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

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.

Nora Cotter

Ballet - Pointe

Nora Cotter was born in Buffalo, NY and began her dance training at the 12. Ms. Cotter graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts High School with a concentration in Ballet and as a North Carolina Regents Scholar. Nora continued her education at Mercyhurst College where she earned a BA cum laude in Dance. While in school, Ms. Cotter performed leading roles in Giselle, Raymonda, Symphony Italienne, Stars and Stripes and Coppelia. She also had the opportunity to work with Configuration Dance Theater, performing works by Joe Cipolla and Harrison McEldowney. Nora holds a Masters Degree magna cum laude from NYU in Dance Education, with a concentration in American Ballet Theater Pedagogy. While attending NYU, Ms. Cotter also worked at the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center as an Assistant Resident Hall Director for two years. Nora is certified in all levels of American Ballet Theater's National Training Curriculum and has taught as an adjunct professor at Marymount Manhattan College and as a guest teacher at American Ballet Theater's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. She has also worked with Dance Educators of America, both judging and teaching the Ballet portion of regional and national workshops. Currently, Nora teaches all levels of Ballet and Pointe in Trumbull, CT at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut; in New York City at Peridance; and in Princeton, NJ at Princeton Dance and Theater Studio.

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.

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/Modern

Katherine Hozier began her dance training at Dancenter in Capitola, California. She continued her dance training at the Joffrey Ballet School in Manhattan and performed with the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Ms. Hozier is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Ballet as well as a minor in International Studies. 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. Her company experience includes Jennifer Muller/ The Works, where they just completed a Brazil tour, The Parker Project, and Gehring Dancetheatre. Not wanting to only dance one style, Katherine has also performed in a variety of commercial work including the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on CBS in 2008 and 2009, Fashion Cares, and the My Fair Wedding Promo Commercial on the WE network.

Gina Ianni

Modern/Hip Hop/Jazz

Gina 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. Upon graduation, she was awarded the highest honor from the MMC Dance Department, a Gold Key, for demonstrating excellence in her field. Gina has been very fortunate to work in both the commercial and concert worlds of dance, working with or assisting choreographers such as Sheryl Murakami, Ray Leeper, Laurie Ann Gibson, and Salim Gauwloos. Gina has performed in the 2004 Elan Awards, 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival, and live on BET's 106 & Park. Currently, she is working with the New York City-based company TAKE Dance, under the direction of Takehiro Ueyama.

In addition to performing and teaching dance, Gina is a pilates instructor certified through Pilates Academy International.

Jared Jenkins

Hip Hop

Jared Jenkins is originally from Philadelphia, PA now resides in New Yor City. After graduating from Georgetown University in 2006 with a degree in Finance, Jared decided to put the world of finance aside and explore his passion for dance. Since then, Jared has had the opportunity to train and dance with the top choreographers in the industry. He has danced with Culture Shock, DC Dance Troupe, LRMP and Capitol Movement Project. Mr. Jenkins has also had the honor of choreographing for Georgetown's University's Hip-Hop team - Groove Theory. His dance credits include: Cirque Du Soleil, Touchstones Picture's "Step-up Two the Streets", VH1 Save the Music and Carnival: The Choreographers Ball. Jared has had the opportunity to teach throughout the United States and showcase his choreography in venues such as World of Dance and Rhapsody James' Sirens After Dark. In 2008, Jared won a Monster of Hip-Hop Tour Pass and scholarship. Mr. Jenkins continues to train and dance professionally. He is thankful to everyone who has inspired and help him in his career.

Ashley Kirchner

Ballet/Tap/Creative Movement/Musical Theater

Ashley Simone Kirchner grew up in Harrisburg, PA, where she trained under Marcia Dale Weary at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Sandra Carlino at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. Annually, she participated in the Regional Dance America/Northeast festival and spent numerous summers at the Joffrey Ballet in NYC where she worked closely with many dance professionals, including Jeffrey Gribbler, Jonathan Phelps, Luis Fuente, Kirsten Kaschock, and John Magnus. Ms. Kirchner graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan College, under the direction of Katie Langan, in 2010 with a B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in Ballet. At MMC her favorite performance experiences included works by Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Lar Lubovitch, and Merce Cunningham. She was a member of the MMC Dance Company from 2009 to 2010. Her regional theater credits include The Producers (Shirley Markowitz/Assistant Choreographer), Annie Get Your Gun (Dance Captain), both at Park Playhouse in Albany, NY, and favorite dinner theater credits include Rocky Horror Show (Columbia), Sugar Babies starring Sally Struthers (Sugar Baby), Bye Bye Birdie (Kim), Will Rogers Follies (Zeigfeld’s Favorite), and Grease (Sandy). She has choreographed musicals for Regional Center for the Arts in CT, PACC, and Park Playhouse II in Albany, NY.

