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.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Director
Alicia Goncalves
Carol-Anne Hicks
| Teaching Staff |
Jennifer Spagnolo
Jen is an accomplished dancer and
choreographer with over 29 years of dance
experience. Her training began at The Mary
Lou Perris Dance Studio in Fairfield, CT and
continued with the Ona-May School of Dance
in Danbury. She was on staff at Broadway
Steps prior to joining ADA. Jen continues to
advance her dance techniques by attending
master classes and dance workshops
throughout NY and CT. She is a Marketing
graduate of Teikyo Post University and is a
graduate of the Test to Teach Instructor
program through Dance Educators of
America. Jen has perfomed on theatre
stages in productions of The Music Man, The
Producers, Singin in the Rain, Guys and
Dolls, Mame, Miss Saigon, 42nd Street,
Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Crazy For You.
She enjoys sharing her love of the arts and is
excited to begin her 6th year of creativity with
ADA.
Jen is an accomplished dancer and
choreographer with over 29 years of dance
experience. Her training began at The Mary
Lou Perris Dance Studio in Fairfield, CT and
continued with the Ona-May School of Dance
in Danbury. She was on staff at Broadway
Steps prior to joining ADA. Jen continues to
advance her dance techniques by attending
master classes and dance workshops
throughout NY and CT. She is a Marketing
graduate of Teikyo Post University and is a
graduate of the Test to Teach Instructor
program through Dance Educators of
America. Jen has perfomed on theatre
stages in productions of The Music Man, The
Producers, Singin in the Rain, Guys and
Dolls, Mame, Miss Saigon, 42nd Street,
Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Crazy For You.
She enjoys sharing her love of the arts and is
excited to begin her 6th year of creativity with
ADA.
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 earned Safety and
Spotting Certifications with USA Gymnastics.
Lisa has been a Member of Dance Masters
of America, and regularly attends workshops
with Dance Educators of America in NYC.
She has 23 years of experience teaching
throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, New
Jersey and Connecticut, and has received
numerous awards for her outstanding
choreography and technical skill as a teacher.
Lisa is a powerful, energetic and exacting
instructor who helps her students to achieve
new heights in their dance training.
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 earned Safety and
Spotting Certifications with USA Gymnastics.
Lisa has been a Member of Dance Masters
of America, and regularly attends workshops
with Dance Educators of America in NYC.
She has 23 years of experience teaching
throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, New
Jersey and Connecticut, and has received
numerous awards for her outstanding
choreography and technical skill as a teacher.
Lisa is a powerful, energetic and exacting
instructor who helps her students to achieve
new heights in their dance training.
Anna Damia
Anna has been teaching for more than 21
years, with six 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 Anna as a fun and motivating instructor
who cares deeply about each of them.
Anna has been teaching for more than 21
years, with six 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 Anna 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 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 4th year on
staff at ADA where she is appreciated as a
teacher with a fresh and innovative style that
students enjoy.
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 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 4th year on
staff at ADA where she is appreciated as a
teacher with a fresh and innovative style that
students enjoy.
Our Wonderfully Talented Dance Instructors...
Alison Rose
Alison is a former member of the Danbury
Ballet Company, who returns to our teaching
staff for her 3rd 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 our local
middle and high schools.
Alison is a former member of the Danbury
Ballet Company, who returns to our teaching
staff for her 3rd 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 our local
middle and high schools.
Alicia Goncalves
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 Adult Ballroom and Social
Dancing. Previously at ADA, Alicia had taught
Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Latins, and
Salsa as well. 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 in group format
and 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 Adult Ballroom and Social
Dancing. Previously at ADA, Alicia had taught
Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Latins, and
Salsa as well. 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 in group format
and on a private lesson basis.
