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

With experience in a wide range of nine performing genres, Cassandra has completed her Associate in Arts degree as well as her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying dance technique, acting, voice, lighting and set design, costume design, and professional skills.

Cassandra has been in various performances in Manhattan, NY, and Long Island, NY, touring theaters such as Symphony Space, the Kaye Playhouse, the Suffolk Theater, and the Patchogue Theatre. Cassandra has performed with touring band Amber Ferrari, and has appeared in TV commercials for Stems4U Flower Delivery Service, as well as the pilot for a faith based TV show called Wholly Broken that filmed in Hampton Bays, New York and aired in 2018.

Cassandra also presently travels the U.S. choreographing routines and teaching young artists all over the country. She is an adjudicator for Spirit of Dance Awards, Inferno Dance Competition, and Imagine Dance Challenge.

Cassandra's philosophy is to consistently chase what sparks a fire in your soul, never fear failure, and to focus on what matters most. It is an honor to create art. Cassandra aims for a never-ending artistic journey and hopes to continue inspiring 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. 

Born and raised on Long Island NY, Ryan spent his early dance years training at Legworks Dance Studio. After his years of training at Legworks, he progressed his dance career at Broadway Dance Center, NYC. Where he completed multiple training courses. He then  continued his dance career even further receiving his BA in dance and arts from Dean College in Massachusetts. Since then, Ryan has taught at many national conventions as well as choreographing award winning pieces for studios all along the east coast. He is also is a judge for traveling dance competitions all along the United States! Ryan has been coaching at Legworks where he has been training dancers and choreographing for over 9 years. Ryan has also completed many certifications through NASM, also holds his CPT and is a certified Flexologist. 

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 White started dancing at Legworks when at 2 years old. She auditioned for the competitive team division from 8 - 19 years and started assisting at age 14. After attending Suffolk community college she became a teacher. Emmalee is graduate of the Summer Dance Professional Program at Broadway Dance Center and recently graduated with an associate degree in fitness and applied science. Emmalee is currently in school to become physical therapist assistant. She received her personal training certification through NASM in 2021. Along with learning and training with Legworks owner Miss Addie Guinta on her “Shining Stars” (18 most. - 2) and Creative Movement (2 1/2 - 3 1/2) syllabus, she also completed training with “Once Upon A Ballet” for preschool ages 1 1/2 - 5 years old. We are very lucky to have such a devoted teacher at Legworks for our little dancers and grateful that she shares her PT knowledge with our dancers as well in placement class and technique.