Rebecca Kender-Rocha TCRG, Director
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Rebecca Kender-Rocha has been dancing for over 20 years. She started taking classes at the age of 13, after a friend showed her a few steps in the school yard and has been dancing ever since! Over the years Rebecca has trained under the guidance of Kathleen Ryan, Lisa & Karen Petri, and Gavin & Seaneen Doherty. Throughout her competitive career, Rebecca has danced on the local, national, international, and professional level, competing in both solos and teams.
She has competed in the Mid-Atlantic Region Oireachtas, where she was once ranked 3rd; the North American Irish Dance Championships, where she was once ranked 16th, All Ireland Championships, where she was once ranked 11th; the Great Britain Championships; and World Championships in Boston, Montreal, London, and Scotland. Rebecca’s love for performing was nurtured during her years as a member of the Performance Team at Ryan Academy. The performance team was inspired by the show style dancing seen in “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance.” In 2017, Rebecca started her professional career touring with Two Step Productions “Rhythm in the Night: the Irish Dance Spectacular”, and their Christmas Spectacular “Carol of the King.” In 2018, she was promoted to lead dancer. She has also been fortunate enough to tour with other companies, such as “Murphy’s Celtic Legacy” and Ciara Sexton’s Irish Dance Theatre. She also was part of an Irish Dance Comedy: “Jigs, Dreams, and Reality's” premier show in Newark, New Jersey, in August 2018. Since the very beginning of her dance journey, Rebecca has dreamed of obtaining her TCRG letters (Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha), which means Certified Irish Dance Teacher. In 2020 she passed the rigorous certification process that allows students to compete worldwide in Irish dancing through the An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha organization. Rebecca is a proud member of CLRG, The Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America, and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Rebecca loves teaching and sharing her passion for Irish Dance for all those who want to learn. Her teaching and dance style is influenced by both the performing and competitive sides of Irish dance. With her experience training under one of the largest competitive schools in the world as well as touring with multiple professional dance shows, she finds joy in helping dancers see, realize, and live their fullest potential in Irish dance. “There is nothing better than seeing a dancer improve their technique and enjoying every opportunity dance can offer them.” Outside of Irish Dance, Rebecca is a proud Alumnae of Our Lady of Mercy Academy (Go Dots!), and a graduate of St. Joseph's College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, with a Minor in both Business and Art. From 2014-2025, she has worked as both an Account Manager and a Billing Manager for an e-commerce growth platform company for product management, marketing, and advertising. In her spare time she also enjoys reading, and she will be happy to chat about the current books everyone is reading. Most recently, on November 16th 2024, Rebecca married her husband, Marcus Rocha. A date made even more special by a reception performance by Kender Academy's very own dancers! Safe Sport Certified. Virtus trained. |
Marcus Rocha - Tech Guy
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Marcus Rocha, Miss. Rebecca's husband, is a dedicated supporter of the Kender Academy Dance Family and plays an important role behind the scenes. From editing all of Kender Academy's Performance music, to assisting at local community events, as well as acting as the team Videographer and Photographer at many events, capturing memories for our dance family. Though he never studied Irish Dance himself, Marcus did take breakdancing lessons as a child. This has lead to a strong understanding and interest in all things Irish dance. If you see him, ask him to show off his favorite Irish Dance move - Rocks! Marcus' support for Kender Academy, started way before the Academy opened it's doors, during Rebecca's time touring with professional shows. He traveled across the country to watch Rebecca perform in "Carol of the King," "Murphy's Celtic Legacy," and "Irish Dance Theatre." Marcus especially enjoys co-teaching the annual Valentine's Date Night Couples Ceili at the studio each February with Rebecca. Together they choregraph 2 Hands that couples of all experience can enjoy learning and dancing together. |
Kathleen Verbil - Dance Mom
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Rebecca's mother, Kathleen, has had a major impact on her dancing journey. She drove Rebecca to every dance practice, feis, and performance. Even when she was unable to accompany her daughter overseas, she kept up with the competitions enthusiastically over the phone. After Rebecca passed her TCRG, Kathleen went from Dance Mom to Dance Student. Having never danced before, Kathleen joined Rebecca's 1st ever adult class, now learning the artform she always enjoyed watching. You can find Kathleen in the Adult classes as well as helping out around the studio. She assists with the youth classes, helps run the Kender Academy booth at local community events, and loves helping out at the end of year showcase and St. Patrick's Day Parades. Kathleen always has a smile on her face, which helps make the Kender Academy Family so welcoming and supportive. She loves talking to other dance parents and dancers in the studio and seeing their progress throughout the year. When she isn't at the studio, you will find her cheering for all her favorite teams - the NY Mets, NY Giants, and NY Rangers. |
The Kender Family
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Kender Academy is very grateful to have the support of Rebecca's family. Both her parents, and five Siblings join Kender Academy at the annual Farmingdale St. Patrick's Day Parade and help assist at the end of year showcase in June. You can also find them helping out at local events throughout the year. |