Miss Maria and Alumni perform in our 30th show!
Thank you for visiting our website.
This year we celebrated 30 years!
I feel like it was just yesterday, when at four years old, I was sweeping the driveway with my dad, and my Uncle John pulled into the driveway with his girlfriend (a dance teacher) Nancy. They called me over and asked it if I I wanted to take dance lessons at Miss Nancy's studio. I said YES! and fell in love with the art of dance!
In my dreams, I imagined that someday I would own my own studio and in 1989, at 17 Webster Square Road in Berlin Connecticut - that dream came true.
Recently one of our four year old students asked her mom this question - 'Mommy does your heart ever crack? Because when I dance I just get so much joy and it bursts like a piñata.” “I love it." What an amazing description!
At Dance Step, we provide a creative, and challenging learning community for our students. We look forward to welcoming you!
Below you will find information about our staff. Please look around our site to find out more about us and reach out with any questions you may have.
Miss Maria
OUR STAFF
Maria Pagliaruli DeConti
Artistic Director and Owner, ACUSA
Maria is a graduate of the Hartford Conservatory of Music and Dance. She is currently National President of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA) having previously served as Vice President and President of NADAA Greater New England Chapter. Maria is a Qualified Member with Cecchetti USA (CUSA) and is on the National Committee. She has been rehearsal mistress at CUSA's International Summer School and continues her studies toward licentiate.
Maria has taught master classes throughout New England and was previously on the faculty of University of Hartford. She has studied with unique and talented dancers such as Jacqueline Anderson, Betty Seibert, Richard Gladstone, Claire O'Donnell, Savion Glover, Debbie Dee, Diane Walker, Frank Hatchett, and Bob Rizzo.
Artistic Director and Owner, ACUSA
Maria is a graduate of the Hartford Conservatory of Music and Dance. She is currently National President of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA) having previously served as Vice President and President of NADAA Greater New England Chapter. Maria is a Qualified Member with Cecchetti USA (CUSA) and is on the National Committee. She has been rehearsal mistress at CUSA's International Summer School and continues her studies toward licentiate.
Maria has taught master classes throughout New England and was previously on the faculty of University of Hartford. She has studied with unique and talented dancers such as Jacqueline Anderson, Betty Seibert, Richard Gladstone, Claire O'Donnell, Savion Glover, Debbie Dee, Diane Walker, Frank Hatchett, and Bob Rizzo.
Angelina Tordonato
Associate Teacher
Angie Tordonato is a graduate of Dean College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is currently Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA) and Vice President of the NADAA Greater New England Chapter. Angie began her dance career at the age of 12 and continues to share her passion and love for dance where it all began - here at Dance Step. She has been on faculty since 2000. Angie studied and passed numerous Cecchetti exams.
Angie coordinates and organizes community performances for Dance Step to engage the students in sharing their passion for dance.
Angie has studied with extraordinary dancers such as Debbie Dee, Ted Levy, Diane Walker, Corey Hutchinson, Bob Rizzo, Keith Leonhardt, Frank Hatchett, Kelly Bolick, Caitlin Grey, and Savion Glover.
Associate Teacher
Angie Tordonato is a graduate of Dean College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She is currently Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA) and Vice President of the NADAA Greater New England Chapter. Angie began her dance career at the age of 12 and continues to share her passion and love for dance where it all began - here at Dance Step. She has been on faculty since 2000. Angie studied and passed numerous Cecchetti exams.
Angie coordinates and organizes community performances for Dance Step to engage the students in sharing their passion for dance.
Angie has studied with extraordinary dancers such as Debbie Dee, Ted Levy, Diane Walker, Corey Hutchinson, Bob Rizzo, Keith Leonhardt, Frank Hatchett, Kelly Bolick, Caitlin Grey, and Savion Glover.
OUR Faculty
Alison Durham
Alison Durham began dancing as a child and continued her dance education through college classes, and private ballet coaching from Jacqueline Anderson and Betty Seibert, Cecchetti USA Examiners. Her ballet training led her to passing the Enricho Cecchetti Final Diploma, an accomplishment that not many have received. She also has her Associate Teaching Certificate through Cecchetti USA.
Alison is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pilates, and Acrobatics (certified through Acrobatic Arts) She has taught a variety of classes around the state and workshops around the country. Her students have been successful in passing their Cecchetti Ballet Examinations from the beginner levels, all the way through the professional levels. She is exited to be a part of the Dance Step faculty and share her love of dance!
Alison Durham began dancing as a child and continued her dance education through college classes, and private ballet coaching from Jacqueline Anderson and Betty Seibert, Cecchetti USA Examiners. Her ballet training led her to passing the Enricho Cecchetti Final Diploma, an accomplishment that not many have received. She also has her Associate Teaching Certificate through Cecchetti USA.
