Stephanie Klemmons
CATS Alumni, Broadway: “Hamilton” (Assoc. Choreographer, Dance Capt, Swing), “In the Heights” (Ensemble, Dance Capt, Assoc Choreographer); “Bring It on” (Ensemble/Assoc Choreographer); “If/Then” with Idina Menzel. In charge of mounting the London and Chicago productions of “Hamilton.” Directed “In the Heights” at Kennedy Center. Choreographed the Superbowl ad with Eli Manning & Odel Beckham Jr. Dirty Dancing. Other credits include: “Fly” (written by Emmy & Tony Award winner Bill Sherman) co-choreographer ‘Zelda’, a new musical. Faculty: Broadway Dance Center
Nancy Renee Braun
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni , Associate Choreographer of the upcoming Broadway show, “Beetlejuice,” Associate Choreographer Madison Square Garden and Kennedy Center “Elf: The Musical.” Performer in the original Broadway production of “Fat Camp” and revival of “Gypsy” with Patti Lupone. Numerous regional theatre productions, including A Chorus Line, The Boy Friend, Grease, My One and Only, and The Wild Party. A graduate of Northwestern University.
Ilene Bergleson
Ilene started her career after finishing her studies at Center Stage on the television series FAME starring Debbie Allen. She performed on Broadway in Carousel with Audra McDonald and played the role of Meg in the National Tour of Phantom of the Opera. Ilene also played the role of Ethel in Hal Hartley’s movie, NO SUCH THING. Ilene is the founder of Lifemoves Health and is an American Council on Exercise Continuing Education Specialist lecturing throughout the country.
Tera-Lee Pollin
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, She closed “Mamma Mia” on B’way(Ensemble and Dance Captain, and then went right into the American Dance Machine’s lauded run at the Joyce Theatre. Other credits include Urban Cowboy (B’way), Hot Feet (B’way) with Maurice Hines, Nat’l Tours: Mamma Mia, Spamalot (Dance Captain). At Broadway Sacramento: performed, dance captain, assistant choreographer for “Mamma Mia.” Worked with David Parsons, Festival of Music. Film/TV:The Smurfs Movie, SNL, Late Night. Performed live with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Kanye West, Earth,Wind,and Fire. She is on faculty at Steps on Broadway and Marymount Manhattan College.
Keely Beirne
Currently: “Aladdin” on Broadway. World Tour: Anita in “West Side Story.” Theatre credits: Norwegian Cruise Lines “After Midnight” (Tap soloist), National tours of Memphis (Ensemble/ Felicia Understudy), and Smoky Joe’s Café (Brenda), 42nd Street, Phantom, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Ruth) at the Pittsburgh CLO, Hairspray (Dynamite) at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, “7 Brides for 7 Brothers” and “Mamma Mia” at Broadway Sacramento. BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University. And forever a proud alum of CATS & Tap CATS Center Stage.
Arturo (Arthur) Soria
Currently: 3rd year Yale Drama School Off-Broadway: “Hit The Wall”. Regional Theatre: “Legend of Georgia McBridge” Guthrie Theatre,“OLIVERio” Kennedy Center, ”Peter and the Starcatcher” in Ohio, Michigan and St. Louis, “Water by the Spoonful”Studio Theatre, Washington, DC.,“Seven Spots on the Sun” at Cincinnati Playhouse. Singled out (along with Barbra Streisand and John Lithgow) by New Yorker columnist Hilton Als for Best Performances of 2012 for “Hit the Wall” at Steppenwolf Theatre. Graduate of DePaul University Theatre Program.
Alaine Kashian
CATS Alumni, Broadway Credits: Cats, The Times They Are A-Changin’. National Tours: Cats, Rent, Jesus Christ Superstar. Vegas: We Will Rock You, Destination Unknown. Regional: Spring Awakening, Can Can, Love Sweet Love, Nightmare Alley. Web Comedy: Single Ladies Pregnant Redhead (Youtube it RIGHT NOW!), The Call Center, Zombie Baby. Film: The Last Vial, Guess Who I Saw Today. TV: Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego (Jacqueline Hyde), Cavemen. Current: Dreams in the Witch House- A Lovecraftian Rock Opera.
