Meet Our Team

ERIN MALLON 

Originally from Staunton, Virginia, Erin moved to New York City at the age of 18 to pursue a career in dance. Erin has received training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop from renowned instructors across the United States, making her a versatile choreographer and teacher. Her resume includes performances for major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Pepsi, as well as appearances alongside R&B artist Lee Charm, Reggaeton artist Tyna Q, and on MTV. Erin has also been featured in promotional material for popular TV shows like “America’s Best Dance Crew” and the film “Step Up 3D,” dancing alongside Randy Jackson. Erin currently teaches full-time in New Jersey, where she finds joy in mentoring young dancers, guiding them as they shape their artistic and athletic aspirations.

CAREY COLACURCIO

Carey has been with DDA since the studio opened 15 years ago serving as both an instructor and front office staff. At the age of 2 1/2, she began creative movement and tumbling classes and then trained in tap, ballet, acro, lyrical, hip hop, jazz modern and pointe through age 18. In 2013, in pursuit of her teaching goal she graduated from Broadway Dance Center’s training program in NYC. Carey has also trained with Freespace Dance Company and continued on to their junior company. Carey also serves as head choreographer and assistant director for Maywood Avenue Schools drama and recreation department programs since 2011. Carey thrives on passing her passion of love for the performing arts to DDA students of all ages. 

GABRIELLE MAYER 

Gabby has been a part of DDA since 2009. She is a graduate of BCC with a Degree in Musical Theatre Arts and the founder of the Thespian Alumni Association. She was in over 20 theatre productions including “Cabaret”, “Rent”, “Shakespeare As You Like It” as Ceilia, “Legally Blonde”, “The King and I” as Eliza, “Beauty & the Beast” and “A Fosse Tribute” Director, Producer, Choreographer, and Performer. When she was not performing in stage productions, she choreographed over 15 musicals for local theatre companies and high school productions. Gabby enjoys bringing her passion, excitement, and love of dance to the tiniest dancers. Her greatest joy is watching her students grow and continue to dance through life. 

COURTNEY JORDAN 

New York native Courtney Jordan is a soloist member of the Eglevsky Ballet Company, where she also serves as Régisseur/Répétiteur. She earned a BFA in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College, under the direction of Katie Langan, performing works by Christopher D’Amboise (as a soloist), Murray Louis, and Anthony Ferro, among others. Ms Jordan has performed and instructed throughout the country, and has appeared on film and television in Valentine with Leslie Browne, Starz channel’s Flesh and Bone, and Jeopardy! (seriously). She has danced by special request with The American Chamber Orchestra and Trinity Dance Company (for which she also choreographs). Ms. Jordan currently teaches throughout the tri-state area, drawing on her extensive knowledge of Human Anatomy and Kinesiology to focus on solid technique and musicality. Her students have attended The School of American Ballet, Marymount Manhattan College, Boston Conservatory, and Fordham/Ailey, as well as summer programs with SAB, ABT, Complexions, and Kaatsbaan. In 2014, she was a contestant on Jeopardy. She taught Alex Trebek the ballet positions, and he LOVED her shoes. 

THEA ERICHSEN 

International artist, Thea Erichsen is a versatile and multifaceted performer who thrives in the creative and performance realm of the arts! Currently based in New York City – Thea’s talents have seen her perform across 25 countries performing for industry leading companies + creatives!  Most recently seen in the world premiere opening cast of Disney’s Tale Of Moana musical and Broadway’s Beetlejuice the musical! Thea Erichsen is a passionate and experienced dance teacher. Originally from New Zealand, Thea is actively working as a musical theatre performer/dancer in the industry and a frequent teacher and staff member for the Broadway Dreams Foundation. Her abilities as a gifted and sought after teacher/choreographer has led her to work with students across the world!  

