NIKOLE LACHIOMA - Owner, Director
Ballet - Modern - Contemporary - Pointe
Modern Company and Ballet Company Director
Nikole LaChioma is a Cum Laude graduate from Marymount Manhattan College and holds a BFA in Ballet. Most recently, Ms. LaChioma has become and owner and Director of Rockwell Dance Center. She had previously held the positions of Artistic Director of the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut and Artistic Director of In Motion Dance Company for the past 13 years. In 2007 she became the Founder and Artistic Director of The Parker Project, a contemporary dance company. Nikole is an ABT ® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT ® Teacher Training Intensives in Pre Primary through Partnering of the ABT ® National Training Curriculum.
Nikole is proud that her pieces have been invited to the Youth American Grand Prix 2015, 2017,2018, 2019 and 2020 Finals in New York. In 2017, 2018 and 2020 YAGP named her Outstanding Choreographer and her ensembles placed first and second overall in Boston and her students have placed in the top 12. Her choreography has also been set on the professional company, Florida Dance Theatre, and she has had pieces accepted at the International Dance Festival-NYC, “Dance Under the Stars” professional dance festival in California, Solstice In Times Square (BCEFA/DRA) and CT Meets NY Dance Festival. Her works with The Parker Project have been performed at many venues in Connecticut and New York.
She feels fortunate to have had many wonderful performance opportunities. Most recently with BalaSole Dance in NYC, where she received this review from Dance Europe Magazine: “She’s a personable performer whose expressions create a connection with the audience....On top of this acting ability, her clear and easy technique make her a joy to watch.” Nikole has had the privilege of dancing with Hartford Ballet under the direction of Kirk Peterson, Raymond Lukens and Franco DeVita, with Wayne Sleep and the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain in Kent, in Scotland at the Aberdeen Youth Festival, with the Scottish Ballet (Ken Burke) and at His Majesty’s Theater. Locally she has performed in many musical theater productions and has served as choreographer for both area high schools and theater organizations.
Nikole hopes to share her passion and love for the arts with all of her students and make RDC an inspiring and nurturing home for everyone - a home where we celebrate each other’s ideas, differences, accomplishments and successes.
CAMRYN BROTHERS
Contemporary
Camryn Brothers is a professional dancer and choreographer currently based in New York City. She has trained in multiple styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, jazz, street styles, and improvisation.
Camryn grew up dancing at Dance Etc in Billerica, MA, where she later became a faculty member. She also trained with Aurora Borealis Dance Company, a Boston based contemporary and improvisational company, with whom she performed in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and more. Camryn moved to New York City after graduating high school to pursue a career in dance. She completed the Professional Semester program at the world renowned Broadway Dance Center. There she learned from and trained with some of the best in the industry, including Hayden J Frederick, Kenichi Kasamatsu and Neil Schwartz to name a few.
Camryn has performed at the Choreographer’s Carnival Ball, Broadway Dance Theatre, the Brooklyn Dance Festival, the Alvin Ailey theater, and more.
Camryn has presented choreography at Broadway Dance Center’s Performance Project, and has created multiple independent works. Camryn has developed a passion for teaching and choreography throughout her many years as a dancer, and hopes to connect with all of her students not just as dancers in a studio but as humans connected by art.
EDGAR CORTES
Ballet – Pointe
Edgar Cortes was born in Portugal. He graduated from the School of Dance of the National Conservatory in Lisbon where he worked with choreographers from Ballet Gulbenkiain, the National Ballet, Escola Superior de Danca, Escola Superior de Teatro and Companhia de Danca de Lisboa. In 1995 he was awarded a scholarship to the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in New York City where he worked with the Martha Graham Dance Ensemble and performed leading and solo roles.
In New York City he has worked with Pearl Lang Dance Theater, Sophie Maslow, Jeanette Hemstad, Analysis Dance Company, Chen & Dancers, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Mark Dendy, as well as other independent choreographers. Edgar was a member of the world renowned Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and toured extensively for six years (U.S.A., Japan, Australia, Europe, Canada, South America, Central America). He has worked with Underworld Productions Opera.
