ALISON LISTER, Associate Artistic Director, trained at the Stretton School of Dance and Drama in Shrewsbury, England and progressed to the London College of Dance where she trained extensively in all forms of dance, dance teaching and choreography. Alison marked the end of each year at London College by winning awards in drama, teaching and performing. She graduated with a first class diploma in 1989 and is in America by special invitation of the U. S. Government as one of the few people in England qualified to teach Revived Classical Greek Dance. In 2000, she was the recipient of the County Executive’s Arts Award in Arts Education.

MICHELLE BARBER (Contemporary Jazz) has been a choreographer/teacher for the past 22 years. She is currently on faculty at the Broadway Dance Center and travels throughout the United States teaching and choreographing. Michelle has worked for Dance Spirit Magazine and her work has been featured in numerous musical theatre productions, college dance team performances and dance competitions nationwide.  As a testament to Michelle’s abilities as a teacher and choreographer many of her students have gone on to perform in Regional Tours, National Tours and on Broadway.

DENISE DiRENZO (Musical Theatre) has performed on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Cats, the original company of 42nd Street, and Sophisticated Ladies with Gregory Hines. Some of her favorite roles regionally have included the title role in Peter Pan, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Sarah in Guys and Dolls, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar and Trina in Falsettos. In addition to her performing career, she has directed and choreographed numerous productions in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan. Denise was a faculty member of the Horace Mann School in the Theatre/Dance Department for fifteen years, and directed many musicals in her time there.

JULIE GAROFALO (Acrodance, Jazz, NY Jazz, Tap, Jazz) is a Co-Founder of Rockland Competitive Dance. The inception dance of team was especially meaningful to her because many of her fondest memories childhood were made during her competitive dance years at Tina Marie School of Dance in Michigan. Ms. Garofalo holds a degree in Dance from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Where she was President of the WSU Dance Company and also an adjunct faculty member. Julie moved to New York City in 2001 after performing the role of Ernie in Sesame Street Live for two seasons. Other performances include The Elan Awards (honoring Rob Marshall), Nickelodeon’s Halloween Fright Night, Good Morning America, The WB Morning Show & BET”s 106th and Park (featuring Usher), The Dr. OZ Show and for Glamour Magazine in New York’s Fashion Week at Bryant Park. Through the years, Julie has had the privilege to work with great choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Garth Fagan and has performed and choreographed for Dancers Responding to AIDS charity events in New York City. Julie was a Richard Ellner Scholarship Recipient at Broadway Dance Center, in New York City. This led her to be on faculty for Broadway Dance Center’s Children and Teen Program. Ms. Garofalo has taught open classes in Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Jumps and Turns at BDC. Julie has worked for The Pulse Dance Convention and has judged as well as taught for numerous conventions. She is proud to say she’s been on faculty at Coupe Theatre Dance Studio in Nanuet, New York for the past 22 years. Julie certified in the Acrobatics Arts and enjoys teaching and choreographing Acro/Ballet pieces for Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble’s Nutcracker. Julie’s motto is “Focus and Determination, leads to a Standing Ovation.” And her goal is to instill this and her passion and love of the arts in her students.

SUSANNAH JACARUSO (Ballet) began studying dance at Coupé Theatre Studio at the age of 9 and continued until her high school graduation at the age of 18. While a student, she performed many roles in RYDE’s production of The Nutcracker. As a student at Purchase College she majored in ballet and performed in their Nutcracker as well. She danced with the Indianapolis Ballet under the direction of Victoria Lyras and while there was the first runner-up at the annual National Arts and Letters competition in Bloomington. Susannah returned to New York to complete her bachelor’s degree at Purchase College.

KADEE JACOBSEN (Hip Hop) has been teaching dance for 18 years. She began her training in Massachusetts then relocated to NYC to study at the Broadway Dance Center, where she was awarded the Richard Ellner Scholarship.  She soon began working with Frank Hatchett, Michelle Barber, Pam Chancey, and others.  Kadee has performed in dance productions and industrials including the Solid Gold Dance Party Tour, Dramatics NYC, Elan Awards and The Best of Broadway Dance Center. Kadee felt early on in her career that her true passion was teaching. She has worked for Dance Olympus, International Dance Challenge and The Pulse, Marist College and Bronx Community College and has been an instructor at Coupé Theatre Studio since the fall of 2001. Kadee also teaches master classes at colleges and dance schools throughout the U.S.

