meet the staff
Nicole Aravena
Owner & School Director, Performance Team Director
Nicole is the proud owner of Seven Star School of Performing Arts since 2001, where she has dedicated herself to nurturing young talent in the Brewster area. Her passion for teaching is evident in her work with children, guiding them through their artistic journeys. Beyond her studio, Nicole served as a judge for national dance competitions, providing her expertise to inspire excellence in performers. Under her guidance, numerous students have achieved remarkable success, with many entering the professional arenas of Broadway, television, and film. Notably, her students have excelled as gold medalists at the IDO World Tap Championships, showcasing Nicole's commitment to excellence in dance education. Outside of her professional achievements, Nicole finds fulfillment in her roles as a devoted mother to Jordan and Jackson, and as a supportive wife to Mr. Bill. Her multifaceted dedication to family, teaching, and the arts defines Nicole as a pillar of her community and a mentor to aspiring performers worldwide.
Nicole Aravena
Owner & School Director, Performance Team Director
Nicole is the proud owner of Seven Star School of Performing Arts since 2001, where she has dedicated herself to nurturing young talent in the Brewster area. Her passion for teaching is evident in her work with children, guiding them through their artistic journeys. Beyond her studio, Nicole served as a judge for national dance competitions, providing her expertise to inspire excellence in performers. Under her guidance, numerous students have achieved remarkable success, with many entering the professional arenas of Broadway, television, and film. Notably, her students have excelled as gold medalists at the IDO World Tap Championships, showcasing Nicole's commitment to excellence in dance education. Outside of her professional achievements, Nicole finds fulfillment in her roles as a devoted mother to Jordan and Jackson, and as a supportive wife to Mr. Bill. Her multifaceted dedication to family, teaching, and the arts defines Nicole as a pillar of her community and a mentor to aspiring performers worldwide.
Nicole Aravena
Owner & School Director, Performance Team Director
Nicole is the proud owner of Seven Star School of Performing Arts since 2001, where she has dedicated herself to nurturing young talent in the Brewster area. Her passion for teaching is evident in her work with children, guiding them through their artistic journeys. Beyond her studio, Nicole served as a judge for national dance competitions, providing her expertise to inspire excellence in performers. Under her guidance, numerous students have achieved remarkable success, with many entering the professional arenas of Broadway, television, and film. Notably, her students have excelled as gold medalists at the IDO World Tap Championships, showcasing Nicole's commitment to excellence in dance education. Outside of her professional achievements, Nicole finds fulfillment in her roles as a devoted mother to Jordan and Jackson, and as a supportive wife to Mr. Bill. Her multifaceted dedication to family, teaching, and the arts defines Nicole as a pillar of her community and a mentor to aspiring performers worldwide.
Donna Aravena
Owner & Business Director
Donna is the proud Mom of Nicole as well as being co-owner of the Seven Star School of Performing Arts. She has been teaching acrobatics for twenty years. She started her career as a physical education teacher in Stamford, Connecticut after graduating from Southern Connecticut State Teachers College. She began teaching acrobatics at Dance Dimensions in Brookfield, Connecticut where her children studied dance. For nineteen years she taught a gymnastics program in Bethel, Connecticut. Currently, Donna is keeping very busy as the office manager/owner here at the Seven Star School.
Nikki Sanders Siriani
Studio Manager
Nikki is a professional performance artist who has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity since 2004. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, she has worked professionally as an actress, dancer, vocalist, choreographer, vocal coach and director throughout the tri-state region and has been developing children’s theatre throughout CT, Westchester and Putnam County for over 25 years. She found her love of theatre at age 8 while playing Annie and choreographed her first musical at 14 years of age, which quickly multiplied into over 40 full scale productions to date. Nikki is the creator and director of the award winning SSSPA competitive musical theater team Center Stage Stars, which is going into its 8th season. She has also been the director/choreographer of the SSSPA Black Box Musicals for the past two years, as well as a choreographer for the SSSPA Performance Team. Nikki has trained some incredible students in vocal, acting and dance who are currently achieving amazing things on stage and off. She has also had the pleasure of being the director/chorographer at Brewster High School for their yearly main stage musical and is going into her 6th season. Nikki just won the 2024 Metro Award for choreography of her production of Anything Goes. Sharing her own training and love of musical theater with the next generation is her passion and she thrives on cultivating triple threat artists. Her favorite and most challenging role is Mom to her amazing and creative 14 year old twins Miles and Cadence!
