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MEET THE STAFF
Danielle Guinta
Director and Dance Specialist
Danielle Guinta is the passionate owner and director of Legworks Dance Studio in Mastic, NY. After honing her craft as a student at Legworks, she furthered her training at Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan under renowned instructors. With a rich performance background, including appearances at Madison Square Garden and the Élan Awards, Danielle discovered her true calling in teaching and choreography. Recognized for her exceptional competition choreography, she has been a sought after as a judge traveling nationally since 2013, with prestigious companies like Showbiz, Primetime, In10sity, Fierce Talent, Star Talent, Inferno, and Mark of Excellence.
Addie Guinta
Co-Owner - Retiree
Congratulations to Addie Guinta, the heart and soul of Legworks, on her upcoming retirement in 2025! Known affectionately as "Miss Addie," she has dedicated countless years to nurturing dancers of all ages and has played a pivotal role in training teachers in Creative Movement and tap. Her kindness, humor, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on everyone at Legworks. While we will miss her daily presence, we’re excited to know that she will still be visiting regularly to cheer on her dancers!
Cassandra Stanek
Manager/ Comp Director/
Dance Specialist
Cassandra Stanek is a dedicated and approachable instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator based in Long Island, New York. With a passion for dance education that ignited at the young age of 18, she now serves as Manager and Competition Director at Legworks Dance Studio Ltd. Cassandra focuses on nurturing the talent of her students, teaching them not only dance technique but also essential life skills such as self-esteem and leadership. With a comprehensive background in multiple performing arts genres and advanced degrees in the field, Cassandra is committed to guiding both children and adults toward their artistic aspirations.
Ryan Pauzé
Lyrical and Contemporary Dance Specialist
Meet Ryan, an amazing dancer and educator from Long Island, NY! He kicked off his dancing journey at Legworks Dance Studio and took his skills the next level at the amazing Broadway Dance Center in NYC. With a BA in Dance and Arts from Dean College, Ryan has spent over 9 thrilling years teaching and choreographing at Legworks, creating award-winning pieces for dancers all over the East Coast! As a judge for national dance competitions and a certified trainer through NASM, Ryan is on a mission to share his love for dance with the next generation!
Caitlin Cauffiel
Jazz Dance Specialist
Caitlin, originally from Simi Valley, California, is a versatile dancer trained in various styles including Jazz, Contemporary, and Ballet. A graduate of Santaana High School with honors and certifications in Dance, she has pursued her dream in Los Angeles, assisting renowned choreographers and working on national commercials for brands like Toyota and Forever 21. Caitlin has also performed at prestigious venues, including the Dolby Theatre, and is currently a member of the Queendom Crew, led by Shirlene Quigley. In addition to her performance career, she has shared her passion for dance by teaching at the KAR Convention and on Royal Caribbean Bahama cruise ship.
Emmalee White
Toddler class Dance Specialist
Introducing Emmalee White, a former dancer with Legworks Competition Team and an exceptional teacher at Legworks. Starting her dance journey at the age of 2, Emmalee excelled as member of the competitive team from ages 8 to 19, and began sharing her knowledge by assisting classes at just 14. With a degree from Suffolk Community College and training at Broadway Dance Center, she is actively pursuing her goal of becoming a physical therapist. Emmalee's expertise in personal training and early childhood dance education makes her an invaluable asset to our little dancers at Legworks.
Jordan Blankenship
Lyrical/Contemporary/Jazz Dance Specialist
Meet Jordan, a Legworks home-grown dancer born and raised on Long Island, New York. Starting her journey at just four years old with the first-ever competition baby team at Legworks Dance Studio, she honed her skills and competed until 18. As one of the first dance captains for Liberate Artist, Jordan traveled across the U.S. to teach and perform alongside renowned choreographers. Recently graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a BFA in dance and certifications in Yoga, Pilates, and the Franklin Method, she is eager to inspire the next generation of dancers!
Conner Kelly
Tap Dance Specialist
Conner Kelly, hailing New Jersey, began his tap dancing journey at the age of seven, under the guidance of his aunt. He honed his skills at Jamie’s Dance Odyssey before training with renowned instructors like Robin Passmore, gaining invaluable experience alongside tap legends such as Jared Grimes and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards. As a teen, he excelled at the American Tap Dance Foundation, performed at “Broadway Underground,” and earned scholarships to prestigious events like Jersey Tap Fest. Since 2023, Conner has been a key member of The Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble and has played a pivotal role in launching both The Brewerytown Tap Dance Festival and the inaugural Philly Tap Fest 2024, sharing his passion for dance through teaching and performances across the United States.
Kyle Smith
Tap Dance Specialist
Kyle is a long time student of Legworks Dance Studio and has studied tap and musical theatre intensely at Legworks. He has completed his teacher training alongside Danielle Guinta, and Conner Kelly, and will start THIS FALL with his own classes. Kyle is super excited to be a part of the staff this year and we couldn’t be happier to have yet another teacher at Legworks who is “home grown”. Kyle will be attending Stonybrook University majoring in Bio chemistry/Pre med.
Aaron O'Connor
Jazz/Hip Hop/ Musical Theater Specialist
With a rich background in competitive and commercial dance, Aaron combines precision and expression to inspire dancers of all ages and skill levels. Having trained at prestigious institutions and performed with renowned dance companies, he is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment. With all of his accomplishments we are proud to have him back as a staff member!
Jenn Kelly
Tap Dance Guest Teacher
Introducing the incredible Jenn Kelly, a vibrant 22-year-old dancer from Long Island who has been lighting up the stage since she was just three! With a wealth of experience from numerous dance companies and exceptional training in York City with Kelly Peters at Brickhouse NYC, Jenn is a force to be reckoned with. She stepped into the role of dance teacher at 15 and has since inspired countless students at studios across New York and beyond, all while partnering with amazing brands like Nike and Good American. As a proud SUNY Empire University graduate with a degree in business, Jenn is passionate about sharing the joy of dance with everyone through her volunteer work at Gigi’s Playhouse. She treasures her family and can't wait to embark on exciting journey alongside fellow dancers!
Gracie Hilarde
Hip Hop Guest Teacher
Meet Grace Hilarides, a talented Dance Specialist in Hip Hop and Contemporary styles. With a competitive dance background starting in Battle Creek, Michigan Grace honed her skills at Western Michigan University, graduating with a BFA in Dance in 2018. Grace recently moved from New York City to Colorado where she dances with Vitality the Company.
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