Dana Ranieri: Director & Dance Teacher
“Miss Dana” began dancing at age 4. Growing up she danced on Al Alberts & Chief Halftown TV shows, performed at local events and did numerous performances for the March of Dimes telethons. Throughout her training she has studied all genres of dance & grew up competing in Local & National Dance Competitions.
Dana pursued her passion for dance and studied at The University of The Arts in Philadelphia where she graduated with her Associates Degree in Dance with a concentration in Modern Dance. As a student at the University, Dana trained extensively with Master Modern teachers, Roni Koresh, Pat Thomas, Milton Meyers, and Faye Snow, focusing on the Graham & Horton Modern Technique. Dana was a member of The Philadelphia Kixx Dance Team for 2 years, within that time she performed at games, dance appearances, charity events, and live TV. She was honored to be part of such a great organization, and happy to be able to raise moeny for many different charities. She also had the opportunity to appear with her team in the movie Unbreakable & MTV’s Global Groove.
Dana has been an Instructor and Choreographer at Dancesations since we opened in 1995 (over 26 years). She trains our Competition Contemporary/Modern & Lyrical classes as well as our Teen Competitive Jazz. Dana’s choreography for our Competition Team has won Top awards on the Local & National levels. She has won multiple Choreography Awards for her work. Miss Dana’s Contemporary Production was Nominated for “The People’s Choice Award” for the Industry Dance Awards in 2019. She has received “Best Technique” & “Ultimate Emotional Execution” Awards for her choreography. Dana has also had the pleasure of having her Contemporary choreography featured in 2 music videos for an upcoming singer.
Miss Dana loves to watch her choreography come alive by her very talented students. She is always excited to share her passion, love, and enthusiasm for the Art of Dance with her students and to motivate them to continue learning and excel in dance and in their everyday lives.
Dana is married to her husband Bobby and has 3 daughters Gianna, Olivia & Ava. She feels very blessed to be doing what she loves!!
Mandy Weiner: Director & Dance Teacher
As the daughter of a dance director, Mandy grew up in the Kelly Lynn Dance Studio in Turnersville, NJ. She began dancing at the age of three, and continued there for twelve years. She trained in all genres, and also taught Acro.
Mandy attended the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design, where she studied Photography. Upon returning from college, she began teaching Acro at Dancesations.
After stepping away from dance to pursue other interests, and eventually starting a family, her passion for dance returned through her two daughters, who are now on the Dancesations competition team. Mandy again began teaching at Dancesations, and she strives to instill her love of dance into her students. She currently teaches Combo classes and Acro.
Many resides in Mullica Hill with her husband Ryan and two daughters, Remmi and Locklyn. She is both a Dancesations dance mom and teacher, and she is looking forward to a great dance season!
Nicole Billow
“Miss Nicole” trained in all types of dance since age 6. She grew up performing in shows for the Boardwalk Star Review in Atlantic City and the March of Dimes telethon. Nicole Messina Billow has taught tap and jazz for more than 25 years. Her professional career as a dancer got started after she competed in the 1999 Miss America pageant. She was a top 10 finalist and preliminary talent winner for her tap dancing. After that, she traveled as a professional dancer/actress for the next couple of years. She performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, the Marquis Theater on Broadway and the Harris and Showboat Casinos in Atlantic City. Nicole traveled in a national tour called Absolut Tap, which was choreographed by Aaron Tolson. She appeared in commercials, TV and film, and as a guest host on QVC until she eventually decided to focus on choreography and teaching. She enjoys sharing tutorials and choreography clips on her Tiktok (@nicoletapz), Instagram and YouTube accounts. Nicole is the mom to 3 talented kids who have state, regional, national and world titles in martial arts and gymnastics. She is guest faculty at Broadway Dance Center in New York and Powerhouse Dance in New Jersey
Amanda Dempsey
“Miss Amanda” began dancing at age 3 and has been dancing, competing, and teaching for 33 years. She began her training as a student at local dance companies, including DanceSations and Ballet South of New Jersey. Amanda was a member of DanceSations’ Competition Team. She was cast in the leading roles of “Clara” in Ballet South’s production of “The Nutcracker” and as “Peter” in their production of “Peter and the Wolf.” Amanda is also a former Miss New Jersey National Teenager and Miss Teen New Jersey. She began teaching at DanceSations in 2002.
