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Brianna Albanese

Brianna Albanese is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator known for her dynamic movement quality and passion for empowering others through dance. A Connecticut native and Los Angeles–trained artist, Bri has performed for brands and artists including SAILORR, OGX, Jade Starling, Marcus Rodriguez, and more. She teaches at dance studios across New England, creating original choreography for recreational, commercial, and competitive dancers in styles such as contemporary, hip-hop, jazz funk, and heels. Holding a B.A. in Dance Education (K–12) from ����ֱ��, where she served as Dance Team Captain and performed with Dancentral Dance Company, Bri also serves as Movement Director for PURPOSE, mentoring dancers in artistry, performance, and intention—encouraging every artist to move with purpose and confidence.

Marisa Bishop

Marisa Bishop holds a B.S. in Dance Education from ����ֱ��, where she was a four-year member and captain of the Dance Team before returning to coach the team for two years after graduation. Her performance experience includes dancing for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun, the NLL’s New England Black Wolves, and the NFL’s New England Patriots Cheerleaders. Marisa currently teaches grades 6–12 at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy and coaches the Middletown High School Dance Team. She has experience as a dance instructor for the Universal Dance Association, and now serves as a judge at local, regional, and national dance competitions. In her free time, she guest-teaches at various CT studios and local dance companies, including ActUp Theatre. Marisa absolutely loves sharing her passion for dance and her different experiences to help young dancers!

Karis Bongiolatti

Karis Bongiolatti is a ����ֱ�� alum with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Education. She started her line dance journey in Nashville, Tennessee, in the summer of 2021, when she took a trip with her dance studio to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. She was first introduced to line dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon. Since then, she has found various places in Connecticut to line dance, including the Cadillac Ranch, Cast Iron Pizza, Molly Darcy’s, and more. She is currently the founder and former President of the on-campus Line Dancing Club and has a growing collection of cowboy boots in various colors from around the world!

Ashley Caldeira

Ashley Caldeira brings over 25 years of dance expertise across all styles of dance! A former competitive dancer, she performed professionally with DFX Entertainment, performing along the East Coast. She holds degrees in Physical Education and Dance Education from CCSU, where she is now a professor, and a Master’s from SNHU, where she developed a K-12 dance curriculum. As Dance Program Director and Head Dance Team Coach at Norwich Free Academy, Ashley built the largest dance team in the Eastern Connecticut Conference. She also adjudicates at several competitions and serves as Artistic Director for the CIAC-sanctioned Wildcat Dance Off.

Lillian M. Cook-Edwards

A native of New London, Connecticut, Lillian Cook-Edwards is a pedagogue, choreographer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. Mrs. Cook-Edwards serves as the director of New London Public Schools' Dance Department. She has formerly served as an Adjunct Professor here at ����ֱ�� and is the founder/director of The Lion’s Den Dance Company (501c3). Edwards has earned numerous credits and awards for her work as a dancer and choreographer at the competitive level throughout New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, and the Dominican Republic. Edwards is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive of the ABT® National Training Curriculum and with the Nan Giordano Certification Program®. Edwards holds a BA in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master's Degree in Education from Fitchburg State University. Cook-Edwards believes her calling is to bridge the gap between talent and skill through equity. Additionally, she advocates for prestige in African and African diaspora dance forms.

Cassandra Forsythe

Cassandra Forsythe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance at CCSU. She holds a PhD in Kinesiology from UCONN and MS and BS degrees in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Alberta, Canada. She is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA. She’s been practicing yoga for over 20 years and has been teaching hot power yoga in Vernon, Connecticut, for the past 9 years. Her style of yoga focuses on proper biomechanics, connection of breath and body, and challenging the body physically and mentally. She is a mother, entrepreneur, author, teacher, and fitness and health enthusiast.

Stephen Hankey

A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Stephen Hankey is a dancer, master teacher in traditional Caribbean folk forms, choreographer. Mr. Hankey also teaches at the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School. Stephen is the director of The Island Reflections Dance Theatre Company in Hartford, CT, and is the founding member, choreographer, and performer of The National Dance Theatre Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

His choreography credits includes J’ouvert (1995), Road March (1997), A Brighter Day (1998) and Red House Fire! Fire! (1999) for the Bagasse Company; Bassman with the Signal Hill Theater Workshop Tobago (1997); Hewanorra Story for the St. Lucia Research Center and Jen S. Designs (1997); the "Voodoo Ceremony" for the ABC television film Production Creature, by Peter Benchley with Trilogy Entertainment North Ltd. (1997); and Ti Jean and His Brothers for Trinity College (2000).

He has collaborated with Indiana State University, Trinity College, and Yale on special assignments. His long running Cultural Spectacular at the Bushnell Theater can be seen annually, and has performed extensively nationally and internationally.

"I believe that through this art form, one will tap into some of the most mysterious and interesting realities of one’s being. The individual must struggle on in the quest of inner search of self." - Stephen Hankey

Carla Hazzam

Carla Hazzam is a dynamic educator, podcast host, and community advocate whose life is joyfully enriched by her three children. Originally from Beirut, Lebanon, she is trilingual and deeply values cultural diversity and inclusion. Born on St. Patrick’s Day, Carla embodies a philosophy of honesty, celebration, and respect for all ages, and she stands firmly against bullying in all forms. Her passion for dance began at age 14 and has flourished into a nine-year career as a certified Zumba instructor. As a full-time world language teacher, Carla brings energy and empathy into the classroom, blending language learning with cultural exploration. She also hosts two podcasts, one focused on fantasy football and the other celebrating dance, community, and connection. Beyond the classroom and studio, Carla is a skilled event planner and decorator, known for her creative flair and commitment to charitable causes. She is actively a ZCOM volunteer in Connecticut and frequently supports local advocacy efforts. Holding a master’s degree, she remains committed to lifelong learning and was recently accepted into a doctoral program, with anticipated graduation in 2027.

Bianca Iannitti

Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Bianca Luisa Iannitti is a recent PhD recipient of Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance at Wheaton College (MA) in 2015. In 2019, Bianca received her Master's degree in Music (Ethnomusicology) from Wesleyan. She currently holds a position at ����ֱ�� (CCSU) as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Music Department. In addition to her background as a classically trained opera singer, Bianca is a bharatanatyam dancer from the world-renowned T. Balasaraswati tradition. She trains under the instruction of Anine Singh de Grood and in collaboration with one of Balasaraswati’s senior most disciples Smt. Nandini Ramani. Bianca has completed a number of performances and lecture-demonstrations on the subject of bharatanatyam. Her dissertation research, and area of expertise, examines the preservation and embodiment of the T. Balasaraswati dance tradition in the United States.

Christine Kershaw-Hobson

Christine Kershaw-Hobson (Guest Teaching Artist) is a Dance Teacher, Choreographer, Dance Educator and Dancer who began her dance training at The Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, CT. Ms. Kershaw-Hobson studied and performed under the direction of The Paul Hall Contemporary Dance Theater. She later attended The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she completed 6 years of study and training in the codified teaching of the Lester Horton Technique.

Christine has taught in the New Haven Public Schools and throughout the New Haven County for over 20 years enriching the lives of her students through the art of dance. She is currently teaching dance at The Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet High School and The Lee Lund School of Dance.

James "Combo" Marino

James “Combo” Marino is an artist whose passion and energy inspire others to reach their best. Born in East Hartford, CT, James began as a pre-professional soccer player in Italy before turning to dance. After launching his career in New York City and Los Angeles, he became faculty at Millennium Dance Complex and teaches on the REVEL Dance Convention tour. He has performed with Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Camila Cabello, Gwen Stefani, Fergie, and The Black Eyed Peas, and appeared at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, The Grammy Awards, and in films like Space Jam 2 and Wolfs. A CCSU accounting graduate, James also empowers young artists through his “Don’t Be a Starving Artist” financial literacy program. With his signature drive, musicality, and positivity, James continues to inspire dancers worldwide to move boldly, think bigger, and believe in themselves.

Erica Nelson

Erica Nelson is a classically trained dancer who received her BFA in Dance Performance with University Honors from The Hartt School, University of Hartford. She is pursuing her Master’s in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University. Erica has been teaching at ����ֱ�� since 2017 in the Dance Education Department as an adjunct faculty member and production manager. Her courses include Beginning and Intermediate Ballet, Beginning Modern, Dance History, and Dance Production and Administration. She also acts as the faculty advisor and Director of the student dance performance company, Dancentral. In addition to her educational and extracurricular leadership at the school, Erica works part-time as an assistant director in technical operations, producing, directing, and stage-managing events at the university. When not at ����ֱ��, she teaches dance at local studios in the private sector, stage manages for local and regional companies, and runs her own contemporary dance company, The END Ensemble, based out of Hartford, CT.

