Our Director...Doreen Rafferty
Doreen is a certified instructor through DEA, EEA, NAC-AP, AFAA, and IDEA. She has been the Director of the
Academy of Dance Arts since 1988. Before coming to ADA, Doreen taught at Brookfield Dance Center, the Lathrop
School of Dance, and was an original owner of Dance, Etc. She also taught for Parks & Rec, managed the class
programming at two local fitness centers, and trained their instructors. Doreen has worked as the Dance Mistress
for Beginnings...Resident Arts Workshop, was the original choreographer for Journey of Brookfield, and is the
Director of Stagestruck...East Coast Dance Competitions. She has been judging dance competitions since 1995,
was a competition dancer herself in the 1980's, and has been choreographing for and training students to compete
for 21 years. Doreen is a certified Coach and has special Mediator training through the State of Connecticut. She
currently coaches the New Milford High School Dance Team, and has choreographed for the Bethel High School
Dance Team and the Danbury School System. She has trained in Clogging and Irish Dance in studio, with several
independent instructors, and with the Footnotes Dance Company. Plus, she enjoyed a successful stint as a
competitive Ballroom Dancer in the '80's and '90's. Her college credentials are in Communications and Theater
Arts. Her professional television, video and stage credits include Winnie in 42nd Street, a video with Richard
Simmons, The Christmas Story for Cablevision, choreography for Amigos De Cristos, and work with Agnes De
Mille. She has also performed in stage productions of Pippin, Grease, and Bye, Bye, Birdie, has done
choreography for many local theaters and stage productions, and has acted as Stage Manager. Her students have
danced with the Nashville Ballet, in the National Touring Companies of Footloose, Fosse and Hairspray, on
Broadway in Tarzan, 42nd Street and Fosse, and two became Junior Olympians. She has been a member of
Dance Educators of America since 1983, and served on the Brookfield Arts Commission from 2000-2009, acting
as Commission Secretary for 6 years. Currently, Doreen serves on the Planning Committee for the Connecticut
State Dance Team Competition, and was host and site director for the South West Conference Dance Team
Championships for two years. Doreen holds specialty education certifications in Baby Work, Dancing through
Pregnancy, Dancing with Injuries, Injury Prevention, Senior Dance, and Anatomy/Physiology. In addition, she has
performed as a back-up singer with and choreographed for local bands, and has done print, runway, and host
modeling. She is CPR, First Aid, and AED certified and she is also certified as a make-up artist, as a personal
trainer, and as an interior decorator.
Doreen is a certified instructor through DEA, EEA, NAC-AP, AFAA, and IDEA. She has been the Director of the
Academy of Dance Arts since 1988. Before coming to ADA, Doreen taught at Brookfield Dance Center, the Lathrop
School of Dance, and was an original owner of Dance, Etc. She also taught for Parks & Rec, managed the class
programming at two local fitness centers, and trained their instructors. Doreen has worked as the Dance Mistress
for Beginnings...Resident Arts Workshop, was the original choreographer for Journey of Brookfield, and is the
Director of Stagestruck...East Coast Dance Competitions. She has been judging dance competitions since 1995,
was a competition dancer herself in the 1980's, and has been choreographing for and training students to compete
for 21 years. Doreen is a certified Coach and has special Mediator training through the State of Connecticut. She
currently coaches the New Milford High School Dance Team, and has choreographed for the Bethel High School
Dance Team and the Danbury School System. She has trained in Clogging and Irish Dance in studio, with several
independent instructors, and with the Footnotes Dance Company. Plus, she enjoyed a successful stint as a
competitive Ballroom Dancer in the '80's and '90's. Her college credentials are in Communications and Theater
Arts. Her professional television, video and stage credits include Winnie in 42nd Street, a video with Richard
Simmons, The Christmas Story for Cablevision, choreography for Amigos De Cristos, and work with Agnes De
Mille. She has also performed in stage productions of Pippin, Grease, and Bye, Bye, Birdie, has done
choreography for many local theaters and stage productions, and has acted as Stage Manager. Her students have
danced with the Nashville Ballet, in the National Touring Companies of Footloose, Fosse and Hairspray, on
Broadway in Tarzan, 42nd Street and Fosse, and two became Junior Olympians. She has been a member of
Dance Educators of America since 1983, and served on the Brookfield Arts Commission from 2000-2009, acting
as Commission Secretary for 6 years. Currently, Doreen serves on the Planning Committee for the Connecticut
State Dance Team Competition, and was host and site director for the South West Conference Dance Team
Championships for two years. Doreen holds specialty education certifications in Baby Work, Dancing through
Pregnancy, Dancing with Injuries, Injury Prevention, Senior Dance, and Anatomy/Physiology. In addition, she has
performed as a back-up singer with and choreographed for local bands, and has done print, runway, and host
modeling. She is CPR, First Aid, and AED certified and she is also certified as a make-up artist, as a personal
trainer, and as an interior decorator.
