JUMP TO:
Based on: August Bournonville, Royal Danish Ballet
Staged By: Jennifer Leshniowsky
Music: Herman Severin Løvenskoid
The Sylph: Felonica Kirkham
James: Lily White
Effie: Lillian Heishman
Madge: Emma Hancock
ACT I
In a Scottish farmhouse, it is the wedding day of James and Effie. James naps by the fireplace when The Sylph, a mystical woodland spirit, awakens him with a kiss. James is enchanted. Effie’s bridesmaids present her wedding accessories, and James gives her his family tartan. Madge, the old witch, warms her hands by the fire. Effie asks Madge to tell their fortunes. Madge says that Effie will be happy, but not with James, who loves another. When James chases out Madge, she puts a hex on him. The wedding day festivities commence. When The Sylph appears to James, he chases after her, jilting Effie.
James and the Sylph (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Felonica Kirkham, Lily White
Effie and Madge (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky, Effie’s variation by Motique Doporcyk) Lillian Heishman, Emma Hancock, Reagan Kuester, Katelyn Pine, Ellie Sills, Hailey Yarnal
Wedding Guests (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Abigail Beitler, Morgan Bingaman, Cannon Bitting, Brianna Heishman, Reagan Kuester, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Reagan Romito, Adeline Ross, Harper Shaw, Ellie Sills, Lozanka Sloane, Ava Stottlemyer, Hailey Yarnal • Teen Ballet
The Scottish Reel (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Olivia Bernhard, Adriana Bouder, Carmella Christen, Eleanora Gleeson, Ember Johnson, Emma Kunkle, Ansley Nikoloff, Heidi Pierce, Marissa Sides, Josie Smith, Gracelyn Brown, Gianna Gearhart, Leah Hurley, Lyla Kramer, Layna Kulp, Nelody McJilton, Madelyn Mishoe, Annabelle Moyer, Sofia Rojas-Madero, Chloe Slaughter, Tessa Tobin, Bly Windholz • Petite Ballet
ACT II
In the forest, Madge and her minions dance around a cauldron where Madge is casting a spell on a scarf that looks like the dress of The Sylph. James encounters Madge on his search for The Sylph, and Madge gives him the scarf to capture her. James and The Sylph declare their love. When James puts the scarf around her, it makes her die in his arms. As he laments, he hears the trumpets of celebratory music as Effie is happy with her friends.
Madge and Her Minions (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Mireya Askey, Anyston Brunner, Layla Cortes, Callie Eichenmiller, Elizabeth Heiges, Sophia Hoke, Matthew Hunt, Addisyn Jones, Aviree Locklair, Sophia Pinkham, Cecelia Seretti, Thalia Storms, Penelope Theododratos, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon-Seckar • Junior Ballet
Woodland Sylphs (Choreographed by Motique Doporcyk) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Sunyah Kushkituah, Katherine Pritchard, Maya Spease, Sydney Trego • Elite Ballet
The Sylph (Choreographed by Motique Doporcyk) Felonica Kirkham
The End (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Felonica Kirkham, Lily White, Lillian Heishman, Teen Ballet
Finale (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) All Cast
Pink Panther (Choreographed by Kristen Gazza) Abigail Beitler, Olivia Bernhard, Cannon Bitting, Adriana Bouder, Anyston Brunner, Carmella Christen, Layla Cortes, Eleanora Gleeson, Emma Hancock, Brianna Heishman, Lillian Heishman, Sophia Hoke, Ember Johnson, Addisyn Jones, Felonica Kirkham, Reagan Kuester, Emma Kunkle, Aviree Locklair, Nora Nayduch, Ansley Nikoloff, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Katherine Pritchard, Reagan Romito, Adeline Ross, Harper Shaw, Ellie Sills, Lozanka Sloane, Maya Spease, Thalia Storms, Sydney Trego, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar, Lily White, Hailey Yarnal • Company, 1st place, Entertainment Award
