ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Michelle Avella - A recent graduate of Rhode Island College with a degree in Early Childhood Education, she is presently teaching at 'Little Angels Academy' in Johnston.
Michelle has been with The Dance Connection for 21 years as both student and instructor. Her dance education began at the age of 3, while the studio was under the direction of Kathy St.Jean-Deats and continued while under the direction of Cheryl Lawrence-Lima. She has had the privilege of participating in classes taught by Mia Michaels, Cris Judd, Juan Sanchez, Charles Kelly, Rhee Gold and others at various regional and national dance conventions. While a student at RI College she was enrolled in Ballet classes taught by Eva Marie Pacheco and Ballroom classes taught by Kathy St. Jean-Deats.
A member of the Dance Company for the last 16 years, she began choreographing her own solo's at the age of 14. She continues to receive 1st place, High Gold and Platinum awards as well as Overall High Scores in her age category. She was also selected as a semi-finalist for 'Dancer of the Year'.
Six years ago she began coaching and choreographing for the Dance Team. Her students have competed both regionally and nationally, receiving High Gold and Platinum awards as well as Overall High Scores in Solo, Trio and Group divisions.
Michelle has traveled twice to Disney World, once in 2001 as a performer and again in 2009 as both performer and choreographer.
Her main objective as a teacher, coach and choreographer is to bring her passion for dance into the hearts of all of her students.
INSTRUCTORS 2011 - 2012
Nicole Almeida - Nicole is a Senior at LaSalle Academy where she is active in the school's theatre department. She studied gymnastics for 6 years where she placed 3rd in the state for her age. She has also been studying ballroom for the past 4 years at The Dancin’ Feelin’. Nicole has been at The Dance Connection for 15 years and took part in the studio’s teacher training program for 2 years. She continues to receive High Gold and Platinum awards at Regional and National competitions. Some of her achievements include competing in the Dancer of the Year semi-finalist competition in 2006 where she placed 47th out of 171 entries at the age of 12. Nicole was named Dance Educator of America’s preteen titlist in there 2007 regional competition. She placed 8th overall in the teen division, which consisted of more than 100 entries at StarQuest’s regional competition for her lyrical solo “Storm”. Most recently she performed in Walt Disney World’s Down Town Disney in the summer of 2009.
Kim DiOrio - Kim graduated from Rhode Island College with a B.A. in Psychology. While there she spent four years with the Dance Company. She had the honor of taking classes with choreographers that included Chris Elam, Drika Overton, Deb Meurnier and many more. Kim was trained in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and pointe under angelica Vessella at Neon Dance Theatre until its closure in 2008. Kim joins our staff as our intermediate tap and jazz instructor and our advanced tap instructor.
Lynn Fonseca -
Talia Laurito -
Caroline Zanni -
Lynanne Zanni - Zumba Fitness Instructor
OFFICE STAFF
Valerie Avella, Owner/Manager
Rose Hanson, Receptionist
TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM