Our Founder & Executive Director

Susannah Keefe 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 provides, and she also 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! 

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

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

PHOTOS Below, from Left to Right:

1) Violinist Isaac Stern, Judith Jamison of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ms. Susannah, Walter Pierce (her father), Melinda Pierce (her sister), and soprano Leontyne Price 

2) Ms. Susannah, backstage after "Stars & Stripes" in Hingham, Massachusetts

3) Ms. Susannah with dance students who performed in the Go Bananas Dancing 10-Year Celebration Show