Pascal Rekoert

After a professional performance career in Europe and the USA, Rekoert pivoted his focus to education. First, as a teaching artist, then an NYC K-12 educator, he taught at Title 1 schools and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts. As a Lincoln Center Scholar who finished his master’s degree in an inaugural partnership program between Lincoln Center Education and CUNY Hunter College, Rekoert helped revise the NYC DoE Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Dance. Presently, Rekoert is pursuing a doctoral degree as part of the Ed.D. Dance Education Program at Teachers College. He is an Assistant Professor and Dance Education Program Director at ����ֱ��, currently the only one providing state certification for K-12 dance educators in the state.

Karrie Russell

Karrie Russell, the franchisee of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Guilford, has been dancing her whole life and dancing ballroom socially, competitively and teaching for over 12 years. Karrie has been dancing and performing since the age of 2 and after graduating from college decided to pursue a career in ballroom dancing. Her journey in ballroom dancing has taken her to competitions across America and her education extends to places like Argentina and Vienna. She has a passion for teaching along with dancing and enjoys watching her students grow from doubters to real dancers.

Genevieve (Jenna) Buehler

Genevieve Buehler is from Long Island, New York, and is a Dance Education and Entrepreneurship major at ����ֱ��. She is also a third-year member and captain of the ����ֱ�� Dance Team. She competed with the KJ Dance Theatre company for 13 years. Buehler also competed with her dance team at Mepham High School at NDA nationals, earning a first-place national title. She has continued dancing at ����ֱ�� and competed in the UDA college nationals for the last two years. Most recently, she spent her summer traveling the country with the Universal Dance Association as a staff member.

Lindsay Hansen

Lindsay Hansen holds an Associate of Arts degree in Dance from Naugatuck Valley Community College, along with her B.S. in Elementary Education with a cross-endorsement in Dance Education K-12 from ����ֱ��. She has also completed her M.S. in Educational Leadership from ����ֱ�� and 6th year from Quinnipiac University. Currently, she is pursuing her EdD in Dance Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also is a full-time Dance Educator at Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts in Hartford. Hansen has been teaching Dance Education in the Greater Hartford area since 2013. She is an adjunct faculty member at ����ֱ�� teaching Jazz Dance. Hansen is also a comprehensively certified Peak Pilates instructor.

Ingrid Howe-Green

Ingrid Howe-Green (Dance Faculty) received her B.S. and M.S. in Elementary Education from ����ֱ�� (����ֱ��), as well as a unique endorsement in dance. Before classical dance training, she was a Nationally competitive figure skater and coach in synchronized skating. Her formal dance training began with Joseph Albano and Julia Frederick of the Albano Ballet Company, where she has danced since 1998. Mrs. Howe-Green’s professional dance teaching career started in 2007 at Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts in Hartford, CT, where she was the dance chair and lead writer of the dance curriculum for Hartford Public Schools. There, she was voted teacher of the year, received the Starfish and Bricklayer award, as well as received a proclamation award from Hartford’s Mayor. In 2009, she returned to ����ֱ�� as an adjunct faculty member, receiving an honorable mention for the Excellence in Teaching award in 2023. Along with Teaching at ����ֱ�� currently, Mrs. Howe-Green is a full-time dance faculty member at Waterbury Arts Magnet School in Waterbury, CT, where she teaches dance to grades 6-12 and was voted teacher of the year through The Connecticut Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Princess Lockerooo

Princess Lockerooo is an artist that believes that urban dance expressions deserve to be held to the same level of respect and dignity as classical art forms. For her, preserving and emphasizing the ingenious culture and history is paramount. She does this by creating a channel of entertainment that celebrates enlightenment, elegance, and sensuality without the objectification of artists or the modification of their intentions.

A truly interdisciplinary performer, recording artist, and professional dancer/choreographer, Princess Lockerooo utilizes her talents to create unique and thrilling experiences that captivate her audiences. Her dramatic costumes, charismatic presence, memorable music, and distinctive dancing leave audiences craving more! She is an icon in the New York City House music/dance scene and takes the music industry by storm with her new single, “Dance, Dance, Dance.”

In addition, this dynamic diva has advocated restoring the former glory of the popular and expressive 1970s Disco Era dance style, waacking, back into the spotlight. A student of the Legendary Soul Train dancer, Tyrone Proctor, Princess Lockerooo showcases the freestyling element of Waacking and encourages the development of the individual dancer to become a living embodiment of the music.

Today, she has taught workshops and has performed around the world! Her travels have spanned Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, Siberia, Poland, Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic, Finland, London, Canada, Australia, and Kazakhstan. She has worked with artists like Madonna and Jody Watley, and has been featured on hit shows including So You Think You Can Dance, Wendy Williams, T.V. TOKYO, and the MDNA Madonna commercial.

