Aubrey Cheek loves being part of the Flash Pointe Dance family! She is originally from Florida, attended Oklahoma City University as a dance performance major, and graduated summa cum laude from Pace University with a degree in Arts and Entertainment Management. Aubrey is on substitute faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway Academy. Aubrey has performed in numerous professional theatre productions - “42nd Street” at the Fulton Theatre and the Fireside Theatre, and most recently “Cats” at Interlakes Theatre. She choreographed “Sister Act” at Interlakes Theatre. In NYC, she was part of Pre-Production for “Funny Girl” Broadway (with tap choreographer Ayodele Casel), performed in “In The Groove” (choreographed by Dormeshia), and in “Gypsy of the Year” (choreographed by Chaz Wolcott).

Aubrey is an alumna of the Tap Program at the prestigious School at Jacob’s Pillow (directed by Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia). She was a student in the Dance Lab NY Broadway Choreography Intensive (directed by Josh Prince and Valerie Salgado). Aubrey was a scholarship student in the Gus Giordano Dance School College/Pro Intensive. Aubrey continues to train at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center. She has presented work in several NYC choreography showcases. Aubrey travels to teach and set choreography on young dancers around the United States. Her choreography has won many high honors and special awards at competitions. Aubrey works for the Power of Dance competition as a host and awards manager, and judge.

Aubrey deeply believes that dance can change lives. She is passionate about sharing what she loves and connecting with others through dance!

Aubrey teaches tap, lyrical, and choreographs for the FPD Competition Team.

Billy Blanken started his professional career as a principal with the Amy MarshallDance Company before joining Les Ballets Grandiva. His credits includeprincipal guest artist with Mobile Ballet, CoDa 21 of San Juan, CatherineGallant Dance, Atlantic City Ballet, Northwest Florida Ballet, Ajkun BalletTheatre, the East Village Dance Project, Northeastern Ballet Theatre,isadoraNOW, Ballet Mink Colbert, and many others. He is a frequent collaboratorwith Project In Motion and has been commissioned to stage several of his workson their company. 

Billy is the original creator, writer, producer,choreographer and performer of "the intimacies project" with dancerJordan Marinov, filmmaker Bill Hayward and late Musician/ Playwright AnnaElman. ‘the intimacies project’ was featured at Port Authority by Times SquareAlliance. In 2016 he founded Sheep Meadow Dance Theatre for which he isArtistic Director.  Billy has taught at Peridance, the JakartaIntercultural School, the Rioult Dance Center, the National School in Tirana,Albania, the School at Steps on Broadway, Ball State University, Wright StateUniversity, Gibney Dance, Northwest Florida Ballet, Logrea Dance Academy. He currently is on faculty at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory ofDance.  Billy teaches Ballet and Pointe.

Donald Aversa was born and raised in New York, where he started dancing at 11 years old. His intense study allowed him to quickly start competing, and soon he was winning numerous 1st place overalls, and titles at several regional and national events. While training at Elite Dancers, under the instruction of Camille Leax, Donald ventured out into New York City where he studied with Frank Hatchett, Joe Lanteri, Gus Giordano, Nan Giordano, Mia Michaels, Brian Freidman, and Chris Jacobson. Additionally, Donald studied with the Long Island Ballet company where he was exposed to several international ballet talents. Donald trained with the Giordano Jazz Dance Company, in Chicago for several months, and performed in several shows, at Universal Orlando and in charity events, including one for the Tsunami benefit. Donald currently works at several dance studios where he is teaching and choreographing. He has received numerous recognitions for his outstanding and innovative choreography. Donald has won an FDC (Federation of Dance Competition) Judges Choice Award, which can be voted on by viewers all across America, and several of his dances have been inducted into the Hall of Fame Dance Competition web site.

Fall of 2018, Donald choreographed and coached Aydin Eyikan through the duels on the World of Dance, after having done the same for Aydin with SYTYCD.  Donald is still dancing, creating nationally acclaimed choreography throughout the triplex, and managing the FPD Competition Team.

