Faculty & Staff
Amanda Calpini
Studio Owner & Director
Amanda Calpini has over twenty-six years of dance training in ballet, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, jumps & turns, stretch technique and tap. As a member of a competitive dance team since age six, Amanda has received numerous national and international awards throughout her dance career. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monmouth University, where she also attained a position on their award-winning dance team. Amanda danced in choreographed routines that received top honors from both UDA and NDA at the collegiate level. During this time, she was trained and coached by former NBA Knicks and Nets Dancers as well as many professionals in the industry.
Amanda has been teaching dance for over 18 years, specializing in lyrical, jazz, and jumps, turns, & stretch technique. She is a former dance studio Competition Director as well as a middle school dance team Coach for multiple schools in the area. Her competitive routines have won many top scoring awards including choreography awards, overall high score placement, judges' awards, and specialty prizes. Amanda received her Master of Arts in Teaching in 2010, becoming NJ certified to teach students Pre-K through grade 12. She worked in multiple school districts throughout the area for five years before leaving the field to pursue her dream of opening her own dance studio.
Amanda is truly passionate about the dance business. She strives to offer the highest quality dance program in the area as well as offer an award-winning Competition ensemble. Amanda is enthusiastic and proud to be the owner and studio director of East Coast Dance Company. Her goal is to not only educate, train, and inspire her dancers, but to meet the needs of every parent and child that comes through the door! When not dancing, Amanda is spending time with her husband and three beautiful little boys.
Studio Owner & Director
Amanda Calpini has over twenty-six years of dance training in ballet, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, jumps & turns, stretch technique and tap. As a member of a competitive dance team since age six, Amanda has received numerous national and international awards throughout her dance career. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monmouth University, where she also attained a position on their award-winning dance team. Amanda danced in choreographed routines that received top honors from both UDA and NDA at the collegiate level. During this time, she was trained and coached by former NBA Knicks and Nets Dancers as well as many professionals in the industry.
Amanda has been teaching dance for over 18 years, specializing in lyrical, jazz, and jumps, turns, & stretch technique. She is a former dance studio Competition Director as well as a middle school dance team Coach for multiple schools in the area. Her competitive routines have won many top scoring awards including choreography awards, overall high score placement, judges' awards, and specialty prizes. Amanda received her Master of Arts in Teaching in 2010, becoming NJ certified to teach students Pre-K through grade 12. She worked in multiple school districts throughout the area for five years before leaving the field to pursue her dream of opening her own dance studio.
Amanda is truly passionate about the dance business. She strives to offer the highest quality dance program in the area as well as offer an award-winning Competition ensemble. Amanda is enthusiastic and proud to be the owner and studio director of East Coast Dance Company. Her goal is to not only educate, train, and inspire her dancers, but to meet the needs of every parent and child that comes through the door! When not dancing, Amanda is spending time with her husband and three beautiful little boys.
Cassandra Vernik
Assistant Director & Dance Instructor
Cassandra began her dance training as a young girl at Denise Daniele Dance Studio in Brick, NJ and continued her training through high school at The Performing Arts Academy. After many years of being a competitive dancer, she knew dance was her passion and that she would pursue it as a career. Cassandra went on to study dance in college at Georgian Court University where she trained in mostly ballet, modern and jazz. While there, she was also able to study dance history, Laban notation, improvisation and choreography. Cassandra went on to earn a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Dance Performance.
Throughout the last few years, Cassandra has been involved in many different performances as well as choreography opportunities. Upon graduating, Cassandra became a member of the New York Jets Flight Crew. During her time on the Flight Crew, she had the opportunity to be a part of the Show Team Select Group, giving her many performance opportunities such as Good Morning America, NFL Network, and the NFL Cheer Director Conference, among many others. Cassandra was also a dancer in Al Blackstone's "Brown Eyed Girl", winner of the Capezio ACE Awards. She performed at Philly PARD with many well known choreographers in Philadelphia. For three consecutive years, Cassandra attended ACDFA where she presented her own work "Common Solitude" and performed "Regions of Light", choreographed by Caitlin Quinn Pittenger in the Regional Gala.