Ms. Kirchner knows what a powerful impact dance teachers have on the lives of young aspiring performers. With previous teaching experience in both dance and theater, she hopes to enrich the lives of her PACC students, sharing her passion for the arts and teaching them technique and etiquette while, most importantly, having fun.

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 currently hold the positions of Artistic Director of the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, Artistic Director of In Motion Dance Company and Founder and Artistic Director of The Parker Project. In addition, Nikole LaChioma is an ABT ® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT ® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3. Two of her pieces of choreography have been set on the professional company, Florida Dance Theatre, and she has had pieces accepted at the International Dance Festival-NYC, “Dance Under the Stars” professional dance festival in California, Solstice In Times Square (BCEFA/DRA) and CT Meets NY Dance Festival. Her works with The Parker Project have been performed at many venues in Connecticut and New York.

Ms. LaChioma feels fortunate to have had many wonderful performance opportunities. Most recently with BalaSole Dance in NYC, where she received this review from Dance Europe Magazine: “She’s a personable performer whose expressions create a connection with the audience….On top of this acting ability, her clear and easy technique make her a joy to watch.” Nikole has had the privilege of dancing with Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson, Raymond Lukens and Franco DeVita as both their student and as Clara in their American Nutcracker. Other roles include 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 in many musical theater productions and has served as choreographer for both area high schools and theater organizations.

Nikole has had the pleasure to study at the Complexions Summer Choreography Intensive with Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, SAB, Boston Ballet, Hartford Ballet with Raymond Lukens Franco DeVita and Kirk Peterson, Pedro Ruiz, Katie Langan (Ballet) Beth Goheen (ballet), Karen Festog (ballet), Denise Vale (Graham), Kristina Berger (Horton), Max Stone, Jana Hicks, Dominique Kelley (tap and hip hop) and Manwe Saul-Addison (Hip Hop). Ms. LaChioma has studied voice with Melissa Hart (Cabaret, Candide), Scott Handley and Joyce Erick.

Lauri MacLean

Jazz

Lauri MacLean has spent the past twenty years establishing her reputation as a premiere teacher and choreographer of jazz dance. Noted for a distinctive style that blends athleticism with technique she trained dancers at her studio, Jazzworx Dance Center, from 1994 thru 2010. A charismatic and energetic instructor known for her rigorous warm up and technically challenging combinations, her love of dance is obvious in every class she gives. Vibrant, sensual and haunting, her sophisticated choreography fuses myriad styles in a unique blend of contemporary and classic. Percussive rhythms and clean angular lines shape her dynamic interpretation of the style. Having the good fortune to have studied with many jazz legends including Gus Giordano, Luigi and Frank Hatchett, she is inspired to extend her passion to future generations of dancers. MacLean is proud to have sent dancers onto careers ranging from theater to commercial work as well as concert companies. Lauri created Velocity, her professional jazz dance company, created in 2008, in order to maintain and advance artistic excellence in jazz dance as well as extend the reach of her own creativity.

MANWE

Hip Hop - Contemporary

Manwe Sauls-Addison started his dance training at the age 4, later going to the performing arts high school in San Francisco to study dance under the direction of Elva Martha. After high school he continued his education at Fordham studying dance at the Alvin Aliey Dance Conservatory. Manwe quickly started working as a dancer with such artist as Beyonce, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Lopez, Lady GAGA, and the late great Michael Jackson just to name a few. He is now choreographing, writing and directing and back at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut teaching.

Robin Passmore

Tap/Hip Hop

Robin Passmore, has devoted her life to the art of tap dancing and is experienced on many levels. As a competitor, she dominated regional and national competitions. While still in college, she became co-artistic director of the Dance Conservatory and DVJC. In 2009, she graduated with a degree in social work from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, where she also studied ballet and modern dance. She continues to train in tap in New York City, under such master teachers as Ayodele Casel, Michelle Dorrance, Jared Grimes, and Derick Grant. She also studies hip hop with Jared Grimes, Bam, and Rhapsody.

