Classes Taught: Clogging, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre Favorite Dance Memory: Dancing with my family — my mom, aunt, cousins, and now my daughters Best Accomplishment as a Dancer: Performing across the country and competing on a national-level clogging team Best Accomplishment as a Teacher: Producing national champion dancers and leading the only New England studio to win a national clogging title Bio: Monique Martineau Cairns began dancing in Manchester, NH at the Beverly Baroody School of Dance, where she trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. At age six, she began clogging with the Granite State Cloggers under the direction of her mother, Pauline Martineau, and instructor Monique Provencher. In addition to dance, Monique was a competitive cheerleader, earning four varsity letters and serving as captain her junior and senior year. She began coaching cheerleading at age 15 and quickly developed a passion for teaching and choreography. Monique attended Providence College, where she performed with the Providence College Dance Club and began teaching at the Northeast Clogging Competition & Convention (NECC). After college, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where she trained at Bruce Lea Dance Factory, studied clogging under Elaine Bender, and competed with the T-Force clogging team. During this time, she taught workshops across Texas and New England and served as a guest instructor and judge at NECC. After returning to New England, Monique taught at several studios in New Hampshire before moving to Maine to pursue her graduate degree. She began teaching at Northern Explosion Dance Studio, where she quickly became known for her high-energy classes and strong competition choreography. She later opened her own studio, Studio M, in Manchester, NH before returning to Maine and purchasing Northern Explosion in 2017, where she now serves as Owner and Director. As a dancer, Monique has performed across the United States, but her favorite moments have been dancing with her family, including her mother, aunt, cousins, and now her daughters. As a choreographer and instructor, she has earned multiple regional overall awards and has trained dancers who have gone on to become national champions. Under her direction, Northern Explosion became the only studio in New England to win a national clogging championship. Monique loves working with students of all ages and is passionate about helping dancers grow not only in skill, but in confidence, teamwork, and character. She looks forward to continuing to share her love of dance with the next generation.