Our Founder

SUSANNAH KEEFE

With deep sadness, we share that our Founder, Susannah Keefe, passed away in August 2026. Throughout her life, she touched countless teachers, dancers, and families through her passion for dance.

Ms. Susannah began taking classes in classical ballet at age 6 at the Massachusetts studio founded by Nan Keating, former member of the American Ballet Theatre.

As the daughter of impresario, Walter Pierce, who presented classical music and dance in Boston, Susannah at an early age fell in love with contemporary companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem. 

Excelling at her hometown studio in classes with Mrs. Keating, Susannah also began studying and performing with the Boston Ballet. 

After graduating cum laude from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, with a BA in Fine Arts and American Government, Susannah worked in the busy film industry in Los Angeles.  There she started practicing Yoga, loving the peace and serenity it provided, and continued taking classes in Jazz and Ballet.  

As the mother of two energetic sons, Ms. Susannah started teaching at a local Ballet studio in Alexandria, Virginia. Then in 2009, Susannah had a vision to create a dance program focused on FUN, and Go Bananas Dancing was born! 

Throughout her life, Susannah continued to take classes herself in multiple genres of dance. She performed in the Washington, DC, area with Jane Franklin Dance's 40+ Project and with Sue Skaddan's non-profit, Helping Hearts through the Arts. 

Through teaching and performing, Susannah met so many wonderful people in her community, young and old. But what she loved the most was seeing the PURE JOY that radiates from children when they dance!