Jacqueline Madera
Company Director & Preschool Director
Jacqueline has been teaching at Seven Star School for over 20 years and enjoys working with students of all ages. She grew up in Yorktown Heights, NY and studied jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop and pointe. She was a competitive dancer and also has extensive experience in gymnastics. Jacqueline is currently the Pre-School Director at SSSPA and loves creating and shaping the young minds of the future! She has the reputation of being many students “first dance teacher at SSSPA” and she loves being a part of their journey and building the foundation for these performers who have gone on to do some pretty amazing things! Being there for many first moments and instilling the love of dance for so many is the best part of her job...“Just remember your first position pizza wedges when you’re famous!” Jacqueline also enjoys choreographing dances for the SSSPA Performance Team, many of which have won awards. When Jacqueline is not in the classroom creating, she is working behind the scenes preparing for our much anticipated SSSPA Recital or our beloved SSSPA Pre-School Summer Camps.
Jacqueline Madera
Company Director & Preschool Director
Donna is the proud Mom of Nicole as well as being co-owner of the Seven Star School of Performing Arts. She has been teaching acrobatics for twenty years. She started her career as a physical education teacher in Stamford, Connecticut after graduating from Southern Connecticut State Teachers College. She began teaching acrobatics at Dance Dimensions in Brookfield, Connecticut where her children studied dance. For nineteen years she taught a gymnastics program in Bethel, Connecticut. Currently, Donna is keeping very busy as the office manager/owner here at the Seven Star School.
Melissa Wittek
Company Director and Core Program Director
Melissa Wittek has an extensive background in dance. She began her dance training at the age of five. She trained in jazz, tap, Russian and Classical ballet, pointe, lyrical, gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics. Melissa was a dancer with and Captain of the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company. She was selected for three consecutive years as a Junior Sweetheart for I Love Dance and performed with them in New York, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe. Melissa was featured, “In the Spotlight,” in Dancer Magazine as an outstanding teenager and dancer. (July 2003) After graduating from high school, Melissa attended Point Park University and graduated Cum Laude from the Conservatory of Performing Arts in May 2009. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Upon graduation, Melissa performed at Walt Disney World where she was a seasonal employee. She recently performed with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. She is thrilled to return back to her love of teaching.
Melissa Nagelhout
Company Director and Core Program Director
Melissa Wittek has an extensive background in dance. She began her dance training at the age of five. She trained in jazz, tap, Russian and Classical ballet, pointe, lyrical, gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics. Melissa was a dancer with and Captain of the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company. She was selected for three consecutive years as a Junior Sweetheart for I Love Dance and performed with them in New York, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe. Melissa was featured, “In the Spotlight,” in Dancer Magazine as an outstanding teenager and dancer. (July 2003) After graduating from high school, Melissa attended Point Park University and graduated Cum Laude from the Conservatory of Performing Arts in May 2009. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Upon graduation, Melissa performed at Walt Disney World where she was a seasonal employee. She recently performed with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. She is thrilled to return back to her love of teaching.
Jenna Caccavale
Instructor
Jenna started dancing at the age of 8 and has danced competitively since 2013, where she has won many high score awards and specialty awards. She trained at Dutchess County Performing Arts Center, where she trained under Stacy Schroeder, Inna Yureneva and Erin Sheets. Jenna has training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, tap, musical theater, and modern. Some of her training has come from various conventions and dance studios in New York City such as Broadway Dance Center. She is also certified and trained in Acrobatic Arts. In 2015, Jenna started a modeling career with the Costume Gallery. She worked live modeling expos, and has been featured in costume catalogs. Jenna is currently traveling and working with the dance competition, the Spirit of Dance Awards. While continuing education in dance, she also teaches and choreographs for various dance studios in NY and attends Suny Empire State College to attain a degree in occupational therapy. Her goal is to then work in dance therapy. Jenna has worked in special needs programs and has taught dance classes for dancers who have special needs. She is very excited to continue her dance journey here at Seven Stars.
William Coates
Instructor
Bill Coates has taught tap dance up and down the east coast for almost 13 years. He has given master classes, taught teachers, and worked with children at countless studios as well as conventions. As an adjunct professor, he has taught tap dance at University of Maryland and Catholic University. Currently, he is on the faculty of Steps on Broadway, where he teaches students from young to old and beginner to professional. His classes emphasize rhythm, phrasing, speed and dexterity. They always include technique, mostly derived from tap greats such as Henry LeTang and Steve Condos.
William Coates
Instructor
Bill Coates has taught tap dance up and down the east coast for almost 13 years. He has given master classes, taught teachers, and worked with children at countless studios as well as conventions. As an adjunct professor, he has taught tap dance at University of Maryland and Catholic University. Currently, he is on the faculty of Steps on Broadway, where he teaches students from young to old and beginner to professional. His classes emphasize rhythm, phrasing, speed and dexterity. They always include technique, mostly derived from tap greats such as Henry LeTang and Steve Condos.