Robin has many New York appearances to her credit. She was selected to present her solo as a cast member in the Broadway performance of "Tap Kids." She was honored to pay tribute, executing a tap piece, at the Peg Leg Bates Memorial and to appear in several Tap Extravaganza events, including a performance in Town Center, New York City. She was also a featured dancer in the culminating performance of SLIDE, performed off-Broadway. Dr. Harold Cromer cast her in the opening number for the 2009 “Tap Extravaganza.” She performed the choreography of Chloe Arnold in “Creations, Choregraphic Introductions.” She is most proud to be a cast member of Broadway Underground, which is directed by Jared Grimes, and which the New York Times calls, “One sweet show: very funny, very happy and underpinned by superb live music." Look for her in November episodes of Sesame Street in a segment called, “Seven Tappers.” Robin also travels the East Coast teaching master classes and choreographing.

Robin is now as dedicated to her students and their achievements as she was and still is to her own talent and growth in the dance world.

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.

Desi Shurelds

Musical Theater - Vocals, Acting, Dance

Desi Shurelds attended the BFA program at Wright State University in Dayton, OH for Acting with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. While attending WSU, Desi performed in several shows including: South Pacific (Liat), Ragtime (Sarah's Friend), The Gondoliers (Fiametta), The Shape Of Things (Evelyn), The Threepenny Opera (Polly Peachum), and Aida (Aida). Desi has also attend several workshops working personally with Audra McDonald, Victoria Clark, Malcolm Gets, Tom Jones, Ted Neeley, Pat McCorkle and Dave Clemmons. Desi also worked with the local Equity theatre in Dayton, The Human Race Theatre Company. With them she performed a world premire of the musical Green Gables (Jane), Big River (Jo Harper/Alice's Daughter), and a workshop of the musical Nefertiti. In the summer of 2006, Desi worked in Bucks County, PA at the Theatre Arts Centre as a Dance Counselor for the summer theatre camp for children where she was the assistant choreographer for the first ever staged prodution and "test run" of Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. After college, she performed at Paramount's Kings Island theme park in the show's Twistin' to the 60's, Hot Island Rhythms, and the halloween show Dead Awakening. Desi then joined the 2007- 2008 National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley and Corey Glover. In New York City Desi was in the workshop of the off-broadway prodution of Dear Edwina (Kelli) at the Daryl Roth Theatre, where she worked personally with composers Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler. The Summer of 2009 found her in the world premire production of Battlecry performed in Gettysburg, PA. This production was composed by Paul Bogaev and directed by Gabriel Barre. In the fall of 2009 Desi joined the National Tour of Junie B. Jones (Lucille), also written by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler.

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 is currently the Associate Resident Choreographer and dance captain for the national tour of Billy Elliot, the Musical. He appeared on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance along with his brother, Evan. Ryan 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." Their comic tap musical Time Step has been seen at the New Victory Theater, Joyce SoHo, and Lincoln Center Institute in New York and at the Cos Festival in Spain. Ryan was nominated for a New York Innovative Theater Award for Outstanding Choreography and served as dance captain for the International Tour of Fosse. Ryan has been honored to perform with such legendary entertainers as Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen, Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde, and the Nicholas Brothers. Visit www.ryankasprzak.com

Dominique Kelley

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

Dominique Kelley has been performing, choreographing, and teaching professionally for 17 years now. His first opportunity came at age 12 when he starred in the acclaimed Broadway show, "Black and Blue". "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk", "Wicked", "Hot Feet", and "In The Heights" tours and Broadway features followed soon thereafter. As well as performing, he has helped to create movement and skeletons for such Broadway hits such as "In The Heights", "Tarzan", "The Wiz", and "Hot Feet" and in widely seen feature films. If you have seen Disney's "The Princess and the Frog", then you have seen his body movements embodied in the character of Dr. Facilier, the voodoo doctor. Recently in "Fame:2009", he tapped his way to graduation playing a performing arts student and cheered his way to victory in "Bring It On: Fight to the Finish". His favorite choreography credits are providing cutting edge moves for NBA and NFL teams, working on the new Smurfs movie out in 2011, assisting Mia Michaels on So You Think You Can Dance, and "Jump the Broom" feature film.

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.

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

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.

Ashley Kirchner

Ballet/Tap/Creative Movement/Musical Theater

Nikole LaChioma

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

Desi Shurelds

Musical Theater - Vocals, Acting, Dance

ACTING

Gary Natsu

Gary Nastu was the Director of the Acting Division at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut from 2004-2008 where he created the acting program. Gary is back at PACC teaching acting.

Mr. Nastu studied acting in Los Angeles, California at the Estelle Harman Actors Workshop and at U.C.L.A. He was a student of Don Richardson, who wrote “Acting without Agony”, and also of film and television director Harry Mastrogeroge and Sal Dano. He is proud to say he was a student of George Shdanoff, who Michael Chekhov’s book, “To the Actor” is dedicated to. He has worked as an actor, assistant director, casting director and cameraman. His credits include feature films, television and theater both in Los Angeles and locally. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Gary is the owner of Next Stop NY! Acting for TV, Film and Stage in Fairfield. He has coached and taught acting locally in Fairfield since 2002. His classes range from Fundamental Acting through Professional Acting, Scene Study, Camera Technique, Improvisation, Play Production, Commercials and Cold Reading.

