Triple Essence Dance Studio, Inc.

INTRODUCING OUR AWARD WINNING STAFF

Allison Noto DeCicco

Owner/Director/Instructor & Choreographer
Allison is a Certified Graduate of Dance Educators of America. She obtained her certification in beginner (Level I), Intermediate (Level II) & advanced (Level III) stages of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap & Acrobatic/Tumbling, as well as the study of Basic Fundamentals of Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Pointe, Music Notation and Business Management. Allison has actively pursued dance her entire life. In 1992, she & Triple Essence collaborator Deborah Fraulo, choreographed & executed a dance routine winning 1st place at the ShowStoppers Dance Competition. The promising choreographers were only 12 years old. Seen by age 16 as a creative talent, she joined the teaching staff of a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where she instructed for years before opening Triple Essence Dance Studio in 2004. Allison loves working with the students, as she is able to share her creativity & love of the art. Prior teaching experiences include Dance Specialist for the YMCA and Director of Bodyworx Dance Center. She worked as Teaching Assistant/Dance Captain for choreographer Derek Mitchell for "Thin Line" Dance Drama, Tam Jams Touring Dance Convention & DANCEAMERICA/Olympus National Dance Competition where she appeared on their "1999 Summer Tour Platinum Video". Allison has continually been recognized for her innovative distinct style. She has attended & produced routines for many events & competitions winning numerous 1st place & high awards for choreography & performance. Allison is a two time "Teachers Choice Award" winner and has also obtained special awards for "Best Precision" and "Best Costuming". She has been fortunate to study & dance with many prestigious teachers from Broadway Dance Center, Dance Space Inc., D.E.A & celebrity professionals from TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" & "America's Best Dance Crew". Allison has auditioned for Disney, was selected by master teacher Frank Hatchett to audition for Mariah Carey & starred in the "1996" & "2000" Off-Broadway production "Thin Line". In addition to her dance success, Allison is working extensively as performance choreographer for 15-year-old singing sensation & winner of PAX-TV's America's Most Talented Kids, Alessandra Guercio. She is happily married and a proud "mommy" to her beautiful son Michael Christian. Allison has worked & continues to work broadly throughout her dance career to maintain her professional edge as a teacher & performer. With her high energy, care & passion for teaching, she truly is an inspiration to each student that attends her class.

Deborah Fraulo Giuzio

Owner/Director/Instructor & Choreographer
Debbie is a Certified Graduate of Dance Educators of America. She obtained her certification in beginner (Level I), Intermediate (Level II) & advanced (Level III) stages of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling, as well as Basic Fundamentals of Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Pointe, Music Notation and Business Management. Debbie discovered her love for dance during her early childhood. As a student, she attended various competitions & workshops training with an array of high profile master teachers including Derek Mitchell, Frank Hatchett, numerous Broadway Dance Center & D.E.A. instructors & celebrity professionals from TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" & "America's Best Dance Crew". She also studied dance with notorious educators of Long Island University. At the age of 12, Debbie along with dance partner Allison Noto choreographed & performed a routine winning 1st Place at the ShowStoppers Dance Competition. Proving to have an enormous future in dance education, she joined the teaching staff of a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where she instructed for years before opening Triple Essence Dance Studio in 2004. Debbie has received many 1st place & high awards for choreography & performance. Debbie is a two time "Teachers Choice Award" winner and has also obtained an award for "Best Costuming" in a production. She has performed in many local productions including "Grease", "West Side Story" & starred in the "1996" Off-Broadway production "Thin Line". Prior teaching experience includes Drama Specialist for the YMCA-directing, choreographing & producing theatre productions annually. She has auditioned for Disney & was hand selected to audition for a movie role starring Geena Davis. Debbie is a graduate of Long Island University earning a BA in elementary education. In addition to her dance success she is happily married, teaching dance grades K-5 at an elementary public school in Brooklyn, NY & is attending college for her Masters Degree in General & Special Education. Debbie's choreography consistently receives rave reviews from students, parents & audience members alike. She is eager to motivate dancers of any age, skill level & style. Her classes are full of energy, variety, & most importantly, tons of fun!

