FACULTY
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DEBRALYN PRESS (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)
received her BFA in Dance from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and Masters Degrees in Social Work (group, early childhood through adolescent development) and in Science, Dance/Movement Therapy from Hunter College. Debralyn has performed, choreographed, directed in numerous productions seen on TV, Film, Stage and Video. Choreography credits include Nickelodeon, Rock & Hip Hop Videos, Jazz, Ballet, and Modern dance throughout this country and Europe. Performance credits include Boston Ballet dancing principal roles, Ballet of Contemporary Arts, Harkness House, American Dance Machine, and many more. She is formerly the NYC Board of Education Dance Director (Spark), professor of dance at Westchester Community College, Dance Director at the Helen Hayes Theatre Academy a faculty member of Tappan Zee Dance Group, Steffi Nossen Senior Company teacher, Director of The Dance Company in Ridgefield, CT. and a Master teacher at Dancespace, NYC. Debralyn is widely recognized as one of the best dance/theater educators in Westchester County and is the recipient of numerous awards in this country and in Europe, most recently with an Arts Alive Award for her choreography. Prior to founding WDA, Debralyn was the Dance Director for the NYC Board of Education, during which time she created and implemented workshops in over 100 NYC schools. She has also worked as a Crisis Intervention Specialist and in Substance Abuse Prevention. In addition to teaching acting and dance, Debralyn is certified to teach Yoga and Pilates. |
SIMON ALEXANDRIS (Hip Hop, Breakdance)
Currently finishing his last year at NYU, Simon expects to graduate with a B.A. in Psychology and two minors in Spanish and Dance. An alumni and example of WDA’s own ambitions, Simon began training both street style and musical theater dance since age eleven. By age fourteen he fell in love with all aspects of the creative endeavor, not only learning and performing, Simon soon discovered his true calling was teaching street style technique with the help of mentors: Wadi Jones and Debralyn Press. Simon has performed at Symphony Space, the 92nd Street Y, and at the Westchester Arts Council. Fast forward eleven years of performing professionally on camera/stage and teaching Hip Hop/Bboy workshops all over New York State, Simon wishes to empower the next generation with all the love, respect, and support that was provided to him as a young boy. "I want my students to feel safe and appreciated before anything else”.
Currently finishing his last year at NYU, Simon expects to graduate with a B.A. in Psychology and two minors in Spanish and Dance. An alumni and example of WDA’s own ambitions, Simon began training both street style and musical theater dance since age eleven. By age fourteen he fell in love with all aspects of the creative endeavor, not only learning and performing, Simon soon discovered his true calling was teaching street style technique with the help of mentors: Wadi Jones and Debralyn Press. Simon has performed at Symphony Space, the 92nd Street Y, and at the Westchester Arts Council. Fast forward eleven years of performing professionally on camera/stage and teaching Hip Hop/Bboy workshops all over New York State, Simon wishes to empower the next generation with all the love, respect, and support that was provided to him as a young boy. "I want my students to feel safe and appreciated before anything else”.
GIANNA BARTOLINI (Ballet, Musical Theatre, Theatre Dance)
Gianna Vasquez Bartolini grew up in the DC Metro area. When she wasn't reading, she was dancing, singing, and performing around the house, the neighborhood, and later on, in community and school productions. In 2015, she was awarded the National Society of Arts and Letters award from Honors in Dance from the Kennedy Centre. After receiving a BFA in Dance Performance from the State University of New York at Purchase College, Conservatory of Dance, she continued her studies in Integrated Music Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Besides performing and choreographing, Gianna is a well-regarded dance teacher in the Tri-State area. While Gianna is currently based in NYC, she is frequently in the DC-Metro region performing, teaching , and choreographing. See more at gvbartolini.wixsite.com/site .
Gianna Vasquez Bartolini grew up in the DC Metro area. When she wasn't reading, she was dancing, singing, and performing around the house, the neighborhood, and later on, in community and school productions. In 2015, she was awarded the National Society of Arts and Letters award from Honors in Dance from the Kennedy Centre. After receiving a BFA in Dance Performance from the State University of New York at Purchase College, Conservatory of Dance, she continued her studies in Integrated Music Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Besides performing and choreographing, Gianna is a well-regarded dance teacher in the Tri-State area. While Gianna is currently based in NYC, she is frequently in the DC-Metro region performing, teaching , and choreographing. See more at gvbartolini.wixsite.com/site .