Katie Corrao
Instructor
Katie began her early dance training at Seven Star School of Performing Arts in both contemporary and commercial disciplines of dance. In 2020, Katie decided to pursue a BFA in Dance Performance at Montclair State University with an artistic scholarship where she spent two years. In 2022, Katie transferred into the BFA Contemporary Dance Program at The Boston Conservatory to receive a more contemporary approach to dancing. While at her time at Boston Conservatory, Katie had the honor to perform in works, "Unsung" José Limòn, "Crepuscular Call" Thang Dao, "Collide" Loni Landon, "Suite Wonder" Ruka Hatua-Saar White, "Marigold and Starshine" Crystal Perkins and "Renaissance" Lila Kushner. Katie graduated with a BFA in Contemporary Dance and emphasis in Choreography from the Conservatory In 2024.
Hannah Delamonico
Instructor
Hannah grew up in New York where she trained at Seven Star School of Performing Arts for 15+ years in various styles including contemporary, jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, and hip hop while also dancing competitively for 12 years. Hannah has dedicated a lot of time to choreographing and teaching starting at the age of 17. Since graduating high school, Hannah has also been a proud member of the Sacred Heart University Dance Company and their professional track SHU Mo(VE)ment where she is also pursuing a minor in Dance. She is very excited to have the opportunity to work with the students at SSSPA for another season!
Hannah Delamonico
Instructor
Hannah grew up in New York where she trained at Seven Star School of Performing Arts for 15+ years in various styles including contemporary, jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, and hip hop while also dancing competitively for 12 years. Hannah has dedicated a lot of time to choreographing and teaching starting at the age of 17. Since graduating high school, Hannah has also been a proud member of the Sacred Heart University Dance Company and their professional track SHU Mo(VE)ment where she is also pursuing a minor in Dance. She is very excited to have the opportunity to work with the students at SSSPA for another season!
Sharon DiCrosta
Instructor
Sharon is the founder and director of The Dancer’s Studio since 1972 and has taught dance and related courses throughout the United States and Canada. Her experience in dance and theater is extensive, encompassing a variety of dance disciplines with training both here and abroad. Sharon’s students have participated in dance events nationally and internationally and have been seen in film, television, stage and in the classroom, where many are currently teaching. Involved in many teaching organizations, Sharon is the past president of Dance Masters of America Chapter #26 in New York City. She loves inspiring performers of all ages and sharing her gifts with the next generation of dancers.
Erika Gard
Instructor
Erika grew up dancing at Seven Star School of Performing Arts where she trained for 14 years in various styles including jazz, contemporary, tap, ballet, and hip hop. During her time at the studio, Erika danced competitively for 12 years and had the opportunity to compete with United States Tap Team in Reisa, Germany back in 2020. Since graduating high school, Erika has been a proud member of the Pace Dance Team where she now continues her training in styles like jazz, hip hop, and pom. She is thrilled to have this opportunity and be able to teach, choreograph, and work with the talented students at SSSPA!
Daisy
Infantas-Lagdamen
Instructor
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Daisy Infantas is a strong, charismatic individual who lives to share her love of the arts with others. She began dancing at the age of 8 as part of her Peruvian culture which eventually became a bridge to learning all styles of hip hop. She was mentored by Jolet Creary, the owner of Studio 860, who inspired her on a dance-focused path which led to her becoming a leader in the University of Hartford’s Hip Hop dance team, Fenomena. She also competed and continues to compete alongside her current dance team, Kalligraphy, which took part in the World of Dance and Hip Hop International competitions.
Daisy became an actress after four years of intense training at her arts high school, and has worked in many Hartford Stage productions such as Breakdancing Shakespeare and Comedy of Errors directed by the Tony-Award-winning Darko Tresnjak. She will appear as a dancer in the upcoming film In The Heights (2020) directed by John M. Chu.
Daisy holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hartford and currently works as an Instructional Assistant (I.A.) at Milestones Behavioral Services, a school dedicated to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities or other educational needs. Simultaneously, she brings her creativity, unique dance technique, and many years of teaching and performing experience to the studio, where she hopes to nurture and inspire the next generation of hip hop dancers and encourage them to pursue their own goals and love for the arts.
Daisy
Infantas-Lagdamen
Instructor
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Daisy Infantas is a strong, charismatic individual who lives to share her love of the arts with others. She began dancing at the age of 8 as part of her Peruvian culture which eventually became a bridge to learning all styles of hip hop. She was mentored by Jolet Creary, the owner of Studio 860, who inspired her on a dance-focused path which led to her becoming a leader in the University of Hartford’s Hip Hop dance team, Fenomena. She also competed and continues to compete alongside her current dance team, Kalligraphy, which took part in the World of Dance and Hip Hop International competitions.
