Ms. Marissa has served thousands of families in Westchester County for 20 years.  She attended Manhattanville College where she received a performing arts scholarship and earned a degree in Psychology and Dance.  After graduating college, Marissa taught for over 30 dance schools in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York before opening her own at the young age of 23. Her choreography has earned her prestigious awards from NRG Dance Project, American Dance Awards, Revolution Talent Competition, and Nexstar Dance Competition. Her students at BGDC have gone on to dance in college programs and professionally across the country.  Marissa’s leadership and savvy business mindset have led BGDC to win the Best of Westchester: Best Dance Studio, Best Party Place, and Best Business 
Person awards.  BGDC was most recently awarded Best Dance Studio in 2024.

Ms. Laurel has been an integral part of BGDC since 2014, serving as an instructor and leadership team member. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Dance with a minor in Psychology and a specialization in Dance Therapy from Manhattanville College, as well as a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Baruch College. Laurel oversees BGDC’s day-to-day operations, family communications, programming & events, and recital planning. She is passionate about creating organized, supportive systems that enhance the experience of every BGDC dancer and family.

Ms. Bailey has been with BGDC since 2017 and serves as our Intensive Program Director and Acro Program Lead. She oversees all aspects of the Intensive Program, including competitions, costumes, rehearsals, and student progress. With a background in competitive dance and high-level gymnastics, Bailey brings extensive expertise in dance technique and acrobatics. She is passionate about helping dancers build the confidence, discipline, and work ethic they need to succeed in the classroom and onstage.

Ms. Christina has been part of the BGDC team since 2017 and serves as our Merchandise & Social Media Manager and a senior instructor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Dance with a specialization in Dance Therapy from Manhattanville College.  She teaches students in our Spin & Sparkle, Beautiful Beginnings, Core, and Intensive Programs. Behind the scenes, Christina manages dancewear and shoe fittings, creates social media content, and coordinates more than 1,000 recital costumes & hundreds of Spin & Sparkle costumes each season. Her creativity, versatility, and care help make every dancer’s BGDC experience special.

Miss Sofia is our Marketing Manager and this is her 6th season at BGDC.  Sofia is from Westchester, NY, where she has been dancing since the age of 3.  Sofia is an alumna of BGDC. During her time at BGDC, she was on the Senior Dance Team coached by Ms Stephanie! She graduated from Sacred Heart University majoring in Digital Marketing, Advertising and PR.  She also holds down the fort in the office on Saturdays!  Miss Sofia is our full-circle story and we are thrilled to have her on the team!

Ms Luiza is our Accounts Manager and has been with BGDC since 2021!  As Accounts Manager, she takes care of registrations and tuition payments.  When she's not in the office, you can catch her teaching our Early Childhood and Core Program classes.  Luiza has an M.F.A in Performance and Choreography from SUNY The College at Brockport, NY, and graduated from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS (Brazil) with a degree in Dance Education.

Mr. Andrew is our Assistant Intensive Director and a senior Intensive Program instructor. He holds a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Choreography and a minor in Business Administration from Marymount Manhattan College. Trained in a wide range of styles, Andrew has toured nationally with NRG Dance Project and assisted leading industry choreographers. He is also a sought-after guest teacher and choreographer who has worked with studios and college dance programs nationwide, as well as served as a competition judge and regional director. Andrew brings extensive industry experience, creativity, and mentorship to our Intensive Program.

Miss Lexie is a senior BGDC instructor who teaches Hip Hop in our Core and Intensive Programs. Originally from Long Island, she trained and competed in a variety of dance styles before becoming an instructor and dance team coach at both the high school and collegiate levels. Lexie continued her professional training through Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester and performed with AbstraKT BEINGS: The Company. Her professional credits include America’s Got Talent and Good Morning America. Lexie brings valuable industry experience, energy, and a strong understanding of performance to her students.

Miss Rachele is a senior BGDC instructor who teaches in our Core and Intensive Programs. She received her foundational training at Boston Ballet School and graduated cum laude from Fordham University with a BFA in Dance through The Ailey School. She performs professionally with New Chamber Ballet and is a regular guest dancer in Nutcracker performances during the holidays. With international training in ballet, contemporary ballet, modern, and improvisation, Rachele brings extensive technical knowledge, professional experience, and a passion for supporting every student’s growth.

Ms. Marissa has been a valued BGDC instructor since 2022 and teaches in our Spin & Sparkle, Early Childhood, and Core Programs. A Westchester native, she discovered her passion for hip hop and jazz through New Rochelle High School’s PAVE program, where she also captained the dance team. Marissa holds a master’s degree in Education from the University at Albany and has extensive experience teaching dance to children of all ages in both studio and school settings. Her background in education helps her create an engaging, supportive environment where every dancer can thrive.

