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 23 years. Doreen is a certified Coach and has special
Mediator training through the State of Connecticut. She coached the New Milford High School Dance Team for 8 years, has
choreographed for the Bethel High School Dance Team and the Danbury School System, and has worked teaching the
dancers of local high school Color Guard units. She was certified in Clogging and has trained in Irish Dance in studio, with
several independent instructors, and with the Footnotes Dance Company. Doreen has numerous years experience
teaching original choreography for Irish Dance. 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, a
collaboration with MTV, 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. Doreen served 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. She holds specialty education certifications in Baby Work, Dancing through
Pregnancy, Dancing with Injuries, Injury Prevention, Senior Dance, and Anatomy/Physiology. In addition, Doreen 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 23 years. Doreen is a certified Coach and has special
Mediator training through the State of Connecticut. She coached the New Milford High School Dance Team for 8 years, has
choreographed for the Bethel High School Dance Team and the Danbury School System, and has worked teaching the
dancers of local high school Color Guard units. She was certified in Clogging and has trained in Irish Dance in studio, with
several independent instructors, and with the Footnotes Dance Company. Doreen has numerous years experience
teaching original choreography for Irish Dance. 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, a
collaboration with MTV, 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. Doreen served 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. She holds specialty education certifications in Baby Work, Dancing through
Pregnancy, Dancing with Injuries, Injury Prevention, Senior Dance, and Anatomy/Physiology. In addition, Doreen 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.
Samantha Morrill
Samantha is completing her Bachelors Degree in Dance at Hofstra University. She began her training here at the Academy of Dance Arts and remains an active member of the ADA
family. She has 18 years of training in Ballet, Modern, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater and Tap. She has performed in many shows with choreographers including,
recreations of "Steps In The Street" by Martha Graham, Bill Bojangles "Stair Dance", "Pippin", and many others. Upon her 2012 graduation, Samantha plans on auditioning and furthering
her dance repertoire.
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. She has been 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
is a motivated instructor who teaches clean and current choreography.
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.
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.
Sara Kenny
Sara has a wonderful background and numerous years of Irish Dance Experience, training with reputable instructors. She can teach Irish Step, Hard Shoe, Ceili and Set Dancing. Sara
is full of creative ideas 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. She also has a B.A . Degree in Anthropology. The children lover her music and her classes.
Ashley Lane
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.
Samantha Morrill
Samantha is completing her Bachelors Degree in Dance at Hofstra University. She began her training here at the Academy of Dance Arts and remains an active member of the ADA
family. She has 18 years of training in Ballet, Modern, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater and Tap. She has performed in many shows with choreographers including,
recreations of "Steps In The Street" by Martha Graham, Bill Bojangles "Stair Dance", "Pippin", and many others. Upon her 2012 graduation, Samantha plans on auditioning and furthering
her dance repertoire.
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. She has been 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
is a motivated instructor who teaches clean and current choreography.
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.
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.
Sara Kenny
Sara has a wonderful background and numerous years of Irish Dance Experience, training with reputable instructors. She can teach Irish Step, Hard Shoe, Ceili and Set Dancing. Sara
is full of creative ideas 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. She also has a B.A . Degree in Anthropology. The children lover her music and her classes.
Ashley Lane
Bio Coming Soon!
| Our Director |
Alicia Goncalves
| Teaching Staff at ADA |
Jennifer Spagnolo
Jen is an accomplished dancer and
choreographer with over 30 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 30 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 24 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 24 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 22
years, with six of those here 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.
Students see Anna as a fun and motivating
instructor who cares deeply about them.
Anna has been teaching for more than 22
years, with six of those here 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.
Students see Anna as a fun and motivating
instructor who cares deeply about them.
Lauren Zavarella
Lauren has performed as a member of the
CT Suns Solar Power Dance Team, and with
the NY Jets Flight Crew Dance 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 at
Dance Express in Tolland, where she was
also an instructor. She has choreographed
for the N.M.H.S. Dance Team and
participated in an MTV special with the team,
has been a clinic instructor at the S.W.C.
Dance Team Championships, and coaches
the Immaculate High School Dance Team.
In addition, Lauren is a graduate of
Manchester Community College. This is her
5th year on staff at ADA where she is
appreciated as a teacher with a fresh and
innovative style that students enjoy.
Lauren has performed as a member of the
CT Suns Solar Power Dance Team, and with
the NY Jets Flight Crew Dance 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 at
Dance Express in Tolland, where she was
also an instructor. She has choreographed
for the N.M.H.S. Dance Team and
participated in an MTV special with the team,
has been a clinic instructor at the S.W.C.
Dance Team Championships, and coaches
the Immaculate High School Dance Team.
