2025 CONVENTIONS
SCHEDULE TO BE RELEASED SOON.
WORKSHOP INFORMATION
CONVENTION AGE GROUPS
Junior: 12 & under
Senior: 13 & up
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Confidential teacher pricing
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Pricing can be found on your DanceBug account
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Must be registered through a studio - we do not accept independent entries at this time
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There will be observer bands available for purchase at event or through studio directors prior to event.
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$25 Improv Competition - Style announced prior to the event. Sign up the day of! All dancers receive an award. Overall Winners receive a large trophy! Age groups 8 and Under, 9-12, 13+Up
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Scholarships and Awards given during this event.
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We invite all of our 2025 Regional and National Title Winners & Runners Up to help assist us at our award ceremonies.
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Teachers and Directors are free
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
CONVENTION 1
KELLY KALETA
TAP
Growing up in Easthampton, MA, Kelly Kaleta began her training at the Hackworth’s School of Performing Arts and started teaching while she was attending Boston University. Focusing in tap, she has taught up and down the east coast and Canada for over 20 years, choreographing, judging, and performing. She is a founding member of “Off Beat,” a company created and directed by her former student Ryan P. Casey, as well as starting her own company “CounterpoinT,” a small group based out of Norwalk, CT. You can also see her and her choreography in the award-winning movie “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench” directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land). In 2006, she was a cast member of “Imagine Tap,” created and choreographed by Derick Grant and Aaron Tolson. She has been a faculty member and judge forTap 2 You, Dance Masters of America, American Dance Awards, Tapademics and Kids for Kids.She has taught at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Peridance in NYC. Other past performances include the Cape Dance Fest, Inside Out at Jacob’s Pillow, NYC Tap Festival,Clara’s Dream: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker - performing with Drika Overton, Josh Hilberman, andBrenda Buffalino, Tapestry - produced by Dance Inn Productions, and others. Her own annual event, Tap it Up, is a one day workshop held every October in Stratford, CT. Believing that you never stop being a student, she continues to take classes and workshops to improve both her dancing and her teaching.
KEEGAN SCESNY
BALLET
Keegan Scesny is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, based in Norwalk Connecticut. Most recently, she took part in the training program aCatemy, under the direction of Cat Cogliandro. She previously worked three seasons as a Company
Member with Bosoma Dance Company under the direction of Katherine Hooper, and before that, trained with Aurora Borealis Dance Company for two seasons under the direction of Katie Pustizzi. She currently teaches regularly at the Spot at Just Dance Studios, and guest teaches at Dawn’s School of Dance, where she received her early dance training.
Keegan’s passion for expression, creativity, and allowing herself to be vulnerable has paved the way for a life involved in dance and the performing arts- passions that she strives to pass on to the younger generations of dancers she teaches.
JAIDEN DUMONT
JAZZ
Jaiden began her dance training as we all do at the age of 1 running around her mom’s dance classes while she taught. She began dancing herself soon after, and hasn’t looked back since.
Jaiden began independently teaching classes at the age of 14 and won her first of many choreography awards at the age of 17.
After graduating high school, she was accepted into an apprentice program in LA dancing under and learning from the incredible Shannon Mather of Mather Dance Company. While in LA, she was fortunate enough to work with, and assist not only Shannon, but also Nicole Smith, Blake McGrath, and Brittany Markel, just to name a few. Jaiden assisted in Blake’s “Choreo to Go”, as well as a few other performances with Mather Dance Company. It was there she truly discovered her love for choreography and shaping of the future dance generations.
Now back on the East Coast, Jaiden has spent some of her time under the direction of the incredible Sarah-Katarina ‘Skooj' for various showcases, including "Connect", hosted by Thr3e Live Dance Complex. With 22 years in the industry, Jaiden is dedicated to guiding students not only into becoming better dancers but also in evolving into the best version of themselves. When not judging Jaiden continues to teach at her Aunt's studio in Massachusetts.
GABBY DOMINGUEZ
CONTEMPORARY
Born and raised in Connecticut, Gabriella Dominguez has always been a lover of movement. Her passion for codified techniques and composition grew during her time at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts High School. After graduating, Gabriella went on to attend AMDA College + Conservatory of the Arts in Los Angeles for two years.
