Amity J. Ascher began training at the Youskevitch School of Ballet where she was
accepted into New York City Ballet’s School of American Ballet, where she
studied for many years - most notably with Alexandra Danilova, Suki
Shorer, Felia Doubrovska and so many more. She had the privilege of
working with Jerome Robbins in Circus Polka as a youth.

Aj performed at The New York State Theater with New York City Ballet
in Balanchine’s repertoire: The Nutcracker Suite, Harlequinade, Coppelia, A
Midsummer Night’s Dream, etc.

Aj attended The High School of Performing Arts in New York City.

Aj’s mastery of classical ballet can be
seen in her class development from barre to center. She provides a clear
and precise embrace of ballet technique while supporting and nurturing the
sense of beauty, power and grace that are the signature of ballet.

Alysa Is an ADA alumni with a successful competitive dance career. She continued on to Sacred Heart University where she earned a B.S in Psychology with a minor in Dance. While dancing in college she was welcomed on staff at ADA in 2015. She is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor in Mat and Reformer, with additional training in Total Barre and on the Stability Chair. Pilates is an essential form of cross training for dancers so she is happy to be able to work with Dancers at ADA. When Alysa is not at ADA or running her Pilates studio she loves to hang out with her two dogs, daughter Brooklyn and her husband, Nick!

Todd Hall studied at some of the most prestigious ballet schools in the country, including; The Boston Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet , Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy and The School of American Ballet. Todd danced professionally with the Washington Ballet, and Boston Ballet among others. While in Boston, Todd earned a degree at Emerson College. Due to some serious eye problems, he had to curtail his performing career, and as a result developed a love of choreography and teaching dance. He has choreographed and taught ballet and pas de deux classes across the country from as far away as Alaska and up and down the east coast as well as  Europe and the Middle East. Todd’s classes are energetic and mentally and physically challenge students to reach their full potential.

Lisa Dye spent her younger life dancing in Pittsburgh PA where she studied at Point Park University in Dance. Lisa has been on staff at ADA for many years and is loved and adored by all of her students!

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Full Bio coming soon..

Bio Coming Soon...

Ashley, known as Ms. Ash, is a Bronx native with an extensive background in the performing arts. She has always had a love for music but her journey truly began at the age of nine when she was crowned queen of the 2005 Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant. It was there that she was introduced to salsa and hip hop. This inspired her to join various dance studios throughout her teen years where she participated in state dance congresses throughout TX, FL, CT, & PR. Ashley graduated from the Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts which deepened her involvement in mainstream salsa, hip hop, and heels, leading her to perform across NYC.

In 2022, Ashley ventured into Hollywood, training with Dexter Carr and becoming a member of the Dexter’s Playbook alumni at The Playground LA.

​She loves witnessing that special moment when a student achieves something they once thought was impossible. Ashley is so excited to work with you and help you discover your own rhythm and potential!!

Melissa Lahoud Cuggy has been dancing since the tender age of 3 years old. Throughout her career, as a performer and choreographer, she has had the pleasure of performing and choreographing dozens of plays. 
Her favorite roles include; playing “Snow Queen” and “Arabian” in The Danbury Music Center’s production of “The Nutcracker”, “Lucy” in Westconn’s adaptation of “Charlie Brown” and dancing in the ensemble at the Sharon Playhouse in Cabaret.   She toured the United States with the Power Pack Dance Company, spent the summer performing in Texas at the Galveston Outdoor Theater and held the title of Miss Greater New Haven for the Miss America Organization. As a choreographer, some of Melissa’s favorite pieces of work include productions performed at; Westconn, Richter, Immaculate High School and all of the wonderful years spent choreographing student pieces for competitions. 
Melissa had been in the dance industry for 30 years, before becoming a kindergarten teacher. When Melissa is not dancing, she is loving on her 2 sons and husband, while watching their favorite movies. 

Jenna Garecht  is an alumna of the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, graduating in 2016. While at RCD she was a choreographer for the Young Choreographer’s Festival in 2015 & 2016 in Stamford, CT.  In addition to her training at RCD, Jenna studied ballet under George Balanchine’s student Maria Calegari, who was a principal ballerina for the New York City Ballet. Jenna studied Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Tap and Hip Hop. Jenna is a graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, graduating with her Bachelor’s in History and Masters in Secondary Education, as well as with a certificate in Special Education. During her time at QU, Jenna was an active dancer and choreographer for the Quinnipiac Dance Company, where she choreographed and performed many Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern and Hip Hop routines. Jenna  has taught at a few Connecticut studios and choreographed competition routines for various studios and dancers.  Dance has always been Jenna’s passion and she is committed not only to the art of dance, but also to teaching the next generation about the beauty, joy and self expression dance can possess

Joe began dancing at age 3 at the Academy of Dance Arts, training in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater. He competed with ADA for 12 years and was a member of the tap company #TapLifeToo from 2016–2019. He choreographed six musicals between Bethel High School and the Brookfield Theater for the Arts Spotlight Program, and also taught adult tap classes through Bethel Parks and Recreation.

He studied Recreation, Park and Tourism Management at Penn State, where he was a member of Tapestry Dance Company for four years and served as President for two. Joe also taught tap at Centre Dance Studio in State College and is now excited to return to teach at ADA in his 19th year of dancing at the studio where his dance journey began. 

Born and raised in New York, Katelyn  has danced on regional, national and international stages around the world. Training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Katelyn was also a part of the Tap City Youth Ensemble, and the American Tap Company. She competed at the World Tap Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany earning two gold medals, and performed in showcases around the world including London England, Barcelona Spain, New York City and at the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

Katelyn went on to study Dance at SUNY Brockport with a focus on technique, anatomy, and choreography. She took part in student run shows, as well as professor-run residency programs. In her time there, Katelyn choreographed multiple pieces in all styles, and participated in the SUNY Brockport Dance team, doing half time performances at football games.

Although Katelyn has spent a lot of time performing, her heart lies in educating. She has a love for working with children and passing her knowledge onto the next generation of dancers. She is now based in New York City where she choreographs and teaches in the surrounding areas. There is nothing more that she loves than to leave a positive impact on the future of the dance industry, and hopes to spend her career doing so.

Bio Coming Soon!