Amanda Braun
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, currently in the National tour of “Hamilton” Also, Broadway’s “Elf: The Musical” at Madison Square Garden. National tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Catch Me if You Can” while completing her Musical Theatre degree at Pace University in NYC. “The AWESOME 80s PROM” in NYC. She started her career at NJ’s Plays in the Park as Amber in Hairspray and Sharpay in High School Musical. Proud Center Stage Dance and Theatre School alumni since the age of 3!
Michelle Sullivan
CATS Alumni, National Tour Credits: Diana Morales “A Chorus Line”, Anita “West Side Story,” “The Who’s Tommy”, “Sweet Charity” , featured dancer & assistant choreographer -“Only a Kingdom”. She served as assistant choreographer for the national tour of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” starring Rip Taylor. TV credits; episodes of “Sex and the City, “The Sopranos” and the independent film “The Entrepreneurs”. She now is back home teaching at Center Stage, choreo-graphing lyrical/contemporary competition pieces for our CATS company.
Tootsie Olan
CATS Alumni, Tootsie graduated Cornell University with a BA in Psychology & Dance. Choreographer for the original rock musical “The Possession of Mrs. Jones”- LA Film Festival, nominated for three Ovation Awards TV credits: work on MTV,HBO,WB,UPN, New York Metro Channel. Today’s Show, ESPN. Associate Producer of several HBO documentaries. Other credits include: LA Film Festival’s Stage to Screen, NYC Fringe Festival, and NYC Children’s Theatre. She recently completed a project with the cast of USA’s Psych and the NYC TV upfronts.
Kelli Youngman
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, Kelli is currently on Broadway in “Anastasia,” following her work both in the Broadway and National tour companies of the Tony-winning revival of “The King and I.” She earned her BFA in Dance from The Ailey School/Fordham University in NYC. She has worked with Robert Battle, Elisa Monte, Jacqulyn Buglisi. She performed works by Paul Taylor & Alvin Ailey. Kelli toured with JUNTOS Dance Collective. Kelli performed the role of Pilar in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” aboard Norwegian Cruise Line in Hawaii.
Daniel DeFranco
Center Stage Boys Company Alumni, Dan is an arts enthusiast and entrepreneur. In 2002 he began RTC entertainment; a DJ entertainment company. Daniel graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Marketing & Economics. In 2011 he founded Groove; a concept bringing dance competitions, conventions & workshops to dancers around the US. Currently, Groove hosts more than 60 events with over 20,000 participants annually. Daniel found his training at Center Stage to be not only valuable but essential.
Naomi LeVaun Sexton
Started Center Stage at age 4, CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, Naomi graduated University of the Arts, Philadelphia. She performed in Big League Theatricals Footloose the Musical at Harrahs Casino, Atlantic City, NJ, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Navigator and Jewel of the Seas.Naomi was featured in ‘Show in the Sky at Rio’ Las Vegas, NV. She has worked with Best Agency, & Entertainment Plus Productions. She performed in Jerry Mitchell’s Peepshow Starring Holly Madison, Planet Hollywood. Naomi is an NSCA certified personal trainer.
Lisa Tharps
CATS Alumni. Graduated North Carolina School of the Arts. B’way credits: Tanya in ”King Hedley II”; “Romeo & Juliet” , “The Women of Brewster Place”. National Tours:”Vagina Monologues”, “Wit”. Theatre: “Othello” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “School House Rocks”, “Medea” . TV credits: “Jessica Jones,” “Elementary,” Blacklist,” “Homeland,” “Cold Case”, “Saving Grace”,”11th Hour”, “Law and Order”, “Sex and the City”, “ER”, “Criminal Minds” “Third Watch” among others. Film: “Madeline’s Madeline,” “Something for Nothing”, “I am through With White Girls”, “Marci X,” “Space Scraper”
Alexander Weinman
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, Alex danced for the ‘new’ American Tap Dance Orchestra, and directed his own tap company in New York City, ‘Illustrations’, at Symphony Space. Performed at Lincoln Center, Public Theater, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and The Apollo Theater; guest tap dancer on Sesame Street and The Today Show, also featured on FOX, ESPN2, Dance Spirit Magazine. He has taught at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Center, The American Tap Dance Foundation. He recently completed his law degree at New York Law School.