Carolyn Mackey
Owner/Director/Instructor & Choreographer
Carolyn is a Certified Graduate of Dance Educators of America. She obtained her certification in beginner (Level I), Intermediate (Level II) & advanced (Level III) stages of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling, as well as Basic Fundamentals of Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Pointe, Music Notation and Business Management. Dancing has been a part of Carolyn's everyday life for the past 20 years. She has trained & performed in a diversity of dance styles, with a strong background in ballet & lyrical dance. She has performed as a soloist & competed in a variety of dance competitions receiving many high awards. Seen as a natural talent from the start, she joined the teaching staff of a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where she instructed for years before opening Triple Essence Dance Studio in 2004. Carolyn has trained with numerous renowned choreographers from Broadway Dance Center, D.E.A., thoroughly studied Pointe & Ballet with the Neubert Ballet Institute at Carnegie Hall & celebrity professionals from TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" & "America's Best Dance Crew". Prior teaching experiences include Director/Choreographer for the Beacon Center Dance Program & Director/Choreographer for the P.S. 10 Dance Program - choreographing & producing annual theatre productions, dance festivals & variety shows. She also starred in the "1996" Off-Broadway production "Thin Line" under the direction of creator/choreographer Derek Mitchell. Carolyn is a graduate of St. Josephs College earning a BA in education & is also a graduate of Brooklyn College obtaining a Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist. Carolyn brings a great love for teaching children providing a "caring", "encouraging" & "fun" environment with "fluidity", "grace" & "excitement" to her teaching. With these 6 key ingredients children are certain to carry a positive learning experience in all walks of their lives. In addition to her dance success Carolyn is happily married, is a proud mother to her beautiful daughter Julia Lynn & the newest arrival, her second child Michael Thomas born November 30,2009. She is also presently teaching 1st grade in Staten Island, NY. Her expertise in teaching children is evident in the enthusiastic, happy response of student's attending her dance classes.

Julian Laro (aka Mr. J)

Bio Coming Soon!

Cathy Nasso

Cathy is certified through Dance Educators of America. She obtained her certification in Level I stages of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling, as well as Basic Fundamentals of Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Pointe & Music Notation. Full of energy, positive & a natural entertainer comprise only a few terms to describe this dancing "Diva". Cathy has studied & been actively involved in dance for 20 years. Throughout her training, she has explored an assorted array of dance styles & disciplines. She has had the privilege to train & dance with many high profile teachers from Peridance Center & Broadway Dance Center. She also studied under the direction of Derek Mitchell, training for the Off-Broadway Production "Thin Line" & appeared on the DANCEAMERICA/Olympus 1999 Summer Tour Platinum Video." Cathy joined the teaching staff of a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where she instructed for years prior to Triple Essence. Previous experience includes Dance Specialist for the YMCA, dancer for Steven Scott Entertainment, dancer Underground Dance Project. Cathy has attended & produced routines for competitions winning numerous 1st place, Gold Medal & high score awards. The high-energy groove of Cathy's classes will leave you sweating & smiling. Cathy has taught dance to an assortment of students including preschool to adult. In addition to her "HECTIC" schedule, Cathy is a licensed Real Estate Agent working in Brooklyn. Cathy is a sister to us. The staff would not be complete without her on board at Triple Essence.

Christine Donadio

Christine is a Graduate of Hunter College obtaining a degree in Dance Education & New York State Teaching Certification. She has an extensive background in dance, training as a dancer & performer all her life. She fell in love with dance as a toddler attending classes in Brooklyn. From the start, Christine was quickly recognized for having natural dance talent. She has always embraced a tremendous devotion to dance, pursuing any opportunity that would enhance her skills for the simple reason that she loves the art. Through her career she has been exposed to numerous diverse dance techniques & has had the opportunity to work with various professional instructors enhancing her knowledge of the art. She trained extensively with a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY, attended Mark Twain Junior H.S. for the Gifted & Talented with a concentration in dance, & while in high school, studied modern dance under the direction of John Goring as a member of the John Dewey High School Dance Ensemble. Christine also thoroughly trained with the prestigious Elliot Feld Ballet Company & Young Dancers in Repertory. She has traveled & competed in countless competitions, winning numerous high awards. Christine realized her true calling & decided to pursue her aspiration to teach. She believes you can learn something new from every dance experience. She is presently a dance teacher at an Intermediate Public School in Brooklyn. Along with instructing she continues to perform in a variety of dance showcases throughout Brooklyn & Manhattan. She has worked with students of all ages, levels & disciplines. With her passion, skill & wonderful personality Christine proves to be a great asset to the Triple Essence family. As a result of the special connection she has with our dancers, Christine's classes continue to grow. Her warm, friendly disposition makes her a delightful teacher. Christine has become a huge part of the Triple Essence Family.

Valerie Cirillo

Valerie is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts where she received her BFA in Acting with honors. She has choreographed for numerous dance studios and theatre groups throughout Brooklyn, teaching students and young adults of all ages for 10 years. Having worked with renowned choreographers such as Gio, Tyce, Brian Green, MaryKate Felber and Larry Sousa, Valerie has a wide-range of dance training including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical & Hip-Hop. Through her career, she has competed both nationally and internationally. Valerie was a member of the U.S. team in both the 1999 and 2000 World Dance Cup in Riesa, Germany. In addition to studying acting in college, Valerie took numerous dance, stage combat and movement classes that have proved to be a wonderful tool in expanding her choreography. Most recent credits include: As the World Turns and the staged version of Rebel Without a Cause, Off-Broadway. Our students adore her and we are very excited to have her experience & passion for dance on board.

Danielle Costadura

Danielle is Certified through Dance Educators of America. She obtained her certification by examination in Level I stages of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling, as well as Basic Fundamentals of Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Pointe & Music Notation. Danielle has been involved in dance & the performing arts since a child. She grew up training at various schools in Brooklyn & has extensive training in Pointe & Ballet. Danielle became an assistant teacher at a very young age. She always demonstrated great attention to detail, along with patience & dedication. As she entered her teens, she was offered a teaching position at a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where she instructed for several years. Danielle has thoroughly trained with the Wagner College Dance Program studying multi level classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre & Dance History-Theory. Guest-teachers, master classes & workshops in a variety of styles & techniques are only a few advantages embarked upon during her college experience. To maintain her professional edge she extensively studies Pointe with the New Jersey School of Ballet under the direction of notable faculty members who have performed with international ballet companies such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, The Kirov Ballet, Joffrey Ballet & others. Danielle has attended competitions winning numerous high awards, has studied with professional instructors from Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan & widely trained under the direction of choreographer Derek Mitchell. Danielle makes the most of her skills to open up & inspire dancing into the hearts of her students. Her boundless gift & dedication to dance make a great addition to our studio. In addition to teaching, Danielle is a graduate of Wagner College earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N). She is presently a nurse working in a pediatric intensive care unit, is happily married & a proud "MOMMY" to her beautiful son Aidan Jack.. Although her schedule is compact; she has found time to share her knowledge with our students. Danielle is a caring, talented individual & we are very fortunate to have her on staff. Our students continually grow under her direction.