Daisy became an actress after four years of intense training at her arts high school, and has worked in many Hartford Stage productions such as Breakdancing Shakespeare and Comedy of Errors directed by the Tony-Award-winning Darko Tresnjak. She will appear as a dancer in the upcoming film In The Heights (2020) directed by John M. Chu.
Daisy holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hartford and currently works as an Instructional Assistant (I.A.) at Milestones Behavioral Services, a school dedicated to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities or other educational needs. Simultaneously, she brings her creativity, unique dance technique, and many years of teaching and performing experience to the studio, where she hopes to nurture and inspire the next generation of hip hop dancers and encourage them to pursue their own goals and love for the arts.
Carol Jendras
Instructor
Carol Jendras, parent of 3 (Taylor, Joe, and Kayla), and Seven Stars Mom since the studio’s grand opening almost 15 years ago, has happily joined the faculty of the Seven Stars School, as one of our voice teachers. She will be teaching our Thursday evening students.
Carol has an extensive background in music and the arts. She began taking classical piano lessons at the age of 6, and was involved in every choral concert/play/show that was available to her through high school. She played Sarah Brown in her high school senior year production of Guys and Dolls, and was a piano soloist annually during those weekend musical performances. She accompanied local school musicals in the Bronx at that time as well.
During a brief leave of absence from college at Fordham University, she worked teaching piano and voice to be able to buy herself a baby grand piano at the age of 18. She studied under professional musicians in NYC before continuing her college education at New York University, receiving a B.S. degree in Music Education (magna cum laude). During that time, Carol studied piano, music composition, and voice with professionals including Profs. Ron Sadoff, Richard Sorce, and John Kuhn. She did her student teaching at Pleasantville Middle School and the Little Red Schoolhouse in Greenwich Village. During her years in NYC and beyond, Carol subscribed to the New York Philharmonic, and did not miss a show in those series for 6 years.
Kelsey Kaufman
Instructor
Kelsey Kaufman is a NYC based performer originally from the Washington DC area. She is currently with Wicked the musical, swinging both the Broadway and National Touring productions. Kelsey was also recently seen in Cape Playhouse’s production of An American in Paris (Olga, u/s Lise) directed and choreographed by Al Blackstone. Other recent credits include Lise Dassin in Surflight Theater’s Production of An American in Paris, A Chorus Line (Maggie), Annie (Lily St. Regis), Xanadu (Calliope), Mid Atlantic Dance Theater’s Nutcracker (Sugar Plum), Holiday Inn, Flashdance, Mama Mia and Matilda. A graduate of Pace University, Kelsey also holds a BFA in Commercial Dance as part of the class of 2022. Follow her journey at @KelseyKaufman_
Matthew Mancuso
Instructor
Matthew is originally from East Haven, CT. He began histraining at the age of 8 at Gloria Jean’s Studio of Dance under the the direction of Stacy Eastman. In 2018, Matthew and his teammates traveled to Riesa, Germany for the World Tap Championships where they were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. He was also awarded America’s Male Dancer of the Year in 2021 at American Dance Awards, where he was the first male in ADA history to win all four national titles - Young, Junior, Teen and Senior!
Matthew then moved to NYC and just recently graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where he earned a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Entertainment Business.While at school, Matthew got to learn and perform repertoire from Sidra Bell and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. He also was chosen to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic at The National Theatre. Matthew most recently performed at the Carnival Choreographer’s Ball, New York Fashion Week, Battery Park Dance Festival, and for the Steps Beyond Foundation. He loves teaching and choreographing, as well as passing his love for dance onto the next generation.
Jillian McNamara
Instructor
Jillian is an alumni of Seven Star School of Performing Arts where she trained for over fifteen years in all genres including tap, jazz hip hop and ballet. She also received training at various intensives throughout the world, including the Dubrovnik Tap Festival and Sarah Reich’s Tap Music Project. Her passion for dance has led her to achieve top honors at various competitions and conventions in the United States and abroad. She has been named The IDO female World Tap Champion on four separate occasions and is the only person ever to win the solo title in each of the three age divisions. She has also held the titles of JUMP VIP, Nuvo Breakout Artist, 24/7 Non Stop Dancer, ADA Regional Dancer of the the Year, Hall of Fame Inductee and Kids for Kids Diamond Dancer. She is currently teaching and choreographing at several studios in New York and Connecticut, is leading a team of dancers to the IDO World Tap Championships In November and is a member of Mike Minery and Anthony Morigerato’s Loose Screws Tap Company. She is excited to share her passion for dance with others and was honored to receive her first ever choreography award in her inaugural choreography season this past year.