Katie Moncebaiz

Katie Moncebaiz is thrilled to be back in her home state of Connecticut, after living in New York City for the past 11 years. While in NYC, Katie danced with the Eva Dean Dance Company, performing throughout the city and abroad in the Fringe Festivals in Amsterdam, Prague, and Germany. Since 2006, Katie has taught various Zumba Fitness and dance and fitness classes throughout New England and has performed with local dance companies in Connecticut, Boston, and New York City. An enthusiast of all things dance and fitness, Katie is also extremely passionate about arts education and equity in the arts.

Moncebaiz graduated from ����ֱ�� in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and Theatre. She continued her education as a member of the inaugural cohort of the Lincoln Center Scholars, earning her Master’s Degree in Education in the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education program at Hunter College. She graduated in 2016, Cum Laude. She is a tenured dance teacher in the NYC Department of Education and taught in public elementary, middle, and high schools since 2015.

The only thing that Katie loves more than the arts, dance, and fitness is her baby boy! She and her partner welcomed their first child last year. From seasoned dancers and athletes to brand-new beginners, Katie’s hope is that you come to class ready to find joy in movement.

Jennifer Muller

Jennifer Muller has been an influence in the dance world for over 40 years. With her visionary approach to dance/theater, innovative multi-discipline productions incorporating spoken word, live and commissioned music, artist-inspired decor and unusual production elements, Muller has defied convention and created a distinct signature style, educational approach and philosophy.

Artistic Director of Jennifer Muller/The Works since its inception in 1974, she has created over 100 pieces–including 7 full-evening productions–and designed lights, decor and costumes as Stageworks. A playwright as well as a choreographer, she has created innovative multi-media productions that incorporate spoken dialogue in live performance in an accessible and evocative way. With a history of notable collaborations, she has worked with such artists as Keith Jarrett, Keith Haring and Yoko Ono.

In 2007, The Joyce Theater awarded Ms. Muller with a special Commissioning Grant to create Bench, the signature premiere for The Works 35th Anniversary. In fall 2009, she choreographed Esther at the New York City Opera. During The Works' recent engagement at FENDAFOR 10 (Festival Internacional de Dança de Fortaleza), Ms. Muller was awarded the 2010 Trophy of Cultural Responsibility, in recognition of her invaluable contributions to promoting contemporary dance throughout South America.

Her early signature work Speeds was recently commissioned by the University of California-Santa Barbara, funded by an American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of American Genius grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The University also convened a scholarly conference and retrospective art exhibition "Transformation & Continuance: Jennifer Muller & the Reshaping of American Modern Dance, 1959 – Present," celebrating her prolific career – dancer, choreographer, artist, educator.

Commissions for 23 major repertory companies in 9 countries include Nederlands Dans Theater, NDT3, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ohio Ballet, Lyon Opera Ballet, Ballet du Nord, Tanz-Forum Köln, Ballet Contemporaneo de Argentina, Aterballetto, Ballet Jazz de Montreal and Israel's Bat Dor, to name a few. An award-winning choreographer, Ms. Muller's theater and opera credits include The Public Theater, NY Stage & Film, Second Stage and the New York City Opera, working with such directors as Des McAnuff, Ken Elliot, Mark Linn-Baker and Christopher Mattaliano.

Internationally renowned as a consummate teacher and mentor of creative talent, she has headlined workshops in creativity, collaboration and choreography in France, England, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Spain, Argentina and the US, as well as teaching Muller technique worldwide. Ms. Muller is one of the only choreographers of her generation to have developed a personalized technique, one that is informed by principles adapted from Taoist energy system concepts and Chinese philosophy. As well, she has developed unique programs in creative thinking and non-verbal communication entitled the Creative Mind/Whole Body Workshops. Alumni of The Works teach her techniques, establishing accredited programs worldwide. Muller Polarity Technique is featured in the publication and video TANZTECHNIK, a comparative study of seven unique contemporary dance techniques, also including Limon and Cunningham techniques. (Release date: February 2011.)

Dance has been Ms. Muller's passion and creative voice since she was a child. Creating pieces since age seven, she began dancing professionally at age 15 as a member of the Pearl Lang Dance Company. These formative years were followed by nine years as Principal Dancer with the José Limon Company (during which she graduated from The Juilliard School) and 7 years as Associate Artistic Director of the Louis Falco Dance Company. Now, as a result of years of productive creativity, her work has been seen on stage in 41 countries and on television in the US, Spain, The Nederlands, Germany, France, Russia, Costa Rica, Australia, China and Japan. Ms. Muller was honored by being chosen as a founding member of the World Arts Council–the only American representing the dance field.

