Welcome to the heartbeat of our studio!
Our incredible instructors don’t just teach dance— with a perfect mix of technical expertise and infectious enthusiasm, they turn every lesson into a joyful celebration of movement. Get to know the smiling faces ready to inspire, encourage, and dance right alongside you!
Instructors
Rachel Morris, Mathews Dance Studio Director
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Rachel MorrisRachel Morris grew up in Mathews, Virginia and began dancing at age four at Diggs School of Dance. She was an original member of Bayside Youth Ballet (1992) and danced with them until graduating from Mathews High School in 2000. She attended Longwood University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Rachel has taught dance for over 20 years at studios including Five Pointes Dance Center in Farmville, Virginia where she worked with their competition team, the Emberz; and Diggs School of Dance in Gloucester, Virginia. Rachel currently lives in Mathews County where she teaches art at Mathews High School. In 2015 she opened Mathews Dance Studio and continues to serve as Director and Instructor. If Rachel isn't working, she's outside. Her happy place is anywhere she can paddle board, hike, or read by the water.
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Haley Beatley, Mathews Dance Studio Instructor
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Haley BeatleyHaley Beatley has been with MDS since the fall of 2018. She was born & raised in Mathews, Virginia and began dancing at age four at Diggs School of Dance. She joined and performed with the Bayside Youth Ballet from 2006 until 2010. After graduating from Mathews High School she attended Radford University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. While in college she had the privilege of performing in school productions including The Nutcracker, Fall Dance Fest, Dancing on The Edge, The Shadow Waltz, and many more. She also was chosen to perform with d a n a h b e l l a DanceWorks, a contemporary modern dance company, in many states across the country. Haley is also the Director of Admissions and Student Life Coordinator at Ware Academy. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family and close friends. In the summer you are sure to find her on the beach soaking up the sun with a good book in hand.
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Kaylee Jones, Mathews Dance Studio Instructor
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Kaylee JonesKaylee Jones is currently attending William & Mary, where she is a member of multiple honor societies and Gamma Phi Beta. She previously graduated as Valedictorian from Gloucester High School and earned her associates degree through Rappahannock Community College. Throughout her childhood, she studied dance at Diggs School of Dance for 15 years, where she earned her teaching certificate. She also performed with the Bayside Youth Ballet for 10 years. Kaylee began performing with Mathews Dance Studio in 2018 and began working in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to New York City for dance classes and to watch hockey games and musicals.
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Staff
Angel Shultz
Angel Shultz began as a volunteer with MDS in 2023 and started working with us in 2025. You're likely to see her helping out as a desk attendant, substituting when instructors are absent, helping out during classes, or taking our upper level classes. She is a graduate of Mathews High School and is currently attending RCC for her Associates Degree of Health Sciences. Angel plans to transfer to Old Dominion University to obtain her degree as a dental hygienist. In her free time she enjoys art and baking.
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Shelby Bennett
Shelby began dancing at age six at Diggs School of Dance, where she trained for seven years and spent four years performing with Bayside Youth Ballet. She has been with Mathews Dance Studio since the summer of 2023. You're likely to see her helping out as a desk attendant, substituting when instructors are absent, helping out during classes, or taking our upper level classes. In addition to dance, Shelby has performed in several community theater productions, including Alice in Wonderland and Matilda. She is currently pursuing an Associate of Liberal Arts degree through Rappahannock Community College, with plans to continue her education and pursue a career as a theater and dance educator. Outside of the studio, she works as a barista and enjoys attending concerts, spending time with her friends, and binge-watching her favorite TV shows.
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