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Bethany Medeiros (Faculty/Artistic Director)
has been dancing at Rosemary's since the age of two and has been teaching for a million years. Bethany and her sister Samantha are the daughters of RSDE founder Rosemary Hambly. In the past, Bethany has been an instructor for Chance To Dance, The Studio 34 Dance Company, Renaissance Gymnastics Academy, St. Luke's School, St. Mary Academy Bay View, Barrington Middle School, Kickemuit Middle School, and The Bristol Community Center. Bethany has been the director of RSDE since 2003 and is co-owner/director of all studio locations. Bethany received a B.S. in Business Management from Roger Williams University where she also completed a Core Concentration in Dance Performance. She earned her M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and is an administrator at Saint Raphael Academy. Bethany is a member of I.D.E.A., Dance Teachers Club of Boston (DTCB), Dance Alliance of Rhode Island (DARI), Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society for Business and Administration, National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), The National Honor Society for Dance Arts, National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, was nominated as a National Collegiate Business Award Winner and was published in the USAA National Collegiate Awards Yearbook 2004. She is a 2004 graduate of the Boston Dance Teacher Training Program and was certified by YPAD in 2022. Bethany was tested and is certified to teach by the Dance Teachers Club of Boston and the American Society. Bethany was previously on the judging staff for the Talent America Talent of the Year Awards. She has received numerous choreography awards at the regional and national levels and directs the RSDE Dance Company. Bethany has three children (Rose, Jack and Anna) and loves spicy foods (well all good foods) and making RSDE an amazing place for all dancers in Southeastern RI and MA. 
Heather Brown (Faculty)
has been sharing her passion for ballet with students for over a decade. In her classes, she works with students to develop safe ballet technique through mindfulness, body awareness, strength building and an exploration of the why behind the movements we practice in class. With this foundation, the sky is the limit. Allowing freedom of movement, artistry and passion to develop alongside technique. Her energetic, flexible teaching style encourages dancers to take up space and be seen, but can also adjust to meet students wherever they happen to be. Giving students the support they need and continuing to emphasize the basis of technique allows them to flourish at their own pace. Heather started learning ballet technique at a very young age through the Boston Ballet Center for Dance Education and Ballet Theatre of Boston and went on to perform with several small local companies before transitioning to teaching. Seeing dancers emerge through hard work, dedication and the pure enjoyment of movement exploration continues to fascinate her. Each New Year is a fresh start; let’s get started together. 
Kristin Hockwater (Faculty)
is originally from Rochester, New York, and has been dancing for over 25 years, both competitively and professionally. She is classically trained in ballet, but her favorite styles are contemporary and tap. She was captain of her high school dance team, and lead choreographer for her college dance ensemble. While attending John Carroll University (JCU) in Cleveland, Ohio, she danced professionally for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers as a Cavs Girl. She graduated JCU in 2010 with a Bachelors in Finance and moved to Massachusetts to attend UMass Dartmouth School of Law. Since graduating in 2013, she has coached the UMass Dartmouth Dance Team, taught at various dance studios throughout the region, and directed children's musical theater. Kristin is thrilled to be at RSDE for another season! 
Heather Kirby (Faculty/Acro Director)
is a native of RI who has a BFA in Dance Education from Bridgewater State University, where she also served as the president and treasurer of the dance company. While at Bridgewater State University she had the opportunity to study Bharata Natyum under Kausalya Strinavasin and traveled to India for three weeks to perform in multiple venues. She has been dancing since the age of 5 and teaching since 2006. Along with working in various studios in RI and Massachusetts, she has also been the choreographer for East Providence High School in RI since 2006. She has choreographed Beauty and the Beast, Grease, West Side Story, Hairspray, My Fair Lady, Young Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, The Wiz, Rent, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Heather is also a regional and national competitive judge with Nexstar. Heather has established and directed a competitive dance company. She also had the amazing opportunity to travel the east coast as a backup dancer. Heather was most recently certified in Acrobatic Arts, CLI Strength Training & Injury Prevention, CLI Preschool Dance, and the Zumbini program for our youngest dancers. 
Regina LaPietra (Faculty/Birthday Director)
has been dancing at RSDE since she was four. She began competitive dancing at age eight and has never stopped sharing her love for dance! She has been teaching at RSDE for many years and is also a graduate of the Dance Teacher's Club of Boston Training Program. She holds a degree in Psychology from Rhode Island College and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. Ms. Regina teaches all ages at the studio, runs our performance teams, and is also our birthday party director. 
