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EPDA Faculty

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Kerri Ann Lepis

Owner of En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Kerri Ann Lepis opened En Pointe Dance and Acrobatics in September of 2017.  As the director, Kerri prides herself on having developed a staff full of enthusiasm, drive, and wisdom. With the help of her faculty, supportive parents, and dancers of course, Kerri has built a name for EPDA - backed by principles of passion, teamwork, and dedication. As a director, seeing the success in her instructors through her students makes “it all worth it,” and she is honored to see all of her dancers go on to graduate and succeed in life.

Kerri was formerly employed as a professional NFL Cheerleader for the NY Jets. She has spent years becoming accomplished in various styles of dance that include jazz, tap, acro, ballet, pointe, modern, hip-hop, lyrical, and pom. Kerri has competed in prestigious dance events and competitions throughout the United 

                                                          States including twice in the NFL Pro Bowl.

For the past sixteen years, Kerri has been teaching acrobatics and dance in many premier dance studios and gymnastic gyms through out New Jersey. As an instructor and choreographer, Kerri has achieved numerous awards from countless dance competitions for her carefully designed and flawlessly executed competitive routines. Through training with her, Kerri has lead her dancers to win scholarships and National Titles that provided them the opportunity to travel across the country, performing in music videos to be shown at prestigious events. She is proud to say that every one of her graduating seniors has moved on to dance in college, and has even aided students into making College Dance Teams as well. Kerri is so excited for the future of EPDA. There is nothing she loves more than her students, and she can't wait to see her studio grow so she can continue to share her passion.

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Gabriella Regueiro

Director of En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Meet Miss Gabby, she is the heart of our studio handling both administrative duties while actively teaching and choreographing. "Gab" has been dancing for 17 years and has competed and performed on the Raritan High School Dance Team and is currently on the Ramapo College Dance Team. Gabby's been a part of the EPDA family since it first began. She was an assistant for five years before being asked to teach her own classes for the past seasons. She is an accomplished tap dancer and has also competed and placed highly in jazz, acro, contemporary, lyrical, and contemporary styles. We are so lucky to have such an accomplished young woman as a role model to our dancers. 

A North Carolina native, is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, with a BFA in dance with a concentration in choreography and a minor in Business Administration.  He has been dancing since the age of 3 training in various forms including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, tap, modern and dance composition. In 2012 Andrew was chosen to tour with NRG Dance Project, where he was given the opportunity to travel nationally and assist top choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, Disney’s Shake It Up, Step Up 2 and Britney Spears. During his dance competition career, Andrew was awarded numerous scholarships from highly recognized dance conventions such as JUMP, NUVO, and New York City Dance Alliance.  In 2016 Andrew was awarded a college scholarship from New York City Dance Alliance Foundation to attend his dream school.  He continues to learn and grow through other dancers and enjoys being challenged.  

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Andrew Burleson

Competition Coordinator of En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

                                                 

Andrew works as a guest teacher and choreographer for over fifteen dance studios across the United States, and tours with Star Dance Alliance as the Regional Director for DreamMaker National Talent Competition.  He has worked for several dance competitions and enjoys being able to empower the future generation of dancers. His choreography has won many awards, including top choreography at multiple competitions such as Starpower, StarQuest, and NUVO, as well as critics choice awards at New York City Dance Alliance and Onstage New York.  He loves teaching and sharing dance but also has an innate ability to be encouraging and bring out the best in his students. Most recently, he began and is the Creative Director of Coalition Dance Project, LLC, a traveling teaching and choreographic company that focuses on providing a positive and empowering environment to teach and choreograph in. Andrew is continually encouraged by those he teaches when he sees their passion for dance. 