Cassandra continues to educate herself by taking master classes and workshops regularly throughout the tri-state area, regularly training at Broadway Dance Center and STEPS in New York City. For the last few years, Cassandra's passion for dance has led her to educate children of all ages. She continues to teach and choreograph for both competitive and recreational dancers, sharing her love and knowledge of the arts.
Assistant Director & Dance Instructor
Cassandra began her dance training as a young girl at Denise Daniele Dance Studio in Brick, NJ and continued her training through high school at The Performing Arts Academy. After many years of being a competitive dancer, she knew dance was her passion and that she would pursue it as a career. Cassandra went on to study dance in college at Georgian Court University where she trained in mostly ballet, modern and jazz. While there, she was also able to study dance history, Laban notation, improvisation and choreography. Cassandra went on to earn a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Dance Performance.
Throughout the last few years, Cassandra has been involved in many different performances as well as choreography opportunities. Upon graduating, Cassandra became a member of the New York Jets Flight Crew. During her time on the Flight Crew, she had the opportunity to be a part of the Show Team Select Group, giving her many performance opportunities such as Good Morning America, NFL Network, and the NFL Cheer Director Conference, among many others. Cassandra was also a dancer in Al Blackstone's "Brown Eyed Girl", winner of the Capezio ACE Awards. She performed at Philly PARD with many well known choreographers in Philadelphia. For three consecutive years, Cassandra attended ACDFA where she presented her own work "Common Solitude" and performed "Regions of Light", choreographed by Caitlin Quinn Pittenger in the Regional Gala.
Cassandra continues to educate herself by taking master classes and workshops regularly throughout the tri-state area, regularly training at Broadway Dance Center and STEPS in New York City. For the last few years, Cassandra's passion for dance has led her to educate children of all ages. She continues to teach and choreograph for both competitive and recreational dancers, sharing her love and knowledge of the arts.
Jane Gibson
Office Manager & Dance Instructor
Jane began dancing at a Stage School in England when she was four years old, learning the language of Ballet and taking Ballet exams along with Tap and Jazz yearly for thirteen years. She went on to become an Associate Member followed a couple of years later by a Member of The British Association of Teachers of Dancing, certifying her as a Dance Teacher. She taught for ten years before moving to the U.S in 1996, and just a couple of years after arriving, found herself back in the studio again where she continued to teach and choreograph.
“I admit Ballet is my favorite and believe it is the foundation of dance, I am a stickler for correct technique. Having lived dance and theatre my whole life, being here at East Coast gives me the opportunity to continue to be where my heart is, the Studio is my Happy Place!”
Office Manager & Dance Instructor
Jane began dancing at a Stage School in England when she was four years old, learning the language of Ballet and taking Ballet exams along with Tap and Jazz yearly for thirteen years. She went on to become an Associate Member followed a couple of years later by a Member of The British Association of Teachers of Dancing, certifying her as a Dance Teacher. She taught for ten years before moving to the U.S in 1996, and just a couple of years after arriving, found herself back in the studio again where she continued to teach and choreograph.
“I admit Ballet is my favorite and believe it is the foundation of dance, I am a stickler for correct technique. Having lived dance and theatre my whole life, being here at East Coast gives me the opportunity to continue to be where my heart is, the Studio is my Happy Place!”
Katie Borrello
Dance Instructor
Katie has been dancing since the age of three. She received her early training from several studios in Monmouth and Ocean County, where she trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, and danced competitively. Katie is a graduate from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania and holds a BA in Dance. While attending DeSales, she studied Dance Technique, Teaching Methods in Dance, Dance Composition, Improvisation, Dance History, and Kinesiology. She trained with professional artists such as Trinette Singleton, Tara Madsen-Robbins, Tim Cowart, and Angela Sigley Grossman, and also performed works choreographed by guest artists such as Camille Armstrong, Jeff Shade, and Gregory Dolbashian. She performed and participated at the American College Dance Association at Ohio University and Hofstra University.