Britney Goldenbloome (Faculty/Ballet Director)
has been dancing since the age of three. She began her training at The Dance Center in Fall River, MA under the instruction of Claudia Creason and Cynthia Walbarsh. She continued her classical ballet training throughout New England with numerous instructors and studios: Rhode Island Ballet Arts Academy, The Ballet Center, Festival Ballet, Hartford Ballet, Walnut Hill School of the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, and American Academy of Dance. Britney also attended Rhode Island College with a major in dance performance. She performed with the RIC Dance Company and Touring Company for two years. She has danced professionally with The State Ballet of RI under the direction of Herci Marsden and Spindle City Ballet under the direction of Lisa Bibeau. Britney also choreographed Rosemary’s very own Cinderella and Alice and Wonderland Ballets. Ms. Britney has been teaching at RSDE for too many years to count! 
Alison Hall (Faculty)
has been dancing at Rosemary's since she was 6 years old. During those 11 years, 5 of those years she danced competitively. While in high school she was dance captain for the school musicals and participated in the Masqueraders theatre program. After graduating in 2011 from Mt. Hope High School, she danced for four years at Stonehill College through their Dance Club program. Allie graduated with her bachelors in Elementary Education and Psychology in 2015. In 2019 Allie received her masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. She is currently the sixth grade math teacher at Global Learning Charter in New Bedford, MA. Allie has been working at RSDE for many moons and loves traveling in her spare time! 
Alissa Salamon (Faculty/Hip Hop Director)
has been teaching at RSDE since 2015. She was an instructor at the former Shannon's Studio of Dance for 9 years. Alissa was a coach and choreographer for Pop Warner Cheerleading for 13 years. In 2011, her squad and routine won 2nd place at the National Championships in Walt Disney World. During the summers of 2006 and 2007 Alissa was part of the Bristol Theatre Company receiving roles for both singing and dancing. In 2009, she also starred in an online commercial for Hasbro Toys. The summer of 2016 she ran a Hip Hop program at a local fitness studio. In 2018 she finished her associates degree program at Bristol Community College in Paralegal Studies. She is the director of our Company Hip Hop teams. 
Dante Sciarra (Faculty/Company Jazz Director)
has performed on Broadway in "Chicago" starring Jennifer Holliday. Throughout the U.S. and Europe he has been with several National and International Tours of Chicago with stars such as Sandy Duncan, Patrick Swayze and Patti Labelle, "Sunset Boulevard" with Petula Clark and "Hello Dolly" with Michele Lee. Dante has performed at such prestigious regional theatres such as, Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, Walnut Street Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO and Kansas City Starlight as well as in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Fabulous Fox in Detroit, MI. He appeared in many shows at Theatre-By-The Sea in Matunuck, Rhode Island. He has served as the Dance Captain and Fight Captain for several regional productions at the aforementioned theatres as well as being the Assistant Choreographer for Walnut Street Theatres production of "Rags". Dante is also the resident choreographer for the University of Rhode Island and has choreographed their main stage musical theatre productions since 2008 and also serves as an adjunct faculty member. His television and film credits include, 'Outside Providence' with Alec Baldwin, 'The Sopranos' and 'America's Millennium' with choreography by Rob Marshall for the Discovery Channel. Dante has trained extensively at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, was on faculty at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center and New Dance Group with teachers such as John Medeiros, Ann Reinking, Jose Meier, Chris Chadman, Tony Stevens, Chet Walker and Henry LeTang as well as many others, with special training in Matt Mattox technique. He has taught numerous master classes throughout New England and New York including for the Dance Teacher's Club Of Boston, Inc., DMA of Connecticut, Chapter 18 and DMA of New York City-Dance Educators Of America and has adjudicated many national dance competitions for Celebrity Dance Competitions, StarQuest, BravO!, StarPower, KAR Productions and Take CenterStage Dance Challenge. Other choreographic credits include: ‘Gypsy’- Providence College, ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, ‘Singin’ In The Rain’, ‘Chicago’, ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’, ‘Avenue Q’, 'Spring Awakening’ and others at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Pippin Brown University, Providence, RI, Leavittsburg, OH Brown University, Providence, RI, Cabaret Brown University, Providence, RI My Fair Lady Theatre-By-The-Sea, Matunuck, RI, Pippin, Mame, The King & I, Gypsy, 42nd Street, My Fair Lady, The Pajama Game Rhode Island College, Providence, RI, Pippin, Godspell, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? - Barrington High School, Barrington, RI. Dante is also a visiting/adjunct faculty member at Brown University, Providence College, Dean College and the University of Rhode Island teaching DanceStyles and Dance for Musical Theatre, respectively. Dante is also a Registered Nurse with his education from the City University of New York in the Bronx, New York, the Community College of Rhode Island and the University of Rhode Island. Dante has been with RSDE for many many seasons and looking forward to many more! 