NOAM BEILI (Voice, Piano, Guitar)
Noam Beili is a classically trained guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from Jerusalem, Israel. A musician for over 10 years, Noam studied at The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and has been an avid educator of music ever since. He is currently pursuing a BM in Classical Guitar Performance and Music Education from Queens College, CUNY. He is passionate about teaching people of all ages and spends his free time composing. He believes that fostering an appreciation and love of music in students is a teacher's greatest goal.
Noam Beili is a classically trained guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from Jerusalem, Israel. A musician for over 10 years, Noam studied at The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and has been an avid educator of music ever since. He is currently pursuing a BM in Classical Guitar Performance and Music Education from Queens College, CUNY. He is passionate about teaching people of all ages and spends his free time composing. He believes that fostering an appreciation and love of music in students is a teacher's greatest goal.
JEAN BORGES (Contemporary, Men's Technique)
Jean Borges, aka JB, is a Dancer, Teacher and Choreographer with 16 years of experience. JB is a recent transplant to Ossining from Brazil, where he was a member of a Professional dance company and had his own dance team where his students could explore the competition dance scene. He has a degree in Physical Education and a Masters in Educational Dance. JB is proficient in Hip Hop and Contemporary dance styles, but also has a Ballet and Jazz Dance background.
Jean Borges, aka JB, is a Dancer, Teacher and Choreographer with 16 years of experience. JB is a recent transplant to Ossining from Brazil, where he was a member of a Professional dance company and had his own dance team where his students could explore the competition dance scene. He has a degree in Physical Education and a Masters in Educational Dance. JB is proficient in Hip Hop and Contemporary dance styles, but also has a Ballet and Jazz Dance background.
SASHA CARTER (Hip Hop)
Sasha has been dancing at Westchester Dance Artists for twelve years. Aside from dance, Sasha also plays the bass.
Sasha has been dancing at Westchester Dance Artists for twelve years. Aside from dance, Sasha also plays the bass.
LAYLA CARTER (Ballet)
Layla has been dancing at Westchester Dance Artists for twelve years. She has extensive experience tutoring, teaching, and babysitting children. Layla has worked at The Saw Mill Club teaching children ages 2-7, been a counselor at WDA's Best Summer Ever program with kids of all ages and at Breezemont Day Camp with 4-5 year olds. This is her second year teaching ballet at WDA, and having grown up taking ballet classes at WDA, it is very special her. Layla intends to major in elementary education in college and continue her passion for teaching. She is looking forward to teaching this semester!
Layla has been dancing at Westchester Dance Artists for twelve years. She has extensive experience tutoring, teaching, and babysitting children. Layla has worked at The Saw Mill Club teaching children ages 2-7, been a counselor at WDA's Best Summer Ever program with kids of all ages and at Breezemont Day Camp with 4-5 year olds. This is her second year teaching ballet at WDA, and having grown up taking ballet classes at WDA, it is very special her. Layla intends to major in elementary education in college and continue her passion for teaching. She is looking forward to teaching this semester!
OLIVE COPELAND (Ballet/Tap)
Olive started dancing 10 years ago at TADA in NYC before moving to Westchester Dance Artists seven years ago.
She has performed in several dance shows at WDA and productions at Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts such as Newsies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, dance productions, and in rock concerts Aside from dance, she studies and performs piano, guitar, French horn and voice. She is in The Greater Westchester Youth Orchestra Association, as well as Northern Westchester Honors Youth Wind Ensemble playing the French Horn. She has also been in a rock band for 5 years as the lead guitarist and vocalist, and they play at local venues.
Her training includes Westchester Dance Artist, Croton Harmon Music Academy, Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts, and an Advanced Professional Fosse Jazz workshop in New York City at The Verdon-Fosse Legacy.
Olive started dancing 10 years ago at TADA in NYC before moving to Westchester Dance Artists seven years ago.
She has performed in several dance shows at WDA and productions at Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts such as Newsies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, dance productions, and in rock concerts Aside from dance, she studies and performs piano, guitar, French horn and voice. She is in The Greater Westchester Youth Orchestra Association, as well as Northern Westchester Honors Youth Wind Ensemble playing the French Horn. She has also been in a rock band for 5 years as the lead guitarist and vocalist, and they play at local venues.
Her training includes Westchester Dance Artist, Croton Harmon Music Academy, Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts, and an Advanced Professional Fosse Jazz workshop in New York City at The Verdon-Fosse Legacy.
IANCA DE LOS SANTOS (Hip Hop)
Ianca started training in ballet at Logrea Dance Academy when she was four years old, before discovering Westchester Dance Artists in 2017. She loves to explore all styles of dance, specifically ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. She has participated in several dance events with Westchester Dance Artists, including competing at World of Dance New Jersey and performing in the Macys Thanksgiving Parade. Aside from studying dance, Ianca has been playing the violin for seven years. She intends to study biomedical science in college.