Katie has interned with major tap festivals such as Jersey Tap Fest and Tap City, and has performed reparatory works under the direction of Jason Samuels Smith and Germaine Goodson. Currently, she is a member of Anthony LoCascio’s #Taplife Company and works as the Assistant Company Manager for the group. Katie loves being a part of East Coast Dance Company!
Dance Instructor
Katie has been dancing since the age of three. She received her early training from several studios in Monmouth and Ocean County, where she trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, and danced competitively. Katie is a graduate from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania and holds a BA in Dance. While attending DeSales, she studied Dance Technique, Teaching Methods in Dance, Dance Composition, Improvisation, Dance History, and Kinesiology. She trained with professional artists such as Trinette Singleton, Tara Madsen-Robbins, Tim Cowart, and Angela Sigley Grossman, and also performed works choreographed by guest artists such as Camille Armstrong, Jeff Shade, and Gregory Dolbashian. She performed and participated at the American College Dance Association at Ohio University and Hofstra University.
Katie has interned with major tap festivals such as Jersey Tap Fest and Tap City, and has performed reparatory works under the direction of Jason Samuels Smith and Germaine Goodson. Currently, she is a member of Anthony LoCascio’s #Taplife Company and works as the Assistant Company Manager for the group. Katie loves being a part of East Coast Dance Company!
Felicia Geran
Dance Instructor
Felicia’s love for dance began when she was 5 years old, as she began taking classes at a studio near home in Matawan, NJ. Dancing quickly became less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle of endless, colorful possibilities for Felicia. During her early training she branched out and took classes in the styles of ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and modern at a handful of studios around Monmouth County.
Felicia passionately went on to receive her BFA in Dance at Montclair State University where she worked diligently under the instruction of Nancy Lushington, Lonne Morreton, Lynne Grossman, Frederick Earl Mosley, Tyler Gilstrap, and Lori Katterhenry. After graduating, Felicia began dancing with the company 4JUNE, and can be seen in music videos for Lumidee, Chris Porter, and Jay Lavita.
Felicia feels privileged to instruct young dancers today, and she is happy to join the staff at East Coast Dance Company. She approaches all of her classes with an open heart and a smile, and her passion for dancing grows as she sees young dancers light up from what this art form has shown them. Felicia goal is for her students to simply be who they are as they walk into the dance classroom, and to become even more of who they are before they walk out.
Dance Instructor
Felicia’s love for dance began when she was 5 years old, as she began taking classes at a studio near home in Matawan, NJ. Dancing quickly became less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle of endless, colorful possibilities for Felicia. During her early training she branched out and took classes in the styles of ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and modern at a handful of studios around Monmouth County.
Felicia passionately went on to receive her BFA in Dance at Montclair State University where she worked diligently under the instruction of Nancy Lushington, Lonne Morreton, Lynne Grossman, Frederick Earl Mosley, Tyler Gilstrap, and Lori Katterhenry. After graduating, Felicia began dancing with the company 4JUNE, and can be seen in music videos for Lumidee, Chris Porter, and Jay Lavita.
Felicia feels privileged to instruct young dancers today, and she is happy to join the staff at East Coast Dance Company. She approaches all of her classes with an open heart and a smile, and her passion for dancing grows as she sees young dancers light up from what this art form has shown them. Felicia goal is for her students to simply be who they are as they walk into the dance classroom, and to become even more of who they are before they walk out.
Skyler Giannone
Dance Instructor
Skyler began dancing at Denise Danielle Dance Studio in Brick, NJ when she was just 2 years old. Growing up, Skyler performed with her competitive team where she traveled to numerous cities such as New York and Philadelphia while competing in all styles of dance. After graduating high school as a dance major from the Performing Arts Academy, she earned a Bachelor of the Arts degree at Georgian Court University. During her junior year at GCU, Skyler was chosen alongside ten other students of Georgian Court's dance department to study and perform in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During her time at Georgian Court, Skyler studied all areas of dance including ballet, modern, jazz, dance history, dance essentials and wellness, improvisation and choreography. As Skyler earned her degree, she was awarded the "First Award In Choreography."
