Meet Our DANCE! Family
Our Directors

Debra DiNote
Artistic Director
Debra has been passionate about dance and the arts for as long as she can remember, always knowing she would become a dance educator and studio owner. Her childhood teacher and mentor, Connie M. Bowman, provided a strong technical foundation that allowed her to thrive. Debra continued her studies in Philadelphia with Thomas Cannon and Peter Conlow while remaining committed to her childhood school, where she trained in classical ballet, pointe, tap, and jazz.
As a young adult, Debra was chosen from hundreds of New Jersey teens to perform at the prestigious Garden State Arts Center after winning the Teen Arts Festival. Performing in her tutu and pointe shoes, she captivated an audience of 2,000 at the outdoor theater in North Jersey.
Though she had a strong connection to performing, Debra’s true passion was teaching and choreography. She chose this path over a performing career and opened her own studio at 18.
Fifty years later, DiNote's school is one of the most respected in the tri-state area. With a 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility and a dedicated, family-oriented staff, DiNote's mission is to foster a love for the performing arts in young people. The school offers a strong, technical curriculum and provides opportunities to showcase artistic growth and stagecraft to Southern Jersey audiences.
In 1975, Debra founded The DANCE! Workshop Company, providing students with opportunities for community service performances, competitions, and full-length ballet productions. From 1978 to 1985, she was commissioned by Rouse Company-owned malls in the tri-state area to write, direct, and choreograph Disney productions, featuring students as singers, dancers, and actors. In 1988, Debra wrote the original Overtime for Santa, which is still performed today. Other productions like OZ… Over the Rainbow and Once Upon a Glass Slipper have given DANCE! students the chance to impress audiences since their debut performances in 1991.
Debra has received numerous awards for her service to the community, including offering lecture demonstrations at elementary schools, libraries, churches, and senior communities, as well as providing scholarships to her students since 1973. National competition directors have recognized her for outstanding choreography, staging, and attention to technique. Her dancers have earned scholarships to prestigious schools like the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, the Debbie Reynolds Studio “F” in California, and the Gus Giordano School in Chicago. DANCE! students have performed at Carnegie Hall, Disney World, Six Flags, Hershey Park, Toys for Tots events, and the Miss New Jersey parades in Ocean City—opportunities made possible through Debra’s dedication.
Debra’s experience, commitment, and love for her students are evident in her daily work and her family-friendly school. Her efforts continue to provide children with a positive and enriching experience, making their time with DANCE! and Debra DiNote truly fulfilling.

LeeAnn DiNote Littleton
DWC Company Director
As the Business Director, Dance Educator, Choreographer, and Company Director at the school, LeeAnn has grown through the levels of DANCE!, discovering at a young age her passion for sharing dance with children in a studio setting. Her extensive dance training spans classical ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, modern, hip hop, and musical theater. Invited into the Workshop Company at just seven years old, LeeAnn became a prominent stage presence throughout her childhood.
While pursuing a degree in Business Management with a Minor in Dance at Rowan University, LeeAnn was an active member of the Rowan Contemporary Dance Company, the Rowan Dance Team, and the Dance Extensions Executive Board. In college, she performed at the American College Dance Festival (ACDFA) multiple times, earning accolades for her company’s outstanding performances.
She has performed with several local companies in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas, choreographed numerous high school musicals, and taught workshops and master classes for dance schools and organizations. LeeAnn has studied with renowned master teachers such as Frank Hatchett, Sheila Barker, Michelle Barber, Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Chris Judd, and Wade Robson. She regularly attends teacher workshops and conventions to continually expand her knowledge, which she eagerly shares with her students in the classroom.
LeeAnn’s choreography has earned top honors at regional and national competitions. Her lyrical and contemporary pieces resonate emotionally with audiences, and many of her works have received High Score and Choreography Awards. As the Director of The DANCE! Workshop Company, LeeAnn leads the company in performing a full-length production each spring, attending multiple competitions, and giving back to the community through performances and dance fundraisers.
In addition, LeeAnn founded the student-run organization, the DWC, designed to empower Company dancers by fostering leadership skills, deepening their commitment to projects, and building confidence in their voices. The organization features a student executive board, offering dancers the opportunity to use their talents to raise funds for their team, create impactful community-based performances, and organize team-building and bonding activities that strengthen their connection and collaboration.
LeeAnn and her husband Jerrod are proud parents of Jacob, Elizabeth, and Joseph.