Beth Tarnow
CATS Company Alumni, Beth Cheryl Tarnow is living and working in New York City. She just returned to New York after playing Jennyanydots in the Royal Caribbean production of “Cats”, for whom she also performed Jan in “Grease.” She performed in the ensemble and understudied Glinda in the national tour of The Wizard of Oz. Her favorite credits have been Shelley/u/s Tracy in “Hairspray” at Paper Mill Playhouse, Edwina in the off-Broadway musical “Dear Edwina”, and most recently, Tary in a brand new work called “Propaganda! The Musical”, NYC
Michelle Morris
CATS Alumni, Upon graduating from Center Stage Dance and Theater School Michelle went on to receive her business degree from Rutgers University. While there, she was a member of their nationally ranked Dance Team. As a junior in college Michelle tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders and is now in her eighth year, with the last three as Dance Captain. As well as being highlighted in the Eagles Calendar, she was chosen to represent the Eagles Cheerleaders in the 2014 NFL Draft in NYC.
Cheryl Carson
CATS Alumni, received BFA from the University of the ARTS. She was a dancer with Winged Woman Dance Company and has done choreography for GLUE Performance Series, The Kimmel Center, Koresh Artist Showcases and Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Cheryl was seen on Forensic Files for Court TV & independent feature films such as Misdirected and Victim’s Song. Cheryl has worked with Koresh Dance Company, The Rock School for Dance Education & Painted Bride Art Center.
Christina Chen
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in Dance & Psychology. She recently returned from two tours with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, as a member of their dance and aerial casts. She is currently working with C5 Create With No Limits,Chicago. Christina most recently performed in Dance For Life Chicago, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Christina is a firm believer that hard work and kindness can open doors & present unforeseen opportunities. She believes in love and dreams-come-true.
Marlowe Scott
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, studied at North Carolina School of the Arts and at Alvin Ailey in NYC, with whom he performed at City Center. He’s worked as a back-up dancer throughout Europe, and the US, including choreography by former Madonna dancer, Slam. Appeared in music video for Carrie Underwood, TV performances on NBC, CBS, CNN and TLC and in industrials. Performed in fundraiser, “Broadway Bares” with Adam Lambert, Christine Applegate and Matthew Morrison. Has worked as a competitive dance judge throughout the country for the past 5 years.
Dan Castiglione
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni. Dan recently appeared in “The Intern” starring Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway, the film “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” an the TV shows “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel” and “The Tick.” He has been seen in music videos including Kat Deluna and Gia Bella. TV credits include: Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, Dr. Oz, BET 106 & Park. He has performed in several productions of the Nutcracker as The Prince and Lead Russian as well as at Six Flags’ Great Adventure. Dan is currently a dancer with Generation X Crew led by Mr. Kelly Peters in New York, which included performances at Alvin Ailey and a private performance with Madonna.
Kimberly Hannon
“My training at Center Stage was my biggest blessing!” Broadway Credits include: “Les Misérables” young Cossette/Young Eponine & Gavroche Understudy, “The Who’s Tommy” – Tommy (Age 4), “Annie Get Your Gun” Nellie, “Dancin In the Air” – Staged Reading – Essie, “A Tree With Arms” Staged Reading—Ruthie. Regional credits; ”Cabaret”, “Annie”, “Miss Saigon”,”Music Man”. Videos: “Beauty Killed the Beast”, featured dancer.
Gregory DeSantis
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, graduated North Carolina School of the Arts with B.F.A. Currently: Company Member; Oakland Ballet Company, Resident Corps San Francisco Opera. National Tour: James in Twyla Tharp’s “Movin’ Out.” He joined Colorado Ballet studio company in 2010 and was promoted to corps de ballet where he danced for 2 seasons. He has appeared as a guest artist with Greensboro Ballet, Urban Ballet Theatre, Zikr Dance Ensemble, Liss Fain Dance, Oakland Ballet, The Washington Ballet, and San Francisco Opera. Greg is currently finishing his law degree at Hofstra University.