In 2010 he choreographed the opera Pygmalion, in 2011 My Unfair Lady, in 2012 Apollo and Daphne,Clarence and Anita and in 2013 Il Trionfo dell’Onore. He was also the costume designer for Don Pasquale in 2012. In January of 2009 he founded the EdgarCortes Dance Theater. He was awarded grants by NOMAA and created “Unicornius”, a piece inspired by the Hunt of the Unicorn Tapestries currently at the Cloisters Museum, “Water Poodles” (2010) inspired by Esther Williams and synchronized swimming, and “DALI AQUI” (2011) inspired by Salvador Dali. His work “Quatro” (2012) is inspired by the four seasons, “SOL-I-DO” by Portugal and its traditions, and his recent piece “CIRCOPIA” premiered in May 2019. He is currently working on a new piece entitled NOCTURNAS.
Lizzie Fleitas
Hip Hop - Boys' Hip Hop
Lizzie Fleitas is a dancer, choreographer and artist from Westchester, NY. From a young age, Lizzie was creative, crafty and deeply passionate about the arts, however it wasn’t until her sophomore year of college that she discovered her love for dance. While attending Sacred Heart University, where she majored in Mathematics and minored in Economics, she joined the university’s student-run dance club, SHU FORCE, where she had the opportunity to learn from, and choreograph for, her fellow club members, as well as perform at multiple events and showcases on and off campus. In her final year at SHU, Lizzie met her first mentor, Maria Cherniske, who introduced her to the world of commercial dance and inspired her to want to pursue dance professionally.
Upon graduating SHU, Lizzie knew she had a lot to learn, as she was only just beginning her dance training at the age of 22 years old. Determined to achieve her dream, Lizzie trained fervently in all styles at Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, EXPG and Brickhouse NYC. Throughout her journey, Lizzie was fortunate to train under various established, acclaimed mentors, including Marty Kudelka (Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey) and Galen Hooks (Janet Jackson, Britney Spears).
In 2017, Lizzie booked her first notable job: performing with Saving Forever at the U.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. Since then, Lizzie has danced for artists such as J Balvin, Maluma, AJR, Steve Aoki, and Lil Yachty. Lizzie choreographed and danced on Emarosa’s sold-out Peach Club US Tour in 2019. She can be seen dancing in HBO’s The Deuce and in the Telugu Tollywood Film, Savyasachi. Lizzie was featured in MTV’s 2018 VMA Best Pop Nominee Commercial with Shawn Mendes’s name shaved into her head! Some other brands that she’s worked for include: Pepsi, JBL, Smirnoff, Conair, Aquaphor, and JUST Water. Lizzie has also worked on TV shows and can be seen in Netflix’s Friends From College and Daredevil.
As a multi-faceted artist, Lizzie spends most of her free time doing art and DIY projects. Through art and DIY, she has taught herself various skills such as woodwork, resin-work, calligraphy, and hand-lettering. When she isn’t busy dancing or creating, Lizzie enjoys watching movies, binging TV shows, gaming, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Shelby Grant
PreBallet & Tap - Ballet & Tap - Jazz - Tap
Born and raised in Trumbull, CT, Shelby Grant began dancing at The Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, now Rockwell Dance Center, at the age of 7. While there, she studied various styles of dance including ballet/pointe, modern/contemporary, and tap. She also spent summers studying at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City to further her dance education.
Shelby holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Southern New Hampshire University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and as a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success. Her certifications include: Adult, Child, and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED, Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, and Advanced Child Care.
In 2017, Shelby was asked to join RDC’s (formerly PACC) administrative team. She has since grown to not only work administratively, but also to run the studio’s costume room, manage/oversee performances, and teach. She hopes to pass on everything she has learned to her students to make them the best they can be both on and off the stage.
PADDY JARIT, MS, PT, SCS, ATC
Physical Therapist – Athletic Trainer
Paddy is a high profile Board Certified Sports Physical Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer, also a competitive athlete, who is equally adept at treating male and female patients. Under his knowledgeable and professional management, he owns both Physical Therapy for Women, P.C. in Trumbull and Sport & Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Fairfield.