TERRI KLAUSNER (Musical Theatre) starred on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Sophisticated Ladies and as Eva Peron in Evita. Her Off-Broadway credits include Goblin Market, Bed & Sofa, Lies and Legends, New Tunes, The Cole Porter Review and Oh! Coward! garnering two Drama Desk Award nominations, A New York Drama League award and an Obie Award. She has had nominations from the National Academy of Concerts and Cabaret Arts and received the Bistro Award for her performance in This Life; The Songs of Portia Nelson. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and at the White House, and has appeared at the 92nd St Y in their Lyrics and Lyricists Series and in the Celebrity Series What Makes It Great?, The Songs of Stephen Sondheim. Terri’s voice adds support to the Rockettes for their Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall and she can be heard on numerous cast albums. She has also invited Coupé’s Musical Theatre Performance Ensemble to perform with her at Carnegie Hall and the New World Stages in NYC. She performed and was the Vocal Coach in 2007 -08 at Jacob’s Pillow in the Jazz/Musical Theatre Program. Terri has appeared at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Duplex, The Metropolitan Room, Birdland and was a featured performer in The Town Hall Broadway by the Year series. Recently, Terri joined other members of the original cast of Sophisticated Ladies for the 30th Anniversary with the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Birdland in NY. She created “The Ellington Project” for RYDE’s Arts in Ed program receiving an ACoR grant in 2008 and 2010. She has done extensive voice-over work and is one of the main vocalists on Steve Marzullo’s CD “Show Some Beauty.” Terri has created work for Musical Theatre and RYDE students in Spring Showcase for the past eight years.

JOHN CARLOS LEFKOWITZ (Ballet) studied with Coupé Theatre Studio starting when they were 5, before leaving to study ballet with Stanislav Issaev at the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington D.C. They later studied with Gelsey Kirkland at her Academy in DUMBO, Brooklyn, performing there as a student and with the Studio Company in various roles. John returned home to Coupé to dance and act in RYDE’s Nutcracker, and is happy to be teaching where their appreciation for dance began.

HOMERIA LUBIN (Hip Hop, NY Jazz) is an artist based in New York. She majored in Dance at the University at Buffalo and has continued to choreograph and perform in freelance projects in the NY/NJ area. Homeria has presented work at DUMBO NYC and Arts on Site NYC. Homeria has studied with many artists such as Tom Ralabate, Emily Greenwell, and Bo Park. Lubin is currently a member of the company Cross the Line in NYC. Homeria’s goal in class is to give students the space to take risks and grow their artistry. Homeria aims to create a space that challenges and inspires artist, while also bringing fun and creativity to dance. In her class you can expect discussion, improvisation, and choreography based on the fusion of her training. Homeria believes dance informs our human experience through mind-body connection and hope artist can cultivate it in her classroom.

LAURIE McDERMOTT (Acting) is a graduate of UCLA earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Theater. She worked in Los Angeles in television (“The Young and the Restless,” “Gary Shandling Show,” “Promised Land,”) commercials and film. She interned with the improvisation group, The Groundlings. She also began teaching drama with the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. She received her MFA at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco (Hamlet, Charley’s Aunt, A Christmas Carol, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Good) and taught in their Young Conservatory program. She joined the American Conservatory Theatre acting company in San Francisco working with William Hurt, Ed Hastings, Jack Fletcher and Katherine Crosby during the season, until moving to New York where she continued acting (Shenandoah/ Candlewood Playhouse, and Lady, Be Good/92nd St. Y), producing, teaching, writing and performing.  Laurie found her calling at AMDA and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York teaching the craft of acting. In 2013, she founded the Clarkstown Theatre Company in New City, New York, where she and her husband Rick Poulin produce original shows and teach the craft.

