Katie Rondeau
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Founding Director
Dance Factory owner and director of the TDF Dance Company, Katie has spent the last 40 years making her dream into a reality. Katie has been teaching and choreographing since the age of 15. Dance is a passion for Katie as reflected in her positive, outgoing personality and ability to inspire her students. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance with a graduate focus in Pedagogy, Composition and Creative Movement from Dean College. Her background includes Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary Performance, Acro, Tap and Hip-Hop. Katie performed as a member of the Dean College Dance Company. Katie has trained with some of the best in the business such as Jill Silverman, Nailiah Bellinger, Desmond Richardson, Denise Jefferson, Mia Michaels, Jeffrey Polston, Brian Friedman, Jean Wenzel to name a few. Katie offers the same opportunities to her students by traveling with her dance company to conventions and competitions all over the east coast. Katie has produced choreography for Kiss Concert and performed as talent. Her students placed top 3 overalls on S4 Ep.7 of Dance Moms in part filming the reality show. As a teacher, her choreography has been recognized at a regional and national level. The Dance Factory Company has won numerous prestiges awards, scholarships and top honors for their technique, choreography and sportsmanship. Katie is consistently recognized for her artistry at competitions. Katie takes pride in offering a dance program that provides students with a creative, safe place to learn and grow. She continues to be a role model and inspiration to her students! |
Gabriella Fucillo
Instructor
Gabriella M. Fucillo began her training at José Mateo’s Ballet Theatre in Cambridge, MA. During the summers, she attended Bossov Ballet Theatre’s pre-professional intensive program and trained with former Kirov Ballet and Moscow Ballet dancers Andrei Bossov and Natalya Getman. She then was accepted into the highly selective dance program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Dance in 2009. At UMASS she received the Chancellor’s Dance Talent Award and was given a scholarship for her senior year. While at UMASS she had the opportunity to train and perform professionally with Pioneer Valley Ballet and Spectrum In Motion Dance Theatre. Upon graduating she accepted an apprentice position with Spindle City Ballet and performed as a member of their Corps and as a Soloist for their 2009-2010 season. Since 2013 she has been performing as a Soloist Company member with the International Ballet Company of Burlington, MA where she has performed lead roles in The Nutcracker, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty and La Boutique. She has been the head of the Ballet program at The Dance Factory since 2011 and since 2014 has been serving as the studio’s Assistant Director. She teaches all levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and acrobatics. Her work has received numerous awards at competitions, with several first place overall titles for soloists, duets and group numbers. She is a dance judge with Starquest and Impact Dance Adjudicators since 2017 and is honored to inspire and assist in the development of today’s young dancers. In her spare time she enjoys being in the outdoors, traveling, hiking and rock climbing.
Gabriella M. Fucillo began her training at José Mateo’s Ballet Theatre in Cambridge, MA. During the summers, she attended Bossov Ballet Theatre’s pre-professional intensive program and trained with former Kirov Ballet and Moscow Ballet dancers Andrei Bossov and Natalya Getman. She then was accepted into the highly selective dance program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Dance in 2009. At UMASS she received the Chancellor’s Dance Talent Award and was given a scholarship for her senior year. While at UMASS she had the opportunity to train and perform professionally with Pioneer Valley Ballet and Spectrum In Motion Dance Theatre. Upon graduating she accepted an apprentice position with Spindle City Ballet and performed as a member of their Corps and as a Soloist for their 2009-2010 season. Since 2013 she has been performing as a Soloist Company member with the International Ballet Company of Burlington, MA where she has performed lead roles in The Nutcracker, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty and La Boutique. She has been the head of the Ballet program at The Dance Factory since 2011 and since 2014 has been serving as the studio’s Assistant Director. She teaches all levels of ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and acrobatics. Her work has received numerous awards at competitions, with several first place overall titles for soloists, duets and group numbers. She is a dance judge with Starquest and Impact Dance Adjudicators since 2017 and is honored to inspire and assist in the development of today’s young dancers. In her spare time she enjoys being in the outdoors, traveling, hiking and rock climbing.
