Meet Our Mar Ray Staff

“Miss Carol” has danced since the age of three. Her mother, Mrs. Ray, was the founder of Mar Ray Dance Studio. Established in 1959, the studio was named after Carol’s parents, Marge and Ray (Mar Ray). Carol took over the studio in 1971 while Mrs. Ray opened Mar Ray Costume Shop in Palatine. Carol and her husband Bill live in Lake Geneva her children: Bill, Debbie, Tim and Melissa live in the area. Carol loves having the fourth generation of dancers in her family at the studio her granddaughter Mia. Carol is a Certified Twinkle Star DanceTM Instructor as well as a Certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. Over the years it has been exciting to see students develop and grow as young dancers into young adults. We have many families with multiple generations of dancers.

Growing up in the Mar Ray family and dancing since she was two years old, Kylie has embraced being part of the family business. She lives in McHenry with her parents and her sister. Kylie is now in her eighth year on staff. In addition to working the desk, Kylie teaches hip hop at the studio and is thrilled to be teaching dance this year. Kylie is engaged and will be getting married next year to her fiancé, Joseph, who is also involved with the studio by helping with various tasks and recording our Christmas and Spring Recitals. Her dedication extends beyond the studio as she is actively involved with her church, where she manages the Nursery. Kylie’s passion for children and her caring attitude ensure that both you and your children will be well taken care of. She is committed to helping her students build confidence through hip hop and dance. We are blessed to have Kylie on staff.

This will be Miss Abriel’s fifteenth year teaching at Mar Ray Dance Studio teaching tap, ballet, and jazz. Abriel, who resides in McHenry with her daughter, Isla, has danced with us for 25 years and continues dancing with our Alumni class. She brings her passion for dance to class and inspires her students to excel. Abriel loves teaching and has a calm and gentle manner that she uses to instruct the two-year-old children through teens. Abriel is a certified instructor in Twinkle Star DanceTM as well as Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. This year is very special as Isla will be dancing for her first year and Miss Abriel is ecstatic. We are excited to have Abriel on staff at Mar Ray again this year.

“Miss Kim” began her professional theatre career after graduating from the University of Akron with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts. She has worked professionally as a performer and choreographer in theatre, television and movies. She was a senior member of the Canton Civic Ballet Company in Ohio, recipient of the talent award/Miss Dance, and a former Miss Columbus, Ohio. Kim lives in McHenry with her husband, Mike and her mother. Her son, Thomas lives out of state. Kim began dancing at the age of three and teaching dance at the age of 12. She taught at various studios throughout Ohio before joining the staff at Mar Ray and is going on her 32nd year teaching with us. She has experience teaching dance to all ages and at all levels of ability. Kim is truly happy teaching our advanced students and Alumni. She also enjoys choreographing and teaching wedding dances. Kim feels blessed to continue to dance and share her love of dancing with others.

Ahlea grew up dancing at Mar Ray and has been part of the Mar Ray family for 34 years. She is a wife and mother and has been teaching with us for seventeen years. She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She has been teaching at the elementary level in Huntley working with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students that have learning and behavior disabilities for 17 years. We are proud of Ahlea as we have watched her grow from a three-year-old, into a young woman who loves children. Ahlea is a Certified Twinkle Star DanceTM Instructor. Ahlea and her husband, Eddy, and their children Kambrie, Kadence, Kenton and Kaia live in McHenry. Miss Ahlea is excited for our Rhythm Works Classes to start. We are excited to welcome Miss Ahlea back to the staff this season, where she will proceed to share her passion for dance with her students.