Not only is Skyler passionate about studying dance, she loves to perform as well. In recent years, she has appeared in performances such as The Choreographer's Canvas in NYC, Philadelphia's Performance Arts Research & Development, The American College Dance Festival's Regional Gala and on NBC's America's Got Talent. She has worked with industry choreographers from Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Parsons Dance Company and the Korean National Ballet. Skyler is so excited to begin this journey and share her passion for dance!
Dance Instructor
Skyler began dancing at Denise Danielle Dance Studio in Brick, NJ when she was just 2 years old. Growing up, Skyler performed with her competitive team where she traveled to numerous cities such as New York and Philadelphia while competing in all styles of dance. After graduating high school as a dance major from the Performing Arts Academy, she earned a Bachelor of the Arts degree at Georgian Court University. During her junior year at GCU, Skyler was chosen alongside ten other students of Georgian Court's dance department to study and perform in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During her time at Georgian Court, Skyler studied all areas of dance including ballet, modern, jazz, dance history, dance essentials and wellness, improvisation and choreography. As Skyler earned her degree, she was awarded the "First Award In Choreography."
Not only is Skyler passionate about studying dance, she loves to perform as well. In recent years, she has appeared in performances such as The Choreographer's Canvas in NYC, Philadelphia's Performance Arts Research & Development, The American College Dance Festival's Regional Gala and on NBC's America's Got Talent. She has worked with industry choreographers from Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Parsons Dance Company and the Korean National Ballet. Skyler is so excited to begin this journey and share her passion for dance!
Angela Melfi
Dance & Acro Instructor
Angela's dance journey began at the age of 2. Shortly after she began dancing, she became a member of Emotion in Motion Dance Center’s competition team where she received special judges’ awards, national invitations and overall placement awards. Upon completion of high school, Angela stepped into the dance teacher role and quickly loved her new role in the dance world. As a competition team hip-hop & jazz choreographer, her work is being recognized with special judges’ awards, top scoring groups as well as the prestigious Impact Award and Entertainment Award! Angela’s choreography has been recognized by the judges, in which she received her very first Choreography Award at Believe’s Regional Competition, which has always been a dream of hers!
Angela is Acrobatic Arts Module I certified where she received proper spotting techniques as well as a classroom acrobatics syllabus which she follows and practices with her students of all ages. Angela’s Acro certification has helped build and shape acro programs among different studios within NJ. She is passionate about her students setting personal goals and enjoys working closely with each student to help them reach their highest potential! Angela continues to further her dance training at Teacher Workshops as well as taking master classes at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Aside from her dance career, she is a graduate of The College of Staten Island where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education. Her proudest and most recent accomplishment is her Master’s degree which she received from The College of Staten Island in Special Education. Angela is so excited to officially be apart of the East Coast Dance Company family and cannot wait to share her passion of teaching to all!
Dance & Acro Instructor
Angela's dance journey began at the age of 2. Shortly after she began dancing, she became a member of Emotion in Motion Dance Center’s competition team where she received special judges’ awards, national invitations and overall placement awards. Upon completion of high school, Angela stepped into the dance teacher role and quickly loved her new role in the dance world. As a competition team hip-hop & jazz choreographer, her work is being recognized with special judges’ awards, top scoring groups as well as the prestigious Impact Award and Entertainment Award! Angela’s choreography has been recognized by the judges, in which she received her very first Choreography Award at Believe’s Regional Competition, which has always been a dream of hers!
