Dance from SUNY Brockport, graduating in 1998. While at SUNY Brockport, Heather was the captain of the Danz Team and a company member of Sankofa & DANSCORE. She has choreographed for high school, college, and professional dance teams. Heather also spent time as a Dancer/Magician’s assistant! Outside of the studio, Heather works as an administrative assistant for Lattimore Physical Therapy and a security guard for RBTL. She is also an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay. “Nothing good comes from comfort zones. Always dance outside of yours.” 

Jacqueline began dancing at the age of three at Sandy Stramonine School of Dance in Macedon, NY. Since 2003, she has been a teacher at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory. Her focus is on creative movement, tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop for ages three to teen. During the summer, Jacqueline is the co-director of our summer camp programs at both the Fairport studio and The Harley School. 

Jacqueline attended Monroe Community College and Brockport State College where she studied tap and Irish dance and performed in several showcases. During college, Jacqueline took the opportunity to work for Walt Disney World as an entertainment character. She continued her dance training while in Florida with Spotlight Dance Center. Today, Jacqueline continues to take classes at conventions and competitions in Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. 

Outside of the studio, Jacqueline resides in Henrietta and is the mom to two little girls. She also has multiple years of experience with teaching preschool classes.  

Katie grew up dancing at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory and graduated from Fairport in 2020. She now attends Nazareth College as a Communication and Science Disorders major studying to become a speech-language pathologist. Katie is also a dance minor and is a member of the Nazareth College dance team. She have worked with the dance faculty and students at Nazareth in their creation of pieces that have been performed in the fall Choreographers Showcase and Spring Dance Concert. She has choreographed a duet that was performed by two Nazareth college dancers at the fall 2022 Showcase. In her free time, she enjoys reading, seeing friends and family, and dancing!  

From Fairport, NY, Lulu began dancing at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory as a child. After graduating in 2014, she pursued her BFA in Dance from the College at Brockport, SUNY and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2018. Lulu also went on to receive her MSN from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. She has been a participant in the Rochester Fringe Festival. Lulu is a 200 hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher and also teaches stand up paddle board yoga and Pilates classes. She is also a freelance dancer in the greater Rochester area, performing with Frazee Feet Dance, Mayhem dance, and faculty from the College at Brockport and Nazareth College. 

Madison (Maddie), grew up at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory dancing with our team for 12 years. After graduating from Fairport High School in 2017, she felt it was too soon to say goodbye so she chose to join our faculty as a teaching assistant. Since then she has become a dance instructor and loves sharing her passion for dance with many of our students. While in high school, Madison attended E.M.C.C. as part of the cosmetology program to work toward her license. Madison works at Larijames Salon and Spa as a fully licensed cosmetologist pursuing another passion of hers in the beauty industry. Outside of the studio you’re likely to catch Madison around Fairport with her family and her two dogs

Michelle started dancing at the age of 3, spending majority of that time at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory until she graduated in 2012. After high school, Michelle earned her B.S./M.S. as a Physician Assistant with a minor in Exercise Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her favorite FDF memory was dancing in the NYCDA National Gala during her senior year. Michelle is proud to have won many critics choice and judges awards throughout her time competing with FDF. Michelle began choreographing her own tap pieces her freshman year at RIT. When not teaching at the studio, Michelle works as a Physician Assistant at an outpatient pediatric office. Michelle got married in the summer of 2022 and has two dogs - Reggie & Otto. 

Tegan grew up dancing with Fitzsimmons Dance Factory, Rochester Academy of Irish Dance, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio for Ballroom - 18 years of training. She received a B.A. from St. John Fisher in Media and Communications with a concentration in Visual and Performing Arts & Film and Television Studies. Tegan was casted in the film “Ask Me to Dance” where she was both an actor and dancer. She also received a distinction in film studies upon graduation. Outside of the studio, Tegan is a Media and Fine Arts teacher at Bishop Kearney High School.  

Vivian is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Rochester, NY. She trained with Fitzsimmons Dance Factory for 15 years before attending Nazareth College where she received a B.S. in Dance & Business Management. In 2021, Vivian was the Nazareth College Excellence in Dance recipient. Vivian has appeared in works created by Heather Roffe, Doug Varone & Dancers, David Dorfman, Koresh Dance Company, Kizuna Dance, Mariko Yamada, Caitlin Mahon, Heather Acomb, and Michelle Pritchard.  

Now a NYC based artist, she is the co-founder of 32nd Pack Dance Company - an emerging contemporary dance company. In 2022, the company received the People’s Choice Award from Spoke the Hub Dance - which granted them a fully produced show for free. Later that year, she choreographed and performed in the company’s first full length shows which premiered in Brooklyn, NY. Vivian still co-runs the FDF social media, helps with office work, and choreographs on students. 

Born in Rochester, NY, Zachary received their early dance education from Perinton Dance Company, Jody Bs Studio of Dance, and Flower City Ballet. Upon graduating from SUNY Brockport in 2014 with a BFA in Dance, Frazee went on to dance professionally with companies and choreographers such as the New York State Ballet (2014-2017), electricGrit Dance (2018-present), BIODANCE (2018-present), and Create A Space NOW (2020-present). They have participated in the Rochester Fringe Festival, Mid-Atlantic Choreographer’s Showcase, Vision of Sound Music & Dance Festival, BANDChicago Festival, Pasadena Dance Festival, NACHMO NYC Studio Showings, So You Think You Can Choreograph by the Nacre Dance Group, and the Empire State Youth Dance Ensemble.  

Zachary has received further training through the Doug Varone Summer Dance Workshop, Garth Fagan Summer Dance Institute, and LAUNCH: 9 Professional Training Program by Northwest Dance Project. They were the recipient of the New York Choreographer’s Initiative Award. Frazee also is an Adjunct Professor in Dance at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.  

They are also the Artistic Director & Founder of their own dance company - Frazee Feet Dance. Outside of the dance studio, Zachary is a photographer and Pilates instructor. They also have two cats, Scout & Doodle, and love to cook.