Emily Cotter has had a passion for dance since the age of 2. She has studied and competed under the instruction of Kerri and her staff for more than 10 years. Emily is a well rounded dancer who succeeds in all styles of dance including Acro, Ariel Silks, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, Pointe, and Tap. She has earned a multitude of dance awards and achievements throughout her life dancing both on and off stage. She holds both Regional and Nationals Titles as well as many first place overalls and scholarships. Emily has preformed for the Lakewood Blue-claws, Harlem Globe Trotters, Axelrod's the Nutcracker Rocks, along with other professional shows and teams. In High School she was a part of her school's FPAC program where she performed and learned about dance and its history. Emily's goal as a teacher is to instill strength, passion, confidence, and determination into all of her students. 

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Emily Cotter

Assistant Director of En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

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Amanda DeSarno

Assistant Director of En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Amanda DeSarno has been training in dance since the age of 5, competing regionally and nationally at a local studio throughout high school. After Amanda graduated from Wall High School, she attended Montclair State University and continued her training at a collegiate level on the Montclair State Dance Team all four years, since the start of the team. As President her senior year, Amanda led the team to a National Championship for Division III Team Performance at NDA Nationals in Daytona, Florida. This will be Amanda's 5th year instructing in all styles around New Jersey and has directed a local studio. Amanda graduated from Montclair State University with a BS in Business with a concentration in Hospitality Management. Amanda is a certified ABT Barre Instructor and loves to incorporate this ballet-inspired workout into class. She also enjoys pressing the importance of dancer wellness, including nutrition, injury prevention, and mental 

health, to all of her students. Outside of dance, Amanda is an Event Sales Manager at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club. She loves to spread her passion of dance to each of her students and is so thrilled to be the Assistant Director of En Pointe Dance and Acrobatics for a fifth year!

Darika Ukurchinova trained at the Moscow Academy of Ballet in Russia, and the National Academy of Ballet in Kyrgystan, receiving a degree in classical ballet and as an instructor of the Russian School of Ballet. Ms. Ukurchiinova performed with the National Theatre of Ballet in Kyrgstan. Her repertoire includes Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Carmen, Paquita, and The Nutcracker. Shee has taught all ages and levels of ballet, speaks three languages, and is an accomplished pianist.

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Darika Ukurchinova

Ballet Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Ms. Scarangelllo studied ballet at American Ballet Theatre and at New York’s Dance Circle under noted master Alfredo Corvino. She also studied Jazz and Flamenco and performed with Dance Circle Company in New York. Her credits include over 20 TV shows and numerous movies. She is a graduate of Montclair State University and is certified in Arts Administration by New York University. Her teaching credits include the Wein Center for Dance, New York City, and the Governor’s School of the Arts.

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Patricia Scarangello

Ballet Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Luke Capichana is a highly skilled and versatile dancer with over 12 years of training in various dance styles at Starstruck Dance Studio in Staten Island, New York. His professional experience includes performing as a New York Knicks City Kid Dancer for three seasons, and being a member of the Rutgers Jr. Scarlet Knights Dance Team for one year. Luke has also gained recognition as a choreographer, with his work earning numerous awards and honors. His passion for dance elevates our dance community. 

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Luke Capichana

Hip Hop Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Azari is a 6th year Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and captain of the team. She has represented the Eagles organization on international media outlets as a global brand ambassador and performed at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. Azari is a prominent dance educator and graduate of The University of the Arts with a BFA degree in Dance and minor in Business. Azari has performed in concert with iconic musicians including Queen and Darius Rucker and has been featured in music videos. Passionate about giving back to the community, Azari is also actively involved in many of the NFL's initiatives including Salute to Service, Crucial Catch, and Inspire Change.

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Azari Ford

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Giana is a graduate of 100% Dance where she was a member of the Competition Team since the age of 4.  She earned numerous Awards, Titles, and Scholorships such as Knicks Scholorship; JUMP Dance Nationals Top 20 VIP Finalist at Radio City Music Hall; Artists Simply Human Clear Talent Award; Teen Ms. Dancers Inc 2010 and Pacific Coast Dance Fest Scholorship 2012. She has performed as a 'Kit Kat Girl' in the Jose De La Cuesta production of Caberet summer 2012.  Giana loves all genres of dance but is especially drawn to Hip Hop and Contemporary.  Her choreography has won numerous awards and as a result, Giana was selected by So You Think You Can Dance Season 9 Winner, Cheon, to assist in choreogrpahy for a Hershey Park Production, July 2013. Recently, she was chosen to choreograph a piece for Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman's Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala in Los Angeles, California. Her passion for dance and choreography continues to grow each and everyday