Part Of Your World (Choreographed by Lily White, Felonica Kirkham, and Emma Hancock) Karlie Asherman, Bethany Bennett, Rowan Black, Frankee Brough, Mila Christlieb, Elizabeth Feeser, Ivy Furr, Alyvia Griffith, Lowen Innerst, Claire Lieb, Serena Messer, Cru Rickabaugh, Morgan Stouffer, Alayna Vangi, Hazel Vigeant • Pre Ballet
Heal (Choreographed by Kate Leshniowsky) Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham • Company, 3rd place, “Gift of Grace”
Indian Summer (Choreographed by Emma Hancock & Maya Spease) Emma Hancock, Maya Spease • Company, 1st place
I'm Good (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) Olivia Bernhard, Eleanora Gleeson, Elizabeth Heishman, Isabella Heishman, Anna Hoffheins, Harper Kidd, Stella Kissoon, Evie Lutz, Oscar McAllister, Heidi Pierce, Brexley Reese, Selena Swigart • Mini Hip Hop
Sugar (Choreographed by Paige Peterson) Abigail Beitler, Anyston Brunner, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Adeline Ross, Lozanka Sloane, Thalia Storms, Madilyn Walter • Company, 2nd place
Otherside (Choreographed by Pierce Pennington) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Maya Spease, Lily White • Company
I'm Lovin' (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) Ariella Brown, Layla Cortes, Callie Eichenmiller, Addisyn Jones, Aviree Locklair, Sophia Over, Sophia Pinkham, Elizabeth Ponchak, Peyton Rice • Preteen Jazz
A Life Thats Good (Choreographed by Molly McGoff) Mireya Askey, Adriana Bouder, Alexandra Cutaiar, Brynlee Gilpatrick, Elizabeth Heishman, Isabella Heishman, Anna Hoffheins, Evie Lutz, Brynlee McAdams, Ensley Mixell, Lucy Phibbs, Josie Smith, Abby Stanton, Alayna Vangi, Vivian Young, Scarlett Zimmerman, Serenity Zimmerman • Beginner Acro
🏅Boss (Choreographed by Olivia Shields) Brianna Heishman, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Adeline Ross, Lozanka Sloane, Thalia Storms, Hailey Yarnal • Company, 1st place
That Boy Is Mine (Choreographed by Kate Leshniowsky) Abigail Beitler, Reagan Kuester, Nora Nayduch, Katherine Pritchard, Reagan Romito, Ellie Sills, Sydney Trego • Company
🏅Under Pressure (Choreographed by Pierce Pennington) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Maya Spease, Lily White • Company, 2nd place
Bring On The Wonder (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) Ariella Brown, Layla Cortes, Callie Eichenmiller, Addisyn Jones, Aviree Locklair, Sophia Over, Sophia Pinkham, Elizabeth Ponchak, Peyton Rice • Preteen Lyrical
Space Between (Choreographed by Zsuzsanna Smith) SophieJo Cadigan, Lana Campbell, Autumn Henry, Olivia Marzolf, Adeline McKenna, Noelle Over, Kenzie Porter, Kinser Scheuren, Sofia Scott, Harper Smith, Harper Tate, Novella Vo • Pre Ballet
🏅Liability (Choreographed by Kate Leshniowsky) Abigail Beitler, Brianna Heishman, Reagan Kuester, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Reagan Romito, Ellie Sills, Hailey Yarnal • Company, 1st place
Poison (Choreographed by Motique Doporcyk) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Katherine Pritchard, Maya Spease, Sydney Trego, Lily White • Elite Lyrical