Danielle Mondi
CATS Alumni, graduated Mason Gross, Rutgers. She went on to work with Tangerine Dance, Marie Alonzo Snyder,Joyce King/ JKing Dance Company; Ailey Citigroup Theater in NYC, Elgin Ties Dance Festival, Asolo Repertory Theater. She was selected as a back up dancer for “Slow and Soul,” tour. She is the choreographer for NJ Repertory Theater, her choreography has been seen in NYC, NJ and Orlando. She has presented her work in Times Square in honor of the Disney Channel Movie Phineaus and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension. “Never give up!”
Brian Ust
“I took it all” at Center Stage. Theater credits: “How 2 Succeed…”, “The Fantasticks”, “Godspell”, “Mame”, ”Carnival”, “Pippin”, “Annie Get your Gun”,” Little Shop of Horror”, “West Side Story”, “The Good Bye Girl”. Tour credits: A CHORUS LINE (Mike), SHOW BOAT (starring Cloris Leachman and Dean Jones), MISS SAIGON, and DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, “On the Town”, “Best of Broadway”, “Guys and Dolls”. TV: worked with Anne Reinking -“Bye Bye Birdie” (staring Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander.)
Allie Pizzo
Started dancing at Center Stage at 5, where she found joy in singing and acting as well. Regional Theater: Maine State MT, Pittsburgh CLO, Drury Lane in Chicago, Penn Center Stage, Fulton in PA. Favorite roles: Maggie in “A Chorus Line,” Lorraine in “42nd St.,” Tiger Lily in “Peter Pan,” Tap Soloist in “After Midnight.” Active member of Hoofer Community, performing with Andrew Nemr and Alex MacDonald. Tap concerta on TED Talks Stage in California, 2 tours in Caribbean & concerts in Joshua Tree, Paris and NYC. As her creative voice continues to develop, she is always grateful to Center Stage for helping her discover the beginning.
Shannon Garahan
CATS, TAP CATS, It didn’t take before landing her first professional role in “A Chorus Line” at Surflight Theatre (Tricia). Past regional credits include: “Mamma Mia,” “Big Fish,” “Spamalot,” “Okla–homa,” “The Producers,” “Dreamgirls” (Dance Captain) and Bye Bye Birdie (Dance Captain/Helen), at the Forum Theatre: “James and the Giant Peach” (choreographer), “Rapunzel” (Witch) and “Charlotte’s Web;” and “March of the Wooden Soldiers” last Christmas at Woodstock Playhouse. She is so thankful for all the amazing training she had since she was 2 years old from a great faculty of teachers.
Melanie Wildman
CATS, Melanie made her West End debut as “Anybody’s” in “West Side Story,” performing with the show in two different touring productions. She can be seen in national commercials, as well as Season 10 of FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” . Mel can also be seen in Jordan Matter’s critically acclaimed book “Dancers Among Us”. As an actress she has performed all over North America, Europe, and Israel. She is now based in LA, dancing and choreographing in music videos, performing as PennyWild all over, including at Coachella. She recently choreographed “Annie” at the Hollywood Bowl starring Lea Salonga, Megan Hilty, and Ana Gesteyer.
Matt Mancuso
After his training at Center Stage, Matt graduated with a BA from Marymount College.He spent two years working in Philadelphia theatre, then moved to Los Angeles where he is currently rehearsing for the LA premiere of Julia Cho’s ‘99 Histories’. Matt works as a ballroom dance instructor/ Professional ballroom dancer with dancers from ‘Dancing with the Stars’. He is currently starting his own theatre company.
Nicole DeFusco
A graduate of Center Stage’s Acting Department, Nicole went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from University of Southern California with a degree in Critical Studies of Cinema-Television and Broadcast Journalism. She served as Vice President Original Programming and Development for the Sundance Channel. A Prime Time Emmy nominated Executive Producer of scripted, reality, music videos, news and documentary television, she has developed shows for such stars as Mary Louise Parker and John Malkovich.
Jennifer Forziati DaCosta
Jennifer is a proud CATS Alumni. She is currently seen on TV as a Guest Host on QVC presenting fashion accessories live on air (a dream come true!). Credits include voice over actress in the TV series Pokémon, commercials and movies. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre/Arts Administration from Wagner College. Jennifer continues to choreograph/teach Musical Theatre & Dance at Paper Mill Playhouse. She has had the privilege of performing with Broadway legends such as Ben Vereen, Ann Reinking, and Adam Pascal on stage and on the big screen. Jennifer’s strong foundation and passion all began at Center Stage.