Danielle DiNote
Competition Team Director
Danielle DiNote is a South Jersey native whose dance journey began at just three years old. From an early age, she was immersed in the world of performance and competition, setting the stage for a dynamic and successful career in dance. A proud graduate of The University of the Arts, Danielle is trained in jazz, ballet, musical theater, contemporary, pointe, tap and hip hop. She has studied under renowned instructors including Sheila Barker, Suzy Taylor, and many others who have shaped her versatile and powerful approach to dance.
Danielle’s performance credits are both diverse and impressive. She has appeared alongside artists such as Ne-Yo, Kelsey Grammer, Lady Sovereign, and Dr. Oz, and has graced stages at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Carnegie Hall, the Merriam Theatre, and throughout New York City. She has also been featured in Dance Spirit Magazine for her outstanding talent and contributions to the dance community.
Her professional career includes working with Dance Temp Agency, teaching dance education throughout North Jersey and New York. After returning to South Jersey, Danielle joined the AFL Philadelphia Soulmates Dance Team, eventually becoming Head Coach and Choreographer. She went on to lead the NLL Philadelphia Wings Dance Team as Coach and Choreographer for three seasons, bringing her energy, vision, and precision to professional-level performances.
As a teacher and choreographer, Danielle has earned numerous high score awards, overall titles, and prestigious choreography honors across regional and national competitions. She is currently the Co-Owner and Media Director of DANCE! by Debra DiNote, where she shares her passion with the next generation of dancers.
In addition to her studio work, Danielle spent two seasons as a Regional Director and Adjudicator for Beyond the Stars and Breakout Dance Competition, providing mentorship and critique to dancers across the country.
Above all, Danielle takes the greatest pride in founding DANCE! For A Cure in 2007, a benefit performance dedicated to raising funds for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia's Pediatric Oncology Department. Through this annual event, over $30,000 has been raised to date. It remains a heartfelt night of dancing, community, and purpose, reflecting Danielle’s belief in using dance as a powerful force for good.
Our Team of Teachers
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Eisa Jackson
Stars, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Adults, Company Team Teacher
Ms. Eisa Jackson is a dance educator and a professional dancer from Washington Township, New Jersey. For the past 18 years, Eisa has taught dance at her Alma Mater, Washington Township High School.
Eisa’s dance journey began at the age of 4 at DANCE! by Debra DiNote when her parents decided to enroll her in dance lessons after watching her dance around the house all of the time. Since then, she has never looked back. She has over 40 years of dance experience and over the years, she has studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, African, Afro-Beats, and Hip Hop dance. As a young dancer, Eisa attended summer workshops at Philadanco and was 1 out of 12 dancers selected to attend the NJ Governor’s School of the Arts for Dance.
After graduating as valedictorian of her High School class, Eisa continued her education at Temple University in Philadelphia, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance (2001). She also danced professionally with Underground Dance Works under the direction of Charles Tyson, Jr., Tania Isaac Dance, and New Leja Dances under the direction of Jaye Allison. She was also featured in dance works by Myra Bazell and Melissa Rector of Koresh Dance Company and Melissa Rector Danceworks. In 2017, Eisa obtained her Master’s Degree in Theatre Arts Administration from Rowan University.
Eisa has been on the faculty of DANCE! By Debra DiNote for the past 27 years!. Her choreography is often a fan favorite and has received recognition from local and national dance competitions. Most recently, Eisa’s jazz dance “Black and Gold” was selected for the Choreography Award at Elite Dance Competition. In addition to teaching at DANCE!, Eisa is also a dance mentor for students competing in the NAACP ACT-SO Program.
Eisa plans to dance and teach for as long as she can in hopes that she can continue to learn, be inspired, and most importantly, make an impact on the people around her. She is grateful to teach all of the wonderful students at DANCE! By Debra DiNote and happy to call DANCE! home.

