FACULTY

With over 28 years of dance experience, Persephonie is the owner and director of Thrive: The Essence of Dance LLC. She trained and competed extensively, earning numerous regional and national titles, scholarships, and awards. Persephonie further developed her artistry and technical foundation while training with contemporary dance company Pushing Progress under the direction of Chris Hale and Calen J. Kurka, where she focused on ballet technique, contemporary movement, and the relationship between anatomy and proper movement execution.

Persephonie has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years, discovering her passion for dance education early on. Her choreography and teaching have been consistently recognized within the competitive dance community, earning honors such as Teacher of the Weekend and Overall Studio of the Weekend, as well as numerous ADCC Studio of Excellence Awards, perfect score awards, and choreography distinctions and scholarship recognition for her dancers.

Under Persephonie's leadership and the guidance of her dedicated staff, Thrive has built a reputation for excellence, artistry, and professionalism. Thrive's company members are trained not only to perform at a high level, but to understand the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and accountability. Persephonie emphasizes working within group settings, teaching dancers how to communicate, support one another, and contribute to a collective vision—skills that are essential not only in dance, but in future academic, professional, and personal pursuits.

Persephonie is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with studies in Theater Performance. She was a featured performer in numerous dance concerts and theatrical productions and has performed in professional venues. She integrates her background in psychology into her teaching, focusing on performance enhancement, confidence building, stress management, and the mind-body connection.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Persephonie continues her professional development by taking online classes on CLI studios, and attending various conventions and seminars such as Dance Educators Collective, ensuring her teaching remains current, thoughtful, and rooted in dancer health, longevity, and best practices in arts education.

Committed to giving back, Persephonie actively involves Thrive dancers in charitable performances and community initiatives. She believes the performing arts cultivate invaluable life skills—discipline, resilience, creativity, leadership, and collaboration—and strives to instill these values in every student.

Through Thrive, Persephonie's mission is to inspire a lifelong love of dance, nurture each dancer's individual potential, and create a supportive, empowering environment where dancers learn to thrive both on and off the stage.

Taylor began dancing at the age of three and is trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. She began competing at the age of seven and went on to earn numerous regional and national titles throughout her ten-year competitive dance career. As a student, Taylor was honored to train as an intensive company member at Thrive under the mentorship of Persephonie Alvarez-Langlois.

Taylor joined the Thrive Faculty as Office Manager and Business Director and now proudly serves as Assistant Director. In this role, she works closely alongside Persephonie to support all facets of studio operations, providing strategic and organizational leadership that helps ensure Thrive runs seamlessly day to day. She plays an integral role in overseeing parent communication, supporting faculty, and guiding competition planning, while maintaining a consistent, supportive presence for families, dancers, and staff.

Having witnessed Thrive's evolution from a small studio into a thriving community of dancers, Taylor is deeply committed to upholding the studio's mission of working together, supporting one another, and fostering an environment where every dancer can grow with confidence and creativity.

Taylor earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Connecticut and recently completed her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the UConn Graduate School. She also works full time in Public Accounting, bringing a strong business-minded perspective and strategic approach to Thrive's leadership team.

Mentoring young dancers and supporting families throughout their dance journey remains Taylor's greatest passion. As a former Thrive student, she is forever grateful for the foundation Thrive provided and is honored to give back by helping lead and inspire the next generation of dancers.

Sarah Possenti started dancing at two years old and has been dedicated ever since. She is trained in all styles of dance such as tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop. She competed competitively since the age of four- winning various awards such as Miss Broadway and Performer of the Year.

Sarah graduated with Summa Cum Laude from Sacred Heart University in May 2020 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film/Television with a minor in Dance. She was a member of the SHU Dance Company, which among many things granted her the opportunity to dance in Italy for two summers at the international dance workshop, World Dance Movement. There she received two significant scholarships from world renowned teachers/ choreographers.

Among her training, Sarah was also featured as a background dancer in a music video, "Love on Repeat" by rock band, Pianos Become the Teeth. Along with dance, Sarah is also a trained singer and musical theatre performer and has been in musicals such as Aladdin, Seussical the Musical, Throughly Modern Millie, Fiddler on the Roof, and more recently in SHU's Theatre Arts program she was cast in In The Heights, Hair, and Chess.

Sarah will be continuing her musical theatre and dance training and is so excited to share it with the students at Thrive. Sarah is so honored to be teaching, creating and helping at Thrive as she is a former and early student of Persephonie Alvarez- Langlois. She is so excited and can't wait to share her passion.