She later moved on to train at professional studios around LA including EDGE Performing Arts Center, Millenium Dance Complex, and TMilly Studios. Gabriella trained and performed with Geometry Contemporary Dance Company for three seasons, and later began working with Chehon Wespi-Tschopp as the Mentorship Program Coordinator for IAF Studios, assisting on several dance film and photo projects.
Her music video credits include Donovan Woods, Duomo Musik, and Red Jesus. She has also had the pleasure of taking part in several live performances and dance films around LA including Capezio ACE Awards, Choreographer’s Carnival, Club Jete, and more. Since moving back to the East Coast, Gabriella has continued to
train at professional workshops with companies such as Boston Dance Theater and SALT, as well as at New York’s Broadway Dance Center. She teaches throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, and has a passion for encouraging students to find authenticity and freedom in their movement. Gabriella is currently a member of project-based company The Dance Collective in Hartford, CT where she creates and dances in live work alongside many other talented female
artists.
BRIANNA MERCADO
HIP HOP
Brianna Mercado is a rising multi-faceted choreographer, dance artist, and educator based in New York City. She is passionate about storytelling that viscerally affects audiences through human connection.
Originally from San Jose, CA, she attended the University of California Berkeley and graduated with a double major in Dance & Performance Studies and Social Welfare. Standout credits include: Theater: It Happened In Key West (The Fulton- Choreographer), The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical (La Jolla Playhouse - Associate Choreographer), TEDx “Not Another Cancer Story,” Godspell (PCLO - Associate Choreographer), West Side Story (Milwaukee Rep - Associate Choreographer & Dance Captain), Urinetown (Starting Arts - Choreographer), Jesus Christ Superstar & Aida (MUNY - Dance Captain); Film: Isn’t It Romantic, Netflix: Making Malinche: A Documentary by Nacho Cano; US AirForce Band Airmen of Note; Industrial: PHISH NYE 2020 at Madison Square Garden, Travelers Insurance.
Alongside creating and performing, Brianna stays inspired through work in dance education and graduate school studies in Mind-Body Medicine. She serves as a key leader within TheGrit Dance Collective and proudly works as faculty at Molloy University/CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, Peridance Center, and Broadway Dance Center.
CONVENTION 2
KELLY KALETA
TAP
Growing up in Easthampton, MA, Kelly Kaleta began her training at the Hackworth’s School of Performing Arts and started teaching while she was attending Boston University. Focusing in tap, she has taught up and down the east coast and Canada for over 20 years, choreographing, judging, and performing. She is a founding member of “Off Beat,” a company created and directed by her former student Ryan P. Casey, as well as starting her own company “CounterpoinT,” a small group based out of Norwalk, CT. You can also see her and her choreography in the award-winning movie “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench” directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land). In 2006, she was a cast member of “Imagine Tap,” created and choreographed by Derick Grant and Aaron Tolson. She has been a faculty member and judge forTap 2 You, Dance Masters of America, American Dance Awards, Tapademics and Kids for Kids.She has taught at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Peridance in NYC. Other past performances include the Cape Dance Fest, Inside Out at Jacob’s Pillow, NYC Tap Festival,Clara’s Dream: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker - performing with Drika Overton, Josh Hilberman, andBrenda Buffalino, Tapestry - produced by Dance Inn Productions, and others. Her own annual event, Tap it Up, is a one day workshop held every October in Stratford, CT. Believing that you never stop being a student, she continues to take classes and workshops to improve both her dancing and her teaching.
JOSH BURRAGE
MUSICAL THEATRE
Josh is thrilled to be dancing with you!
Born in Westfield, MA, he grew up training at New England Dance Centers. He was last seen on Broadway in BOOP! The Musical at the Broadhurst Theatre. Other Broadway credits include CATS
(2016 Revival).
National tour credits include Disney’s Newsies and A Bronx Tale.
You can also see him on screen in IF (Paramount Pictures), The Gilded Age (HBO), Westworld (HBO), and Disney’s Newsies LIVE (Disney+).
