Meet our staff
Director and Enseigneuse- Miss Theresa Shine
Certified Acro-Dance Adjudicator
Acrobatic Arts Certified- Module 1
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. In addition, she holds the dance title of, “Miss Power of Dance of Springfield, MA 2013” 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”.
Currently, 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. In 2018, she had the honor of choreographing various acrobatic, jazz and hip hop routines for her first through fourth grade students at Ross Woodward School in New Haven, CT. Miss Shine was also cast in Connecticut's first We The Heroes Ball in New Haven, CT this past November and is currently working with LipGloss Crisis Productions in New Haven, CT.
Competition Coach and Dance Teacher- Miss Kate Shine
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 six years experience in International Marketing.
Social Media Marketing Intern- Natalie Barletta
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.
