FACULTY & STAFF
KRISTI DREYER MCINERNEY
OWNER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kristi Dreyer McInerney has owned and operated Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio since 2007. As a young woman, she had the opportunity to study at the Lehigh Valley Ballet Guild under the instruction of the late Alexi Ramov. Kristi is a 1997 graduate of DeSales University with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance. Prior to owning Dance Fusion, Kristi acquired 14 years of experience in teaching children and adults of all ages and levels in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Creative Movement, and Yoga. She has performed and choreographed for several shows at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, for the locally televised Greater Ms. Berks County Scholarship Organization, and for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Kristi has also choreographed for several local High School Musicals and Lehigh Valley and Berks County area festivals. She was Assistant Director for the Eastern Pennsylvania Ballet Theatre for 6 years where she choreographed and produced several productions of The Nutcracker and quite a few other children's Ballets. Kristi continues to develop her skills as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and Zumba Fitness Instructor by attending classes, performances, and workshops on a regular basis. She incorporates a positive and fun teaching style, emphasizing self-confidence and performance in her classes.
JAMES DU CHATEAU
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, STUDIO MANAGER & FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY DIRECTOR
James Du Chateau is the Assistant Director and Fusion2 Dance Company Director at Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio. He began his professional dance career at age 8 performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. He made his Broadway debut in “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (Original Broadway Cast) and his film debut in Disney’s “Enchanted. He began his dance training in the Lehigh Valley and attended the Lehigh Valley Charter High School For The Arts in Bethlehem, PA. He attended college at Purchase College in Purchase, NY as a BFA in the Conservatory of Dance. After college, he performed on the National Tour of “Saturday Night Fever” as the Assistant Dance Captain. He then went on to perform at many regional theaters such as the Palace Theatre (Manchester, NH), Axelrod Performing Arts Center (Deal, NJ), Arizona Broadway Theatre (Peoria, AZ), and Flat Rock Playhouse (Hendersonville, NC). James is a choreographer for Six Flags Parks (Dorney Park & California’s Great America) for over three years (Grand Carnivale, Retrospect, Halloween Haunt, and WinterFest). Locally, James has choreographed for the Parkland High School Musicals (Moana Jr., Shrek Jr., Frozen Jr., Finding Nemo Jr., & The Little Mermaid Jr.). He also has choreographed for the Parkland High School & Emmaus High School Dance Teams. James is now the CRU Dance National Company Director & United States Tournament of Dance Acrobatic & Dance Team Director. He also works as a competition director for CRU & USTD. James loves his Dance Fusion family and continues to find ways for his students to strive for excellence in performance & technique.
ALEXANDRA SEYBOLT
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Alexandra Seybolt is a graduate from DeSales University with a B.A. in Dance and a minor in Psychology. At DeSales, Alex served as the president of the DeSales University Dance Team, the secretary of Chai Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society, and as a teacher for the Conservatory of Dance. Alex teaches to share her passion for dance with others through skill development, self-expression, and creative enrichment.
AZARI FORD
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Azari earned her B.F.A. in Dance with a minor in Business from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she was awarded two prestigious scholarships for exceptional talent. She was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders from 2018–2024, becoming a sixth-year veteran and captain. During her time with the organization, she represented the Eagles as a global brand ambassador, performed at Super Bowl LVII, and was selected as the Eagles’ 2024 Pro Bowl Cheerleader. Through the Eagles, she also had the opportunity to perform alongside many artists including Queen, New Kids On The Block, and Darius Rucker.
During her time at the University of the Arts, Azari performed works by acclaimed choreographers including Thom White, Queen Dinita, JustSole Clark, and Robert Battle of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. As a professional dancer, she has performed alongside Usher on the Chris Brown and Usher R&B tour, as well as with CeCe Peniston at Beatstock Festival. She has also performed in music videos, concerts, festivals, and fashion events for various artists and productions.
Azari is a passionate dance educator and choreographer with a strong technical background. She loves bringing her professional experience into the classroom and helping dancers build confidence, individuality, and a deeper understanding of dance as a language, not simply movement. She is excited to share her love of dance with the next generation of dancers!