Symphony (Choreographed by Rachel Croffut) Mireya Askey, Vivien Barboza, Olivia Bernhard, Adriana Bouder, Grace Feeser, Gianna Gearhart, Eleanora Gleeson, Juniper Griesemer, Ember Johnson, Emma Kunkle, Hannah Kuntz, Annabelle Moyer, Ansley Nikoloff, Bly Windholz • Petite Lyrical
Good Is The New Bad (Choreographed by Zsuzsanna Smith) Grace Ford, Freyja Fralish, Olivia Marzolf, Noelle Over, Kenzie Porter, Sofia Scott, Harper Smith • Pre Tap
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Choreographed by Molly McGoff) Molly Bernhard, Lana Campbell, Julia Christen, Viviana Gleeson, Es’Synce Kinard, Gabriela Lamma, Novella Vo • Tots Acro
Whuteva (Choreographed by Paige Peterson) Abigail Beitler, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Sofia Perez, Alaiyah Robinson, Adeline Ross, Lozanka Sloane, Maya Spease, Ava Stottlemyer • Teen Hip Hop
Diva (Choreographed by Paige Peterson) Everly Barker, Eleanor Briggs, Anyston Brunner, Sophia Hoke, Sophia Over, Aubrianna Shevlin, Sophia Skipper, Thalia Storms, Mariska Wallen, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar • Jr. Hip Hop
I Ain't Worried (Choreographed by Megan Fedeli) Alice Amadure, Cannon Bitting, Nora Phillips, Katelyn Pine, Sydney Trego • Teen Tap
Different Drum (Choreographed by Rachel Croffut) Mireya Askey, Vivien Barboza, Olivia Bernhard, Adriana Bouder, Carmella Christen, Madeline Drury, Grace Feeser, Gianna Gearhart, Eleanora Gleeson, Juniper Griesemer, Ember Johnson, Emma Kunkle, Hannah Kuntz, Wren McDonald, Ansley Nikoloff, Heidi Pierce, Roslyn Segal, Bly Windholz • Petite Jazz
Phantom Of The Opera (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) Lindy Bitting, Matthew Hunt, Hailey Yarnal, Maria Yates • Teen Modern
Surfin' USA (Choreographed by Ella Hosie) Cannon Bitting, Anyston Brunner, Sophia Hoke, Adeline Ross, Thalia Storms, Madilyn Walter • Company, 1st place, Top In Category, “Surfer Style”
Saved By The Bell (Choreographed by Kristen Gazza)Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Katherine Pritchard, Maya Spease, Sydney Trego, Lily White • Company
INTERMISSION (15 minutes)
In The Jungle (Choreographed by Megan Fedeli) Olivia Bernhard, Adriana Bouder, Anyston Brunner, Carmella Christen, Layla Cortes, Eleanora Gleeson, Sophia Hoke, Ember Johnson, Addisyn Jones, Emma Kunkle, Aviree Locklair, Ansley Nikoloff, Harper Shaw, Penelope Theododratos, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar • Company, 1st place
How To Save A Life (Choreographed by Kristina Kaufman) Abigail Beitler, Cannon Bitting, Brianna Heishman, Reagan Kuester, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Katherine Pritchard, Reagan Romito, Adeline Ross, Ellie Sills, Lozanka Sloane, Sydney Trego, Hailey Yarnal • Company, 1st place, “Amazing Teamwork”
End Of Love (Choreographed by Melitta Parzyszek) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Maya Spease, Lily White • Company, 3rd place
What Dreams Are Made Of (Choreographed by Paige Brosious) Molly Bernhard, Evelyn Chaudrue, Julia Christen, Viviana Gleeson, Oakley Grala, Julia Hoke, Gabriela Lamma, Brynlee McAdams, Addy Perry, Everly Wagner • Primary Jazz
A Million Dreams (Choreographed by Zsuzsanna Smith) Anna Hoffheins, Mollie Kepner, Harper Kidd, Evie Lutz, Brexley Reese, Ryleigh Sackett, Regina Snyder, Ayanna Williams • Mini Lyrical
I'm In Love With A Monster (Choreographed by Ashlyn Auriemma) Samantha Bowers, Anyston Brunner, Mackenzie Engler, Katrina Gitt, Elizabeth Heiges, Sophia Hoke, Elliette Kaufman, Rosario Roudergue, Cecelia Seretti, Aubrianna Shevlin, Thalia Storms, Penelope Theododratos, Mariska Wallen, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar • Jr. Jazz
