PACC

We are proud to say that our faculty are professionals who hold degrees not only in their area of expertise but also many as educators. They continue to pursue excellence by performing in the professional world of dance, theater, stage, screen and music. In addition they constantly reinforce and keep up with the latest techniques and information in their respective disciplines. Their goal is to inspire and nurture the talent and desire of their students on both a technical and performance level while recognizing each individual's unique abilities. Whether the student's aspirations are to be a professional or just recreational our desire is still the same: to give each person who comes to PACC a positive experience in the arts.

Catherine LaChioma

Executive Director

For the past twenty-five years Catherine and her husband, Michael have owned and operated Fairview Camera in Fairfield, The Studio at Hot Shots in Stratford and currently Klix Photo in Trumbull. . Prior to and during this time, Catherine was Director of Personnel for an international travel and tour company, a Fairfield County Realtor, Chairperson for Children’s Programming at the Trumbull Library, Board Member of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, created and directed Fairfield University’s Quick Center Dance Camp, taught fine arts at local theater camps and schools, was House Manager for the Klein Memorial Theater and Co-Producer of Follies’ regional theater program for its first five years which was sponsored by the Fairfield Rotary and Directed by Marje Tracy.

In 2000 Catherine was named a Paul Harris Fellow Recipient for volunteer work in our community. The Performing Arts Center of Connecticut has long been her dream; and with the help of her husband, Michael and her daughter, Nikole, friends, family and the many creative, passionate artists involved it has become a reality!

DANCE

Maud Arnold

Tap

After spending a summer in Brazil communicating through the language of dance, Maud Arnold, a native Washingtonian, moved to Los Angeles at 17 with a scholarship from The Debbie Allen Dance Academy to study in a comprehensive dance program with master teachers from around the world.

Maud made her stage debut at age 4 with Savion Glover, acting in his piece "The Real Deal" which was presented in Washington, DC and on Broadway for Frank Hatchett's Broadway showcase. Maud has been a featured faculty member and performer for the LA Tap Fest since 2004. She teaches annually in Debbie Allen's Dance Institutes in Dallas and Houston, Texas. She performed (and was also Debbie Allen's understudy ) in Debbie Allen's Kennedy Center production of "Brothers of the Knight", Jared Grimes' "Broadway Underground", Irving Street Rep's "Sophisticated Ladies,” “Tap Extravaganza,” and Neil Berg's "Broadway Song and Dance." In 2004, Maud was featured as "One of the Top 20 Under 20 Tap Dancers" in Dance Spirit Magazine.

Her television credits include "Secret Talents of the Stars" as a dancer for Mya, the opening number for the 2009 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, NBC's The Today Show, and the annual Fourth of July Celebration on the Mall with Ray Charles. Maud has also worked on numerous music video projects as assistant to the director with artists such as Lil Wayne, Jennifer Lopez, Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes, Keyshia Cole, and more. Maud has worked as a stand-in and double for Beyonce for a Direct TV commercial as well as the "Single Ladies" and "If I were a Boy" music videos.

A recent graduate of Columbia University in film, Maud hopes to pioneer new Tap experiences for the tap and film community. She hosts tap jams throughout New York City and teaches in high schools and dance studios in the tri-state area. She and her sister Chloé Arnold produced and directed their First Annual DC Tap Festival in April 2009.

Maria Cherniske

Hip Hop

Maria Cherniske is a dancer and gymnast who who holds a B.A. in education. She is dedicated to perfecting her art and the love of performance. Maria began taking classes at the age of three and her passion for dance and gymnastics continues and flourishes daily. In addition to being a performer, Maria has taught dance to students for the past eight years and coaches competitive level gymnastics. Maria continues her danced education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York where she has been invited to perform with choreographer Chio Yamada and at workshops and intensives. Maria lbelieves that dance is the universal language. She enjoys getting to know others and helping people get to know her through dance. Ms. Cherniske is happy to be on the faculty of the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

Karen Festog, A.I.S.T.D. Tdipf R.A.D.

Ballet/Pointe/Partnering/Repertoire

Born in England, Karen began her training at the Rutland School of Dance achieving highest honors in all of early Royal Academy exams, participating each summer in the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars. At the age of 15 she was accepted into the renown Hammond School and rose quickly through the ranks of training and performing with the Royal Academy under the watchful eyes of Dame Alicia Markova, Walter Trevor, Paula Hinton and Anthony Dowell to name a few. Always acknowledged for her effervescence on stage and fine technical execution she appeared extensively in the Walter Gore Repertoire, best known for the versatility and passion required in the leading roles of Simple Symphony and Eaters of Darkness.

Qualifying as a registered teacher with both the Royal Academy and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Karen began teaching in England, Canada and the Caribbean. As a soloist with the Bermuda Civic Ballet her roles in Don Quixote and La Fille Mal Gardes were much acclaimed. Sitting on the Board of the National Dance Theatre and acting as its Ballet Mistress, Karen became a key liaison to visiting international companies and frequently appeared as a guest artist. She tour for several seasons with the Royal Caribbean Line along with musical theater and commercial T.V. which rounded out her vast and diverse performance career.

Arriving in the U.S. in 1994 Karen continued to inspire and share her wealth of knowledge as a freelance teacher across the country. Much of her award winning choreography has been sited for its sparkling creativity and impeccable attention to detail. In recent years Karen has been much in demand as a master teacher traveling training teachers through the Royal Academy of Dance and Sunking Dance Camps whilst continuing to strive for excellence and passion in every student, dancer and teacher she is fortunate enough to instruct.