Angela is Acrobatic Arts Module I certified where she received proper spotting techniques as well as a classroom acrobatics syllabus which she follows and practices with her students of all ages. Angela’s Acro certification has helped build and shape acro programs among different studios within NJ. She is passionate about her students setting personal goals and enjoys working closely with each student to help them reach their highest potential! Angela continues to further her dance training at Teacher Workshops as well as taking master classes at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Aside from her dance career, she is a graduate of The College of Staten Island where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education. Her proudest and most recent accomplishment is her Master’s degree which she received from The College of Staten Island in Special Education. Angela is so excited to officially be apart of the East Coast Dance Company family and cannot wait to share her passion of teaching to all!
Rebecca Mairella
Dance Instructor & Front Desk Associate
Rebecca began dancing at the age of two, receiving early training from various studios in New Jersey. She was a competitive dancer for 12 years and is an alumni of East Coast Dance Company. In addition to her studio training, she attended the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy in Toms River, NJ as a dance major for her high school education. Knowing she had a strong passion to continue pursuing dance as a career, she went on to become a dance major at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick, NJ where she earned her B.F.A. in Dance in 2024. While at Rutgers, she trained in contemporary, modern, ballet, improvisation, and choreography. She had the opportunity to perform in a variety of student and faculty works, as well as showcase her own choreographic works. During her undergraduate career, she had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as Pam Tanowitz, Thang Dao, Beth Gill, Gerald Casel, John Evans, Ani Javian, and many more.
Rebecca had the opportunity to attend a variety of intensives and conferences throughout her dance career in addition to her regular training. She danced with The New Jersey Ballet in Livingston, NJ for a season and took part in The Kirov Academy of Ballet's intensive workshops in Washington, D.C. for two summers consecutively. She also had the opportunity to participate in the Radio City Rockettes Summer Intensive Program and attended a study abroad program in Italy at Accademia dell'Arte, where she studied contemporary dance under the direction of Alessio Trevasani and Helena Fernandino. Rebecca had the opportunity to attend and perform at the American College Dance Association's (ACDA) Regional Conference in 2023/24, as well as continues to perform in various festivals in the tri-state area.
Currently, she continues her dance training at various locations in NYC/NJ in numerous styles. As she enters the professional world, she aspires to continue performing and sharing her passion for dance with others. Rebecca is excited to share her knowledge and love for dance with her students. She is very excited to be a part of the team here at East Coast Dance Company and to share her passion for dance.
Dance Instructor & Front Desk Associate
Rebecca began dancing at the age of two, receiving early training from various studios in New Jersey. She was a competitive dancer for 12 years and is an alumni of East Coast Dance Company. In addition to her studio training, she attended the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy in Toms River, NJ as a dance major for her high school education. Knowing she had a strong passion to continue pursuing dance as a career, she went on to become a dance major at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick, NJ where she earned her B.F.A. in Dance in 2024. While at Rutgers, she trained in contemporary, modern, ballet, improvisation, and choreography. She had the opportunity to perform in a variety of student and faculty works, as well as showcase her own choreographic works. During her undergraduate career, she had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as Pam Tanowitz, Thang Dao, Beth Gill, Gerald Casel, John Evans, Ani Javian, and many more.
Rebecca had the opportunity to attend a variety of intensives and conferences throughout her dance career in addition to her regular training. She danced with The New Jersey Ballet in Livingston, NJ for a season and took part in The Kirov Academy of Ballet's intensive workshops in Washington, D.C. for two summers consecutively. She also had the opportunity to participate in the Radio City Rockettes Summer Intensive Program and attended a study abroad program in Italy at Accademia dell'Arte, where she studied contemporary dance under the direction of Alessio Trevasani and Helena Fernandino. Rebecca had the opportunity to attend and perform at the American College Dance Association's (ACDA) Regional Conference in 2023/24, as well as continues to perform in various festivals in the tri-state area.
Currently, she continues her dance training at various locations in NYC/NJ in numerous styles. As she enters the professional world, she aspires to continue performing and sharing her passion for dance with others. Rebecca is excited to share her knowledge and love for dance with her students. She is very excited to be a part of the team here at East Coast Dance Company and to share her passion for dance.