Cosmic Love (Choreographed by Kate Leshniowsky) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Katherine Pritchard, Maya Spease, Sydney Trego, Lily White • Company
Kiss The Sky (Choreographed by Paige Brosious) Adalyn Asherman, Molly Bernhard, Julia Christen, Selene Furr, Viviana Gleeson, Oakley Grala, Julia Hoke, Sadie LaRose, Willow Moyer, Amaia RojasMadero, Everly Wagner, Caroline Walp • Primary Ballet
Boom Da Party (Choreographed by Zsuzsanna Smith) Eloise Baird, Paisley Baker, Dylana Bixler, Julia Gitt, Elizabeth Heishman, Isabella Heishman, Anna Hoffheins, Mollie Kepner, Harper Kidd, Evie Lutz, Ava McGowan, Ensley Mixell, Brexley Reese, Ryleigh Sackett, Regina Snyder • Mini Jazz
Look What You Made Me Do (Choreographed by Paige Peterson) Mireya Askey, Vivien Barboza, Adriana Bouder, Madeline Drury, Ansley Nikoloff • Petite Hip Hop
Vogue (Choreographed by Molly McGoff) Alliya Doporcyk, Callie Eichenmiller, Emma Hancock, Elizabeth Ponchak, Reagan Romito, Mia Windholz, Hailey Yarnal, Ariana Zeigler • Advanced Acro
Leave A Light On (Choreographed by Ashlyn Auriemma) Anyston Brunner, Mackenzie Engler, Katrina Gitt, Elizabeth Heiges, Sophia Hoke, Elliette Kaufman, Cecelia Seretti, Aubrianna Shevlin, Thalia Storms, Penelope Theododratos, Mariska Wallen, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar • Jr. Lyrical
Rockin' Robin (Choreographed by Corey Fake) Bethany Clevenger, Alexandra Cutaiar, Madelyn Fake, Greta Gibson, Julia Hoke, Avalynn Lounder, Dylan PriceKongar, Everly Wagner • Primary Tap
Better When I'm Dancin' (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) River Benion, Cora Milas, Eva Recine, Ainslee Wilson • My First Class - Tap
Swan Lake Medley (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Elizabeth Heishman, Isabella Heishman, Anna Hoffheins, Harper Kidd, Saiyahnee Kushkituah, Ayanna Williams, Scarlett Zimmerman • Mini Ballet
Hair Up (Choreographed by Zsuzsanna Smith) Mae Anderson, Claire Krebs, Ruth Marino, Cru Rickabaugh • Pre Jazz
Speechless (Choreographed by Molly McGoff) Olivia Bernhard, Ariella Brown, Gracelyn Brown, Anyston Brunner, Carmella Christen, Alliya Doporcyk, Eleanora Gleeson, Juniper Griesemer, Ember Johnson, Nelody McJilton, Ansley Nikoloff, Heidi Pierce, Adeline Ross, Cecelia Seretti, Aubrianna Shevlin, Thalia Storms, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar, Myla Wiser • Intermediate Acro
No Complaints (Choreographed by Melitta Parzyszek) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katherine Pritchard, Maya Spease, Hailey Yarnal • Teen/Elite Contemporary
Charleston (Choreographed by Crystal Kerns) Angela Phillips, Amy Shultz, Michelle Zimmerman • Adult Tap
Baby Mine (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) River Benion, Cora Milas, Eva Recine, Ainslee Wilson • My First Class - Ballet
Blackbird (Choreographed by Ella Hosie) Anyston Brunner, Sophia Hoke, Thalia Storms, Madilyn Walter • Company, 1st place, Choreography Award, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”, “Sheer Awareness”
Riverside (Choreographed by Elaine Seckar) Felonica Kirkham, Katherine Pritchard, Sydney Trego • Company, 1st Place
Boogie Fever (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Clara Kilian, Regina Snyder, Abby Stanton, Tessa Tobin • Mini / Petite Tap
Evergreen (Choreographed by Melitta Parzyszek) Abigail Beitler, Morgan Bingaman, Cannon Bitting, Brianna Heishman, Matthew Hunt, Reagan Kuester, Ellie McDonald, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Reagan Romito, Adeline Ross, Ellie Sills, Lozanka Sloane, Ava Stottlemyer, Hailey Yarnal • Teen Lyrical