Gary’s acting students have worked with some of New York City’s top talent agencies; including Abrams Artists, Carson Adler, B.F.I. Innovative and Talent Works. Mr. Nastu works with his students’ agents and has a constant and up to the minute knowledge of what is going on in New York ‘s entertainment industry. His students have worked on Broadway, TB, Film and Stage. They have appeared in “Inherit the Wind”, “American Girl”, “As the World Turns”, “Chapter 27”, “Dracula the Musical”, “School House Rock”, and commercials such as Bounty, Go Gurt, Sudafed, ING Direct and Connecticare to name just a few.

What Gary Nastu brings to his students is an enthusiasm that is contagious and a level of acting experience that imparts solid technique, common sense and a reality of theatrical business.

Emily Webster

Acting

Emily Webster a thirty-year veteran of the entertainment world, found her earliest success in front of the camera. As a child actress she appeared in over 200 commercials before being cast in the early FOX hit Small Wonder. A five year run on that series catapulted her career: leading to two Youth in Film Awards, five nominations, mulitiple guest appearances, starring roles in such films as Troop Beverly Hills and Caddie Woodlawn and the Emmy award winning series Christy. She also worked on the New York City stage at such esteemed houses as the WPA and with John Guare at Lincoln Center.

Retired from the trade at the grand age of 17, Emily decided to shift her focus to the other side of the camera. After attending Bennington College in Vermont, and the American Musical Dramatic Academy in NY, she took her first assistant position at Cunningham, Escott, Dipini and then carried over to Schiffman, Ekman, Morrison and Mann in New York City. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Emily worked for Abrams Artists, before establishing her own department at Acme Talent & Literary. Fifteen years later, she transitioned her highly respected division to TalentWorks LA. Her managerial approach to agenting found her coaching, directing and guiding her clients to achieve much success. In Los Angeles, she has taught for Beverly Hills High School’s Drama Department, The Academy of Arts and Sciences, TVI Actors Studio, In The Act, and The Actor’s Network to name just a few. After moving her family to the Connecticut Shoreline she is happy to now commit her professional energies towards what she loves the most, educating and working with children. She is absolutely delighted to join the faculty of Performing Arts Center of Connecticut focusing her talents in their Performing Artists Workshop, private acting sessions and doing workshops that will delight and engage actors of all ages.

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.

Ray Bryant

Guitar/Bass

Ray Bryant (Bass & Guitar) Studied with Rich Rabatin of Stony Brook School of Music for 7 years and had his first performance at Harrington’s Jazz Club in NY at age 15. He then studied under the tutelage of his musical mentor, Mike Frost, a student of the late Jaco Pastorious. The next few years were spent developing his own unique style of playing music and learning about "Music" and how to listen.

Ray later went on to perform for many jazz sessions, and performed guitar with Bakithi Kumalo, who was the bassist for Paul Simon’s Graceland album and tour. He has performed numerous children’s concerts while not touring and went on to compose music that has been in two independent snow and skate films, "Echo’s from the Valley" and "Momentous Occasion’s".

He is currently being certified as a music teacher at University of Bridgeport; is working in the NY, NJ and Connecticut area as a soloist; released 3 albums to date and has recently been part of a national tour. He has performed at Fairfield Theater, Stony Brook University, University of Bridgeport, Sullivan Hall, Arlene’s Grocery, Galapagos, and numerous other NYC venues. He has also been invited to perform at the National Folk Alliance conference for the past decade.

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.

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. Rebecca, a proud member of Actors Equity Association, has performed in numerous musicals, operas and as a concert soloist across the Northeast and Midwest. Most recently, she performed along side the Tony Award winning Cady Huffman in Theatre By The Sea's production of Hello Dolly. Other recent projects include joining the Off-Broadway production of Flanagan's Wake, performing the role of Gwendolen Fairfax in Ernest In Love and originating the role of Mary O'Neary in the world premiere production of the Oler/Hubbard musical Buddy's Tavern. In the fall 2008, she performed the role of Laura Pennington in the world premiere production of The Enchanted Cottage at the Spirit of Broadway Theatre, which garnered her the award of Best Leading Actress at the 2008 Spirit Awards.

J. Scott Handley

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

Peter Randazzo

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