Instructor Profiles
According to multi-talented Brenda Brosnihan, movement education “is an experience that comes from the heart.” Brosnihan’s passionate regard for dance and exercise is evident in her success as a performer, educator, business owner, and award-winning coach. Throughout her career, she has brought the enjoyment of dance and exercise to thousands of children and adults in the area.
Brenda is considered a Youth Movement Specialist as a fitness educator. She attended Frostburg State University, where she studied Health and Physical Education. She holds The American Council on Exercise, AFFA, Zumba, and Pound certifications. She has presented workshops and given lectures nationally and abroad.
Brenda is a former aerobic champion and the coach of eight consecutive national youth sportaerobic championship teams. In 2003, Brenda’s dream and 15 years of pioneering youth sportaerobics came true when her junior team won the World Sportaerobic Championships, the first U.S. youth team to earn a world title. Brenda has taken athletes to Japan, Argentina, and Mexico for international competitions. “I believe it is important to teach children how to set goals and learn how to achieve them.”
Brenda constantly researches new information on exercise, dance trends, and childhood development. Her innovative programs have children interested and bring them back year after year. She aims to instill the love of “movement” that will encourage a life-long habit of health and exercise.
Brenda believes in supporting her community and has organized and participated in fundraising events for charities like Relay for Live, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, City of Hope Aids Research, and our hometown charities The House of Hope, Cindy’s Fund, Landon’s Library, Broken Road Associates, Garrett Mentors, the Garrett Humane Society, I Can Swim, and Garrett Trails. Students from Brenda’s Body Shop have raised over $340,000 for charity.
Every year, Brenda produces an extravagant dance featuring colorful costumes, upbeat music, and an elaborate set. The show is heartwarming, full of tradition, and a much-anticipated event by her students and their families.
Interesting Facts about Brenda: Brenda is married to Pete Brosnihan, and together, they have raised three children, Pete, Zak, and Morgan, and three grandsons, Alex, Levi, and Sawyer.
Honors and Awards
2015- Woodman of the World Community Leadership Award
2014- Garrett County Women's Hall of Fame
2012- President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award
2012- Inducted into the Southern High School Hall of Fame
2012/2011- Nominated for Garrett County’s Most Beautiful Person
2010 – Elk’s Club Citizen of the Year
25 National Titles, 11 International titles, and one world championship for Sportaerobics
1986-1988 Reebok National Aerobic Champion
Keele
Experience: BBS student 9 Years, instructor 7 Years
Staff position: Instructor/Choreographer/ Performer. I am currently attending WVU and will graduate in May with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Development and Family Studies.
“Always dance full out and make every move meaningful. Celebrate your small successes and improvements. Studio time is finite, so enjoy your time on the dance floor.” – Keele Flanigan
Alissa
Experience: BBS student 6 Years, Instructor 18 Years
Staff Position: Instructor/Choreographer/ Coach National and World Champion Sportaerobic Athlete Owner of MisFits A hairstylist at Nolas Salon
“Always work hard and have fun. No one ever regrets working hard. Take pride in your work and always try to be your best self. Sometimes it’s not easy, but it’s worth it” – Alissa Gank
Aaliyah
Experience: BBS student 14 Years, Instructor 3 Years
Staff Position: Teaching Assistant/ Performer. I am currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education. I work as a tutor and substitute teacher at Accident Elementary School.
“Some of my best memories are associated with dance. The endless opportunities include making friends, learning new skills, performing, and traveling. I encourage you to take advantage of the amazing journey dance can provide” – Aaliyah Rhodes.
Ainsley
Experience: BBS student 11 years, Instructor 3 Years
Staff Position: Instructor/ Choreographer/ Performer Division I Dance Team 2019-2022 2023 Graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology and Sociology. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical counseling.
“Dance is a way for you to explore your emotions, experience your true self, and convey who you are through movement, whether at practice or on the stage; feel the movement, the song, and the energy that surrounds you.” –Ainsley Brantner.
Kenzi
Experience: BBS student 15 Years, Instructor 5 Years
Staff Position: Teaching Assistant / Performer / Pound Instructor/ 2019 Graduate from Frostburg State University with a master’s degree in business administration Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach
“Dance can teach you a lot about yourself and life! May you always continue to learn and never take opportunities for granted.” – Kenzi Mousch
Amy
Experience: Dancer 15 Years, Instructor 24 Years
Staff Position: Instructor/ Performer 5th Grade Teacher at Accident Elementary School. I graduated from Frostburg State University with a degree in education and a minor in dance. Certified Ski Instructor
“Dance is a wonderful way to enjoy movement and music. Dance classes can offer you a fun space to explore, make new friends, and create incredible performance memories.” – Amy Anderson.
Danny
Experience: Dancer 27 Years, BBS Choreographer 10 Years
Staff Position: Choreographer Graduate of Frostburg University with a degree in Dance/ Theater Currently performing off-Broadway shows and choreographer for numerous projects.
“Learn to love all the arts and enjoy all the ways they connect. Dance is so much more than moving to a song; you can make people feel something from your performance, so put your heart into it.” – Danny Durr
Ari
Experience: BBS student 16 Years, Instructor 3 Years
Staff Position: Instructor/ Choreographer/ Performer 2023. She graduated from Garrett College with an associate of applied science degree in graphic and web design and works part-time at Walgreens.
“Dance can be a lifetime endeavor; never let the last 5.6.7.8 you hear as a child be your last. There are all kinds of avenues to keep you enjoying dance; find them and keep dancing.” – Arianna Torrisi.
Lexi
Experience: BBS student 6 Years, Staff Position: 35 years Assistant Director, Program Developer, Instructor, Choreographer, Performer
“Enjoy every moment of dance and work hard. The years will fly by, but the memories will last forever! Also, always be kind to other students in class. They deserve to enjoy the experience as much as you do. Kindness can impact people in ways you never expect and will bring you happiness in the process.” Lexi Torrisi
Sheri
Experience: BBS student 11 Years, Instructor 17 Years
Staff Position: Instructor / Performer
Daily Operations personnel for Deek Creek Docks A substitute teacher at Little Owls Early Learning Center Chief Judge for the Garrett County Board of Elections
“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful, and enjoy every moment you get to dance. Use the opportunity to make friends, always sparkle and shine bright” Sheri Hershman