The Peanuts Gang (Choreographed by Jennifer Leshniowsky) Anyston Brunner, Sophia Hoke, Ember Johnson, Ansley Nikoloff, Cecelia Seretti, Madilyn Walter, Alyssa Weldon Seckar • Jr. Tap
Masquerade Suite (Choreographed by Motique Doporcyk) Felonica Kirkham • Company
Pure Imagination (Choreographed by Corey Fake) Bethany Clevenger, Madelyn Fake, Greta Gibson, Dylan PriceKongar • Primary Ballet
Walk This Way (Choreographed by Olivia Shields) Abigail Beitler, Cannon Bitting, Brianna Heishman, Matthew Hunt, Reagan Kuester, Ellie McDonald, Nora Nayduch, Leah Ogbo-Quigley, Katelyn Pine, Reagan Romito, Adeline Ross, Harper Shaw, Ellie Sills, Lozanka Sloane, Thalia Storms, Ava Stottlemyer, Hailey Yarnal • Teen Jazz
Body Language (Choreographed by Kristen Gazza) Emma Hancock, Lillian Heishman, Felonica Kirkham, Katherine Pritchard, Maya Spease, Sydney Trego, Lily White • Elite Jazz
Finale All Dancers
MEET THE TEAM
KRISTEN GAZZA, OWNER & DIRECTOR
Kristen bought Carlisle Dance, previously Carlisle Ballet, in 2012, and became a member of Dance Masters of America in 2013. After moving to Carlisle, Kristen coached the Cumberland Valley Dance Team from 2015 to 2016 and served as a choreographer for their competition routines from 2016 to 2020. Kristen attended The Pennsylvania State University and received her degree in Supply Chain and Information Systems with minors in Management Information Systems and Business Law. During her 4 years at Penn State, she was a member of the Penn State Lionettes Dance Team and competed as part of their competition team. She also choreographed many kicklines that were seen on the football field and basketball court. Also during this time, she choreographed dances for the Centre Dance competition team. Kristen started dancing when she was six at Centre Dance in State College, Pennsylvania. In addition to taking classes, she was a member of their competition team. She served as a faculty member at Centre Dance for six years teaching tap, jazz, lyrical, stretching and conditioning, and acro.
Jennifer Leshniowsky: Ballet, Tap
Jennifer has taught dance locally since 2003. After attending Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School, she was granted certification by examination in ballet, tap and jazz. She attended the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet teacher workshop in 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Political Science with a French minor. Teaching dance is a second career for Jennifer, and she brings her skill in communications, process consulting and training to her lesson planning and program development at the dance studio. Jennifer also is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through Yoga Alliance. Jennifer’s teaching style approaches dance as art, combining classic tradition and technique with inspiration to experience joy and self-expression.
Motique Doporcyk: Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Office Assistant
Motique was born and raised in Carlisle PA and has been dancing for 23 years. She was an assistant instructor for three years at the Walnut Bottom School of Dance and an independent instructor four years. She also competed with the Walnut Bottom School of Dance's Company Dance Team for 3 years. At the age of 12, she began studying Ballet and Modern at CPYB and was asked to be an assistant instructor. She has three children: Alliya, Amante and Carlos.