In addition, Lauren is a graduate of
Manchester Community College. This is her
5th 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 returns to our staff for her 4th year at
ADA. She is a former member of the
Danbury Ballet Company with performances
in several ballets at local venues including
Richter Park. She has performed many
major roles in the Danbury Music Centre's
Nutcracker, including Clara, Snow Queen,
and Sugar Plum Fairy. Having received most
of her training at Burdette Dance Center in
Danbury, Marthe Krueger Ballet Studio in
Wilton, and through Hofstra University's
dance program, Alison has familiarity with
several different ballet methodologies. In
addition, Alison has experience in other types
of dance, including Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and
Flamenco. She continues to expand her
ballet knowledge in adult ballet programs
and is a certified English teacher with
experience teaching in local middle and high
schools.
Alison returns to our staff for her 4th year at
ADA. She is a former member of the
Danbury Ballet Company with performances
in several ballets at local venues including
Richter Park. She has performed many
major roles in the Danbury Music Centre's
Nutcracker, including Clara, Snow Queen,
and Sugar Plum Fairy. Having received most
of her training at Burdette Dance Center in
Danbury, Marthe Krueger Ballet Studio in
Wilton, and through Hofstra University's
dance program, Alison has familiarity with
several different ballet methodologies. In
addition, Alison has experience in other types
of dance, including Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and
Flamenco. She continues to expand her
ballet knowledge in adult ballet programs
and is a certified English teacher with
experience teaching in 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 21 years of dance experience, and
is a well rounded dancer with a strong
background. She is a former student of ADA,
a teachers assistant and a substitute teacher
here, and was a member of our desk staff.
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, Program Director, and
choreographer. She is a graduate of PC with
a double major in Elementary Education and
Special Education, is a Certified State
Educator, and a licensed Zumba Instructor.
Aimee is currently in Grad School continuing
to further her own education.
Aimee has 21 years of dance experience, and
is a well rounded dancer with a strong
background. She is a former student of ADA,
a teachers assistant and a substitute teacher
here, and was a member of our desk staff.
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, Program Director, and
choreographer. She is a graduate of PC with
a double major in Elementary Education and
Special Education, is a Certified State
Educator, and a licensed Zumba Instructor.
Aimee is currently in Grad School continuing
to further her own education.
Kathryn Smith
Kathryn is a teacher that every student
enjoys. They love her kind, supportive and
gentle manner, and her words of
encouragement. She has over 31 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,
showcasing her dance and performance
skills. She is also a well trained, highly
experienced, and certified fitness instructor
who continues to work actively. She updates
her training and knowledge on a regular
basis, continuing to be a safe and up to date
instructor. We are pleased to have her and
her many talents on our staff.
Kathryn is a teacher that every student
enjoys. They love her kind, supportive and
gentle manner, and her words of
encouragement. She has over 31 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,
showcasing her dance and performance
skills. She is also a well trained, highly
experienced, and certified fitness instructor
who continues to work actively. She updates
her training and knowledge on a regular
basis, continuing to be a safe and up to date
instructor. We are pleased to have her and
her many talents on our staff.
Pamela Shepperd
Pam is in her second year teaching at ADA
where the older students enjoy her signature
Meditation Cool Down at the end of classes.
She is experienced in Ballet, Tap, Jazz,
Lyrical, Pointe and Hip Hop. She has taught
on staff at Fabulous Feet Dance Company in
Waterbury and That’s Showbiz Dance
Theatre School in Stratford. Pam has
performed on the dance companies at The
Dance Company in Southbury and Children’s
Studio for the Performing Arts in Oxford. She
was the Head Coach and Choreographer for
the Oxford High School Dance Team for two
years. She attended the Universal Dance
Association summer camp with her team
and was the Competition Coordinator for the
SWC League Championships and Spirit
Spectacular. Pam continues her dance
education attending classes at Broadway
Dance Center, DEA workshops and other
Master classes. Pam is a certified Zumba
Instructor and loves to ‘Exercise in
Disguise’. She is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker in Danbury, CT.
Pam is in her second year teaching at ADA
where the older students enjoy her signature
Meditation Cool Down at the end of classes.
She is experienced in Ballet, Tap, Jazz,
Lyrical, Pointe and Hip Hop. She has taught
on staff at Fabulous Feet Dance Company in
Waterbury and That’s Showbiz Dance
Theatre School in Stratford. Pam has
performed on the dance companies at The
Dance Company in Southbury and Children’s
Studio for the Performing Arts in Oxford. She
was the Head Coach and Choreographer for
the Oxford High School Dance Team for two
years. She attended the Universal Dance
Association summer camp with her team
and was the Competition Coordinator for the
SWC League Championships and Spirit
Spectacular. Pam continues her dance
education attending classes at Broadway
Dance Center, DEA workshops and other
Master classes. Pam is a certified Zumba
Instructor and loves to ‘Exercise in
Disguise’. She is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker in Danbury, CT.