JOSH PEREZ
HIP HOP
Josh (Jato) Perez has helped launch many Hip-Hop programs over the years at multiple dance schools in the New England area. He has trained with master teachers from around the world. In 2010 he made his television debut on the 5th season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" with his crew Draztik. In 2012 Josh toured with Jordan Knight of The New Kids on the Block. In early 2017 his choreography was showcased on Season 1 of the hit reality TV show "World of Dance" produced by Jennifer Lopez. He also choreographed opening acts for some of the industry’s best artists like Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, The Dream, Lloyd, Newcleus and many more. As a teacher and mentor, he takes pride in preparing his students for a successful career in the dance industry. Many of his students have been signed to major talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York and have toured with popular artists such as Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat just to name a few. Josh’s dedication to his craft has awarded him many accolades and recognition for his dynamic choreography. In 2018 he was invited to join Liv3lihood, an entity of Thr3e Live Dance Complex based out of Rhode Island. Throughout the years his role has evolved to Co-Choreographer and Visual Assistant. His contributions have helped lead to numerous winnings including 1st place USA Division at World of Dance Finals LA in 2023 and 1st place at Elements 2022-2024. Josh's style goes beyond Hip-Hop; Josh is the real deal! He’s the perfect combination of natural ability, learned skills and determination. With the emerging popularity of Hip-Hop, his high energy, fun and original classes are a game changer for today's youth. Josh brings a fresh authentic style, and he is excited to be able to share his love of movement with all dancers.
KARA PENDLEBURY
JAZZ
Kara's passion for movement began on the acro mats before transitioning into the world of competitive dance. After graduating, she pursued a degree in dance and later interned at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Upon moving to the city, she quickly launched her professional dance career, specializing in contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. She also trained and assisted under renowned companies and choreographers, including Mishay Petronelli, Joshua Pelatzky, Takehiro Ueyama, Nailah Randall-Bellinger, Sheryl Murakami and Nadege Hottier.
Eventually, Kara shifted her focus from performing to teaching, and today, she travels the East Coast choreographing, instructing, judging, and mentoring young, aspiring dancers.
For Kara, the world of the arts is a privilege to be part of, and she feels deeply honored to contribute to its beauty and growth.
LAUREN BARRETT
CONTEMPORARY
Lauren Barrett is originally from NJ, where she grew up dancing at Robin Horneff’s Performing Arts Center, now Studio L.
She later moved to NYC to begin her professional career. Credits include The View, CBS Morning Show, ESPN, ESPN2, Macy’s, Guess, Benetton, Make A Wish and American Express. She is a former member of Tracie Stanfield’s, Synthesis Dance Project and Calen Kurka’s, :pushing progress. Her performance credits include the Capezio ACE Awards, B.B. Kings NYC, Carnival Choreographer’s Ball, DUMBO Arts Festival, SoNo CT Arts festival, the Elan Awards, Bridge for Dance, Peridance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Connecticut’s Dancing With the Stars. Lauren has been teaching, choreographing, and adjudicating for 20 years and her students have gone on to be signed with Bloc Agency, Clear Talent Group, Top 10 on SYTYCD, Radio City Rockettes as well as featured in television, film and commercials.
She continues to teach and choreograph along the East Coast, while maintaining her role as Competition Director at a competitive studio in Norwalk CT. Lauren is passionate about creating and cultivating safe and inclusive dance spaces, allowing each student to explore their own movement quality and individual expression.
CONVENTION 3
JILL FOLEY
BALLET
Jillian Foley Cusano, trained with Northeast Ballet Company, graduated with a BFA in Ballet Pedagogy from the Hartt School. She has performed professionally, collaborated with various dance companies, and taught at institutions like Joffrey Ballet and Hartt School. Jillian directed and choreographed productions such as "Hansel and Gretel" and "She Loves Me" and is a board member of David Dorfman Dance. As Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Parkville Sounds in Hartford, CT, she has worked on projects for notable platforms. In 2017, she founded the Hartford Dance Collective to promote female representation in dance and has curated the annual Hartford Dance Festival, hosting community classes and collaborating with various artists.
JOSH BURRAGE
MUSICAL THEATRE
Josh is thrilled to be dancing with you!
