Our Team

Rebecca Masel

OWNER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Mrs. Rebecca is from Lexington, Kentucky, where she grew up as a competitive dancer studying all dance forms with a special emphasis on Ballet.  In 1997, she moved to New York City to pursue a dance career and expand her training.  Although she worked in many shows while in New York City, one of her proudest dance achievements was landing a coveted spot as one of the famous Radio City Rockettes performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for over five years.  Even more exciting, she was selected as one of the few Public Relations Rockettes, appearing in numerous television interviews to promote the Radio City organization, as well as, performing on national television such as on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.   For fun, see Miss Rebecca's appearance on the Tonight Show in the Competitions and Recitals (videos) section!  

Before making it as a professional dancer, Rebecca won numerous local, regional and national awards including “Ohio’s Female Dancer of the Year” (American Dance Awards), “Miss Dance of Ohio” (Dance Masters of America), and was 3rd Runner-up in the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant (a preliminary to the Miss America Scholarship Pageant) and performed in many local and regional theatre productions.

Rebecca attended the University of Kentucky on a full academic scholarship and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. After spending several years as a full-time dance instructor at her home studio in Lexington, she moved to New York City to pursue her dance dreams.  Rebecca was quickly hired by famed jazz instructor, Frank Hatchett, as a class and convention assistant. Shortly thereafter, she began booking numerous dance opportunities, with her success even taking her to Los Angeles where she also danced professionally and lived for five years.

Alayjah Kendrick

JAZZ - LYRICAL - HIP-HOP

Ms. Alayjah is a highly accomplished dancer who began her training in South Florida and has since honed her skills in vario9us genres including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip hop.  From the tender age of 4, she showed immense talent and dedication, catching the attention of the prestigious DDO Agency, which promptly signed her.

Throughout her career, Alayjah has had the privilege of dancing alongside the Broadway cast of Newsies and performing at the renowned Disney World, where her exceptional skills were showcased and televised for the Macy's Day Parade.  These experiences allowed her to exhibit her versatility and grace on a grand stage, captivating audiences far and wide.

In high school, Alayjah continued to shine as she assumed the role of captain for her dance team.  As the captain, she not only led her fellow dancers but also had the opportunity to showcase her choreographic talents, creating mesmerizing routines for shows and pep rallies.  Her passion for dance and innate creativity shone through as she brought energy and excitement to every performance.

In recent years, Alayjah has taken on the role of a choreographer and has achieved tremendous success in this realm.  Her talent for crafting captivating and award-winning competition pieces has been recognized and celebrated.  Through her choreography, she continues to push boundaries, blending different styles and creating unique expressions of movement that leave a lasting impact.

Cristie Santiesteban

BALLROOM

Born and raised in Miami FL, Cristie began dancing ballet at the age of two.As a teenager she transitioned to other styles ; Latin Ballroom, Jazz,Contemporary and more. Around that time, she began teaching at the age of 16. 

As an adult, Cristie has continued her dance journey by working for The Star Dance Alliance, being a finalist in many auditions such as the Miami Dolphins, Walt Disney World and The Florida Panthers Dance Team, as well as being in a contemporary company in 2022.  Cristie loves to share her knowledge and love for dance with the younger generation and hopes to make a difference.

Daynelis Munoz Castell

BALLET - CONTEMPORARY - PROGRESSIVE BALLET TECHNIQUE

Born in Cuba, Ms. Daynelis studied classical ballet for 8 years at the Cuban National Ballet School where she graduated as a Professional Classical Dancer and Ballet Instructor. She has been a company member of the Cuban National Ballet, Mexico Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. Miss Daynelis has danced on stages around the world in Spain, France, Colombia, Mexico, and more. She has been a principal dancer in Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Infra, Serenade, and Bayadera. Miss Daynelis has also had the privilege to dance in pieces by internationally renowned choreographers such as John Cranko, Edwaard Liang, Marcello Angelini, George Balanchine, Wayne McGregor, Ma Cong, and Alicia Alonso. In addition, Miss Daynelis has participated in numerous international ballet competitions, such as the International Ballet Competition in Cuba, where she won several gold medals.  Miss Daynelis has also been awarded a scholarship to dance with the Washington, D.C. Ballet through the Youth America Grand Prix. She also has extensive experience judging international ballet competitions. Miss Daynelis’ goal for her classes is to teach proper technique and inspire her students to reach their full potential as artists.  When Miss Daynelis is not teaching here at ADA, she can often be found sharing the joy of Ballet at galas, master classes and ballet productions across the country, such as in Chicago, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona, and Ohio.

Isabella Hassett

ACRO

Bella, born and raised in Broward County, started dancing at the tender age of three.  She began competing at regional and national competitions at the age of six and continued dancing competitively through her senior year in high school. Her dance training and experience includes ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, acro, musical theater, hip hop and contemporary. Bella has  previously worked as an entertainer for GET Productions and performed at Bob Weir’s (formerly of the Grateful Dead) 2024 New Year’s Eve show at the Broward Center for Performing Arts.  She continues to dance at Broward College under the direction of Sabrina Talamo. 

Kaitlyn Rothemich

BALLET - JAZZ - LYRICAL

Kaitlyn started dancing when she was just 4 years old and has loved it ever since! She moved to South Florida at 12 and began competing with Ovation Dance Company at Artistry Dance Academy. She’s also spent a few summers as a camp counselor, sharing her love for ballet with younger dancers. After graduating from West Broward High School in 2023, Kaitlyn went on to attend Florida International University, where she's studying Digital Communications and Media. Now, you can find Kaitlyn teaching jazz, lyrical, and ballet, and inspiring her students to grow, shine, and fall in love with dance just like she did!

Kendall Truitt

JAZZ - LYRICAL - CONTEMPORARY - HIP-HOP

Ms. Kendall is so excited to be back teaching at the studio where it all began.  She grew up in South Florida and started her dancing career at two years old.  Throughout her early years she had the honor of competing with Ovation Dance Company (formerly Illusion Dance Company) at Artistry Dance Academy (formerly Stella's Dancers' Studio).  Her passion for teaching started to grow throughout her time in high school, where she taught a couple recreational classes each week and was a counsellor for summer camp for several years.  Kendall attended Pembroke Pines Charter High School where she spent all four years on the school's dance team and served as captain for two.  After graduating from high school, Kendall moved up to North Florida where she pursued her degree in Digital Media & Communication Studies at Florida State University.  During her time at FSU, she had the honor of helping raise funds for Children's Miracle Network and was on the school's nationally ranked sport club dance team, Seminole Dance Force, for all four years at the university.  Kendall worked hard to serve as the team's Public Relations & Community Outreach Officer her second year and as Junior Co-Captain her third year.  One of her biggest accomplishments was being elected to serve as the team's Captain her senior year.  This role included responsibilities that would typically land on a coach due to the fact that the team is completely student-run.  Kendall recently graduated from FSU and has moved back to South Florida.  She is beyond excited to be helping kids reach their potential and follow their passions right back where it all started for her!

Kristen Pinard (KP)

JAZZ - LYRICAL - CONTEMPORARY- ACRO - LEAPS & TURNS - MUSICAL THEATRE

Ms. Kristen (KP) is from Jacksonville, FL and has been dancing for 20+ years. She is trained in a variety of styles including: ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, modern, West African, pom, and many more! At a young age she performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and was featured in ads for Disney Parks and Entertainment. She went to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where her main focus was dance. She was also a Tremaine Dance Convention Company Assistant, and traveled on tour with them across the country for many years.

Upon high school graduation, she continued her love for dance at Florida State University, and was on the Nationally Ranked, FSU Golden Girls Dance Team, for 3 years. During her time at FSU she performed at home football, basketball and volleyball games. Some of her favorite memories were traveling with Men's Basketball during March Madness, and competing at UDA Nationals where they ranked 3rd in the nation against D1 schools her junior year.

Her dance career didn't end there, she then moved to South Florida, when she secured a spot as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader, and is now currently a 2nd year veteran on the team. This past season she had the opportunity to travel with Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, and Armed Forces Entertainment on a military tour during the holidays. She was one of eight cheerleaders chosen to perform for our Military service men and women overseas in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi. She also performed in the Super Bowl LIV Halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira!

Kamille Walker

JAZZ - LYRICAL - HIP HOP

Kamille Walker has been dancing since she was three years old. She is trained in jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, jazz funk, heels, and more. Kamille started teaching at sixteen and quickly discovered how much she loves helping young dancers grow in skill and confidence. While earning her B.A. in Communication Arts from Florida International University, she also pursued a professional dance career, performing with artists like Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Ozuna, and more. Competing on Jennifer Lopez’s World of Dance Season 4, performing live on national TV in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Kamille grew up dancing at the same studio where she now teaches, and she’s so excited to share her love of dance with the ADA dancers! 

Laura Rothemich

FRONT DESK

Proud wife of 23 years to my husband, a retired U.S. Coast Guard and Navy veteran, and mom of four incredible humans. Her oldest, Kaitlyn, is currently attending Florida International University and teaching here at ADA. Andrew is attending Florida Atlantic University and living the hockey life, and her dancing queens, Natalie and Mandy, keep her cheering from the studio to the stage. When she's not supporting from the sidelines or in the audience, you’ll find her in the kitchen acting as a short-order cook, diving into a great book, or fitting in a well-earned Hallmark-movie moment. At the studio, she's the friendly face you’ll see at the front desk — making sure dancers feel welcomed and happily upholding her title as the studio’s Cookie Cake Queen.