Brenna DiFrancesco (Faculty)
began dancing at the age of 3. She began her training with Brae Crest School of Ballet in Lincoln, RI where she quickly developed a love and passion for the art form, later dedicating her time to training with the hopes of becoming a professional ballet dancer. In her teenage years, Brenna trained at many prestigious ballet schools across the US and at the age of 18, she joined Festival Ballet Providence (now Ballet RI) as a trainee. She quickly grew through the ranks of the professional company where she performed many soloist and principal roles throughout her dancing career. Brenna has always enjoyed working with children and has been teaching at various dance studios throughout RI and MA for the past 6 years. She has found that combining her love of ballet and working with children has become a true passion. Brenna looks forward to her first season teaching the talented students at RSDE! 
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Samantha Medeiros (Faculty/Artistic Director)
is a graduate of Roger Williams University and holds a degree in Secondary Education and History along with her middle school endorsement. At RWU she also completed a core concentration in Dance Performance. Samantha has been dancing at Rosemary's since the age of two and has been teaching for the past sixteen years. She has been an Artistic Director for the Warren location along with her sister since 2003. Samantha is a member of Dance Teachers Club of Boston (DTCB), Dance Alliance of Rhode Island (DARI), National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and is a graduate of the Boston Dance Teacher Training Program. She has been tested and is certified to teach by the Dance Teachers Club of Boston and the American Society along with the Zumbini program for our youngest dancers. In the past, she has instructed dance classes at the Newman YMCA and for Chance to Dance at Hampden Meadows Elementary School, Waddington Elementary School, and Guiteras Elementary School. Samantha has received numerous awards at both the regional and national levels and continues to teach and choreograph for the RSDE Dance Company. Currently, Samantha is the Dance Director at St. Andrews School in Barrington, RI. She is the co-director/owner of our Rehoboth location. 
Alissa Surkont (Faculty/Artistic Director)
has been dancing since the age of two and at Rosemary's since the age of eight. She has been teaching at the studio for over twenty years. Alissa graduated from CCRI in 2002 with an associates degree in Fine Arts. She is also a 2004 graduate of Dance Teachers Club of Boston Dance Education Training Course. In 1999, Alissa toured with Dance Olympus as a VIP Dancer. She was the recipient of the Fitness Award at the 1999 Junior Miss Scholarship Program. In 2002 she was nominated for the Irene Ryan Award and was the recipient of the Theatre Award for the CCRI graduating class of 2002. Alissa has been a dance instructor at numerous places including Renaissance Gymnastics, Bay-View Academy, The Bristol Community Center, St. Margaret's School and Sherwood Ultra Sport to name a few. She has choreographed for the Junior Miss Pageant of RI, the Bishop Hendricken High School Cheerleaders, and the North End 49rs cheerleaders. Alissa has taught for Chance To Dance of RI and continues to teach for the RSDE dance company. Alissa is a member of The Dance Alliance of RI (DARI) and National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). She is the co-director/owner of our Tiverton location. 
Lauren Difede (Faculty)
was born in St. Croix of the U.S. Virgin Islands, but primarily grew up in Houston, TX. She began dancing at 5 years old at North Harris Performing Arts in Spring, TX and is grateful for her versatile training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap. Lauren graduated from the dance department at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts and was awarded Honorable Mention in modern dance from the National Arts Competition during her senior year. She then received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Philosophy, from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Lauren has danced for Revolve Dance Company (Houston, TX), Dominic Walsh Dance Theater (Houston, TX), Untitled Collective (NYC, NY), Infinite Movement Ever Evolving (Houston, TX), and is currently a dancer with the Island Moving Company (Newport, RI). She has also had the privilege to work and train with notable choreographers from all over the world including Paul Lightfoot, Sol Leon, Marco Goecke, Natalia Horenca, Maurice Causey, Priscilla Nathan Murphy, and Fred Strobel. Lauren provides instruction in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap in ages 3-adult and is currently teaching at Newport Academy of Ballet, Rosemary’s School of Dance Education, and Ballet Prestige. 