Domenique Snively
Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Jazz, Company Team Teacher
Domenique (DeSanto) Snively is a passionate and dedicated dance professional with a lifelong love for the art form. She began her training at just 4 years old at DANCE! By Debra DiNote, where she spent 15 years mastering a variety of styles that laid the foundation for her comprehensive understanding of dance. Domenique earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Rowan University and her Master of Arts in Dance from Temple University, further honing her craft and expanding her expertise.
Specializing in choreography for competitive dance, Domenique has achieved remarkable success at both the regional and national levels. Her work has garnered numerous High Score Awards, Judge's Recognition, and multiple Outstanding Choreography Awards, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier choreographer.
In addition to her choreography, Domenique is an esteemed ballet instructor at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School and choreographs for the Washington Township Dance Department and Washington Township High School Dance Team. She also shares her wealth of knowledge and creativity with other local dance studios, continuously inspiring and mentoring the next generation of dancers. Domenique’s diverse teaching roles and innovative contributions make her an influential force in the dance community.

Stephanie Dill
Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Dancin' with Mommy, Adult Tap
Stephanie Dill has been instructing dance classes for over 35 years, teaching a wide variety of dance disciplines to students ranging from ages 1 through adult. Her teaching experience includes: Tap, Dancin’ with Mommy. Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Irish Step, and children’s combination classes. Stephanie has earned her business degree, while simultaneously working on her dance skills.
She has traveled extensively to Michigan, Chicago, Delaware, New Jersey, and Philadelphia where she has extended her training by attending the finest conventions, including Dance Masters of America. Her biggest influences were Charles Kelley for tap and Frank Hatchett for jazz. Stephanie has also studied the Martha Graham method of Modern Dance as well as Jose’ Limon throughout her journeys.
She is a member of the International Teachers of Dance, Inc, Associated Dance Teachers of NJ, and NDTA to hone in on her skills to keep them fresh and new to the latest techniques and styles. Stephanie studied the R.A.D. Method for Ballet, working on her certification. Stephanie has attended Revel Dance Conventions, and PULSE in Atlantic City, NJ. Whenever the chance arrives, she finds the time to take a class or two to keep up with the pace in the dance world, in addition to taking online dance classes whenever the chance arises!
Stephanie has been with Dance! By Debra DiNote for 14 seasons and is honored to be a part of the Dance! Faculty. She also works the front desk with Miss Kathy and enjoys greeting and helping the parents and students of the studio. Aside from dance, Stephanie is a pet care sitter helping those who work long hours or go on vacations. She loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Sara Mucerino
Acro, Combination Classes, Dancin w/ Mommy, Company Team Teacher
Sara began dance and gymnastics at the age of three in the small town of Cape May, New Jersey. She moved on to become a member of the Jersey Cape Dance and Gymnastics Academy’s competition team at the age of five, performing and competing across the country. Over the years, she was receiveded numerous awards including National Championships, X-Caliber Awards, Entertainment and Choreography awards, and Critic’s Choice. During high school, she traveled to California with a group of eighteen dancers as part of Paula Abdul’s reality television show “Live To Dance”, training daily with Paula Abdul and making it to the semifinals. During her time at Jersey Cape, she assisted in teaching multiple dance and gymnastics classes for numerous ages and levels. Sara graduated from Drexel University in 2015 with her BS in dance with a minor in psychology. During this time she was part of Drexel’s dance ensemble, performing and choreographing with the company. Sara also participated in multiple outreach dance programs such as HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy’s dance collaborative, Drexel’s Youth Performance exchange, which involved teaching dance to middle schoolers in Philadelphia, and choreographing for Philadelphia Dance Academy.
After graduating, Sara returned to Drexel University where she pursued her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Throughout the two year Master’s program, she had the opportunity to work at four different facilities, utilizing movement as a stimulus for therapeutic change. Upon graduating in June 2018, she immediately began working as a Dance/Movement Therapist at Legacy Treatment Services where she provides group therapy sessions to children in residential treatment.
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Adriana Iacaruso
Ballet, Jazz, Jumps & Turns
Adriana first discovered her passion for dance at DANCE! by Debra DiNote. Starting at just 2 years old, Adriana proudly continued until she graduated. She trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. Adriana was a member of the Dance Workshop Company, serving as president and dancing on the competition team. Even from a young age, she took part in many theatrical productions including, Overtime for Santa, Over the Rainbow, and Once Upon a Glass Slipper.
After graduation, Adriana continued to share her love of dance as a member of the Saint Joseph’s University Division I Dance Team, where she performed at basketball games, school events, and numerous community service activities. Most recently, she competed at UDA College Dance Nationals in Division I Pom and Hip Hop where she helped lead her team to the Division I Pom National Championship.
Currently, Adriana is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Exercise Physiology at Saint Joseph’s University. She works as a medical assistant and will be continuing her journey in the medical field as she prepares for medical school next year.