Ms. Festog currently makes her home with her husband and daughter in Connecticut and has joined the faculty of the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

Sindy Folgar

Ballet/Jazz/Hip Hop

Ms. Folgar received her B.A. from The National School of Dance in Guatemala. She has been dancing for the past sixteen years and had had many wonderful performance opportunities, including Nutcracker (Sugar Plum), Swan Lake, Coppelia and Don Quixote with The National Ballet Company of Guatemala. Sindy is currently a company member of The Parker Project and has performed with them both locally and in NYC. Other dance venues include, Solstice in Times Square: Dancers at the Crossroads, Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA, Aaron Davis Hall Concert and SUNY Purchase Concerts and Lincoln Center.

Sindy has studied with Ballet Hispanico, The National School of Dance (Guatemala), National Ballet Company of Guatemala, Regional Center for the Arts, Performing Arts Center of Connecticut . Ms. Folgar has taken class and studied with the following:

Pedro Ruiz, Katie Langan, Pascal Benichou, Denise Vale, Kristina Berger, Demsond Richardson, Larry Keigwin, Dominique Kelley and Manwe. Currently she is attending Marymount Manhattan College in New York City double majoring in a B.F.A. in dance and physical therapy.

Melissa Frakman

Tap/World Dance

It is a fascination with cultures throughout the globe that inspires Melissa to dance, create, and explore the rhythms that exist as a universal expression of people and their communities. Most recently this passion took her to Havana, where she worked with Siete Potentias, an afro-cuban folkloric company, and immersed herself in the richness and complexity of Cuban music and dance.

She performed at NY City Center in Barry Blumenfeld's "Vacancy No," as well as in a tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in NYC's Tap Extravaganza, featuring Savion Glover and Dr. Jimmy Slyde. Melissa's choreography was recently featured in the American Tap Dance Foundation's showcase of new NYC choreography, as well as in the cutting-edge show "Lyrics Rhythm," a fusion of spoken word poetry, tap, modern dance, and live music.

She performs regularly in concert theaters and jazz venues, but Melissa's performing has also taken her to more unlikely places, such as gathering a crowd underground in the NYC subway system, or leading a symphony orchestra in Mansell's Tap Dance Concerto. Melissa was an original company member of Vancouver's Urban Tap Squad, and a founding member of the West Coast Tap Dance Collective. She has worked with many companies including Ruckus (a tap company with a loud dose of hip hop and heavy metal), the Diamond Dreams Orchestra (a 1920's jazz tribute), and the saucy Mable Lee's Dancing Ladies.

Melissa has taught at many prestigious institutions including Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, and Simon Fraser University. In a study with St. Johns University, she designed and taught a curriculum using dance as a learning tool for students with severe learning disabilities.

Melissa is thrilled to return for her third year at PACC. In her classes, strong technique, musicality, and style are emphasized. Providing her students with a solid historical and contemporary context of the art form, Melissa hopes to promote self-expression through rhythm... allowing each dancer at PACC to find his or her own GROOVE!

Karla Garcia

Jazz/Hip Hop/Modern

Karla Garcia has studied all styles of dance since the age of 3. She trained under Fran Peters in Oxon Hill, MD and the Kirov Academy of Ballet prep program. Karla decided to pursue the dream further in the big apple, where she attained a B.F.A. in dance from New York University's Tisch Dance School. Here she was featured in many works by artists such as Dwight Rhoden, Bridget Moore, and Kyle Abraham. Before graduating, she performed in the Broadway musical HOT FEET, a dance musical choreographed and directed by Maurice Hines. She has performed in Carnival NY and LA, and most recently traveled the country with the National tour of WICKED. Karla is also a member of the Boogie Bots Crew, an up and coming group based out of Washington DC. She is currently in the top ten dance finalists on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. When she is not performing, she teaches and choreographs at various outlets along the east coast. She is blessed and excited to be a part of the Performing Arts Center faculty!

Adam Holms

Ballet/Partnering/Variations/Men’s Class/Stretch & Strength

Adam Holms is the Director of Ballet Education as well as Company Co-Director of PACC’s pre-professional dance company IN MOTION. Mr. Holms has studied under the tutelage of Dorothy Lister, Winthrop Corey, Francesca Corkle, Eleanor D’Antuono and John Magnus while under scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Further study was carried out at Milwaukee Ballet under Bobby Ball and Butler University under the directorship of Michelle Jarvis. While at Butler University, Mr. Holms received a B.S. in Secondary Education concentrating in American History as well as a dual degree in Ballet Performance. He is currently in the Masters Program at NYU where he will receive an M.F.A. in Ballet Pedagogy. In addition Adam is one of only 21 teachers in the United States certified to teach the American Ballet Theater’s ballet curriculum.

In addition to the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, Mr. Holms served on faculty with Jacques d’Amboise’s National Dance Institute along with American Ballet Theatre’s public school outreach program for the past two years. Recently Mr. Holms studied under Lynn Simonson and received his certification in the Simonson Jazz Technique. He has also had the privilege of returning to the Joffrey Ballet School to assist in the restaging of the ballet Raymonda alongside his mentor Dorothy Lister.

Mr. Holms’s classes are carefully constructed to allow students to grow as both technically proficient dancers as well as individual artists. Attention is strongly placed on proper use of terminology, body placement, port de bras and the most fundamental principles of classical dance. As Director of Ballet Education, Mr. Holms created the ballet syllabus for PACC. It is his sincere wish to spread his love of classical ballet and encourage all dancers to lose themselves in the beauty and tradition of the ballet world.

Katherine Hozier

Ballet/Pointe/Variations

Originally from California, Katherine Hozier studied and worked with Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre and attended the Joffrey Ballet School’s summer intensives. Recently, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan College where she holds a B.F.A. in dance with a concentration in Ballet. Katherine has studied with Katie Langan, Pedro Ruiz, Robert Atwood, Francisco Martinez, Virginia Johnson, Denise Vale, and Kristina Berger just to name a few. It was in this arena that she had the opportunity to work with other choreographers including Edwaard Liang, David Marquez, and Jennifer Muller.

Gina Ianni

Modern/Hip Hop/Jazz

Ms. Ianni holds a B.F.A. in dance with a concentration in Modern from Marymount Manhattan College. She has studied with Katie Langan, Robert Atwood, Pedro Ruiz, Denise Vale, Kristina Berger, Maxine Steinman, Sheila Barker and Geoffrey Doig-Marx – to name just a few.

Gina is currently dancing with Sheryl Murakami’s hip hop company, Thrash Dance. She also appeared as a featured dancer in “Addictive” a music video and BET 106 & Park with Laurie Ann Gibson. Gina has appeared in the Carnival Dance Gala in New York City and in the TAKE Dance Company’s NY Season for 2008. She has worked with acclaimed choreographer Salim “Slam” Gauwloos on a new piece of choreography premiering this past May and was in the “Sobe Attack on New York” promotion working with Serena Soffer as well as Angel Felicano.

Ms. Ianni has been named Assistant Company Director of In Motion Dance.

Nikole LaChioma

Ballet/Pointe/Contemporary Modern/Jazz/Tap/Musical Theater

Nikole LaChioma is a Cum Laude graduate from Marymount Manhattan College and holds a BFA in Ballet. She feels fortunate to have had many wonderful performance opportunities, including the role of Clara with Hartford Ballet’s Nutcracker, Snow Queen with Connecticut Dance Theater, the privilege to dance with Wayne Sleep and the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain in Kent, in Scotland at the Aberdeen Youth Festival, with the Scottish Ballet (Ken Burke) and at His Majesty’s Theater. Locally she has performed at the Bridgeport Music Festival with the Commodores and Ashford and Simpson, on The Exchange television program and at the Klein Memorial Theater. Her theatrical experience includes plays and dance performances which include the role of Ariel in Footloose, Staples Summer Theater, Ms. Bell in Fame for Artsports, and many others. Nikole has been a choreographer for many local theater productions over the past seven years.

Ms. LaChioma recently set two of her pieces of choreography on the professional company, Florida Dance Theatre; and has had another piece of her work accepted for performance at the International Dance Festival-NYC 2007. In addition, two pieces of her choreography presented at “Solstice In Times Square: Dancers at the Crossroads”, a benefit concert sponsored by Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA) and Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA) for notable professional dance companies. This year her choreography was accepted by the California’s “Dance Under the Stars” professional festival. Her dance company, The Parker Project, presented a piece of her work at the CT MEETS NY Dance Fest at DNA in NYC and locally in the Crystal Theater. Nikole is Artistic Director, Company Co-Director and faculty member at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

Nikole has had the pleasure to study at the Complexions Summer Choreography Intensive (Desmond Richardson & Dwight Rhoden), SAB, Boston Ballet, Hartford Ballet (Raymond Lukens Franco DeVito and Kirk Peterson), Katie Langan (Ballet) Beth Goheen (ballet), Karen Festog (ballet), Denise Vale (Graham), Max Stone, Jana Hicks, Dominique Kelley (tap and hip hop) and Manwe Saul-Addison (Hip Hop).

Ms. LaChioma is also a voice student of Melissa Hart (Cabaret, Candide), Scott Handley and Joyce Erickson. Her goal is to share the gift of dance in any form possible. “Every performance is…a circle in perpetual movement. Be generous in movement. Believe in what you are and what you are doing.” – Daniel Nagrin

Lisa La Touche

Tap

Originally from Canada, now residing in New York, Lisa La Touche’s platforms have ranged from the Beijing International Dance Festival as a dancer, choreographer and American media spokesperson, to performing on CBS with R&B/pop star Mya and Emmy Award winning choreographer Jason Samuels Smith. Recent performances have included “Tap into Peace”, a story told in tap by way of the music of Stevie Wonder and “Sophisticated Ladies”, honoring the music of Duke Ellington.

Ms. La Touches has taught and performed at the Brazilian International Tap Festival, L.A. Tap Festival, The Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Rhythm World, The St. Louis Tap Festival, The Vancouver Tap Festival, Munich On Tap, and the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference to name a few. While residing in Chicago for over two years, she worked as Artistic Associate for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project and their performing ensemble BAM! Alongside Tre Dumas’ company, JusLisTeN. She was Assistant Director and Choreographer for multiple years working with Bril Barrett's M.A.D.D. Rhythms, she founded their International extension, M.A.D.D. Rhythms Canada in her hometown of Calgary, Canada. Lisa has had the honor of working with other highly reputable artists such as Chloe Arnold, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Ted Levy, Roxane Butterfly, Max Pollak, Barbara Duffy and currently works alongside Cecelia Leal Calloway honoring her father Cab Calloway and his musical Legacy.

Lisa La Touche was recently featured in the May 2008 issue of Dancer Magazine as an emerging artist and is continuously pursuing new heights in her talents while establishing herself as a versatile artist in New York City. For more info please visit www.lisalatouche.com.

Julia Maggiola

Musical Theater Dance/Pre-Ballet & Tap/Ballet & Tap/Ballet 1/Creative Movement & Song

Julia Maggiola graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University in 2008, and has been dancing for more than half her life. After completing her undergraduate degree, Julia is currently teaching dance at studios in both Westchester and Fairfield Counties. She fell in love with all types of dance at an early age and in high school studied the Horton technique as well as immersing herself in musical theater, serving as dance captain and choreographer for regional productions. She continued dancing in Manhattan, taking classes in dance education as well as pursuing a degree in media studies.

Julia is currently pursuing a career as a dancer and actor, most recently having been a part of The Producers in Stamford and acting showcases in NYC. Teaching any style of dance to all different ages is an extremely rewarding experience and being a part of the Performing Arts Center of CT faculty is truly a joy.