After graduating high school, Amanda enrolled at Georgetown University and joined its competition hip-hop team “Groove Theory.” With Groove Theory, Amanda won 2 American Cheer and Dance National Championship titles in the hip-hop division, 2 DMV regional hip-hop competitions hosted by University of Maryland, and competed in Culture Shock DC’s first annual East Coast Dance Competition. Groove Theory also performed at countless campus and charity events, including Georgetown’s annual Midnight Madness celebration, nationally-televised Georgetown basketball games, and their annual recreation of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video. Amanda served as president and choreographer of Groove Theory from 2005 to 2007. She received the “Excellence in Creative Design” and “Excellence in Administration” in 2007 from the GU Dance Faculty, for her work with Groove Theory.
After graduating from Georgetown, Amanda re-joined the staff at DanceSations, where she teaches hip-hop and jazz to our Competition Team students. She has received numerous choreography awards for her work at regional and national competitions, several Industry Dance Awards nominations, impact awards, and overall placements.
In addition to her work as a dance instructor and choreographer, Amanda graduated from Villanova University School of Law in 2011 and works as a corporate lawyer, specializing in franchising and distribution. She lives in Woodbury with her husband Matt, her son Morgan, and daughter Maeve.
Caitlin McLaughlin
Caitlin started her dance journey as a student at DanceSations at the age of 2 years old. While at the studio, she studied jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, hip hop, Hawaiian,gymnastics, and tap, which is her true passion.
In addition to taking classes, she also competed on DanceSations’ competition team and served as a student teacher. After 18 years of dance at DanceSations, Caitlin attended college at Widener University, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management. After graduation Caitlin has completed the cycle and joined the staff at DanceSations in 2016, teaching tap and sharing her love of dance with all of her students.
LaVon Patterson
Mr. LaVon started his dance journey at the age of 3 in Los Angeles, CA. He moved back to the east coast to train and attend the Creative & Performing Arts HS in Philadelphia. He recieved his BFA in Jazz dance from the University of the Arts. His passion for dance inspired him to start teaching and he’s done it the past 20 years. He currently performs in numerous shows in Atlantic City and has rocked stages around the World! Mr. LaVon’s happiness comes from teaching dance because as amazing as the stage feels, nothing compares to a room full of hungry dancers ready to WORK!
Domenique DeSanto
Domenique started her dance journey at the age of 4 at Dance by Debra DiNote. She danced her way through to high school graduation, taking ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, and pointe. She moved through the levels and was a company member for 10 years. Domenique danced in many community service events. She competed both regionally and nationally. Domenique performed twice in Disney World! She had many lead roles in company productions.
It was in high school that Domenique knew she wanted to pursue a career in Dance. She was the recipient of the Senior Star award 2015 at Dance by Debra DiNote when she graduated at age 17. Domenique was also a part of TWP Dance at Washington Township High School all 4 years and was 1 of 8 chosen to perform a solo at the annual Dance Concert her senior year.
After graduation, she went on to pursue her dance passion as a Dance Major at Rowan University in 2015 where she is now a senior. Domenique has begun senior year as the recipient of the Bryan Goldhaft Memorial Dance Scholarship 2018-2019.
Lyana Cocchi
Lyana has been an essential part of the DanceSations Studio of Performing Arts family for an impressive 14 years, showcasing her unwavering dedication and passion for dance. As a seasoned instructor now entering her 6th year with us, Lyana brings an abundance of experience and a deep love for the art form to her teaching. Her journey in dance began at DanceSations, where she honed her skills and developed a profound connection with the studio. Eager to further her dance career, Lyana continued her education at Rowan University, where she became a valued member of the Rowan University Dance Team. Over the course of two years, Lyana’s commitment and talent shone brightly as she competed in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in 2023 and 2024. Her team achieved remarkable success, placing 5th in the nation in Hip Hop and 11th in Jazz, underscoring their collective skill and dedication. In addition to her competition achievements, Lyana was honored with the Veteran of the Year award on the Rowan University Dance Team. This honor recognized her exceptional leadership, dedication, and influence as a seasoned member of the team, highlighting her ability to inspire and guide her peers. Lyana’s time with the Rowan University Dance Team was transformative, not only for her as a performer but also as an educator. Competing at a national level provided her with a unique perspective on the discipline required to excel in dance. It refined her technique, enhanced her choreographic skills, and deepened her understanding of team dynamics and performance strategies. These experiences have been invaluable in her role as a dance teacher, allowing her to impart advanced skills, nuanced technique, and a strong work ethic to her students.