AMANDA BERGMAN 

Born and raised in New York City, Amanda began her training at the renowned Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens Program, where she studied ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary with artists including Stacie Webster, Ryan Miller, and Niki Saludez. She went on to perform works by Theresa Stone, Hayden J. Frederick, and Nijawwon Matthews across NYC as a member of BDC’s performance company. After high school, Amanda continued her studies at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she deepened her training in contemporary, African diasporic forms, classical techniques, and somatic practices. She later trained at The CLI Conservatory in Southampton, MA under the direction of Teddy Forance, working with world-class choreographers such as Brian Nicholson, Kenichi Kasamatsu, and Candace Brown. With over four years of teaching experience in New York City, Amanda is thrilled to bring her passion for dance, performance, and education to the DDA Dance Academy family!

ERIC DELGADO  

Eric Delgado is a movement artist, choreographer, and educator represented by MSA Agency based in New York City and a faculty teacher at Broadway Dance Center, Brickhouse NYC, and the CLI Conservatory. He’s had the honor to work with some of his biggest inspirations in dance such as Bo Park, Candace Brown, Sienna Lalau, and Keone and Mariel Madrid. He’s also had opportunities to work in the music and entertainment industry as well. Some of his credits include artists and brands such as Ozuna, MTV, New Balance, Coi Leray, Bose, Busta Rhymes, Milli, DPR Ian, Stray Kids, and 88 Rising. Ultimately, Eric is a passionate student of his craft and a devoted educator who hopes to connect with others who love to do the same. 

ROBERT MCBAY

Guest Choreographer

BELLA CRESCENZI 

Bella Crescenzi is a New York-based dance artist, from Staten Island, New York. Her dance training began at Dance Xpress Dance Studio directed by Alison Betso and Daniel Montera, where she competed regionally and nationally. She continued her training with Broadway Dance Center’s Children/Teen Program (CTP) and performed with the BDC Youth Company: Arts In Motion. She travelled with Unique Soulz The Company created by Megz Alfonso of So You Think You Can Dance shortly after and began assisting at masterclasses and dance conventions along the East Coast. Bella continued her dance education at the University of the Arts where she earned her BFA in Dance, under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. Bella has performed in numerous artistic works by artists including Josh Assor, Jamal Abrams, Paul Matteson, Netta Yerushalmy, Katie Swords-Thurman, and Curt Haworth. She is currently training professionally at Peridance Center, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway and is a multi-genre movement instructor at various dance studios. Bella is also a 200 HR RYT Yoga Instructor in NYC. Bella is largely passionate about creating a supportive and fun environment for her students to grow into their most expressive selves!

JADE MCFARLANE

Jade has been trained in many dance styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop and musical theatre. She has taught ages 2 1/2 through teen at dance studios, fine arts events, churches, elementary schools and camps. Prior to teaching Jade danced professionally for Hershey Park -PA, Moranz Entertainment at the Charleston Music Hall in South Carolina and onboard Norwegian Cruise Line with Jean Ann Ryan Productions and NCL Productions. She was a featured dancer at the American Music Theatre of Pennsylvania. Jade loves bringing joy, fun and encouragement to children through sharing her love for dance! She is also an Advanced im=x Pilates instructor. 

JONATHAN PENA

Jonathan Manuel Peña who is popularly known as Shwing; is a young dancer who started his performance career in the rough and competitive yards of Greek life. He has won numerous step and stroll competitions and later on continued his passion for performing arts by pursuing dance. He has been dancing professionally as a commercial Hip Hop and Reggaeton dancer for 4 years and has toured with renowned choreographer J Romeo 2 times in both Miami and the Tristate Area. He is also a brand ambassador/Athlete for New York based Urban Dance League and has opened up for Urban Latin sensation Nicky Jam and has performed for El Duo Perfecto. Koryn Hawthorne, Elle Winter, Jingle Ball 2019 and more. “Shwing” has performed on major televised programming like Telemundo and several music videos and is currently choreographing within the Urban Latin Reggaeton industry and teaching in the tristate area. 

SARAH JEAN KAYE-HINDERHOFER

Originally from Freehold, NJ, Sarah Jean Kaye has hung 40 feet in the air upside down, danced around the world, and performed for/opened for Bon Jovi, the Dali Lama, Ice T, and John Legend. In an industry like the performing arts, versatility matters and has blessed Sarah with a diverse career.

