At Breaking Ground Dance Center we believe that every child possesses a gift that is ready to be opened.
Our staff looks forward to helping our students open and develop their own unique gifts at their own pace.
With our focus on personal growth and self-esteem, there is no limit to what a child can achieve!
"We don't just teach kids to make great dancers. We teach dance to make great kids!"
Ms. Marissa has served thousands of families in Westchester County for 18 years. She attended Manhattanville College where she received a performing arts scholarship and earned a degree in Psychology and Dance. After graduating college, Marissa taught for over 30 dance schools in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York before opening her own at the young age of 23. Her choreography has earned her prestigious awards from NRG Dance Project, American Dance Awards, Revolution Talent Competition, and Nexstar Dance Competition. Her students at BGDC have gone on to dance in college programs and professionally across the country. Marissa’s leadership and savvy business mindset have led BGDC to win the Best of Westchester: Best Dance Studio, Best Party Place, and Best Business
Person awards. BGDC was most recently awarded Best Dance Studio in 2022.
Ms Robin is a former art teacher and muralist who came to BGDC as a dance mom when the studio first opened in 2004. In 2008, she joined BGDC as Office Manager and has been a loving and dedicated part of our management team ever since. Miss Robin also has a passion for all things Disney and was even a cast member where she learned the art of great guest service. Whether it's a registration question or a Disney trivia question, you can count on her to have the answer! Other fun facts- Ms. Robin has a BFA in Art Education and is an NYS Certified Art Teacher, former owner of Blue Eyes Designs, and is the mom of 2 girls and 2 dogs.
Miss Laurel has been with BGDC for 9 years and is our Operations Manager. She is also an instructor for our Early childhood program, Core Program, and Intensive Program. Laurel was born and raised in Oahu, Hawai’i. She graduated from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Dance & Theater with a concentration in Dance Therapy & Minor in Psychology. After college, Laurel remained in Westchester and danced professionally for local choreographers Peter Pucci, Marta Renzi, Robert Villanueva, Arthur Aviles, and Bryan Strimpel. She has performed at renowned venues such as the New York City Center, Jacobs Pillow: Inside Out Stage, & The Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theatre. While dancing professionally, Laurel taught for various children's dance programs and also Group Fitness to adults. Eventually, Laurel set roots down at BGDC full-time and pursued a Master's degree from Baruch College in Arts Administration to guide her in her role as O.M. We are very happy to have her back!
Miss Stephanie has been with BGDC for 9 years and is our Staff Manager. As Staff Manager, she takes part in the hiring process and leads our staff in curriculum training. She is also an instructor for our Early childhood programs, Core Program, and Intensive Program. Stephanie grew up dancing in Los Angeles, California. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor's degree in Dance and a minor in Business Management. Stephanie moved to NYC in 2012. In 2013, she founded her own contemporary dance company, MachineHDance. Under her direction, the company has performed at various festivals in the tri-state area, including Dance Astoria and Take Root. She now holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Development which is helping her further her teaching and curriculum development abilities.
Miss Bailey has been with BGDC for 7 years and is our Intensive Program Director. She also teaches the Beautiful Beginnings and Core Programs. She is originally from Buffalo, NY, and grew up dancing at Time To Dance (her mom’s dance studio) and Greater Niagara Ballet. She was a competitive dancer and won many scholarships to dance conventions like NUVO, NYCDA, and Jump. In addition to dance, she did gymnastics and was part of the USA Gymnastics Club. Bailey was one of the top 5 gymnasts in New York State during her time there. Bailey moved to NYC in 2013 and studied at Peridance Capezio Center and Steps on Broadway. Bailey taught for various dance studios and children's dance programs in the tri-state area before setting roots down at BGDC.
Miss Christina has been with BGDC for 7 years and is our Merchandise Manager. Christina is a native New Yorker and started dancing at the age of 3. She graduated from Manhattanville College with a Bachelor's degree in Dance and Theatre with a concentration in Dance Therapy, and a minor in Psychology. After college, Christina danced professionally with the Gotham City Cheerleaders, the professional dance team in support of the New York Football Giants. She was also the Head Coach of the Pace University Dance Team in Pleasantville. In her free time, you may see her next door at Club Infinity working during Bar & Bat Mitzvahs.
