THE SDD FACULTY

Ms. Michelle Spezio Ferm – Artistic Director/Owner

Miss Michelle heads Spezio’s Dance Dynamics Inc. with the philosophy that dance must be fun and yet disciplined to challenge students to reach for mastery, proper technical execution and artistic expression through all they wish to accomplish. Dance is about passion for life, discovery and expressing one’s personal talents.

Michelle Spezio Ferm, BFA, Artistic Director and President of Spezio’s Dance Dynamics Inc. since 1993 is recognized for training versatile, well-rounded dancers with an artistic spirit. Michelle has over 28 years of educating dancers and performance experience. Miss Michelle’s versatility as a teacher of all ages and levels include expertise in ballet/pointe, Acrobatics, Jazz/Contemporary, Modern/Lyrical, Theater Dance, Tap and children’s classes. Miss Michelle is a master teacher, choreographer and National Level Competition Judge with significant experience in teaching, curriculum development, training diversity and an award-winning choreographer. As an adjudicator, Michelle brings a significant understanding of various subjects, technical proficiency/methodology, depth of performance and an understanding of what it takes to train working dancers for today’s climate.

Miss Michelle is certified by and active member of Dance Masters of America, the Country’s leading Dance Educational Testing Program. Miss Michelle and SDD is a proud member of I.D.E.A. “The International Dance Entrepreneurs Association” committed to principle of integrity in teaching, business practices, the proper training, age-appropriate movement and choreography. The school is an active Chapter for the National Honor Society in Dance Arts, Member National Dance Education Organization and the New York State Dance Education Association. She is a former USGF Gymnast/Team Coach, a former performer with Zodiaque Dance Company, Greater Buffalo Opera Company and other professional performance companies.

Miss Michelle has built a solid foundation for students of all levels at Spezio’s Dance Dynamics to excel as “thinking artists” who understand cultivate and celebrate their personal talents. As the SDD Artistic Director, Ms. Michelle is proud of the diverse and well trained “Facul-Team” she supports for teaching/education experience, curriculum development, training diversity and award-winning choreography. SDD students have performed all over the USA, received numerous National level Outstanding dancer scholarships, Summer Intensive Placements/Scholarships, attended prestigious university programs and performed professionally in many areas of dance.

Miss Michelle looks forward to guiding students of all ages and levels along their dance journey in pursuit of their goals while developing their passion for the art of dance!

Marissa Limina

Miss Marissa began her dance training at Dance Dynamics at the age of five. Marissa became a member of the competition team at the age of eight where she studied under the direction of Miss Michelle. During high school she became a member of the SDD faculty and has shared her passion of dance and teaching with her students ever since. She teaches a variety of subjects including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics and kiddie combo classes. Marissa continues to broaden her knowledge of dance by studying with various teachers and choreographers at dance seminars and workshops. She graduated from Canisius College with a bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education and a master’s degree in advanced special education. When Marissa is not at the studio, she is a Special Education Teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools.

Kelly Burwick

Miss Kelly graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Accounting. Prior to college she had been training at a local dance studio in Utica NY since the age of three. While attending college Kelly studied with the various dance companies that traveled to the college, including the American Ballet Theatre, Limon, and Martha Graham. Throughout college she gained valuable performing experience through the Zodiaque Dance Company, Studiowerks Dance Ensemble, Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble, Young Choreographers Showcase, and Dancers Workshop which she also choreographed for. She has danced with guest performer Anthony Miranda and his Percussion Ensemble, and In Young Sohn’s Korean Dance company.  In addition, Kelly is a certified aerobics instructor specializing in Pilates, Step Aerobics, and Resistance Training.