Irene Malcolm

Ballet

Born in Africa, Irene began her initial 15 years of ballet training in the Royal Academy of Dance technique under the direction of Audrey Looker, renowned RAD examiner. Achieving highest honors in all early Royal Academy of Dance examinations, Irene also achieved horrors with distinction in two Dance Education Syllabus levels. Irene went on to complete her formal dance education at Ryerson University’s Teaching Program in Toronto. Concentrating in areas of Pedagogy, Anatomy, and Character dancing, Irene studied under National Ballet of Canada’s Nadia Potts, and Anushka Roes.

Arriving in the United States in 1994, Irene has continued to inspire many, and pass on her years of knowledge through various levels and ages throughout western Connecticut. She has taught all ages from pre-ballet, through to adult classes in disciplines of ballet, pointe, and partnering. Irene also teaches combination ballet/tap and beginner tap classes. Irene has guided and trained her students, some of whom have gone on to be accepted in dance programs at School of American Ballet, Hofstra, Marymount, Alvin Ailey and Providence.

Alison Manning

Tap

Alison Manning, born and raised in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Art History from Marymount Manhattan College under the direction of Katie Langan. As an undergraduate Alison performed works by Bahiya Sayed-Gaines, Robert Battle, Jennifer Muller, Twyla Tharp, Merce Cunningham, and Steven Petronio.

In 2007 she was selected for the Contemporary Traditions program at Jacob’s Pillow and was privileged to work with choreographers and teachers Milton Myers, Robert Moses, Banu Ogan, and Elaine Kudo. During the summer of 2008, she worked as an intern at The Yard, a performing arts colony on Martha’s Vineyard, and performed works by Doris Humphrey, Patricia Nanon, and Sarah Wilbur-Price. Alison is currently the part time Director of Development for The Yard, helping Artistic Director Wendy Taucher to promote and support the Yard Arts Festival, now in its fifth year, and the choreographic residencies that are at the core of founder Patricia Nanon’s vision for the organization.

Alison has been a principal of The Peggy Spina Tap Company since 2005 and performed in four New York seasons with the company in Soho, and at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in July 2009. She is also a member of the modern dance company Xodus Dance Collective, under the direction of Karen Gayle, which most recently performed at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in August 2009. XDC has also performed in a number of New York festivals including, Dumbo Dance Festival, NuDance Festival, American Dance Guild Festival, Dance Gallery Festival, and Battery Park Dance Festival. Alison works as a publicist for Way Off Broadway and The Peggy Spina Tap Company, and guest teaches at The Yard, North Country School of Dance, and North Country Union High School.

Yvonne-Marie Sain

Hip Hop

Yvonne-Marie Sain was raised in New York City where she began studying ballet at The Dance Theater of Harlem at the age of four. Since then, she has studied Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern dance, Indian Dance as well as many other styles. After high school, Yvonne attended Cornell University where she received a B.A. in Dance. Yvonne has been teaching dance for over 8 years and has a passion for sharing her love for dance with students of all ages and ability levels. Yvonne has had the pleasure of learning from and working with many talented choreographers and teachers such as Luam, Jared Grimes, Rhapsody James, Jermaine Browne, Sheryl Murakami, Luis Salgado and many others. Her goal is to pass on everything she has learned to her students and to give them an opportunity to grow and excel as dancers. Currently, Yvonne is dancing in a show called Broadway Underground, at B.B. King's in New York City.

Tamara Schultz

Children’s Dance/Ballet/Tap/Pre-Ballet/Mommy and Me

With over twenty-seven years teaching experience, Tamara’s instruction of ballet is praised by students and parents alike. Her love for children is evident in her commitment and passion to help each student reach their fullest potential.

After completing her studies at the Educational Center for the Arts, where she received a full ballet scholarship, Tamara then turned her sights towards teaching. She has shared her passion for dance and technique with hundreds of students in the Fairfield, Litchfield and Hartford counties. Some of Tamara’s students have gone on to perform in the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker, Stamford Ballet’s Nutcracker, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and have appeared on the television show “A Night at the Apollo.” Additionally, several of her students have chosen careers in dance therapy or have gone on to open their own studios.

In addition, Tamara competed as a choreographer, dancer and model having obtained several first place and choreography awards. She has also served as a judge for the Talent America competitions. Tamara’s perfection for technique stems from the training of some of the best instructors and master teachers in the field, such as Madame Farrell, Madame Darvash, Virginia Dale Capron, Roni Mahler, Sharon Dante, Jerry Rose, Brian Lewis and many others. Tamara currently continues her studies at the Hartford Conservatory Most recently, Tamara completed a teacher training workshop in New Jersey specializing in young dancers.

Amy Traggianese

Yoga & Art Fusion/Creative Kids Yoga

Amy Traggianese is a visual artist and teacher. She is an art specialist at Samuel Staples Elementary School in Easton, and has more than 20 years of classroom experience. Amy has also taught art at Jane Ryan School and first grade at Middlebrook in Trumbull. In addition, she teaches pottery for children and adults at the Easton Community Center. Amy is a visual artist and creates with a wide variety of mediums, including clay, fiber and gourds. She exhibits in fine craft shows and her work can also be seen in the permanent collection of the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, CT. Amy holds a BS in Elementary Education from Marymount College in Tarrytown and an MS in Art Education from Southern CT State University. She is certified in Creative Kids Yoga™ and trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA.

GUEST FACULTY

Kristina Berger

Modern Horton Technique

Kristina Berger is a principal dancer with The Erick Hawkins Dance Co., BALAM (Balinese American) Dance Theatre, and a founding member of S.W.A.T.T., based in Paris, France. Ms. Berger also performs as a soloist with Lester Horton Dance Theatre, Inc. under the direction of Donald Martin in Los Angeles, and teaches Horton Technique at Marymount Manhattan College.

