Faculty |
|
|
Melissa Rapone
Director/Owner Miss Melissa has a bachelor of arts in political science with a minor in dance from Mercyhurst College located in Erie, PA. Upon graduating, Melissa returned to New York and began teaching dance full-time. Melissa began teaching at Elite in the fall of 2009 and soon became a manager of the studio and the competition teams. While at Elite, she began an acro program as well as contributed to the studio's syllabus in other dance forms. Melissa is a certified gymnastics instructor through USAG and looks forward to developing our acro student's skills. She was also Safe Sport certified in 2017. She enjoys much success working with Elite's competition teams. This past dance year, she was awarded "Entertainment Awards" as well as "Choreography Awards" for her competition dances. Her solo and duet choreography has been awarded many overall awards as well. She continues her dance education by regularly attending conventions and workshops, including the Dance Life Teacher’s Conference and NYC Dance Teacher’s Summit. She has a Masters in Secondary Education. Miss Melissa is looking forward to another year of dance sharing her passion with all of Elite's students. |
|
Michelle Fanelli
Assistant Director Michelle started her love for dance at the age of two and has been dancing ever since! Michelle danced at Elite Dance Studio since opening year and won many awards as a soloist and group member of the competition team. She chose to focus further on her dance training and was selected as Dance Performance major at Towson University. There she was trained in ballet, modern, jazz, choreography, and aerial. Michelle had the opportunity to work with many well-known choreographers from various companies throughout her years at Towson, and got the chance to perform at the American College Dance Association in Greensboro, North Carolina. She continued to choreograph pieces for the EDS competition team while attending college. Michelle was awarded the Choreographer Award by the Towson University Dance Department. She graduated from Towson in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and received her 200hr Yoga Certification with Charm City Yoga. This past year Michelle has worked with Elite's Competition Team and was awarded a "Choreography Award". Her soloists/duets and group pieces have also won many awards. Michelle is excited for another fantastic year at Elite and is looking forward to sharing her love for dance with all of Elite's students. |
|
Shelby Davis
Preschool Program Director Shelby is excited to continue teach and inspire the younger dancers at Elite. She began her dancing career at Elite and has loved being surrounded by dance ever since their opening. Shelby graduated from Blake High School where she was also a member of the Blake High School Dance Company. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in English from Towson University. She just recently graduated from Towson with her Master's Degree. Shelby has a special connection with toddlers and preschoolers and a great understanding of the balance between fun and learning in a dance class. She's looking forward to introducing all the dancers about the joy and wonder that dance can bring them for many years to come! |
|
Cameron Bennett
Hip Hop Instructor Cameron began dancing in 2009 as student at the University of Maryland, College Park. As a new member of Dynamic Dance Team, Cameron first began learning, performing, as well as creating his own choreography. In the 2011-2012 academic year, Cameron became the artistic director of Dynamic and lead the team to perform and compete at venues up and down the east coast. In 2012, Cameron became a member of Culture Shock DC, the Washington D.C. chapter of an internationally known dance organization. Culture Shock has challenged Cameron to push himself both physically and mentally as he was exposed to urban hip hop styles of dance while being pushed to further develop his skills as a choreographer. As a member of Culture Shock, Cameron has been given the opportunity to travel across the nation as an ambassador of hip hop, sharing his love of dance with diverse communities. Upon graduation in December of 2012 from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Information Systems and a minor in Spanish, Cameron helped to found the UpperClassMen, an all-male hip hop dance crew who perform and compete both nationally and internationally. Cameron continues his dance education by taking weekly classes in Washington, DC studios and by attending hip hop dance conventions such as Monsters and the ML Tour annually. Cameron is looking forward to passing on his love of hip hop to his students at Elite! |
|
Lisa Swenton-Eppard Tap Instructor Raised in her mother's dance studio, Lisa Swenton-Eppard has spent a lifetime in the arts. In addition to founding and directing Capitol Tap and District Tap, Lisa is currently programming director for Knock On Wood Tap Studio and on faculty at Studio Dans and the City of Rockville (MD). She was quoted in Dance Magazine (December 2018), Dance Studio Life magazine (December 2015), featured in Dance Teacher Magazine (May 2015), selected as the "Teacher in the Spotlight" for Dance Studio Life magazine (March/April 2013), and a recipient of Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County grants (2007, 2009, 2020, 2022, 2023). With over 30 years teaching experience, Lisa additionally produces events, including being tapped by the Kennedy Center in 2017 for a special program connected to their annual Honors. Lisa's credits include adjunct professor at Bowie State University (2013-2021), DC TapFest faculty (2013-2020), Maryland Council For Dance instructor and adjudicator (2016-2019), assistant director of Tappers With Attitude Youth Ensemble (2002-2010), Chloe and Maud Productions Summer Tap Boot Camp faculty (2010), BlackRock Center for the Arts faculty (2002-2009), and Step Aside Tap Company member (2001-2006). Lisa holds a B.S. in Psychology from Frostburg State University. Photo Credit: Stephanie Vadala |
|
Jamie Kemper
Acro Instructor Jamie Kemper graduated from Towson University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. She earned her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is currently an elementary school teacher in MCPS. Jamie excelled in a variety of sports that led her to instructing acro. She competed as a level 8 USA gymnast for Frederick Gymnastics Club, trained and competed as a diver for Montgomery Dive Club, and was a cheerleader and competitive diver in high school, as well as, at Towson University. She coached gymnastics and cheerleading in Montgomery County high schools and provided excellent guidance to those who wished to push their boundaries. Jamie is a certified USAG instructor. She is also pursuing her Acro Arts Certification. Jamie is Safe Sport Certified. She is excited to pass on her passion for acrobatics, tumbling and dancing to the students at Elite. |
|
Allyson Kelly
Ballet/Pointe Instructor Allyson Kelly started dancing at the age of 5, competing all over the US winning numerous titles and high scores. She received her ballet training on scholarship at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC and then the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, CA. While working with Debbie Allen, Allyson starred in many of Ms. Allen's productions at the Kennedy Center including Dancing in the Wings and Dreams. Allyson then moved to New York City and toured the world with Complexions Contemporary Ballet under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. She was a Radio City Rockette in NYC at Radio City Music Hall for 12 years. Allyson was also in the original spring and summer productions at Radio City choreographed by Mia Michaels and Warren Carlyle. Throughout her career, Allyson has performed on the Tony Awards, Today Show, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, AGT, VMAs, and the Wendy Williams show to name a few. She has starred in Radio City, Smirnoff, NFL, a National campaign for Neiman Marcus, and Capitol One commercials. Allyson also danced with Pitbull, Christina Aguilera, and was a featured dancer in an episode of Royal Pains. In addition to dancing, she has modeled for many print campaigns. Allyson is a certified core power yoga instructor, adjudicates, teaches master classes, and choreographs all over the United States and Europe. |
|
Sophia Totaro
Ballet, Jazz, Tap Instructor Sophia began her training at Elite Dance Studio. She soon became a member of the nationally recognized Elite Dance Company. Sophia was placed on the Elite Team for 5 seasons. She won many prestigious awards and 1st overall placements for her solos, as well as group performances. Sophia's senior year, she was invited to teach a combo class and her love for teaching soared. Sophia is excited to be back at her home studio teaching and working as a member of the admin team. Sophia is also attending Towson University. |