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Substitute Teachers...
Tammy Tierney Payuk
Tammy has performed professionally at Hershey Park. She has done work in commercials, and has been in numerous stage
shows and community theater productions. In addition, she ran a liturgical oriented dance program for several seasons. Tammy is
certified to teach Dance through Dance Educators of America. She trained at the Janet Rebhan Nassif School of Dance, and
subsequently taught there for many years.
Marisa Tiger
Marisa is a graduate of St. Joseph's College with concentrations in Humanities, Dance, Music, and Fine Arts. She did speciality
internships in Writing, Design, Dance Pedagogy and attended Dance Pedagogy courses at the Hartford Conservatory. She is also
an accomplished costume designer. Marisa taught previously at Winninger's Gymnastics Studio and the Stafford Academy of
Dance. She has directed and choreographed The Nutcracker in Stafford Springs, and has organized her own children's dance
company.
Monica Kaul
Monica began studying Irish Dance at age 4, and competed at Feis for many years. Through her college years, she studied
Ballroom Dancing. She is a graduate of UCONN at Storrs with a B.A. in Music, and a B.S. in Education. Monica also completed
Graduate School at Sacred Heart University with a Masters Degree in Learning. While continuing to study Irish Dance, she also
trains in Belly Dancing. She teaches Music in Stratford at the Elementary School level, and teaches Irish Dance at the Lynn
Academy.
Amy Piantaggini
Amy joins our substitute staff after teaching at ADA for two seasons. She has also taught at the Kathy Blake Dance Studios in New
Hampshire, the Academy of Dance Arts in Massachusettes, and at the New York Health Clubs. Her training includes the Boston
Conservatory and the Martha Graham Company. She is a former soloist and ensemble dancer for the Martha Graham Dance
Company, and is certified to teach dance through the Teacher Trainee Certification Program at the Graham School. Amy is the
recipient of both the Gregory Peck and the Coca Cola Awards. She has 12 years of teaching experience.
Carol-Anne Hicks
Carol-Anne Hicks is a beautifully trained dancer who will be teaching in our Guest Instructor Workshop Week in addition to being
added to our substitute teaching staff. She has studied at the Orange County Performing Arts Academy, the Academy of Ballet and
Dance Arts in California, and at Franklin College in Switzerland. She has also studied at U.C. Davis, with the Joffrey School of
Ballet, at the Atlanta Ballet Company and with the Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop.
Rebecca Schwanke
Rebecca is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a Degree in Costume Design. She has worked on Broadway in costuming for such
stars as Deborah Gibson and Leslie Ann Warren. Currently, she works as a Dress Maker and Seamstress. Rebecca has been
studying Dance as an adult student at the Academy of Dance Arts in Brookfield for 6 years. This is in addition to numerous years of
dance training prior. She enjoyed performing as part of a comedic duo where her Tap skills were allowed to shine, she has also
worked within the Health and Fitness field, and has had the opportunity pick up some terrific Hip Hop skills over the years.
Kathryn Smith - Bio coming soon!
Tammy Tierney Payuk
Tammy has performed professionally at Hershey Park. She has done work in commercials, and has been in numerous stage
shows and community theater productions. In addition, she ran a liturgical oriented dance program for several seasons. Tammy is
certified to teach Dance through Dance Educators of America. She trained at the Janet Rebhan Nassif School of Dance, and
subsequently taught there for many years.
Marisa Tiger
Marisa is a graduate of St. Joseph's College with concentrations in Humanities, Dance, Music, and Fine Arts. She did speciality
internships in Writing, Design, Dance Pedagogy and attended Dance Pedagogy courses at the Hartford Conservatory. She is also
an accomplished costume designer. Marisa taught previously at Winninger's Gymnastics Studio and the Stafford Academy of
Dance. She has directed and choreographed The Nutcracker in Stafford Springs, and has organized her own children's dance
company.