Ianca started training in ballet at Logrea Dance Academy when she was four years old, before discovering Westchester Dance Artists in 2017. She loves to explore all styles of dance, specifically ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. She has participated in several dance events with Westchester Dance Artists, including competing at World of Dance New Jersey and performing in the Macys Thanksgiving Parade. Aside from studying dance, Ianca has been playing the violin for seven years. She intends to study biomedical science in college.
ALBERT GUERZON (Theatre Dance)
has been proudly teaching for WDA/SHPA for 18 years. Some of his favorite credits include playing the role of Eddie in multiple runs with the Broadway cast and the National tour of Mamma Mia. Other Broadway credits include Ghost the Musical, Honeymoon In Vegas, and Escape to Margaritaville. Al originated the role of Tondo in Prison Dancer at the Joseph Papp Theater. He has choreographed for KTU's Beatstock The Macy's Day Parade, and NY Fashion Week as well as for national and international tours for Kaci Battaglia featuring Ludacris and Emii featuring Snoop Dogg. Albert can be seen on TV on Comedy Central. Currently Albert is Dance Captain for the National Tour of Mama Mia! See more of his work at http://www.albertguerzon.com
has been proudly teaching for WDA/SHPA for 18 years. Some of his favorite credits include playing the role of Eddie in multiple runs with the Broadway cast and the National tour of Mamma Mia. Other Broadway credits include Ghost the Musical, Honeymoon In Vegas, and Escape to Margaritaville. Al originated the role of Tondo in Prison Dancer at the Joseph Papp Theater. He has choreographed for KTU's Beatstock The Macy's Day Parade, and NY Fashion Week as well as for national and international tours for Kaci Battaglia featuring Ludacris and Emii featuring Snoop Dogg. Albert can be seen on TV on Comedy Central. Currently Albert is Dance Captain for the National Tour of Mama Mia! See more of his work at http://www.albertguerzon.com
MIRANDA HANNON (Contemporary)
Miranda is a freelance dancer and choreographer based in New York City. She attended Mason Gross School of the Arts as a BFA dance major, and attended the Joffrey Ballet School as a BFA dance major with a jazz and contemporary concentration. She began her training at the age of three years old, and became a highly competitive student at the age of ten years old. Miranda has had vigorous training in specific dance styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, improvisation and movement invention. She trained at various studios in the New Jersey area, all in which she was a competitive student, while also teaching and creating movement in all styles of stage dance. She also trained at various studios in New York City, such as Broadway Dance Center on full scholarship, Peridance, and Joffrey Ballet School. Miranda has won countless competitions, awards and scholarships being accredited for her creative approach to performance and movement invention.
Miranda is a freelance dancer and choreographer based in New York City. She attended Mason Gross School of the Arts as a BFA dance major, and attended the Joffrey Ballet School as a BFA dance major with a jazz and contemporary concentration. She began her training at the age of three years old, and became a highly competitive student at the age of ten years old. Miranda has had vigorous training in specific dance styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, improvisation and movement invention. She trained at various studios in the New Jersey area, all in which she was a competitive student, while also teaching and creating movement in all styles of stage dance. She also trained at various studios in New York City, such as Broadway Dance Center on full scholarship, Peridance, and Joffrey Ballet School. Miranda has won countless competitions, awards and scholarships being accredited for her creative approach to performance and movement invention.
WADI JONES (Hip Hop)
has had an incredibly interesting and diverse career. A local boy from Ossining, Wadi started out as a self taught dancer and went on to become a finalist on the popular TV series "So You Think You Can Dance". Wadi is a visual artist whose work is in demand, an expert on all aspects of Hip Hop, and a master of parkour, is a training discipline using movement that developed from military obstacle course training. It was while working with our company that Wadi met and married his beautiful wife Amanda.
He then accepted a touring position in Japan for six months. Amanda and Wadi enjoyed Japan, but Wadi accepted a touring position with Marvel Comics, which brought them back to the US.
Wadi and Amanda recently welcomed their sons Hiro and Loui, and daughter, Indy.
has had an incredibly interesting and diverse career. A local boy from Ossining, Wadi started out as a self taught dancer and went on to become a finalist on the popular TV series "So You Think You Can Dance". Wadi is a visual artist whose work is in demand, an expert on all aspects of Hip Hop, and a master of parkour, is a training discipline using movement that developed from military obstacle course training. It was while working with our company that Wadi met and married his beautiful wife Amanda.
