Our Faculty

Nancy Canning

Nancy Canning is a New Jersey-based dance instructor, director, and choreographer. Originally from north of Syracuse, New York, Ms. Canning’s early artistic journey included performing with BalletMet, Syracuse Contemporary Dance Company, and Syracuse Community Theatre. At the age of 14, she earned a scholarship from the New York State Council on the Arts to attend the Summer Theatre Institute at The Juilliard School.

Ms. Canning graduated from Pace University’s Commercial Dance program, completing her degree in just three years. She began her professional dance career at 19, with credits that include serving as a Principal Dancer in the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company’s production of “Swing.” Her repertoire also features classical and contemporary works with the American Swiss Ballet Company, performances with Larger than Life Productions, and contemporary projects with ChoreoNova. Additionally, she has performed in original works at the Hudson Guild Theatre in New York and appeared in music videos, including one for singer Lucio Fernandez.

While pursuing her professional dance career, Ms. Canning took on roles as a Rehearsal Assistant and Dance Captain, coaching both professionals and students. This experience ignited her passion for dance education. She is now certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum for levels Pre-Primary to Six.

With over a decade of experience teaching ballet and dance, Ms. Canning has taught at more than 20 dance studios, public schools, educational centers, and community programs throughout the tri-state area. As a coach and mentor, she has guided students who have gone on to train at prestigious institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre School (JKO), The School of American Ballet, Ballet Academy East, Manhattan Youth Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. In 2024, she choreographed “Footloose” for Ridgefield Memorial High School.

Currently, Ms. Canning serves as the lead dance coach and mentor at Peak Performing Arts Center (Peak PAC). She directs the youth dance program, which includes the Ballet Academy and Competition Team, offering instruction in all dance styles. Her approach focuses on providing students with a unique educational experience rooted in professional industry standards, individual wellness, and technical as well as artistic excellence.

Maiko Kataoka

Maiko Kataoka began her classical ballet training at the age of four. After graduating from the Osaka University of Arts with a degree in Dance from the Stage Arts program, she moved to New York City to further develop her dance skills. Today, she teaches classical ballet and contemporary dance in Bergen County and New York, while continuing to perform with the Arts of Motion Dance Theater.

Ms. Kataoka has graced the stage with the company at venues such as Bergen Community College, The Hatch, and the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center (MMAC) in New York City. Her standout performances include the role of Puck in Arts of Motion’s Studio School’s Spring Ballet production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as the Tea solo in The Nutcracker.

Ms. Kataoka also serves as a Peak Elite Performance Instructor within our Ballet Academy and recreational dance program, where she inspires the next generation of dancers with her artistry and passion.

Michael Earle Fajardo

A Ridgefield resident and Parent, Mr. Michael’s children are students of Shobo Music Academy, located with us at Peak Performing Arts Center. As a current working Theatre Actor and experienced Acting teacher and coach, we are excited to have him working with our students to share the art of Acting.

As a graduate of the prestigious New York University Tisch Graduate Acting program, Michael has acting in popular tv shows such as: “Law and Order,” “Guiding Light,” “Kings” and “One Life to Live” among others. His resume also features leading roles in New York Theatre and Regional productions, ranging from Shakespearean works to Contemporary plays at The Public Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse & Baltimore Center Stage, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, and many more.

Mr. Michael Earle Fajardo is an experienced teacher, most recently teaching Acting and Scene study at CUNY York College and Fordham University.

We are honored to welcome local parent and professional actor/teacher Mr. Michael to our faculty to work with us.

Marianna Tsartolia

Mrs. Tsartolia was born in Athens, Greece, where she earned her BFA in Dance from the State School of Dance. As a recipient of scholarships from the Alexander Onassis and Merce Cunningham Foundations, she graduated from the Merce Cunningham Studio in New York City in 1997. Her performance career spans both the U.S. and Europe, where she danced with esteemed companies such as Mandafounis Modern Dance Company, Octana Dance Theatre, Connecticut Ballet, and Analysis Dance Company. In 1998, she joined RIOULT Dance NY, performing numerous world premieres and repertory works as a soloist and lead dancer until 2014.

