Kristie Schillaci is the founder and director of The Floor Dance Company. She began her dance training in Oneida, NY under the direction of Sandie Fukes and Wende Warne at the United Academy of the Performing Arts. She received her ballet training from Ms. Delia Foley, under the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) standards for Ballet. Ms. Schillaci graduated from SUNY Brockport in 2003 where she studied dance and theater. She began her teaching career at Nazareth Academy, where she was a Dance Educator for grades Pre-K – 12 and the Artistic Director and Choreographer for the Nazareth Academy Theater program. In 2010, she shifted her career to The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, where she currently teaches dance curriculum to students in grades 6-12, and is the Director of The Aquinas Dance Company for both Middle School and High School students.

Ms. Schillaci is proud to work alongside the owners of Adrian Jules Custom Clothing as their volunteer coordinator / choreographer for their runway shows for Fashion Week of Rochester. She prides herself on staying involved in the community by supporting and collaborating with incredible local organizations such as The Center for Youth and Endless Highway.

Jenna Dettorre was born and raised in Rochester, NY where she trained at Performance Plus Dance since the age of two. After graduating, Jenna went on to dance for 4 years at the Pennsylvania State University. She was part of the 3x national champion dance team, the Penn State Lionettes, where she served as the game day captain her Junior and Senior year. Jenna choreographed routines during her time at Penn State that the team performed at basketball and football games, as well as the pom tryout routine her Senior year. She also worked at Cheer & Dance Athletics Rochester in 2021 holding technique & combo classes after graduating at Penn State, and has guest taught at other Rochester studios. Jenna is trained in most styles of dance. Her favorite style is contemporary because she has the ability to tell a story through movement and choreography. With her experience from college dance, Jenna comes with a unique perspective and skill set of both studio & college dance. Aside from teaching dance, Jenna went to Penn State for early childhood & elementary education and is currently a 1st grade teacher. Something that has become increasingly important to Jenna is making sure her dancers grow in the studio, but also as people. She is eager to connect with young dancers and support them on their dance journey and beyond.

Katie Houle was born and raised in Fairport, NY. She began her dance training at the age of three at various studios in Rochester, and spent her (4) high school years studying with The Floor Dance Company. She has won many specialty awards for her academics and leadership skills.  She is currently studying Pre-law Legal Studies and Dance at The University at Buffalo, where she is a part of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Fraternity. She is very excited to continue her journey as an FDC Alumni, and share her love of dance and knowledge with students at The Floor.

Marlena Roberts was born in Baltimore, Maryland where she began dancing at the age of 3. She attended Baltimore School for the Arts to begin her formal ballet and modern training and recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a BFA in Dance in May 2024. During her time at both schools, Marlena had the privilege of training under distinguished choreographers and instructors, including Thang Dao, Hayley Meier, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Barry Hughson, and Christopher Compton. Marlena has performed many notable works such as “Waltz Girl” in George Balanchine’s “Serenade”, and Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain.” Marlena has also attended numerous summer and winter intensives including BalletX, Philadelphia Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Carolina Ballet and Washington Ballet. She is eager and excited to begin her professional career at Rochester City Ballet for their 2024/2025 season, and join the FDC team.

Andrea Rockefeller grew up in Webster, NY where she trained and danced competitively. She attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a Minor in dance. While in Columbus, Andrea danced with Xclaim Dance Company, participating in student outreach programs, inspiring children in diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds through dance. Andrea has Masters degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling and has spent the last 8 years working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Andrea is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of NY and a Cofounder of Peace Project Mental Health Counseling, providing therapy for children through young adults. Andrea has over 10 years of experience teaching and choreographing for dance studios and is a certified Rhythm Works dance instructor, bringing her passions together and allowing her to adequately train dancers with specialized needs.

Ellie Sapienza (assistant to the director), was born and raised in Rochester, NY where she received her dance training at The Floor Dance Company and Danc’letics of Rochester. She is currently attending Nazareth University where she is studying business leadership and dance studies. She has had the opportunity to be involved in Nazareth’s dance ensembles and concerts. She was a part of the Dance Company with Kristie Schillaci at The Aquinas Institute of Rochester where she choreographed her first piece. She also trained with the Radio City Rockettes and has performed in Walt Disney World. Ellie is excited to be a part of The Floor Dance Company and give back to her community.