Jillian McNamara
Instructor
Jillian is an alumni of Seven Star School of Performing Arts where she trained for over fifteen years in all genres including tap, jazz hip hop and ballet. She also received training at various intensives throughout the world, including the Dubrovnik Tap Festival and Sarah Reich’s Tap Music Project. Her passion for dance has led her to achieve top honors at various competitions and conventions in the United States and abroad. She has been named The IDO female World Tap Champion on four separate occasions and is the only person ever to win the solo title in each of the three age divisions. She has also held the titles of JUMP VIP, Nuvo Breakout Artist, 24/7 Non Stop Dancer, ADA Regional Dancer of the the Year, Hall of Fame Inductee and Kids for Kids Diamond Dancer. She is currently teaching and choreographing at several studios in New York and Connecticut, is leading a team of dancers to the IDO World Tap Championships In November and is a member of Mike Minery and Anthony Morigerato’s Loose Screws Tap Company. She is excited to share her passion for dance with others and was honored to receive her first ever choreography award in her inaugural choreography season this past year.
Alicia Monaco
Instructor
Alicia began dancing at the age of 2 at The Dancer’s Studio in North Haven, CT. Her early training comes from Sharon DiCrosta, and she has continued her studies in NYC with teachers such as Andrew J. Nemr and Derick Grant. Cited for her talents at the age of 9 by Gregory Hines, his words of praise and encouragement continue to motivate Alicia even today. A former Petite Miss Dance of America, she has been recognized for her performances, as well as her choreography on the national and international levels. As a member of the World Tap Dance Champion Team in 96 and 97, she placed 3rd highest among female soloists and captured the bronze medal in the couples division. Recently, Alicia took her students to Riesa, Germany as part of the USA Tap Team and they were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2014 World Tap Dance Championship event.
Montana Nogrady
Instructor
Montana graduated from The University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May 2018 with a BFA with Honors in Dance. She performed in works by Douglas Becker, Meredith Rainey, Tania Isaacs, Thaddeus and Tanya Davis, Milton Myers, Nora Gibson, Sidra Bell, Jesse Zaritt and Anne White, and Robert Burden. She was trained locally at Step by Step, in Cornwall, and the Darlene Wilson Institute of Dance, in Newburgh. She was a part of Orange County Ballet Theatre and performed annually in The Nutcracker and their spring performances, with repertoire including Swan Lake, Pas De Quatre, Le Corsaire and La Bayadére. With Step by Step, Montana has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and several international festivals in England, Scotland, Spain, Italy and Greece. She has been a choreographer for Step It Up’s Summer Stage, for productions of Hairspray, Shrek The Musical, School of Rock, The Addams Family, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago- High School Edition, in which she performed as Kitty and a featured dancer. In the summer of 2022, she was stage manager and Sister Temple in Theatre on Main Street’s production of Orpheus Descending. This December, she will be choreographing and appearing in Theatre on Main Street’s production of the 2012 revival of Godspell, as Judas.
Montana Nogrady
Instructor
Montana graduated from The University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May 2018 with a BFA with Honors in Dance. She performed in works by Douglas Becker, Meredith Rainey, Tania Isaacs, Thaddeus and Tanya Davis, Milton Myers, Nora Gibson, Sidra Bell, Jesse Zaritt and Anne White, and Robert Burden. She was trained locally at Step by Step, in Cornwall, and the Darlene Wilson Institute of Dance, in Newburgh. She was a part of Orange County Ballet Theatre and performed annually in The Nutcracker and their spring performances, with repertoire including Swan Lake, Pas De Quatre, Le Corsaire and La Bayadére. With Step by Step, Montana has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and several international festivals in England, Scotland, Spain, Italy and Greece. She has been a choreographer for Step It Up’s Summer Stage, for productions of Hairspray, Shrek The Musical, School of Rock, The Addams Family, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago- High School Edition, in which she performed as Kitty and a featured dancer. In the summer of 2022, she was stage manager and Sister Temple in Theatre on Main Street’s production of Orpheus Descending. This December, she will be choreographing and appearing in Theatre on Main Street’s production of the 2012 revival of Godspell, as Judas.
Veronica Nogrady
Instructor
Veronica Nogrady is a Cornwall- on- Hudson native and began her dance training at Powers Dance Arts Centre. She has performed with numerous companies in the Hudson Valley area, including The Orange County Ballet Theatre, The Poughkeepsie Ballet Theater, The Ulster County Ballet Theatre and Ballet Arts Company. She is a 1985 graduate of The Hartford Ballet Teacher’s Certification Program. While in Hartford, she danced with Hartford Ballet’s Studio Company and appeared as a Guest Artist with The Simsbury Light Opera Company. In 1985, Ms. Nogrady joined The Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre where she was a principal dancer, as well as, a full time faculty member. Ms. Nogrady was also a principal dancer and faculty member at The Georgia Ballet and has also performed with Capital City Opera and Ballet Orlando. She taught at Ballet Orlando and The Absecon Academy of Arts. She has been the choreographer for the spring musicals at Goshen High School since 2007. Her choreography has appeared at The American Alliance of Performing Arts Educators at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and abroad in London, Scotland, Barcelona, Italy and Greece. Most recently, she choreographed for Theater on Main Street’s production of Billy Elliot.