From 2000 to 2017, Mrs. Tsartolia played a pivotal role in RIOULT’s Arts and Education program, “DanceREACH,” serving as a teaching artist, Educational Artistic Advisor, and eventually Director of Youth Programs. Her educational impact extends to teaching technique and repertory workshops in the U.S., France, Greece, and Bermuda. She has restaged RIOULT’s choreography for institutions such as the Frank Sinatra School, Civic Ballet in Bermuda, and the Hellenic Dance Company in Athens, Greece. Additionally, she served as assistant to the choreographer for children’s roles in productions like “Small Steps, Tiny Revolutions” (2008) and “Fables” (2011), restaging them multiple times in both the U.S. and France.

In 2010, Mrs. Tsartolia created the “RIOULT Summer Dance Camp” program, followed by the launch of the “RIOULT Modern Dance Series” in 2013, serving as a master teacher and choreographer. She has choreographed and presented work for the Youth Ensembles of RIOULT and Civic Ballet. Her creative pursuits also extend to costume design, holding a Certificate in Fashion Design from Parsons. She designs costumes for several choreographers, including ARIEL RIVKA Dance Company.

Currently, Mrs. Tsartolia is a featured Peak Elite Performance Instructor with the Ballet Academy at Peak PAC. She also serves as the Director of the Westfield Y Dance Academy, a contemporary dance teacher at Wyckoff Y Studio, and the Director of enrichment programs for danceART.

Amy Romero

Amy is an Afro-Latina performer hailing from New Jersey. Her passion for dance and performance began in childhood and has only grown stronger over the years. Through the performing arts, Amy is grateful for the opportunity to share the rich stories of diverse cultures with audiences around the world.

Her international credits include West Side Story at Teatro Lirico di Cagliari in Sardinia, Italy. Regionally, she has captivated audiences in productions such as West Side Story at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, On Your Feet! en Español at GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C., On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan at North Carolina Theatre, The Wiz in Florida, and the New York City workshop of Thoughts of a Colored Man.

Amy’s tour credits are equally impressive. She has performed on the concert tour of recording artist Lisa Lisa, as well as the U.S. National Tours of Legally Blonde and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live.

In addition to her work as a performer, Amy is an experienced choreographer and dance teacher. She also serves as a judge for dance competitions, bringing her expertise and passion for the art form to the next generation of performers.

Learn more about Amy and her journey at www.iamamyromero.com

When she’s not on stage, touring, or choreographing musical theatre productions, you can find Ms. Amy choreographing for our Competition Team and Ballet Academy, as well as teaching at our intensives and masterclasses.

Mia Evon

Mia Evon is a passionate and versatile dance and aerial arts professional with expertise in Ballet, Contemporary, and Aerial Arts. Her dance journey began at the age of two and continued through the Arts Middle School Program at Middlesex Community College and the School of the Arts at East Brunswick Vocational and Technical School. Under the mentorship of Cleo Mack, Mia discovered her passion for aerial arts, further enriching her artistic foundation by studying with renowned artists such as Michelle Robinson, Carolyn Dorfman, Kelli McGovern, and Blair Ritchie.

Currently, Mia teaches beginner, intermediate, and children’s Aerial Silks classes in Central New Jersey. She is also skilled in Aerial Hoops, offering a comprehensive aerial arts curriculum for her students. Her achievements include winning first place in the United States Pole Sports Federation’s National Championships in the Amateur Aerial Silks Arts category in 2024. That same year, she placed in the top ten at the Pole Sports & Aerial Arts (POSA) World Aerial Arts Championships in Greece, cementing her status as a leading athlete in the aerial arts community. In addition to her aerial expertise, Mia is a certified 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and holds a specialized certification in Children’s Yoga.

Mia also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University, where she graduated in December 2024. As a passionate advocate for mental health, she served as a peer educator for a mental health organization on campus and is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid. Her future plans include pursuing further education in sports psychology.

Currently, Mia is a Peak Elite Performance Instructor for the Ballet Academy and Acro-Tumbling program at Peak PAC. Her unique blend of dance, yoga, and aerial training allows her to offer a holistic approach to fitness, fostering both physical strength and mental well-being in her students.

Regina Lustre

Regina Lustre is a company director, dancer, and instructor based in New Jersey. She serves as the Co-Owner and Executive Director of Project D Dance LLC, an adult competition dance company, as well as the Co-Artistic Director of its junior division, Defined Movement. Additionally, she is an Executive Producer for Prelude Dance LLC, where she helps organize and produce dance competitions across the East Coast. Having joined Project D in 2008 and later taking on a leadership role in 2017, Regina’s passion and dedication to the NJ/NYC dance community remain unwavering. She continues to give back not only to her own dance company but also to other local teams and studios.