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 ADA,
a teachers assistant for 8 years, a substitute
teacher here, and was a member of our desk
staff as well. She competed all over the East
Coast winning numerous regional and
national level awards, and has entertained in
nursing homes and daycare facilities all over
the area. Aimee has danced at South Street
Seaport, Paramount Park's Kings Island, and
in The Nutcracker On Broadway. She helped
develop and implement the Dance Club at
Providence College and has served as both
it's President and Vice President, as
Program Director, and as a choreographer.
She is a graduate of PC with a double major
in Elementary Education and Special
Education, and is a Certified State Educator
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 ADA,
a teachers assistant for 8 years, a substitute
teacher here, and was a member of our desk
staff as well. She competed all over the East
Coast winning numerous regional and
national level awards, and has entertained in
nursing homes and daycare facilities all over
the area. Aimee has danced at South Street
Seaport, Paramount Park's Kings Island, and
in The Nutcracker On Broadway. She helped
develop and implement the Dance Club at
Providence College and has served as both
it's President and Vice President, as
Program Director, and as a choreographer.
She is a graduate of PC with a double major
in Elementary Education and Special
Education, and is a Certified State Educator
employed as a Teacher in New Haven.
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 has performed professionally
with the Manchester Wolves Dance Team
and for the New Jersey Lightning. Currently
she is an Assistant Coach for the NMHS
Dance Team and founding Coach for the
FCNY Dance Team. 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 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 has performed professionally
with the Manchester Wolves Dance Team
and for the New Jersey Lightning. Currently
she is an Assistant Coach for the NMHS
Dance Team and founding Coach for the
FCNY Dance Team. 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 motivated instructor
who teaches clean, current choreography.
Carol-Anne Hicks
Carol-Anne is a beautifully trained dancer
who has studied at the Orange County
Performing Arts Academy and the Academy
of Ballet and Dance Arts in California. She
has also trained at Franklin College in
Switzerland, at U.C. Davis, with the Joffrey
School of Ballet, the Atlanta Ballet Company
and with the Pamela Trokanski Dance
Workshop. She is a very sweet and
supportive instructor who encourages
dancers to go beyond their limitations to
reach their potential and personal goals.
Carol-Anne is a beautifully trained dancer
who has studied at the Orange County
Performing Arts Academy and the Academy
of Ballet and Dance Arts in California. She
has also trained at Franklin College in
Switzerland, at U.C. Davis, with the Joffrey
School of Ballet, the Atlanta Ballet Company
and with the Pamela Trokanski Dance
Workshop. She is a very sweet and
supportive instructor who encourages
dancers to go beyond their limitations to
reach their potential and personal goals.
Kathryn Smith
Kathryn is a teacher that everyone enjoys.
The students love her kind and supportive
manner, and her words of encouragement.
She has over 30 years of dance experience
and has trained at the Butler Ballet and the
Indianapolis Ballet, as well as with Diane
Lauridsen, formerly of American Ballet
Theater. Kathryn has many years of
professional performance experience in
musical stage shows. She is also a well
trained, highly experienced, and certified
fitness instructor. We welcome her and her
many talents to our staff.
Kathryn is a teacher that everyone enjoys.
The students love her kind and supportive
manner, and her words of encouragement.
She has over 30 years of dance experience
and has trained at the Butler Ballet and the
Indianapolis Ballet, as well as with Diane
Lauridsen, formerly of American Ballet
Theater. Kathryn has many years of
professional performance experience in
musical stage shows. She is also a well
trained, highly experienced, and certified
fitness instructor. We welcome her and her
many talents to our staff.
Starr Jeffreys
Starr has been studying in Manhattan at
Broadway Dance Center while she films for
episodes of Rescue Me, Martha Stewart, and
other well known shows. The bulk of her
training comes from Anns Studio of Dance in
Alabama, where she was on the teaching
staff, the assisting staff, and the competition
team. She has traveled to Japan with
students, trained as a gymnast and as a
cheerleader, as a higher level roller skater,
and as an Olympic bound figure skater. Her
dance training is in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro and
Hip Hop. She comes to us with the credits of
being an honest, reliable, loyal teacher who is
very theatrical in her presence. Starr is
qualified to teach all ages and ability levels
from the age of 3 up, and is currently studying
online working towards a degree in Marketing.