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Giana Forgione

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Leah Cotter is a passionate senior at EPDA who brings her love for dance to life by sharing it with others through teaching. A dedicated student and performer, Leah has won numerous awards for her exceptional talent and hard work on the dance floor. With experience working alongside a variety of accomplished choreographers and instructors, she continues to grow as a versatile dancer. Leah is currently enrolled in the FPAC program at her high school, further honing her craft and deepening her knowledge of dance and the arts. She is excited to inspire the next generation of dancers and share the joy of movement with her students.

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Leah Cotter

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

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Gabriella Iacobelli

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Gab Iacobelli is a dedicated student at EPDA who shares her passion for dance and acrobatics by teaching and inspiring others. With numerous awards and titles to her name from her solo performances, Gab has built a reputation for her talent and hard work. She has worked with many esteemed choreographers and instructors, constantly refining her craft. Gab is also a proud member of the Old Bridge High School Dance Team, where she competes and showcases her advanced dance and acrobatic skills. Known for her strength, flexibility, and precision, she is committed to helping others develop their skills and love for movement.

Guest Instructors

Kristin has more than 22 years of dance training & is a graduate of Montclair State University’s College of the Arts. She graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Education, a minor in Business, was a member of the Dance & Theater repertory company and a group fitness instructor.

She has extensive commercial (and conservatory based) dance training, in all styles of dance, and has trained & performed with many well-known dancers & choreographers on both the east and west coasts. Her credits include numerous music videos (including Kat DeLuna’s “Drop it Low”), The Wendy Williams Show, Hip Hop Squares, “Star Maker” on Lifetime with Laurieann Gibson, Freestyle Legends Tour (for artists Rockell, Noel, Cynthia & Joe Zangie), Coca Cola, Disneyworld, The Russian Nutcracker and various live performances at Radio City Music Hall, NJPAC, PNC Arts Center, Jones Beach, Wachovia Center, Amalie Arena, Hard Rock Café, Madison Square Garden and a private event for Madonna.

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Kristin Seneca

Guest Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Kristin is a member of Rhythm City Entertainment, Breaking Conformity Productions, Latin Fusion Dance Project and a current cast member of the Dead Man’s Party dance show at Six Flag’s Great Adventure’s Fright Fest. She works with various artists & choreographers, choreographs and teaches various classes and workshops in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia and is a certified Zumba instructor. 

Ellen Mulvihill is a New Jersey native who is currently based out of New York City. After receiving her degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University, Ellen went on to travel and perform with both RWS Entertainment Group and Holland America Cruise Line. Here, she was able to showcase her talents as a featured dancer, aerialist, dance captain, and swing all while traveling the world. Ellen’s credits also include Oklahoma! (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), The Astaire Awards (The Joyce Theater, NYC), Broadway Bares (Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC), Cabaret in Concert (Classic Theatre of Maryland), Step One Dance Company workshop cast, Fashion Ad Campaigns, and choreography showcases at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joyce Theater in New York City, and Steps on Broadway. In addition to performing, Ellen has found a deep love for teaching and choreographing. This passion allows her to connect and give back to the upcoming generation of dancers!

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Ellen Mulvihill

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Bria Walton has been dancing for over 20 years and is trained in all styles of dance! After growing up a competitive dancer, Bria continued her training at Academy of Phresh in Philadelphia while at studying at Temple University. Bria’s professional credits include Good Morning America, Pharrell Williams Sephora Fragrance
Launch, and she was a featured dancer in Todrick Hall’s music video for his visual album. Bria has completed two seasons with Introspective Movement Project, under the direction of Sonia Pennington, where she was able to perform at the Wawa Welcome to America Festival and the Philly Fringe Festival. Bria is a diverse choreographer and educator; she has had the privilege of choreographing for
many dance studios and dance teams across the country. Her choreography has been seen anywhere from Squad 76, the Philadelphia 76ers dance team to dancers competing at Youth America Grand Prix and everything in between. She loves to create a safe environment where dancers feel can be pushed
and reach their maximum potential. Her true passion is traveling around the country to teach, judge and choreograph for the next generation of dancers!