At DanceSations, Lyana is known for her dynamic teaching style, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to nurturing her students’ growth. She is dedicated to creating a positive and inspiring environment where dancers of all ages can thrive and reach their full potential. Lyana’s journey from a student to a distinguished performer and a skilled instructor exemplifies her deep-rooted passion for dance and her commitment to fostering the next generation of talented dancers.
Caitlyn Crompton
Miss Caitlyn began her dance journey at Dancesations at the age of 2. She received her training by our fellow staff members in the styles of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary and Broadway. In addition to taking classes she served as a student teacher.
Caitlyn was apart of Dancesations Competition Team for more than 10 years and has participated in numerous Regional and National Competitions where she lead her competition team in two National Dance-Off titles, a National championship and won the title of “The Best of NDS” at regionals for having the highest score for the entire competition.
Caitlyn was honored to perform at the Koresh Dance Company as part of the Koresh Artistic Showcase, as well as having the opportunity to take workshops with Hillary-Marie, Aaron Tolson, Jason Samuel-Smith, Derick Grant to name a few.
Caitlyn graduated from Washington Township High School in 2020. She choreographed the Senior Directed Cabaret and Spirit Parade, and as a member of the Interact Club she volunteered in community events as well as fundraising for ALS. Presently Caitlyn is attending Rowan College of South Jersey.
Caitlyn hopes to inspire her students by sharing her passion, knowledge and love of dance with them.
Joann Weindel
“Miss Joann” began her gymnastics career at age ten. By age thirteen, she was competing in national competitions. She began her extensive teaching career when she was fifteen and, since then, has taught pre-school gymnastics, mommy and me, and recreational gymnastics to levels beginner to advanced. She also taught and coached the level four and five USAG Gymnastics Teams. Joann studied Health and Physical Education at Rowan University.
During her college years, Joann won first place at the Women’s Bodybuilding competition. She is also a certified personal trainer. Throughout her 20 years in the acro world, Joann has made herself known as one of the premiere acro teachers in South Jersey. She has been teaching here at DanceSations since 2012 and her students excel thanks to her professional teaching.
Lauren Faustino
Lauren started dancing at DanceSations at the age of 10, having been dancing since the early age of 3. After graduating in 2020, she completed 16 years of dance. She has received training in various styles of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, musical theater, and contemporary.
While in high school at Washington Township, she was actively involved the her high school Dance Program, dancing in almost every ensemble, being elected as a dance manager, and chosen to be a senior soloist! Lauren has attended several dance competitions, having placed in top 10, winning judges awards & Beyond the Stars Industry Awards alongside the studio.
Lauren recently graduated Cum Laude from Stockton University, with a major in elementary education and will be teaching 6th grade! Lauren is extremely excited to be “home” at DanceSations and cannot wait to share her knowledge and passion with her students!