Kelly Sheppard
Creative Dance, Ballet Tap, Combination Class
Kelly Sheppard graduated from DeSales University with a B.A. in Dance and from Lesley University with an M.A. in Expressive Arts Therapy. Over the course of her career she studied under Trinette Singleton (formerly Joffrey Ballet), Vincent Brousseau (formerly Brosseau Danceworks), Kristen Fieseler Alexander (Annex Dance Company) and Dicki Johnson Macy (Isadora Duncan repetiteur). Kelly performed throughout the Northeast alongside Parsons Dance and the Guardians of Isadora. She has also taught extensively with a special focus on preschool and parent/child classes. She is currently in her 17th year teaching at Dance!, and also teaches K-8 Technology classes. When not dancing or teaching, Kelly enjoys traveling, Disney and spending time with her husband Ryan and her two children Riley & Aidan.

Ashley Mackowiak
Musical Theater, Stars, Ballet, Tap, Jazz
Ashley began her dance journey at Dance! By Debra DiNote at the age of five, dedicating the next twelve years to perfecting her craft and earning a prestigious spot in the Dance! Workshop Company. Throughout her time with the company, she showcased her talent in numerous lead roles, including Raggedy Andy, The Cowardly Lion, The Fairy Godmother, and the Grand Duke.
While pursuing her college degree, Ashley continued her passion for dance, performing and choreographing for the West Chester University Dance Company, as well as dancing with the University Dance Team. Her love for musical theater and choreography eventually brought her back to the studio, where she now thrives as a faculty member at Dance!, teaching Musical Theater with a dynamic energy that inspires and excites her students.
Ashley’s vibrant personality and enthusiasm make her classes a one-of-a-kind experience. She also leads the Stars 1 Team, providing students with valuable opportunities to perform in community service events throughout the year. Through this role, Ashley helps foster a deeper love for dance while guiding her students as they take the next steps in their dance education.
In addition to her work at DANCE!, Ashley is passionate about her role as an elementary school teacher in South Jersey, where she continues to inspire and positively impact the next generation, both inside the classroom and beyond.
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Teagan Nurnberger
Advanced Tap, Combination Classes
Teagan Nurnberger began her dance journey at the age of three at Barton and Williams School of Dance in Stafford, VA. Over her 15 years at the studio, she trained in various styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, and pointe, with a special passion for tap. Teagan was a dedicated member of their competition team for ten years.
She is a graduate of The College of New Jersey, where she actively participated in the Synergy Dance Company. Throughout her college career, Teagan choreographed annual tap pieces for the company’s performances and served on the executive board as a production manager.
Teagan has experience teaching dancers ages 2.5 to 70 in creative movement, combinations classes including: tap/ballet and tap/jazz, as well as tap classes. She has offered both online and in-person instruction at a variety of studios in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area. Additionally, she has contributed to guest competition choreography and pop-up classes for summer intensives at local studios. Her choreography and students have received various recognitions, including special judges' awards, a national title, and a music video nomination. Teagan enjoys sharing her passion for tap by volunteering at events within the local community.
When she is not dancing, Teagan teaches high school mathematics.