Monica Kaul
Monica began studying Irish Dance at age 4, and competed at Feis for many years. Through her college years, she studied
Ballroom Dancing. She is a graduate of UCONN at Storrs with a B.A. in Music, and a B.S. in Education. Monica also completed
Graduate School at Sacred Heart University with a Masters Degree in Learning. While continuing to study Irish Dance, she also
trains in Belly Dancing. She teaches Music in Stratford at the Elementary School level, and teaches Irish Dance at the Lynn
Academy.
Amy Piantaggini
Amy joins our substitute staff after teaching at ADA for two seasons. She has also taught at the Kathy Blake Dance Studios in New
Hampshire, the Academy of Dance Arts in Massachusettes, and at the New York Health Clubs. Her training includes the Boston
Conservatory and the Martha Graham Company. She is a former soloist and ensemble dancer for the Martha Graham Dance
Company, and is certified to teach dance through the Teacher Trainee Certification Program at the Graham School. Amy is the
recipient of both the Gregory Peck and the Coca Cola Awards. She has 12 years of teaching experience.
Carol-Anne Hicks
Carol-Anne Hicks is a beautifully trained dancer who will be teaching in our Guest Instructor Workshop Week in addition to being
added to our substitute teaching staff. She has studied at the Orange County Performing Arts Academy, the Academy of Ballet and
Dance Arts in California, and at Franklin College in Switzerland. She has also studied at U.C. Davis, with the Joffrey School of
Ballet, at the Atlanta Ballet Company and with the Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop.
Rebecca Schwanke
Rebecca is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a Degree in Costume Design. She has worked on Broadway in costuming for such
stars as Deborah Gibson and Leslie Ann Warren. Currently, she works as a Dress Maker and Seamstress. Rebecca has been
studying Dance as an adult student at the Academy of Dance Arts in Brookfield for 6 years. This is in addition to numerous years of
dance training prior. She enjoyed performing as part of a comedic duo where her Tap skills were allowed to shine, she has also
worked within the Health and Fitness field, and has had the opportunity pick up some terrific Hip Hop skills over the years.
Kathryn Smith - Bio coming soon!
Doreen Rafferty
Missy MacIntyre
Irene Malcolm
Melissa Manley
| Susan Wenz Denise |
Lisa Dye
Jennifer A'Hearn
Anna Damia
Lauren Zavarella
Alison Rose
Tammy Payuk
Marisa Tiger
Monica Kaul
Bernadette Parisi
Alicia Beal
Amy Piantaggini
Teaching Staff
Irene Malcolm
Irene is in her 8th year at the Academy of
Dance Arts, and currently teaches in our
Brookfield studios. She has the reputation of
being an exacting teacher who gives her
students the confidence and skill to be able to
work outside the box, in order to challenge
and expand their dance horizons. Irene
trained in the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet
technique while growing up in Zimbabwe,
South Africa and in the ISTD Modern Dance
technique. She attended college at the
Ryerson Theater School in Toronto, Canada
where her course concentrations from the
Teaching Program are in Anatomy, Theory,
and Pedagogy. In addition, she is educated in
the Stretch Exercise classes which
incorporate the techniques of the New York
City Ballet.
Irene is in her 8th year at the Academy of
Dance Arts, and currently teaches in our
Brookfield studios. She has the reputation of
being an exacting teacher who gives her
students the confidence and skill to be able to
work outside the box, in order to challenge
and expand their dance horizons. Irene
trained in the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet
technique while growing up in Zimbabwe,
South Africa and in the ISTD Modern Dance
technique. She attended college at the
Ryerson Theater School in Toronto, Canada
where her course concentrations from the
Teaching Program are in Anatomy, Theory,
and Pedagogy. In addition, she is educated in
the Stretch Exercise classes which
incorporate the techniques of the New York
City Ballet.
Missy MacIntyre
Missy has 25 years of experience teaching
dance. She is the former owner of the Dance
Unlimited Dance Studio in Nebraska, and
has been a competition judge since 1999.
She has traveled throughout Kansas and
Missouri with her students competing and
performing at world famous locations. She
has won numerous awards for her
choreography and outstanding work with
children. Missy was previously on the staff of
the Ona-May School of Dance, and this year,
has been with ADA for 14 years. She studied
with such greats as Patsy Swayze, Art Stone,
and Mark Simpson, and is the founding
director of our Touring Company. MIssy is a
warm and caring instructor who is known for
her ability to supply students with everything
age appropriate. She teaches in our
Brookifled and New MIlford locations.