Kristina’s work with BALAM brought her to Bali this summer, where she performed the solo “Hanuman the Monkey King” for audiences of thousands, to great acclaim. She is the first female in Balinese history to dance this virtuoso role and was invited back to perform with Bali’s premiere music/dance company, Semara Ratih.

Ms. Berger was a two-year scholarship student at The School at Jacob's Pillow and studied with Donald Martin, James Truitte, Carmen DeLavallade, Milton Myers, and Bella Lewitsky.

Kristina has danced with Joyce Trisler Danscompany, The Washington Opera Ballet, NYC Center for Contemporary Opera, and Isadora Duncan Dance Co. She has performed the work of Milton Myers abroad and toured nationally with Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus, Cirque Le Masque, and The Kennedy Center production of "The Nightingale" Ballet. Ms. Berger has worked as assistant to Milton Myers demonstrating and teaching Horton Technique at The School at Jacob's Pillow, The Juilliard School, The Ailey School, Marymount Manhattan College, and internationally at dance festivals in Athens, Greece; Vienna, Austria; and Toronto, Canada.

Her teaching and performing career have taken her around the world and she hopes to continue sharing information and learning from all those who share the love of Dance or simply have an interest in this beautiful art form!

Ms. Berger will be teaching Horton Technique Modern Workshops at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

George Jones

Hip Hop

George Jones is a 23 year old native of Washington D.C, George Jones, Jr. has been training in all forms of dance for 5 years. He received a Bachelors of the Arts in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College in May 2006.

In November of 2006 George auditioned and became a member of Rhapsody the Company where he continues the majority of his training in Hip Hop. In his short but hopeful professional career George has been blessed to have dance with such artist as Nina Sky, Rakem, Mc Lyte, Da' Brat, the Roots, and Lil' Kim. He has also had the honor of working with great Choreographers such as Fatima Robinson, Chuck Maldonado, Laurie Ann Gibson, and Rhapsody James. George is currently touring with Brittney Spears as a featured dancer. Mr. Jones is at the beginning of a career that he hopes will flourish and bloom into something he could have never even imagine, and feels he could have not reached place he is at with out great friends and a wonderful family.

Ryan Kasprzak

Tap

Ryan Kasprzak continues to create new work with Parallel Exit: Physical Comedy Theater. Their show Cut to the Chase was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and This Way, That Way prompted the NY Times to say Kasprzak, “can get laughs simply by breathing.” Time Step, their new comic tap musical opens at the Joyce SoHo this fall. Ryan appeared with Tony Award winner Sutton Foster in Broadway Under the Stars recorded live in Central Park for CBS television and was nominated for a 2006 New York Innovative Theater Award for Outstanding Choreography. He performed in the rock and roll tap dance spectacular Revolution at the Joyce Theater and was dance captain for the International Tour of Fosse. Ryan has been honored to perform with such legendary entertainers as Liza Minelli, Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen, Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde, and the Nicholas Brothers. He is part of the resident faculty at the esteemed Broadway Theatre Project. www.ryankasprzak.com

Dominique Kelley

Tap/Street Jazz/Hip Hop/Partnering/Break Dancing/Master Classes

Dominique is a Dean’s List graduate from UCONN. He has performed as a principal in the European Tour of Black and Blue, the National Tour of Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, he has been a guest performer on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Teen Summit on BET, Vibe with Sinbad and was a principal in the Wild Women Blue’s European Tour. Mr. Kelley was also choreographer and principal in An Evening of Jazz and Dance. Recently he has been cast and featured in the movie, The Producers, Wicked and Hot Feet on Broadway and is currently in The Wiz in California. Among other accomplishments are latest national I-Pod commercial, Nets Dancer choreographer and Model for Apple Laptop Campaign and Sports Illustrated for Kids

Mr. Kelley is one of the areas best tap, street jazz and hip hop dancers. His style and rhythms are unmistakable. He was the recipient of the LA Ovation Award for Best Performance in a Musical, a nominee for LA Musical Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical and Choreographer of the Year in 2003. He is now with the Bloc Agency in New York where he will continue his performing career. Dominique has taught at Broadway Dance Center in New York and Master Classes in Tap in the tri-state area.

Pedro Ruiz

Ballet

Pedro Ruiz is a renowned choreographer and dancer who was born and trained in Cuba, as well as in Venezuela. In a 21-year career with Ballet Hispanico as its principal dancer, Ruiz also choreographed three critically acclaimed ballets for the company. The New York Post said of Guajira, "An especially fine work of form and structure." The New York Times gave kudos to Club Havana saying, "An explosion of sensuous pure dance." And Time Out New York glowed, "Ruiz's Cecilia furthers the notion that his pieces exhibit a timelessness." Mr. Ruiz has now set out on his own choreographing for other dance companies. Since 2005, he created Sonetos de Amor for Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater; premiered a new work, Mediterranea, at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center; restaged his acclaimed Guajira for Marymount Manhaatna College; as well as a collaborative piece for The Joffrey Ballet and Luna Negra entitled called San Juan. In the Fall of 2007, Ruiz will premiere Allegro con Sabor at The Harris Theatre in Chicago for The Joffrey. Recently, Ruiz was profiled nationally on the PBS program "In The Life." Upcoming in 2008, he will also be choreographing for Alvin Ailey/Fordham University BFA Program and LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. Mr. Ruiz is also teaching as a faculty member at Alvin Ailey, Marymount College and is on the staff of Scarsdale Ballet. Ruiz has performed at The White House for several presidents and, in 1998, he received the New York dance world's highest honor, the Bessie Award. Last year, Mr. Ruiz was also honored for his illustrious dance career by The Cuban Artist's Fund and was awarded a major grant by The Joyce Foundation.