JULIE McDONALD (Acrodance, Kinder, Jazz, Tap) has been teaching at Coupé Theatre Studio for 14 years. She teaches tap, jazz, and acro to students ages six through adult. Julie also has a background as a certified Pilates instructor. She has volunteered her time to local elementary schools, where she directed original musical theatre productions and taught dance classes for after school enrichment programs. Julie has traveled the world performing professionally in various musical theatre productions (Will Rogers Follies, Bye Bye Birdie, A Chorus Line, Tokyo Disneyland) and is proud to be a former Radio City Rockette. She had the honor of performing those famous eye high kicks at Radio City Music Hall for nine years. Julie is a certified Rhythm Works instructor for children with special needs, and looks forward to sharing the magic of music and dance with all different types of learners!

CLAUDIA MEIENHOFER (Ballet, Creative Modern, Kinder, Tots) received her training from Jan Hanniford Goetz, and earned her BFA from Adelphi University, under the direction of Norman Walker. She performed and choreographed with the NY Dance Theatre, Huntington Ballet Theatre, Carol Rioux Dance Ensemble, and was a member of Blanco Dances, a NYC based modern dance company. She was a faculty member at Adelphi University, BOCES Cultural Arts Center, Huntington School of Ballet and Steps Performing Arts Center in Connecticut.

MABEL MODRONO (Ballet) was invited by Edward Villella to join Miami City Ballet in 1989, where she became a principal dancer in 1993, performing lead roles created by renowned choreographers from Balanchine to Paul Taylor. In 1997, she was invited by Terry Orr to join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as a principal ballerina where she explored the classical repertoire, from Petipa to Jiri Kylian. In 2002, she joined the Broadway cast of Movin’ Out in the lead role of Judy. She also performed as Meg in the Broadway cast of Phantom of the Opera.

MICHAEL MORENBERG (Acro Tumble) has been teaching gymnastics for over 30 years to everyone from grade school children to adults. Michael started gymnastics at about the age of 10 and continued through high school where he was a gymnast, a gymnastics teacher, and a cheerleader. Michael continued gymnastics in college as a hobby and has been been teaching in various forms ever since. He started teaching at Coupé in 2015 and really enjoys being part of the Coupé family.

GAIR MORRIS (Boys Dance) Born and raised in Colorado, Gair graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Musical Theater Performance. He segued directly to NYC as a scholarship student with the Joffrey Ballet. Musical Theater dance, especially tap, is his true love and Gair’s 15-year national and regional performance career includes Crazy For You (PBS Great Performances Directed by Susan Strohman), Some Like It Hot (w/ Tony Curtis), Damn Yankees (w/ Tony Randall), Fiddler On The Roof (w/Theadore Bikel), and the US Premier of Hot Shoe Shuffle.  Gair has taught movement to students of every age; as well as serving as choreographer for studios, schools and regional theaters across the United States. He is the Co-Creator of the NY Kids Club, a multi-location children’s enrichment and preschool in NYC, and owner and operator of Hudson River Kids (which meets weekday mornings right here at Coupé!)

NICOLA ROYSTON (Kinder, Stretch) is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University School of Drama receiving her BFA in Acting and Musical Theater. Her movement training includes ballet, jazz and tap as well as study in kinesiology and Alexander Technique.  She spent her early career on the New York stage, national tours and several stints on daytime television. She was inspired to switch focus and spent sixteen years on the competitive dance circuit winning national championships in Showcase and Cabaret divisions. She traveled nationally and internationally as a judge as well as performing and teaching at events such as the Euro Dance Festival (Germany), US Open Championships (US), USA Grand Nationals (US), UK European West Coast Swing Championships (UK), Sunny Side Dance Camp (Spain). She combined her love for acting and dance in her performance for the 2009 national theatrical release of the film LOVE n’ DANCING (Billy Zane, Amy Smart).  Nicola matured into her passion for movement and the mind/body connection acquiring her RYT 500hr Yoga certification. She also holds certifications in Yin Yoga, RCYT in Children’s Yoga with primary focus in Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy for youth. She spent two years sharing the practice of yoga and mediation with children across Rockland County in schools, summer camps and community spaces. She currently continues her acting career in industrial and commercial work while teaching and sharing the practice of yoga throughout New York and New Jersey. She is the Lead Teacher at YogaSix, heading up the training and certification of teachers as well as teaching her own classes. She is thrilled to be part of the team at Coupé Theatre Studio.