Paddy recently completed a New York City Dance Medicine Intensive at Westside Dance PT, and as a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science has been honored to be invited to speak at this year’s annual conference in Houston, TX. Rockwell Dance Center is proud to have Paddy on staff for their dancers to educate and guide them to improve in their strength, conditioning and injury prevention.
Paddy’s approach to Physical Therapy is driven by his passion and commitment to provide one-on-one care that enables each patient to get back to doing their sport, hobby, dance or vocation as soon as possible. The road to recovery begins immediately after the initial evaluation has been completed. Patients should expect to be educated on their condition and immediately be integrated into their rehabilitation program. He offers his patients the diverse expertise he has acquired from designing regimens for world-renowned athletic teams. He is highly skilled in biomechanics and treating both men and women in their specific medical differences.
Paddy lives in Trumbull with his wife Rebecca (also an integral part of the PT for Women family) and have three children, Zachary, Shaina and Harrison (a long time dancer at RDC since age 4).
DAISY INFANTAS-LAGDAMEN
Hip Hop – Break Dance - Hip Hop Company Director
Daisy Infantas - Lagdamen was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. Daisy is a strong, passionate individual that shares her love for the arts with others. Dancing since the age of 8, she was introduced and learned how to dance primarily through her Peruvian culture, which then became the bridge to learning all styles of hip hop and commercial dance through various of well-known dancers and choreographers such as: Luz Frias, Bo Park, Rhapsody James, Luam, Ian Mckenzie, and many more.
Daisy worked in many Hartford Stage productions such as Breakdancing Shakespeare and Comedy of Errors (which was directed by Darko Tresnjak, winner of a Tony Award). She appeared as a dancer in the film In the Heights (2020) directed by Jon M. Chu, and will appear as a primary dancer in the upcoming film Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) directed by Anne Fletcher.
Ms. Infantas has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hartford and is currently a Registered Behavioral Technician, dedicated to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and other educational needs.
Daisy is motivated to continue her passion with dancing and acting while being a teacher and mentor for younger generations. Through her growth and accomplishments, it is her goal to share and inspire the younger generation and guide them in pursuing their goals and love for the arts. Daisy teaches hip hop to beginner through advanced students at Rockwell Dance Center, as well as being Director of the RDC Hip Hop Company and a contributing choreographer for RDC’s Competitions and YAGP.
RAYMUND LAGDAMEN
Hip Hop – Break Dance - Hip Hop Company Director
Born and Raised in Iloilo, Philippines and eventually moving to the United Sates, Raymund Lagdamen started dancing at Central High School in Bridgeport, Ct. at the age of 15. Along with a group of his friends, he created a high school dance team called Versus Dance Crew. A year later he began his dance studies in dance, mostly in hip hop, at thePerforming Arts Center of Connecticut. With his hobby turning into this passion, he auditioned for Double Up Dance Company’s Team Leggo. A few years later, after all the hard work and dedication, he became their Assistant Choreographer. Raymund appears in music videos for such artists as; international singer Kat DeLuna, Rickstarr (London, U), JohnThomas and local favorite Gabriel Brunot. Mr. Lagdamen has also taught iat many dance workshops, such as “Be Inspired” and “ The Y.A.R.D.”. Recently he was signed by the Block Talent Agency. Raymund’s goal is to continue learning and to share his love and passion for dance with his students.
IZA RIVERA
Hip Hop – Kidz Bop Hip Hop
Iza Rivera is from New Haven CT. Iza started dancing at the age of 6 and was a student at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut - now Rockwell Dance Center - from the age of 9-18. She has training in the styles of Modern, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Jazz. During her time at Rockwell Dance Center, she was a part of the Pre-Professional Modern Company and Pre-Professional Hip Hop Company.
Iza has attended training and intensives to expand her knowledge and technique in Hip Hop in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. She has learned from dancers/choreographers who have worked for Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Missy Elliot, and more. Iza continues to train and expand her knowledge in commercial dance.