CAROLINE STEIRER
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Caroline Steirer began her dance career in the Lehigh Valley, where she trained in various styles at Accent School of Dance, under the direction of Karen Rich. She continued her dance studies at The Ohio State University graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Human Nutrition. While at Ohio State, Caroline had the pleasure of performing both student and faculty produced works, such as the restaging of Missa Brevis by José Limón, Freedom Practice(s) by Crystal Michelle Perkins, Unnecessary Weather by Daniel Roberts, and Vexations by visiting Israel artist Alon Karniel. Through the dance department, Caroline became part of an organization called Activists in Motion (AIM), under the leadership of Dr. Nyama McCarthy-Brown, which focuses on bringing communities together through dance, events, and dialogues surrounding inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. Caroline is very excited to be back in the Lehigh Valley teaching and building community.
JACLYN DU CHATEAU VAISNORAS
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Jaclyn Du Chateau Vaisnoras received her dance training at Accent, with studios in NYC, LA, London and the Lehigh Valley Performing Arts High School. She graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Performance from Columbia College Chicago, where she trained in a variety of dance styles.
Her choreography has been showcased at Columbia College's Student Performance Nights and in Accent’s past recitals. She has received multiple choreography awards, with her work selected for various showcase performances.
Jaclyn is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), helping dancers develop strength, conditioning, and endurance. She is also a Barre3 instructor in the Lehigh Valley.
Beyond teaching, Jaclyn is a passionate photographer and the owner of Jaclyn Du Chateau Photography, specializing in dance movement sessions. She frequently travels, taking dance classes worldwide to continue growing as an artist.
JAMIE-LYNN CARRODO
FAB MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY DIRECTOR/DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Miss Jamie-Lynn Carrodo has been a lover of the performing arts her whole life. Growing up she watched her big sister “Miss Kristi” dedicate herself to dance, so it should be no surprise that she would follow in her footsteps and spent most of her childhood running from voice lessons, to dance classes and then to rehearsal for the musicals at Parkland High School. She holds a Bachelors in Theater Arts with a Concentration in Musical Theater from Point Park University, Elementary and Early Childhood Certifications from Kutztown University along with a Master’s in Reading and Reading Specialist Certifications from East Stroudsburg University. Her ultimate goal was to integrate the arts into the elementary classroom and provide enriching performing arts opportunities to at-risk students. "Miss Jamie" by night and "Mrs. Carrodo" by day, she has been teaching in the Lehigh Valley in both the Bethlehem Area and Allentown school districts (Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First Grade). Over her 16 years in public school education she has received multiple grants to start up and support different dance and performance programs where students got to experience tap, hip hop and put on full scale productions! Miss Jamie has also been a member of the Dance Fusion staff and has supported it in different capacities since it opened in 2007. In that time she’s been a teacher, leader to the moms in our Fusion2 Dance Company, has “cameoed” during holiday show performances, and supported backstage during every performance. Since becoming a mom, one of her newest goals was to develop a Children’s Theater company, that is inclusive to all students and provides an opportunity for students to develop their acting, singing, dancing, tech skills, reading skills (but shhh don’t tell the kids ;)) and most importantly their confidence. She is so excited to be back at Dance Fusion this year working in the studio where she will be teaching Dance Fusion’s littlest Broadway Babies in Creative Musical Theater and running our newest division of Fusion 2, FAB! Fusion and Broadway Theater Company! FAB! has been waiting waiting in the wings for the right moment to start up and as Elphaba from Wicked would say “It’s time to trust our instincts, close our eyes and LEAP!”
JESSICA LANG
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Jessica Lang teaches Yoga at Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio and throughout the Lehigh Valley. A seeker of truth, meaning, beauty, and happiness, Jessica’s yoga journey was born out of stretchy bits of asana incorporated into ballet classes over 20 years ago. What began as a quest for physical exercise has evolved into a healing-focused practice for mind, body, and spirit. Jessica has found mental focus, pain relief, increased mobility, strength, and reduced anxiety in her own practice, outcomes which she now aspires to share with others. Jessica is RYT-200 certified through an Ashtanga-based program with additional training in Yin yoga. Her practice style infuses body awareness and mindfulness that she encourages students to incorporate, both on and off the mat.
LIZZY STEIRER
FUSIONFIT LEAD, FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Lizzy’s dance journey began in the Lehigh Valley, where she graduated from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem, PA, and continued her studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Throughout her career, she has taught workshops, guest classes, and alumni intensives across the Lehigh Valley, and has choreographed for the Emmaus High School Dance Team. During her high school and college years, Lizzy performed in both student and faculty concerts, and had the privilege of working with renowned New York-based companies such as TAKE Dance, The Bang Group, and Sidra Bell. Her choreography has also been recognized and awarded at a Regional and National level. Always eager to expand her knowledge, Lizzy is recently certified in the Acrobatic Arts and Ready Set Dance programs. Beyond the dance studio, she merges her creative talents with business by also managing our social media platforms! Lizzy is passionate about inspiring younger dancers and sharing her love for the art of dance with the next generation.
