Dance Instructors

Juliana Elliott

Annie DiStefano

Founder & Director, Garden Street School of the Performing Arts
Ballet · Pointe · Modern · Contemporary · Lyrical · Jazz · Tap · Hip Hop
Competition Choreographer · Musical Theatre Director · Industry Mentor

Annie DiStefano is the powerhouse behind Garden Street — a dynamic force in the dance and theatre world with a passion for performance, precision, and launching careers. As the Founder and Director of Garden Street School of the Performing Arts, Annie doesn’t just teach — she transforms potential into power and gives her students the tools to stand out in the most competitive arenas in the industry.

A classically trained dancer and choreographer, Annie began her journey on Long Island and in NYC, training at the most elite programs including The Cultural Arts Center (now LIHSA), USDAN, Joffrey, Peridance, Steps on Broadway, and Broadway Dance Center. She studied under some of the industry’s greatest minds — Joe Lanteri, Mia Michaels, Anne Reinking, Joe Istre — and quickly established herself as a young choreographic talent, working professionally by the age of 17.

Her choreography has been featured at SUNY Stony Brook, SUNY Fredonia, Columbia University, and University of the Arts, among others. She has received numerous awards and scholarships for both her dance and musical theatre work, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to recognize, shape, and launch young talent.

Annie built Garden Street from the ground up while raising two sons — both of whom are now professional actors working in Broadway, film, and TV. She knows exactly what it takes to balance training, auditions, contracts, and childhood. She’s not just an educator — she’s a true industry insider, helping families navigate the professional world of entertainment with clarity, confidence, and heart.

Her students have landed roles in School of Rock, On Your Feet, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Inner Voices Off-Broadway, and more. She helped launch the careers of Michael Cascetta and Nirvaan Pal (School of Rock Broadway) and continues to mentor the next generation of stars with fierce loyalty and unmatched expertise.

Annie’s son Finn Douglas made history as the youngest performer to star in a solo Off-Broadway musical and has appeared in House of Cards, After Forever, and Riley’s Unforgettable School Project. Her son Jack Casey is a recurring role in Amazon Prime's Harlan Coben’s Shelter, has appeared in Law & Order: SVU, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and made his Broadway debut in Ragtime’s 25th Anniversary Concert. He was also in the original cast and cast album of Knoxville by Ahrens & Flaherty.

Currently, Annie is producing Broadway OG’s, a major theatrical project starring Broadway icons like Hannah Elless, Chip Zien, Anita Gillette, Michele Pawk, and Natalie Toro.

At Garden Street, Annie’s not just running a program — she’s building a legacy. With her eye for talent, deep network of industry connections, and unstoppable drive, she’s helping young artists turn their dreams into careers.

If your child has a dream — Annie knows how to get them there.

Annie DiStefano

Joanna Barry

Irish Dance Master Instructor, Tap, Jazz, Ballet

Joanna Barry is a founding member of Garden Street School of the Performing Arts, as the first instructor to teach at the studio in 2011 during our first season. She has developed our Irish Step program and Tap program to be award winning companies throughout the Tri-State Area. She has won Best Choreographer, regionally and Nationally and holds the 2023 title for Best Choreographer in the country from Access Broadway. Her knowledge and expertise as a performer and dance educator make her classes some of the most popular at the studio. She works with our youngest beginners, and our more advanced dancers. All of her students leave her classes energized, excited, and looking forward to the next class.

Joanna Barry was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and began her lifelong career in dance at the age of three. Trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Irish Step Dancing, she has a well rounded approach to the art of dance performance, technique and instruction.

Joanna became a professional dancer at the age of sixteen, while living in Ireland. It was at this age that she also began assisting in training and teaching beginners in tap, jazz and Irish step dancing. Her theater credits in Ireland as a dancer and assistant choreographer include musical variety seasons in The Gaiety, The Olympia and The Point. Joanna was lucky enough to be a part of many Irish productions that gave her the opportunity to perform on R.T.E (National Television Station) on numerous occasions.