Paige Brosious: Ballet, Jazz
Paige teaches third grade at Northside Elementary School in Mechanicsburg, PA. Paige holds a Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University in Early Childhood and Special Education. She began dancing at age 3 and has been teaching at Carlisle Dance for four years. Her favorite style of dance is tap.
Elaine Seckar: Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical
Elaine began dancing when she was 16, taking classes in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz/Hip Hop. While attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elaine danced with the IUP Dance Theater Company for 3 years and had the opportunity to join many guest artist residencies. While completing her undergraduate education, she assisted her hometown studio’s owner and instructor, Mary Strong. After the experience of aiding in her classes, Elaine returned as a guest choreographer. Elaine was a Professional Ballroom Instructor for Arther Murray Studios for 5 years. Most recently, she trained with Martha Eddy, Tricia Gomez, and Barbara Mahler studying hip hop for children with disabilities, Laban Movement Analysis, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Body Mind Centering, and Klien/Barre Technique.
Megan Fedeli: Tap, Jazz, Company Coach
Megan is a Kindergarten teacher at the Kindergarten Academy in Mechanicsburg, PA. She has been teaching dance for 11 years. She holds bachelor and masters degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in Elementary Education. While at Penn State, Megan was a member of the Whiplash Dance Team, a hip hop club. Megan grew up dancing in State College, PA, at Centre Dance, and participated in their competition program. Her favorite styles to choreograph and perform are tap and jazz. She loves working with the younger students and watching their love for dance grow!
Kate Leshniowsky: Choreographer
Kate Leshniowsky has studied dance for 15 years, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and lyrical. As a member of our Elite Dance Company for 9 years, Kate has won numerous awards and judges' praise for both her performance and choreography. After being a teaching assistant for 5 years, she enjoys teaching lyrical and jazz to the novice dancers at Carlisle Dance and in the community for the past 3 years. Kate will be a 2023 graduate of Carlisle High School, where she is a member of Student Council and National Honor Society, and represents CHS at Junior Leadership Cumberland.
Emma Hancock: Balleet
Emma Hancock is a junior at Boiling Spring High School. She has been dancing for 13 years and loves every moment of it! She dances all kinds of styles—ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary—and is part of her competition team. Emma trains at Carlisle Dance and spends her year competing and having fun with her team. One of her proudest moments was choreographing the duet "Indian Summer" with her friend Maya, which even won a choreography award! When she's not dancing, Emma loves hanging out with friends, trying new hobbies, and just having fun.
Crystal Kerns: Adult Tap and Ballet
Crystal began her formal dance training at the Marcia Dale School of Dance, now the Central PA Youth Ballet. Crystal has taught tap, ballet, jazzercise, exercise and Broadway dance for many years at local schools, Parks and Recreation Depts, YWCA, and Carlisle Army War College. She is well known in the area for her choreography work with community theatres.
Olivia Shields: Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Company Coach
Olivia has 17 years of dance training. With a studio background, she transitioned to competitive dance teams with AthElite Dance and the Cumberland Valley Dance Team. Olivia has competed in Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Pom. She has additional experience with Musical Theater, Kickline,Tap, and Acrobatics. Olivia holds a Bachelor's Degree from Messiah University in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. While attending school, she performed with their dance core, GIVIM. She is excited to cultivate confidence, technique, and passion among the dancers.
Kristina Kaufman: Choreographer
Kristina Kaufman graduated from American University in 2024 with a BA in Justice & Law and Psychology, where she is currently pursuing her Masters in Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy. Kristina has studied dance for 10 years, finding her love for it here at Carlisle Dance. During her time at the studio, she competed with the Elite Dance Team for 7 years. Her favorite style is Hip Hop, to which she has taught for four years. Kristina continues to teach in the summer, substitute when she is home, and has choreographed for the elite team for two years.
Pierce Pennington: Choreographer
Pierce recently graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BFA in Dance and Pedagogy. Furthering her experience in media and communication, she also graduated with a Mass Communications minor. She has set choreographic works for studios in GA, TX, and PA. She has won multiple choreography awards. She also has participated in works by choreographers such as Joshua Manculich and Adele Nickel. Pierce loves to choreograph and teach; she likes to focus on bringing out that same passion in her students, fellow dancers, and any audience as well.