Jessica Fontaine (Faculty)
has been dancing at Rosemary’s since the age of two and has been teaching for decades! During the day, Jessica works as a substitute teacher and exam proctor at Bristol Agriculture High School. In the past, Jessica was the Director of the Tap program at Fierce Dance Academy in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She has also been an instructor at Renaissance Gymnastics Academy in East Providence, Studio 131 in East Providence, Twinkle Toes Dance Studio in Riverside, Extensions School of Dance in Bristol, and The Ballet Center in Bristol. Jessica has also help direct after school programs for Barrington Middle School, Sowams Elementary School, and Colt Andrews Elementary School. Jessica has also coached competitive cheerleading at St. Mary Academy Bay View in East Providence. Jessica attended Roger Williams University as a Dance Major and completed a Core Concentration in Dance Performance. She is a 2005 graduate of the Dance Teacher Club of Boston (DTCB) Dance Teacher Training Program. Jessica was tested and is certified to teach by the Dance Teachers Club of Boston/American Society and Acrobatic Arts. She is excited to continue to share her love for dance with the students at Rosemary’s School of Dance Education. 
Michaela Ferreira (Faculty/Company Manager)
has been dancing at RSDE since the age of 2. A 2010 graduate of St. Mary Academy Bay View, Michaela was a Bay View Player. She was given the opportunity to participate in the Manhattan at the Bay Cabaret production for 6 years as a dancer and vocalist, as well as many other shows during her time at Bay View. Michaela is also a 2010 graduate of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston Dance Education Course. She is a graduate of Providence College where she majored in Elementary Education and Special Education. She has been on the faculty at RSDE since college and manages all of the RSDE Dance Company administrative needs. We couldn't do it all without her! 
Jane Pelletier (Faculty)
has been dancing at Rosemary’s since she was 10 years old! She danced competitively at RSDE for 7 years. Jane continued her dance education at Roger Williams University earning a B.A. in Dance and Performance Studies. After college, Jane performed with Angie Moon Dance Theatre and Kelley Donovan Dance Company, modern dance companies based in Cambridge, MA and returned to RWU as a guest choreographer in 2012. Jane is a graduate of The Dance Teacher's Club of Boston Dance Teacher Training Program in 2007 and a recipient of the Rosemary H. Medeiros Scholarship for the Performing Arts. After teaching at various studios throughout MA, NY, and VA, Jane is thrilled to be back home at RSDE. When she's not at the studio, you can find Jane with her husband and family- they have three kids and are also foster parents! 
Alyssa Ruest (Faculty/Social Media Coordinator)
has been dancing since the age of three and competitively since the age of thirteen. In 2022 she graduated from Manhattan College with a bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine and a minor in healthcare administration. During her time at Manhattan college she performed with the Manhattan College Dance Team, attending three NDA nationals in Daytona Beach Florida. Alyssa is so excited to be back home teaching at Rosemary’s School of Dance. 
Lauren MacDonald (Faculty/Social Media Coordinator)
has been dancing since the age of eight and competitively since the age of twelve. In the spring of 2024 she will graduate from Roger Williams University (RWU) with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance and Performance Studies. Lauren is still currently studying dance at RWU, where she is a member of the RWU Dance Theatre Company. As a company member she is able to study ballet, modern and contemporary technique. Lauren is so excited to be teaching at Rosemary’s School of Dance. 
Lisa Silvia (Faculty)
has a love for dance that began at age 6. Lisa has been teaching at RSDE since 2014. Prior, she taught ballet, tap, and jazz at Shannon's Studio of Dance. Along with teaching dance, she also has choreographed several theatre productions, including Once on this Island, Oliver Twist, and Oklahoma. Lisa earned her Bachelors Degree in English from Rhode Island College, where her studies also included ballet technique and contemporary classes . Lisa is certified teacher through the Department of Early Education and Care. 