Felipe Puletini

Felipe Puletini is a Brazilian born and a Member of the International Dance Council - CID. Director and founder of AMA Dance Theatre School & Foundation, a non-profit arts organization that provides pre-professional dance education to young artists. Throughout his professional career in Brazil and USA, he has performed in repertory classical ballet, musical theater, and Brazilian television. Guest Artist Teacher for ����ֱ�� - Dance Education), and coach/choreographer for many schools in New England, preparing dancers for important ballet competitions. Collaboration as choreographer with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra during the concert "Dance for Joy" and with the University of South Carolina - Beaufort during the "Community Nutcracker" as a guest artist performing the role of Sugar Plum Cavalier. Degree of Vocational Higher Education in Fine Arts (Performing Arts Major), Certified Teacher in Giordano Technique (Certificate Program with Nan Giordano), American Ballet Theatre® National Curriculum Training, and PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique).

Todd Russell

Todd Russell, the franchisee of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Guilford, has been dancing socially, competing and teaching ballroom for over 17 years. Todd found dancing after college. He joined a training class as fill in for his brother-in-law never thinking he would make a career of dancing. Although he grew up playing sports, he did not think he had an aptitude for dance. Through his 17 years, teaching and competing has brought him to the most amazing locations around the world. Still the most satisfying part of teaching for Todd is seeing a dancer who doubts their ability, finally have their “AH-HA” moment!

Robert M. Valdez, Jr.

Robert M. Valdez, Jr., affectionately known as “Buddy”, received training at the San Francisco Academy of Ballet and the San Francisco School of the Arts. He earned a BFA from The Juilliard School under the direction of Lawrence Rhodes. Some of the companies Valdez has performed with include Luna Negra Dance Theater, 360º Dance Company, Riedel Dance Theater, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Flexicurve, Armitage Gone! Dance, ZviDance, and the Limón Dance Company. Commercial work includes NYFW, Fashion/One TV, Comedy ����ֱ��, and Janet Jackson's Made for Now music video. Valdez has certifications to teach yoga, the Feldenkrais Method®, and Latin social dancing. SAG-AFTRA & AEA Eligible.

Cesar Valentino

Cesar Valentino has been dancing for 45 years, and began vogue dancing in 1983. In 1988, he quickly became a fixture in the underground ballroom and club scene where he won several coveted trophies. Cesar was also featured in one of the first ever articles about voguing in the Village Voice and in the documentary The House of Tres (Directed by Diane Martel). He landed a spot on the Deep in Vogue tour with Malcolm McLaren throughout Europe in 1989, appeared in music videos with artists such as Toni Braxton, Carmen Electra, and K7s in Hi De Ho to name a few. Cesar appeared in Jennie Livingston’s Paris is Burning documentary, Voguing, The Message, and Vogue Classique. Cesar choreographed for recording artists Tony Terry and Sweet Sensation. Working as a runway coach for upcoming and established models for more than 30 years.

Cesar has performed all over the world in countries such as Japan, Italy and Germany. He has served as a judge and taught vogue workshops at Funkin’ Styles Berlin Germany, Meeting Hip Hop in Sao Paolo Brazil and House Dance International. Cesar has been presented many awards such as the Marcel Christian Legend award, the paved the way award and the ballroom icon award. Cesar appears alongside Laverne Cox for the Smirnoff welcome home pride commercial, the NYC mayor’s office pride campaign, is the host and judge of Best Walk and recently appears in the feature film I’m an Electric Lampshade as supporting actor Sin Andre.

Karilyn Villarini

Karilyn Villarini has been dancing and performing for about 15 years in various dance styles. Karilyn graduated from ����ֱ�� with 2 B.S. Ed degrees in Dance Education and Physical Education. During her college career, she continued to pursue training in NYC and Puerto Rico with dance artists/choreographers Bryan Castro, Pedro Aviles, Jorge Riascos, Shani Talmor, Kate Rodriguez, Charles Edward Smith Jr., and many more. Karilyn has been a full-time Dance Educator for Hartford Public Schools for three years and a Certified Kid’s Yoga Instructor for over five years. While being a full-time Dance Educator, Karilyn has had the opportunity to work alongside Kaleidoscope Film Production to assist and participate in castings and choreography for productions of several major music videos around the New England Area. Karilyn has a strong passion for teaching and introducing dance to inexperienced students in urban communities. She strongly believes there is a need to bridge the gap between inner-city schools and dance education. She believes students can receive a formal dance education that includes cultural dance styles that students can relate to and excel in.