Meg Hoshor

Ballet and Contemporary Lyrical Instructor

Meg Hoshor was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio where she discovered her passion for dance. After years of training, Meg attended Western Kentucky University where she received her bachelors in Dance and Arts Administration. While at Western, Meg grew her versatility as a dancer by studying ballet, Graham, Horton, jazz, and contemporary. In the summers, she received full tuition scholarships to attend Joffrey Intensives, as well as intensives with Cincinnati Ballet, Pascal Rioult, and Complexions. Apron arriving to New York, Meg has become a featured soloist with the company, Ballets with a Twist, and has toured all over the United States to perform in Cocktail Hour: The Show. Meg has also had the opportunity to perform in Cyndi Lauper’s holiday show, Cyndi Lauper and Friends: Home for the Holidays, as well as M&M Dance Theater’s Broadway With Heart. When Meg isn’t performing, she enjoys using her training as a dancer to work with fashion brands such as AZ Factory and Marc Jacobs. Meg loves to share her knowledge and passion for dance to help young artists achieve their goals.

Annamaria Diamant

Modern Contemporary Lyrical, Grown Up + Me, Early Childhood Dance Specialist

Annamaria hails from Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Following graduation she became a company member of Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company (formerly Fusion Dance Artists). She has worked with MA Dance company of Dallas, TX as a dance educator, instructor and camp director throughout the country. She is a former Capital One Bowl Half Time Show dance instructor. Annamaria made the move to New York in 2013. Since then she has performed in contemporary works by Julia Ehrstrand and Jennifer Archibald and presented her own choreography for CBGDance Empathy Series, Sans Limites Dance, Your Move: New Jersey Modern Dance Festival and J CHEN Project’s TRANSLATE 2018. In 2016 she was named as one of Sarasota Contemporary’s "Emerging Choreographers" and in 2018 returned as a SCDC Artist in Residence. Annamaria loves to share her passion for movement, she is a teaching artist with Williamsburg Movement and Art Center and Shooting Stars Dance Company and currently working towards her graduate degree in Arts Administration at Baruch College.

Michael Williams

Emily Derrick

Michael Williams

Competition Choreographer/Adult Ballet

Michael Williams began his dance training at The Studio of Dance in Georgetown, SC. Michael also attended the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia for four years and received a BFA in dance with emphasis on ballet. He is a performer, choreographer, teacher, and mentor. Michael recently closed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Broadway and is currently the Dance Captain, and Swing in My Fair Lady at Lincoln Center. He was part of the revival of “On the Town” a musical comedy, as well as the Broadway production of “Wicked” the musical. He has trained with Columbia City Ballet, the Alvin Ailey American dance school, Brandywine Ballet company, Scott Jovovich, and Twyla Tharp. His classes focus more on the technical aspect of dance as well as being able to move and create outside of the box. With the fusion of his ballet background into the jazz and modern styles of dance, Michael's classes will further develop a relationship with the music as well as each individuals growth as a dancer and human being. Michael is married to Broadway's Anne Brummel, and is the proud father of their adorable son, who can be seen taking Grown Up and Me classes at Garden Street.

Emily Derrick

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Early Child Dance and Music Specialist

Some of you may have seen Emily singing and dancing her way through Disney in one of their magical shows! She has toured the US performing in the most amazing productions, and has performed all over the world!

As a true triple threat Emily Derrick began training with Atlanta Dance Theater, under the direction of Jonnie Kelly. She furthered her training at The Atlanta Ballet and was selected to study with the Georgia Governor's Honors program. Emily got her BFA in Dance Performance from OCU and was a student of tap legend, Robert Reed.

She was a founding member of the dance company, Street Beatz. She danced with TapLife, American Tap Dance Foundation. Emily danced in Disney productions: Celebrate the Season and and Block Party Bash, where she was awarded for Outstanding Performance.

Some of Emily's favorite regional musical performances include Elf, Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma and the world premiere of Rewind.

Emily was the head of the dance and drama department for Shanghai China's UOutlook. She has taught students of all ages throughout the Tri-state area, and has developed fun and engaging dance programs for young dancers.

