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OWNER | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
With over ten years of training at Boston Ballet, Janeen brings a strong classical foundation and refined artistry to her work as a dancer and educator.
She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from SUNY Purchase in 2001, where she pursued intensive studies in both ballet and modern dance. During her time at Purchase, Janeen trained with esteemed instructors connected to some of the nation’s leading companies, including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, the Martha Graham Company, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
She performed regularly with the Purchase Dance Corps and was selected as a principal dancer in several productions, highlighting her versatility and stage presence.
Janeen went on to dance professionally with José Mateo’s Ballet Theatre and has been invited to perform as a guest artist with a variety of local dance companies.
Today, she continues to share her passion for dance through her teaching, inspiring students in the studio while fostering both technical excellence and a lifelong appreciation for the art form. With over 20 years of coaching dancers, Janeen has guided her students to achieve top scores and placements at prestigious competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition. Her dedication to developing dancers inspires each student to train with confidence, focus, attention to detail, and integrity.
OWNER
Natalia is a highly trained ballerina with an "Actor of Ballet" diploma from both the Ballet Saratov Academic Choreographic Academy and the Ballet Samara Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Russia. She has performed in numerous ballet shows in Moscow and Samara, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Esmeralda, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Pinocchio, Doll Fairy, and more. Natalia has also performed in operettas such as Silva, Circus Princess, and Gypsy Baron. She has held the position of leading ballerina of the highest category.
Natalia has previously worked at College of Art in Kursk, Russia and the Royal Ballet Academy of Thailand. She has participated in the creation of the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet in Richmond, Virginia. She is a classical ballet teacher, choreographer, and master class creator. Natalia has taught classical ballet lessons for ages 6-18 and prepared theater artists for international competitions. She is also highly experienced in providing dance training for students competing in figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming. The professional dance training she offers has helped many students improve significantly and earned her praise from coaches, parents and students.
Sofia DeMonico began dancing at a young age and quickly developed a lifelong passion for the art form. She trained extensively throughout her childhood and teenage years, ultimately graduating from Loperfido Dance Academy. As a competitive dancer, Sofia performed and competed throughout her training, receiving numerous regional accolades and scholarships. Throughout her dance training, Sofia developed a strong foundation in technique, performance, and artistry, as well as an appreciation for the discipline, confidence, and creativity that dance instills.
Following high school, Sofia attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where she earned her degree in Biomedical Engineering. She now works professionally in the pharmaceutical industry while returning to one of her greatest passions—dance.
Sofia is thrilled to return to LDA as a faculty member and share her knowledge and love of dance with the next generation. As a former LDA dancer herself, she understands the lasting impact that teachers can have on their students and strives to create a classroom that is both challenging and encouraging. She is passionate about helping her students build strong technique, confidence, artistry, and a genuine love for dance that extends far beyond the studio.
Melissa is a highly trained dancer, performer, choreographer, and educator with a lifelong passion for the performing arts. She furthered her education at Dean College, where she majored in Musical Theatre, expanding her training in dance, theatre, and performance. Melissa is also a professionally trained vocalist and studied with the renowned Jeannie Deva Voice Studio in both Boston and California.
Throughout her performing career, Melissa has appeared in numerous productions, including lead roles in Grease, Guys and Dolls, and 42nd Street, and has choreographed a variety of musical theatre productions. A former competitive dancer and longtime member of the Spotlight Theatre Company, she brings extensive performance experience and industry knowledge into the classroom. Melissa has also served as an adjudicator for many reputable dance competitions, bringing her knowledge and expertise to dancers and studios throughout the competitive dance industry.
For Melissa, however, teaching has always been about far more than dance. She is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with her students and creating an environment where every dancer feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. Watching her students grow not only as dancers, but also as confident and dedicated young people, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
Melissa takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of dancers and sharing the passion, discipline, confidence, and joy that the performing arts have brought to her own life.
Jillian Noke is a versatile dedicated dancer and choreographer who began her training at just two years old. Growing up at Loperfido Dance Academy, she developed a strong foundation across a variety of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Pro Style, and Heels.
Jillian continued to advance her training through Boston Dance Studio’s Pre-Professional Program, where she focused on refining her technique, performance quality, choreography, and artistry. Her professional performance experience includes dancing for the Maine Celtics and Boston Celtics, and she is currently a member of The Peacekeepers. She has also performed alongside Sami Thomason during her BIG3 Halftime Performance and assisted Mindless Behavior in preparation for their upcoming Pop Out Tour.
In addition to performing, Jillian has established herself as a choreographer, creating work for several local artists, including KSAP, Trill Manny, Vittal The Prince, and more. She has taught and choreographed at studios throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, working with dancers of all ages and across a variety of styles.
Jillian continues to challenge herself as both a performer and choreographer, bringing energy, commitment, creativity, and authenticity to everything she does. She is especially excited to be back home at LDA, where her own dance journey began, and looks forward to sharing her passion, knowledge, and experience with the next generation of dancers.
With over a decade of experience as a dedicated dance educator, Matthew has become a respected figure at both the regional and national level. Known for a dynamic teaching style and unwavering commitment to excellence, he has guided dancers to win numerous awards across a wide range of prestigious competitions.
Matthew has prioritized more than just technical excellence. He believes that dance is not only a physical discipline but also a powerful form of expression. His hope for every dancer is to cultivate not only precision and skills, but also a deep passion for artistry, individuality, and creative storytelling.
Whether in the studio or on stage, Matthew continues to inspire the next generation of dancers to push boundaries, embrace their unique voices, and dance with purpose.
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