Missy has 25 years of experience teaching
dance. She is the former owner of the Dance
Unlimited Dance Studio in Nebraska, and
has been a competition judge since 1999.
She has traveled throughout Kansas and
Missouri with her students competing and
performing at world famous locations. She
has won numerous awards for her
choreography and outstanding work with
children. Missy was previously on the staff of
the Ona-May School of Dance, and this year,
has been with ADA for 14 years. She studied
with such greats as Patsy Swayze, Art Stone,
and Mark Simpson, and is the founding
director of our Touring Company. MIssy is a
warm and caring instructor who is known for
her ability to supply students with everything
age appropriate. She teaches in our
Brookifled and New MIlford locations.
Melissa Manley
Melissa is a Dance Major from Adelphi
University on Long Island. She has a Degree
in Special Education from Southern
Connecticut State University, was a Tutor for
the New Milford School System, and currently
teaches in the Brookfield School System as
well as in our Brookfield location. She has
choreographed for the New Fairfield Summer
Theater Program and has now been on the
ADA staff for 8 years. Melissa has done
specialty workshops with the Professional
Dance Teachers Association, at Walt Disney
World, and is an accomplished and
decorated competition performer and
teacher. She worked in childcare for seven
years, and apprenticed as a dance teacher
for six, before joining our staff. Students love
her cutting edge classes and up to date
choreography.
Melissa is a Dance Major from Adelphi
University on Long Island. She has a Degree
in Special Education from Southern
Connecticut State University, was a Tutor for
the New Milford School System, and currently
teaches in the Brookfield School System as
well as in our Brookfield location. She has
choreographed for the New Fairfield Summer
Theater Program and has now been on the
ADA staff for 8 years. Melissa has done
specialty workshops with the Professional
Dance Teachers Association, at Walt Disney
World, and is an accomplished and
decorated competition performer and
teacher. She worked in childcare for seven
years, and apprenticed as a dance teacher
for six, before joining our staff. Students love
her cutting edge classes and up to date
choreography.
Susan Wenz-Denise
Susan is a former performer with the
Attitudes in Motion Dance Company, under
the direction of Dieter Riesle, a principal
dancer in the Hamburg and Frankfurt Ballets.
She taught at Accent On Dance in Holbrook,
NY for several years, and now teachers for us
in both New MIlford and Brookfield. She has
a B.A. in Fine Arts from the College of New
Rochelle, a Minor in Art History, and credits
towards an additional Minor in Education.
Her classes are progressive and well
organized, and she is concise in her
teaching methods. She has trained under
Frank Ohman of the New York City Ballet, and
with Robert Mann, an Instructor for Dance
Educators of America. Susan continues to
study with Dieter Riesle, and with Todd Hall,
formerly of the Washington Ballet and the
Boston Ballet. This is her 7th year on staff at
ADA.
Susan is a former performer with the
Attitudes in Motion Dance Company, under
the direction of Dieter Riesle, a principal
dancer in the Hamburg and Frankfurt Ballets.
She taught at Accent On Dance in Holbrook,
NY for several years, and now teachers for us
in both New MIlford and Brookfield. She has
a B.A. in Fine Arts from the College of New
Rochelle, a Minor in Art History, and credits
towards an additional Minor in Education.
Her classes are progressive and well
organized, and she is concise in her
teaching methods. She has trained under
Frank Ohman of the New York City Ballet, and
with Robert Mann, an Instructor for Dance
Educators of America. Susan continues to
study with Dieter Riesle, and with Todd Hall,
formerly of the Washington Ballet and the
Boston Ballet. This is her 7th year on staff at
ADA.
The Teaching Staff...Here is just a sampling about them!
Lisa Dye
Lisa is from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
area. She graduated from Point Park
College with a B.A. in Dance, and is certified
by test to teach Ballet through Dance
Educators of America. She is also certified in
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics by Dance
Masters of America, and maintains Safety
and Spotting Certifications with USA
Gymnastics. Lisa is a Member of Dance
Masters of America, and regularly attends
workshops with Dance Educators of America
in NYC. She has 22 years of experience
teaching throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware,
and New Jersey, and has received
numerous awards for her outstanding
choreography and technical skill as a teacher.