Deirdre Lewis
Instructor
Deirdre Lewis began her training under the direction of Marylou Cunningham. She earned her BA in Theatre and Dance from Keene State College. While at Keene State she performed extensively with the Dance Department and was a member of the Keene State College Dance Team. During her time at KSC, Deirdre was selected as a choreographer and performer to represent the school at the American College Dance Festival and at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges Conference. She had the opportunity to study under artists such as Monica Bill Barnes, Frances Nii. Yarti, Candice Salyers, Cathy Nicoli, Jodi Leigh Allen, William Seigh, and Marcia Murdock. In 2012, she was honored to receive the Alta Lu Townes Memorial Dance Award for excellence in dance. For the past several years, Deirdre has attended the American Dance Festival as a scholarship recipient. While at ADF, Deirdre was able to work with teachers and choreographers including Mark Dendy, Ming Lung Yang, Brenda Daniels, Leah Cox, Pamela Pietro, Rodger Belman, and Trebien Pollard. In 2012, Deirdre joined IMPACT Dance company as a performer, choreographer and intern. Since joining the company, Deirdre has performed all over New England, presenting pieces from the IMPACT repertoire and her own choreography. Miss Deirdre's work at TDF has received top honors at a regional and national level. Deirdre has received numerous awards for her choreography and creativity.
Deirdre Lewis began her training under the direction of Marylou Cunningham. She earned her BA in Theatre and Dance from Keene State College. While at Keene State she performed extensively with the Dance Department and was a member of the Keene State College Dance Team. During her time at KSC, Deirdre was selected as a choreographer and performer to represent the school at the American College Dance Festival and at the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges Conference. She had the opportunity to study under artists such as Monica Bill Barnes, Frances Nii. Yarti, Candice Salyers, Cathy Nicoli, Jodi Leigh Allen, William Seigh, and Marcia Murdock. In 2012, she was honored to receive the Alta Lu Townes Memorial Dance Award for excellence in dance. For the past several years, Deirdre has attended the American Dance Festival as a scholarship recipient. While at ADF, Deirdre was able to work with teachers and choreographers including Mark Dendy, Ming Lung Yang, Brenda Daniels, Leah Cox, Pamela Pietro, Rodger Belman, and Trebien Pollard. In 2012, Deirdre joined IMPACT Dance company as a performer, choreographer and intern. Since joining the company, Deirdre has performed all over New England, presenting pieces from the IMPACT repertoire and her own choreography. Miss Deirdre's work at TDF has received top honors at a regional and national level. Deirdre has received numerous awards for her choreography and creativity.
Erika Haydon
Instructor
Erika Haydon holds many years of teaching experience and extensive knowledge in all forms of dance both at recreational and competitive levels. She holds a B.A. in Dance from Dean College, where she was a member of the Dean Dance Company for four years. She has also been certified by the prestigious Acrobatics Arts. Erika brings high energy, passion and creativity to all of her classes. Her choreography has been recognized and awarded on both regional and national levels. Most recently, she was awarded the Al Gilbert Tap Award. Erika continues to enrich her own dance education by taking intensive classes and attending conventions in both NYC and the New England area. Students of hers have gone on to achieve great success in many different facets of performing. Erika hopes through her love and knowledge of dance to motivate and inspire all of her students.
Erika Haydon holds many years of teaching experience and extensive knowledge in all forms of dance both at recreational and competitive levels. She holds a B.A. in Dance from Dean College, where she was a member of the Dean Dance Company for four years. She has also been certified by the prestigious Acrobatics Arts. Erika brings high energy, passion and creativity to all of her classes. Her choreography has been recognized and awarded on both regional and national levels. Most recently, she was awarded the Al Gilbert Tap Award. Erika continues to enrich her own dance education by taking intensive classes and attending conventions in both NYC and the New England area. Students of hers have gone on to achieve great success in many different facets of performing. Erika hopes through her love and knowledge of dance to motivate and inspire all of her students.
