"A dance teacher ignites the spark of passion, transforming steps into stories and students into empowered artists."
2026 Faculty:
(line up is subject to change).
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Maria Cherniske
Maria took her first dance class at the age of 3 and has been hooked ever since. She has worked with choreographers such as Lisette Bustamante, Dana Foglia, Rhapsody James, Luam Keflezgy, Kelly Peters, Derek Mitchell, James Jackson Jr. and Tanisha Scott. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, on national television, in commercials, and has done work for Nike and Adidas. Maria was the assistant choreographer for Rob Thomas’ music video “I Trust You”. She was the assistant choreographer for the New Jersey Lotto “Cash Pop” commercial and co-choreographed for the Off-Broadway hit “La Cancion.”
Maria is passionate about dance education and loves helping dancers build their confidence and find their voice as an artist. She has taught dance to students of all ages for the past 23 years. Maria is on guest faculty at Broadway Dance Center in NYC, and in 2021 became a member of the staff at Acrobatic Arts as a course conductor and adjudicator.
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Carlos Neto
Carlos Neto is a dancer, choreographer and actor whose versatility has made a significant impact across Europe and the USA.
Beginning his journey in the martial arts world, Carlos later transitioned into the entertainment industry, where he has achieved notable success. His career highlights include appearances in primetime TV series in Portugal, film roles, and captivating performances in live shows such as London West End’s "Some Like It Hip Hop" and the World Tour of the street dance show "BLAZE." Carlos has also made his mark in the gaming world, embodying characters like John Travolta's in the Nintendo video game "Grease” and “Sony Dance Star Party”. As a choreographer, his repertoire includes collaborations with top brands like Osteo Bi-Flex, Bacardi, Samsung, and Warner Brothers as well as crafting dynamic moves for commercials promoting Zenith Watches, NJ Lottery, Kansas Whisky, and Corcoran. Carlos also contributed his talents to artist development, working closely with Simon Cowell and Sony to shape the careers of emerging stars. Most recently, in a collaboration with Mario Lopez, he has choreographed for the new Menudo revival tour, showcasing once again his versatility in creating memorable performances for young up-and-coming artists.
His choreographic credits also include collaborations with NBA teams such as the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, NFL team, the Eagles and more established artists such as Melanie Martinez and Rob Thomas. Equally revered as an educator, he has shared his expertise at esteemed institutions like Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey, Peridance, Pineapple DanceStudios and London Royal Ballet School. Today, Carlos continues to make an impact as both a choreographer and actor, splitting his time between the USA and Europe.
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Zoey Sloane
Zoey Sloane is a passionate dance educator, choreographer, and wellness advocate dedicated to helping dancers grow both artistically and personally. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The Ohio State University, where she was a proud member of the university's acclaimed dance company, Dance Connection. Her training began at the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Howell High School, where she developed a strong technical foundation and a lifelong love of movement.
Known for her thoughtful and expressive approach to contemporary dance, Zoey encourages dancers to connect deeply to their artistry while building confidence, strength, and authenticity. In addition to her work in dance, she is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness, believing that a healthy mind and body are essential to a dancer's success both in and out of the studio.
Zoey currently teaches contemporary dance in Howell, New Jersey, where she inspires students to challenge themselves, embrace their individuality, and find joy in the creative process. Her positive energy, commitment to education, and genuine love for her students make her a favorite among dancers of all ages.
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DOMINIC FRANCO
Having graduated Spring 2018 from Texas Tech University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, Dominic was on the Texas Tech Pom Squad from 2016-2018 where he became a 3x Collegiate NDA National Champion in both the Jazz & Pom Divisions. After graduation, Dominic moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he performed professionally in regional, national, and international productions and shows. Dominic became the first male dancer to ever make the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleading team in 2020 and finished his time with them in 2022. He started his company, Dominate Technique, in 2021 and became a national champion choreographer through his company. Dominic continues to instruct/choreograph for high schools & colleges all around the nation.
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TRACIE STANFIELD
Tracie Stanfield is an award-winning choreographer, educator, and founder of SynthesisDANCE NYC. Recognized by Dance Spirit as one of the "Nine DanceMakers Making History," Tracie has created and taught work throughout the United States and internationally, helping shape contemporary lyrical dance in both the concert and commercial worlds.
Her choreography has been presented across New York City and around the globe, while her teaching has taken her to renowned institutions including Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Joffrey Ballet, Yale University, and Marymount Manhattan College. Dance Magazine calls her classes "inspiring," and Huffington Post UK praises her "masterful fusion of contemporary and classical dance forms."
Tracie continues to inspire dancers worldwide through performance, education, mentorship, and creative leadership.
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JASON PICKETT
Jason Pickett has spent the last 14+ years teaching competitive dance & dancing professionally.
He has performed on film and in live events around the world for companies like: Hermès, Icon Fitness, Toys R Us, Crocs and Bud Light, Americas Got Talent & more!
You can also catch Jason in several viral YouTube videos including Stormtrooper Twerk and High School Dance Battle – Geeks vs. Cool Kids! (4k).
His choreography has been featured in several viral YouTube videos as well as in several nationally ranked competitive routines.
Currently, Jason is a faculty member for Reinforce Dance Experience and a guest teacher, adjudicator and speaker globally.
Past Faculty:
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Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan
Courtney and Caitlin identical twins, fitness models and professional dancers signed with MSA talent agency. They graduated from Rutgers in May of 2020 and while they waited for the world to open back up, they took to social media to share their passion for dance. Overnight, they gained the attention of creators and fans by the millions, praised for their unparalleled synchronization and mirror image, often mistaken for a filter at first glance.
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Lizzy Legregin
Lizzy Marie Legregin- is a NJ/NYC based performer, educator and choreographer. She has most recently been seen performing on Broadway in "Back to the Future" the musical! She flourished her technical and choreographic training while earning a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Dance Performance from Georgian Court University. Post graduation, Lizzy went on to perform across North America with the touring productions of Disney's Aladdin and Anastasia. In addition to performing, Lizzy has a deep passion for arts education. She has taught at dance studios, theaters and for public education departments throughout NJ over her years in the industry. Lizzy prides herself on creating a positive and nurturing environment in the classroom and is very excited to work with the young artists at ZGX!
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Victoria Kalina
Victoria began dancing at the age of 2. She spent 17 years training, performing and competing in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre and styles. Victoria has been teaching ballet, tap and lyrical for the past ten years. She is a former fourth year veteran of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and a four year member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders traveling Show Group. Victoria was featured on the Netflix “America’s Sweethearts”, a documentary about the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. While she was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, she attended The Joffrey Ballet School in Texas where she continued her training in ballet, jazz and contemporary. Victoriarecently moved to New York to continue dance training. Currently, she is a dance instructor at Fusion Exercise where she teaches various levels of pro NFL cheer classes. She also teaches dance at Wild Conventions and is highly sought after to teach at dance studios, high school and universities.