Caleah Allen
Caleah Allen first began her dance training at the age of four, being taught by Jeanine Shoemaker-Farr, and followed this passion through to adulthood. She served as captain for the Fall Cheerleading team and Winter Dance team her junior and senior year at Williamstown High School. During her time there, she went on to win various accolades including Most Valuable Cheerleader, Most Valuable Dancer, and Athlete of the Year. Her passion in dance led her to pursue a higher degree in her craft at the University of the Arts, majoring in Dance on scholarship. Her propensity for leadership led to her role as a member and acting secretary of the University of the Arts Hip Hop Club, Artist Making Movement (AMMO), where the group performed at many venues and competitions in Philadelphia. Being around so many talented peers, Caleah rediscovered her love for writing, which inspired her to pursue her Creative Writing minor. Her time as an undergraduate student is also where Caleah first started choreographing, and was named a “Promising Young Artist” by the university. As a student at the University of the Arts, Caleah has had the opportunity to study under several renowned artists and companies such as Kyle and Dinita Clark, Virgil Godson, Gary Jeter, Anthony Burrell, Shen Wei Dance Company, Hope Boykin, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Pennsylvania Ballet, Roni Koresh, Darrell Moultrie, Kevin Wynn, Sidra Bell, and Rennie Harris, to name a few.Beginning her professional career, Caleah had the opportunity to present her work on "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants and company members of Ballet X, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Koresh Dance Company, Philadanco, and The Sixers Dancers. Caleah has had the opportunity to work for Norwegian Cruise Lines, as well as dance for celebrities such as Ludacris, Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, Demi Lovato, and DJ Pauly D. Caleah served as dance director and head choreographer for South Jersey Storm for four years, where she went on to lead her mini team to win a National Championship on their first appearance. They continued their winning streak for three consecutive years. Caleah currently is a mentor and choreographer at DanceSations and ZZ Dance. She also teaches dance to special needs adults at Kingsway Learning Center and is a Teaching Artist through Ballet X’s Education and Outreach program. In her free time, Caleah guest instructs at Powerhouse Dance and local dance studios in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. She continues to professionally dance and works for several entertainment agencies. Caleah is also a full-time advocate for alopecia and strives to inspire others through her journey! Caleah truly enjoys teaching and inspiring her students and is pleased to have made her passion her career.
Madison Butler
Madi grew up dancing competitively and was a decorated competitor. She trained at Broadway Bound Dance Academy in Media PA. She won numerous solo titles as well as the title of “Best in the World” in 2018. Her love of teaching began when she started assisting in the tri-state area for classes and choreography. While assisting, she traveled to New York, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey and helped train and choreograph for notable organizations and various studios throughout the area. Madi has worked with prominent choreographers, while also assisting choreographer Lindsey Russo for many years. Her focus in jazz and contemporary has inspired her to continue her journey and ignite her students’ passion to work hard and believe in themselves, while still bettering herself as a dancer in the process.
Dalton Walsh
Dalton Walsh trained at dance expressions for 6 years under Heather Zane and former DCC Alum Amanda Dilks. He then made the dance team at Saint Joseph’s University where he trained and competed under Hip Hop and Pom. His team won the National Championship in Pom the year 2023, and was voted captain his Junior and Senior year! Throughout all four years Dalton was trained by the one and only Shandon Perez who choreographed for Saint Joseph’s University, Memphis University, Golden State Warriors, Brigham Young University, and more. He’s also been trained under all styles by his coaches Rachel Reese and Vikira Molock. While dancing in college, he has taught Recruitment Clinics, College Combines, Backstage Nationals Masterclasses, and a new one D1 University. We are so excited to have Dalton on our staff.
Hallie Berger
Hallie Berger is a teaching artist, performer, and choreographer in greater Philadelphia. A BFA graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Hallie studied with Keith A. Thompson, Roxanne Lyst, Blair Ritchie, and collaborated with John Evans. Hallie trained with Barbara Sandonato, Dalia and Douglas Hay, Christopher Fleming, and Lori Lahnemann. She has also studied with the American Ballet Theater, Orlando Ballet, Ballet Arizona, and the Rock School for Dance Education. She has danced professionally in regional theater productions of Mary Poppins, Kiss Me Kate, AIDA and The Pajama Game (dance captain). Hallie’s choreographic artistry has been showcased by performers of all ages in area productions of Chicago, Newsies, and junior versions of, The Lion King, Annie, Willy Wonka, and Alice in Wonderland. Hallie continues to share her talent and expertise coaching students of all levels. Under her guidance, Hallie’s students have achieved successful and entertaining performances in area events and competitions.
Ava Carter
Ava Carter is a senior at Washington Township High School with a lifelong passion for cheerleading and dance. She began all-star cheer at the age of five, developing her tumbling skills early on and continuing to build them ever since. For the past four years, Ava has been an active member of both her high school’s dance company and cheer team. Known for her love of working with children, Ava enjoys teaching new skills and inspiring young athletes to reach their potential.