Kyle Ponte
Company Choreographer
Kyle Ponte has been teaching, dancing, and modeling internationally for many years. His training began in the small town of Westport, MA to then eventually reside in Los Angeles, CA where he furthered his growth. Kyle trained under Shannon Mather at Mather Dance Company for a few years working with top choreographers in the industry. He holds numerous first place national titles/choreography awards on both the east coast and west coast. Most recently he has been repeatedly contracted to work in Shanghai, China with well known luxury brands. Kyle has worked a private event in Beijing for Bulgari featuring super model Bella Hadid. Additionally Kyle has been hired to work in numerous public events for Cartier, most notably a holiday commercial as well an event with singer Alicia Keys. Also performed at an Adidas campaign event featuring super model Karlie Kloss. He has worked as a performer at Disneyland in California and also made it to The Academy on SYTYCD Season 14. Kyle is signed with Go 2, and is based in LA pursuing his performance career. Currently on tour with Lady Gaga.
Kyle Ponte has been teaching, dancing, and modeling internationally for many years. His training began in the small town of Westport, MA to then eventually reside in Los Angeles, CA where he furthered his growth. Kyle trained under Shannon Mather at Mather Dance Company for a few years working with top choreographers in the industry. He holds numerous first place national titles/choreography awards on both the east coast and west coast. Most recently he has been repeatedly contracted to work in Shanghai, China with well known luxury brands. Kyle has worked a private event in Beijing for Bulgari featuring super model Bella Hadid. Additionally Kyle has been hired to work in numerous public events for Cartier, most notably a holiday commercial as well an event with singer Alicia Keys. Also performed at an Adidas campaign event featuring super model Karlie Kloss. He has worked as a performer at Disneyland in California and also made it to The Academy on SYTYCD Season 14. Kyle is signed with Go 2, and is based in LA pursuing his performance career. Currently on tour with Lady Gaga.
Madison Maiorano
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InstructorMadison received her training from the Dance Factory in Plymouth, MA and has been assistant teaching there since 2016. She loves to explore all styles of dance and enjoys sharing that love with younger dancers. Madison has worked as a class assistant for Spirit of Dance Awards as well as Excel in Motion dance convention. Additionally, she has won a number of regional titles and scholarships to continue her dance training including an acceptance to the Steps on Broadway Summer Intensive in New York City. She was a company member with Boston Community Dance Project which provided opportunities to perform in Boston and New York City. She also has danced as a part of Jose Mateo Ballet Theater’s production of the Nutcracker. Madison is forever grateful to Katie Rondeau and Gabriella Fucillo-Jones for her continuous growth at the Dance Factory and is happy to continue doing what she loves.
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Melissa Kutchmanich
Instructor/Children's Program
Melissa teaches our youngest students at TDF.
Every aspect of our children’s program has been tailor-made for the youngest of dancers and specifically crafted with their needs in mind. Step inside our studio and you will find a place where students are encouraged to exercise their imaginations. Where the stories of ballets come to life each and every week as we explore together with music, movement, and magic.
Melissa is a mom, and lives in Kingston with her husband and two beautiful girls. Melissa studied theatre and arts at Dean College before attaining a Bachelors of Theatre Arts/Communications from Bridgewater University and danced for over 31 years. Ever since she can remember, she has had a passion for the performing arts and music, and has always loved working with young children. In fact, she has been teaching dance for children ages 2-13 since her freshman year of high school!
She started dance at the age of five, and went on to perform in musicals and plays all around the Boston area until six years ago when she had her first daughter. After having children, she also nannied for three years for families on the South Shore. She then began her teaching career with Isis Parenting as an instructor in Art and Music, where she worked for three years with babies age five months to three years old. She moved to Over The Moon, where she continued her love for teaching little ones art and music movement. Now, at The Dance Factory, Melissa is thrilled to be able to combine her passion for the arts and dance with teaching. She is able to share her joy and knowledge with many wonderful families on the south shore and also be home part-time with her wonderful family.
Melissa teaches our youngest students at TDF.
Every aspect of our children’s program has been tailor-made for the youngest of dancers and specifically crafted with their needs in mind. Step inside our studio and you will find a place where students are encouraged to exercise their imaginations. Where the stories of ballets come to life each and every week as we explore together with music, movement, and magic.