Manwe Sauls-Addison

Dancer, choreographer, model and recording artist, Manwe is the quintessential entertainer. Born to a prominent lawyer and accomplished thespian, his performing career began at the tender age of five. He attended the prestigious San Francisco High School of the Arts, and completed his BFA at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance. He also co-founded “Bay Areas’ Finest”, a non-profit theater company for young people, now in its twelfth year.

As a dancer, he has performed on stage with numerous celebrities such as Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado, Black Eyed Peas, Kelis, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliot, including tours with Amerie, Don Omar, and Liza Minnelli. He has appeared on TV in music videos for Destiny’s Child, Joe, and Tyrese, performed on shows such as Saturday Night Live, BET’s 106th & Park, MTV Europe Awards, Brit Awards, NBA All-Star Games, Fashion Rocks as well as performing as a silhouetted dancer in the well-known iPod commercials. As a model, his credits include Nike, Rock & Republic, Kooan, Nico & Adrian, Rocawear, Phat Farm, and Diesel.

Constantly on the move, Manwe has been busy filming movies in India, teaching master classes in Italy, Israel, and Japan as well lending his talents in the role of artistic director for newly developing dance workshop MidWestMoves. He also serves as the artist director and choreographer for an upcoming project with New Kids On The Block, as well as appearing in a reality show with celebrated choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson.

Now focusing on his blossoming recording career, Manwe has recorded a remake of “Rub You the Right Way”, produced by international music producer Ellis Miah, which became a # 1 hit in Italy. Currently recording an EP, he has already generated buzz in the Japanese market as a result of recent performances in Tokyo. His remarkable list of accomplishments, talent and ambition serve as testaments to his success in the years to come.

Notable Performances & Events Principal dancer for Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Special on CBS Model for BET’s Rip The Runway Fashion Show (both seasons) Artistic Director for JoJo’s 2007 National Tour Director/Choreographer for Megan Rochelle’s 2006 National Tour Choreographer for Knicks City Dancers 2004-2005 NBA Season Dancer for Missy, Alicia Keys, and Gwen Stefani at the 2004 Brit Awards Dancer for Beyonce’s performance at the 2003 MTV Music Video Awards Choreographer for Amerie’s “One Thing” music video Choreographer for Danity Kane’s “Showstopper” music video Dancer for Black Eyed Peas at Fashion Rocks on VH1

Denise Vale

Modern: Graham Technique

A native of Pennsylvania, Ms. Vale began her professional performing career with the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1985 attaining the rank of Principal Dancer. Roles performed include the Pioneer Woman in Appalachian Spring, Woman in White in Diversion of Angels, Cassandra in the first Graham full length evening work, Clytemnestra, Chorus Leader in the Greek ballet Night Journey, The Chorus Woman in Cave of the Heart, The Attendant in Herodiade, Leader in the 1980’s reconstructed Steps in the Street, and Night Chant, a ballet created for Ms. Vale by Martha Graham in 1989. Graham solos performed include Lamentation, Frontier, Satyric Festival Song and the Denishawn solo Serenata Morisca. Film work includes, Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed, NHK: Martha Graham Dance Company in Japan, and Five Dances by Martha Graham. From 1995 until 2003 as Director of the Modern area, Denise Vale served as an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Oklahoma and in 2003 was granted tenure with promotion to the rank of Associate Professor of Dance. Accepting the full time position in the fall of 2003 as the first “Artist in Residence” at the NYC based Marymount Manhattan College; Ms. Vale continues to serve on faculty at MMC, the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Presently, her performing interests include dancing nationally and internationally with NYC theatre artist Richard Move in his highly acclaimed show, Martha @. Beginning this August Ms. Vale was named Artistic Director of the Graham Company, NYC. The Performing Arts Center of Connecticut is honored to have Denise as a Guest Faculty Member. Her Advanced Classes will be held on Saturdays at the Annex Studio (call for exact dates).

MUSICAL THEATER

Josh Bednarsky

Mr. Bednarsky graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts with a Minor in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. Josh is a member of Actors' Equity Association. While in College in Manhattan, Josh was first exposed to the acting methods of Stanisklavski and Boleslavsky, through Debra Wiley Hart, who was an adjunct professor at Marymount Manhattan College. By chance, he met Julia Rand, an acolyte of the late Uta Hagen, who now serves as his private acting coach.

Josh was on a National Tour of Seussical the Musical as the Mayor of Whoville and most recently played Gus Field in Babes In Arms in Tamworth, NH at the Barnstormers Theatre. Josh has musically directed A Night at The Movies 1 & 2, with the Performing Arts Center of CT.

Josh is a former member of the Fairfield Country Children's Choir Chamber Singers, where he was privileged to tour Washington D.C. and Canada and perform with the Connecticut Grand Opera working with Charles Strouse and Barbara Simon, and at Carnegie Hall. He played Freddie Trumper in CHESS, Willard in FOOTLOOSE, Marius in the CT World Premiere of Les Miserables, under the direction of Gary and Francesca Scarpa and as Tommy in Rob Kennedy's mounting of THE WHO'S TOMMY, the show that signaled his departure from the small town to the big city.