He then accepted a touring position in Japan for six months. Amanda and Wadi enjoyed Japan, but Wadi accepted a touring position with Marvel Comics, which brought them back to the US.
Wadi and Amanda recently welcomed their sons Hiro and Loui, and daughter, Indy.
ERIN LANDERS (Modern, Ballet)
Erin Landers is a Brooklyn based choreographer, teacher, and performer. She is a founding member of ECHOensemble, an improvising group of musicians and dancers, a member of dNaga Dance Company, an internationally-touring, intergenerational dance company directed by Claudine Naganuma, and was a co-founder of A-Y/dancers, a Hudson-Valley based repertory company. Erin is influenced by her upbringing in a musical household and background in many dance forms including modern, contemporary, ballet, Zimbabwean, Balkan, and Irish Dance as well as mime. She creates choreographic work independently, and is producing her second evening-length performance this fall. As a teacher, she encourages creativity and playfulness, and hopes to illuminate dance technique in a way that gives students tools for their own expression and creation.
Erin Landers is a Brooklyn based choreographer, teacher, and performer. She is a founding member of ECHOensemble, an improvising group of musicians and dancers, a member of dNaga Dance Company, an internationally-touring, intergenerational dance company directed by Claudine Naganuma, and was a co-founder of A-Y/dancers, a Hudson-Valley based repertory company. Erin is influenced by her upbringing in a musical household and background in many dance forms including modern, contemporary, ballet, Zimbabwean, Balkan, and Irish Dance as well as mime. She creates choreographic work independently, and is producing her second evening-length performance this fall. As a teacher, she encourages creativity and playfulness, and hopes to illuminate dance technique in a way that gives students tools for their own expression and creation.
JACK LAZARUS (Hip Hop Fusion, Breakdance, Rhythm Riders)
Jack Lazarus has been dancing for 15 years and specializes in hiphop styles and improvisation, specifically popping and animation. He has learned under icons in the underground hiphop community such as the Inhumanoids Crew and Mr. Wiggles (one of the teachers of Michael Jackson). He has been titled a finalist in and judged numerous competitions held across the east coast, in addition to Amateur Night at the Apollo. Studying at Georgian Court University to become a dance therapist, Jack’s specialty is working with special populations. Jack's teaches highly energetic and imaginative classes, and purposefully tends to the variety of learning styles and behavioral challenges his students may struggle with.
Jack Lazarus has been dancing for 15 years and specializes in hiphop styles and improvisation, specifically popping and animation. He has learned under icons in the underground hiphop community such as the Inhumanoids Crew and Mr. Wiggles (one of the teachers of Michael Jackson). He has been titled a finalist in and judged numerous competitions held across the east coast, in addition to Amateur Night at the Apollo. Studying at Georgian Court University to become a dance therapist, Jack’s specialty is working with special populations. Jack's teaches highly energetic and imaginative classes, and purposefully tends to the variety of learning styles and behavioral challenges his students may struggle with.
SARAH NATHAN (Theatre Dance, Vocal Performance, Tap)
Sarah is a proud Westchester native and an alumni of Westchester Dance Artists. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater & a minor in Dance from Pace University. She has been so fortunate to perform throughout the country, on the high seas and across the world in numerous touring and regional productions. Some of her favorite professional credits include, Bring It On: The Musical (National/International tour), Legally Blonde (NCL & International tour), Guys and Dolls (The Wick) and Company (NY Philharmonic). In addition to performing, Sarah has expanded her role as a choreographer, stager and educator. She is currently a Resident Choreographer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Www.sarahsnathan.com
Sarah is a proud Westchester native and an alumni of Westchester Dance Artists. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater & a minor in Dance from Pace University. She has been so fortunate to perform throughout the country, on the high seas and across the world in numerous touring and regional productions. Some of her favorite professional credits include, Bring It On: The Musical (National/International tour), Legally Blonde (NCL & International tour), Guys and Dolls (The Wick) and Company (NY Philharmonic). In addition to performing, Sarah has expanded her role as a choreographer, stager and educator. She is currently a Resident Choreographer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Www.sarahsnathan.com
LÉA ONO (Hip Hop)
Began her training with the founding company of WDA. Lea is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she studied dance and literature. Léa has performed and taught as a master teacher in this country as well as in Tokyo and Paris. Lea has been a member of several companies: Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists (highly awarded); Mint Dance Company (NYC based); Encore (choreographer and dancer) and the The Neighbors which recently won WORLD OF DANCE - BOSTON.
In addition to teaching for WDA Léa has taught at Mark Morris, Le Centre Des Arts Vivants and Hatakeyama Association Studios. With The Neighbors Lea is a champion at World of Dance; Lea is a National Champion having won first place at Prelude; first place at BOOM; first place at Evolution; First place at Sayaw.
