Enrique
Founder/Director
Enrique began his training in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, Latin, ballroom, and folk dance. With a natural talent for dance and a keen ear for music, he quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional performer and choreographer. His collaborations with choreographers in Peru sparked his ambition to develop his own choreographies, teaching methods, and philosophy.
After attending law school in Peru, Enrique realized that his passion for dance was too profound to ignore. He decided to pursue his dreams wholeheartedly, relocating to the United States to become a dance coach and choreographer for prestigious dance schools, dance companies, and theater groups in Fairfield County and New York City.
Enrique’s extensive experience and unique approach to dance were further enriched by his certification as a life coach. He integrates his life coaching expertise into his teaching, fostering not only technical excellence but also personal growth and confidence in his students. This holistic approach helps dancers develop a strong sense of self, resilience, and purpose.
Together with Amanda Parton, his long-time friend and dance partner, Enrique co-founded The Dance Collective. This collaborative venture reflects his dedication to nurturing both the artistic and personal development of his students, ensuring that each individual can thrive both on and off the stage.
Amanda
Founder
Amanda- wife, mother, businesswoman, student, dancer. These are the words she would use to describe herself, as well as her current career as a dancer, coach and studio owner. Amanda also held down a long and successful career as an Art and Creative Director for Ogilvy, out of London and Singapore. Amanda moved to the States in the late 90’s and it was not long before she met Enrique. They became best friends and dance partners. In 2008 they started The Dance Collective to promote their love of dance to people of all ages and abilities. She recently branched out into pro-am competitive ballroom dance and trains with world-renowned coached from across the globe.
Ada
Ballet, Pre-pointe/Pointe, Jazz, Company, Contemporary,Tots in Tights
Ada Cacciatore is a dance teacher and choreographer from Italy with more than 8 years of experience in the US. She began her professional dance training at the National Academy of Dance in Rome, where she received her B.A in Dance. She continued her study at The Ailey School, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where she completed her Independent Study program. She is a trained dancer in multiple styles including ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz. Ms. Cacciatore has performed works by many choreographers including Donald Byrd, Darshan Singh Bhuller, Amaury Lebrun, Francesca Harper, Sidra Bell, Lakay Worrell and Max Luna lll. She joined the ABT’s production as supernumerary and she is a proudly ABT Certified Teacher. Recently she joined the Ailey family as a Dance Teacher in the Junior Division . AC founded "One World Dance" in 2022 to bring people together through the joys of dance. She is a dedicated and passionate teacher who has a love for helping children grow and develop. Responsible for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can feel confident to explore and express themselves. She believes in hard work, creativity and fun when it comes to teaching dance.As a team member at The Dance Collective, what I love most is the opportunity to inspire and shape the lives of students through the art of dance, witnessing their growth and bringing immense satisfaction.
2023 - 2024 Tots / Kids / Pre-Teens / Teen Classes Offered: 2023 - 2024 Tots / Kids / Pre-Teens / Teen Classes Offered:
Leonel Linares
Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, Ballet
Leonel began his dance training in his hometown of Mérida, VENEZUELA. His studies included Venezuelan folklore, Latin jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, acrobatics, modern, and ballet. He was awarded a scholarship to study with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City from 2004-2006. His professional career includes Ballet Nuevo Mundo de Caracas under the direction of Zhandra Rodriguez, Ballet Teresa Carreno, Compania Danza Actual under the direction of Macarena Solorzano, and Ballet de Marjorie Flores. Leonel worked as a choreographer for one of Venezuela’s TV networks VENEVISION under the production of Joaquin Riviera, performing for many Latin singers, Dancing with the Stars and for one of the biggest beauty pageant’s Miss Venezuela, and TV series such as “Somos tu y yo”. He was invited to dance with Compania Imagen Latina in Los Angeles for the World Salsa Congress, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ajkun Ballet Theatre, Contemporary Ballet Theatre, Revolucion Latina, Morales Dance, Ballet Des Moines, FJK Dance, East Coast Contemporary Ballet and others. Leonel Linares worked at Staten Island Ballet as performer and Ballet Master, is one of the founders of La Casa de la Cultura Venezolana en NY and also is a certified teacher in Vaganova technique from Bolshoi Academy of Moscow. He has done commercial work for Latin Artists such as Liz, Rosa López, Diveana, Oscar de Leon, Alejandra Guzmán, Olga Tañón, J Balvin, Leonel is the Executive/Artistic Director of Sol Dance Center.
Serena
Hip Hop, Tots in Tights, Pre Ballet
Serena Innaco is a dancer and choreographer from Shelton, Connecticut. She has recently graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University where she studied Theatre with a Dance And World performance concentration and Sports and Leisure Management with a concentration in Sport Science. Ms. Innaco has been dancing for 20 years and initiated her experience in her local dance studio where she learned ballet, tap, and jazz. She began learning hip-hop,contemporary, and modern dance at ECSU and has expanded her dance education through Broadway Dance Center and Brickhouse NYC. She also instructs classes at local studios, such as Connecticut Dance School and Project Dance Center. Ms. Innaco is dedicated to the artistic development of her craft as a dancer and instructor. She strives to always be in a position of learning, initiate roles of leadership, and find ways to give back in her community
Igor
Standard/Smooth Ballroom
Igor Gayenko is a world class ballroom and showcase competitor and instructor. He is a regular finalist at international and national competitions. Among his many titles are 3 times Blackpool junior finalist, United States youth finalist, Singapore Asian open amateur champion, and Indian national amateur champion. He has over 9 years teaching experience and now competes in professional standard and show dance. His titles include 2014 Houston challenge rising star professional standard champion and runner up in show dance.
Maria Luisa Parada (aka Maui Parada)
| Choreographer | Ballet, Contemporary , Tots
Maria Luisa Parada, known as Maui Parada, is a distinguished sociocultural manager, producer, and choreographer with a career spanning over three decades. She holds a Master’s in Socio-Cultural Management from Simon Bolivar University and has taught ballet and contemporary dance at the Experimental Arts University in Caracas. Her accolades include the First Class Merit Order for Work in Dance (2009) and multiple awards for choreography and performances globally.
Maui’s expertise encompasses multimedia choreography, festival production, and cultural advising, with notable projects including the Miami Vibe 2023 and the Olympic Artistic Gym Team choreography. She has worked with prestigious organizations such as the American Grand Prix and the National Ballet of Cuba. Her professional experience extends to roles in TV production, event management, and artistic direction, contributing to major events like Formula 1 and Latin Grammys.
Maui continues to inspire through her diverse artistic endeavors and commitment to cultural development.