Jessie Ricciardi
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Pointe
Born and raised in Hillsborough, NJ, Jessie Ricciardi began dancing at the age of three
and quickly developed a deep passion for the art form. Growing up as a competitive
dancer, she trained extensively in a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, ballet,
lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre and tap, earning numerous accolades throughout her
youth.
Jessie went on to pursue her professional training in New York City, earning her BFA in
Commercial Dance from Pace University. During her time at Pace, she had the honor of
training under world-renowned industry professionals including Rhonda Miller, Lauren
Gaul, Scott Jovovich, Al Blackstone, Jess Hendricks, and Suzi Taylor. Their mentorship
played a pivotal role in shaping Jessie’s versatility, technique, and artistry as a dancer
and performer.
Following graduation, Jessie launched her professional career performing in two
production shows with RWS Entertainment Group, gaining valuable experience in the
commercial and theatrical dance world. She then went on to fulfill a lifelong dream
when she was cast by Princess Cruises as a professional dancer. Jessie had the privilege
of performing for Princess for five and a half years. Over the course of her time with the
company, Jessie performed as a cast dancer before being promoted to Cast Manager, a
leadership role she held for three of those years. In this position, she was responsible for
overseeing casts and productions, maintaining performance quality, and fostering a
positive and professional environment onboard.
With extensive experience both on stage and behind the scenes, Jessie brings a deep
understanding of the dance industry into the classroom. She is passionate about helping
young dancers build strong technical foundations, grow in confidence, and discover
their unique artistic voice—all within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Whether teaching in the studio or mentoring the next generation of performers, Jessie is
dedicated to sharing her love for dance and helping her students thrive.

Jordan Hafto
Creative Dance, Combination Classes
Jordan discovered her love for dance at the young age of 2 and has been passionate about the art form ever since. She honed her craft at GCIT, where she majored in dance and received well-rounded training in multiple styles. With over 8 years of teaching experience, Jordan brings both technical knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to every class she leads.
She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and early childhood dance, with tap holding a special place as her absolute favorite style. Jordan has a natural talent for connecting with young dancers and takes great joy in introducing little ones to the world of dance. Her classes are known for being upbeat, engaging, and nurturing—focused on building both skills and confidence in a fun, positive environment.

Jessy Proctor
Hippity Hop, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary
Miss Jessy has been showcasing her experience in Dance and choreography for 20 years. She has emerged as a dynamic and innovative creator with a mission to inspire young artists. Following a professional career with the Atlantic City Blackjacks AFL dance team, where she served as a captain, her leadership qualities flourished. She now has fully embraced her dedication to her profession as an educator with commitment to Performance, Artistry, and Excellence in the Dance Industry.

Reilly Capanna
Hip Hop
Reilly is a South Jersey native and started her dance career as a student at DANCE! by Debra DiNote, where she fell in love with the style of Hip-Hop, training for six years. In high school, Reilly later became a member of the Junior Soulmates, Junior Wings and Philly Phresh Crew dance team, where she had the amazing opportunity to perform at the Wells Fargo Center for the Sixers, Harlem Globetrotters, AFL Soul and NLL Wings games. After graduating, Reilly became a coach for Philly Phresh Crew - continuing her love for the art. She is now embarking on her third year as a coach and choreographer for the team. Her choreography has been performed at the Phillies, Sixers and Harlem Globetrotter games. She is also a teacher and company choreographer for Longwood Performing Arts, and has been a member of the faculty for three years. Her drive and passion for the art of dance fuels her as an educator and mentor to the upcoming generation of dancers.
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We are always for great additions to our DANCE! Faculty Family!
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