Jeanine Meyers
CATS Alumni, Jeanine took Broadway by storm, performing in the original productions of Cats, Footloose & Saturday Night Fever taking over the lead, Stephanie Mangano. Jeanine’s national tours include Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, A Chorus Line and Can Can also performing in the Radio City Music Hall Easter Show and in Starlight Express in Vegas. She then moved to Los Angeles where her film credits include First Flight, Up for Rent and Killer Instinct. She performs frequently with Center Stage alumnus & good friend, Alaine Kashian. Jeanine’s daughter, Eva Binder, is now a series regular on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Angela Millin
CATS, TAP Cats & Sr. Ballet Co. Alumni, attributes Center Stage for her passion and love for performing. She received her BFA in Acting from the University of Miami. Credits include: A Chorus Line (Bebe, Olney Theatre Center: Helen Hayes Outstanding Musical, Broadway World Best Actress Nominee ), Psych, The Musical (USA Upfronts, NBC Universal), A Chorus Line (Bebe, Connecticut Repertory Theater), A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum (Vibrata/Dance Captain, ALCA). Proud member AEA.
Dan Higgins
CATS, TAP CATS Alumni, Dan studied in the BFA Musical Theatre Program at Penn State University after graduating from Center Stage. He immediately was cast in the role of Diesel in the National Tour of West Side Story (where he was singled out in reviews as the best dancer in the cast) followed by the National Tour of Elf and then as a performer in Tokyo Disneyland. He did “Chasing Rainbows” at Flat Rock Playhouse and at Goodspeed Opera House. Did many shows at Beef & Boards Dinner Theater in Indianapolis, and at Ogonquit Playhouse and Maine State Musical Theatre.
Brittany Young
CATS Alumni. After graduating Center Stage Brittany went on to receive her BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona. She toured with Dance New Amsterdam, CONDER/Dance, MarioCoDahlhaus Dance, Art-if-Act Dance Project, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Founding member of Phoenix Contemporary Dance Co. Played Anita in “West Side Story” at American Dance Festival. Currently training at Circus Place as an Aerialist and Acrobat and assisting musical theatre choreographer Jason Wise. People can only push you so far but it’s what YOU DO YOURSELF that makes the difference!
Sam Pearson
Alumnus of CATS Company & Pre-Professional Acting. Sam has worked both summers of her college career so far; the first at Woodstock Playhouse as company dance captain, also appearing as Lorraine in “42nd Street,” The Bird Woman in “Mary Poppins” and the ensemble of “All Shook Up.” This past summer she was at New London Barn Playhouse where she played Beth in “Little Women,” Phyllis (& US Peggy) in “42nd Street,” and as a featured dancer (& US Guinevere) in “Camelot.” Currently pursuing degree in Musical Theatre at Elon University, where she has appeared in “Cats,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “Hello Dolly.”
Stephanie Garofalo
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni She recently worked at Cortland Repertory Theater in their summer productions of “Saturday Night Fever” (Annette), “Newsies”, “Our Town”, and “Dorothy Meets Alice” (Dorothy). At Syracuse University:“Crazy For You”, and Billie Bendix in “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” Holly in Center Stage’s production of “Anton in Show Business”. She did Papermill Playhouse’s summer conservatory for 2 years and is currently working towards a BFA Musical Theater degree at Syracuse University. Wrote a play that was produced by Syracuse University Drama Department.
Hayley Bochner
CATS & Tap CATS Alumni, Hayley has danced backup for Meghan Trainor, Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj, and Lady Gaga. She has worked for choreographers Brian Friedman, Fatima Robinson, Tyce Diorio, and Napoleon D’Umo. She has appeared on TV in season 8 of So You Think You Can Dance (top 30 girls),season 7 of “America’s Got Talent,” MTV’s TRL, “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Glee, “The Today Show,” “Late Night,” and “SNL.” She performed in music videos for Spencer Ludwig, Laza Morgan, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey.