Faculty Bios

Joe Allen

Song Writing Workshops

Mr. Allen has been a guitarist and bassist for the past twenty-five years. During this time he has been a private instructor on both instruments, a studio musician and freelance hired gun for live session work.

Joe has had the honor of being a songwriter for Barbara Streisand and Phoebe Snow. A studio musician for Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Greg McCullough and the U.S. Armed Forces. He has worked live sessions with Usher, Jaheim, Tommy James, Roxy Perry and Johnny Boots.

In addition, Mr. Allen has been a volunteer music teacher, songwriting coach and music producer at the Yerwood Center in Stamford. He has worked for the Board of Education Funded Program for underprivileged Children (ages 6-16).

Joe is excited to join the faculty of the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut and share his love and passion for music and song writing.

Liz Austin

Violin

Ms. Austin has studied both Suzuki and Traditional methods of Violin for the past eight years. Liz is an active participant in the Bridgeport Youth Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Austin is first violinist in the Principle Orchestra and was the Principle second violinist in Symphony Orchestra. She has recently auditioned for the Western Regional Orchestra. Liz has attended the Western Connecticut State University Summer String Camp for two years, and was awarded a full scholarship for "most dedicated" player. In addition to attending camps, she has been a camp staff member for the Trumbull Public String Cam, where she taught both privates and ensembles. Ms. Austin has played at various weddings, parties, and shows, in addition to playing at Crossroad Community Church, weekly. Currently, Ms. Austin is studying with Tim Baker.

Rebecca Barko

Vocal Lessons

Rebecca graduated Cum Laude from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and then traveled to Austria where she studied and performed with the American Institute of Musical Studies. Rebecca has a Masters degree in Vocal Performance at The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. Throughout her young career, Rebecca has performed work in opera, musical theatre, and as a concert soloist across Ohio and Connecticut. Leading roles include Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate, Catherine in Pippin, and Iolanthe in Iolanthe. Most recently, Rebecca reprised the role of Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro with The Hartt Opera Theatre.

Rebecca believes in teaching a healthy vocal technique that is the basis for classical singing as well as musical theatre. 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.

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 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.

Bruce Bednarsky
40 Florence Drive, Shelton, CT 06484
203-926-0893

Josh Bednarsky

Actor - Singer - Pianist

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.

He lives and works in New York City, and resides in Harlem with 9 roommates.

Josh currently is teaching group workshops for Acting I and Acting II at PACC.
Private Voice Lessons, Private Musical Theatre Coaching, Private Piano (Beginners)
Availability: Saturdays 11:30 a.m. thru 5:00 p.m. in 30 minute time slots
Rates: $60 per hour or $30 per half hour
Contact: 203-258-4537 or 372-2787

Milton Beisiegel

Acoustic Bass

Milton Beisiegel, double bassist, is Principal player of both The New Haven and Bridgeport Symphonies. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music and continued studies with George Moleux of the Boston Symphony, Samuel Levitan of the New York Philharmonic and the late William Rhein of both New York Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestras. In addition to his former association as instructor of double bass at the University of Bridgeport and Principal Bassist with The Connecticut Grand Opera, Mr. Beisiegel has performed the Dittersdorf Concerto for double bass with the New Haven Symphony Chamber Orchestra. Recent solo performances include Mozart’s “Per questa bella mano” with the Fairfield County Chorale. This music was composed for bass singer, double bassist and orchestra. Mozart treats both soloists as virtuosi, asking the double bassist for plentiful double-stops in thirds, rapid scales, arpeggios and wide leaps. Mr. Beisiegel has recently acquired and “Arvi” double bass and continues his daily practice and delights in exploring the literature of Bottesini.

Kristina Berger

Modern - Horton

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.

She 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, Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co., Isadora Duncan Dance Visions Co., and The ShadowBox Theatre. 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.

She has been a teacher of Horton at Boston Summer Dance Festival, Toronto Dance Theatre, S.W.A.T.T. in Paris, Ballet Arts at City Center, Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, Steps on Broadway, Peridance, NYC Public Schools, and The Washington School of Ballet. Last summer, she served as panel speaker and teacher at The Horton Summit in Washington, DC. Her choreography has been presented in Paris, New York, Boston, and Washington DC.

