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The Dance Connection is a performing arts studio located in Johnston, R.I. 
Classes are taught from age 3 to adults. We offer training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hip-hop, and modern. Occasionally we offer specialty classes in turns and leaps,and  technique. Our newest class is creative movement, made especially for 2 year olds and a caregiver. Instruction is given in group lessons as well as private lessons.

More serious and dedicated students are invited to audition for the Circle of Excellence Dance Company. Company members compete four times per year locally, and once every other year, at the National level. The company provides opportunities to perform in both a competitive and non-competitive environment. The goal of the studio is to provide quality dance education in a positive environment. We believe in making each student the best dancer she/he can be! We stress technique, proper terminology and discipline as well as fostering a love for dance. As instructors, we work together to produce the best results possible. We put the students first!

The studio has three spacious dance rooms, a waiting area, a changing area.
We also have a store where you can find your entire dance needs. Everything from clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as dance supplies. Come and learn from a group of highly dedicated and qualified instructors!

About The Director
Cheryl Lima - Cheryl has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching for 18.  As a student she competed in many competitions both Regionally and Nationally in tap, jazz and lyrical.  Cheryl competed in the National finals in NY City as well as Virginia Beach receiving gold medals.  In 1995 she graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in Education. She is certified to teach ballet, tap and jazz through DEA and ballet through DTCB.   She is also a member of Dance Alliance.  Cheryl has taught dance at local preschools, elementary schools and Bryant College. Cheryl's students have performed at numerous competitions, as well as performances for benefits and charities. Her students have been the recipients of numerous awards at competitions and her recitals are considered as one of the best in the state.  Cheryl is presently coaching dancers that will be performing in Disney World--July 2009.  She is also the proud mother of Nathan, Joshua, Katelyn and Nicholas.

Nathan, Joshua & Katelyn

Our Instructors

Michelle Avella - Michelle, a student at RI College, has been dancing at the studio for 19 years.  She performed in Disney World in 2001, and is coaching a group of dancers for a 2009 performance.  Her students have competed at the regional and national level, receiving 1st place, Gold and Platinum medals.  Michelle traveled to Las Vegas in 2007 with a group of dancers including the winner of the Springfield regional Title winner "Junior Miss DEA".  In the past 2 years she was selected as a semi finalist for "Dancer of the Year", received a Gold medal at DEA's regional and national competition, as well as Overall High Score in her age group  for her lyrical solos.  One of Michelle's  soloists  received Sophisticated Gold as well as High Score in the Jazz Solo Division and was named Miss Pre-Teen Sophisticated Dance 2008.

Elyse Laferriere - Elyse has been dancing at the studio since age 5.  She has studied all forms of dance and has competed in jazz, lyrical and tap. In July, 2006 she competed in her 1st national competition, where she competed as a semi-finalist for the title, "Dancer of the Year".  Elyse won the title "Springfield Regional Miss DEA" in Dec., 2006 with a jazz solo and traveled to Las Vegas in July, 2007 to compete for the national title of  "Miss DEA".  This past season she received several gold medals and was selected as a part of the Hall of Fame All Star Team.

Jennifer Kapadia - Jen has been dancing at the studio for 25 years. She is  certified to teach through DTCB in both tap and jazz.  A former gold medal recipient and performer in Disney  World, 1995, Jen continues to place at the top of her division in competitions.  In 2004 she won 1st place and Gold for her solo "Toxic", as well as being chosen as a semi-finalist for "Dancer of the Year"  and High Score Overall  for her age group.  Her students continue to place at the top of their division, as well as qualifying for "Dancer of the Year" and special awards.  In the past two years Jen has received Choreographer awards for a jazz group, hip hop  and hip hop solo.

Trish Reis - Trish is a graduate of Salve Regina College with a degree in communications and Dance.  Through the years she has studied modern, ballet, lyrical and jazz at Physical Attitude.  Trish has choreographed for the Salve Dance Company and has been a guest performer with Island Moving company and the URI Dance Company.  Trish is presently coaching two routines for upcoming competitions.

Rodney Romero - Rodney is our teen hip hop instructor.  He is a senior at Hope high School where he is actively involved in the school dance program.  He is part of the city wide team, "Dynamikz" where he has competed and performed locally at URI and New York.   In July, 2008 he will be performing and competing with his group in Boston.

Jessica Harris - Jessica, a graduate of Johnson and Wales College, has been at the studio for 5 years, studying all forms of dance.  She is our teen and adult hip-hop instructor. Jessica has performed hip hop and lyrical solos in competition, receiving 1st place awards as well as gold and High Gold.  She traveled to Las Vegas to compete in DEA's National Competition the summer of 2007.  She came home with a Gold Medal. 

Jillian Courtemanche - Jillian has been a student at The Dance Connection for 15 years. She has studied all forms of dance as well as competed in tap, jazz and lyrical. She is presently a student at Bay View Academy and will attend RI College in the fall.