Savannah Sexton was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. There, she grew up studying and teaching dance for the past 25 years at Just Off Broadway. She also trained with various Ballet companies and traveled to NYC, NY and Los Angeles, CA to train in Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Taught in the style of Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acro/Tumbling, Tap, Contemporary and Hip Hop, Savannah loves to use her technical training and versatility while choreographing. She enjoys the art of storytelling through dance and music. Savannah has won many Specialty Awards, First Overalls, and National Championships with her choreography and teaching skills. She went to the University of Cincinnati for college and was a proud member of The UC Dance Team in 2010-2013. The team won Silver and Bronze medals at the National Dance Association championship in the style of Pom and Hip Hop. One of Savannah’s biggest accomplishments during that time was representing the United States of America at the ICU Worlds Championship, winning USA two Gold medals in the style of, both, Hip Hop and Pom. Since college, Savannah has continued to keep up with her dance studies through numerous studios in California, as well as teaching, choreographing and performing in Cincinnati. She has worked with many artists in the industry, including Bootsy Collins. In addition, Savannah is known for her fun and upbeat skills as a DJ. She currently works for Encore Events in Rochester, NY and enjoys sharing her passion for music, DJing several events and weddings. Savannah is excited to share her expertise and joy for entertainment. 

Teresa Uhl began her dance career under the direction of Tawn Lombardo at Tawn Marie’s Dance Center in Liverpool, NY where she was a member of the competition team for over 10 years. She was previously a member of the American Tap Company, and has had the opportunity to perform at Disney Springs with Tawn Marie’s on multiple occasions. During her time at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Teresa was a choreographer for the Vis Viva Dance Company and held the positions of Company Choreography Coordinator and President of the company respectively. She also had the pleasure of choreographing and performing in RIT Performing Art’s production of Astrodance II, under the direction of Rochester native Thomas Warfield.

Morgan Vandemark, originally from Syracuse, NY, started her training at a young age in all genres of dance. After performing competitively at The Movement Box Dance Studio for over 10 years, she moved to Rochester, NY to begin her formal dance education at Nazareth University. She recently graduated in May 2024 with a B.S in Dance Studies, along with minors in Biology and Environmental Science. She performed on the Nazareth Dance Team for 4 years, dancing at basketball games, competing at UDA regionals, and nationals in Walt Disney World. In addition, she had the opportunity to choreograph each year for the team’s end of the year showcase in many styles including: Hip-Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, and Tap. She was also able to choreograph and perform in dance ensembles and concerts held by Nazareth University. Throughout her time at college, she was fortunate enough to learn and take class from professionals in the Limón Dance Company as well as Boston Dance Theatre. She is very thankful for her time at Nazareth where she discovered a lot about herself through mind-body connectivity, as well as her passion for teaching. She is very excited to use her personal knowledge and platform to inspire and instill a love of dance in children.

Olivia Beach is a graduate of the University of Tampa, FL. She received her dance training in Rochester, NY at Performance Plus. She was a dancer with the Aquinas Institute Dance Company under the direction of Ms. Kristie Schillaci, where she also served as the Vice President for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Olivia was selected to travel with Revel Dance Convention where she assisted their faculty in various regional cities in 2019-2020. At the University of Tampa, she is currently the Choreographer for the UT Hip Hip team, as well as a former captain for the Spartan Scarlets. She led both teams to Regional and National Competitions. Along side of her dance involvement, she is studying Exercise Physiology at UT. In the future, she plans to use her degree to teach Injury Prevention for dancers. With her passions for choreography and injury prevention, she hopes to open her own studio in the future. Olivia enjoys choreographing for studios in both Rochester and Tampa. She has created Title winning solos and group dances. She enjoys helping young dancers grow and pushing them to become well rounded dancers in the industry and an asset in their community. 

Teddy Coffey grew up in Rochester, NY where he began dancing at the age of eight training underneath his aunt; Cindy Post. At the age of 19 he appeared on season 11 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” making it to the top 14. After the season wrapped, he then did his first ever 77 city tour across the US and Canada with the hit show, which allowed him to save up enough money to make the big move to Los Angeles, CA. Teddy has now been working in the industry for a decade sharing stages and being on set with some major artists and celebrities. Teddy’s credits include: Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, The Backstreet Boys, Sabrina Carpenter, Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy, Coldplay, Florida Georgia Line and more. He has toured the world and can be seen on many award shows, tv shows and music videos. Teddy also releases his own music on all streaming platforms and itunes. Teddy’s unique style is a fusion that brings elements of hip hop and jazz funk together. Teddy is more interested in a dancer’s passion and soul than perfect technique. The main hope is that students have fun and enjoy themselves in his class and that they dance fearlessly.

Madison Lynch is a professional dancer, award winning choreographer, actor, designer, philanthropist and a graduate of CalArts, currently located in NYC. Although her work is primarily based in New York, she is a bi-coastal artist, and continues to book commercial jobs with Movement Talent Agency in Los Angeles, California. Madison has most recently worked for commercial clients such as Calvin Klein, NIO Electric Vehicles, and Airheads Candy. She has also worked as a stunt double with her acrobatic training and as a model for photographers across the country. Her dance resume includes work by Wayne MacGregor, Merce Cunningham, Peter Chu, Nina Flagg, Spenser Theberge and is currently training with Stacey Tookey. Madison has won several national titles and has even been spotted on So You Think You Can Dance. Madison enjoys teaching and choreographing at various studios and dance conventions nationwide, and recently began judging for competitions. In her freetime, she’s working to develop a fashion brand of her own, and a short-term goal to showcase her line in New York Fashion week. She is also a philanthropist, working towards de-stigmatizing mental health and suicide prevention in association with AFSP, and Bend Not Break Foundation. Madison launched national campaigns titled #dancersforsuicidepreventioin and #artistsforsuicideprevention which can be found on various social media platforms. She strives to break the barrier between non-artist and artist, by making dance and performance translatable to all.