Bill Thomas

Mr. Bill has performed in concert works such as: The Green Table (K. Jooss), Don Quixote/ Pas de Deux (after Petipa), Galena Summit (K. Posin), and Polenc (M. Simms), among others.  He has performed and gained entrance into dance companies such as: Webster Dance Theater, Buffalo City Ballet, Off-Track Dancers, The Thomas Dance Collection (Director/Choreographer), David Puszh Dance Company, Joel Hall Dancers (apprentice), and Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Theater (apprentice). His musical theater credits include Anything Goes w/ Chita Riveria, The Unsinkable Molly Brown w/ Ann Reinking, Sesame Street Live and The Black Musical Review. As an independent/ freelance artist he has performed at: La Mama E.T.C., The International Theatre Festival of Barranquilla/ Columbia, The Toronto Fringe Festival/ Canada, and The International Festival for Arts/ Argentina.

His choreography has been seen at/on: Ailey Citigroup Theater, Thelma Hill Performing Arts-Kumble Theater, The Thomas Dance Collection(Director/Choreographer), Buffalo City Ballet, Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble- Philadelphia, Philadanco II, Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Choreography Showcase, International Theater Festival/ Mexico City, Danco On Danco Choreography Showcase, Zodiaque Dance Company, Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theater, Danza Una/Costa Rica, Buffalo Dance Festival, and Hampton University.

Mr. Thomas’ teaching credits include: Philadanco, Rochester City Ballet, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble (Ballet Master/ Rehearsal Dir.), Buffalo City Ballet, Montgomery County Community College, Conservatory and School of the Arts in St. Louis, Empire State Ballet, National University of Costa Rica-Heredia, American Academy of Dance, Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School, Florida A&M University, The Black College Dance Exchange, The French-English School in Barranquilla, Colombia, Losdenmedium Danza in Costa Rica, Amsterdam Dance Center in the Netherlands, Instituto de Danzas Espanolas & Ballet Folklorico in Argentina, and formerly at S.U.N.Y. @ Buffalo where he was Head of Ballet, Associate Professor & Director of Dance.

Mr. Thomas’s training includes Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Dance Theater of Harlem, John Barker’s Vaganova Teacher Training Seminar, Broadway Dance Center, Jacob’s Pillow, Hubbard Street Dance Studio, and with master teachers such as: Finis Jhung, Madame Darvash, Madame Lavinia Williams, and Homer Bryant, and studied choreography from luminaries such as: Bessie Schonberg, Phyllis Lamhut and Vera Blaine.  He has adjudicated for organizations including NAACP ACT-SO, Winners Talent Showcase Nationals, and Links Inc. International, New York Foundation for the Arts, The Cultural Arts Fund, and Buffalo/Erie Arts Council. He also has teaching awards from S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo and the A.K.A. Sorority and holds a B.A. in Dance (Ballet Major) from Webster University Conservatory in St. Louis, Missouri, and an M.A. in Dance (Choreography/Pedagogy) from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where he received the University Fellowship and Teaching Fellowship.

Courtney Agius

Miss Courtney began her dance training at the age of four and has been dancing at Spezio’s since she was six years old. She became a member of the competition program when she was eight years old. She has such a love for dance that after graduating high school she became a faculty member and continued on to dance in college where she graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in dance. Miss Courtney teaches a wide variety of subjects including jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet and acro. She continues her training by attending various seminars and conventions. She believes that dance teaches children the importance of teamwork and commitment. Dance has given Miss Courtney life lessons, skills and friendships that she will have for a lifetime.

Andrij Deneka

Mr. AJ has been an artist as long as he can remember. He has been dancing, modeling, and choreographing all over the globe since the tender age of 10. His extensive training expands to both the east and west coasts, at such studios as The Edge Performing Arts Center, Broadway Dance Center, Gus Giordano, and has assisted and trained with the likes of Joe Tremaine, Liz Imperio, Charles Klapow, and Doug Caldwell. Andrij has worked with such artists as Kylie Minogue, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Gregory Hines, and Selena Gomez. Some of his credits include the MTV Movie Awards, The TV Land Awards, Wella, Nike, International Dance Festival, The Winter Olympics, American Choreography Awards, Jazz Dance World Congress, Coca Cola, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, LA Fashion Apparel Magazine, and has toured the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Mexico with “Instincts Live Media Dance Company.” He has been, and continues to be a guest teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator at many universities and competitions all around the world. Some of these include, JMR Broadway Dance Center in Seoul Korea, and F.I.T. in Manhattan.

