MEET THE STAFF

Danielle Guinta is the owner/director of Legworks Dance Studio in Mastic, NY. After growing up as a student at Legworks herself, she moved to Manhattan and attended Broadway Center for several years studying with Tracie Stanfield, Sheila Barker, Frank Hatchett, Kat Wildish, Natalya Stavro, Mike Minery. Ms. Guinta performed with Vissi Dance Theatre, Hollie Harpers American Candy, in honor of Ann Reinking at the Élan Awards, for Synthesis Dance Company, and at Madison Square Garden for the NY Knicks.  Although she loved perform, teaching & choreography were her true passions. She held a teaching position at Broadway Dance Center for the Children's Program, worked at ADA in Pleasantville, NY & taught dance in Bellmore, NY as well. Danielle started to be heavily recognized for her competition choreography and was given a dance  judge position in 2013. She now judges for 4 different companies traveling nationally with Showbiz, In10sity, Mark of Excellence, and Inferno Dance Competitions. Danielle is the competition director at Legworks. She has had much success preparing her dancers for a career on Broadway like her former students Tony award winner Trent Kowalik for his Role as "Billy" in Billy Elliot and Makenzi Fischbach a former Legworks alumni. Danielle's work can be seen at Onstage Virginia nationals "The Greatest Show" in 2018, "Father Figure" 2021 Starpower Nationals Ocean City Senior division Champs. 

Addie Guinta is the owner of Legworks alongside her daughter Danielle. Addie studied dance at Legworks for many years before taking it over. She is a Dance Educators of America certifed instructor and teachers Creative Movement, Combo 1 & 2 classes, and tap classes for children through adults. Also known as “Miss Addie” to her dancers, she is kind and gentle in nature but also has the best sense of humor! Addie is the glue that holds Legworks together, our heart and soul, and our biggest cheerleader.

Cassandra Stanek is an approachable, committed, and well-rounded dancer, instructor, and choreographer based in Long Island, New York. In her earlier days, Cassandra found a love for performing through her years as a competitive dancer at Legworks Dance Studio. Cassandra began her teaching career at the young age of 18 and quickly realized that dance education was a passion. Fast forward to her 25th year with Legworks Dance Studio, Cassandra is now Assistant Manager and a full time instructor. Cassandra devotes herself to educating children and adults in dance technique, self-esteem, public speaking, leadership, social skills, as well as encouraging and training children interested in heading towards a more professional track in the arts.

Cassandra is highly educated and cultured in an abundance of diverse aspects of the performing arts. Cassandra has completed her Associate in Arts degree as well as her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying professional etiquette and skills, dance technique, acting, voice, lighting and set design, and even costume design. Cassandra has experience in Laban Movement Analysis, Kinesiology for dancers, and technique in a wide range of nine performing genres. Cassandra has also had the honor and opportunity to study and train with many artistic minds in the industry such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Pilobolus, and Broadway Dance Center.

Cassandra has danced in various performances in Manhattan, New York and has toured theaters such as Symphony Space in New York City, The Kaye Playhouse, and the Patchogue Theatre on Long Island. Cassandra has not only performed with dance companies such as Praevado Dance Collective in NYC, she has also performed locally with bands such as Amber Ferrari. Cassandra has also been featured on television in TV commercials for Stems4U Flower Delivery Service, as well as a faith based TV show called Wholly Broken, that filmed in Hampton Bays, New York and aired in 2018.

Cassandra’s philosophy is to consistently chase what sparks a fire within your soul, to never fear failure, and to focus on what matters most; it is an honor to create art. Cassandra aims to live a life of a never ending artistic journey and hopes to continue inspiring others nourishing their creative minds.

Keri DeMelfi has been growing up with Legworks as a second home since she was 4 years old. She was part of Legworks’ first ever competition team and has been a teacher here for the past 13 years, mainly focusing on her two favorites, Tap and Jazz. 

She currently works with the competition team and has earned several awards at competitions, including choreography awards and national titles.  

Her favorite part about teaching is connecting with the students, creating bonds that last for years and watching the kids grow from tiny dancers, to graduating seniors. 

Ryan Pauzé graduated from Dean College with an BA in dance concentrated in performance and choreography. Ryan started his training at Legworks Dance Studio and continued to choreograph and educate shortly after becoming a Legworks alumni. Shortly after graduating he continued his studies through college and various different dance workshops throughout the east coast. Currently Ryan tours with In10sity Dance Competition as their backstage manager and also directs multiple events throughout the year for Fortitude Dance Productions located in NYC who holds various intensives, masterclasses and showcases as well. Recently he has taught and choreographed award winning pieces that have performed in many shows and competitions throughout the east coast along with teaching as well. Ryan specializes in contemporary, lyrical and jazz but also teaches and studies many other genres as well.

Originally from Simi Valley, California, Caitlin has trained in many styles of dance including: Jazz, contemporary, Lyrical, Musical theater, Tap, Hip hop, heels, and Ballet.  She Graduated Santa Susana High School with Certification in Dance with honors, triple lettered, and was also named Outstanding senior in the dance program. After Graduating she was fortunate enough to be able to pursue her dreams as a professional dancer and move to LA. Where she assisted well known choreographers such as Jojo Gomez, Andre Fuentes, Shirlene Quigley, and Jersey Maniscalco. As well as worked on a national wide commercial for Toyota; promos for forever 21, vibrant MUA, and coco Cooper denim; and several Live performances and events including performing at the dolby theatre in Los Angeles. Caitlin is currently apart of the queendom crew, created by a current dancer for Lizzo, Shirlene Quigley. Caitlin has taught on the KAR Convention as well as on the Royal Caribbean Bahama cruise ship “ Empire Dance Experience”. She also has choreographed all over the the US. Caitlin is now located in NYC represented  by LDC artist rep trying to pursue her dreams in Broadway. Caitlin loves to share her passion and knowledge with her students and she is so happy to be a part of the legworks family!

Grace Hilarides started her dance career in Battle Creek, Michigan where she danced competitively from the ages of 6-17. To expand her dance education Grace attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 2018 with a BFA in Dance. Currently, Grace is living in New York City where she dances professionally; working under the names such as Cat Cogliandro, Hayden Frederick, Steven Blandino, and Moriah Markowitz. Best of all, Grace is fortunate to be able to travel the U.S teaching and choreographing for different studios, Showbiz National Talent, and The Next Step. Grace can't wait to be inspired and create space for every dancer!

Emmalee started dancing at Legworks at age 2 and joined the competition team at age 8-19. She became an assistant at age 14 and I fell in love with teaching. After several years with her mentors at Legworks, she graduated to a teacher at age 19. Emmalee received a certificate of completion at Broadway Dance Center of NYC summer program in 2019. She graduated with an Associate degree in fitness and became a certified personal trainer in 2021. Emma is currently finishing her last year of school to become a physical therapist assistant and teaching toddler classes, lyrical, and jazz/hip hop at Legworks. She is patient, warm, soft spoken and such a good mentor for our dances here at Legworks! 
 

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