Andraea Dewaele (Faculty)
has been dancing since the age of two, under the tutelage of Rebecca Read, a lifelong student and mentee of Rosemary Hambly. Growing up as a competitive dancer and "convention kid," Andraea was fortunate to study under Frank Hatchett, Debbi Dee, Stephen Boyd, Jo Rowan, Densil Adams, and Gregg Russell. As a graduate of the Dance Teacher's Club of Boston Teaching Training Program, she received the Mary Jane Brown Tap Scholarship as well as the President's Scholarship for overall academic achievement. In 2008, Andraea was a national finalist for Dance America's Young Choreographer Award for her piece entitled "Keys." Andraea considers herself a lifelong student and enjoys furthering her dance education through additional certifications including CLI teacher education programs and Acrobatic Arts trainings. Andraea has taught at several studios across Southern New England and is the previous owner of Platinum Performing Arts (previously AMJ Dance Center), in North Attleboro. As a graduate of Northeastern University, Andraea is the former chief of staff for Fountainhead Ventures, a portfolio of AI-based education, health, and research companies. She was also a former project manager for RAGE Frameworks. Her current role is focused on business development for an English language reading tool--a project that brings great joy to an avid reader. Andraea believes that you really can have it all if you work hard and lead with kindness. She could not be more thrilled to be a member of the RSDE faculty and is looking forward to creating many more memories with our dance family! 
Nicole Shorey (Faculty)
began dancing at the age of five and received her training at New England Dance Academy. Nicole attended numerous training programs such as "Breaking Barriers" with Anthony Burrell who is famously known for choreographing for Beyonce. She also attended a Fall Workshop at Pace University to continue her professional training. Nicole continued her passion of dance and moved to Los Angeles to begin her career in professional dancing. While in LA Nicole danced in music videos, TV shows, and did live performances as a professional back up dancer. Nicole had the opportunity to work with artists such as Connor Street and Nijawwon Matthews. Nicole continues her professional dancing career but as also found a love for dance education. Nicole teaches at several studios in New England. Nicole is always excited to share what she is learning with her students! She is happy to train her students in the multiple styles of dance that she teaches. 
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Recent Faculty Trainings and Certifications:
Icons of Acro Conference presented by Acro Dance Teachers Association (2022):
Ms. Andraea, Ms. Heather K., Ms.Jessica, Ms. Allie & Ms. Jaelyn
YPAD Certifications:
Ms. Bethany, Ms. Regina, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Heather K., Ms. Alissa Surkont, Ms. Allie, Ms. Michaela & Ms. Andraea (Sexual Abuse Awareness, Prevention & Response)
Ms. Michaela & Ms. Heather (Bullying and Conflict Resolution in Youth Dance Environment)
Ms. Michaela & Ms. Heather (Risk Management in Dance)
Ballet Master Class with Ashley Canterna Hardy (2022):
Ms. Allie & Ms. Jane
Hip Hop Convention with John Barrella (2022):
Ms. Heather & Ms. Andraea
CLI Certifications:
Ms. Alissa Surkont, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Heather & Ms. Jane (Strength Injury & Prevention)
Ms. Alissa Surkont, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Andraea, Ms. Heather, Ms. Regina & Ms. Allie (Preschool Dance)
Ms. Andraea, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Jane, Ms. Heather & Ms. Jaelyn (Choreography & Composition)
NFHS Concussion in Sports Certified:
Ms. Michaela & Ms. Heather
Icons of Acro Conference presented by Acro Dance Teachers Association (2022):
Ms. Andraea, Ms. Heather K., Ms.Jessica, Ms. Allie & Ms. Jaelyn
YPAD Certifications:
Ms. Bethany, Ms. Regina, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Heather K., Ms. Alissa Surkont, Ms. Allie, Ms. Michaela & Ms. Andraea (Sexual Abuse Awareness, Prevention & Response)
Ms. Michaela & Ms. Heather (Bullying and Conflict Resolution in Youth Dance Environment)
Ms. Michaela & Ms. Heather (Risk Management in Dance)
Ballet Master Class with Ashley Canterna Hardy (2022):
Ms. Allie & Ms. Jane
Hip Hop Convention with John Barrella (2022):
Ms. Heather & Ms. Andraea
CLI Certifications:
Ms. Alissa Surkont, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Heather & Ms. Jane (Strength Injury & Prevention)
Ms. Alissa Surkont, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Andraea, Ms. Heather, Ms. Regina & Ms. Allie (Preschool Dance)
Ms. Andraea, Ms. Lisa, Ms. Jane, Ms. Heather & Ms. Jaelyn (Choreography & Composition)
NFHS Concussion in Sports Certified:
Ms. Michaela & Ms. Heather
Guest Faculty includes: Al Blackstone, Katie Drablos, Ryan Kelly, Kym Hambly, Jaelyn Blair, and Talia Laurito