Ms Vanya is entering her fourth year at BGDC and brings extensive experience as a professional gymnast, dancer, and coach. She trained in Bulgaria as a member of the national acrobatic gymnastics team and became a National and World Champion. Vanya later performed professionally in live productions, concerts, television, music videos, and tours. A certified USA Gymnastics coach with more than 15 years of experience, she uses her own specialized training methods to help dancers build strength, technique, confidence, and body awareness.

Ms. Nina is entering her third year at BGDC and brings extensive professional performance and teaching experience to her students. She trained on scholarship at Ballet Hispánico and the Joffrey Ballet School, where she earned a BFA in Dance Performance. Nina has performed with renowned choreographers and companies in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance, both nationally and internationally. She currently teaches with the international company FINI Dance and performs as one of its principal dancers.

Miss Camille is joining BGDC for her second year and brings a strong background in commercial dance, performance, and choreography. Originally from Canada, she earned her BFA in Commercial Dance with a concentration in Choreography and a minor in Business Arts and Entertainment Management from Pace University. Camille is represented by Clear Talent Group in New York and Los Angeles and teaches and choreographs throughout the United States and Canada. Most recently, her choreography was recognized as a finalist at the 2025 ACE Awards.

Miss Madison is entering her second year at BGDC and brings a strong foundation in dance, teaching, and performance. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Business and is certified to teach the Franklin Method and Pilates Mat. Madison earned a gold medal while representing the United States at the 2019 World Tap Championships and recently completed her first professional performance contract with Walt Disney World. Her inspiring teaching style and valuable technical knowledge help students feel motivated, supported, and excited to grow.

Miss Charlotte is joining BGDC for her second year!  Charlotte graduated from The University of Alabama earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Dance and Communication Studies. During her time at UA she was also a member of the nationally recognized Alabama Dance Team, competing at UDA Nationals and performing at SEC events.  Her professional experience includes performing as a Main Stage Dancer aboard Celebrity Cruises,  judging dance competitions, working with high school dance teams, and choreographing competitive routines.  Passionate about both performance and mentorship, Charlotte is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers while continuing to pursue professional performance opportunities and is excited for the next chapter at BGDC.

Miss Georgia is a veteran BGDC instructor who teaches our Intensive Program students. She holds a BFA in Dance with a focus in Ballet Pedagogy and a master’s degree in Dance Education from NYU. An ABT® Certified and Affiliated Teacher, she has taught at prestigious institutions including American Ballet Theatre and the School of American Ballet. Georgia has prepared dancers for acceptance into top programs such as Juilliard, SAB, JKO, and NYU Tisch, and brings extensive expertise in ballet technique, conditioning, and choreography to her students.

Miss Lexi is joining BGDC for her second year at BGDC. She earned her BFA in Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and has trained nationwide with leading industry professionals. Since graduating, Lexi has performed professionally as a dancer, singer, and aerialist with Norwegian Cruise Line. Her versatile training and professional experience bring energy and valuable industry insight to her students.

This is Miss Claire's second year with BGDC! Claire was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 11, Claire began spending her summers training in NYC with Bolshoi Ballet, Joffrey, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and The Rockettes. At the age of 16, she graduated High School and moved to NYC to start auditioning and working at the professional level. She has been honored to appear on television shows such as Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, City on Fire, and at various gigs around NYC and the Tri-State Area. Claire is beyond thrilled to be joining the staff at BGDC, and is dedicated to magnifying the love her students have for the art of dance. 

This is Mr Jesse's first year with BGDC! Jesse Berry began dancing at age three and quickly discovered his passion for tap. He spent seven years as a principal dancer with Austin’s professional Tapestry Dance Company, including two years as dance captain. Jesse has performed and taught across the U.S. and internationally, sharing his musical approach to tap through conventions, competitions, and festivals. He is passionate about inspiring young dancers to explore their creativity and carry forward the rich legacy of tap.

This is Miss Brooklynn's first year at BGDC! Brooklynn DeRoeck, originally from Pinckney, Michigan, has trained extensively in hip hop,
contemporary, jazz, ballet, and modern. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial
Dance from the Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University in May 2025, where she
built a strong foundation in commercial dance and performance.  Brooklynn continues to pursue opportunities in both performance and dance education, sharing her passion for movement while hoping to inspire the next generation of artists.

This is Miss Emma's second season at BGDC! She earned her BFA in Dance & Communications from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she captained the Wisconsin Dance Team. Emma has performed nationally and internationally and has taught dancers of all ages and levels. Her choreography has received standout and overall awards at competitions nationwide. She is passionate about helping students grow in confidence, artistry, and their love of dance.

This is Miss Cierra's first year at BGDC! She brings a strong background in dance technique, artistry, and performance. She earned her BFA in Dance with a minor in Psychology from Point Park University, where she performed works by several renowned choreographers. Her professional credits include performing alongside Grammy Award–winning artist Toni Braxton at the Prudential Center and appearing at prominent New York City dance events with Brickhouse NYC. Cierra is represented by Go2Talent in Los Angeles and brings current industry experience, versatility, and creative energy to her students.