Makayla Casenelli is a Greenbrier County native with a passion & love for Jesus, dance, and serving the next generation. Arise Dance Center was born from years of prayer, planning, preparation, and a dream to create a place where dancers can grow in their gifts while being rooted in faith, excellence, and purpose.

A graduate of Greenbrier East High School, Makayla holds two bachelor’s degrees from the former Christian university, Ohio Valley University in Business Administration and Integrated Marketing Communications. She later earned her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting Management from West Liberty University in 2021. Professionally, Makayla serves as the Budget Analyst at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, bringing her passion for organization, leadership, and stewardship into both her professional and ministry work.

Makayla brings over 13 years of personal private studio and competitive dance training and is entering her 10th year as a dance educator. Throughout her teaching career, she has had the privilege of teaching dancers across Ohio, North Carolina and Southern West Virginia. She currently serves as the coach and choreographer of the Greenbrier East High School Spartanette Dance Team. Makayla has been recognized at multiple regional dance competitions for choreography awards.

Throughout her dance journey, Makayla has trained under and learned from some of industry’s most respected instructors, including Broadway performers, professional dancers, and choreographers. Her experiences include learning from performers connected the Off-Broadway production “STOMP”, New York City Rockettes, and training opportunities influenced by performers from Disney, cruise ship entertainment, and Branson, Missouri stages.

In Summer 2026, Makayla became the first dance instructor from West Virginia to complete the Nan Giordano Certification Program in the levels of Basic, Beginner, and Intermediate. This program serves as the official teaching certification of Giordano Dance Chicago, where Makayla had the honor of training directly with Nan Giordano.

Beyond dance, Makayla’s greatest passion is her faith and her desire to serve others. Her love for the Lord began at an early age through her home congregation in Lewisburg, West Virginia, where she developed a heart for ministry, teaching children, worship, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

Makayla and her husband Isaiah, have been married since 2019. (Fun fact: the studio name Arise was inspired by Isaiah 60:1, which holds special meaning in their family.) Isaiah serves as the Minister of the Lewisburg Church of Christ, and together they have served in ministry since 2018. They are blessed with their son, Jaxon, and their three fur babies: Archie, Ronnie and Mabel.

“I am honored to be entrusted with your child and grateful for the opportunity to be part of their journey. Dance is so much more than steps, technique, costumes and performances- it is an opportunity to build confidence, discipline, friendships, creativity, and character that will last a lifetime. My prayer is that every student who walks through the doors of Arise feels welcomed, encouraged, uplifted, challenged and loved. My team and I strive to create a place where dancers can grow in their gifts, discover their purpose, and develop a foundation rooted in faith."

“Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord ruses upon you.” Isaiah- 60:1