Lydice Figueroa

BALLET AND PBT

With over 25 years of professional performing and teaching experience, Lydice has a Bachelor´s degree of Art Danzario (Cuban School of Ballet, ISA, Cuba) specializing in Classical Ballet, Ballroom Dance, Character Dance, Classical Duo.  She graduated from Tropicana School Of Musical Performances specializing in Folkloric & Traditional Cuban Dance.  She is a Certified Instructor in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), Stretch Potential (ACRO), and Floor Barre. She is a member of International Dance Council (CID).  Lydice teaches all levels and ages of Ballet.  She has performed and taught in Hungary, Japan, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico.  She has had choreographies showcased at YAGP Semifinals (Dallas), International Academy Contest (Cuba), Intrigue Dance Convention, and Revolt.  Her original choreography was included in the repertoire of Escuela Nacional de Ballet Fernando Alonso.  She was awarded Gold and Silver in international ballet competitions (Grand Prix Choreographic Contest, Schools of Art Grand Prix) and served as a jury member for dance auditions and competitions worldwide.  We are pleased to welcome her to our staff.

Michael Taylor

BALLET - JAZZ TECHNIQUE AND PERFORMANCE

Michael Taylor is celebrating over 40 years as amaster teacher, giving seminars, setting originalchoreographic works and teaching dancersaround the world in both the private and publicsectors, in addition to college, university and finearts programs. As a performer, some of hiscredits include: Gus Giordano Jazz DanceChicago, serving as associate director andrehearsal choreographer for six years; RiverNorth Dance Company, AKASHA DanceCompany The Radio City ChristmasSpectacular, serving as an assistantchoreographer for five years, as well as severaltheater, fashion and industrial credits to hisname, including Papermill Playhouse’s FunnyGirl, and Disney’s Magical Moments in Chicagoand Rome, Italy. Michael proudly served as adirector and rehearsal choreographer for RoyalCaribbean Entertainment, also providing servicein the audition and casting departments.Currently sharing his passion for danceteaching, coaching and choreographing in SouthFlorida, Mr. Michael is grateful to be a partnumerous internationally recognized performingarts organizations and is thrilled to be here!

Nancy fell

OFFICE MANAGER

Miss Nancy is our Office Manager and the reason our academy runs so smoothly!  She is also in charge of accounts receivable. You will find Miss Nancy  extremely detail oriented and very helpful to all your needs.  

Miss Nancy has a personal connection to our academy as her daughter, Savannah, now a Pre-Med student at FSU, began her dance career here as a Baby Ballerina and still loves dancing and helps out at the studio as often as she can.

Nicole DiDio-Richmond

FRONT DESK

Nicole was born and raised in South Florida. She has a background in education and real estate.  Her daughter has been with Artistry Dance Academy for over eight years, since she was just three years old!  Nicole is at our front desk from time to time, keeping things organized, answering questions, and welcoming everyone with a smile.

Philip Kendrick

HIP-HOP

Mr. PK was born in West Palm Beach and is a native of South Florida.  As a dancer he is part of Tae Talent which is one of the most respected agencies in Miami.  As one of the most sought-after Hip Hop teachers in Florida, he has taught/is teaching in some of the most respected studios throughout South Florida.

PK has also shared the stage with Jason Derulo, Don Omar, Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Trick Daddy and Danity Kane, and he has done videos with the likes of Luis Fonsi, French Montana, Yandel, Maluma, One Direction, FloRida, to name a few.  He has also appeared on shows such as MTV Super Sweet 16, BET Spring Bling, Premios Juventud and Premios Lu Nuestro.

His passion for dance has inspired others through his artistry, and he is happy to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of dancers as a sought after master teacher and judge.

Techara Milligan

CONTEMPORARY - JAZZ FUNK

Ms. TeChara was born and raised in South Florida.  She grew up doing various sports but her passion was always dance.  She had the privilege to train under 2 competitive dance teams where she gained much of her knowledge of dance.  Obtaining technical skills in lyrical, contemporary, modern, ballet, hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, ballroom, heels and tap.  Within her years, she has had the opportunity to perform in conceptual music videos, talent shows, parades, festivals and sporting events.  Through the years, she had many opportunities to teach and choreograph at various studios.  From creating award winning dances to being recognized for her choreography, she has embarked in her journey of choreographing and teaching full time.  This is TeChara's sophomore year being a part of Broward College's dance program.  After she graduates from the program, she aspires to  earn her BFA in Dance and join a professional dance company to further her education and training in dance.  Her passion reaches par beyond herself, as she hopes to continue teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Victoria Brundza

HIP-HOP

Victoria Brundza was born and raised in South Florida. Growing up, she did baton twirling alongside dance. Even though baton was something she loved, dance always stuck with her and became a consistent escape from reality. Victoria has had the opportunity to perform in numerous parades, including Disney World's night parade. She has also participated in flash mobs, concept/music videos, sporting events, festivals, and more. She has showcased three pieces at Broward College and continues to expand her passion and knowledge of dance by learning from a variety of choreographers. As she completes her bachelor's degree in political science at Florida Atlantic University, dance remains a strong and meaningful part of her journey.