Ashley has been dancing for over twenty years with a focus on ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, hip-hop, musical theatre, and acrobatics/gymnastics.
Ashley has been dancing for over twenty years with a focus on ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, hip-hop, musical theatre, and acrobatics/gymnastics. She has trained with the Moscow Ballet, danced at the Minskoff Theatre (home of the Lion King), and participated in Disney Dance the Magic. A graduate from Montclair State University with her Masters in Social Work, Ashley also works at a local public school as a child therapist. She has worked with various age groups beginning at 15 months through adults. As an accomplished dancer combined with her extensive experience as a child therapist, Ashley will be providing our dancers with not her knowledge of technique and love of dance, but will provide your child with the tools and skills to increase confidence, social and communication skills, as well as improve self-esteem and overall attentiveness in your child!
Miss Ligia started her ballet studies at the age of 5 at the Nadejda Dance Academy in Moscow, Russia.
Starting her ballet studies at the age of 5, at the “Nadejda” dance academy, in Moscow, Russia. Graduated by the Maria Olenewa State Dance School ( Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and also graduated by the dance degree course at the Cândido Mendes (Rio de janeiro, Brazil) college and being a member of the dance company as a contemporary ballerina at the Universidad college with the choreographer and rehearsal director Marise Reis.
A professional dancer on ballet, contemporary, modern dance, tango, bolero, soltinho, rock, zouk, salsa, samba, forró, rumba, etc.
Finished the Professional Student Program from José Limón School in New York in 2016 and performed as guest for 1 year.
Dance Teacher and choreographer ( including ballet, contemporary, modern, lyrical and floor stretching/workout specially for dancers) for the last 11 years.
My passion is dancing, singing and little bit of acting too but will like to learn more about it
MT-BC is a Board Certified Music Therapist. She is passionate about using the healing power of music to empower, encourage, and empathize with others.
MT-BC is a Board Certified Music Therapist. She is passionate about using the healing power of music to empower, encourage, and empathize with others. Gabby graduated summa cum laude from Montclair State University. She is a vocalist who plays piano, guitar, and ukulele. Gabby is also a worship leader at Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center. She completed her six month clinical internship at VITAS Healthcare in Broward, FL working with hospice patients and families. She currently works part time at The Children’s Hospital at St. Peter’s University Hospital, Summit Oaks Hospital with inpatient psychiatric & substance abuse patients, and The Children’s Aid & Family Services with young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Gaby Gucciardo is a current junior at Felician University studying Special Elementary Education, Sociology, and Psychology. She has had prior experience working with children on the Autism spectrum as well as children with ADD/ADHD on social, behavioral, and cognitive skills. She is excited to be working at Gia Dance Studio and to help these amazing children hone in on their social skills.
Gaby Gucciardo is a current junior at Felician University studying Special Elementary Education, Sociology, and Psychology. She has had prior experience working with children on the Autism spectrum as well as children with ADD/ADHD on social, behavioral, and cognitive skills. She is excited to be working at Gia Dance Studio and to help these amazing children hone in on their social skills.
Come join Ms. Gaby every Monday at 4:15 with your child on a fun and new course on social skills! Open to all children with disabilities ages 6-8 where we will do some fun activities to help your little one with social skills! (Some examples are role playing games, story telling, and communication games).
*CAPPING THIS COURSE AT 7 CHILDREN*
Sue Covello Turso has been a dancer for most of her life. She started at the age of four and has been both an assistant and dance instructor from the age of 16. A former DWA student and teacher with years of experience instructing kids of all ages, Sue recently restarted her dance journey and continues to take advanced tap classes in Montclair. She is passionate about tap dancing and teaching.
Sue Covello Turso has been a dancer for most of her life. She started at the age of four and has been both an assistant and dance instructor from the age of 16. A former DWA student and teacher with years of experience instructing kids of all ages, Sue recently restarted her dance journey and continues to take advanced tap classes in Montclair. She is passionate about tap dancing and teaching.
Sue grew up in Nutley where she attended Lincoln school, JHWMS, and Nutley High School, and later graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. After living in Warren County for a while, she moved back to her hometown of Nutley where she has lived for the past 18 years raising her daughter, Zoey Covello McClain, and her son, Dean Covello Turso, with her husband, Michael Turso.
In her spare time, Sue loves to practice yoga, tap dance, read fiction, and watch Dateline. She looks forward to beginning her dance journey with Gia Dance Studio this fall.
She has instructed groups as small as 5 people, and as large as 50 people at a time, for numerous educational programs, art workshops, paint nights, and craft events for over 10 years.
For over a decade, Mèlisa Auguste, Founder and lead artist of Mae’s Art LLC, has not only transformed herself. She has instructed groups as small as 5 people, and as large as 50 people at a time, for numerous educational programs, art workshops, paint nights, and craft events for over 10 years. She has worked with many clients and partnered with companies. Her patience, professionalism, attention to detail, and love for art ensures that you are in great hands.
A Haitian American Artist Specialized in Abstract Art. Including Art Instructor, Mural Design Clothing, Recycled Art, Body Painting, Wood Crafting, Object and Canvas. Mae’s Art is Abstract expressionism. With bright and vibrant enrich colors.
Miss Lexi Utter grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, dancing at local studios. She has trained in many styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. From age 7 through 15 she danced competitively, both as a team member and soloist.
Miss Lexi Utter grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, dancing at local studios. She has trained in many styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. From age 7 through 15 she danced competitively, both as a team member and soloist.
Throughout her high school career,she was a part of pre-professional dance companies such as Koin and Co Dancers and Kinections Dance Group. She is currently a senior at Montclair State University, set to earn her BFA in Dance Performance in May of 2025.
In addition to this, she has attended summer intensives, studying under Doug Varone and Dancers and American Dance Festival.
Naomi’s role in GIA Dance Studio is as Marketing VP. Bringing fun and forward thinking ideas to the table, promoting on social media and attending events all over NJ.
Originally from New York but traveling most her life Naomi participated in the arts in every new school she attended. Through life’s many twists and turns the arts were the only place Naomi felt she could really express herself.
Naomi’s role in GIA Dance Studio is as Marketing VP. Bringing fun and forward thinking ideas to the table, promoting on social media and attending events all over NJ.
A clarinetist, an actor, an educator, these are all careers Naomi explored trying to find her passion. She realized inspiring people in how to market themselves the way she was in arts programs is what she wants to achieve. Through marketing, strategy and event planning Naomi is trying to change the way people see themselves.
Everyone deserves to be seen and feel seen. To be a part of a community that offers support, safety and positivity. Naomi cannot wait to share her innovative and imaginative perspective.
Committed to encouraging all dancers to strive for excellence and enjoy the journey along the way