Solange Rodrigues is a graduate of SUNY Purchase College, Class of 2020, with a BFA in dance, and a Concentration in Composition.  Born and raised in Rochester, NY, she trained at Little Red Dance Studio for 14 years, training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and musical theater.  At Purchase, she performed in several works and choreographed pieces within the Conservatory of Dance, and the Conservatory of Theater Arts, while also directing the school’s hip hop club “Sabotage”. For the past 3 years, she has taught at various schools and studios throughout the city of Rochester, while choreographing and dancing for Frazee Feet Dance under the direction of Zachary Frazee, BioDance under the direction of Missy Pfohl Smith, and was a guest artist for The Pocketfuel Groovers, directed by Nick Alselmo based in Brooklyn, NY.  For the 2022/23 academic year, she choreographed Byron-Bergen High School’s production of Hairspray, The Musical.  After completing the musical, she moved to Brooklyn, NY to dance more closely with the Pocket Fuel Groovers, as well as pursue choreography and performance.

Sarah Schiffhauer is originally from Rochester, New York, where she began her training at the Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education under the direction of Jamey Leverett at the age of three. As a student, she performed in numerous productions of The Nutcracker and Cinderella with the Draper Center’s affiliated company, Rochester City Ballet (RCB). Schiffhauer graduated from the RCB’s professional training program in 2021. That same year, she earned 2nd place in the senior contemporary category and placed in the top 12 for senior classical at Youth America Grand Prix, as well as 10th place Outstanding Dancer senior solo category at the New York City Dance Alliance National Finals. She has attended summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago, Ballet West, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the University of Utah. Following her graduation from RCB, she relocated to Salt Lake City to pursue a BFA in Ballet with a Teaching Emphasis and a Ballet Studio Teaching Certificate at the University of Utah, graduating in May 2025. During her time at the University, Schiffhauer had the pleasure of working with esteemed choreographers while performing lead roles in works by Penny Saunders (Sur Le Fil), Rena Butler (Off Shore), Trey McIntyre (Gossamer), Michele Gifford, a répétiteur with the George Balanchine Trust (Serenade), and Cherylyn Lavanino (Mythologies). For the 2025-2026 season, Schiffhauer will be dancing as a company member with the NorthWest Arkansas Ballet Theatre and teaching at local studios. She is super excited to be in her hometown this summer and sharing her love for dance while teaching at The Floor Dance Company.

Miranda Spada received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from the University at Buffalo under the direction of Tom Ralabate. There she was a member of the prestigious Zodiaque Dance Company where she was able to work with numerous choreographers. She was honored with being named Director of Dancers Workshop for two years. After graduation, Miranda stayed in the Buffalo area where teaching opportunities opened and she found her passion. She is currently the Competition Director at Tonawanda Dance Arts and also directs and runs her own Mentorship Program called L.E.A.D. This program facilitates the growth of individuals who are looking to enhance their training and work towards pursuing a possible career in dance. She enjoys giving her students opportunities in and out of New York that enhance their dance journeys.

She is involved with the More Than Just Great Dancing Organization under Misty Lown and is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Levels 1 and 2 and will be receiving her Progressing Contemporary Technique Certification this summer. She is also certified in Modules 1 and 2 of Alixa Flexibility. She will be receiving her certification in Module 3 this summer. She is also a Mental Wellness Certified Dance Adjudicator. Training under Larraine Susa, she continues to go back to her roots in PA to provide dance education as well as guest classes and choreography all over! As Somerset County and then Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Young Woman for 2008, she was provided many opportunities to share her love of dance. Miranda is an adjudicator with many organizations within the Industry including IMPACT Dance Adjudicators, Eleve Dance Competition where she also helps run the Ambassador Program, Beyond The Stars, Breakout, AMP, Guidance Dance Experience and American Dance Awards. She loves being able to pass on her education and passion to the next generation.

Katy (Talon) Sposato was born and raised in Southern California and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Chapman University in Orange County. She spent the majority of her performance career at the “Happiest Place on Earth,” appearing in Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular and Mickey and the Magical Map union stage productions. Katy’s theatrical credits also include The Producers, Circus of Wonders, D23 Expo with Jordan Fisher, and various industrial shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Now residing in Rochester, Katy has reconnected her love for dance through The Floor Dance Company—made even more special as her daughter begins her own dance journey. Katy is honored to share her experience with these amazing dancers.