Morgan Squicciarini
Dance Instructor
Morgan took her first ballet class at 2 years old and was hooked ever since. She has continued to train in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and pom styles. In addition to taking studio classes, she was a member of her high school's competitive dance team where she competed pom, hip hop, and jazz routines at UDA regional and national levels. In college, she continued her dance education by taking dance courses at the University of Delaware.
Morgan's love for dance quickly evolved into a passion for teaching, which started by assisting with toddler combo classes while still in high school and continued with teaching ballet classes throughout her college years. Morgan has now joined the East Coast Dance Company staff to rekindle that passion for teaching with various classes. She hopes to add value by providing individual help as well as supplemental group instruction as needed. Morgan loves being a part of the ECDC family!
Dance Instructor
Morgan took her first ballet class at 2 years old and was hooked ever since. She has continued to train in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and pom styles. In addition to taking studio classes, she was a member of her high school's competitive dance team where she competed pom, hip hop, and jazz routines at UDA regional and national levels. In college, she continued her dance education by taking dance courses at the University of Delaware.
Morgan's love for dance quickly evolved into a passion for teaching, which started by assisting with toddler combo classes while still in high school and continued with teaching ballet classes throughout her college years. Morgan has now joined the East Coast Dance Company staff to rekindle that passion for teaching with various classes. She hopes to add value by providing individual help as well as supplemental group instruction as needed. Morgan loves being a part of the ECDC family!
Emily Burke
Dance & Acro Instructor
Emily grew up in Freehold, NJ and attended Howell High School’s Performing Arts Center as well as various dance studios though childhood. She currently holds a B.A. in Dance Education with K-12 certification from Montclair State University and is Acrobatic Arts certified. Upon graduation Emily is teaching dance within the Lakewood Public School District. She has trained with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Point Park University and University of the Arts. Emily danced under Christian von Howard, Stephanie Batten-Bland, Mark Harootian, Earl Mosley, Larry Kegwin, Jessie DiMauro Marks and Grace Buckley. She has performed in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Dance & Acro Instructor
Emily grew up in Freehold, NJ and attended Howell High School’s Performing Arts Center as well as various dance studios though childhood. She currently holds a B.A. in Dance Education with K-12 certification from Montclair State University and is Acrobatic Arts certified. Upon graduation Emily is teaching dance within the Lakewood Public School District. She has trained with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Point Park University and University of the Arts. Emily danced under Christian von Howard, Stephanie Batten-Bland, Mark Harootian, Earl Mosley, Larry Kegwin, Jessie DiMauro Marks and Grace Buckley. She has performed in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Anthony Sadorski
Dance & Acro Instructor
Anthony started dancing at nine years old in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. During the first four years of his training, he specifically studied hip hop and breakdancing, eventually transitioned into jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Anthony became a competitive dancer where he studied hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet and modern. Anthony holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance from Georgian Court University. He studied under the direction of Silvana Cardell and is heavily trained in ballet, modern, improvisation and choreography studies.
Anthony trains regularly at Broadway Dance Center and is Acrobatic Arts Module I certified, trained to teach dancers safe and effective acrobatics. He is very excited to be a part of the ECDC staff and is eager to help inspire and motivate students in a bright and positive way to help them grow into the best dancers and people they can be. He wants to share his passion for dance with the next generation of young dancers and inspire them to follow their passions in life!
Dance & Acro Instructor
Anthony started dancing at nine years old in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. During the first four years of his training, he specifically studied hip hop and breakdancing, eventually transitioned into jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Anthony became a competitive dancer where he studied hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet and modern. Anthony holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance from Georgian Court University. He studied under the direction of Silvana Cardell and is heavily trained in ballet, modern, improvisation and choreography studies.