Georgette Calzati

Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones

Over twenty year’s private teaching experience. My teaching philosophy is to cultivate the musical interests of my students as well as introduce a variety of other genres for experimentation and exploration in hopes to broaden their musical horizons and interests. Additionally, I believe enjoyment is the key ingredient to enrich the student’s development on their chosen instrument with the hope that the student will develop a life long love and appreciation for music. I am proud to say that a good number of my students are Regional and All-State Participants in the CMEA Concerts.

Primary Instruments: Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones, Recorder and Pennywhistle.

Work Experience: Presently, Windsong Music Studio: DBA. Faculty: Westport Music Center. Teach a combined studio of 50 + private students. Past: D’Addario Music, Stratford.

Past Director/Conductor: Junior Flute Ensemble and a Saxophone Quartet.

Musical Theater Pit Orchestra: Downtown Cabaret Theater, Polka Dot Playhouse, Bridgeport. Sacred Heart University, Fairfield. Crystal Theater, Norwalk. Regina A. Quick Center, Fairfield and many local and long distance High School and Elementary School Productions throughout Connecticut.

Orchestral and Ensemble Playing: New Haven Chamber Orchestra, University of Bridgeport’s Wind Ensemble, Silver Village Flute Choir, American Festival Concert Band.

Praise/Worship Playing: St. James Contemporary Group, Our Lady of Peace Church, Stratford. St. Gabriel’s Church, Milford. St. John’s Episcopal Church, Golden Hill United Methodist Church, Bridgeport. Our Lady of Assumption Church, Fairfield.

Freelance: Wedding Ceremonies: Christian, Catholic, Jewish

Education: University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music, Music Management Major with a minor in Music Education, Sacred Heart University, English Major, , Housatonic Community College, Accounting. Additionally, attended Master Classes with Flutists Gary Schocker and Robert Dick. Saxophone Studies with Performer/Composer, Tim Price, New York.

For Lessons or Information call (203)378-9916

Kristin Carley

Musical Theater

Today’s musicals require performers who can do it all: sing, dance and act. In this class we will work on integrating all three skills to build a strong base for performing in musical theater. Whether you consider yourself a strong actor, singer or dancer, you will sharpen all of your performance skills and develop those you may not feel quite as confident with. In this free introductory class we will work on an Opening Number that will give you an idea of what it feels like to be a Triple Threat!

Kristin Carley has performed professionally since the age of sixteen, both in the studio and on stage. Her favorite roles include Maria in the Sound of Music and Chrissy in Hair and being part of the cast in World Goes ‘Round. Some of her jingles include Ragu, Fuji Film, Nestle’s and Perrier.

Janessa Clark

Modern - Dance Composition

Janessa holds a BFA in Choreography from Arizona State University. She also received the ASU Choreographer of the Year Award for her sextet Molt. She is the Artistic Director of Janessa Clark/KILTERBOX founded in 2001. Her work has been seen in many venues throughout New York and New Jersey including Joyce Soho (2002 DancenOw Festival), Danspace Project at BRIC Studio, University Settlement, City Center Studios,SWEAT Modern Dance Series, and Steps on Broadway. Janessa's choreography has also been performed and toured in Sweden and Spain. As a designer, Janessa has designed and constructed costumes for Jana Hicks, Alexandra Beller, Lexington Dance Collective, and the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut. She was the costume manager for johannes wieland from 2004–2006. Outside of KILTERBOX, Janessa had enjoyed working with Jana Hicks, M. Lindsay Smith, Maija Garcia, Sens | Noemie Lafrance, Michael Cole, and Kenny Larson. Currently she is dancing with Gina Gibney Dance.

Janessa is a certified Pilates Mat instructor teaching at Dance New Amsterdam and Steps on Broadway. She is on the Modern and Dance Composition faculty of the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut.

Ivan De Leon

Hip Hop

Ivan De Leon aka 'IDEA' has trained extensively in the art of Hip Hop since 1997. Originally from Vancouver, his passion for dance and the arts led him to relocate to New York. He specializes and excels in several forms of dance including Hip Hop, Locking, and B Boying.

