Allison DeCicco (Noto)
Owner/Director/Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Allison is a Certified Graduate of Dance Educators of America.  She obtained her certification by practical & written examination 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.  ("Very good vocal command", "Great energy & style", "Very clear & clean direction of movements and you have a commanding presence when teaching" - DEA practical exam adjudicator).  The DEA Teacher Training Program is a dynamic multi-dimensional program of study enhancing and furthering the knowledge of dance and teaching techniques based on How-What-When & Why to teach dance.  Allison's journey to instructor began as a dance student.  She put on her first pair of dance shoes at the young age of 3 dancing with Beatrice Lee Christie School of Dance under the direction of Miss Marie Haney.  She has actively pursued dance her entire life.  In 1992, Allison & 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 8 years before opening Triple Essence Dance Studio.  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, instructing, choreographing & producing dance performances annually.  She was also Teaching Assistant/Dance Captain for choreographer Derek Mitchell with his work 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 & contemporary style.  She has attended & produced routines for many events & competitions winning numerous 1st place & high awards for choreography & performance.  Allison is a two time DANCEAMERICA "Teachers Choice Award" winner and has also obtained choreography 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.  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 13-year-old singing sensation & winner of PAX-TV's America's Most Talented Kids, Alessandra Guercio.  She works full time for an Orthopedic Surgery practice and is happily married.  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.  anoto@TripleEssence.com

Deborah Fraulo
Owner/Director/Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Debbie is a Certified Graduate of Dance Educators of America.  She obtained her certification by practical & written examination 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.  The DEA Teacher Training Program is a dynamic multi-dimensional program of study enhancing and furthering the knowledge of dance and teaching techniques based on How-What-When & Why to teach dance.  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. Professionals.  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 7 years before opening Triple Essence Dance Studio.  Debbie has received many 1st place & high awards for choreography & performance.  Debbie is a two time DANCEAMERICA "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 presently 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!  dfraulo@TripleEssence.com

Cathy Nasso
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Cathy is Certified through Dance Educators of America. She received virtually a perfect score on her examination.  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 over 15 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 including Frank Hatchett, Rhapsody James, & Bev Brown.  She 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."  A big contribution to Cathy's success is her love & ability to express the passion she holds for dance.  Evident that a major talent was close at hand, Cathy joined the teaching staff of a local dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where she instructed for 5 years prior to Triple Essence.  Previous experience includes Dance Specialist for the YMCA-instructing/choreographing/producing dance performances annually, dancer for Steven Scott Entertainment-performing choreographed productions for corporate/private events & dancer under the direction of Reuben Edwards with UDP (Underground Dance Project) performing for events/benefits & clubs.  Cathy choreographed & performed a production for renowned race car driver Mario Andretti on behalf of Infineon Technologies & most recently has been performing as a backup dancer with talent choreographer & singer "ANNETTE".  She has been working with recording artists "Ali" performing her #1 Hit single "CAN'T GO ON" at numerous events including KTU's BEATSTOCK Party, backup dancer for recording artist "Chris Willis" performing his Hit single "JUST A LITTLE MORE LOVE" & backup dancer for recording artist "Showboat" performing his Hit single "GOODTIMES".  Cathy has attended & produced routines for competitions winning numerous 1st place, Gold Medal & high score awards.  She also regularly participates in master classes & workshops.  The electricity that is created from her choreography is upbeat & vivacious.  The high-energy groove of Cathy's classes will leave you sweating & smiling.  She brings a unique style that tests your versatility & strength with an emphasis on performance.  Cathy has also recently developed a focus for break dancing.  She 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
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
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 at the Beatrice Lee Christie School of Dance 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. Christine's thorough Ballet Syllabus has produced tremendous results with our dancers.  As a result of the special connection she has with our dancers, Christine's ballet classes continue to grow.  We are very happy that Christine will also be head technique teacher for our Junior & Teen Elite Company groups.  Her warm, friendly disposition makes her a delightful teacher.  Christine has become a huge part of the Triple Essence Family.

Danielle Costadora Dance Instructor & Choreographer
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 3 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 and is happily married.   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.  Students will certainly continue to grow under her direction.

Alison Smith
Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Fran D'Apolito
Dance Instructor & Teaching Assistant Program Director
Fran has studied the art of dance for 24 years.  She began her dance studies in Tap, Jazz, & Ballet under the direction of Miss Marie Haney at the Beatrice Lee Christie School of Dance 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 is a Senior Program & Training Director for the YMCA of Greater New York where she has been employed for the past 5 years.  She is 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 & is at this time attending college for her Masters Degree in Education. In addition to working at Triple Essence, Fran is 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 conducts ballet and hip hop classes for children ages 5-9 years old.  Fran is our Teeny, Wee & Adult Hip-Hop-Ercise instructor.  She is also our Teaching Assistant Program Director, coordinating weekly meetings, classes & discussion groups.  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.  She is very excited to be working with our students, assistants & staff.  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 Teaching Assistant Program & classes.

Cynthia Moy-Kwan
Salsa Dance Instructor & Choreographer
A mother of two, and an award-winning Art Director/Designer, Cynthia has dedicated her life in the past few years to the art of dance as an extension of all she has done with her life. Cynthia was born and raised in Hong Kong and later moved with her family to New York where she graduated from the School for Visual Arts. With a life-long love for self-expression through the arts, Cynthia took her first Waltz class in 1999 and immediately became swept up by the rhythmic flow of the dance. However, it wasn't until her exposure to the exuberant, flirtatious and liberating side of Salsa that she decided to dedicate her professional life to the art of dance.With a dedication bordering on obsession, Cynthia has spent the last 5 years training in Ballroom, Cha Cha, Swing, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Argentine Tango and especially Salsa. In fact, her Salsa trainers are a Who's Who of the best Mambo instructors in town including Eddie & Maria Torres, Frankie Martinez, Carlos Konig, Jami Josephson, Jimmy Anton, Karisma Dance Studio and SantoRico Dance School, just to name a few. Having excelled in Salsa, Cynthia was invited to join the Ritmo Caliente Dance Group and had performed at Salsa dance socials, as well as local community and corporate events. In the Fall of 2004, Cynthia shared her passion for Salsa dancing with the youths of Bay Ridge Community. She developed a Cultural Dance Program for St. Ephrem Church where she volunteered to teach "Salsa for Kids" at St. Ephrem School.  Cynthia will be teaching both Kid & Adult Salsa classes at our studio.  We are very excited to have her on our staff.