Melissa is a mom, and lives in Kingston with her husband and two beautiful girls. Melissa studied theatre and arts at Dean College before attaining a Bachelors of Theatre Arts/Communications from Bridgewater University and danced for over 31 years. Ever since she can remember, she has had a passion for the performing arts and music, and has always loved working with young children. In fact, she has been teaching dance for children ages 2-13 since her freshman year of high school!
She started dance at the age of five, and went on to perform in musicals and plays all around the Boston area until six years ago when she had her first daughter. After having children, she also nannied for three years for families on the South Shore. She then began her teaching career with Isis Parenting as an instructor in Art and Music, where she worked for three years with babies age five months to three years old. She moved to Over The Moon, where she continued her love for teaching little ones art and music movement. Now, at The Dance Factory, Melissa is thrilled to be able to combine her passion for the arts and dance with teaching. She is able to share her joy and knowledge with many wonderful families on the south shore and also be home part-time with her wonderful family.
Athina Tenczar
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Instructor/Adult Classes
Athina has trained, performed and taught throughout New England and London. She began dancing at the LJF Dance Studio in Worcester MA at the age of 3. In high school her family was transferred abroad where she trained with the Royal Ballet under Laura Brownstone and was given the opportunity to choreograph, which is her true passion. When returning to the States she was the Dance Captain for the Worcester Academy Dance Team and furthered her dance education at Roger Williams University receiving her B.A. in Dance Performance and Minor in Business. While at RWU, Athina studied under Kellie Wicke Davis, Gary Shore, France Hunter, Kathy Gordon Smith, Michael Bulger and Sean Curran. She returned to London her junior year where she trained with several artists at DanceWorks and Pineapple Dance Studio and after her study abroad during her senior year she was chosen to choreograph for the Dance Theatre and performed at ACDFA. After graduation Athina began teaching, producing and adjudicating in the Metro West where she taught children’s ballet and tap and all levels of jazz, modern and hip hop. She was the Production Manager for the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid, was chosen to produce and choreograph the Shared Choreographers Concert at the Dance Complex under Rozann Kraus, adjudicated for Turn it Up Dance Challenge and her choreography performed at the Boston Celtics, Walt Disney World, Providence Bruins, Dean College, St. Anselm College and several competitions. Athina continued teaching and choreographing when moving to the South Shore and developed an adult program with a strong following. In a few short years she took a break from the studio, was married and now has 3 daughters. She is currently a Project Manager for a Medical Device company, owns a skincare business and is now returning to the dance studio. She is so excited to have the opportunity to teach again as her eldest daughter is now a member of TDF and looks forward to sharing her love of dance.
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Juliet Brown
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Instructor/Ballet Juliet is from Norwell, MA and started her training at the Boston Ballet School. After 5 years with Boston Ballet she began her training with South Shore Ballet Theatre and upon graduating received a contract with Columbia Classical Ballet in South Carolina where she danced for two seasons. In 2020 she joined the Paris Opera Ballet. Her repertoire includes Sugar Plum and Snow Queen from The Nutcracker, Shades Pas De Trois from La Bayadere, and Cinderella in Cinderella.
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Jennifer Boragine
Office Mangement
Miss Jen is a warm friendly face when you first walk into the studio. She is happy to help guide our families through out the dance season. She found a love for dance through the hearts of her daughters, who both dance at the studio. When not at the studio, she enjoys spending time on her farm with her family.
Miss Jen is a warm friendly face when you first walk into the studio. She is happy to help guide our families through out the dance season. She found a love for dance through the hearts of her daughters, who both dance at the studio. When not at the studio, she enjoys spending time on her farm with her family.
Mary Maiorano
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Office MangementMiss Mary has been a part of our dance family for well over a decade. Starting back in 2008 as a TDF Dance Mom. Mother to instructor Miss Madison and 2021 graduate Morgan. Through her girls Mary found a true love and appreciation for dance. Her knowledge of The Dance Factory program is extensive. She takes pride in being both her daughters’ dedicated support system and biggest cheerleader.
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