Anthony trains regularly at Broadway Dance Center and is Acrobatic Arts Module I certified, trained to teach dancers safe and effective acrobatics. He is very excited to be a part of the ECDC staff and is eager to help inspire and motivate students in a bright and positive way to help them grow into the best dancers and people they can be. He wants to share his passion for dance with the next generation of young dancers and inspire them to follow their passions in life!
Emily Mairella
Dance & Acro Instructor
Emily began her dance journey at the age of 3, taking combo classes and gymnastics. She became a competitive dancer at the age of 8 and has fallen in love with dance ever since! Emily completed high school as a Dance Major at the OCTVS Performing Arts Academy. Throughout her high school experience, she studied with various dance artists in a workshop setting while studying modern, ballet, improvisation, jazz, and choreography. Emily is also certified in Acrobatic Arts!
Emily has attended numerous summer intensives in NYC and performed in the Nutcracker each December for PAA. Emily is currently studying at Ocean County College taking various Education and Dance classes. She has been with the studio since it opened in 2015 and is now an alumni of East Coast Dance Company. Emily is so happy to continue being a part of the studio as an Assistant Teacher, sharing her love of dance with everyone!
Dance & Acro Instructor
Emily began her dance journey at the age of 3, taking combo classes and gymnastics. She became a competitive dancer at the age of 8 and has fallen in love with dance ever since! Emily completed high school as a Dance Major at the OCTVS Performing Arts Academy. Throughout her high school experience, she studied with various dance artists in a workshop setting while studying modern, ballet, improvisation, jazz, and choreography. Emily is also certified in Acrobatic Arts!
Emily has attended numerous summer intensives in NYC and performed in the Nutcracker each December for PAA. Emily is currently studying at Ocean County College taking various Education and Dance classes. She has been with the studio since it opened in 2015 and is now an alumni of East Coast Dance Company. Emily is so happy to continue being a part of the studio as an Assistant Teacher, sharing her love of dance with everyone!
Emma Turrisi
Dance Instructor
Emma Turrisi was raised in Middletown, New Jersey where she began dancing at the age of six. Recently, Emma earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Minor in Communication Studies from Montclair State University in the Spring of 2025. Throughout her time at Montclair, she had the honor of performing in choreographic works by Janice Rosario, Andre Tyson, Christian von Howard, Kathleen Kelley, Stephanie Martinez, Cat Cogliandro and Leslie Kraus, amongst others.
Emma works for Revel Dance Convention (‘23-‘25) as a Professional Assistant. At Revel, she has had the opportunity to teach classes and auditions, as well as assist master teachers. Recently, Emma performed at Sony Hall (NYC), The Gramercy Theater (NYC), Nimbus Arts Center (NJ), OSPAC (NJ), National Dance Institute (NYC), Symphony Space (NYC) and at the BrickHouse (NYC). Emma is also a YPAD Certified Dance Educator.
Dance Instructor
Emma Turrisi was raised in Middletown, New Jersey where she began dancing at the age of six. Recently, Emma earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Minor in Communication Studies from Montclair State University in the Spring of 2025. Throughout her time at Montclair, she had the honor of performing in choreographic works by Janice Rosario, Andre Tyson, Christian von Howard, Kathleen Kelley, Stephanie Martinez, Cat Cogliandro and Leslie Kraus, amongst others.
Emma works for Revel Dance Convention (‘23-‘25) as a Professional Assistant. At Revel, she has had the opportunity to teach classes and auditions, as well as assist master teachers. Recently, Emma performed at Sony Hall (NYC), The Gramercy Theater (NYC), Nimbus Arts Center (NJ), OSPAC (NJ), National Dance Institute (NYC), Symphony Space (NYC) and at the BrickHouse (NYC). Emma is also a YPAD Certified Dance Educator.
Michayla Parker
Dance Instructor
Michayla Parker brings over a decade of teaching experience to East Coast Dance Company, having worked with both pre-professional ballet programs and nationally recognized competitive studios. Her students have gone on to dance at the Division I collegiate level and perform professionally with prestigious companies including The Boston Ballet and Charlotte Ballet.