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Bria Walton

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Currently, Ryan resides in New York City and has trained in all facets of dance. Ryan’s talent has taken him around the world performing with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and in Orlando theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. His musical theatre background has allowed him to travel throughout the U.S to perform in productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, and On the Town to name a few. His television credits include The Late Show with Steven Colbert, Disney Channel Holiday Specials with the Disney Descendants and Asher Angel and commercials for Party City and Walt Disney World Hotels, as well as performing with Idina Menzel in New York City. 

When not performing, Ryan teaches and choreographs for studios, high school dance teams and opening number routines around the country and has been recognized for his achievements in choreography both at the regional and national level. With his unique taste for contemporary lyrical and fusion of classic and contemporary jazz Ryan has a wide breadth of knowledge, skill set and creativity to share with all who are ready to step out of their comfort zone a little bit and be driven by storytelling, emotion and passion! 

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Ryan Skroki

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Matthew has an impressive track record with a string of titles won on teams like Navarro College, Top Gun TGLC/Double O, and CA Wildcats. His coaching journey took off in 2015 at the prestigious Monmouth Gymnastics, an Olympic training and renowned gymnastics facility.

Matt's commitment to excellence doesn't stop there. He has gone the extra mile to earn certifications in USAG, USASF, spotting, athlete safety, child psychology, and CPR. He leaves no stone unturned when ensuring the safety and growth of his athletes

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Matthew Loucel

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Calli's love for dance started at the age of three and has only grown since! Her training began in the Chicagoland area and continued all over the country, which landed her in New York City! So far Calli has performed all over the city, danced for a sold out Prudential Center, and has even danced on Nickelodeon! Calli is currently, and proudly, a member of TreadFAST Commercial Dance Company. Calli uses her experience as a professional dancer to create a motivating and cutting edge class. This of course bleeds into her work as a choreographer where she has been honored with 2022 Top Choreography awards and Industry Dance Award nominations. She hopes to instill confidence in her dancers and nurture their love for dance, as many teachers have done for her!

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Cali Chafin

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

Lynette Werthwein trained at East Carolina University with ballet master and former director of New Jersey Ballet, Joseph Carow. Lynette was a part of the East Carolina Dance Theatre ballet ensemble, and a company member with Atlantic City Ballet and New Jersey Coastal Ballet. She spent time furthering her ballet training at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Mrs. W has performed in various drama troupes and dance companies throughout NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VT. After gaining her masters in teaching from Montclair State University she taught a recreational jazz class at Rutgers on the Mason Gross campus. She continued her teaching career at Union City High School where she directed the drama department and Emerson Dance Troupe. Currently Mrs. W is the director of the Spartan Dancers and is the choreographer for the OTHS Drama Club's Spartan Players. She has written the dance curriculum for the OTHS Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Lynette continues to educate and train herself with various dance companies such as; Ballet Hispanico, The Ailey School and American Ballet Theatre’s adult programs.

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Lynette Werthwein

 Instructor at En Pointe Dance & Acrobatics

We also like to give recognition and a huge thank you to our office manager, office staff, prop manager, prop management, photographer, media staff, costume designer, costume seamstresses, event staff, and our classroom assistants for all of their hard work and incredible talents that helped us bring our dreams to life. 

Business Hours

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Friday:
Saturday:

CLOSED
3:00pm - 9:00pm
3:00pm - 9:00pm
3:00pm - 9:00pm
3:00pm - 9:00pm
3:00pm - 9:00pm
HOURS VARY

Contact Us

1837 Old Mill Rd, Belmar, NJ 07719

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En Pointe Dance and Acrobatics   /   www.epdanj.com

©2023 En Pointe Dance and Acrobatics

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