MARNIE DERR
DANCE/ACROBATICS INSTRUCTOR
Marnie began her dance training here at Dance Fusion in 2009! She joined the Fusion2 Dance Company in 2014 to expand her love for the arts and performance. Marnie has worked under many instructors at Dance Fusion assisting classes to begin her journey in teaching dance. With 6 years of experience in assisting, she has moved on to become an instructor after graduating from Kutztown High School. Along with teaching at the studio level, Marnie is also an assistant coach for Kutztown School Districts K-12th grade dance teams. She is currently a student at Kutztown University studying History with Paralegal Studies. Marnie is excited to share her love and passion for dance with all her students. Miss Marnie is Acrobatic Arts, Ready Set Move With Me, & Ready Set Acro Certified!
NICOLE BUCCIGROSSI
FAB MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ DANCE, THEATER, & VOCAL INSTRUCTOR
Nicole Buccigrossi has been singing and performing since she was two years old. Originally from NYC, Miss. Nicole has performed in over 200 shows throughout the tristate area, ranging from regional professional companies to community theatres. Some of her favorite roles include "Gingy" in "Shrek the Musical," and "Wendla" in Spring Awakening. In addition to performing herself, Miss Nicole has been giving voice and acting lessons to young performers for the last 11 years. Classically trained through Wagner College, Miss Nicole is able to provide extensive training in vocal technique, making sure her students understand the importance of proper vocal health and placement to help them become the triple threats they are meant to be! Besides the world of the arts, Miss Nicole is also a middle school English teacher. She is super excited to share her love of all things singing and performing with the talented performers of Dance Fusion!
PATRICK PAGELLA
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Patrick Pagella earned his B.S. in nursing from Cedar Crest College with additional M.S. from DeSales University where he completed the Nurse Practitioner Program. Although formally trained in Family Practice and Wellness, he has extensive experience in Trauma, Orthopedics, Burn and Surgical Critical Care. Patrick has been actively training in strength and conditioning for 21 years and has trained with several local exercise physiologists, lending to his modern approach to strength and conditioning training.
RAE HOLTZMAN
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Rae Holtzman is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania where she studied dance for the majority, to then continue her education at the University of the Arts. With 18 years of experience, she will be graduating with a BFA in Dance, in Spring 2021. After college, she intends on working in both commercial and concert dance, touring with companies and artists, then later returning to school to receive a MFA in Dance. Rae received a full scholarship to the Studio Schools summer internship program, in Los Angeles, CA where she studied commercial dance, being on camera, acting, creating her own work, and making reels. Rae has trained under notable artists including Ambrose Respicio III, Michele Loucadoux, JoJo Gomez, Brittany Ross, Sidra Bell, Douglas Becker, Shayla-Vie Jenkins. In 2019, Rae made the Philadelphia Eagles NFL Cheerleading Squad. She has had the opportunity to be a part of the Introduction Video for the NFL Network, work the Eagles Autism Challenge, and appear on TV shows (American Idol, Good Morning America, and ESPN).
SOFIA GARRA
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Sofia began her formal dance training locally and graduated from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in 2015 with honors. She went on to further her dance education at Florida State University and later at Penn State University, where she graduated with honors, earning a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology in 2019. During both her high school and college years, she was a proud member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
Blending her passion for movement and science, Sofia is also a licensed physical therapist, specializing in performing arts medicine and women’s health. Her clinical work has brought her into direct care of pre-professional and professional dancers across NYC and the tri-state area, including those performing on Broadway.
Now returning to the studio with renewed energy and expertise, she is thrilled to focus on her first love—ballet. Sofia is committed to training dancers in a way that supports both technical excellence and long-term physical well-being, and is so excited to work with this next generation of dancers.
SKYLAR ANKROM
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/FUSION2 DANCE COMPANY CHOREOGRAPHER
Skylar Ankrom grew up at Dance Fusion Performing Arts Studio and graduated with honors from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, where she received the “Full Out” Dance Major Graduation Award. At 16, she began her professional career performing in Dorney Park’s Grand Carnivale and appearing on PBS in a work by Charles O. Anderson. Skylar went on to earn her BFA in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography from the accredited Slippery Rock University Dance Program, where she received both academic and artistic scholarships and graduated with the Thom and Christine Cobb Award for Excellence and Promise in Dance. She teaches a wide range of styles to dancers of all ages and is a certified Ready Set Dance instructor. As a performer, Skylar has appeared in works by Jennifer Keller, Lindsay Viatori, Ursula Payne, Teena Marie Custer, and danced in a reconstruction of Martha Graham’s Steps in the Street at The Joyce Theater alongside Martha Graham Company members in NYC. She is also an award-winning choreographer whose works have been presented in regional and university concerts and festivals. She most recently attended the Bates Dance Festival Professional Training Program and showcased her dance film, "Something Between Holding on and Letting Go". Here, she also took choreography-making classes with internationally renowned choreographers such as David Dorfman, Onye Ozuzu, and Jeanine Durning. Skylar is passionate and uses a keen eye to teach, choreograph, and share her love of dance by creating supportive and rigorous spaces where dancers can thrive.
SHANNON SEXTON
AERIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
Shannon is a multi-disciplinary athlete and artist with a background in gymnastics, theater, and extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding. Her circus career began in 2011 at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and she quickly excelled in the high-flying, daredevil discipline of aerial arts. She has competed and performed across the US and internationally, hanging off of bridges and dancing on skyscrapers. She is also a trained actor in the Meisner technique from the John DeSotelle Studio in NYC and has performed extensively in every entertainment medium. Throughout her own artistic achievements she has been a dedicated coach for more than twenty years. Her passion for pushing boundaries in athletic arts coupled with her love for helping others to achieve their greatest heights make her a highly sought-after mentor.
AMANDA OSHER
FRONT DESK COORDINATOR
Hi, I’m Amanda Osher, Dance Fusion’s Front Desk Concierge! The Lehigh Valley has been home to my family for the past 14 years, and Dance Fusion has been a special part of our lives for many of them, with all four of my girls dancing here over the years. Now, I love getting to experience Dance Fusion from the other side of the desk! I help keep our front desk running smoothly, assist families with accounts and studio questions, and help coordinate special events throughout the year. Most of all, I love welcoming our dancers and families each day and being someone they know they can come to when they need help. If you see me at the desk, be sure to stop by and say hi!
LAUREN JOHNSON
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR & COSTUME MANAGER
Lauren is an integral part of the Dance Fusion team, helping to keep the many moving pieces of the studio organized and running smoothly. As Operations Coordinator and Costume Manager, Lauren works behind the scenes on everything from costumes, apparel and performance preparation to facilities, events, schedules and studio operations.
Known for her organization, attention to detail and ability to make things happen, Lauren plays an important role in bringing Dance Fusion’s performances and special events to life. She is also a Dance Fusion mom and brings a unique understanding of both the family and operational sides of the studio. Her dedication, reliability and love for the Dance Fusion community make her an invaluable part of our team.
MISSY MCLAIN
EVENTS RECEPTIONIST & PARTY HOST
Missy is a familiar and welcoming face at Dance Fusion, helping our students and families with everything they need during busy studio evenings. As part of our front desk and operations team, she helps keep the studio organized, running smoothly and ready for each new day. Missy also brings her energy and creativity to Dance Fusion events and special celebrations, helping create the fun, welcoming atmosphere our families know and love. Whether she’s assisting a family, preparing for an event or keeping things moving behind the scenes, Missy is always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed and is an important part of the Dance Fusion community.
SAMANTHA DOUBLET
COSTUME COORDINATOR
Samantha Doublet joined the Dance Fusion Family in 2009 with her daughters Marnie and Avalon. Samantha has always been a volunteer dance mom at Dance Fusion, helping at the studio, recitals, and dress rehearsals, where you've probably seen her backstage or selling snacks and drinks. She has been volunteering with the Fundraising Committee for several years and took over as Fundraising Coordinator in 2021. Samantha was hired in 2022 to assist Anne, the Costume Coordinator. As a child, Samantha danced and twirled the baton for 10 years with the former Melanie Wagner Academy of Baton and Dance in Bethlehem, PA. Samantha works part time as a customer service associate at Weis Markets in Kutztown and also volunteers with the Kutztown Indoor Association Dance and Twirl Teams.
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