Presently, Ivan keeps busy as a member of 'MVP' dance crew. Founded at Broadway Dance Center in New York, MVP perform locally and internationally. Recently MVP was invited to perform at the International Dance Festival in Trois Riviere, Quebec delivering an electrifying performance to an audience of over 5000 people. Also, he continues to represent his Van City b-boy crew ˜Now or Never" , who recently qualified to compete for the World B-Boy Championships in Germany this October 08'.

With performances throughout North America, some highlights include dancing for Hip Hop artists Black Eyed Peas, Talib Kweli, K-OS and the legendary DJ Grand Master Flash. His dance has been featured in films 'Josie and the Pussy Cats' and 'The Goodbye Girl'. As well as on television for MTV and in commercials for Taco bell, 7 Eleven, and Hot Wheels. In addition, Ivan has worked with Nike, Helly Hanson, New Balance, Mercedes and Mitsubishi amongst many others.

As a dance instructor of more than six years, Ivan brings intimate knowledge of human movement. His experience with many skill levels and ages creates a fun, challenging, and informative class. Basic techniques are broken down during warm up and choreography with an emphasis on developing the student's confidence and versatility. The goal is to prepare students for many scenarios from freestyle sessions to auditions or just to throw down at parties.

To add, Ivan has an extensive background in science, holding a BSc. in Physics & Astronomy from the University of British Columbia. He's an accomplished actor studying at Circle in the Square theatre School in NY. His myriad of roles range from the band Nickelback's video for 'Savin Me' to off broadway play of 'Hair' to Sony Pictures, 'A Girl like me'.

Ivan feels blessed to be journeying through life as a dancer, and more so to share it among people willing to share with him.

Maria Francesconi

Acting

Maria Francesconi a Cum Laude graduate of Catholic University with a degree in Music Theatre, has worked professionally in almost every arena of the performing arts. From regional theatre, international tours, cabaret, one woman shows, TV and film and industrials Maria’s experience is broad and eclectic. She holds a degree in Dance from The Virginia School of the Arts and studied acting in London with teachers from the Royal and British Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her studies have continued in New York, Las Vegas, Germany, Florida, Spain and Hawaii. Professional highlights include the role of Anita in the European and Asian tour of “West Side Story” directed by Broadway revival choreographer, Joey McKneely; “Animal Crackers” at Arena Stage in Washington D.C., choreographed by Baayork Lee and “The Imgainary Invalid” at Yale Rep. Maria is a NIA instructor and Naam Yoga teacher. She is a proud member of Actors Equity Association. Her performing and life experience has created a strong foundation as a compassionate, understanding and inspiring teacher.

Sindy Folgar

BALLET ~ JAZZ ~ MODERN

Sindy Folgar received her B.A. from The National School of Dance in Guatemala. She has been dancing for the past sixteen years. She has had many wonderful performance opportunities, including Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia, and Don Quixote with The National Ballet Company of Guatemala, Solstice in Times Square: Dancers at the crossroads, Dancers Responding To Aids (DRA) at the Aaron Davis Hall (NYC) and SUNY Purchase with In Motion Dance Company.

Sindy has studied with Ballet Hispanico, The National School of Dance (Guatemala), National Ballet Company of Guatemala, Regional Center for the Arts (RCA), Performing Arts Center of Connecticut (PACC), Bryan Lewis (Ballet), Katie Langan (Ballet), Pascal Benichou (Ballet), Geoffrey Doig-Marx (Jazz), Denise Vale (Graham), Elizabeth Higgings (Nikolais Louis Technique, Modern), Dominique Kelley (Hip Hop), Manwe Saul-Addison (Hip Hop). Over the years she has taken Master Classes with some of the most notables of today’s dance instructors and performers.

Melissa Frakman

Tap - Musical Theater Rep - 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

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. 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!

Miriam Giannone

Violin - 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.

J. SCOTT HANDLEY

VOICE ~ MUSICAL THEATER

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.

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.

Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays $30 per ½ hr
Beginner – Advanced, Phone 203-913-0926

Adam Holms

Ballet ~ Partnering ~ Variations ~ Men’s Class ~ Jazz ~ Stretch & Strength

Adam Holms is happy to be returning to the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut as 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.