Lisa is a powerful and energetic instructor
who helps her students to achieve new
heights in their dance training at both our
Brookfield and New Milford locations.
Lisa is from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
area. She graduated from Point Park
College with a B.A. in Dance, and is certified
by test to teach Ballet through Dance
Educators of America. She is also certified in
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics by Dance
Masters of America, and maintains Safety
and Spotting Certifications with USA
Gymnastics. Lisa is a Member of Dance
Masters of America, and regularly attends
workshops with Dance Educators of America
in NYC. She has 22 years of experience
teaching throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware,
and New Jersey, and has received
numerous awards for her outstanding
choreography and technical skill as a teacher.
Lisa is a powerful and energetic instructor
who helps her students to achieve new
heights in their dance training at both our
Brookfield and New Milford locations.
Jennifer A'Hearn
Jennifer is an accomplished dancer with over
28 years of dance experience in Tap, Ballet,
Jazz, Pointe, Theatre, and Hip Hop. Her
training began at the age of 4 at The Mary
Lou Perris Dance Studio,and continued with
the Ona-May School of Dance in Danbury.
She was on staff at Broadway Steps prior to
teaching at ADA. Jennifer is a Marketing
graduate of Teikyo Post University and is a
Certified Dance Instructor through Dance
Educators of America. She is a Graduate of
their test to teach program for Levels I, II, and
III. She has been dancing and singing on
theatre stages in productions of The Music
Man, Singin' in the Rain, Guys and Dolls,
Miss Saigon, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and
in a favorite role as a Follies Girl in Crazy For
You. Jennifer enjoys sharing her love for
dance and is excited to begin her 5th year of
creativity with ADA. She teaches at our New
Milford studio.
Jennifer is an accomplished dancer with over
28 years of dance experience in Tap, Ballet,
Jazz, Pointe, Theatre, and Hip Hop. Her
training began at the age of 4 at The Mary
Lou Perris Dance Studio,and continued with
the Ona-May School of Dance in Danbury.
She was on staff at Broadway Steps prior to
teaching at ADA. Jennifer is a Marketing
graduate of Teikyo Post University and is a
Certified Dance Instructor through Dance
Educators of America. She is a Graduate of
their test to teach program for Levels I, II, and
III. She has been dancing and singing on
theatre stages in productions of The Music
Man, Singin' in the Rain, Guys and Dolls,
Miss Saigon, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and
in a favorite role as a Follies Girl in Crazy For
You. Jennifer enjoys sharing her love for
dance and is excited to begin her 5th year of
creativity with ADA. She teaches at our New
Milford studio.
Anna Damia
Anna has been teaching for more than 20
years, and five at ADA. She owned City
Center Dance for 6 years, and prior to that,
was on staff at Jacki's Dance Factory. She
has trained with Phil Black and Lynda Gache,
and at Broadway Dance Center with Frank
Hatchett, Germaine Salzberg and Mike
Minery. As a member of Dance Olympus,
Anna trained with Jo Rowan, Charles Kelley,
Gus Giordano and Sarah Jo Fazio. She has
done choreography for the DHS Dance
Team, the CT All Stars, numerous dance
competitions, and for our award winning
competition team. She has had students
perform the roles of Jane in Tarzan, and Ariel
in Footloose, on Broadway. Dance students
see her as a fun and motivating instructor
who cares deeply about each of them.
Anna has been teaching for more than 20
years, and five at ADA. She owned City
Center Dance for 6 years, and prior to that,
was on staff at Jacki's Dance Factory. She
has trained with Phil Black and Lynda Gache,
and at Broadway Dance Center with Frank
Hatchett, Germaine Salzberg and Mike
Minery. As a member of Dance Olympus,
Anna trained with Jo Rowan, Charles Kelley,
Gus Giordano and Sarah Jo Fazio. She has
done choreography for the DHS Dance
Team, the CT All Stars, numerous dance
competitions, and for our award winning
competition team. She has had students
perform the roles of Jane in Tarzan, and Ariel
in Footloose, on Broadway. Dance students
see her as a fun and motivating instructor
who cares deeply about each of them.
Lauren Zavarella
Lauren has finished performing with the
W.N.B.A. CT Suns Solar Power Dance Team,
and can now be seen dancing with the NY
Jets Team. She has danced with the
Hartford Wolfpack Dance Team, in the
pre-season games with the New York Knicks
City Dancers, and for the Boston Celtics.