With all of this incredible experience and training, Emily brings her love and joy for the performing arts to young children. Emily specializes in working with young aspiring performers of all ages and levels - especially our youngest students. We believe all children should have the opportunity to experience the performing arts at any age, and we are delighted to bring Emily's expertise to our youngest students at Garden Street!

Erica Phillips

Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre Dance

Originally from the North Shore of Massachusetts, Miss Erica started dancing at the age of 5, and she immediately fell in love with the gift of dance. She trained in Boston with the elite LeAnne Leslie School of Theatrical Dance under LeAnne Leslie for 15 years. During her time there, Miss Erica was a company and a faculty member. Miss Erica’s students competed in both regional and national competitions, winning numerous awards. Miss Erica trained and choreographed in a variety of styles including tap, jazz, hip hop and ballet, and she worked with everyone from the tiniest ballerinas to future Broadway stars. (Wicked)

Erica attended Syracuse University where she received her bachelor of science in Kinesiology. During her time at Syracuse University, Erica was a lead performer and choreographer for the competitive Creations Dance Troupe, earning national recognition. In addition, Erica was a member and captain of the Syracuse University Dance Team, performing at both football and basketball games at the NCAA Division 1 collegiate level for four years. Erica performed and was captain for the Tullys Dance Team in Syracuse, NY sponsoring community charity events and teaching children in the local community. After moving to New York City, Erica trained at Radio City, and is a former Rockette, and studied at the Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.

In addition to her dance experience, Miss Erica is a certified personal trainer who focuses on strength and flexibility for injury rehabilitation related to dancing. She is certified in pre/post natal training to help Mothers of future dancers; additionally she is a certified Running Coach and former state representative for New Jersey for the Road Runners Club of America. Miss Erica is an avid runner who has completed 5 marathons.

Miss Erica is eager and honored to share her passion and love of dance with students in Hoboken, NJ at the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts!!!

Erica Phillips

Alex Mandalakas

Ballet, Hip Hop, Grown Up and Me Dance

Alex Mandalakis is a NJ/NY based dance and musical theatre educator and choreographer. Alex grew up training at the School of the Arts in North Brunswick, NJ, and earned her BA in Film and Television from Fordham University and a Master’s in Arts and Entertainment Management from Pace University.

For over a decade, Alex has worked with students ages 3–19 in professional, educational, and community programs, creating collaborative environments that foster confidence, creativity, and teamwork through the performing arts. Early in her career, she helped develop BroadwayEvolved, a Broadway intensive for high school students, working alongside Broadway professionals such as Betsy Wolfe, Jeremy Jordan, Sara Bareilles, and Megan Hilty. She has also choreographed for programs across the tri-state area including Villagers Theatre Summer Arts Program, Miniature Musical Makers, Fordham University’s Mimes and Mummers, Wall Township Public Schools, and more.

Alex has a strong foundation in early childhood education, having worked as a kindergarten teacher designing creative lesson plans that combined learning with play for her students. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director and Choreographer at Broadway Workshop, leading youth productions including Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Matilda Jr. in New York City. Her students have gone on to perform in Broadway and touring productions, including Mrs. Doubtfire, Frozen, and The Lion King.

In addition to arts education, Alex is an accomplished event producer with credits as a production coordinator for the Tony Awards, HBO’s The Other Two, Apple Music Concerts, and NBC premieres. She produces large-scale galas, corporate events, and private celebrations in NYC.

Alex’s greatest passion is helping children develop essential life skills through the arts, lessons that extend far beyond the stage. She is thrilled to share her love of dance and performance with her students at Garden Street Performing Arts!

Dayana Valverde

Ballet, Hip Hop, K-Pop Dance, Grown Up and Me

Dayana is a vibrant and multifaceted dancer, born and raised in Lima, Peru, who discovered her passion for dance at an early age while taking ballet classes. At the age of 15, she decided to pursue a professional career in dance and began training in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance at San Marcos University in Lima, Peru.