In addition to the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, Mr. Holms is currently on faculty with Jacques d’Amboise’s National Dance Institute along with American Ballet Theatre’s public school outreach program. 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.

Brian Hoover

Acting

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.

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.

Kristin Huffman

Voice Privates – Piano Lessons - Master Classes and Workshops - Young Voices

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. Contact: 203-342-3200 mention PACC.

Gina Ianni

Hip Hop

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 with Laurie Ann Gibson and the Carnival Dance Gala in New York City.

Beginning in January, Ms. Ianni will be teaching Hip Hop at PACC on Mondays, beginner to advanced.

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 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.

Dominique Kelley

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

Dominique is a recent 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 soon to be released movie, The Producers, Wicked on Broadway and in Earth, Wind and Fire’s new show Hot Feet. He is currently in LaJolla, California warming up for the Broadway opening of The Wiz. Among other accomplishments are 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 while teaching at Broadway Dance Center in New York and Master Classes in Tap in the tri-state area.

Catherine LaChioma

Executive Director

For the past twenty years Catherine and her husband, Michael have owned and operated The Studio at Hot Shots in Stratford, Connecticut. 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 the past five years which is sponsored by the Fairfield Rotary and Directed by Marje Tracy.

In 2000 Catherine was 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 is becoming a reality!

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 Performance. 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 BCEFA and DRA for notable professional dance companies. This year her professional dance company, The Parker Project, will present a piece of her work at the CT MEETS NY Dance Fest at DNA in NYC and locally in the Crystal Theater. Nikole is faculty member and Co-Director of In Motion Dance 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

Manwe

Hip Hop

Manwe Sauls-Addison honed his dance skills in California and New York. He trained at San Francisco School of the Arts, Alvin Ailey, the Housin Authority, Reginal Savage and at Broadway Dance Center with Jermaine Browne, Rhapsody, Slam , Glen and Brian .

Some of his recent performances include: Music Videos - Destiny's Child - "Loose My Breath", Tyrese "I Like Them Girls", Immature "We Got It" and Joe "Let's Stay Home Tonight". Tours - Amerie - National Tour, Liza Minneli "Liza's Back", Debelah Morgan "Dance With Me" and many others. Stage: Berkeley City Ballet, Oakland Ballet, Savage Jazz Company, Nike Industrial, Denise Williams. Television/Video: Fashion Rocks & Black Eyed Peas, '04 Brit Awards & Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys, American Dreams (Gladys Knight & the Pips), Saturday Night Live & Kells, 2003 MTV Music Viedo Awards & Beyonce, 2003 Radio Music Awards & Beyonce, 2003 MTV Europe Awards, Beyonce, Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Special, Essence Awards 2000, NBA All Star Games and Making of the Band with P Diddy.

Raphael Massie

Acting - Theater

Raphael Massie holds a B.A. in Theater and a B. S. in Elementary Education. Mr. Massie was a teaching artist at the Child’s Play/Freelance in Chicago, Illinois, and currently teaches acting at the Regional Center for the Arts. His acting work has brought him across the country instructing interactive workshops on social issues. Among his other accomplishments, Raphael developed and instructed a month long introduction to Shakespeare program for children ages 7 to 15 and student workshops for presentations for an arts education theater company. He brings to his students both the artistic and educational elements of the art of acting.

Megan Philipp

Ballet ~ Tuesdays Ballet/Pointe ~ Simonson Jazz

Megan Philipp, was born and raised in southern California. Ms. Philipp is a graduate of Butler University in Indiana with a degree in Dance Pedagogy. She is currently dancing with Merce Cunningham in New York City (under scholarship) and with Staten Island Ballet. She has also worked with Ballet Tech in their public school program, and teaching at The Dance Space in New York City. Megan has studied at California Ballet, The Edge School of Performing Arts, Joffrey Ballet, Cleveland San Jose Ballet, with many notable teachers at Butler University, and in New York. In 2003 she became a certified instructor of Simonson Jazz and since then has been performing and choreographing for musicals, international students and schools around New York. She continues to study at Steps, Peridance and The Dance Space.