Melitta Parzyszek: Contemporary, Choreographer
Melitta Parzyszek is a freelance artist and a recent graduate from Slippery Rock University. While there, she earned her BFA concentrating in performance and choreography. Her work has been seen at the Come Together Dance Festival in Philadelphia and Ascendance Choreography Showcase in Pittsburgh. Melitta has had the opportunity to perform and produce her own choreography for numerous concerts held at Slippery Rock University. Melitta also received a scholarship to take part in Cat Cogliandro’s Makin’ Moves workshop where she explored the fundamentals of choreography. Melitta has collaborated with many other artists and continues to broaden her education by participating in master classes, workshops, and intensives around the world.
Rachel Croffut: Ballet, Tap, Jazz
Rachel Croffut has been dancing since the age of three, and has been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and pointe. Most of her dance career was at Walnut Bottom School of Dance in Carlisle, where she was also an assistant teacher, and then jazz teacher. She graduated from Lock Haven University in 2001 with a degree in Elementary Education, where she was involved with, and helped to run and choreograph for the LHU Dance Company. Rachel is also the Children’s Director at Bethel Assembly of God in Carlisle, and is married with two children. She is looking forward to teaching dance again!
Molly McGoff: Acro
Molly is the owner of Own Om Baby and Children's Center, located in Camp Hill, where she offers a diverse range of children's classes, as well as hosting parties and special events. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine, and during her time in college, she was an active member of the cheerleading squad. Born and raised in Carlisle, Molly attended Carlisle High School, where she was a member of the gymnastics team. Her passion for children's wellness and development has led her to be an enthusiastic participant in the Carlisle Dance community, and she is thrilled to be a part of it!
Brenna Shields: Tap, Ballet
Brenna has been dancing for over 15 years starting at the age of 3. She began competing at age 13 for Sue Albert’s School of Dance in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. She has competed in a variety of styles including Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. She has been assistant teaching since she was 15 years old starting with ballet and tap classes for ages 3-5. Brenna then began substitute teaching a variety of classes in 2015. She was also a member of Misericordia University’s Dance Team. Brenna is a pediatric occupational therapist in Camp Hill, PA and enjoys crafting, cooking, and baking in her free time. Brenna is excited to be joining the staff at Carlisle Dance and to share the joy of dance with her students.
Ashlynn Auriemma: Strength & Conditioning, Jazz, Lyrical
Ashlyn has been dancing since age 2 at Capital Area Dance School in Enola, and later at Studio ‘91 in Mechanicsburg. She holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance from Cedar Crest College, and also has a background in Musical Theater. Ashlyn is a Third Grade teacher at Saint Joseph School, as well as a Dance Instructor at the Spirit of Dance Studio, Reverence Studios, and the West Shore YMCA. Ashlyn loves to teach and choreograph, and hopes to inspire young dancers to become strong and confident individuals through the art of dance.
Ella Hosie: Hip Hop, Lyrical, Choreographer
Ella was a student at Carlisle Dance for 8 years. She was a member of the Elite Company since she was 12 years old and studied a range of styles including; ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hiphop. She has been teaching dance for 5 years and started choreographing for the competition team when she was a Senior in High School. Ella is a sophomore at Penn State University and is studying Public Relations and Marketing. She loves sharing her love of dance with and hopes her students have fun and gain confidence.
Tanya Doporcyk: Ballet
Tanya Doporcyk studied at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet where she received training in classical ballet technique. She started her dance teaching career at the School of Music and Dance in Hanover. While she was there, she taught ballet and tap to all ages. Following that, she opened her own school in Carlisle where she taught children and adults of all ages ballet and tap. She specialized in teaching good technique in a friendly atmosphere. She eventually went back to CPYB and taught for 14 years. During that time, she taught ballet and tap to all ages as well as to Dickinson College students and adults.