She later transitioned into urban styles, taking classes at D1 Dance School by Vania Masias and TFS Urban Dance School, where she found her true passion. Dayana is a versatile urban dancer specializing in hip-hop, reggaeton, street jazz, and K-pop dance. She has won national K-pop dance competitions, showcasing her versatility and dedication.

In 2020, she moved to the United States and embraced new opportunities for growth. Alongside her work in urban dance, she is also a proud performer of Peruvian folkloric dance, representing her culture at cultural events throughout New Jersey and at local universities.

Academically, she earned in 2023 an Associate of Arts in World Languages (Japanese), and two Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Spanish at Montclair State University. Passionate about education and diversity, Dayana especially enjoys working with children from different backgrounds, using dance and languages as bridges to connect, inspire, and empower.

Cayla Blake

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop

Cayla Blake is a professional dancer, yoga and dance teacher originating from Putnam County, New York. She began her training at a young age at Seven Star School of Performing Arts where she quickly learned that she wanted dance to be her whole life. Cayla went on to further her training and received her BFA in Dance from UMass Amherst. During her time at school, Cayla spent three months training at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona where she choreographed and set work internationally.

After graduating, Cayla followed another passion of hers and received her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. In the fall of 2021, Cayla made the move to Boston to become a company member with Pantos Project Dance and join Tony Williams for his production of the Urban Nutcracker - soon thereafter joining his company, City Ballet of Boston. Cayla has also been a guest artist performing with companies such as Brooklyn Ballet and Northeast Arts.

For close to a decade, Cayla has been teaching ballet, contemporary, jazz, and technique throughout the Northeast and New England region to students of all levels and ages. She has also taught within the public school system of Cambridge, MA where she introduced dance and movement to students grades K-4. Having recently moved back to NY, Cayla is passionate about sharing her love of dance and making it accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds. She is so excited to be joining Garden Street and is ready to help her students shine!

Elle Oimet

Acro, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop

lle Ouimet,(She/Her) is a NYC based performing artist who studied Theatre Performance and Dance Education at Wagner College. Throughout her time there, Elle trained in all styles of dance and performed in several main stage productions; some of her favorite’s include Fastrada (Pippin), Alaura Kingsley (City of Angels), Gertrude (Seussical), and Lady Larkin (Once Upon a Mattress).

Elle’s involvement behind the scenes took place as an assistant choreographer for two of Wagner’s main stage productions and was the choreographer for Wagner’s spring production of RENT. Elle hails from Northern Virginia where she received her dance education and training at Ashburn Academy of Dance (AAD). She is a currently a guest teaching artist at AAD and choreographs for dancers in their Edge Performance Company.

Elle has also directed and choreographed jr productions at Rock Ridge Performing Arts’ Summer Broadway Bound Camps. Prior to graduating from Wagner, Elle presented OUI, a sixteen piece dance production featuring various genres. Elle’s professional credits include: Grease (Dance Captain, Ensemble),and Evita (Dance Captain, Ensemble) at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, and this summer in West Side Story at Milton Theatre (Pauline). Elle is honored and thrilled to be part of the faculty and cannot wait to bring her joy and passion for dance to Garden Street.

Teagan Burke

Early Childhood Dance Specialist, Grown Up and Me

Teagan Burke is a New York City–based performing artist who earned her B.A. in Theatre Performance with a concentration in Musical Theatre from Wagner College. During her time at Wagner, Teagan trained extensively in a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop. Her favorite performance credits include Maize LaBird in Seussical, Blanche Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, and Featured Dance Ensemble/Fastrada understudy in Pippin.

Teagan is originally from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she began her training in voice and acting at a young age preforming all around the seacoast of NH. She spent multiple summers in her hometown as a counselor at an overnight performing arts camp, where she discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring young performers.

Outside of her collegiate work, Teagan has appeared in several outside productions, including Heather McNamara in Heathers and Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting. She is thrilled to join the faculty at Garden Street and looks forward to sharing her love of performing arts with her students.

Alex Mandalakis

CAYLA BLAKE

Dayana Valverde

ELLE OIMET

TEAGAN BURKE