Born in Westfield, MA, he grew up training at New England Dance Centers. He was last seen on Broadway in BOOP! The Musical at the Broadhurst Theatre. Other Broadway credits include CATS
(2016 Revival).
National tour credits include Disney’s Newsies and A Bronx Tale.
You can also see him on screen in IF (Paramount Pictures), The Gilded Age (HBO), Westworld (HBO), and Disney’s Newsies LIVE (Disney+).
JOSH PEREZ
HIP HOP
Josh (Jato) Perez has helped launch many Hip-Hop programs over the years at multiple dance schools in the New England area. He has trained with master teachers from around the world. In 2010 he made his television debut on the 5th season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" with his crew Draztik. In 2012 Josh toured with Jordan Knight of The New Kids on the Block. In early 2017 his choreography was showcased on Season 1 of the hit reality TV show "World of Dance" produced by Jennifer Lopez. He also choreographed opening acts for some of the industry’s best artists like Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, The Dream, Lloyd, Newcleus and many more. As a teacher and mentor, he takes pride in preparing his students for a successful career in the dance industry. Many of his students have been signed to major talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York and have toured with popular artists such as Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lil Nas X, and Doja Cat just to name a few. Josh’s dedication to his craft has awarded him many accolades and recognition for his dynamic choreography. In 2018 he was invited to join Liv3lihood, an entity of Thr3e Live Dance Complex based out of Rhode Island. Throughout the years his role has evolved to Co-Choreographer and Visual Assistant. His contributions have helped lead to numerous winnings including 1st place USA Division at World of Dance Finals LA in 2023 and 1st place at Elements 2022-2024. Josh's style goes beyond Hip-Hop; Josh is the real deal! He’s the perfect combination of natural ability, learned skills and determination. With the emerging popularity of Hip-Hop, his high energy, fun and original classes are a game changer for today's youth. Josh brings a fresh authentic style, and he is excited to be able to share his love of movement with all dancers.
KEEGAN SCESNY
CONTEMPORARY
Keegan Scesny is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, based in Norwalk Connecticut. Most recently, she took part in the training program aCatemy, under the direction of Cat Cogliandro. She previously worked three seasons as a Company
Member with Bosoma Dance Company under the direction of Katherine Hooper, and before that, trained with Aurora Borealis Dance Company for two seasons under the direction of Katie Pustizzi. She currently teaches regularly at the Spot at Just Dance Studios, and guest teaches at Dawn’s School of Dance, where she received her early dance training.
Keegan’s passion for expression, creativity, and allowing herself to be vulnerable has paved the way for a life involved in dance and the performing arts- passions that she strives to pass on to the younger generations of dancers she teaches.
MARIA CHERNISKE
JAZZ FUNK
Maria has been hooked on dance since she took her first class at the age of 3. She is now a professional dancer in New York City and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, on national television, in commercials and for live events for Nike, Adidas, and Athleta. Maria was the assistant choreographer for Rob Thomas’ music video “I Trust You”. She was the assistant choreographer for the New Jersey Lotto “Cash Pop” commercial and co-choreographed for the Off-Broadway hit “La Cancion.”
Maria was a competitive gymnast trained by 2004 Olympic coach Alan Hatch and 2004 two-time Olympic silver medalist Annia Hatch. Following college, Maria continued her dance education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. She trained under Rhapsody James in the 2012 winter session of Motivating Excellence. She was also a member of New York based dance companies Jamie J & Co and Humans Collective.
Maria is passionate about dance education and loves helping dancers build their confidence and find their voice as an artist. She has taught dance to students of all ages for the past 23 years. As a leader for the dance mentorship program Creating Opportunities for 7 years, Maria had the opportunity to mentor many aspiring dancers in NYC. She is on guest faculty at Broadway Dance Center in NYC, and in 2021 became a member of the staff at Acrobatic Arts as a course conductor and adjudicator.
CONVENTION 4
COLBY CONNELLY
BALLET
Colby Connelly, from Middletown, CT, is a dancer, teacher and choreographer based in the Connecticut area.
Colby began her training at age 4, continuing through high school at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, and college at University of Hartford- The Hartt School, where she received her BFA in dance with an emphasis in Ballet Pedagogy.