Lauren trained at Broadway Dance Center in
Manhattan, and has taught for Dance
Express in Tolland, CT. She teaches at both
of our locations, has choreographed for the
N.M.H.S. Dance Team, has been a clinic
instructor at the S.W.C. Dance Team
Championships, and coaches for
Immaculate High School. In addition, Lauren
is a graduate of Manchester Community
College. This is her 3rd year on staff at ADA
where she is appreciated as a teacher with a
fresh and innovative style.
Lauren has finished performing with the
W.N.B.A. CT Suns Solar Power Dance Team,
and can now be seen dancing with the NY
Jets Team. She has danced with the
Hartford Wolfpack Dance Team, in the
pre-season games with the New York Knicks
City Dancers, and for the Boston Celtics.
Lauren trained at Broadway Dance Center in
Manhattan, and has taught for Dance
Express in Tolland, CT. She teaches at both
of our locations, has choreographed for the
N.M.H.S. Dance Team, has been a clinic
instructor at the S.W.C. Dance Team
Championships, and coaches for
Immaculate High School. In addition, Lauren
is a graduate of Manchester Community
College. This is her 3rd year on staff at ADA
where she is appreciated as a teacher with a
fresh and innovative style.
Alison Rose
Alison is a former member of the Danbury
Ballet Company, who returns to our
Brookfield location for her 2nd year at ADA.
She received most of her training in the
Balanchine and French methods at Burdette
Dance Center in Danbury and Marthe
Krueger Ballet Studio in Wilton. Alison
received additional training through Hofstra
University's dance program. She has
performed many major roles in the Danbury
Music Centre's Nutcracker, including the
roles of Clara, Snow Queen, and Sugar Plum
Fairy. In addition, Alison has experience in
other types of dance, including Jazz, Lyrical,
Tap, and Flamenco. She has
choreographed for and coached young
dancers and is also a certified English
teacher with experience teaching in local
middle and high schools.
Alison is a former member of the Danbury
Ballet Company, who returns to our
Brookfield location for her 2nd year at ADA.
She received most of her training in the
Balanchine and French methods at Burdette
Dance Center in Danbury and Marthe
Krueger Ballet Studio in Wilton. Alison
received additional training through Hofstra
University's dance program. She has
performed many major roles in the Danbury
Music Centre's Nutcracker, including the
roles of Clara, Snow Queen, and Sugar Plum
Fairy. In addition, Alison has experience in
other types of dance, including Jazz, Lyrical,
Tap, and Flamenco. She has
choreographed for and coached young
dancers and is also a certified English
teacher with experience teaching in local
middle and high schools.
Bernadette Parisi
Bernadette is a Certified State of Connecticut
Educator, currently teaching in Danbury. She
is the developer of our Tots Programs, and is
one of the teachers of our summer Dance
Weeks for preschool and young children.
She has many years of dance training and
teaching experience, and has taught dance
for both the Brookfield and New Fairfield
Parks and Recreation Departments, the
Regional Y.M.C.A, and at our Brookfield and
New Milford locations. Bernadette has
worked with children of many ages and ability
levels in day care, public and private school
settings, and often teaches our Adult
classes as well. In addition, she has many
years of Ballroom Dance training, and she is
available to teach classes in this format. We
are pleased to have her back on our regular
teaching staff at ADA.
Bernadette is a Certified State of Connecticut
Educator, currently teaching in Danbury. She
is the developer of our Tots Programs, and is
one of the teachers of our summer Dance
Weeks for preschool and young children.
She has many years of dance training and
teaching experience, and has taught dance
for both the Brookfield and New Fairfield
Parks and Recreation Departments, the
Regional Y.M.C.A, and at our Brookfield and
New Milford locations. Bernadette has
worked with children of many ages and ability
levels in day care, public and private school
settings, and often teaches our Adult
classes as well. In addition, she has many
years of Ballroom Dance training, and she is
available to teach classes in this format. We
are pleased to have her back on our regular
teaching staff at ADA.
Alicia Beal
Alicia is a Certified Dance Educator, with a
Ballroom Certification through the Arthur
Murray Studios. She has numerous years of
teaching experience, and has returned to our
staff to teach by appointment only. Previously
at ADA, Alicia had taught Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip
Hop, Lyrical, Latins, Salsa and Social
Dancing. She started training with ADA at the
age of 3, and then went on to become a
competitive dancer for Dance, Etc in Newtown.