Gabby Paige
Strategic Assistant
Gabby is beyond thrilled to be a part of the SSSPA team! Gabby is an alum of Seven Star School of Performing Arts, where she trained in various dance styles for 11 years. She has performed at Yorktown Stage, Boston Conservatory Mainstage, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Broadway Method Academy, WPPAC, and 54 Below. Gabby graduated from the Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre and an Emphasis in Directing. She is represented by Lohne/Graham Management.
Gabby Paige
Strategic Assistant
Gabby is beyond thrilled to be a part of the SSSPA team! Gabby is an alum of Seven Star School of Performing Arts, where she trained in various dance styles for 11 years. She has performed at Yorktown Stage, Boston Conservatory Mainstage, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Broadway Method Academy, WPPAC, and 54 Below. Gabby graduated from the Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre and an Emphasis in Directing. She is represented by Lohne/Graham Management.
Skylar Rienert
Instructor
Skylar Rienert began her dance education at New Hampshire School of Ballet. She pursued her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance for 2 years at SUNY Purchase, and finished her degree at Montclair State University. At Montclair, she has had the privilege to dance in works by Ohad Naharin, Stefanie Batten Bland, Gregory Dolbashian, Maxine Steinman, and Christian von Howard. Miss Rienert has been teaching dance for 6 years. She has choreographed numerous pieces for NH, MA, and NY studios, as well as Montclair State University. She is co-owner of Inception Dance Intensive. Skylar has won several choreography and performance awards, and continues to work as an artist throughout New England, New Jersey, and New York.
Joseph J. Simeone
Instructor
Joseph graduated from The Juilliard School dance dept. in 2004 and has danced for many esteemed companies and choreographers such as Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris, ABT, and Twyla Tharp as well as with the Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera and A Chorus Line. Joseph originated the role of Riff in the first National Tour of West Side Story for which he won two Best Actor Awards and was complemented by the story’s author, Arthur Laurents, in his last memoir, The Rest of the Story (2012) and performed in the original Broadway cast of A Bronx Tale, where he was the original understudy of the leading role of “Calogero”. He most recently wrote the book, music, and lyrics/directed the new musical, "Love Affair," at The Legacy Theatre in CT and has also written the book, music, and lyrics for an original musical, titled, Cafe Nadine, (a true story about life in East Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall), which is being mentored by Stephen Schwartz, directed by Scott Schwartz, with musical supervision by Patrick Vaccariello, and is slated for a full Broadway production in 2024.
Emily Slater
Instructor
Emily is from Cross River, NY and grew up dancing and competing nationally. Emily graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she earned a BFA in Dance Performance from SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts as well as minors in both Business and Educational Studies. Emily is an artistic performer who physicalizes her movement and has training in styles of contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theater. Emily is currently working with Core Dance Contemporary in NYC and has performed in numerous projects across New York. While at SMU Emily has performed diverse choreography by Martha Graham, Dwight Rhoden, Robert Battle, Silas Farley, Joy Bollinger, Alex Sanchez and others. She also has participated in numerous intensives; most recently at The Graham School, MOVE NYC and Complexions in NYC. Emily is certified in Pure Barre Classic, Empower, Define, and Align instruction. Emily is thrilled to be back in New York performing and teaching!
Madison Vendel
Instructor
Madison Vendel is a dance artist who trained at Seven Star School of Performing Arts in Brewster, New York for fifteen years before going on to teach and choreograph there upon high school graduation in 2020. She recently received her BFA with honors at University of the Arts as a Dance major with a Business minor in December of 2023. Madison has danced in numerous professional performances including: the Sugar Bowl Halftime Show in 2015, the Presidential Inauguration in 2017, Walt Disney World’s Sensational Christmas Celebration in 2018, and for the Brooklyn Nets in 2020. She currently teaches at several dance studios in the New York area and looks forward to what the future has in store for her as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer.