Alison is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pilates, and Acrobatics (certified through Acrobatic Arts) She has taught a variety of classes around the state and workshops around the country. Her students have been successful in passing their Cecchetti Ballet Examinations from the beginner levels, all the way through the professional levels. She is exited to be a part of the Dance Step faculty and share her love of dance!
Alida Lamagna-Kendell
Alida Lamagna-Kendell began her dance training at Connecticut Concert Ballet. She studied at the Burklyn Ballet Theater in Vermont as well as the Briansky Ballet program in Hadley, Massachusetts for numerous summers.
During the 2014-2015 season, Alida served as the Vice President of the University of Saint Joseph Dance Ensemble and was the President of the Ensemble during her final semester in college. Her choreography was performed in the annual 5x5 Modern Festival in both 2014 and 2015. She graduated in December 2015 with a BA in Psychology and Dance. In addition to her ballet background she has studied hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, modern, and ballroom. Alida has been on the Dance Step faculty since 2016.
Alida Lamagna-Kendell began her dance training at Connecticut Concert Ballet. She studied at the Burklyn Ballet Theater in Vermont as well as the Briansky Ballet program in Hadley, Massachusetts for numerous summers.
During the 2014-2015 season, Alida served as the Vice President of the University of Saint Joseph Dance Ensemble and was the President of the Ensemble during her final semester in college. Her choreography was performed in the annual 5x5 Modern Festival in both 2014 and 2015. She graduated in December 2015 with a BA in Psychology and Dance. In addition to her ballet background she has studied hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, modern, and ballroom. Alida has been on the Dance Step faculty since 2016.
Karen Donahue Rossignol
Karen is a vice president of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts, Greater New England Chapter. Her varied dance career include dance educator for New Britain High School, associate teacher at Dance Step and a past member of Kiva Dance Collective.
Karen is co-founder and director of Moving in the Spirit, a liturgical dance company that choreographs, presents workshops and performs movement as prayer.
Jason Taylor
Jason began his training at the Harlem School for the Arts. In 2001 he moved to Connecticut where he trained at Footlights Center for Performing Arts and Connecticut Concert Ballet. He performed for three years with the acclaimed Hartford Stage "Breakdancing Sheakspeare' program. Jason continues his training with the Monsters of Hip Hop and Broadway Dance Center, NYC and is currently performing with the Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.
Jason began his training at the Harlem School for the Arts. In 2001 he moved to Connecticut where he trained at Footlights Center for Performing Arts and Connecticut Concert Ballet. He performed for three years with the acclaimed Hartford Stage "Breakdancing Sheakspeare' program. Jason continues his training with the Monsters of Hip Hop and Broadway Dance Center, NYC and is currently performing with the Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.
Elissa Woods
Elissa is a nutritionist and yoga instructor. She graduated from University of Saint Joseph with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Wellness. She received her yoga teacher training through the Vital Life Center and certified 200-RYT with Yoga Alliance.
Elissa's love of movement grew as a child while dancing at Dance Step. She has had a steady yoga practice for 9 years. Her 3 year yoga apprenticeship and work with all body types and ages supports Elissa's intuitive encouragement of mindful movements and breathwork. Elissa works with children of all ages as well as adults.
Elissa is a nutritionist and yoga instructor. She graduated from University of Saint Joseph with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Wellness. She received her yoga teacher training through the Vital Life Center and certified 200-RYT with Yoga Alliance.
Elissa's love of movement grew as a child while dancing at Dance Step. She has had a steady yoga practice for 9 years. Her 3 year yoga apprenticeship and work with all body types and ages supports Elissa's intuitive encouragement of mindful movements and breathwork. Elissa works with children of all ages as well as adults.
Catherine Joseph-Pratt
Catherine has been teaching dance across New England for over a decade and is excited to return to the Dance Step faculty. She earned her B.A. in Performing Arts from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH where she had the privilege of attending an immersive arts intensive program in Vienna, Austria.
Upon graduation she moved to Brooklyn, New York where she studied with master teachers at Ballet Academy East, PeriDance, Steps, BDC, and the Ailey Extension. A performer herself, she has graced stages all over New England in roles as Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray), Fastrada (Pippin') , Ado Annie (Oklahoma!), and more.
Catherine has studied the Cecchetti Method of ballet under the tutelage of examiners Jacqueline Anderson and Betty Ann Seibert, Cecchetti USA Examiners, and most recently passed her Grade 9 exam. She continues her studies having recently received her Module One Teaching Certificate with Acrobatic Arts.
Catherine looks forward to encouraging students of all ages to strive for their best and open their minds
to a world of possibilities within the world of dance.
Catherine has been teaching dance across New England for over a decade and is excited to return to the Dance Step faculty. She earned her B.A. in Performing Arts from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH where she had the privilege of attending an immersive arts intensive program in Vienna, Austria.
Upon graduation she moved to Brooklyn, New York where she studied with master teachers at Ballet Academy East, PeriDance, Steps, BDC, and the Ailey Extension. A performer herself, she has graced stages all over New England in roles as Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray), Fastrada (Pippin') , Ado Annie (Oklahoma!), and more.
Catherine has studied the Cecchetti Method of ballet under the tutelage of examiners Jacqueline Anderson and Betty Ann Seibert, Cecchetti USA Examiners, and most recently passed her Grade 9 exam. She continues her studies having recently received her Module One Teaching Certificate with Acrobatic Arts.
Catherine looks forward to encouraging students of all ages to strive for their best and open their minds
to a world of possibilities within the world of dance.
Jessica McElravy
A Dance Step alumni, Jessica McElravy received her bachelors degree from the George Washington University. While a member of the dance company, GW Balance, she had the opportunity to choreograph, perform, and costume design the Nutcracker and other season shows. She also worked with the GWU Theater and Dance Department on mainstage shows. Trained in the Cecchetti ballet method she has a earned her Grade 8 Majors Examination Certificate and coached students in preparation for their exams. She has spent the past several years gaining professional experience the Goodspeed Opera House, and the New London Barn Playhouse Junior Intern Company.
A Dance Step alumni, Jessica McElravy received her bachelors degree from the George Washington University. While a member of the dance company, GW Balance, she had the opportunity to choreograph, perform, and costume design the Nutcracker and other season shows. She also worked with the GWU Theater and Dance Department on mainstage shows. Trained in the Cecchetti ballet method she has a earned her Grade 8 Majors Examination Certificate and coached students in preparation for their exams. She has spent the past several years gaining professional experience the Goodspeed Opera House, and the New London Barn Playhouse Junior Intern Company.
Alexia Rae Bobrowski
Alexia grew up in Tolland, Connecticut where her spark for dancing ignited from classes at a local dance school since the age of 2. When an opportunity presented itself, she continued her commitment to dance by moving to New York City to become a Jazz & Contemporary Trainee at Joffrey Ballet School while earning her High School diploma online.
After high school she continued her artistic and personal growth while participating in workshops, juggling three jobs preparing her for a diverse future in the arts. She gained a passion for teaching at Doreen's Dance Center of Colchester, CT ranging in various ages. This ultimately led her to earn a BFA in Dance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee Class of ‘21. For real world experience she assisted at The Elliot School to gain a pedagogic experience. The Dean of the Dance division named her The Dance Pedagogy Scholar of 2020-2021.
Under the umbrella of education she has participated in multiple summer intensives including Paul Taylor, Mark Morris and Joffrey West. Alexia has performed works by Mark Morris, José Limon, Catherine Coury, Bradley Shelver, Daniel Pelzig, among many other internationally recognized choreographers. She is grateful to everyone who has artistically moved her and worked with while in school. An eagerness to know more about every angle of dance led her to become DANCE NOW NYC’S first Programming Intern. While finishing her last year at Boston Conservatory remotely, she is teaching Jazz, Tap, Modern, Acro, Hip-Hop and technique classes at DanceStep LLC and Grossi Dance Performing Arts Academy. Alexia is looking forward to spending a lifetime in dance.
Alexia grew up in Tolland, Connecticut where her spark for dancing ignited from classes at a local dance school since the age of 2. When an opportunity presented itself, she continued her commitment to dance by moving to New York City to become a Jazz & Contemporary Trainee at Joffrey Ballet School while earning her High School diploma online.
After high school she continued her artistic and personal growth while participating in workshops, juggling three jobs preparing her for a diverse future in the arts. She gained a passion for teaching at Doreen's Dance Center of Colchester, CT ranging in various ages. This ultimately led her to earn a BFA in Dance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee Class of ‘21. For real world experience she assisted at The Elliot School to gain a pedagogic experience. The Dean of the Dance division named her The Dance Pedagogy Scholar of 2020-2021.
Under the umbrella of education she has participated in multiple summer intensives including Paul Taylor, Mark Morris and Joffrey West. Alexia has performed works by Mark Morris, José Limon, Catherine Coury, Bradley Shelver, Daniel Pelzig, among many other internationally recognized choreographers. She is grateful to everyone who has artistically moved her and worked with while in school. An eagerness to know more about every angle of dance led her to become DANCE NOW NYC’S first Programming Intern. While finishing her last year at Boston Conservatory remotely, she is teaching Jazz, Tap, Modern, Acro, Hip-Hop and technique classes at DanceStep LLC and Grossi Dance Performing Arts Academy. Alexia is looking forward to spending a lifetime in dance.
Location1107 Farmington Ave.
Berlin, CT 06037 Phone: 860.829.0703 |
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