Following college, Colby taught at Joffrey Ballet School in NYC before relocating back to CT.
Colby currently dances with The Hartford Dance Collective and teaches at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and various studios around CT.
MADDIE MURPHY
TAP
Maddie Murphy is a NYC based performer, teacher and choreographer originally from Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Booker T Washington High School of Performing and Visual Arts, and was named a YoungArts finalist.
In 2021 Maddie achieved her BFA in Commercial Dance from Pace University training in multiple styles of dance, and is an alumni of the 2019 Jacob’s Pillow tap program. Some of her credits include: The Nutcracker Suite, Untitled Waveforms, Praise: The Inevitable Fruit of Gratitude with Dorrance Dance, understudy for What is This Thing Called Love directed by Derick K. Grant, Lucid Dream and Ser Humano choreographed by Max Pollak, and Dance Lab New York.
Maddie is also on faculty at the tap dance festival, RIFF Dallas, and the tap summer workshop, Woodshed Experience.
SHAE FOREST
JAZZ
Shae Forest is a choreographer, educator, and performer currently signed with RWS Global.
She holds an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University and a BFA in Dance from UMass Amherst. Shae has served on the dance faculty at Dean College and Milton Academy, and travels nationwide as a judge for Inferno Dance Competitions. Her choreography has been featured in DanceInforma Magazine, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, Dean College Faculty Works, NYCDA Critic's Choice, and nonprofits like Boston City Lights. She choreographed Milton Academy’s Something Rotten! and directed their Winter Dance Concert. Performance credits include Brick-or-Treat dance performances at LEGOLAND New York, Journey Through Christmas (Amato Center), City Ballet of Boston’s Ballet Banquet (Strand Theatre), Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker (Shubert Theatre), and a swing in Reagle Music Theatre’s An American in Paris.
KELSIE TINNEY
HIP HOP
Kelsie Tinney is a professional dancer from Boston, MA. Having trained and studied in numerous forms of dance since an early age, she graduated from the Dean College Joanne Palladio School of Dance with her BFA in Dance and B.S. in Business.
Though not limited to, she is known for her hip hop and jazz choreography and performances. Kelsie has worked with many artists such as Flo Rider, New Kids on the Block, and Demi Lovato.
Kelsie is also a competition adjudicator, judging for multiple competitions all over the US and in Europe for over 10 years. She also knows the role as a studio owner, and is invested in her students' growth and development as pre-professional dancers. She has been teaching numerous styles of dance including hip hop, jazz, jazz funk, heels, contemporary, lyrical, tap, musical theatre, technique, leaps jumps and turns, stretch and strengthening for over 10 years. As well, Kelsie is a certified degreed member of Dance Masters of America and Dance Masters of New England Chapter 5.
Kelsie has been interviewed and published in Dance Spirit Magazine in regards to her experience as a studio owner, teacher, and judge in teh competitive dance world. As well she holds multiple competitive accolades for her choreography including IDA People's Choice Awards, IDA Best in Category, Choreography Awards, Titleist, Most Entertaining, National dance team invitations, first place overalls, top tens, UDA top three placements, and more.
Kelsey has a love and passion for teaching, and strives in advancing dancers not only physically but also with the history, knowledge, and love of dance.
JASON DESJARDINS
CONTEMPORARY
Jason Desjardins is a Western Massachusetts based dancer, studio director, and educator specializing in contemporary and jazz dance. Early on, training since age five and earning national level awards, he cultivated a profound respect for both discipline and creative expression.
As a director, Jason leads with a philosophy grounded in education, passion and artistry. He believes teaching and judging should nurture growth, not merely measure it, prioritizing students’ personal journeys and emotional connection to movement over competition.
To continually elevate his craft, Jason pursued advanced training through masterclasses in Las Vegas, Boston, and New York and is proud to hold a certification in Acrobatic Arts. His commitment to both technical and expressive excellence ensures his students receive well-rounded, inspired instruction.
Whether in the classroom or on the judging panel, Jason connects deeply with dancers, empowering them to pursue their dreams and reach their fullest potential through a supportive, purposeful approach to dance.