Teachers

Not only has Mary been teaching dance to students of all ages for the last 29 years,
she also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with Specializations in Early Childhood
Education and Dance. Mary's dedicated work as an educator has been recognized with many
awards and an acknowledgment in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." She also is a
member of Islip and East Islip's Chamber of Commerce and Dance Educators of America.
Mary directs and teaches the award winning competition team. They have been seen on
Channel 12 News, performing in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Norwegian Cruise
Line Tour in Bermuda, and Las Vegas. Mary's Choreography has won numerous awards
such as "Best Choreography", "Best Studio Sportsmanship", "Judge's Choice" and many
special and high score awards. Mary also continues her education in the field of dance by

attending nationally recognized workshops and seminars lead by top choreographers and dance instructors. Her love for dance and passion for teaching is what makes Pirouettes Dance Studio a place where everyone no matter what age or ability has a chance to dance.

Melinda is one of our original Pirouettes staff members and has been with us since we opened. Melinda has been studying Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, and Tap for over 28 years. She has been teaching for over 18 years, and enjoys teaching all ages and levels. Melinda has danced and choreographed for regional and national competitions, Walt Disney World, dance festivals, and street fairs. She has also participated in various teacher workshops and seminars. Melinda graduated from St. Joseph’s College with a Degree in Business Administration and is an integral part of Pirouettes Dance success as our manager.

Christina has been dancing for thirteen years with various studios on Long Island. At the age of fourteen she was accepted into the Joffrey Ballet School's Summer intensive workshop where she performed a variation from Coppelia. In 2006, Christina was a
member of Long Island's first ballet competition, presented by the Lumiere Ballet. As a senior in High School, Christina choregraphed many dances for the 2nd Annual
"Bay Shore Dances" Dance Recital. She is an accomplished, award winning Pirouettes Competition member as well.

Donna joined the Pirouettes staff in 1992. Her dance training and teaching experience
consist of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe and Hip Hop. Donna is currently one of our
recital and competition company teachers and has choreographed regional and national
award winning dances. She has danced and choreographed for Walt Disney World, and Norwegian Cruise Line and she has performed with world renowned choreographers
and dancers. She has also choreographed for our Las Vegas trip. Donna has enjoyed
dancing for over 25 years, and teaching for 20 years. Donna continues to educate herself with teacher workshops and seminars.

Molly started teaching with the Pirouettes staff in the fall of 2006. She has been dancing for fifteen years. This is her thirteenth year with Dance Connection and has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe. She has competed with the competition team regionally and nationally for six years, which has won many high awards, and has been lucky enough to
perform in Cape May, Ocean City, Lancaster, Disney's Magic Kingdom, a Cruise to Bermuda, Las Vegas, Virginia Beach, and a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House. For two year, she assisted the Recital Company. She has also participated in many dance workshops by top choreographers and was recognized and rewarded for her dancing at StarQuest Nationals.
Molly is now attending her third year at Suffolk Community College and will receive her associates in the fall of 2008 in Liberal Arts and general studies.