Joseph J. Simeone
Instructor
Joseph graduated from The Juilliard School dance dept. in 2004 and has danced for many esteemed companies and choreographers such as Merce Cunningham, Mark Morris, ABT, and Twyla Tharp as well as with the Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera and A Chorus Line. Joseph originated the role of Riff in the first National Tour of West Side Story for which he won two Best Actor Awards and was complemented by the story’s author, Arthur Laurents, in his last memoir, The Rest of the Story (2012) and performed in the original Broadway cast of A Bronx Tale, where he was the original understudy of the leading role of “Calogero”. He most recently wrote the book, music, and lyrics/directed the new musical, "Love Affair," at The Legacy Theatre in CT and has also written the book, music, and lyrics for an original musical, titled, Cafe Nadine, (a true story about life in East Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall), which is being mentored by Stephen Schwartz, directed by Scott Schwartz, with musical supervision by Patrick Vaccariello, and is slated for a full Broadway production in 2024.
Jen Turey
Instructor
Jen Turey's professional performing experience includes the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular as a Rockette, touring throughout the US, Canada and Europe with the Broadway National and International tours of 42nd Street, Crazy for You, and The Will Rogers Follies and regionally at Northshore Music Theatre (Cabaret and 42 Street), The Cape Playhouse (Erma in Anything Goes), Westchester Broadway Theatre (Crazy for You and Good News), The Reagle Players (Crazy for You, Guys and Dolls, Gloria in Bye Bye Birdie, Showboat, Gertie in Oklahoma, The Will Rogers Follies and My One and Only) and The Shubert Theatre in New Haven, CT (Erma in Anything Goes). Her professional choreography career has brought her to the Weston Playhouse (The Light in the Piazza and the world premiere of Saint-Ex), Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (Crazy for You, No, No, Nanette and Thoroughly Modern Millie) The Reagle Players (Crazy for You - Co-Director and The Will Rogers Follies - Assistant Choreographer), Richter Park (Pippin, Crazy For You, Funny Girl, 42nd Street and 9 to 5) and Western Connecticut State University (The Donkey Show, Bat Boy, Marat/Sade, Spring Awakening, Anything Goes, et al.) where she is also an adjunct professor. Jen also holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts with an Acting concentration from Hunter College, an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Dance Education at Teachers College Columbia University. Jen is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Jen is currently on staff at Broadway Dance Center in New York City and is thrilled to add Seven Star School for Performing Arts to her schedule. Her teaching career has brought her expertise to Burklyn Ballet Theatre, NOCCA, conventions, summer intensives and other performing arts institutions. Jen adjudicates dance competitions all over the country and is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique, Rhythm Works, and Acrobatic Arts instructor.
Alexa Villega
Instructor
Alexa was born in Manhattan, New York and raised in Danbury, Connecticut starting dance at the age of four. She trained at Seven Star School of Performing Arts under Nicole Aravena, Jaclyn Yarusso, and Anita Intrieri. There, she began taking classes in many styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop shaping her to be a well rounded dancer.
Upon graduating from SSSPA in May 2020, she Committed to Pace University's BFA Commercial Dance program under Rhonda Miller, Scott Jovovich, and Lauren Gaul to continue her diverse dance training and help transition her into the professional world. Alexa's journey at Pace has been filled with an immense amount of growth, knowledge, and opportunities, learning from many professionals in the dance industry who have helped mold her into the dancer she is today. During her junior semester in LA, she signed Bloc Talent Agency NYC & LA.
Throughout her time at Pace, she has taken three different choreography classes (Choreo 1, Choreo for Camera, Advanced Choreo) where she gained a love for choreography and currently creates on young artists at local dance studios as well as her peers from pace.
Outside of dance, Alexa enjoys going to the gym, thrifting, and spending quality time with family and friends. Alexa graduated from pace in May 2024 and is excited to step into such an expansive city and work as a bi-coastal dancer/choreographer.
Brielle Wymbs
Instructor
Brielle began her training in 2003, at Seven Star School of Performing Arts where she trained in various styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Modern. During her years training at Seven Star School, Brielle was invited to join the United States Dance Team competing in Reisa, Germany. She has received many awards over the years including ADA’s Ultimate Challenge Winner Regional Dancer. With her qualification to compete for America’s Dance of the Year she also received multiple convention scholarships.
Brielle chose to advance her hip hop repertoire by attending Brickhouse in Manhattan, NY. There she was invited to join the semi-professional/professional performance program X Generation.
Brielle studied under decorated dancers such as Kelly Peters, Delaney Glazer, Candace Brown and more. In addition to performing with her dance crew X Generation, Brielle has performed as a back up dancer for Latin artist Acosta, in his latest music video “Jabaro”. Brielle has experience working under the renowned choreographers Greg Chapkis, Katy Spreadbury, Mike Minery and more. She is currently teaching at studios across NY and CT with numerous awards for her choreography. Brielle is known for her Unique Competitive Dance Choreography in multiple states across the East Coast, and continues to choreograph professionally.