Kelsey Lynn Kaminski (Maiolo), Ohio University School of Dance Class of 2013, is a native of Monroe Connecticut. Kelsey began training seriously at age 12, and after graduating from OU with a BFA in dance education, performance, choreography, and kinesiology, she began teaching and directing for local studios and their company's. She has won multiple choreography awards, and has been teaching and choreographing in the genres of jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical and contemporary for all ages.

Some of Kelsey's credits including performing for artists such as Gladys Bailin-Stern, Earl Mosley, Adriana Durant, Travis Gatling, and John Bohuslawsky. During the summer of 2012, she was asked to be an Apprentice for the Sean Curran Company in NYC and was thrilled to be collaborating in their new piece "Path", that was be part of their 2013 Joyce Season. Her performance credits also include her Broadway Debut as she tapped on the Hudson Theater Stage in NYC for a David Merrick Tribute in the opening number of Broadway's 42nd Street with original cast members, being selected as a Semi Finalist for the NFL Jet's Flight Crew, performed outside of Lincoln Center for the Buglisi Dance Theater's Tribute to 9/11 "Table of Silence", and performs solos locally for many benefits for the Center for Family Justice.

Kelsey's education credits include attending many dance teacher workshops and conventions such as the NUVO, NYCDA, JUMP, and the Dance Teacher's Summit in NYC. In 2016, she was selected and attended the American Ballet Theater's Teacher Certification. Most recently, Kelsey became a YPAD certified teacher (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance). Kelsey is a Power Pilates Instructor as well as a Certified Personal Trainer through ISSA. She has helped people of all ages reach their fitness goals, which have included weight loss, muscle gain, strengthening and conditioning, nutritional consults and rehabilitation of injuries. While helping others to reach their fitness goals, Kelsey began her own journey and discovered the world of Natural Body Building. She began her intense training in 2015 and has competed in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation and placed in the top 5 each time.

After all these years, she feels lucky to have finally found a home at Thrive! Kelsey hopes that in teaching dance, she can help to teach children to be well rounded, positive people, who learn great dance technique through a loving and energetic environment.

Hayley Weber grew up in Ramona, CA where she began her dance training. She trained primarily at North County Academy of Dance in Bonsall, CA where she found her love for ballet. As a young dancer she attended summer programs such as California Ballet, The Hartt School, and Kirov Academy of Ballet.

In 2017 she moved to Indianapolis, IN to dance with Butler Ballet. In May 2021, she graduated with Honors and Highest Distinction from Butler University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Pedagogy with minors in both Mathematics and Computer Science. During her time at Butler, Hayley performed multiple roles in full-length ballets such as The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle as well as in various classical and contemporary works.

Hayley is currently located in New York City where she spends her time freelancing, teaching dance, and coaching at [solidcore].

Amelia Lowe is most famously known for her time on the 9th season of "So You Think You Can Dance" as a member of their top 20. In addition to this she made it into the top 12, allowing her the opportunity to perform across the country with the "So You Think You Can Dance" tour.

Since her time on the show, Amelia has appeared as a principal dancer in episodes of "Boardwalk Empire". She's also been featured in multiple commercials including a nationwide commercial for Wendy's, Target, the New York Stock Exchange, General Electric and American Express.

Amelia got the chance to be a featured dancer at the premiere for "The Great Gatsby". She also performed for emerging choreographer, Lindsay Nelko at the Capezio Ace Awards.

She is currently living in New York and dancing for fellow "So You Think You Can Dance" alum, Ellenore Scott in Ellenore's up and coming company, ELSCO.

Maggie began her dance training in Peoria, Arizona, where she trained competitively for over 10 years. During this time, she attended many well-known conventions, including NYCDA, NUVO, and Radix, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience.

After high school, Maggie pursued further education in dance by moving to New York City. She was accepted into the prestigious Steps on Broadway Conservatory Program as a scholarship recipient, where she refined her technique and artistry.

Maggie has since established herself in the professional dance community as both a performer and a teacher. She has had the privilege of working with renowned choreographers and teachers such as Al Blackstone, Khori Petinaud, and Nicholas Palmquist. Upon graduating, she signed with LDC Artist Representation and is currently represented by Six O'Clock Studios.

Maggie's recent credits include performing as a dancer and swing in multiple stage shows at LegoLand NY Resort. Additionally, she recently served as the assistant choreographer to Billy Griffin on a concept piece for Steps on Broadway.

With a passion for both performing and teaching, Maggie is excited to continue her career while sharing her knowledge and experience with the younger generation of dancers.

