Katie Rondeau
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Director
Dance Factory owner and director of the TDF Dance Company, Katie has spent the last 37 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 a back up dancer. Her students placed top 3 overalls on S4 Ep.7 of Dance Moms against the dancers of 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
Assistant Artistic Director
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/Company Choreographer
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.
Kyle Ponte
Instructor/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 currently is the artistic director of Dance Fusion and enjoys teaching the next generation of dancers what he has learned!
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 currently is the artistic director of Dance Fusion and enjoys teaching the next generation of dancers what he has learned!
Erika Haydon
Instructor/Company Choreographer
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.
Lauren Norton
Instructor/Company Choreographer
Lauren Norton is a graduate of Dean College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Lauren’s honors include acceptance in to the Alvin Ailey School in NYC, soloist with the Dean Dance Company, and a recipient of The Franklin Performing Arts Scholarship. Lauren has trained with many artist such as, Denise Jefferson, as well as captured the attention of professional adjudicators across the country. Lauren holds many years of teaching experience from recreational to competitive level. She has been recognized for her choreography both regionally and nationally. Lauren continues to expand and educate herself by attending master classes and conventions. She is always excited to meet new dancers and share her knowledge and creativity with them. She hopes to motivate and inspire dancers to tell stories through their movement. She is looking forward to great year.
Lauren Norton is a graduate of Dean College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Lauren’s honors include acceptance in to the Alvin Ailey School in NYC, soloist with the Dean Dance Company, and a recipient of The Franklin Performing Arts Scholarship. Lauren has trained with many artist such as, Denise Jefferson, as well as captured the attention of professional adjudicators across the country. Lauren holds many years of teaching experience from recreational to competitive level. She has been recognized for her choreography both regionally and nationally. Lauren continues to expand and educate herself by attending master classes and conventions. She is always excited to meet new dancers and share her knowledge and creativity with them. She hopes to motivate and inspire dancers to tell stories through their movement. She is looking forward to great year.
Julie Young
Instructor
Julie Young received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance in 2009 from Dean College, where she studied various dance techniques and academics with Joan Phelps-Palladino, Jill Silverman, and Nailah Randall-Bellinger and many other inspiring professors. While at Dean, she performed in many student choreographed pieces and was a member of the school’s dance team. For the past ten years, Julie has enjoyed sharing her passion for dance and passing on her knowledge while teaching students of all ages. She has taught many forms of dance including Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop and has had the opportunity to choreograph for recitals and competitions each year. Some of her favorite dance memories were being a part of team USA and traveling all the way to Riesa, Germany to perform at the Dance Olympics. As well as performing at the Boston Bandits Games, a semi-professional football team, as a member of their dance team. Julie has been part of the Dance Factory family for four years, not only teaching her students but also learning from them. She is thankful for the ways her students inspire her each day and cannot wait to start this year at The Dance Factory and meet the wonderful families and beautiful dancers.
Julie Young received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance in 2009 from Dean College, where she studied various dance techniques and academics with Joan Phelps-Palladino, Jill Silverman, and Nailah Randall-Bellinger and many other inspiring professors. While at Dean, she performed in many student choreographed pieces and was a member of the school’s dance team. For the past ten years, Julie has enjoyed sharing her passion for dance and passing on her knowledge while teaching students of all ages. She has taught many forms of dance including Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop and has had the opportunity to choreograph for recitals and competitions each year. Some of her favorite dance memories were being a part of team USA and traveling all the way to Riesa, Germany to perform at the Dance Olympics. As well as performing at the Boston Bandits Games, a semi-professional football team, as a member of their dance team. Julie has been part of the Dance Factory family for four years, not only teaching her students but also learning from them. She is thankful for the ways her students inspire her each day and cannot wait to start this year at The Dance Factory and meet the wonderful families and beautiful dancers.
Melissa Kutchmanich
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Instructor/Children's ProgramMelissa 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. |
Abby Soares
Instructor/Children's Program
Abby Soares has been dancing at The Dance Factory since it opened its doors in 2005. She has loved every second of her constantly evolving dance career and had been a long standing member of the TDF Company Competition Team. She has placed in the top ten overall for her exceptional performances as a soloists several times. Her dance inspirations are Melanie Moore and Tyce Diorio. She has trained in several genres and last year she received NUVO’s Hip Hop Standout Scholarship. Her enthusiasm and passion to teach dance to others came naturally years ago when she received the opportunity to be an assistant teacher. She is thrilled to be teaching and sharing her love for dance with the students at TDF this year.
Abby Soares has been dancing at The Dance Factory since it opened its doors in 2005. She has loved every second of her constantly evolving dance career and had been a long standing member of the TDF Company Competition Team. She has placed in the top ten overall for her exceptional performances as a soloists several times. Her dance inspirations are Melanie Moore and Tyce Diorio. She has trained in several genres and last year she received NUVO’s Hip Hop Standout Scholarship. Her enthusiasm and passion to teach dance to others came naturally years ago when she received the opportunity to be an assistant teacher. She is thrilled to be teaching and sharing her love for dance with the students at TDF this year.
Olivia Rossi
Company Choreographer
Olivia Rossi is a creative dancer and choreographer with a passions for the arts. Olivia has been training at the Dance Factory since 2006 and has been on faculty since 2011. Dancing for thirteen years across all genres, Olivia has worked as a assistant this past year with Spirit Of Dance, and will be an assistant this coming winter with SYTYCD alumni at the Excel in Motion convention. Olivia has received numerous artistry awards and scholarships at conventions and competitions. Olivia was awarded a full scholarship to the Sheer Talent Summer Intensive in Las Vegas. NYCDE recognized Olivia as the top female dancer in 2014 out of hundreds of young artists. She holds many titles from her competitive dance years. Olivia has been an instructor of the arts for three years and loves being able to teach the following generations to not be afraid to grow as a mover and stand out. Post graduation, Olivia relocated to California where she is studying at Studio School in LA pursuing an arts degree with a focus in commercial dance. Olivia's choreography has been recognized with numerous awards. Katie Rondeau as her biggest inspirations throughout her dance career. Olivia's advice to younger dancers is define yourself, take risks and NEVER miss a chance to dance.
Olivia Rossi is a creative dancer and choreographer with a passions for the arts. Olivia has been training at the Dance Factory since 2006 and has been on faculty since 2011. Dancing for thirteen years across all genres, Olivia has worked as a assistant this past year with Spirit Of Dance, and will be an assistant this coming winter with SYTYCD alumni at the Excel in Motion convention. Olivia has received numerous artistry awards and scholarships at conventions and competitions. Olivia was awarded a full scholarship to the Sheer Talent Summer Intensive in Las Vegas. NYCDE recognized Olivia as the top female dancer in 2014 out of hundreds of young artists. She holds many titles from her competitive dance years. Olivia has been an instructor of the arts for three years and loves being able to teach the following generations to not be afraid to grow as a mover and stand out. Post graduation, Olivia relocated to California where she is studying at Studio School in LA pursuing an arts degree with a focus in commercial dance. Olivia's choreography has been recognized with numerous awards. Katie Rondeau as her biggest inspirations throughout her dance career. Olivia's advice to younger dancers is define yourself, take risks and NEVER miss a chance to dance.
Jade Hargrave
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Pound InstructorJade Hargrave lives in Plymouth and has taught First Grade in town for 16 years. She has three children ages 12, 8, and 3 as well as two stepsons ages 16 and 14. Jade started taking Pound in 2015 and absolutely fell in love with it. Pound is not just an absolutely amazing workout - it's also a form of therapy! She loves the positive vibes and energy that this workout creates. Jade enjoys meeting new people and creating a sense of community within each class while sweating, smiling, and rocking out to the music!
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Athina Tenczar
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Adult Dance InstructorAthina 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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Kat McNally
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Yoga InstructorAs a yoga teacher, Kat McNally creates an accessible, fun and mindful yoga flow, with the hope to bring a smile to your face and a sigh of relief to your day. Her goal is to teach the postures with breath in such a way that the student can make it their own and feel comfortable in their own body. Katelyn found Yoga in 2009 after knee surgery, then in 2015 completed her first 200 hour certification through One-Yoga in Delaware. After teaching at numerous studios and gyms, seeing the impact yoga can make, she took an additional 200 hour certification in 2019 to learn how to bring yoga to even more people. Katelyn is also certified in Kids Yoga, Barre, Reiki 1 and is a Pound Pro.
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Jennifer Boragine
Office Manger
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.