Billy Cohen, hailing from outside Boston, started his hip hop training at the young age of six at Joanne Langione Dance Center with his identical twin brother, and continued his training in ballet and modern at Hofstra University while receiving a B.S. Degree in Dance Education. This training at Hofstra gave him the opportunity to work with artists such as Fredrick Earl Mosley, Doug Varone, David Parker, Heather Waldon, Ellie Kusner, Bill Young, and Barbara Angeline, as well as train with Hofstra’s most notable Dance Department alumni, Larry Keigwin, on scholarship. Billy also created two works that represented Hofstra at American Collegiate Dance Association Conferences, and co-choreographed his own fully-produced evening dance show, “jux•ta•po•si•tion”. Outside of school, he continued his training with Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester and at Generation IV, learning and performing choreography from Teddy Forance, Devin Jamieson, Derek Mitchell, Emily Greenwell, Candace Brown, Jeff Lapes, Noel Bajades, Jonny Forance, and Emma Portner. Billy has had opportunities to teach, set, and perform choreography for multiple studios and showcases in NYC, including Broadway Dance Center’s Training Program, Peridance’s Apex Faculty showcase, Mark Morris Dance Festival, and the NYC Comedy in Dance Festival. His choreography was included in a segment of MTV’s Episode 2 of “Lit!” sponsored by Beats by Dre, and was the director of Peridance Capezio Center’s iReP crew. Since signing to Bloc Talent agency, Billy has worked with J Balvin and Bad Bunny for the MTV VMAS, Reebok, was casted as a Principal Dancer in the season 2 of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, choreographed by Marguerite Derricks, and more! With his pursuit in Education, Billy Cohen hopes to have continuous success in the dance industry, and to someday be a college professor doing what he loves best: creating, performing, and sharing his knowledge of dance to the next upcoming generation of artists.

Angela D’Angelo started with Fancy Feet Dance Studio at the age of four. When Angela was thirteen years old she became part of Fancy Feet’s Competition Team. She studied with various choreographers and has competed in many competitions.

Throughout the years Angela has celebrated the opportunities Fancy Feet Dance Studio has brought to her, including her three performances in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, Hershey Park, various nursing homes in the Bronx, Norwegian Cruise Line and many more. Angela loves being part of the Fancy Feet Family and cannot imagine her life without it!

Kaylee grew up in Florida and trained mainly in Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz since the age of 3. She got her Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and moved to NYC to pursue a career in dance. Some of her credits include: "MTV VMAs" (Olivia Rodrigo), "Cabaret" (Flat Rock Playhouse), "Hello Dolly" (Marriott Theatre), and company member of "treadFAST", a commercial contemporary company.

Kaylee couldn’t be more excited to join the teaching team at Fancy Feet Dance Studio!

Denica Durr, a native of northeast Ohio began dancing at the age of 8. She is a classical trained dancer and has studied at CLEVELAND CITY DANCE, THE CLEVELAND SCHOOL OF BALLET and spent two summers working with PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE. Upon being accepted to THE AILEY SCHOOL, she has recieved a certificate of dance in their two year program and spent an additional year on scholarship where she had the pleasure of working with various choreographers throughout the company. Denica has appeared on “THE DREW CAREY SHOW” has performed at CITY CENTER and helped launch a modern dance company “GRITTY CHERRIES” where she was showcased at THE JOYCE SOHO THEATRE. Denica is extremely proud to be a teacher of the FANCY FEET DANCE COMPANY and equally blessed to be a part of the FANCY FEET family, where she can share her love and passion for the art of dance.

Tamika has been dancing since the age of 9. She immersed herself in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Gymnastics where she quickly progressed. Tamika auditioned for Fancy Feet Dance Company and from the minute she was in Company she began winning Gold and Platinum awards.

She has performed at WALT DISNEY WORLD, HERSHEY PARK and on NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE and has worked with amazing choreographers. Tamika believes that the foundations in dance are very important. She feels that the discipline that dance provides are life lessons that can be used in many areas of your life.