Mitch Kilby is a native of Newcastle, Australia and began his training at the Marie Walton-Mahon Dance Academy. He was accepted and received full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.

In 2006, Mitch took a position with New York Theatre Ballet where he is a current member. He performed such roles as the devil in "3 Virgins and a Devil". Dancing master and step sister in "Cinderella". The lion in "Carnival of the Animals", Catalabet in "Sleeping Beauty" as well as Spanish, Snow King, Mouse King, Chinese, and Drosselmeyer in the "Nutcracker". Mr. Kilby has danced works by Agnes DeMille, Mathew Neenan, Sir Fredrick Ashton, Jose Limone & Merce Cunningham.

Mitch has had the pleasure of playing both the Grinch and Charlie Brown for the New York City Pops at Carnegie Hall. He performed with The Paris Opera and the Theatre of Nations production of Miss Julie at the Lincoln Center Festival. In 2015 he joined Ballet Grandiva for their Japan tour. He is currently on the faculty at The Ridgefield School of Dance, Woodbury Ballet. He was a former instructor at Complexity Dance Center, and Contemporary South Dance Company.

Mitch has been training dancers for the Connecticut Classic and YAGP for the past four years. He has also coached partners for pas de deux work. Mr. Mitch loves to work with children and has a upbeat and positive teaching style. He understands how dancers perform and provides technical skills while instilling a love for the art form.

Jess Spinner began her pre-professional ballet training at the school of the Eglevsky Ballet on Long Island. Over the years, she attended summer programs at The Kirov Academy, North Carolina School for the Arts, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre in New York, and Orlando Ballet on scholarship.

After high school, she studied dance and arts administration at Butler University. Upon graduation, she danced with The Louisville Ballet; then Jess freelanced in the Boston area. Her teaching journey began exclusively with private lessons and she more recently expanded into teaching group classes. Jess is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique.

In 2015, Jess started her company The Whole Dancer through which she supports dancers as a health, nutrition, and lifestyle coach. She's passionate about supporting dancers to find balance, to feel confident in their body's, and to develop an easy relationship with food.

Over the past 20 years, Madeline has studied and trained with a variety of world-renowned choreographers and educators in the dance industry. Growing up in Northern Michigan, she trained heavily in ballet and jazz technique, while also attending various conventions and summer intensives such as NYCDA, NUVO, and Magnus Midwest.

She eventually attended Pace University in NYC and graduated with a BFA in Commercial Dance in 2019. Since then, Madeline was signed with MSA Agency and has been working professionally in the industry ever since. Some of her credits include, dancing for the VMA’s in 2019 (AJ Mitchell), MAC Studio Fix campaign, and New York Fashion Week 2019 (Abigail Donahue).

Madeline continues to further her dance training by working closely with educators such as Galen Hooks and Alexandria Damiani. Certified in Assisted Stretching - Madeline also works as a flexologist at StretchLab in Ridgefield, CT. She is passionate about wellness and passing on the knowledge and technique she has spent years learning so much about!

Originally from Arizona, Brynlie moved to New York City in 2017 to join Elisa Monte Dance, now known as EMERGE125, and under the direction of Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Brynlie has performed at venues such as the National Gallery of Art, SummerStage, The Flea Theater, and New York Fashion Week with designer Paola Hernandez. Brynlie was also cast in The Classical Theatre of Harlem's productions of Antigone, The Bacchae, and Seize The King. Brynlie then joined the Steps on Broadway Conservatory to perform the works of Janice Rosario, Billy Griffin, and Robert LaFosse (Jerome Robbins' Opus Jazz) and studied with choreographers such as Al Blackstone, Nicholas Palmquist, Max Stone, and Patti Wilcox.

Brynlie then became the Assistant Choreographer and Swing in The Classical Theatre of Harlem's NYT's Critic's Pick, Twelfth Night, and returned for their revival at the NYU Skirball Center in February, 2023. Prior Assistant Choreographer experience included two Victoria's Secret campaigns, and serving as Movement Director for the 100% recyclable shoe brand, Thousand Fell. In June 2023 and 2024, she performed in Broadway Bares, fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. In the summer of 2023, she returned to the stage with The Classical Theatre of Harlem for her sixth production with the company in the world premier of Malvolio, an original sequel to Twelfth Night.

Brynlie has transformed through her most recent training with Olivia Cipolla, an icon in the commercial industry through her work with Beyoncé and an endless list of artists. The embodiment of strength, power, and intention has unlocked a new layer of Brynlie's performance artistry, and to share the foundations of dancing in a heel has become a passion.

Hannah began her ballet training in Connecticut where she trained at various schools before going to the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts (Torrington, CT) to begin her high school training.

She completed her high school training at Bossov Ballet Theatre at Maine Central Institute (Pittsfield, ME), where she spent 3 years studying the Vaganova style of ballet.

She completed her training in college where she obtained a BS in Communication Studies and a BFA in Ballet at the University of Utah.

Since graduating, Hannah has been teaching dance and holding master classes at studios all around Utah & Connecticut!

She may be small but she is mighty! From acrobatics to contemporary to acting Courtney Schwartz can do it all.

Courtney grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where she trained vigorously from 2 to 18 years old at her home dance studio, Studio 19 dance complex. Right after graduating Courtney toured with Odyssey Dance company for two years while fulfilling her prestigious award "lifetime assistant" for dance convention Artist Simply Human where her opportunities started to sky rocket.

She has worked with the industries finest such as Talia Favia, Wade Robson, Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore Jaci Royal, Andrew Winghart, and Chaz Buzan just to name a few!

Courtney's hard work and incredible work ethic has landed her as Talia Favia's right hand dancer and assistant two years ago. From "So You Think You Can Dance" to "Dancing With The Stars", Courtney has been behind the scenes to help bring Favia's Visions to life. Her growth has suspended and shocked everyone who gets the pleasure of watching her move.

In case just dancing wasn't enough, Courtney was recently just casted the role as head cheerleader Samantha on "Girl Meets World".

With Schwartz's dependable attributes, she is now currently on tour with one of the industries hottest dance conventions around RADIX as their demonstrator where not only is she assisting all of Talia's demanding choreography and classes, but also demonstrating work of artists such as Brian Friedman, NAPPYTABS, Tyce Diorio, and many more.

Courtney Schwartz has only just begun and her journey does nothing but get more exciting everyday.

Evan DeBenedetto is most known for his extraordinary tap style as well as his versatility in all genres of dance. He is most known for his success as a top 10 finalist on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" (Season 15). Evan is a native of Connecticut where he trained in various styles of dance in both CT and NYC. He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19 and quickly began making a name for himself. With his deep love for the art of tap, Evan has had the opportunity to train with prominent tap teachers such as Jason Samuels Smith, Michelle Dorrance, Chloe Arnold, Jason Janas, Anthony Morigerato and Mike Minery. Evan has also had the opportunity to work closely and assist many top choreographers such as Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Kyle Hanagami and Tessandra Chavez.

While engaging in the commercial dance industry as a performer, Evan's industry credits include Netflix, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, The Ellen Show, MTV TRL, Disney's Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show, Lucille Lortel Awards, Every Single Step Season 2, Google and VidCon. He has toured with "So You Think You Can Dance" (Season 15) as well as with the artist Poppy as a featured dancer and has also danced for Sofia Carson, Luis Fonsi, Natti Natasha and The Band Perry.

Evan also spends his time in the theatre and has been singing and acting since the age of 7. Past theatrical regional credits include Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr.(Jimmy Smith), Peter Pan (Michael Darling) and Seussical The Musical (JoJo). Evan is honored to be a YoungArts Alumni as a 2016 Finalist in Dance/Tap. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA and is currently represented by Clear Talent Group.

Gabriella Sibeko is a freelance dance artist originally from Ontario, Canada and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Durban and Cape Town, South Africa. She is now based in New York City.

During her formative years of training, she studied heavily in classical ballet under the direction of Paula Urrutia. She performed principal roles in works such as, La Bayadere, Paquita and Don Quixote. In 2013 she was granted a Scholarship to The Ailey School, where she trained for the next 3 years, graduating from the Certificate Program in 2016. She received additional training at Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Dance Theater of Harlem.

Her artistry has been shaped profoundly by the choreographers she has worked with including, Mike Esperanza, Mary Grace McNally, Mathew Rushing, Jon Rua, Katherine Maxwell, Ellenore Scott, Lauren Cox, Teddy Tedholm, Matilda Sakamoto, Andrea Ward, Yoshito Sakatuba and Ellen Sickenberger to name a few. She has also worked and traveled as an assistant for Nathan Trice, Emily Greenwell and Erica Sobol.