Brielle Wymbs
Instructor
Brielle began her training in 2003, at Seven Star School of Performing Arts where she trained in various styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Modern. During her years training at Seven Star School, Brielle was invited to join the United States Dance Team competing in Reisa, Germany. She has received many awards over the years including ADA’s Ultimate Challenge Winner Regional Dancer. With her qualification to compete for America’s Dance of the Year she also received multiple convention scholarships.
Brielle chose to advance her hip hop repertoire by attending Brickhouse in Manhattan, NY. There she was invited to join the semi-professional/professional performance program X Generation.
Brielle studied under decorated dancers such as Kelly Peters, Delaney Glazer, Candace Brown and more. In addition to performing with her dance crew X Generation, Brielle has performed as a back up dancer for Latin artist Acosta, in his latest music video “Jabaro”. Brielle has experience working under the renowned choreographers Greg Chapkis, Katy Spreadbury, Mike Minery and more. She is currently teaching at studios across NY and CT with numerous awards for her choreography. Brielle is known for her Unique Competitive Dance Choreography in multiple states across the East Coast, and continues to choreograph professionally.
Emily Slater
Instructor
Emily is from Cross River, NY and grew up dancing and competing nationally. Emily graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas where she earned a BFA in Dance Performance from SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts as well as minors in both Business and Educational Studies. Emily is an artistic performer who physicalizes her movement and has training in styles of contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theater. Emily is currently working with Core Dance Contemporary in NYC and has performed in numerous projects across New York. While at SMU Emily has performed diverse choreography by Martha Graham, Dwight Rhoden, Robert Battle, Silas Farley, Joy Bollinger, Alex Sanchez and others. She also has participated in numerous intensives; most recently at The Graham School, MOVE NYC and Complexions in NYC. Emily is certified in Pure Barre Classic, Empower, Define, and Align instruction. Emily is thrilled to be back in New York performing and teaching!
Veronica Nogrady
Instructor
Janet DePaul
Instructor
Janet DePaul has been dancing since the age of five. She is a graduate of Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School, and is a certified member of Dance Teachers’ Club of Connecticut, Chapter 18. She has been teaching young children to dance for all of her adult life.
In addition to her dance studies, Janet holds a BS in Elementary Education from Western Connecticut State University, and an MS in School Guidance Counseling from Central Connecticut State University.
Kiersten Sanok
Instructor
Patty Kilcawley
Front Desk Manager
Katie Parapugna
Administrative Director
Katie is so happy to be working again with her SSSPA family as the Administrative Director. Katie is an alum of SSSPA and after graduating attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she received her BA in Marketing. While at UMASS, Katie was a member of the Minuteman Marching Band Color Guard under the direction of George N. Parks.
Since graduating she has worked as a Colorguard Instructor and Choreographer for the Brewster High School Marching Band. The Marching Band has performed in many high profile events such as the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade™, in Ireland in both the Dublin and Limerick Saint Patrick’s Day Parades, on the deck of the USS Intrepid and down Main Street USA at Walt Disney World.
Outside of SSSPA and Marching Band, Katie's favorite job is being mom to her two favorite boys Gregory and Nicolas.
Kate Parapugna
Administrative Director
Katie is so happy to be working again with her SSSPA family as the Administrative Director. Katie is an alum of SSSPA and after graduating attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she received her BA in Marketing. While at UMASS, Katie was a member of the Minuteman Marching Band Color Guard under the direction of George N. Parks.
Since graduating she has worked as a Colorguard Instructor and Choreographer for the Brewster High School Marching Band. The Marching Band has performed in many high profile events such as the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade™, in Ireland in both the Dublin and Limerick Saint Patrick’s Day Parades, on the deck of the USS Intrepid and down Main Street USA at Walt Disney World.
Outside of SSSPA and Marching Band, Katie's favorite job is being mom to her two favorite boys Gregory and Nicolas.
Testimonials
Best dance studio around! Teachers are phenomenal. The attention to detail is amazing! My daughter has truly blossomed here. Would recommend nowhere else. SSSPA is truly family .
Amanda M.
Your demonstrated your total commitment- to the children and our family and we truly appreciate the way you handled the situation. It meant so much to us.
Amanda A.
Contact Us
ADDRESS
509 Route 312 , Brewster NY 10509-1534
Monday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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About
Seven Star School of Performing Arts is a children's dance studio located in Brewster with an award-winning team dedicated to providing the best dance instruction whilst also empowering tomorrow's leaders.
Opening Hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
ADDRESS: 509 Route 312 , Brewster NY 10509-1534
Email: nicole@sevenstarschool.com
Telephone: 845-593-9104
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