DSDW Master Classes

Inspiring passion and training technique with the best of the best!

Devon Larcher Master Class Guest teacher

Steven McNamara

Mr. Steven is originally from the East Coast but relocated to Los Angeles after high school.  He spent his high school years training in New York City at the renowned Broadway Dance Center.  Here he trained under an accomplished staff including Frank Hatchett, Sheila Barker and Doug Caldwell.  He was named one of New Jersey’s Top 12 Dancers earning him an invitation to the Governor’s School of the Arts for Dance.  He earned a degree in Graphic Design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.  He has been a dance educator for 15 years and choreographs for studios, high schools and colleges on both the East and West Coasts.  Steven is currently the head judge at Velocity Dance Convention where he tours the country to 21 different cities as a dance adjudicator. Steven’s passion for dance continuously shows through his work.

Meghan Deeley Master Class Guest Teacher

Ali Willingham

Mr. Ali Willingham is a native of New Jersey.  He graduated from the University of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and from Temple University with a Masters in Fine Arts in Dance. Ali is an Adjunct Professor of Dance at Temple and director of The Movement Performing Arts Conservatory in Philadelphia. Formerly, Ali was Director of the Contemporary Dance Department at String Theory School in Philly.  He was also Artistic Director of Philadanco III Juniors at Philadanco, Philadelphia’s Modern Dance Company and  guest artist with Philadanco under the direction of Joan Myers-Brown. He was a full scholarship recipient in NYC at Joffrey Ballet in 2008 as well as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2006. He attended the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s summer intensive as a Full Scholarship Recipient in 2011 and 2012, where he was awarded the Modern Dance Award and was selected as the 1st Student Choreographer for DTH’s Summer Program.

Gabrielle Nierenberg

Gabrielle graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She was a member of the nationally ranked Rutgers University dance team all four years.  Gabrielle trained at Artists in Motion and she has performed in Christmas on Ice in Niagara Falls, Canada as well as Le Grande Cirque in Manila, Philippines.  Previously Gabrielle was a featured dancer in the Little Mermaid at Plays in the Park as well as Saturday Night Fever in Sayreville, NJ. Gabrielle was also featured as a cheerleader in a Nike commercial and a featured dancer on Good Morning America, The Deuce, Red Oaks, and Disney R Side. Along with many impressive dance performances, Gabrielle has been a judge, choreographer, and teacher for National Dance Showcase, Backstage Competition, and Elevate Dance Competition. Gabrielle loves teaching because it allows her to share her knowledge and passion for dance.

Devon Larcher Master Class Guest teacher

devon larcher

Devon Larcher is a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island where he graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Devon started his career on the Royal Caribbean cruise line as a dancer and aerialist. He has been a member of the Bill Evans touring company as well as Urbanity Dance Company since 2014. Devon not only loves the stage but also to choreograph and create which he has had the opportunity to do in the states and internationally. Devon joined Koresh Dance Company in 2018. He has been choreographing and teaching for competitive dance studios over the last 10 years and is a full time competition judge when not touring. In 2017 he won the American Dance Awards National Young Choreographer of the Year Award!

Meghan Deeley Master Class Guest Teacher

Kiera Gross

Kiera Gross is a New Jersey and Philadelphia based professional dancer/aerialist. She attended Temple University and graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. She also trained at AMDA NYC dance conservatory. Kiera is well versed in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Dance Theater, Heels, Acro, and Aerials, and is also USAG Certified. Kiera’s professional experience includes performing in Legends in Concert, 76ers NBA Dancer, dancing in “Prohibition “1927 Speakeasy Oceans Atlantic City, touring with I Am King: Michael Firestone, dancing with Biz Markie, Nina Sky, and many more! During class Kiera wants everyone to feel in-tune and confident within themselves no matter what body shape or dance level they are.

jessica riloff

Jessica Riloff first honed her triple threat talent here with Ms Debra and went on to graduate from Elon University with a BFA in Music Theatre (Ranked top 10 in the Nation) and minor in dance. Since graduating, Jessica has performed Off-Broadway and regionally around the country. She is a proud member of AEA, and a professional teaching artist with MTCA. Some of her performing credits include: Fiorello! (Off-Broadway), numerous Montgomery Theater productions, Beauty and the Beast (Ogunquit Playhouse), Mary Poppins (Jane Banks, Artpark), The Sound of Music (Louisa von Trapp, Artpark), CharacterQuiz Show (Hersheypark— IAAPA Best Female Entertainer), and so much more! Visit jessicariloff.com for more info.

Devon Larcher Master Class Guest teacher

kat adams

Ms. Kat trained at Debra Sparks Dance Works and was a member of our competition team scoring many high awards for her talents. After Debra Sparks Dance Works, she attended the College of Charleston and performed as a member of their dance team the Couragettes. While a dance team member, Ms. Kat and the Couragettes ranked in the top 5 at Universal Dance Association’s College National Dance Competition. Ms. Kat is currently a marketing executive with Rockstar Energy and continues dancing and training in her spare time. We are so thrilled to welcome Ms. Kat back to teach at our summer intensive and share her amazing talents and knowledge of the pom/ dance team style with our students!