Gabriella co-choreographed the international video campaign entitled ‘Freedom: International Day of the Girl' produced by The Global Goals Campaign, in affiliation with Beyoncé Knowles, receiving wide international recognition. She can be credited in music videos, Serenading in the Trenches by Sondre Lerche, choreographed by Ellenore Scott, The Runner by Alison Sudol, choreographed by Kristin Sudeikis, Mish Mish by Noah Souder-Russo, choreographed by Lirr Katz and Show-Off by Ana Kay, choreographed by Teonna Wesley. She has also performed in multiple NYC venues as a back-up dancer for singer/songwriter, ELENI.

She was one of the lead dancers in the 2018 Capezio A.C.E. Award's winning piece entitled, Not For Picking. Recently, she performed as a featured dancer for the 2020 PHISH concert held at Madison Square Garden, choreographed by Jon Rua. Additionally, Gabriella will star as the featured dancer in an upcoming Netflix documentary, entitled Malinche, set in Ibiza, Spain.

She is currently a member of Hivewild, MG + Artists, Jon Rua's TheGrit, Channel:Dig, ELSCO Dance, Cloude.NYC and DEPTH Dance. She is also the co-host and co-founder of danceCONNECT: a series of stages and stories, which is an interview-style podcast that centers around conversing with a variety of dance artists.

She is honored to be entering her second year as an instructor for Thrive. These hard-working, kind, ever-growing, talented students have inspired her spirit tremendously!

Known as one of "Tap's Leading Ladies" and cover girl for Dance Spirit magazine's Tap issue, Maud Arnold is a member of the female tap band, the Syncopated Ladies, widely known for viral videos that have accumulated over 70 million views, the most successful being their tribute to Prince and their cover of Beyoncé's Formation, which Beyoncé shared on all of her social media and then hired Syncopated Ladies to perform at her Ivy Park active wear clothing line launch at TopShop, London. Maud also performed live with the Syncopated Ladies on ABC's Good Morning America, the Ellen Show with Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D. and sold-out concerts in Los Angeles, Dubai, New York City, and Washington, DC, receiving rave reviews in The New York Times and more.

Maud has quickly become a sought after teacher, judge and performer worldwide. Mentored and trained by Debbie Allen, Maud has taught at Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles. Further to teaching in the USA, Maud has taught tap dancing and Afro-Funk in Dubai, Brazil, Japan, Spain, Haiti, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Croatia, Ukraine and Russia.
Maud's Television Credits Include: Black Lady Sketch Show, BET Experience: 106 and Park, The Late Late Show With James Corden, HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Switched at Birth, Secret Talents of the Stars as a featured dancer with Mya, The Today Show and Syncopated Ladies winning Season 11 of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance: Dance Crew Battle. Maud can be seen in national commercials and print ads for Toyota, GAP and CANTU and has worked with Beyoncé on several commercials and music videos. Maud's choreography has been featured on Good Morning America and she made her directorial debut with Dola's Space Daughter series.

Maud is the co-director and producer of the critically acclaimed DC Tap Festival pioneering new experiences for dancers and artists worldwide. and with her sister Chloé Arnold they were recognized by the US House of Representatives as arts preservers and ambassadors.

Maud is also a female entrepreneur and podcast host that holds a degree from Columbia University. The Maudcast releases new episodes weekly and is available wherever you stream podcasts! Further to teaching, she oversees Chloe and Maud Productions and their many entities including their clothing lines: I LOVE TAP and UniLove as well as their tap dance workshops and after school programs.

Maud exudes her passion for tap dancing with her high energy, fun and action-packed dancing.

Growing up in Easthampton, MA, Kelly Kaleta began her training at the Hackworth's School of Performing Arts and started teaching while she was attending Boston University.

Focusing in tap, she has taught up and down the east coast and Canada for almost 20 years, choreographing, judging, and performing in many different venues.

She is a founding member of "Off Beat," a company created and directed by her former student Ryan P. Casey, as well as starting her own company "CounterpoinT," an all female group based out of Norwalk, CT.

You can also see her and her choreography in the award-winning movie "Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land).

In 2006, she was a cast member of "Imagine Tap," created and choreographed by Derick Grant and Aaron Tolson.

She has been a faculty member and judge for Tap 2 You, Dance Masters of America, American Dance Awards, Tapademics and Kids for Kids.

She has taught at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Peridance in NYC.

Other past performances include the Cape Dance Fest, Inside Out at Jacob's Pillow, NYC Tap Festival, Break the Floor, Clara's Dream: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker - performing with Drika Overton, Josh Hilberman, and Brenda Buffalino, Tapestry - produced by Dance Inn Productions, and others.

Her own annual event, Tap it Up, is a one day workshop held every October in Stratford, CT.

Believing that you never stop being a student, she continues to take classes and workshops to improve both her dancing and her teaching.