Felonica Kirkham: Ballet
Felonica Kirkham has been studying dance since she was 5 years old. She started her training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) and continued it at June Glennies School of Dance in Norwich, England where she only trained in Ballet. Her freshman year of high school she came back to Carlisle and started studying at Carlisle Dance. Felonica is grateful to Carlisle Dance for allowing her to expand her dance repertoire to styles including Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Modern. As well, she is appreciative for the experience of being a part of the competition team, competing and taking part in conventions as well as teaching the younger children ballet. After graduating from Carlisle High School this June where she is apart of multiple honor societies and has had the opportunity to choreograph for the Spring Shakespeare plays, Felonica plans to go to college to study dance and exercise science.
Paige Peterson: Hip Hop
Paige Peterson has been dancing for 17 years, beginning her journey as a competitive dancer. Over the years, she has earned numerous awards and accolades on the competition stage. Now, she shares her passion and experience as a teacher, specializing in hip-hop and technique. While she enjoys all styles, her heart lies with contemporary dance. Paige loves working with young dancers and is grateful for the opportunity to watch each child grow and develop throughout the season.
Lily White: Ballet
Lily has been dancing since the age of 3 and is a member of the competition team. She is trained in multiple styles and brings both skill and passion to every class she teaches. Currently a junior at Carlisle High School, she loves sharing her love of dance.
Maya Spease: Tap
Maya is a freshman at Carlisle High School and has been training in dance for 12 years. With an impressive commitment of over 15 hours a week in the studio, she dedicates her evenings to honing her craft and exploring various dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop. So far, she has won a number of regional titles, is an ambassador for several competitions, and an elite dancer for Excel in Motion. Her biggest achievement in dance thus far has been winning the title of National Teen Miss Dancer Inc., an honor that reflects her dedication, passion, and the countless hours she invests in perfecting her performances. With her title, she represents the Dancers Inc. Company by touring and assisting competition weekends. Growing up at Carlisle Dance has shaped Maya into the dancer she is today and she is so grateful for this opportunity to teach and choreograph at the place she loves most.
Alexa Nikoloff: Strength and Conditioning
Music and movement have always been a part of Alexa’s life from dance as a child and teen and fitness as an adult. Alexa’s first fitness certification came in 2012 when she decided to merge the two worlds with Zumba. From there, the certifications have grown to include AFAA Group Exercise, Les Mills Bodypump, LM Bodycombat, Les Mills Core, LM Grit and LM Sprint and she is working on a personal training certification. Her hope for every class is that you walk away feeling a little better about yourself than when you started. Reach for excellence!
Zsuzsanna Smith: Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Ballet
Zsuzsanna Smith (Zsanna) attended Slippery Rock University and graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Business and Performance/Choreography. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Economics. Her past performances include a re-staging of Martha Graham’s Steps in the Street at the Joyce Theater in New York City, original choreography by James Washington Manning, and many works as a part of Slippery Rock University’s Dance Theater. Currently, in addition to teaching at Carlisle Dance, Zsanna works as a choreographer for Open Stage Theater in Harrisburg, PA. Most recently she choreographed The Wizard of Oz and Winnie the Pooh. Her university training focused on classical and contemporary ballet, release technique, Graham technique, Cunningham technique, street dance, commercial jazz, improvisation, and composition.
Corey Fake: Tap, Ballet
Corey is the Records Officer at PSECU. She has been teaching dance classes for 14 years and enjoyed teaching all levels from pre k classes to senior competitive teams. She was the president of the Golden Bear Dance Company (formerly Performing Dance Portmanteau) at Kutztown University and was the Company Director of Mar Le Nie dance studio in Chambersburg for 4 years. Corey has been with Carlisle Dance as either a faculty member, substitute teacher or stage-lighting resource since 2018. Her favorite styles to teach are tap, jazz, and musical theater!