Léa is thrilled to be teaching for WDA and is looking forward to passing on her love of dance to younger students.
Began her training with the founding company of WDA. Lea is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she studied dance and literature. Léa has performed and taught as a master teacher in this country as well as in Tokyo and Paris. Lea has been a member of several companies: Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists (highly awarded); Mint Dance Company (NYC based); Encore (choreographer and dancer) and the The Neighbors which recently won WORLD OF DANCE - BOSTON.
In addition to teaching for WDA Léa has taught at Mark Morris, Le Centre Des Arts Vivants and Hatakeyama Association Studios. With The Neighbors Lea is a champion at World of Dance; Lea is a National Champion having won first place at Prelude; first place at BOOM; first place at Evolution; First place at Sayaw.
Léa is thrilled to be teaching for WDA and is looking forward to passing on her love of dance to younger students.
EMELIA SIKORSKY (Ballet Hip-Hop)
was first introduced to dance in Debralyn's class at age three. She fell in love with all types of dance and theater. Emelia has performed professionally onstage throughout New York. Emelia is currently pursuing her degree in Dance from Adelphi University, and has trained with Gelsey Kirkland, Albert Guerzon, Majella Loughran and at Peridance. She has attended summer intensives at NYSSA, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy. Emelia has appeared at Symphony Space, the 92nd St. Y, Irvington Rocks!, the Westchester Arts Council, the Irvington Town Hall Theater and in numerous productions all around Westchester County.
was first introduced to dance in Debralyn's class at age three. She fell in love with all types of dance and theater. Emelia has performed professionally onstage throughout New York. Emelia is currently pursuing her degree in Dance from Adelphi University, and has trained with Gelsey Kirkland, Albert Guerzon, Majella Loughran and at Peridance. She has attended summer intensives at NYSSA, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy. Emelia has appeared at Symphony Space, the 92nd St. Y, Irvington Rocks!, the Westchester Arts Council, the Irvington Town Hall Theater and in numerous productions all around Westchester County.
TRISTAN SMUTEK (Hip Hop, Breakdance, Tricks and Flips)
Tristan began dancing with Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists (now Westchester Dance Artists) when he was 9. He began with breakdance and very quickly moved into different styles under the teachings of Wadi Jones, Majella Loughran and Debralyn Press. Tristan has performed as a dancer all over NYS, as a member of WDA's perfomance companies and other local organizations. Aside from his dance background, Tristan has extensive training in free running and parkour, seen on the YouTube channel, The Hollow Parkour, which has amassed thousands of views. He is Tristan currently teaches Breakdance, Hip Hop and Tricks and Flips at WDA.
Tristan began dancing with Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists (now Westchester Dance Artists) when he was 9. He began with breakdance and very quickly moved into different styles under the teachings of Wadi Jones, Majella Loughran and Debralyn Press. Tristan has performed as a dancer all over NYS, as a member of WDA's perfomance companies and other local organizations. Aside from his dance background, Tristan has extensive training in free running and parkour, seen on the YouTube channel, The Hollow Parkour, which has amassed thousands of views. He is Tristan currently teaches Breakdance, Hip Hop and Tricks and Flips at WDA.
JULIAN VIERA (Hip Hop)
Julian began his training when he was 9, starting with breakdancing and then moving into animation, tap, hip-hop, and finally joining Junior Dance Artists and Hollowback, two dance companies out of Westchester Dance Artists, formerly Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists. Julian‘s training includes intensives at the Joffrey ballet school and Westchester Dance Artists. He has performed for recording artist TT the Artist and for choreographer Bijan Williams in music videos and performed in New York City’s Union Square with the Joffrey Ballet Summer Hip Hop Company. Julian competes in dance battles throughout the tri-state area and competed in World of Dance - New Jersey. Julian plans to attend college for dance and is looking forward to a career as both a dancer and dance teacher.
Julian began his training when he was 9, starting with breakdancing and then moving into animation, tap, hip-hop, and finally joining Junior Dance Artists and Hollowback, two dance companies out of Westchester Dance Artists, formerly Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists. Julian‘s training includes intensives at the Joffrey ballet school and Westchester Dance Artists. He has performed for recording artist TT the Artist and for choreographer Bijan Williams in music videos and performed in New York City’s Union Square with the Joffrey Ballet Summer Hip Hop Company. Julian competes in dance battles throughout the tri-state area and competed in World of Dance - New Jersey. Julian plans to attend college for dance and is looking forward to a career as both a dancer and dance teacher.