Alison Smith

Alison has taught jazz, tap, hip-hop, and lyrical to competition students in Virginia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Alison's early years of training in jazz, lyrical, tap, and ballet were at Gloria Frances School of Performing Arts in Wayne, NJ. During her time there, she competed with the company The Dance Edition in various regional and national competitions. She earned gold and platinum awards, as well as overall high scores and judges' awards for precision, personality, and overall tap technique. Alison went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Richmond with a BA in Leadership Studies and Political Science, and minors in Dance and Arts Management. While attending college, she was selected by audition to be a member of the company the University Dancers, training over 20 hours a week in tap, ballet, modern, and jazz. She participated in three annual spring concerts, in over ten original pieces and also choreographed a rhythm tap piece which was adjudicated into the Spring 2004 annual concert. In addition, she was able to compete and perform at the American College Dance Festival. Alison was also a member of and choreographer for the SpinnURs dance team, which performed at basketball games and various university events. Most recently, Alison has worked with master teacher Barbara Duffy, in an intensive tap program. She was one of five dancers selected to perform Gettin' to It, the commissioned tap piece choreographed by Barbara in the February 2005 spring concert. After graduating from Richmond, Alison moved to Boston, MA to pursue a Master's Degree in Political Science at Boston College. After completing this degree in May 2007, Alison moved back to the area and now lives in Manhatten. In addition to her dance career, she works full time at a political consulting firm. We are thrilled to have her on staff at Triple Essence.

Fran Viscardi

Fran has studied the art of dance for over 25 years. She began her dance studies in Tap, Jazz, & Ballet under the direction of Miss Marie Haney in Brooklyn, NY. Fran later went on to study Hip-Hop & Funk Jazz techniques with choreographers such as Derek Mitchell & Frank Hatchett. She attends frequent classes at Broadway Dance Center & various dance workshops to maintain her skills. In addition to dancing, Fran has studied gymnastics. Showing strong skill & enthusiasm, Fran was offered a dance & gymnastics position for the YMCA of greater New York, the Fort Hamilton Army Base Boys & Girls club and she also instructed a tumbling class for 3 years at a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY. Fran worked as Senior Program & Training Director for the YMCA of Greater New York where she was responsible for the over function & curriculum development of a community learning center for 200 students & their families. Her program builds the mind, body & spirit through various activities including Dance, Drama, Art & Sports. She is First Aid; CPR-Responding to Emergencies certified, obtains a Leadership & Management certification through Columbia University & a Learning Literacy through the Arts certification through New York University. She is a college graduate obtaining a B.A. in Psychology & has her Masters Degree in Education. In addition to working at Triple Essence, Fran was a dance instructor for the United Chinese American Organization at Sethlow Junior High School Beacon Center and also for the Italian American Organization where she conducted ballet and hip hop classes for children ages 5-9 years old. Our students and adults all adore Fran. She truly enjoys working with all of the students at the studio & watching them progress. We knew she was PERFECT for Triple Essence. Fran's caring, easy-going nature makes her a natural when working with our dancers. We are very excited to have her positive energy & skill involved in the education of our students.

Lina Spano

Lina is certified through Dance Educators of America. Since childhood she has been dancing and has made it her passion. She has trained and competed in various dance styles including Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet & Lyrical dance. For the past five years Lina has worked as a teaching assistant here at Triple Essence providing dance instruction and choreography for beginner, intermediate and advanced level dance students. She is a talented hard-working individual who has gained a wealth of knowledge working hands on with our staff and students. In the classroom she brings her ability and excitement for dance together by focusing and celebrating her students accomplishments instilling in them the belief that they can handle any challenge. Lina has proven to be an outstanding choreographer already winning "First Place" at competition for her work. She has won many first place and overall high awards for her performance and was also our "2006 TOP ASSISTANT" winner. Lina has recently started teaching Hip Hop at our studio. The students all adore her and we are very excited to add her on staff at Triple Essence.

Kendra Wong

Kendra is certified through Dance Educators of America. She has been dancing since a child studying and performing numerous styles of dance including lyrical, jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, and hip-hop. Kendra likes to think of the studio as her second home. She has competed in many national competitions winning first place and overall high awards for her performance. Kendra was also our "2007 TOP ASSISTANT" winner. She has served as a teaching assistant here at Triple Essence for the past 5 years demonstrating superior skill, dedication and always noticing the small things that matter with each student. Kendra has a special love for ballet. She has won"1st Place Prima Ballerina" 4 years in a row and recently started teaching beginner ballet to students here at Triple Essence. Her warm demeanor makes her an absolute joy to work with. Our staff, students and studio parents all love Kendra. She is grateful to have the opportunity to work with inspiring dancers at our studio and we are very excited to have her on staff.