Kathryn Smith
| Doreen Rafferty |
| Our Very Special Substitute Teaching Staff... |
| Academy of Dance Arts 336 Federal Road Brookfield, CT 06804 203-775-1331 |
Chelsea Scalzo
Chelsea Scalzo is a recent college graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida where she was elected
President of the Ballroom Dance Club. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in
Dance. She trained under Dr. Kathleen Klein, the Associate Professor of Dance and the Chair of the Dance
Department, Gaynelle Gosselin in Alexander Technique and Dance Somatics, and took intensive Modern
classes under Jin Young Lee. Chelsea has also trained in Irish, Tap, Lyrical, African, Ballet, and Jazz. She
began dancing with the Gray School of Irish dance at the age of 5 and continued there until the age of 15. She
competed until she became a preliminary champion dancer at the age of 13, which is when she began teaching
dance, including Irish, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Ballroom. Chelsea was given the privilege of
training under U.S. Nine-Dance Champion Alec Lazo, and performed at many different galas including the
Breakers, an exclusive club in West Palm Beach FL. She competed at many different ballroom competitions
across Florida and continues to train and compete in Connecticut. While in Florida, she took master classes
under U.S. Champion Michelle Officer. She is a gifted and energetic teacher who loves dance and hopes to
share this love for dance with her students.
Chelsea Scalzo is a recent college graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida where she was elected
President of the Ballroom Dance Club. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in
Dance. She trained under Dr. Kathleen Klein, the Associate Professor of Dance and the Chair of the Dance
Department, Gaynelle Gosselin in Alexander Technique and Dance Somatics, and took intensive Modern
classes under Jin Young Lee. Chelsea has also trained in Irish, Tap, Lyrical, African, Ballet, and Jazz. She
began dancing with the Gray School of Irish dance at the age of 5 and continued there until the age of 15. She
competed until she became a preliminary champion dancer at the age of 13, which is when she began teaching
dance, including Irish, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and Ballroom. Chelsea was given the privilege of
training under U.S. Nine-Dance Champion Alec Lazo, and performed at many different galas including the
Breakers, an exclusive club in West Palm Beach FL. She competed at many different ballroom competitions
across Florida and continues to train and compete in Connecticut. While in Florida, she took master classes
under U.S. Champion Michelle Officer. She is a gifted and energetic teacher who loves dance and hopes to
share this love for dance with her students.
Chelsea Scalzo
Jenn Correnty
Jenn has been dancing for 16 years at ADA as
well as other local studios. She has studied
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Funk,
Contemporary, Modern and Pointe. For 11
years, Jenn was part of ADA's competition
team competing at state, regional and national
levels. She has participated in many shows
including The Nutcracker On Broadway
through Performing Arts Educators, Les
Miserables through Sabrina's Encore
Productions as well as The Pajama Game,
Fame, 42nd Street, and Once Upon A Mattress.
In 2010, Jenn won the Outstanding Student
Acheivement Award at the Connecticut High
School Musical Theater Gala for her
choreography of 42nd Street. She has
attended many workshops in Massachusettes
and NYC including SHOCK and The Rockette
Experience, and through Dance Educators of
America. Recently she danced in an MTV
music video for the heavy metal band Sacred
Oath. Jenn is studying exercise science at
Sacred Heart University where she is an active
member of their new Theater Arts Program
and hopes to become a Physical Therapist.
Jenn has been dancing for 16 years at ADA as
well as other local studios. She has studied
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Funk,
Contemporary, Modern and Pointe. For 11
years, Jenn was part of ADA's competition
team competing at state, regional and national
levels. She has participated in many shows
including The Nutcracker On Broadway
through Performing Arts Educators, Les
Miserables through Sabrina's Encore
Productions as well as The Pajama Game,
Fame, 42nd Street, and Once Upon A Mattress.
In 2010, Jenn won the Outstanding Student
Acheivement Award at the Connecticut High
School Musical Theater Gala for her
choreography of 42nd Street. She has
attended many workshops in Massachusettes
and NYC including SHOCK and The Rockette
Experience, and through Dance Educators of
America. Recently she danced in an MTV
music video for the heavy metal band Sacred
Oath. Jenn is studying exercise science at
Sacred Heart University where she is an active
member of their new Theater Arts Program
and hopes to become a Physical Therapist.
Jennifer Correnty