Meghan Deeley Master Class Guest Teacher

lydia ciaffone

Lydia is currently studying for an MA in choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire Of Dance and Music, in London England. She graduated in December 2019 from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia PA with a BFA in Dance. Some of her choreography credits include segnalibro in Tuscany, Italy, Weighted Down at Clayton Performing Arts – Center, NJ, Stardust in Philadelphia, PA, Youshouldwatchthisfirst in – Philadelphia, PA, Unboxing Ableism (instillation work) in Philadelphia, PA, Understanding (forgiving) you in Philadelphia, PA. Some of her performance experiences include Paul Matteson in Snowy Days, Jesse Zaritt — Make Believe Studies, Beth Gill— Strange Days, Jesse Zaritt — Glory for 16, Anne White/Jesse Zaritt —wherever you’re going I’m going the same, Sidra Bell — Inversion of a Solo Study, Katie Swords Thurman/Jesse Zaritt — In/Possibilities, which were all at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia PA.

Meghan Deeley

Meghan Deeley has traveled the world, singing and dancing in Broadway shows such as Chicago, The Bodyguard, Aida, Rock of Ages, Grease, Rent & A Chorus Line. Meghan has 10+ years training, performing & teaching in NYC, NJ, PA + Canada. Meghan studied at Rider University receiving a Bachelor’s of Music in Musical Theatre. Meghan worked for Disney Cruise Line in 2016 singing as Elsa, Belle + Cruella DeVil. She lived & toured Asia in 2017-2018 with Broadway’s Sister Act Musical – working in Singapore, The Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China & South Korea. In 2019 she was featured in the U.S. Regional Premiere of The Bodyguard in NYC– singing backup vocals for the American Idol star, LaToya London. Meghan landed a dream role in Chicago the musical at Arizona Broadway Theatre prior to the industry shut-down in March, 2020. Locally Meghan has performed at Eagle Theatre, OC Theatre Co., Broadway Theatre of Pitman and Haddonfield Plays + Players. Meghan offers a compassionate approach to creative development with students of all ages – sparking joyful conversations +magical classes for all ages to enjoy! Learn more at http://lucidladybug.com

Casie goshow

Casie “Tynee” Goshow is a hip hop choreographer and break dancer, who has been teaching both hip hop and break dancing for the past 14 years around the country. She is originally from a small town in Pennsylvania and went to live in New York City after college, before making the move to Los Angeles. She has worked in the commercial entertainment industry working a variety of jobs as she pursues her dreams. Casie has worked side by side with various artists and organizations such as Karmin, TT The Artist, Chris Porter, Chris Brown, Lil John, PSY, French Montana, Beats Superbowl Commercial, the NBA, Adidas and was a Las Vegas Season 12 Street Finalist on So You Think You Can Dance? Currently she is touring around the country teaching kids of all ages at studios, conventions and competitions. Casie has worked for Excel In Motion,
Joffrey Ballet’s Summer of Hip Hop Intensive, Shake the Ground, Alvin Ailey, Headliners Dance, Imagine, Wild Dance Convention, Legacy, Turn It Up, In The Groove and more over the years. Casie owns her own clothing line, Goshow Yourself, which was created in response to the bullying occurring around the country. She wanted a clothing line that inspired people of all ages and walks of life to have the courage and confidence to be themselves. Clothing Line – Goshow Yourself

Charlotte d’Amboise

Since her Broadway debut in Cats, Charlotte has been nominated for two Tony Awards for performances in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line (Cassie) and Jerome Robbins Broadway (multiple roles).  She has won numerous Fred Astaire Awards for roles in Pippin (Fastrada), Sweet Charity (Charity), and Damn Yankees (Lola).  She has been seen in the role of Roxie in Chicago, that has earned her the LA Ovation Award, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award.  Charlotte has also been in Broadway casts of Company, Contact, Carrie and Song and Dance.  She has worked alongside legendary directors including Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Michael Bennett, Peter Martins, Rob Marshall, Ann Reinking, Debbie Allen, Gillian Lynn, Rob Ashford, Diane Paulus, Walter Bobby, Scott Ellis and George Balanchine.  Her film credits include The In Crowd (1988), American Blue Note (1989), Just Off the Coast (1992), and The Preacher’s Wife (1996). She appears as herself in Every Little Step (2008), a documentary about the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. In 2012, she co-starred in Frances Ha, directed by Noah Baumbach. On television she has appeared in Law & Order (2001), One Life to Live (2009), a videotaped performance of the Broadway musical Contact (2002) and the Kennedy Center Honors (1989, 1995, 2009).  Of all her experiences on stage, one of the most special moments for Charlotte was her performance in the Kennedy Center Honors (2009) performing with her brother (Christopher d’Amboise) in an evening honoring her father, Jacques d’Amboise which also aired on television.  Charlotte is the Co-Artistic director, with her husband Terrence Mann, of Triple Arts, a musical theater summer intensive for young artists.