Miss Sofia is our Member Relations Manager and this is her 3rd season at BGDC. Sofia is from Westchester, NY, where she has been dancing since the age of 3. Sofia is an alumna of BGDC. During her time at BGDC, she was on the Senior Dance Team. She recently graduated from Sacred Heart University where she studied advertising and PR. We are so happy to have her on board full-time now.
Miss Sarah is joining BGDC for her 3rd year. She is originally from Boston, Massachusetts but moved to NYC where she graduated from Pace University with a BFA in Commercial Dance. She has performed at Interlakes Theater in New Hampshire where she was in La Cage Aux Folles, Evita, Showboat, and Newsies. She has most recently assisted and performed for Karla Garcia, a NYC based choreographer known for her role in Hamilton.
Miss Maddison has been with BGDC for 6 years. Born and raised in Queensland, Australia, Maddison began dancing at the age of three. Maddison has completed her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 examination with distinction alongside her training during high school. After being accepted into The Ailey School at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre she moved to New York City in 2012. Since then she has danced professionally with CoreDance Contemporary, Delineation Dance, Asterial Dance, The Collective, and most recently Animus Movement. She also travels throughout the USA judging regional and national dance competitions with Revolution Talent as well as choreographing and teaching masterclasses under the Star Dance Alliance companies.
Miss Rachele has been with BGDC for 3 years. Rachele received her foundational training at Boston Ballet School. She graduated Cum Laude from Fordham University with a BFA in Dance from The Ailey School and is working to complete her Masters of Education in Childhood/Special Education at Fordham University. She is currently a dancer with New Chamber Ballet. Rachele has trained internationally in ballet, contemporary ballet, modern, and improvisation techniques and currently teaches dance at multiple studios throughout NYC.
Mr. Corey is new to the BGDC team! He grew up in Baltimore, Maryland where he trained mainly in gymnastics. After moving to New York, he completed the Professional Semester at Broadway Dance Center. He danced for two seasons with Victory Dance Project before becoming a free lance dancer working for choreographers such as Josh Assor, Josh Prince, Darius Barnes and more. Now he’s a company member in Steven Blandino’s company “Treadfast”.
Miss Anita is new to the BGDC team! Sh began her training with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts. Anita danced professionally as a soloist with Charlotte Ballet (formerly known as North Carolina Dance Theater), Ballet Hispanico of New York, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Santa Fe Opera, New York City Opera, and the Great Lakes Theater Festival. Anita has performed on Broadway and on National Tours. She has also been on faculty with Joffrey Ballet School and Skidmore College. Anita is excited to start a new chapter at BGDC this year!
Miss Lisa is new to the BGDC team! She is a Bronx native who has been dancing for 20 years. While Lisa has been in various dance programs since she was young, dance became very serious at an early age when she was accepted into a performing arts middle school. Lisa has trained in various Hip Hop styles, modern, ballet, tap, jazz, and salsa. Lisa has performed on Good Morning America, World of Dance, and numerous community events. After interning at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for the arts and education department, Lisa found her love for teaching young people. She is excited to be a part of the BGDC team!
Miss Sarah is new to the BGDC team! She is proudly from Westchester! She holds a BFA in Musical Theater & a minor in Dance from Pace University. She has performed throughout the country, on the high seas, and across the world in numerous touring and regional productions. Some of her favorite professional credits include Bring It On: The Musical, Legally Blonde, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me, Kate and Company. In addition to performing, Sarah has expanded her role as a choreographer, stager and educator. She is very excited to join the BGDC family!
Miss Linsey is new to the BGDC team! She is a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer, and competition judge. She has been featured in commercials, television shows, award shows, and dance festivals. She has performed with artists and celebrities like Ariana Grande, James Corden, and Kevin Hart. Linsey loves sharing her passion with dancers across the US and internationally, including teaching for the Dana Foglia Dance Mentorship programs, Steps on Broadway, BlinkNow in Nepal, Tap Festival UK/Canada. She is the Director of Dance at Brant Lake Dance Camp and is on faculty for the conventions Platinum Dance Experience and The Collective. Linsey is very excited to join Breaking Ground this season!
Miss Calli is new to the BGDC team this year! She is working with the Intensive Program. Calli's love for dance started at the age of three and has only grown since! Her training began in the Chicagoland area of Illinois and continued all over the country, which led her to New York City! Calli uses her experience as a professional dancer to create a motivating and cutting-edge class. She hopes to instill confidence in her dancers and nurture their love for dance, as many teachers have done for her!