Tamika is happy to be part of the Fancy Feet Family and hopes to inspire young dancers.

Corey Wright was born in Baltimore Maryland and grew up mainly training in gymnastics. Starting dance at the age of 16 he knew the only way to catch up was to train with the best so he moved to New York right after high school. He’s completed the professional semester at Broadway Dance Center and now has just finished his 2nd season with the contemporary dance company Victory Dance Project. With his gymnastics background he loves to infuse athletic movement in his dancing.

Orit Hirsch – Professional Tap dancer and dance teacher from Israel, studied in 2 of the biggest Tap schools in Israel under the guidance of Mandy Kol, Sharon Lavi and Zvia Brumer at Ra’anana Dance Center, and Yuval Beck at Yuval Beck Tap Studio.

Orit was a member of TEMPO group and performed in the show Time2Tap (24 dancers and live musicians at the Giv’atayim Theatre in Israel, Artistic Director: Yuval Beck) and participated in international tap festivals studying with teachers from the USA and Europe. She worked with big theaters in Israel (‘Cameri’ Theatre and ‘Habima’ Theatre) as a Tap coach for the productions of ‘Funny Girl’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Singing In The Rain’.

Orit has been teaching in Israel for the past 5 years and currently living and teaching in NYC (trained in Tap, Ballet and Contemporary Lyrical).

Candace Jarvis, originally from Ontario, is a professional dancer now based in New York City. She graduated as a Certificate Student from The Ailey School in 2015, and since has gone on to perform works by several well-known choreographers in venues all across the US.

Candace performed in Alvin Ailey’s Revelations Cast of 50 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center and took part in Robert Battle’s New Directions Choreographers Lab at The Ailey School. Additionally, she performed as a featured guest artist in Exit Like An Animal for KEIGWIN + COMPANY’s 2015 Joyce Season.

Candace has a range of experience with company work, being a former member of Awaken Dance Theater—directed by Rebekka Nodhturft and currently entering her third season with Nai Ni Chen Dance Company. Furthermore, Candace has performed work under the direction of choreographers such as Amy Hall, Tracy Inman, Carlos Dos Santos, Norbert De La Cruz III, and Emily Greenwell.

While growing her performance resume, Candace continues to train in New York City and spread her knowledge and love of the arts by instructing weekly dance classes at area studios and workshops.

Mervin Acharo Smith, fondly known as Acharo, has been training, performance, teaching, choreography and ministry for the last 20 years. He began at age 18 with his local dance church troupe (Anointed Jubilee; 96’) in Nassau, Bahamas. A year later (97’), his formal training began at Virtue Dance Academy (VIDA) under the artistic direction of Marilyn T. Deveaux. At VIDA, his technical and artistic skillset began to shine garnering him major roles in the school’s annual production – The Seed of The Woman (98’-99’) and Beauty and The King (99’-2000). In 2000, he along with the VIDA’s performance troupe, visited New York for a 5 Day Dance Tour; it was then that Acharo knew that dance would be the purpose-catalyst for his life. He furthered his training at Eurythmics Dance Studios (Bahamas) under the direction of Lawrence and Gabriella Carroll. This awarded him his first professional dance job in a cabaret show – Magical Voyage. 2001, he returned to New York to study at The Ailey School (Independent Study Program) for a semester; then he returned to Nassau in 2002 and began teaching at his local dance school and while developing other dance works within his community. He choreographed, directed and produced the first of many productions under the theme “My Tribute” (2001); a dedication performance to God for unveiling to him the gift of dance. 2004-2005, he returned to The Ailey School to participate in yet another Independent Study Program to refresh and advance his skills. Upon completion, he returned to The Bahamas and founded and artistically directed– West Wing Dance Conservatory (WWDC). He began to cultivate gifted and talented dancers across the island. Under the school’s umbrella, Community Dance and Arts- In-Education programs were established. The

school gain national prominence when he entered them in the country’s prestige National Arts Festival where the school won an extraordinary seven 1st place awards within the seven categories that it registered for. The school also captured the coveted Most Outstanding Dance School as well as The Hubert Farrington Choreographer of Excellence Award for 2008 for this achievement. In 2005, Acharo went on to establish a performance company– Bahamian Dance Theatre Company (BDTC). BDTC, like WWDC, began to rise to national prominence. With little resources and heart, Acharo was able to round up a troupe of the country’s finest dance artist, producing nine concert seasons spanning from 2009 to 2012, coveting another immaculate victory with the National Arts Festival (Twelve 1st and Two 2nd place awards from 14 entries; The Most Outstanding Dance Company of The Bahamas 2010). In 2012, Smith dissolved his work in Nassau and moved to New York. He returned to further is education at a collegiate level and gain even greater depth as a dance artist and industrialist. He enrolled in Lehman College since 2012 as dance major, while garnering work with local dance schools and companies. Since his arrival, he’s coveted three City Counsel Citations for his work in the arts, local school awards for his teaching and leadership roles displayed as well as taking on lead roles in company’s seasonal/annual performances. Adding to his repertoire, he has developed a dance series called MAD: Movers & Dancers (Bronx); Co-Found & Direct- Expansion Series (Brooklyn), Kingdom Institute of Dance & Ministry and presently, Acharo Smith’s Repertoire Dance Initiative. His programs are inspired to cater to the physical, artistic and mental development of dancers young and seasoned –novice and professional; as well as provide access to the arts, while mentoring the minds of the participants. Acharo is a former member and contributing choreographer of Dance Ministry Institute (DMI) under the artistic director of Robert Evans and a seasonal performer with PurElements: An Evolution in Dance. He’s also a former resident instructor and choreographer for AbunDance Academy of The Arts and Layla’s Dance; and presently The Gloria Eve School of Dance and Music. Recently, he has conducted a Winter Dance Workshop in Nassau, Bahamas. Acharo is delighted to be sharing in Fancy Feet’s fiscal and production 2020 season.

Chelsea was born and raised in Yonkers, NY and grew up training at Youth Theatre Interactions, and pre-professional programs at The Ailey School, and Ballet Hispanico. She received her bachelors in dance from the University of Maryland, College Park and moved back home where she’s danced professionally ever since.

She was a Knicks City Dancer where she performed every night at Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena. More recently, she played the role of “Ethel” in Memphis: The Musical at Gateway Theatre in Long Island and prior to that she was a Production Dancer for Norwegian Cruise Line. She has appeared in music videos and commercials and worked with Jennifer Lopez, Run DMC, Cee Lo Green, Ian Eastwood, Brian Friedman, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

Additionally, Chelsea has performed on the Harry Connick, Jr. show and on Ellen where she met and performed with former First Lady Michelle Obama. When she’s not dancing, Chelsea is also a fitness model and can be seen in various fitness apps, workout videos, and other fitness/social platforms.

Chelsea holds a Masters Degree in Marketing and Advertising and uses her degree everyday as the General Manager of one of the top franchises of 2020, named by Entrepreneur Magazine. She also serves on the board of directors for two performing arts non-profit organizations in New York. However, nothing excites her more than teaching and sharing her love for dance to the next generation! @freemisschels on all social media.

Daniela Hernandez started with Fancy Feet Dance Studio at the age of three. Daniela started in creative moment, moving on to combo classes, and then falling in love with gymnastics. Daniela has been a camp counselor at our studio. Daniela has taken classes with many of our veteran teachers and at the age of 12 she became an assistant. From them on Daniela would go on to assist all of our dance styles ranging from contemporary to gymnastics. She later went on to teach at Fancy Feet for 3 years and is excited to rejoin the team once again. Daniela loves being part of the Fancy Feet Family and cannot imagine her life if she didn’t say yes to assisting Saturdays!

Jennifer Jackson is a choreographer, educator, and performer currently local to New York City. She is the High School Dance Director of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts since 2019 where she uses an integrated approach centered on dance composition, dance history research, and training in foundational techniques. Jennifer is a graduate of Valdosta State University holding a BFA in Dance with an emphasis in modern dance forms. She holds her MA in Dance Education from the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program at Hunter College. Having taught P-12 dance in public education for many years, Jennifer is licensed in both Georgia and New York state. She has achieved a tenured status with the Mount Vernon City School District. Aside from professional choreography and working in dance education, Jennifer is a journalist for The Wonderful World of Dance Magazine.

Tiffini Jones is a dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer based in New York City. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where she began her training at age 3. In 2015, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Goucher College with a double concentration in Dance History and Dance Performance. At Goucher, she performed in works by Jon Lehrer, Amy Seiwart, and Doug Elkins, restaged Doris Humphrey’s Air for the G String from a Labanotation score, was one of two candidates to study abroad for a semester at Taipei National University of the Arts, and was the Dance Captain and a cast member in The Producers and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In 2017, she earned her Master of Arts at NYU Steinhardt in Dance Education in the Teaching Students K-12 track. At NYU she performed in multiple student and faculty works and gained her student-teaching experience at P.S. 506 and The Beacon School. Post-graduation, she has taught dance at various institutions such as At Your Beat Brooklyn, Rutgers University, New York University, and University of North Texas. She was also a Teacher’s Assistant, Demonstrator, Rehearsal Director, and Dancer for Kim Elliott Dance. She currently teaches at the Steffi Nossen School of Dance, Steps Youth Programs, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. Tiffini has choreographed and continues to choreograph many stage and screen projects. Her works include Broadway Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, and Heels pieces performed by the Beacon Dance Company at The Beacon School as well as music videos for Lord Baltimore and Brittaney Delsarte Chatman. Tiffini is so excited and thankful for the opportunity to teach at Fancy Feet Dance Studio!

I started Fancy Feet at the age of 5. I started with combo classes and the rest is history! I joined the Competition Team and had the opportunity to perform at places such as Barclays, MSG, Lincoln Center, Rucker Park, Walt Disney World and more. Aside from that, I have been an assistant and a camp counselor at FF.

I have always enjoyed working with kids and sharing the love of dance with individuals. When I moved on and went to college, I earned my Dance major, where I discovered and explored my joy for teaching. Upon entering the work field, I became a dance teacher in a school setting, then found an interest in the competition world and the business side of things. I worked for StarQuest Dance Competition briefly, handling Social Media and Merchandise.

I hope to build a positive environment for my dancers, learn together, and enjoy it all in the process! Fun fact: my favorite style of dance is Tap! In my free time, I take dance classes and explore different styles that I’m not well versed in. I also love to travel and enjoy taking photos of beautiful scenery.

Lillian Katz has been dancing for more than twenty years, training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop, precision, acrobatics, and musical theatre. Originally from Ithaca NY, she moved to NYC to further her training at both Steps on Broadway and Peridance Capezio center, and has been working here as a freelance performer and teacher ever since. She has been teaching and choreographing dance for over thirteen years everywhere from NYC and the surrounding areas to Costa Rica. Lillian holds a bachelors degree in dance and biology from Mount Holyoke College where she received awards for her choreography and performance, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Smith College. Lillian has a true passion for teaching children, and values the role of dance and art in her students’ lives, and its importance in child development - she is so excited to be back at Fancy Feet this year!

Mitch Kilby is a native of Newcastle, Australia. He began his training at

the Marie Walton-Mahon Dance Academy in Australia, and in 2006 was accepted to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, where he subsequently earned a full scholarship. In 2006,

Mitch took a position with New York Theatre Ballet, where he was an ensemble member and later a principal dancer for 12 years. He performed such roles as the Devil in “3 Virgins and a Devil,”

Dancing Master and Step Sister in “Cinderella,”, the Lion in “Carnival of the

Animals”, Catalabet in “Sleeping Beauty,” as well as Spanish dancer, Snow King, Mouse King, Chinese dancer, and Drosselmeyer in the “Nutcracker”.

Mr. Kilby has danced works by Agnes DeMille, Mathew Neenan, Sir Fredrick Ashton, Jose Limón, and Merce Cunningham, among others.

Mitch has had the pleasure of playing both the Grinch and Charlie Brown for the New York

City Pops at Carnegie Hall. He performed with The Paris Opera and the Theatre of Nations’ production of

‘Miss Julie’ at the Lincoln Center Festival. In 2015 he joined Ballet Grandiva for their Japan tour. In 2019, Mr. Kilby was cast in the Park Avenue Armory’s production of “The Lehman Trilogy” directed by Sam Mendez.

Mitch has served on the faculty at The Ridgefield School of Dance, Woodbury Ballet, Complexity Dance Center, and Contemporary South Dance Company. He is currently an Instructor at Kick Dance Studios, Defying Gravity, The Mae Mae Dance, and Fancy Feet Dance Studio.

Mitch has trained dancers for the Connecticut Classic, and YAGP. He

has also coached partners for pas de deux work. Mr. Mitch loves to work with children and has a upbeat and positive teaching style. He understands how dancers perform, and provides technical skills while

instilling a love for the art form.

Janine Luke started dancing at Fancy Feet at the age of 7. She immersed herself in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Gymnastics. She later joined Fancy Feet Dance Company and won several awards. Being apart of company awarded her the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Hershey Park. After leaving Fancy Feet, she joined the STEP team and the dance team at her high school where she performed hip-hop, praise dance, and African dance.

Through the years, she continued dance classes with several programs such as Broadway Dance Center and Alvin Ailey. Her love for dancing had allowed her to lead an after-school dance team at a Public school with students in grades 2-5 where she collaborated with programs such as DreamYard and Alvin Ailey Arts In Schools. Janine is excited to be back at Fancy Feet where she can bring her joy of dance to children.

Melissa has been dancing at Fancy Feet since the age of 3. At the age of 8 she joined The Company and danced with them until the age of 17. She danced with the Fancy Feet Dance Company at Disney World, Lincoln Center, Hershey Park, Norwegian Cruise Line and countless competitions. She has been teaching at Fancy Feet ever since. Melissa also taught dance for the Department of Education for 6 years and worked with renowned companies like Ballet Hispanico, Dreamyard, and Dancing Classrooms. Melissa is super proud to be sharing her passion of dance with so many talented dancers and working closely with the Company team as they prepare for competition.

Shannon Reynolds holds her BA in Health Science and Dance from Russell Sage College and an MPA from Mercy College. Shannon grew up in Western Massachusetts and trained at All-Stars Dance Center, New England Dance Conservatory, and Pioneer Ballet Performing Arts Charter High School (PVPA). During this time Shannon

attended the Regional and National High School Dance Festivals and performed throughout Western Massachusetts in addition to assisting with classes at both studios and PVPA. Moving to the Hudson Valley Region for college, Shannon began performing as a demi-soloist with Nacre Dance Company, was treasurer

for the Russell Sage College Dance Ensemble, performed with as a freelance artist and taught dance to recreational, competitive, and pre-professional students. In 2013 Shannon moved to New York City where she continued to teach children and adults through the New York City, Westchester, and Rockland County including at Bronx House, Studio B Dance Center and Vicki’s Dance Studio among others. In 2017, Shannon co-founded

eSKay Arts Collective, a small collaborative who supports NYC based artists through sharing resources and engaging the talents and support of fellow artists. She currently works full-time as the Company Manager

for STREB, Inc. located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has been subbing at Fancy Feet for the past year and is looking forward to teaching regularly at the Studio starting this fall.

Bettina Mahoney is a serial entrepreneur, keynote motivational speaker, dance educator, producer, creative director, and award winning choreographer. Mahoney was recruited as a dancer to Dean College where she graduated with a B.A in Dance & Psychology, Cum Laude. In 2017, Bettina developed the prototype for her company Fortitude a week after she endured a life changing adversity. Mahoney wanted to bridge the gap between the performing arts and empowerment. During the same year, Bettina was a backup dancer for Flo Rida at the New England Patriots Season opener at Foxboro Stadium. Cut to 2019 when Bettina brought Fortitude to NYC it became the only triple threat (dancing, acting, voice) convention in the country. Bringing together the most sought after master teachers to hundreds and thousands of aspiring artists around the country. During the 2020 global pandemic, Bettina started a mentorship program called “ICONS” which was a virtual learning & development program for artists aiming to work in the entertainment industry. During the same year Bettina created “Fortify TM” which is a subscription based app designed to be the powerhouse of all fitness and performing arts classes to improve mental health functioning and accessibility to certified and licensed therapists. Fortify is solving a major mental health defecit globally by providing master class courses and affordable healthcare. Fortify is set to launch Feb 1st, 2023. Mahoney can be featured in Dance Informa Magazine, Medium Magazine, Broadway World, and more for her work as a dance educator, choreographer and entrepreneur! Recently, Bettina produced a casting clinic program called “Book It Summit” in NYC bringing everyone from Take 3 Talent, Amanda Jane Cooper (Longest running Glinda in Wicked on Broadway), Desi Oakley ( Wicked ,Waitress, Chicago on Broadway), and so many more! Bettina is so excited to join the Fancy Feet team, and train the next generation of dancers!

Susan has been teaching dance in schools, studios, camps, and theatre for over 20 years. She started dancing at a very young age and trained in many styles in her youth. Her studies continued formally at Hunter College and the 92nd Street Y’s Dance Education Laboratory. Some of her most influential teachers infused technique with passion and the element of FUN! Susan aims to bring that same joy to the dance studio! When she isn’t at Fancy Feet, she is often directing and choreographing youth musical theatre productions with the Sandbox Theatre and enjoying time with her 3 teenage kids (who all love to dance)!

McKell Norton-Duren grew up in Provo, Utah where she began dancing at 3 years old. She trained in most styles competitively at the nationally ranked studio, The Dance Club, until graduating high school in 2017. As well as, training at Ballet West Academy formerly known as Classical Ballet Academy. Upon graduating high school McKell moved to Manhattan where she attended and graduated Marymount Manhattan College. Here she majored with her B.A. in Dance (body, science and motion) and Biology. She was able to perform and train with incredible choreographers and professors like Leslie Browne, Michael Thomas, Twyla Tharp, Cornelius Carter, Linda Sims, and Kim Craven, just to name a few. Just this past year McKell was recognized as the commencement speaker for her graduating class. McKell is continuing to train and audition in the city, and beyond excited to start consistently teaching again in the development of young dancers.

Anisa Rullan was raised in Yonkers, New York, and started dancing at the age of 6 at Studio B Dance Center located in Eastchester, New York. She started her early training in strictly classical ballet, eventually, she began accumulating other various styles of dance such as Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hip, and Acrobatics. Anisa began competing in regional dance competitions at 8 years old. She began to win Diamond awards with Studio B Dance Center’s Competition Team. Eventually, she transferred to Fancy Feet Dance Studio’s Competition Team at the age of 11.

Since then, Anisa has been excelling at every competition she’s attended. She has won numerous judge’s excellence awards and scholarships with her solos, duos, or trios. She would place from 1st to 5th place at every competition she participated in, she received almost a perfect score on multiple occasions, while still receiving either Diamond, Platinum, or Double Platinum awards. During her competitive years, Anisa attended a multitude of regional dance conventions and periodically attended open classes at Ripley Grier Studios and Broadway Dance Center. From this, she has gained the attention and obtained scholarships from some of the most well-known professional dancers such as Derek Hough (from “Dancing with the Stars”/ “World of Dance”), Alicia Holloway (attended the School of American Ballet), Alex Wong (from “So You Think You Can Dance”), Matthew Kubitz (from “Euphoria”), Tara Jean Popowich (from “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”), Gianna Martello (from “Dance Moms”), Arturo Mugler (from “Legendary”), and Abby Lee Miller (from “Dance Moms”). Anisa is still currently training to become a professional dancer at Nitrogen The Company and also in the process of getting her BA in Dance.