Josh Assor

Josh is a New York based choreographer and performer. He has worked in some of the most respected jobs in the industry including Broadway, national tours, national commercials, film and television.  Some of his recent choreographic work includes New York Fashion Week, Audi Ottawa, a commercial for Modos Furniture, Mary Poppins and Cinderella at Arrow Rocks Lyceum Theater. He choreographed world premiere of Medicine the Musical, which ran in New York City, Off-Broadway. He was the associate choreographer for the Saturday Night Fever National Tour as well as the Canadian Premier of Disneys Newsies at Drayton Entertainment.
Some of his favorite credits include Disney’s 1st National Tour of Newsies (asst. Dance Captain), Neleus in Mary Poppins on Broadway and the 1st National Tour, Baby John in West Side story (Stratford Festival), Wizard Of Oz National Tour (Troika), and dancing on NBC’s Saturday Night Live with Jimmy Fallon. Josh has been featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, Dance Canada Quarterly, Industry Dance Magazine and Dance Plug Los Angeles. He has taught at Edge Performing Arts Center and is currently on faculty at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City where he has been a guest choreographer for many of their events

 

Dance Moms Miami’s “Angel”

Debra Sparks Dance Works was blessed to have Dance Moms Miami’s “Angel” (Victor Smalley’s partner) when Victor himself was unable to come. What an amazing dancer and instructor Angel was for our many dancers (from DSDW and other studios) – who came out to learn some fantastic jazz moves!!!

Lauren Froderman

Choreographer and TV Celebrity SEASON 7 WINNER OF “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” came to Debra Sparks Dance Works to give a motivational, challenging, inspirational and rewarding master class! Lauren has landed many dream roles on television, music videos, and live shows, including:  One of the Rockettes for Radio City Music Hall, So You Think You Can Dance, Big Time Rush, and Blake McGrath.  Lauren became the first dance athlete for Gatorade as well as the female dance athlete for the G Series Fit Line.

Jessica Franco

Jessica Franco, originally from Bucks County, PA, has performed around the world on Ariana Grande’s Honey Moon World Tour, and throughout the states on The Billboard Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Coachella. She was featured in music videos by Vance Joy and Fancy Hagood and is featured on Tezoro’s Floorwork instructional DVD’s Volume I and II. She was the Assistant Choreographer for Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman World Tour and has assisted with Ariana’s performances on The Voice, Jimmy Kimmel, American Music Awards, Saturday Night Live, Dancing With The Stars, and more. She is so excited to continue to work, create, and perform all over the world!

Debra Sparks Dance Works Master Classes with Mia Michaels

Mia Michaels

Emmy winner, choreographer, and dancer, Mia Michaels, came to Debra Sparks and conducted an exciting Master Class for the dancers!
Her Past accomplishments include:

– 2011 Emmy Winner – “So You Think You Can Dance” FOX
– 2010 Emmy Winner – “So You Think You Can Dance” FOX
– 2008 Emmy Nominee – “So You Think You Can Dance” – “Mercy” FOX
– 2007 Emmy Winner – “So You Think You Can Dance” – “Calling You” FOX
– 2004 Emmy Nominee – Celine in Las Vegas: Opening Night Live CBS
– 2003 & 2004 American Choreography Award Nominee

DSDW Master Class with Rhonda Malkin

Rhonda Malkin

Established professional dancer with the following accomplishments!

Special White House Performance for President and Michelle Obama
Los Angeles Lakers Girls (dancer/choreographer)
The Producers: The Movie Musical
The Academy Awards
MTV VMA’s and Movie Awards
NYC dance coach and celebrity personal trainer
Commercials for Sears, Macy’s, CBS, Westfield Shopping Towns
Live stage shows for Disney, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Regis and Kelly
Rockette for 12 years

Christopher Fleming

Years of dance training at the New York City Ballet have given Christopher Fleming a reason to smile. As principal dancer, Chris performed in ballets for many renowned choreographers, including but not limited to:
•George Balanchine
•Jerome Robbins
•Peter Martins

His expertise and skill set have taken him across the globe but he still has roots on the East Coast, managing a dance studio in Philadelphia and choreographing for a variety of creative venues in the city and around town.

DSDW Master Class with Rhonda Malkin

Valerie Salgado

Debra Sparks Dance Works in Newtown, PA, enjoyed a Master Class with Valerie Salgado, the assistant choreographer from the NBC hit series “Smash” produced by Steven Spielberg. 

Check out the press release!

Valerie has worked one-on-one with many stars including:
•Megan Hilty
•Uma Thurman
•Katharine McPhee
•Debra Messing

She taught and choreographed for Rosie O’Donnell’s Broadway Kids and can be found at the Broadway Dance Center as a guest artist. DSDW’s dancers enjoyed two hours of invigorating dance steps, choreography, and learned why “Smash” is such a

Debra Sparks Dance Works Master Classes with Mia Michaels

Russell Ferguson

Mr. Russell Ferguson, Season 6 Winner of “So You Think You Can Dance” joined us for our first Master Class, WOW! What an exciting evening of contemporary and Hip Hop at DSDW.

What are you waiting for?