Spending 7 years on and off with Celebrity Cruises Line, Sarah helped to open several ships as an inaugural cast member, rehearsal swing, and Aerial Captain and later moved into a behind the scenes position as a Rehearsal Director and Aerial Boot Camp Trainer.

On land, she has toured the US as a company manager & dance captain, performed in countless award ceremonies, industrials, & grand openings, worked as a Trampoline artist in an ad campaign for Hotel Tonight, and danced in numerous casino productions & burlesque shows around the country. Off Broadway credits include Coco & The Vanity Vixens and Broadway Bares.

Aerial performance apparatuses include group, duo, and/or solo work on hoop/lyra, bungee, dance trapeze, Spanish web/chandelier spinning, harness, cloud swing, silks, cubit, dodecahedron, diamond, moon, and statue body balancing.

As a teacher, Sarah’s belief is to always be a forever student, continuing her education with certifications from Progressing Ballet Technique, Acrobatic Arts, Sugarfoot Physical Therapy dance training, and Long + Lean Pilates. 

TARYN WENNERSTEN

Ms. Taryn has been teaching acrobatics & dance classes for the past 17 years. She grew up competing in the world of both dance and gymnastics, training in NJ, NY & CA. She later went on to become Captain of the 1st place National Rutgers University Dance Team and the Head Coach of the renowned Bishop Ahr High School Gymnastics Team.

Ms. Taryn feels most at home in the studio teaching children acrobatics & dance. Her engaging teaching style emphasizes a strong work ethic as she pushes the students to achieve their goals in a fun & positive way. Ms. Taryn hopes to pass on her passion, strength & determination to all her students. She is also the proud mother of four children, in which her 2 daughters have been competing in the world of gymnastics & dance for the past 6 years.

Ms. Taryn feels blessed to be joining the DDA Team surrounded by the young talented stars of tomorrow! 

SARAH BOVAT

Sarah Bovat (she/her) is a New Jersey–based dance artist, educator, and choreographer originally from Central Massachusetts. She began her training at Diane Kelley Dance Studio, where she immersed herself in the world of competitive dance for 14 years. Sarah holds a BFA in Dance with a minor in Business from the University of the Arts, where she had the opportunity to work with esteemed artists including Sidra Bell, Helen Simoneau, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Shayla-Vie Jenkins, Jesse Zaritt, Mark Caserta, Da’Von Doane, and Katie Swords Thurman. 

Currently, Sarah teaches at multiple studios across the region, continues her own professional development in New York City, and recently earned her barre certification. With over nine years of teaching experience, she is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers—prioritizing not only technical excellence, but also the physical, emotional, and creative well-being of her students. 

In the studio, Sarah cultivates a space where rigor, individuality, and collaboration intersect. Her classes challenge dancers to grow as powerful performers, critical thinkers, and expressive artists. As a mentor, she encourages each student to embrace their unique voice and potential—onstage and beyond. 

Sarah is thrilled to teach at DDA this season!! 

MICHELLE YOUNG

Michelle Young was born in Freehold, New Jersey where she started dancing at the age of three years old.  Michelle started her pre-professional training under the direction of Lisa Twamley and Melanie Kramer at the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Howell High School. Additionally, she trained and attended dance competitions with the Freehold Academy of Performing Arts. After high school, Michelle decided to pursue her dance career in Boston, Massachusetts. In May of 2019, Michelle graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Dance Performance. While at the conservatory, Michelle performed in mainstage works by Tommie Waheed Evans, Yury Yanowski, and Jon Ole Olstad. In addition to performance, Michelle took on the role of assistant rehearsal director for a piece choreographed by Uri Sands. This experience inspired her to explore possibilities regarding the coaching of movement for performance. Since graduating, Michelle has practiced her knowledge of dance by teaching and choreographing award winning pieces for dance competitions across New Jersey. Not only does she teach dance, but she has further educated her understanding of the anatomy of movement by becoming a Pure Barre fitness instructor. As a teacher, Michelle feels that it is important for her students to feel confident, motivated and inspired at all times. Michelle wants to see all of her students succeed and empowers the children and adults she teaches to be the best version of themselves. 

GREGORY LILES

Greg is a New York City-based dancer, singer, and actor who began his career in his hometown Phoenix at Tempe Dance Academy and Southwest Classical Dance Institute. From there Greg graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance as a Medici Scholar. He has studied with American Ballet Theatre, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago just to name a few. He has danced professionally with Odyssey Dance Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah, and toured internationally with the company all over Europe. Favorite recent credits include “Footloose” at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, performing with the band “Phish” at Madison Square Garden, and “Head Over Heels” on Broadway.” 

MALISSA LEMANSKI

Growing up immersed in dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics, I developed a deep appreciation for the artistry and discipline of performance. For the past 13 years, I’ve channeled this passion into teaching English as a Second Language to K-5 students in a public school setting, honing my ability to communicate and inspire learners of all ages. Since 2016, I’ve shared my love of dance as an instructor at DDA, where I foster creativity and technique in aspiring dancers. Additionally, my coaching role in recreational cheerleading allows me to instill teamwork and spirit in young athletes. With a diverse background in education and performance, I am dedicated to empowering students to express themselves through movement while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

KAILENE LAGA

Kailene Laga has been dancing for over 25 years. She has been trained by several top performers in the dance industry. Throughout her dance years, she has received various titles and awards. She was elected an All-American Dancer and Top Gun Turner for the National Dance Alliance, as well as holds five National Titles to her name. She graduated from Ramapo College in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Kailene is the Head Choreographer and Recruiter for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band who performs at The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year. She has choreographed and worked with several teams throughout New Jersey and New York. Kailene has always had a passion for dance and is so grateful to be a part of the DDA Faculty!

MEGAN “MEGZ” ALFONSO

Megan “Megz” Alfonso was raised in the Bronx and then moved to Long Island where she began training at Michelle Ferraro’s Dance USA. For the past 34 years she has dedicated her time to teaching dance classes. One of her many accomplishments was the television show “So You Think You Can Dance” where she became one of the Top 6 finalists. She has assisted choreographers Nick Zobrowski at Adrenaline Dance Conventions, Shelia Barker at MPAC, and Cynthia Geffon and Nick Zobrowski at the Choreographer Ball in LA.  Megz has traveled all over the US and UK touring with Deca Dance Company and Matrix/Loreal.  Megz was an extra in the movie Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist, danced in the iDog commercial 2009, and appeared in the Step Up movie. She has choreographed and danced for singer, Raquel Castro, from “The Voice”. She also appeared on Fox 5 where she danced for her crew “Decadance Company ” and performed at the Apollo Theatre. In addition, she performed a piece entitled “Four Seasons” at the hip hop festival for London brought to New York. Now, she’s traveling around teaching at conventions and at in studio workshops. Megz aspires to continue training and bettering herself as a dancer, teacher and choreographer so that she can achieve all of her goals for her future and inspire others to do the same.

RALPH DI RIENZO

Ralph Di Rienzo comes to us with more than 25 years of professional ballet performance experience, having been a member of internationally renowned companies such as Joffrey, Metropolitan Opera Ballet and several others. Additionally, he brings more than 30 years of classical ballet teaching experience. The majority of his ballet teaching experience was gained as the Assistant Director of the Baron Ballet Company, and at the Helena Baron School of Ballet where he also uniquely, taught Luigi Jazz. He is an extremely accomplished jazz dancer. With all the roles he’s preformed as a ballet dancer and jazz dancer, together with his involvement with exceptional choreographers, Ralph offers beautifully creative choreography in his classes. Ralph’s in-depth knowledge of classical ballet and his capability to teach the art form is only surpassed by his fun, endearing, gracious personality and his supportive and loving approach to teaching. He is a joy… 

HAILI FLETCHER 

Haili grew up dancing competitively at Elevated Dance Project in Boise, Idaho and trained in the styles of contemporary, hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, modern, and musical theatre. She is a graduate of the dance program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Since AMDA she has continued to dance and perform in New York at various events and shows. Haili also teaches and choreographs for multiple different studios, and loves sharing her passion for dance to students everywhere. Haili looks forward to continue connecting with the community through dance. 