J. Scott Handley

J. Scott Handley (Vocal Instructor /Musical Director). A versatile and accomplished musician, J Scott Handley, has appeared on stage as both solo vocalist and pianist. Scott is a graduate of Florida State University's School of Music and holds a BA in Piano and Voice. Private teachers and coaches have included Leonidas Lepovetsky, Dr. Judy Arthur, Juang Lin, Dr. Larry Gerber, Marianne Challis, and Kristin Huffman. He currently is the full time Musical Director for Stony Creek Church of God, Regional Center for the Arts, and many other local arts organizations. Mr. Handley has also musically directed/conducted for Dinner Theatre at the Mansion (Stockbridge, MA), Younger Actors Theatre (Tallahassee, FL.) and Curtain Call (Stamford, CT) to name a few. Prior to settling in CT, he taught and musically directed for the controversial author and educator Michael DeSisto at the DeSisto Mansion in Stockbridge, MA where he had the opportunity of musically directing the tour of the off Broadway sensation Inappropriate, which was based on the journals and experiences of the students performers. Mr. Handley now most proudly teaches private voice lessons to area teens and young adults through C.A.S.T Voice Studio where students have been accepted to some of the top ranked College musical theatre programs in the nation. In the past summer breaks, he added the job title of producing to his list of credits. Joining with his private voice students, C.A.S.T. successfully presented RAGTIME in the summer 2006 to full houses and rave reviews. Most recent musical director credits include: Little Woman, Grease, Pippin, Sweet Charity, Ragtime, Once Upon A Mattress, How to Succeed in Business, Damn Yankees, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, School House Rock. Other Professional credits include: The touring company of The Laughing Stock, Florida’s musically correct political cabaret, Butterfly Tour Productions and many more. Currently, Mr. Handley enjoys accompanying for New York casting agent workshops, Vocal Workshops, and cabaret singer in the tri-state area however; his favorite role is being the proud Uncle to the coolest nephews in the world.

Mr. Handley now teaches private voice and musical theater classes at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

Nikole LaChioma

Ballet/Pointe/Contemporary Modern/Jazz/Tap/Musical Theater

Tyler Paul

Acting/Voice/Musical Theater/Youth Theater

Tyler Paul hails from the local Fairfield County area and is a graduate of Staples High School in Westport. In addition to studying musical theatre at the prestigious Boston Conservatory, Tyler is an alumnus of The Performing Arts School at The Music Theatre of Connecticut and Staples Players Theatre in Westport, CT. He is currently pursuing a BA in Theatre Arts at Marymount Manhattan College with a concentration in Theatre Production & Management. Over the last several years Tyler has conceived, directed, and produced numerous benefit shows for internationally-recognized charitable organizations and currently serves as the General Manager for The Parker Project; a non profit dance company founded by PACC faculty member Nikole LaChioma. Previously, Tyler instructed children in musical theatre direction, performance, and technique at Westport’s Music Theatre of Connecticut. In his performance career Tyler has enjoyed many featured roles in regional award-winning productions and has also received a Staples Players Theatre certificate in Artistic Excellence. Tyler’s additional musical and theatrical training includes Acting and Scene Study with Television actress Elizabeth Hess, Improvisation with Broadway comedian/playwright Michael Rock at NYU’s Cap 21 Studio, Suzuki Method Acting and Monologue Study with Doug Lockwood (founding member of Actors’ Shakespeare Project), Vocal Performance and Technique with Mr. Kevin Connors of MTC, Music Theory at Berklee’s Music Institution, and Speech & Dialect Technique with Broadway coach Deborah Cooney. Tyler is thrilled to be a part of the faculty and is very thankful for the opportunity. He looks forward to establishing an enduring relationship with the PACC community.

ACTING

Brian Hoover

Brian Hoover is a professional actor and teaching artist. A graduate of Fairfield University, he has studied with Kim Rubinstein and has trained with Anne Bogart’s SITI Company. Brian is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Brian has performed in New York and on many regional stages, including Long Wharf Theatre, the Ivoryton Playhouse, Shakespeare on the Sound, and the Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival. Brian is also an ensemble member of Inertia Productions, a New York-based theatre company devoted to producing original works, and a veteran of several independent films.

As an educator, Brian has presented programs at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, CT, and he is regularly involved in Educational Outreach with Shakespeare on the Sound. He has developed and taught acting workshops under the auspices of the Jamie A. Hulley Fund for the Arts. For the past five years, Brian has worked as a therapist at the Center for Growth and Development, an organization providing services for children on the autistic spectrum.

Tyler Paul

Acting/Voice/Musical Theater/Youth Theater

MUSIC LESSONS

Bruce Bednarsky

Electric Bass/Guitar

Bruce Bednarsky resides in Huntington and is a Music Specialist at East Shore Middle School, Milford, CT, where he is a Choral Director for the Freedom Singers and the Dophinaires. Bruce performs regularly in area productions and is a private instructor of guitar and electric bass. Before accepting his current position, Mr. Bednarsky taught at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University and the University of Bridgeport. He was the former Administrator for the Sacred Heart University String School and Music Preparatory Division. Mr. Bednarsky is currently the Director/Administrator for the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut located in Trumbull. His music preparatory division offers private instruction in voice, piano, guitar, electric and acoustic bass, woodwinds, strings and brass. Bruce is the author of Basically Bass, published by Warner Bros Music and recently completed Basses Loaded, his second methods book. He is principal guitarist for the Fairfield County Children’s Choir, 3 in Accord, Shelton High School Drama Department , The Youth Connection and is a freelance studio performing guitarist and electric bassist.

Mr. Bednarsky recently took over for Chris Brubeck(Dave Brubeck’s son)on electric in TJ Olssons Orchestra and Tom Martucci Band (the Rat Pack -Sinatras Repetoire). He has performed with Bob Hope, Enzo Stuarti, The Turtles, The Grass Roots, Linc Chamberlain and Sal Savador. He is featured on recordings with Benny Rae, Fairfield County Children’s Choir and the Staples Players. He is the only Connecticut educator that is on the Teacher’s Advisory Board for Music Alive publication. Bruce holds a B.S. in Music Education and Performance from the University of Bridgeport, an M.A. in Education from Sacred Heart University and is a member of CMEA, MEA and is a COI Fender Guitarist.

