staff | dancleticsofroc

TEACHING STAFF

Melinda Adams

Melinda Adams has been a fitness professional in the Rochester area for over 15 years and a dancer since age 4. She started instructing Barre in 2017 and has developed an extensive dance teaching background over many years. Along with her Barre certification, Melinda is also certified in AFAA group exercise, personal training, Zumba, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, Zumba kids & Zumba kids Jr., and Z-box fitness. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training. She enjoys teaching all many different types of fitness classes from Barre and Zumba, to Cycling and Sculpting. Melinda has a dynamic positive attitude and loves to make every class unique and uniquely fun while encouraging participants to reach their goals! When not teaching, Melinda enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She also enjoys time outside, dancing, choreographing, vacationing and volunteering. Melinda is so excited to share her love of fitness and dance with the DR family!

Tara Allison

Miss Tara began her dance studies in 1985 with Danc'letics, formerly Christi's School of Dance. As a student at Danc’letics Tara grew with the studio. Tara has loved and studied dance all of her life. She holds a Bachelors degree in Dance from SUNY Brockport and an Associates Degree in Business Administration . She currently works part time and also continues to follow her heart teaching at the studio. She lives in Greece with her husband and daughter. She is grateful for the many years of being a part of the “Danc’letics Family"!

Cindy Barry

Miss Cindy has been a part of the Danc’letics family for more than 25 years. She grew up in Rochester and has studied extensively Ballet, tap, Jazz, acro and Pointe . Throughout Cindy’s training, she has had the opportunity to train with many talented and respected dance masters. Miss Cindy training has also included dancing with Botsford Ballet and studying Dance at the respected Kent State Dance Program.

Cindy strives for excellence in her classes but enjoys the “journey” and sharing her love of dance with her students.

Hope Barry

Miss Hope has been a part of the Danc’letics family since she was 3 years old. She performed her first solo when she was 9, and participated in both the Junior Performance Group (3 years) and Senior Performance group (2 years). In 2015, she was cast in the prestigious Danc’letics Disney Cast. After graduation from Webster Schroeder High School in 2018 she went on to study at Monroe Community College where she got an Associates in Criminal Justice. Hope is currently studying at St. John Fisher College and will be graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies with a Minor in Criminology. Hope plans to extend her education into law school. Throughout her College studies Hope has continued to Assist at Danc’letics and became a co-teacher in 2021.

Danielle Driscoll

Miss Danielle has been a part of Danc’letics of Rochester for more than 30 years. Danielle began her years at Danc'letics as a student at age 3 and has been teaching at the studio for over 12 years. Miss Danielle was a member of the very first "Danc'letics Disney Cast" in 1995 and then returned again to perform with the studio in 1997. Since 2000, Miss Danielle has been an integral part of the Performance Group and Disney Staff. Miss Danielle is a graduate of St. John Fisher College and has taught math for the Rochester City School District since 2003. Miss Danielle lives in Greece with her husband John and two children.

Meghan Giorgione

Miss Maggie has been a part of the Danc’letics family since 1994. She became a teacher at the studio in 2009. Maggie graduated from The College at Brockport in 2013 with her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. While studying at The College at Brockport, she had the chance to present solo choreography at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Utah. She has also presented her choreography in New York City and performed choreography in Chicago, IL and North Carolina. In her senior year, she was awarded Dance Departmental Scholar, for her excellence in scholarship. As a dancer at Danc’letics, Miss Maggie was able to perform with their Disney Cast 3 times and is now a part of the Disney Cast team. Recently, she completed her Level 1 Mental Wellness certification and continues to increase her education in dance whenever possible. She currently resides in Greece, NY with her husband and two sons. She is passionate about helping students of all ages fall in love with dance and aiding in their discovery of their identity as dancers.

Becka Hutchins

*Co-Teacher

Miss Becka has been studying at Danc’letics since she was three years old. She joined the Disney legacy, and performed in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL in 2015. Becka graduated from Greece Athena HS in 2018 while receiving the prestigious "Next Step Scholarship" from Danc'letics. She attends Nazareth College where she is a dual Major in Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Communication and Media, and a Minor in Dance. During her time at Naz, Becka received training from dance professionals including Heather Roffe, the Koresh Dance Company, and David Dorfman. Becka enjoys learning anything and everything about Dance and loves the welcoming atmosphere Danc’letics has to offer!

Tarrah Jones

Miss Tarrah has been a part of the DR family for over 20 years. Through her years of study she has trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip/Hop and Modern Dance. Miss Tarrah has also been a proud two-time member of the Danc’letics Performance Group and Disney Cast. Tarrah is a graduate from The College at Brockport SUNY and holds both a BS in Therapeutic Recreation as well as a BS in Psychology.

Throughout her years of study at the College at Brockport, Tarrah continued to expand her dance knowledge in the studies of Ballet, Modern, African, Movement and Self Awareness classes at Brockport College esteemed Dance Department. Tarrah truly enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others, and finds it extremely rewarding to be able to help her student's learn and grow as dancers.

