Come join us for our 2021-2022 Season!
Meet our staff
Director and Enseigneuse- Miss Theresa Shine
COVID-19 Vaccinated
Certified Acro-Dance Adjudicator
Acrobatic Arts Certified- Module 1
Broadway Dance Center Pro Sem. Alumni Summer 2021
Certified Kids Yoga Instructor (ages 2-12)
DEA Member
Miss Theresa Shine has been passionate about dancing and acrobatics since a young age. She graduated from Southern CT State University, obtaining Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and French. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Psychology- Expressive Arts Therapy at California Coast University. In addition, she holds the dance titles of, “Senior Miss Power of Dance of Springfield, MA 2013” and "Young Adult Miss Spirit of Dance of Sturbridge, MA 2020" both in Contemporary-Acro as well as a certificate of dance training from American Dance Experience in Hamden, CT. Miss Shine has studied the styles of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics. In 2010, Miss Shine received the honor of performing in a Las Vegas show and title pageant earning 10th place in the nation for “Teen Miss Dance of Las Vegas”.
Miss Shine is an active member of the New York City and Connecticut dance communities taking part in cabaret performances, music video projects and numerous auditions including the popular TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. She has choreographed various dance routines for her first through fourth grade students at Ross Woodward Magnet School in New Haven, CT (2018). Miss Shine has also competed for New Era Gymnastics, Hamden High Gymnastics Team (co captain), and most recently, Yale University Club Gymnastics Team qualifying for NAIGC Nationals Floor Exercise finals in 2019.
Performance credits include NYC's The West End Lounge 2017-2019, Connecticut's We The Heroes Ball 2018, NYC's Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase 2019, PRIDE New Haven 2019, LipGloss Crisis Productions ft. The State House Cabaret 2019-Present, Troupe 429 Norwalk, 2018-Present, Deucebug Productions, 2021
Competition Coach and Dance Instructor- Miss Kate Shine
COVID-19 Vaccinated
Miss Kate has been both dancing and teaching dance for over 25 years. She started out at Myra's School of Dance in Hamden, CT. Upon graduating dance school, she went on to perform with The Judith Nilsson Ballet Company in Hamden, CT. Miss Kate had the honor of receiving an outstanding tap dance award, as well as placing in various competitions for Dance Educators of America and Dance Masters of America.
Throughout her teaching experience, Miss Kate has always emphasized Ballet technique. She has a strong background in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz dancing. Her past classes have focused on pre-teen and teen dancers both competitive and non-competitive. She also was the head of the arts department at First Congregational Church in West Haven, CT teaching Liturgical Dance.
Miss Kate holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Financial Accounting from The University of New Haven, in West Haven, CT. She also holds nine years experience in International Marketing.
Substitute Teacher: Miss Jamie Grenet
COVID-19 Vaccinated
Our Thursday Substitute for Ballet and Tap dancing.
Miss Jamie has been dancing for over 15 years and is a graduate of American Dance Experience. She is currently going into her senior year at Central CT State University, studying Elementary Education. Jamie also is a member of the CCSU Dance Team. Her favorite styles of dance are Tap and Jazz.
Substitute Teacher: Miss Marisa Ferraro
Covid-19 Vaccinated
Our Saturday Substitute for Acrobatics and Jazz dancing.
Miss Marisa has 24 years of dance experience and has been teaching for 4 years. she grew up dancing at Wendy's School of Dance and attended Lafayette College. At Lafayette, Marisa was the dance team captain for 2 years, as well as a member of the Lafayette College Dance Company. Here she choreographed various routines in Tap, Jazz, and Irish Step for their Dance Company Showcases. Besides dancing, Marisa is a 3rd grade teacher who loves to hike and watch Disney movies!
Substitute Teacher: Miss Yessica Oscasio, BSN
COVID-19 Vaccinated
CPR & First-Aid Certified
Our Saturday Substitute for Acrobatics and Jazz dancing.
Miss Yessi has been doing aerial arts and acrobatic training for 4 years. Her flexibility is more self taught along with experience from Air Temple Arts and Contortion classes. She holds a Bachelors Degree from UCONN and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Quinnipiac University. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration at University of New Haven. Miss Yessi is also bilingual in Spanish.
Social Media Marketing Intern- Natalie Barletta
COVID-19 Vaccinated
Natalie has been in the social media industry since 2011. She holds a bachelor‘s degree in Journalism from Southern CT State University and does freelance writing. Natalie has written for several publishing companies including CT Boom, Hamden Journal, Southern News, and SCSU Oydessy. In her spare time, you can find her crocheting scarves or making jewelry for her brand new Etsy shop!