Josh Bednarsky

Piano

Miriam Giannone

Violin and Strings

Miriam Giannone has been a violinist, violist and strings teacher in Connecticut for twenty years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, and a Master of Music Degree from the Eastman School of Music. She is a former member of the Rochester, New York Philharmonic. Currently she is a member of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, the Connecticut Chamber Orchestra and formerly a member of the Norwalk and Ridgefield Symphonies. Her Chamber music experience includes the Kentucky String Quartet, the Wesleyan Trio, and the Connecticut String Quartet, with which she performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. representing the State of Connecticut. Ms. Giannone has toured in Europe and Mexico with the Connecticut Chamber Orchestra and has taught in several area public schools.

Debra Hawkins

Piano

Debra holds her under grad degree from the Hartt School of Music and the University of Bridgeport where she received a Music Education degree with a major in organ. She holds a Master’s in Arts and Theological Studies from Gordon Conwell Seminary. Through the years Ms. Hawkins has been the Music Director at various churches and is presently at the Greater Bridgeport Christian Fellowship where her husband is the pastor. Debra has been a music teacher for the past 20 years and is currently teaching at Frenchtown Elementary School in Trumbull.

Peter Randazzo

Piano

Peter Randazzo holds a degree in music theory from the University of Bridgeport. As a singer, he has appeared in Off Broadway to regional theater productions. He has sung for the likes of Leonard Bernstein and Steven Sondheim. The last ten years, Peter has turned his attention to musical direction, teaching and composing. As a vocal coach, he has prepared students for Broadway auditions. Mr. Randazzo is also an accomplished pianist, he has played many shows and is currently the Musical Director/Conductor for the springs musicals at Shelton High School and the Director of the Connecticut Choraliers Show choir. As a composer and arranger, Peter has written music for Jr. Achievement, NYNEX, Westbury Music Fair’s Children’s Theater and eight original musicals for the American Theater Banquet Com. Peter’s original musical, “Pecos Bill” was presented at the 1996 Edinburgh Festival. Peter lives with his wife Karen, son Daniel and daughter Nina, in Trumbull, CT, where he and wife run Steppin’ Out Entertainment.

VOICE

Rebecca Barko

Rebecca Barko holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The Hartt School, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Bowling Green State University, and studied on scholarship at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Austria. This academic year, Ms. Barko joined the faculty at the Hartford Conservatory as a diction, dialect and vocal production instructor. In addition, Rebecca has performed in numerous operas, musicals, and as a concert soloist across the Northeast and Midwest, including leading roles in such productions as Le Nozze di Figaro, The Music Man, Le Mariage aux Lanternes, Barnum and Kiss Me Kate. This past fall, Rebecca performed the role of Laura Pennington in world premiere production of The Enchanted Cottage at the Spirit of Broadway Theatre. This performance garnered her the Best Leading Actress Award at the 2008 Spirit Awards. Most recently, Rebecca performed the role of Savannah in the East Coast premiere of How Can You Run With A Shell On Your Back? at the Spirit of Broadway Theatre.

Rebecca believes in teaching a healthy vocal technique that is the basis for classical as well as musical theatre singing. It is important to find YOUR voice and the music that appropriately fits this voice. The process of developing of your voice is unique to each individual singer and Rebecca will foster this process in a supportive environment.

Josh Bednarsky

J. Scott Handley

Mr. Handley now teaches private voice and musical theater classes at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

Kristin Huffman

Kristin Huffman graduated summa cum laude from both Capital University with a Bachelors of Music and Northwestern University in Chicago with a Masters of Music. She is classically trained, plays both piano and flute and continues to study with some of the top musical theatre conductors and directors in New York. Ms. Huffman currently performs in both musical theater and classical arenas. She was a former Miss Ohio and runner up to Miss America.

In her master classes she will help you find yourself in the audition process. During these master classes you will locate your own style, learn what will be expected of you in any audition, understand the process and how to be prepared both musically and mentally!

Professional regional theater credits include: John Doyle’s Tony Award Winner for Best Revival of a Musical – Company on Broadway the National Tour of Company plus, Ford’s Theatre in D.C., Civic Light Opera of Pittsburgh, Papermill Playhouse, Actor’s Theater of Louisville, Maine State Musical Theater, Ogunquit Playhouse, as well as many others. Symphony concerts with Indianapolis, Alabama, Columbus, Portland, Seattle and Lake Charles Symphonies. She was in the world premiere of Jekyll and Hyde, and in the European Tour of Phantom of the Opera as Christine. Ms. Huffman was the head voice teacher at The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford.

Tyler Paul

Acting/Voice/Musical Theater/Youth Theater

Sarah Pfisterer

Sarah Pfisterer, has played over 1000 performances in the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and across the country. She was nominated for the prestigious Joseph Jefferson award for her portrayal of the romantic heroine. Also on Broadway, she played Magnolia in Harold Prince's award-winning revival of Show Boat, and was seen in Children and Art directed by Richard Maltby, celebrating Stephen Sondheim’s 75th birthday. Off Broadway she played Anna Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Regionally she appeared in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Maria in Sound of Music (IRNE award for Best Actress), Julie in Carousel (IRNE award for Best Actress), Marian in The Music Man (IRNE Award nomination), Anna in The King and I (IRNE Award nomination), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (IRNE Award nomination), Betty Blake in Will Rogers Follies, and Eliza in My Fair Lady. A Metropolitan Opera semi-finalist, Sarah has done extensive concert work with conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas and John McGlinn and did a recording of Jerome Kern’s “Oh Boy” in London under the direction of Mr. McGlinn. She has appeared on The Today Show and The Rosie O'Donnell Show. In addition to numerous commercials and industrial films, she is featured in the music video Beggar's Waltz. Sarah has Bachelors and Masters degrees from Northwestern University. She has given Master Classes in voice and acting at high schools and colleges across the country and has taught private voice for a number of years. She is the proud mom of Hannah and Lily.