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Melanie Boniszewski, the owner
and director of Tonawanda Dance Arts, started dance at the age of three. She has continued her dance education
by studying with some of the best teachers in Western New York and the United States. Melanie has completed
her teaching certification and holds a degree from Dance Masters of America. She has attended the Dance Studio
Life Conference in Orlando, Flordia and has also studied in New York City. She continues to take continues her dance
education at various classes, seminars and workshops. She has been teaching dance for 28 years. Melanie enjoys
spending time with her husband and three daughters and loves vacationing in Disney.
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Kelsey Boniszewski started taking class at Tonawanda Dance Arts at the age of three and has since
continued her dance education in many other areas. Kelsey has studied with Classical Ballet of Western New York, where
she also participated in their performance of Swan Lake. Kelsey has completed Level II of Dance Master's of
America's Teachers Training School and has attended Dance Master's of America's Student Honors Intensive Program,
The Rockette Experience and DanceLife Teacher Conference in Orlando, Florida. Kelsey has been a member of the Tonawanda
Dance Art's Competition Team since it's start and continues to take additional classes and seminars, including classes
from dance professors at the University at Buffalo. Kelsey is currently a senior at Canisius College
majoring in Management. |
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Jamie Binkley began dancing at the age of four and continued on to study tap, jazz, ballet and hip
hop. Jamie was a member of the North Tonwanda Lumberjacks Dance Team. Jamie has since brought the cheer dance
program to Tonawanda Dance Arts. Jamie is currently a 4th grade teacher and is working towards her Masters in Education
from Niagara University. |
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Kristy Boyens began
her dance training at the age of four in Kissimmee, Florida and has been fortunate to study under the direction of Annette
DuBose and Juan Sanchez. Kristy graduated from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, where
she performed in Studio Ensemble and Dancers Workshop. Kristy completed her teaching certification from Dance Masters
of America and is a member of DMA Western NY and Florida Dance Masters. Kristy's choreography has won many
awards from national dance competitions such as Cathy Roe, Fire and Ice and American Dance Awards. She has also had a piece
performed at UB’s “Showcase of Academic Excellence”. Kristy also had the priviledge to choreograph
for Florida Dance Masters group,"Main Attraction", a group she grew up participating in. She is excited to join
the faculty of Tonawanda Dance Arts and teach her love of dance to others.
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Sandie Corkery began dancing at the
age of twelve and began competiting at the age of thirteen, during which time she excelled at acrobatics. Sandie
attended the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts as a Dance Major and during her sophmore year, traveled to Jamacia
as a foreign exchange student, where she studied dance. After completing her formal education, Sandie toured with Sesame
Street Live as a dancer. Sandie extensive experience allowed her to begin the acro program. Sandie enjoys spending
time with her husband and her four daughters.
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Bree Knight has danced for almost
30 years and bring 15 years of teaching experience with her to TDA. Bree has studied with various dance teachers
from the University at Buffalo and continues to attend master classes from well renouned teachers in the area. She has
completed Level I of the Dance Masters of America TTS (Teachers Training School). Bree is currently a special education
teacher and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
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Marissa Melcher began dancing at the age of three at Tonawanda Dance Arts.
Marissa has studied various forms of dance and has participated as a part of the Tonawanda Dance Arts Competition Team since
its start. Marissa has also danced with the Pick of the Crop Dance Company. Marissa has also completed Level
II of Dance Master's of America's TTS (Teacher's Training School) and has attended Darren's Dance Grooves.
Marissa continues her dance education through various classes and workshops throughout the year. Marissa is currently
attending NCC pursuing a degree in Nursing. |
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Mary Jo Sobus has over 30 years of
dance experience and has taught at Tonawanda Dance Arts since its start. Prior to that she was with Michele Merwin Dance
Arts. Miss Mary Jo has completed Level IV of the Dance Master’s of America Teacher’s Training School
and now holds a Master’s Degree from that organization. Mary Jo enjoys scrapbooking and spending time with her
husband and two children.
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