Starr has been studying in Manhattan at
Broadway Dance Center while she films for
episodes of Rescue Me, Martha Stewart, and
other well known shows. The bulk of her
training comes from Anns Studio of Dance in
Alabama, where she was on the teaching
staff, the assisting staff, and the competition
team. She has traveled to Japan with
students, trained as a gymnast and as a
cheerleader, as a higher level roller skater,
and as an Olympic bound figure skater. Her
dance training is in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro and
Hip Hop. She comes to us with the credits of
being an honest, reliable, loyal teacher who is
very theatrical in her presence. Starr is
qualified to teach all ages and ability levels
from the age of 3 up, and is currently studying
online working towards a degree in Marketing.
Pamela Shepperd
Pam is a seasoned dance professional who
has studied extensively throughout the area.
She has performed on the dance companies
of The Dance Company, Children's Studio for
the Performing Arts, and the That's Showbiz
Dance Company. Pam is trained in Tap,
Ballet, Jazz, Pointe and Hip Hop. Previously
she was on the staff at the Fabulous Feet
Dance Company as a teacher and
choreographer. She has been the Head
Coach and Choreographer for the Oxford
High School Dance Team for two years, and
was the competition co-ordinator for the SWC
League Championships as well. Pam has
also functioned as the competition
co-ordinator for the Spirit Spectacular, and
has attended the Universal Dance
Association Summer Camp, along with other
dance workshops. We are pleased to have
her joining us on our teaching staff.
Pam is a seasoned dance professional who
has studied extensively throughout the area.
She has performed on the dance companies
of The Dance Company, Children's Studio for
the Performing Arts, and the That's Showbiz
Dance Company. Pam is trained in Tap,
Ballet, Jazz, Pointe and Hip Hop. Previously
she was on the staff at the Fabulous Feet
Dance Company as a teacher and
choreographer. She has been the Head
Coach and Choreographer for the Oxford
High School Dance Team for two years, and
was the competition co-ordinator for the SWC
League Championships as well. Pam has
also functioned as the competition
co-ordinator for the Spirit Spectacular, and
has attended the Universal Dance
Association Summer Camp, along with other
dance workshops. We are pleased to have
her joining us on our teaching staff.
Pamela Shepperd
| Kathryn Smith |
Sara Kenny
Sara has a wonderful background and numerous years of Irish Dance Experience, training with very reputable
instructors. She can teach Irish Step, Hard Shoe, Ceili and Set Dancing, and we are happy to welcome her
and her talents to our staff. Sara is full of creative choreography ideas to add to our already existing, well
established program, and is very familiar with Feis and special event performance venues. By degree, she is
a Special Education Teacher, qualified to teach at both the Elementary and High School levels. She has
worked as a Paraprofessional and as an Assistant Teacher, and joins us with the experience, knowledge and
drive necessary to help our dancers take their abilities to the next level. In addition, she has a B.A . Degree in
Anthropology.
Sara has a wonderful background and numerous years of Irish Dance Experience, training with very reputable
instructors. She can teach Irish Step, Hard Shoe, Ceili and Set Dancing, and we are happy to welcome her
and her talents to our staff. Sara is full of creative choreography ideas to add to our already existing, well
established program, and is very familiar with Feis and special event performance venues. By degree, she is
a Special Education Teacher, qualified to teach at both the Elementary and High School levels. She has
worked as a Paraprofessional and as an Assistant Teacher, and joins us with the experience, knowledge and
drive necessary to help our dancers take their abilities to the next level. In addition, she has a B.A . Degree in
Anthropology.
Sarah Kenny
Doreen Rafferty
| Our Very Special Substitute Teaching Staff... |
| Academy of Dance Arts 336 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-1331 |