VICTORIA GREEN

Victoria Green trained for her professional career at the School of American Ballet in New York City and went on to a 20-year career rising to soloist with New York City Ballet. Her dance credits include world tours with Karole Armitage, Jacob’s Pillow in The Berkshires, and principal dancer with Princeton Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet. Victoria also performed with Raul Julia as Anjelica Houston’s dance double (Morticia) in the major-motion pictures Addams Family and Addams Family Values and provided choreography for Blair Underwood in the 1998 film, Deep Impact. She has taught at Steps, Academy of Dance Arts, Jacob’s Pillow, and other studios around the country. She currently resides in Wyckoff, NJ.

ERIN ROE

Erin owned and directed Hawthorne School of Dance for 20 years before recently closing her studio to focus on spending more time with her family. With a lifelong passion for dance that began at the age of three, Erin has trained extensively in various dance techniques. She has taught and choreographed for a wide range of students, from preschoolers to adults. Erin’s professional performance credits include Walt Disney World, Six Flags Great Adventure, Mohegan Sun Casino, NY Giants Stadium, New Jersey Devils, NJ Ironman indoor soccer, and boxing events and promotions at the Prudential Center in Newark. She has also performed with On Stage Productions and Kathy Pucci Production Company. Erin is thrilled to join the DDA dance family! 

ASHLYN DANIEL

Ashlyn Daniel holds a Master of Arts in Dance Education from New York University’s Steinhardt School and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She is certified in all levels of the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, from Pre-Primary through Level 7, and has taught ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance to students of all ages across New York, Virginia, and North Carolina. Ashlyn performed professionally with Todd Rosenlieb Dance and the Norfolk Dance Collective, appearing in works by Martha Graham, José Limón, Robert Battle, and Juel D. Lane, among others. Her choreography has been presented by regional companies and recognized at Youth America Grand Prix, and she serves as a competition adjudicator with Inspire National Dance Competition, bringing her expertise to dancers across a variety of styles. As an educator, she is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technical foundations while nurturing their individual artistry and confidence. She is thrilled to be joining the faculty at DDA Dance Academy and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with the community.

CAMILA VASQUEZ 

ABIGAIL DUARDO

MARISA MCCARTHY

Originally from New Hampshire, Marisa McCarthy has been dancing since the age of eight. She began her training mostly focusing on ballet and started dancing competitively in high school, training in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. She went on to earn her BA in Dance from Dean College, where she further studied many genres of dance, performing in several works choreographed by her peers, college faculty members, and esteemed guest artists such as James Morrow, Steve Rooks, Todd Shanks, and Jeremy Ruth Howes. 

In addition to training and performing during her time at Dean, Marisa developed a passion for teaching and choreography. She gained experience both in setting choreography on her peers as well as teaching students of all ages at local dance studios. 

Marisa moved to New York City after graduating and continues to grow as both a dancer and an educator, taking classes and teaching students in the tri-state area. Marisa believes in creating a joyful and positive atmosphere around movement and hopes to instill a passion and love of dance in all of her students. Marisa is so excited to be a part of the DDA family!

NICOLETTE OTERO 

Nicolette Otero is a hip-hop trained teacher who has trained with a multitude of choreographers including Keenan Cooks, Phil Wright, The Wolfpack, Charles Smith, etc. She has been dancing for over seventeen years and has won a number of national titles, scholarships, and awards commending her talent, dedication, and skill at hip hop dancing. Nicolette has performed on the Ice Spice Campaign, Brooklyn Nets Half-Time Shows, World of Dance, etc. She has continued her passion for teaching studios all over New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, and enjoys instructing at special workshops and master classes.