Iza currently attends Central Connecticut State University and is majoring in Exercise Science with a Minor in Dance and Visual Arts. Her main goal is to continue her education and become a Physical Therapist specializing in dance therapy. She will use her knowledge to help her students reach their highest potential in a positive and safe environment.
ALICIA STEEVES
Pre-Ballet & Tap – Ballet & Tap – Ballet – Contemporary Modern
Alicia Steeves is from a small town outside of Toronto where she started her dance training at her local studio. She began her formal training taking the extended program classes at Canadian National Ballet until she got into Alberta Ballet School full time program at the age 15. She spent three years training in ballet and modern where she was fortunate enough to work with Canadian choreographers such as Graham Mckelvie, Sasha Ivanechko, and Davida Monk. She has returned back to Alberta Ballet School to choreograph and teach ballet, improvisation, and contemporary at their summer intensives.
Once graduated, she continued her training at Marymount Manhattan College and where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet and choreography with a minor in photography in 2023. She has worked with Sidra Bell, Darshan Bhuller, Christian Von Howard, Katie Langan, Netta Yerushalmy, and Jennifer Archibald. She has also performed in Dance Against Cancers Youth Movement, Steps Choreography Lab, and Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance. It was at college she developed her love for education and choreography, choreographing 4 pieces for Dancers at Work and restaging one of her pieces for a college choreography seminar in March 2023.
She hopes that she will be able to use her many years as a dancer and educator to share the knowledge and love she has gained for dance with the students.
KELLIE SCHWEON ROSATI
PreBallet & Tap - Ballet & Tap - Kidz Bop - Modern Jazz –Modern
Kellie Schweon Rosati is a Connecticut-based choreographer and teaching artist. She is a magna cum laude graduate from Marymount Manhattan College with a BA in Dance Teaching and a BA in Theatre Performance.
Kellie has taught and choreographed at many studios and theaters throughout New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut. She is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensives in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is also a certified Vinyasa Yoga and Kids’ Yoga Instructor.
Kellie’s favorite performance credits include the original NYC musical workshop Revival (Dir. Christopher D’Amboise), Singin’ in the Rain, and Spamalot (Park Playhouse), performing with Misha Merna (Lady Gaga Impersonator), and playing Dr. Wink/Alison in the PPH Scholastic Tour of Pinkalicious The Musical.
Favorite choreography credits include her original work Romp Therapy featured in the NY Jazz Choreography Project, Chicago (Assistant Choreographer, Park Playhouse), and the numerous musicals she has choreographed for children and teens.
Kellie is currently the choreographer and dance instructor for the Musical Theatre Department at the Regional Center for the Arts, a performing arts magnet high school in Trumbull, CT. She is passionate about dance education and is proud that her musical theatre students have gone on to study at some of the top BFA programs in the country.
Kellie spends her summers choreographing and teaching with Playhouse Stage Company.
DOMINIKA TOMCZYK
Ballet
Dominika Tomczyk is a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia with a diploma as a Professional Artist of Ballet and a summa cum laude graduate of CUNY Hunter College and the Macaulay Honors College with a Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dominika grew up dancing at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut (now Rockwell Dance Center), Greenwich Ballet Academy, and attending summer intensives with American Ballet Theater, Houston Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.
Dominika was a National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship recipient studying at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia for a summer, where she accepted the invitation to study at the Academy year round in the class of Professor Irina Pyatkina.
Her repertoire includes various corps de ballet, soloist, and leading roles from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Paquita, Le Corsaire, La Bayadère, Chopiniana, Études, and Coppelia.
Dominika is certified in American Ballet Theater's National Training Curriculum in Levels Pre-Primary through Level 5. Over the last few years, she has been recognized for her compelling teaching ability, creating a dynamic and technical environment for dancers across CT and NYC.
Dominika is combining her love for ballet and teaching with her passion for dance nutrition as an up and coming Registered Dietitian and has worked with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, School of American Ballet, and Juilliard to educate dancers on nutrition. As a teacher and health professional, Dominika is devoted to caring for each dancer holistically in order to create a positive and fulfilling artistic experience for all.