Ms. Philipp has appeared in numerous productions of the Nutcracker (New York Dance Theater, Butler Ballet, Channel Island Ballet Company), along with performances in Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Cinderella, The Seasons, Bolero, Fairy Doll, Peter and the Wolf, Kenny Larson’s The Place Where I Stand and many others. Her choreography has been seen in the musical Crashing, Peridance and Kate Thomas to name just a few. Megan has a true appreciate of her art and is a gifted teacher as well as performer.

Her class will use ballet to focus on core strength and body placement. Dancers will work with agility and movement quality while keeping their classical technique. Class will involve barre, floor work and center. The anatomy of steps will be broken down and explained in a relaxed environment.

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.

Jim Richard

Sax - Clarinet - Flute - Jazz Piano

Jim Richard brings over 25 years experience in performing and recording in the music industry. Over his performing career Jim has recorded and played saxophone for national music artists such as Natile Cole, Blues Stars James Cotton, James Montgomery, Johnny Marshall, Scarlett Moore. Jim currently teaches and lectures all students on both performing techniques as well as the basics of the saxophone. Applying the methods as they learn, and using the latest in both theory and technical learning tools, Jim will enhance the students ability to play and apply Jazz and traditional music to give the students the ability to perform or compose new and exciting music. Jim has a Masters in Performing Arts from Lexington University with a concentration in woodwinds.

Lexy Rose

Modern

Originally from Colorado, Alexandra Rose attended the Denver School of the Arts for high school, majoring in dance. While living in Denver, Ms. Rose studied many forms of modern, jazz, ballet, and tap with Cleo Parker Robinson studio, Picus Dance Academy, Kim Robarts, Hannah Kahn, and Michael O'Banion. Ms. Rose recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan College, as a dance major with an emphasis in modern dance. While attending Marymount, Ms. Rose was accepted to choreograph for five different student showcases and participated in an independent choreography showcase at Jennifer Muller studios. Ms. Rose will be teaching a modern class that is a fusion of Limon, with some Horton and Taylor influenced phrases.

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.

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.

Jennifer Sydor

Ballet - Modern

Jennifer began her training at Dayton Ballet School where she studied with Dermot Burke, Kathy Moriarty and Josephine Schwartz. She graduated Cum Laude from Butler University with a B.F.A in Dance Performance. She has danced with Dayton Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet Theater, Dance Kaleidescope, Georgian National Ballet (Tblisi, Republic of Georgia) Indianapolis Opera, and Kim Robards Dance. In NYC she has worked with Christine Suarez and Dixon Mena. She has been on faculty at Jordan Academy of Arts in Indianapolis and Colorado Performing Arts Academy in Denver, CO. In addition, she has created original choreography for Butler University's Theater department as well as the Jordan Academy of Arts.

Amy Traganiese

Yoga and 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.

For more information, go to www.TraggDesigns.com

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 will be 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).

Charles Wade

Vocal Coach - Accompanist - Piano

Charles Wade has been a musical director, accompanist, teacher and vocal coach for over twenty years. He is equally at home in musical theatre, as well as classical, contemporary and liturgical music. Charles has been the musical director for over seventy productions throughout the United States. His credits include such diverse work as George M to Sunday in the Park with George. He has musically directed industrials, cabaret, classical recitals and church music. Recently his credits include Once On This Island, South Pacific, The Secret Garden, and evening of classics by noted scenic designer Leo Meyer, and performing Carmina Burana at the Norwalk Concert Hall. For the last eight years Charles has been seen in the ongoing role of Mike Miller in the annual Christmas Show at the Spinning Wheel Inn. He has been the musical director for showsat Playhouse on the Green, The White Barn Theater, The Edgerton Center, Fairfield University and Curtain Call Theatre.

Originally from Baltimore, Charles is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory’s Preparatory School, Furman University and Towson State University. He studied piano with Mary Winchester, Ruby Morgan and Ernestine Smith; conducting with Bingham Vick and Vincent Lawrence; and musical theatre and vocal coaching with Karen Gustafson, the first woman to conduct on Broadway. He met Ms. Gustafson when they were on the faculty of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan.

Charles now lives in Bridgeport where he teaches piano privately and coaches singers on audition and song preparation. He is also the Music Director/Organist for the Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. You can often see Charles with his three very understanding dachshunds as they take him for a walk around St. Mary’s by the Sea