She is an accomplished competitive Ballroom
Dancer, and she has danced and competed
with Ballroom all along the East Coast. Alicia
was also a founding member of the original
Brookfield High School Dance Club, which
was the predecessor to their current dance
team. She will be available to teach Ballroom
classes on a private lesson basis.
Alicia is a Certified Dance Educator, with a
Ballroom Certification through the Arthur
Murray Studios. She has numerous years of
teaching experience, and has returned to our
staff to teach by appointment only. Previously
at ADA, Alicia had taught Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip
Hop, Lyrical, Latins, Salsa and Social
Dancing. She started training with ADA at the
age of 3, and then went on to become a
competitive dancer for Dance, Etc in Newtown.
She is an accomplished competitive Ballroom
Dancer, and she has danced and competed
with Ballroom all along the East Coast. Alicia
was also a founding member of the original
Brookfield High School Dance Club, which
was the predecessor to their current dance
team. She will be available to teach Ballroom
classes on a private lesson basis.
Danielle Gray
Danielle is a former student of ADA who is
currently pursuing the path to her dance
teaching certification. She has taught at the
Wilton Dance Studio, the Ridgefield Studio of
Performing Arts, and the Connecticut
Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts. In
season, she is performing professionally
with the Manchester Wolves Dance Team for
arena football, and previously she achieved
the honor of being a semi-finalist for
American Idol. Danielle has competed with
the Northeast Tropics Cheerleading and Hip
Hop Teams in both the Adult and Senior
Student Divisions, and is also a trained
gymnast. She joins our staff with the
reputation of being a timely and motivated
instructor who teaches clean, current
choreography.
Danielle is a former student of ADA who is
currently pursuing the path to her dance
teaching certification. She has taught at the
Wilton Dance Studio, the Ridgefield Studio of
Performing Arts, and the Connecticut
Academy of Ballet and Performing Arts. In
season, she is performing professionally
with the Manchester Wolves Dance Team for
arena football, and previously she achieved
the honor of being a semi-finalist for
American Idol. Danielle has competed with
the Northeast Tropics Cheerleading and Hip
Hop Teams in both the Adult and Senior
Student Divisions, and is also a trained
gymnast. She joins our staff with the
reputation of being a timely and motivated
instructor who teaches clean, current
choreography.
Danielle Gray
Carol-Anne Hicks
Rebecca Schwanke
Aimee Clavette
Aimee has 20 years of dance experience, and is a well rounded dancer with a strong background. She is a former
student of the Academy of Dance Arts, served as a teachers assistant here for 8 years, has worked as a substitute
teacher, and as a member of our desk staff. While studying at ADA, Aimee competed all over the East Coast
winning numerous awards both on the regional and national levels, and spent many hours entertaining in nursing
homes and daycare facilities. In addition, she was a member of our Performance Troupe impressing crowds at
South Street Seaport, Paramount Park's Kings Island, and The Nutcracker On Broadway. She is a recent graduate
of Providence College with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education. During her time at PC,
Aimee was instrumental in developing and implementing the Dance Club, which currently has over 300 members.
She has served as both it's President and Vice President, and was on it's first executive board presenting it through
the Student Congress. Aimee was also responsible for performance choreography in Tap, Jazz and Lyrical,
performed in many of the numbers, and served as Program Director for performances. She is a Certified State
Educator and is employed as a Teacher in New Haven.
Aimee has 20 years of dance experience, and is a well rounded dancer with a strong background. She is a former
student of the Academy of Dance Arts, served as a teachers assistant here for 8 years, has worked as a substitute
teacher, and as a member of our desk staff. While studying at ADA, Aimee competed all over the East Coast
winning numerous awards both on the regional and national levels, and spent many hours entertaining in nursing
homes and daycare facilities. In addition, she was a member of our Performance Troupe impressing crowds at
South Street Seaport, Paramount Park's Kings Island, and The Nutcracker On Broadway. She is a recent graduate
of Providence College with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education. During her time at PC,
Aimee was instrumental in developing and implementing the Dance Club, which currently has over 300 members.
She has served as both it's President and Vice President, and was on it's first executive board presenting it through
the Student Congress. Aimee was also responsible for performance choreography in Tap, Jazz and Lyrical,
performed in many of the numbers, and served as Program Director for performances. She is a Certified State
Educator and is employed as a Teacher in New Haven.
Kathryn Smith
Aimee Clavette