LOUISE RUCK (Ballet) was a member of the Gateway Ballet Company at age 9, where she worked her way up to the role of Sugarplum Fairy in their production of The Nutcracker. She received scholarships to the Joffrey Ballet and to the Hartford Ballet. She was also a member of the Fort Worth Ballet. Ms Ruck’s Broadway credits include the original cast of Crazy for You, and Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public. She also performed in Anything Goes and A Christmas Carol and as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. Her teaching experience includes the Beutelo School of Dance in St. Louis with students from age 2 through adult.

CHRISTIANE WERSINGER (Ballet, Pointe) was born and raised in Germany and studied with the Stuttgart Ballet. Christine’s U.S. credits include Victor/Victoria and Contact on Broadway.She was in the cast of touring companies for West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, and Brigadoon. Other credits include The Cradle Will Rock, Cosby Mysteries, Guiding Light, numerous industrials and television commercials. Other theater: What the World Needs Now, Harmony, Phantom, The Merry Widow, My Fair Lady, and Christmas and Easter Shows at Radio City Music Hall.

ALEC KNIGHT (Ballet) was born in Queensland, Australia. He began his dance training in jazz and tap dance at Davidia Lind Dance Centre in 2007, and trained at The Australian Ballet School from 2010 to 2013.

Mr. Knight attended the summer course at the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of New York City Ballet, in 2013, and enrolled as a full-time student the following winter term.

In August 2015, Mr. Knight became an apprentice with NYCB. While still an apprentice, he originated a featured role in Nicolas Blanc’s Mothership. He joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in May 2016.

Mr. Knight was promoted to the rank of soloist in June 2024.

MARTHA LAVERY (Hip Hop) graduated from Hofstra’s Honors College in 2014 with a BA in Dance and Minors in Film Studies/Production and Psychology. At Hofstra, she performed and choreographed for MoVoM, Danceworks, and Imani Dance Ensemble, and spent a month dancing and performing in Italy at Toscana Dance Hub. Post-graduation, she has performed for 50+ choreographers and dance companies (modern, contemporary, performance art, hip-hop, etc.) and has been commissioned to create over 30 original pieces (aside from weekly class choreography/workshops/master classes) for various showcases, competitions, and video projects in the greater NYC area. Notable performances include SummerStage in Central Park (splitting the bill with Abraham in Motion), winning the Audience Favorite choreography vote at Uptown Rising at Bridge For Dance, and students performing her choreography at Carnegie Hall. Last October, she spent several weeks in China as part of the US dance team for the CBA’s China Hoops basketball tournament. She currently teaches dance in public school/charter school/studio/open class settings to kindergarten students through adults in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Heels, & her “genrefluid” style, and continues to produce her own choreography for both stage and film. She is also a (305) Fitness certified instructor.

DAVIDE RICCARDO (Ballet) was born in Messina, Italy and began his dance training at the age of 5 at the Istituto Regionale Della Danza in Messina, Italy under the direction of Emma Prioli. In 2012, he began training at the Rome Opera Ballet School.

Mr. Riccardo entered the School of American Ballet, NYCB’s official school, as a full-time student in the fall of 2015.

In August 2018, he became an apprentice with the Company, and joined NYCB as a member of the corps de ballet in January 2019. In October 2023 Mr. Riccardo was promoted to soloist.

TAYLOR STANLEY (Ballet) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ,and began their dance training at the age of three at The Rock School in Pennsylvania.

They attended summer programs at Miami City Ballet in 2006 and 2007 and at the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet, during the summer of 2008 before enrolling full-time at SAB in the fall of that same year.

In September 2009, Stanley became an apprentice with NYCB, and joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in September 2010.

They were promoted to soloist in February 2013 and to principal dancer in May 2016.