Michayla began her own training at the Academy of Dance Arts and continued at The Rock School for Dance Education and Boston Ballet. She was one of just 40 dancers worldwide accepted to The Harid Conservatory on a merit scholarship. She later danced professionally with The Joffrey Ballet’s second company, gaining invaluable stage and company experience. She continued her academic and artistic pursuits at High Point University, where she minored in Dance Performance and Education and was a four-year member of the university’s Dance Company. Known for her technical expertise, passion for teaching, and dedication to developing well-rounded, confident dancers, Michayla is so excited to rejoin the East Coast Dance Company family and continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation.
Dance Instructor
Michayla Parker brings over a decade of teaching experience to East Coast Dance Company, having worked with both pre-professional ballet programs and nationally recognized competitive studios. Her students have gone on to dance at the Division I collegiate level and perform professionally with prestigious companies including The Boston Ballet and Charlotte Ballet.
Michayla began her own training at the Academy of Dance Arts and continued at The Rock School for Dance Education and Boston Ballet. She was one of just 40 dancers worldwide accepted to The Harid Conservatory on a merit scholarship. She later danced professionally with The Joffrey Ballet’s second company, gaining invaluable stage and company experience. She continued her academic and artistic pursuits at High Point University, where she minored in Dance Performance and Education and was a four-year member of the university’s Dance Company. Known for her technical expertise, passion for teaching, and dedication to developing well-rounded, confident dancers, Michayla is so excited to rejoin the East Coast Dance Company family and continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation.
Haley Woszczak
Dance Instructor
Since age 2, Haley has always had a passion for dance. Haley grew up training at many studios across Monmouth County studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theater, stretch & technique, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. As a member of their performance company, she performed at several community events and recitals, and trained at conventions across the east coast. Haley also filled any free weekend she could watching competition performances and taking convention classes while working with Dancers Inc., assisting and learning from former Rockettes, Broadway performers, and other top professionals in the industry.
Haley continued dancing through college as a member of the Saint Joseph’s University dance team, took dance classes as she studied at Monmouth University, and worked as a performer at Six Flags Great Adventure. However, it wasn’t until she began teaching dance that she unlocked her true love for the art. Haley has nearly a decade of experience in dance instruction, choreographing award-winning routines, and sharing her love with young dancers. With her daughter taking her first dance class ever ECDC, Haley couldn’t be more excited to be joining the studio family and faculty.
Dance Instructor
Since age 2, Haley has always had a passion for dance. Haley grew up training at many studios across Monmouth County studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theater, stretch & technique, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. As a member of their performance company, she performed at several community events and recitals, and trained at conventions across the east coast. Haley also filled any free weekend she could watching competition performances and taking convention classes while working with Dancers Inc., assisting and learning from former Rockettes, Broadway performers, and other top professionals in the industry.
Haley continued dancing through college as a member of the Saint Joseph’s University dance team, took dance classes as she studied at Monmouth University, and worked as a performer at Six Flags Great Adventure. However, it wasn’t until she began teaching dance that she unlocked her true love for the art. Haley has nearly a decade of experience in dance instruction, choreographing award-winning routines, and sharing her love with young dancers. With her daughter taking her first dance class ever ECDC, Haley couldn’t be more excited to be joining the studio family and faculty.
Dina Puglisi
Front Desk Associate
Dina danced as a young child, and cheered for her hometown from elementary school thru High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a certificate of Early Childhood Education P-3 with a Special Education endorsement. She is a full-time preschool teacher and loves children of all ages. "I truly believe that East Coast Dance Company special place, and I am excited to be a part of the dance family."
Front Desk Associate
Dina danced as a young child, and cheered for her hometown from elementary school thru High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a certificate of Early Childhood Education P-3 with a Special Education endorsement. She is a full-time preschool teacher and loves children of all ages. "I truly believe that East Coast Dance Company special place, and I am excited to be a part of the dance family."