MaryJane Kier

Miss MaryJane discovered her love of dance with Danc’letics of Rochester in 1989. Her passion for dance is easily spotted through the students she teaches on a weekly basis. While in high school she has had the privilege of dancing in the 2001 and 2003 Disney Casts. MaryJane continued her education and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in History from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a current member of the Danc’letics Alumni dance class and participated in the Disney 2017 Alumni Cast. MaryJane thrives on learning and sharing her knowledge of dance with the future generations that attend Danc’letics.

Kerry Marasco

*Co-Teacher

Kerry began her dance training at Danc’letics when she was 5 years old. She was selected to be a member of both Jr. and Sr. Performance Groups. Kerry was also selected to be a member of the third ever Disney Cast. As she continued her dance training throughout college her passion for the arts grew. In 2018 Kerry returned to Danc'letics joining the Monday night alumni classes. She is married and has a daughter who shares in her love of dance and currently takes lessons at Danc'letics just as she did as a little girl. Miss Kerry is beyond excited to become a co-teacher at Danc’letics and share her love of dance with her students.

Erin Obi

Erin, a veteran to Danc’letics teaching staff, has been both a performance group member as well as part of the Disney Cast (2 years). With 25 years plus experience, Erin took many classes in modern dance at Brockport College and was a member of the African Dance Troupe Sankofa while earning her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Master’s degree in Education. Currently, Erin is the Multitiered Support Coordinator for Franklin High School in the Rochester City School District. She has been an English teacher for more than 15 years and enjoys the challenge of working with children. Erin looks forward to returning to her role as a Danc’letics instructor and sharing her love of dance and passion for the art. When not teaching, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys. She loves to read and journal, as well as spend time with her yellow lab, Emmy

Crystal Robinson

Miss Crystal began her love for music at a very young age when she started singing in her church choir and performing solos. She continued to grow her vocal skills through NYSSMA Solos, Voice classes and at the Collegiate level as President of Sigma Alpha lota. She still performs regularly through her church and as a Greece Central School District Music teacher. Through that position she has had the opportunity to work with students on developing their musical talents from age 5 up to age 14. She currently is the Director of the Buckman Heights Elementary Choir and the Vocal Director for Greece Athena Middle School Theatre Department. Crystal has also studied violin since she was 5 and the flute from age 8. Piano has been a very active part of her adult life and studies. Crystal earned her Bachelors Degree in the Science of Elementary Education and Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and then completed her Masters Degree in Education at SUNY Brockport. Crystal lives in Greece with her Husband and two beautiful daughters. She has been a member of the DR family for the last 8 years as a parent of two DR Dancers and is super excited to become part of the DR staff and to have the opportunity to use her Musical talents to share her love of the arts with her Danc'letics Family!

Jess Sidoti

After training as a student at Danc’letics for 15 years, Jess continued to pursue her passion at SUNY Geneseo. She earned her Bachelors of Science Education in Childhood and Special Education with a dance minor. Jess has choreographed, performed and been a part of the leadership team for SUNY Geneseo’s Dance Ensemble and Orchesis dance club. She’s held open call auditions, been a lead role in the casting process, created costumes and worked with the lighting and sound board crew. Jess was selected by adjunct professors, head directors, and peer colleagues to perform in professional dance pieces that were showcased at festivals, community events, and SUNY Geneseo’s, Alice Austin Theatre. As an educator and leader, Jess diverts her energy towards meeting the diverse needs of her students. Jess’s core values allow her to facilitate a dance class that leaves room for personal, physical, and mental growth. She teaches her students that their life is valued, their voice matters, and it’s important to strengthen and be kind to your body and mind. As her class works towards goal oriented skills, she uses positive encouraging words of affirmation to create a comfortable and accepting environment that instills healthy ways to empower individuals at a young age. Jess is humbled to begin this journey and pour out her knowledge and creativity into the community.

Samantha Thompson

Miss Samantha began dancing at the age of 3 and immediately fell in love. She was a part of the Disney Cast in 1999, 2001 and most recently the 2017 Disney Legacy cast. Throughout High school she was also an assistant at the studio. After graduating from Danc'letics in 2001, she moved to Ohio and received her bachelors in Dance Education from Lake Erie College. While in school she was dance captain for 2 years of the LEC dance team and performed with Cleveland State University. After college Samantha continued her training with Dance Masters of America. In 2005 she began teaching at the Willoughby Fine Arts Academy and taught until 2012. She returned to New York, back to her roots in 2013. Miss Samantha loves teaching at the studio as well as being a part of the Alumni Dance class. She lives in Greece with her husband Jon and two little ballerinas Abby & Eliza. Miss Samantha is proud to be back at Danc'letics where it all began!

Connie Wood

Miss Connie is the Administrative Assistant at Danc’letics of Rochester. Connie has been a part of the Danc'letics family for over 30 years. Connie recently retired from Rochester City School District and lives in Greece with her husband Ron. They have three children, and four beautiful grandchildren. Connie truly loves being a part of the Danc'letics Family and looks forward to meeting new people as they begin their dance education at the studio.