Regina’s teaching experience spans local, national, and international platforms, having taught in Toronto, Seoul, and Manila. Her expertise lies in competitive team dancing and directing, strength and athletic performance coaching, and leadership development. With this well-rounded skill set, she strives to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers, fostering a safe, inclusive, and uplifting learning environment.

Currently, Regina is a powerhouse Peak Elite Performance Instructor at Peak PAC. She leads Peak PAC’s Hip Hop classes, working with both recreational dancers and Academy/Competition Team members, ensuring students receive a dynamic and empowering dance education.

Lillian Smith

Lillian Smith is a dancer, performer, and choreographer from Teaneck, NJ. Her dance journey began at the age of three with training at the School of Performing Arts at BergenPAC and the New Jersey Ballet School. She later continued her education at Nunnbetter Dance Theatre under the artistic direction of Leath Nunn and Ernie Prinz. During her time at NDT, Lillian performed principal roles in both classical and contemporary works, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, La Bayadere, and Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story Suite. She also participated annually in the Youth America Grand Prix, earning scholarships to prestigious summer intensives at the North Carolina School of the Arts and Boston Ballet.

After graduating, Lillian joined the trainee program at BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, under the guidance of Academy Director Maria Torija. While at BalletMet, she performed in iconic works such as George Balanchine’s Walpurgisnachtand Western Symphony, as well as The Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia. Her experience extended to BalletMet’s professional productions, where she performed in The Nutcracker and Edwaard Liang’s Giselle. It was during her time at BalletMet that Lillian began exploring choreography, debuting her first full choreographic work, Old Fashioned, in April 2022.

Now based in New York City, Lillian continues to expand her professional career. She has performed with Chevalier Ballet, the When Waves Collide Dance Festival, and is currently a company dancer with CityDanceNY and Hudson Ballet Theatre. Her recent performances include Sarah Knight’s Joplin, Michael Buoni’s Javanaise, The Snow Queen, Marika Brussel’s By a Thread, and Aaron Thao’s Iago v. Ot.

“Miss Lillian” is a featured Peak Elite Performance Instructor and Choreographer with Peak PAC’s Ballet Academy and Competition Team. Her diverse experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator enables her to provide students with an enriching, well-rounded dance education.

Kaitlyn Jauregui

Kaitlyn Jauregui is a dedicated dancer, performer, and instructor who began her dance journey at the age of four. She trained in a wide range of styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and acrobatics. A former PEAK PAC student, Kaitlyn had the opportunity to train, perform in showcases, and participate in community events—experiences she cherished deeply. She also performed featured roles in PEAK PAC’s productions of Coppelia and as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker at Peak Performing Arts Center.

In 2021, Kaitlyn began assisting classes and is now in her third year of teaching for PEAK PAC’s youth program. She is currently pursuing a degree in nursing with a minor in substance use disorders at Ramapo College of New Jersey, having graduated from North Bergen High School. Kaitlyn is actively involved in her college community, serving as a Peer Facilitator to mentor first-year students. She is also a member of the Concert Band, Alpha Phi Omega, and the Nursing Student Organization. Most notably, she is an Executive Board leader for Ramapo’s student-based Dance Company, where she continues to integrate her passion for dance into her college experience.

Kaitlyn’s love for dance and teaching is reflected in her role as a Peak Elite Performance Instructor. She finds great joy in sharing her passion for dance with her students, helping them grow as dancers while building self-confidence, developing proper technique, and nurturing a lifelong love for the art of dance.

Dale Britton, JR.

Dale is a competitive dancer, performer, and comedian whose passion for dance runs deep. Growing up in a family of dancers, Dale struggled to find his own unique path until he discovered Hip Hop—a style that resonated with him on a personal level. The movement, style, and music of Hip Hop gave him the freedom to create and express himself in ways that brought joy not only to him but also to those who watched him perform.

As a featured PEAK Elite Performance Instructor, Dale aims to introduce younger and newer dancers to the world of Hip Hop. His goal is to foster an inclusive environment where students can explore the genre at their own pace, build confidence, and discover their own creative voice. Through his guidance, students are encouraged to branch out into various other dance styles, broadening their movement vocabulary and artistic perspective.

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