Donald teaches Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Leaps & Turns and is the FPD Competition Team Manager.

Elizabeth studied at Long Island Academy of Dance in all disciplines and was a competitive lead dancer for their company.  

Elizabeth graduated from Sacred Heart University with a degree in psychology and continued to perform and compete in college while a member of the Sacred Heart Division One college dance team.  She later received her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Fairfield University.  Elizabeth’s theatre credits include lead dancer/dance captain in local productions of Peter Pan, Once Upon a Mattress, Guys & Dolls, Gypsy, & Bye, Bye, Birdie.  Currently, Elizabeth is teaching and choreographing for Flash Pointe Dance and manages the FPD Competition Dance Team.  She also has created several nationally acclaimed pieces of choreography for our FPD Competition Team which she has been managing since 2010.  She continues to share her love and passion for dance with her students and audiences and hopes to inspire young dancers to follow their dreams.  Liz is the proud mother of 2 children and her daughter is currently following in her mother’s footsteps at FPD, as a competition dancer.  

Liz teaches Jazz, Musical Theater and manages and choreographs for the FPD Competition Team.

With a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, minor in Psychology, and Masters in Occupational Therapy, Jacqueline is able to teach her students proper body mechanics, static and dynamic stretching techniques, effective core strengthening, and a better understanding of the mind-body connection.

Jacqueline found her true passion and love for dance during her high school years. After joining the Don Bosco Dance Team (NJ) in 2000, her focus became hip hop, pom, jazz and contemporary. Jacqueline was eventually appointed captain of the team, leading them to become 4th in the nation in small pom and 8th in the nation in hip hop at UDA high school nationals. After high school, she attended Sacred Heart University where she danced on the SHU Dance Team and was appointed captain her Junior and Senior years.  She led the team to 4th in the nation and was awarded innovative choreography for team dance at NDA college nationals.  After graduation, Jacqueline was asked back to be the assistant coach of the SHU Dance Team, all while traveling as an instructor for the National Dance Alliance (NDA).  Being an NDA instructor has opened many doors for Jacqueline, including judging local/state competitions and choreography opportunities.  Jacqueline has also had the opportunity to choreograph for a variety of musicals, including Kiss Me Kate, Footloose, Into the Woods and Seussical: The Musical.  Most recently, Jacqueline has been the manager of the FPD Company Team.

With a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, minor in Psychology, and master’s in occupational therapy, Jacqueline is able to teach her students proper body mechanics, static and dynamic stretching techniques, effective core strengthening and a better understanding of the mind-body connection. Currently, Jacqueline is a special education advisor, demonstrating proficiency in teaching dancers of all abilities and differentiates instruction to help any dancer, at any level, succeed.  Jacqueline is thrilled to be a part of the Flash Pointe Dance community and is excited to continue her dance journey!

Jacqueline teaches Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Mommy & Me, Preschool Ballet/Tap and manages and choreographs for the FPD Company.

Jenille's love for dance blossomed from her first tap class at the age of eight at Steps to Broadway dance studio, studying tap, jazz, street jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. By high school, she had founded The Bridge Academy’s Royal Heat, an after-school dance program where young students not only explored dance but also developed confidence. Voted team captain, Jenille led Royal Heat choreographing routines and guiding the team to success in performances and competitions across Bridgeport and New York.

Jenille graduated from Sacred Heart University with a B.A. in Arts and Science with a concentration in Graphic Design. While at Sacred Heart Jenille joined SHU F.O.R.C.E Dance Ensemble; now SHU Dance Ensemble and choreographed for her 4 years on the team. As a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Jenille choreographed for her sorority’s Greek Sing and Greek Skit competition events.  As a member of MegaHurtz Entertainment Company, New Haven, she showcased her abilities on prestigious stages such as World of Dance and Prelude.

Today, Jenille continues her training through local classes and at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. With over 15 years of dedication to tap, jazz, street jazz, and hip-hop, Jenille's journey is defined by unwavering commitment and passion.

As part of the Flash Pointe Dance community, Jenille looks forward to inspiring others through movement and self-expression.

Jenille teaches Hip-Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater and choreographs for the FPD Competition Team.

Judy was privileged to be trained weekly with leading professionals in the dance industry including Lloyd Culbreath (Current Lead Instructor for the Fosse Master Class Series sanctioned by the Verdon Fosse Legacy), Lynda Gache’ (Former Radio City Rockette and June Taylor Dancer), Juan Sanchez (Current Director of Education for Dance Educator of America Teacher Training Program), and Bill DeRicco (Teacher and Adjudicator for Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America and Dance Olympus).  

Growing up in New York City, Judy was privileged to be trained weekly with leading professionals in the dance industry including Lloyd Culbreath (Current Lead Instructor for the Fosse Master Class Series sanctioned by the Verdon Fosse Legacy), Lynda Gache’ (Former Radio City Rockette and June Taylor Dancer), Juan Sanchez (Current Director of Education for Dance Educator of America Teacher Training Program), and Bill DeRicco (Teacher and Adjudicator for Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America and Dance Olympus).  Under their direction she studied tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and musical theater. At 14 years old, Judy became the youngest member invited to audition and perform for the JC Lynn Dance Company and JC Lynn Kick Line where she enjoyed participating in performances over many years.

Judy attended Fairfield University where she was a member of the dance ensemble for four years. While studying at the university, she also taught dance through after school programs for Fairfield Public Schools.

As a mother of two children Judy understands how to inspire children to embrace and fully participate in dance class. Full of enthusiasm and dedication she hopes to inspire her love of dance in her students – striving for moments in class that build their self-esteem, pride and confidence.

Judy teaches Mommy & Me, Tap, Preschool Ballet/Tap, Jazz/Tap, Storybook Ballet, and Tiny Tutus, and choreographs for the FPD Competition Team.

Kelley started dancing at the age of 2 in Plano, Texas. She became a competitive dancer at the age of 7 and continued till the age of 18. At 14 years old, her mother Victoria Carey opened Flash Pointe Dance and Kelley trained under many of the teachers on faculty today including Pamela Giordano, Donald Aversa, and Elizabeth Caskin. After graduating high school, she continued her training at the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase College. Here she became well versed in different techniques and approaches to modern, ballet, contemporary, composition, and somatic practices. Her modern training included the following techniques: Graham, Horton, Limon, Cunningham, and Farber under the direction of Stephanie Tooman (Martha Graham Dance Company), Meghan Williams (Mark Morris Dance Group), Jean Freebury (Merce Cunningham Dance Company), Larry Clark (Viola Farber Dance Company), and Kevin Wynn (Jose Limon Dance Company). She also received classical ballet and pointe training from Betty-Jane Sills (New York City Ballet) Ted Kivitt (American Ballet Theater), Joseph Marlbrough (Chicago City Ballet), Rosana Seravalli (American Ballet Theater), and Wallie Wolfgruber (Mark Morris Dance Group). Contemporary dance was one of the pinnacles of Purchase, leading to opportunities to dance with founders, choreographers, and members of the Batsheva Dance Company, Doug Varone and Dancers, Loni Landon, Lar Lubovich Dance Company, and much more. Summer intensives and workshops were spent with Complexions Contemporary Dance Company, Mark Morris Dance Group, San Francisco Dance Conservatory, and Matthew Bourne Dance Company. Dance composition was another central part of her training at Purchase College. After three years of composition, Kelley developed a passion for choreography and came back to Flash Pointe Dance to set pieces on the competition team. Around this time, Kelley received a 500-hour Pilates certification and used her practice to rehabilitate her own body. Along the way she found a love for helping others rehabilitate from injuries and health concerns such as osteoporosis, scoliosis, pre/postnatal conditions, post-surgery rehabilitation, dementia, neuropathy, and more. Something unique about Kelley’s background is her education and experience in the field of psychology. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CUNY Hunter College and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate in Clinical Psychology and Research from Fielding Graduate University. She spent a few years specializing in neuropsychological evaluation and treatment for people with Traumatic Brain Injuries. Today, Kelley is back at Flash Pointe Dance teaching dance and Pilates, and choreographing for the competition dance team.

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Kobe Atwood Courtney was introduced to dance in 2010, through Richmond Ballet’sOutreach program, Minds in Motion. Where they started learning how to incorporate movementwith community building. They went on to then train with Richmond Ballet, under theencouragement of Jasmine Grace. Studying Ballet, Character, Jazz, and Theatre dance. Theythen decided to move to Pennsylvania to train with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in 2015, afterattending their summer program. While training, they began performing with PBTs professionalcompany and touring with their graduate program. They then moved on to finished their trainingat San Francisco Ballet School. There, they were fortunate to perform pieces such asBalanchine’s “Stars and Stripes” and Jiri Kylian’s “Sarabande”. While also studying ballet theyhad the opportunity to study ballet history, music theory, and dance composition. They beganchoreographing multiple pieces on their peers, as well as train as a teaching apprentice underJeffery Lyons. Graduating from San Francisco ballet school in 2019.

They began their professional career with Orlando Ballet and and started teaching in theirschool. They were able to learn from many different works such as “Lyric Pieces” by JessicaLang and “Lambarena” by Val Caniparoli. While in Orlando they also were able to be a guestartist and teach all over Florida. Then in 2021, they continued their career with Festival BalletProvidence, where they were able to dance leading roles in pieces choreographed by artists likeYury Yanowsky, Ja’ Malik, and Lia Cirio. There, they were given opportunities to travel and guestin several companies in the New England area. Being recognised in the Boston Globe for theperformance and acting abilities on the stage. As well continuing to teach and choreograph.They continue their presence currently by being involved with Revolve Dance Project, aProvidence grown company. Being involved with their DEI committee and performing with themin 2024. After Leaving Providence, they moved to NYC to work as a member of ComplexionsContemporary Ballet. Touring internationally under the direction of Dwight Rhoden andDesmond Richardson. Here they have began a mission to educate the dance community, on thevalue of gender equality and the role the LGBTQ+ community has and continues to play in thisfield. Starting their pointe work and being able to travel and speak in many theaters andcolleges to the next generation of artists. All while continuing to choreograph on largerplatforms, creating more roles for non-binary artist to be able to share their stories.

They currently work as a freelance artist and embarking on their Choreographic career. Theyhave worked with Ballet22, in San Francisco, and had the opportunity to work with MOBBallet(Memoir of Blacks in Ballet) in their “Pathway to Performance” course, remaining strong on theirmission to open more opportunities for marginalized communities the ballet and dance world.

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Pamela Giardino began her training at the School of American Ballet, under the direction of George Balanchine.  From the age of 8-18, Pamela expanded her dance knowledge with teachers such as Suki Schorer, Stanley Williams, Suzanne Farrell, and Alexandra Danilova. Through her studies she performed in New York City Ballet’s performances such as, The Nutcracker, Firebird, Pulcinella, Harlequinade, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Pamela also performed for workshop performances of Symphony in C, Episodes, Polovtsian Dances and Coppelia. After her training was completed at the School of American Ballet she continued her studies at Broadway Dance Center under the guidance of Finis Jhung.  During her professional career, Pamela performed in such companies as the Chicago Ballet, Connecticut Ballet Theater’s Acanthus Ballet and The Tribute to the Ziegfeld Follies. One of the highlights of her career was dancing in the opera “Nixon In China” choreographed by Mark Morris which aired on PBS Television. Nixon In China was performed at the Kennedy Center, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, the Amsterdam Music Theater, Frankfurt Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera. In addition to these performances and venues, Pamela cherished the experience of dancing for the Metropolitan Opera, appearing in Faust, Fledermaus, Turandot, Parsifal, Samson and Delilah, and La Gioconda.  During her teaching career, Pamela has taught at Manhattan Ballet in New York, schools in Westchester and Greenwich as well as instructed for the Broadway Dance Center’s Children’s program. Pamela currently shares her gifts of teaching and love of ballet at Flash Pointe Dance since the opening of the school. She has choreographed the annual Nutcracker for Flash Pointe Dance at the Burr Mansion. Pamela has coached multiple dancers for YAGP competition. Pamela loves to share her knowledge and experience of ballet with the enthusiastic students of Flash Pointe Dance. Pamela teaches Classical Ballet, Pointe, Story Ballet, and Adult Ballet.

Rebecca (Becca) is a 2023 graduate from Marymount Manhattan College’s (MMC) vigorous and selective dance program, located in New York City. She graduated cum laude with a BA in Teaching Dance Arts and a minor in Business Management. In her student years, Becca danced competitively in competitions such as the Connecticut Classics and the Youth American Grand Prix while also participating in the Rockette Summer Intensive. Becca has studied a variety of dance techniques, including ballet, pointe, contemporary, improvisation, jazz, tap, musical theater and swing dance; she has gravitated towards modern dance, particularly the Graham and Horton techniques. Becca regularly takes classes at Broadway Dance Center and enjoys learning from different teachers while advancing her knowledge about different techniques. During Becca's time at MMC, she was provided with the opportunity to train under Ashley Bouder, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, and took part in Marymount Manhattan Dancers at Work performances. Becca is educated and certified to teach all levels of dance, including preschoolers, for whom she incorporates elements of Creative Movement to broaden children’s capacity for communication and expression through non-verbal means. Becca has previously been a student and competitive dancer at Flash Pointe Dance. She is thrilled to rejoin the school as a teacher, where she can share her passion. Becca has been with Flash Pointe Dance since 2019 teaching classes while also choreographing pieces for the competition team.

Becca teaches Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Story Ballet, Tiny Tutus and choreographs for the FPD Competition Team and Company.

Stephanie Serenita started her dancing at the Lorna Del Maestro Dance Studio in Merrick, New York. She studied many different genres of dance over the years, including ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, modern and lyrical. Stephanie became an assistant teacher at Lorna Del Maestro Dance Studio, teaching hip hop, tap, jazz, tap and ballet to children ranging from 4 years old to 14 years old. Within two years, Stephanie started teaching her own classes at Lorna Del Maestro.  In addition, Stephanie was a member of the Calhoun Colt’s Varsity Kick Line Team, and co-choreographed several of their performances, including their Long Island Kick Line Association’s Championship performance in 2005. Stephanie graduated from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Media Studies. During her 4 years at Sacred Heart University, she was a member of SHU FORCE Dance Ensemble and was President of SHU FORCE for her junior and senior year.  Stephanie’s responsibilities included choreographing and teaching, and organizing fundraisers, and performances.  Stephanie received her Master’s in English Literature from Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT. During her first semester as a graduate student, Stephanie received a fellowship to teach an English Composition course at SCSU. She plans to one day receive her PhD in English Literature and continue with her love of dancing.

Stephanie teaches Hip-Hop, Tap, and Jazz.

Elissa DeMaria is an actress and educator residing in Fairfield, CT. Regional performing credits include: White Christmas (Judy Haynes), They're Playing our Song (Sonia), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Swing), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey - CCC nomination; best actress), Kiss Me Kate (Lois/Bianca), Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy), Falsettoland (Cordelia) among many others. Elissa has the privilege of teaching and choreographing at Music Theater of CT and Black Rock Theatre for the past five years. BFA in Musical Theater from Point Park University. She is most proud to be Mom to Louise and Harriet.

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