Natalie Foster
Miss Natalie has been dancing for 26 years and has actively participated in regional and national competitions. She has been teaching various dance disciplines at studios across Western New York for the past ten years. She has been a licensed Zumba and Zumba Gold instructor since 2017 and has had the opportunity to teach at local dance studios and gyms. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Buffalo in Communication and Psychology with a minor in Health and Wellness. She also has a Master of Arts degree from Stony Brook University in Higher Education Administration. Currently, Miss Natalie is an Academic Advisor with the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Buffalo. She is very excited to be joining the team at Spezio's Dance Dynamics!

Kristina Marzec

Miss Kristina has been teaching ballet for over 20 years. She holds a BS in Education, a master’s degree in Literacy, and a Minor in Dance. Growing up, Miss Kristina studied with Geraldine Hoffman and Sharon Ralston. In college, she performed with Buffalo State’s Dance Dimensions Dance Company. Miss Kristina also has a love for singing and currently sings in a contemporary Christian band. Miss Kristina is a mother of 4 children and is happy to share her love of dance with her 2 girls as they receive their training at Dance Dynamics.

Sara Monkelbaan

Miss Sara began dancing at the age of three in combination level classes. Throughout the years, Miss Sara has danced in recreational and competitive programs. Miss Sara has attended national conventions and began teaching dance nearly 20 years ago in the Western New York area. Miss Sara began teaching at Spezio’s Dance Dynamics in 2012 and teaches combination classes tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, ballet and acrobatics to students of all age levels. In addition to teaching dance, Miss Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Buffalo State College and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Technology from the University of Phoenix. Currently, Miss Sara teaches elementary level students with special needs in Buffalo, New York. Miss Sara finds joy being in the classroom and the dance studio. Miss Sara believes that studying dance provides children with life lessons and skills that can be carried with them through life.

Annamaria Monti

Miss Annamaria is a Spezio's Dance Dynamics alumni class of 2015. In that time, she trained in a variety of styles although her favorites are jazz and hip hop. Throughout her years dancing at Spezio's, Miss Annamaria always loved being an assistant and learning from her teachers. Since that time, Miss Annamaria graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Canisius College and a master's degree with Advanced Certificate in School Psychology from the University at Buffalo. Currently, Miss Annamaria teaches preschool, kiddie combo classes, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She loves teaching and believes that the lessons learned in the studio go beyond the studio and can be applied to all areas of a dancer's life. 

Erin Ostrum Alongi

Miss Erin started dancing when she was 3 years old and hasn’t stopped since. Before becoming a teacher at SDD, she was a student here! Since that time, Miss Erin achieved a Dance Minor from SUNY Geneseo where she was also a member of the Geneseo Dance Ensemble, performing in many faculty and guest artist pieces. She currently holds a Doctoral degree in School Psychology. Miss Erin loves teaching dance to children of all ages, believing that the skills and lessons learned in the dance studio translate to strong life lessons outside of the dance studio.

Sarah Polvino

Miss Sarah, originally from Buffalo, began her dance training at the age of nine. After graduating high school in 2018, she moved to New York City to continue training professionally. Sarah is a graduate of the Steps on Broadway Conservatory, where she trained at a mastery level in ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, modern, and tap. She has worked with artists including Chet Walker, Joshua Bergasse, Chase Brock, and Al Blackstone, as well as numerous Verdon Fosse Legacy members. Sarah has performed in multiple video productions and staged pieces, most notably appearing as Charity in a restaging of I’m a Brass Band from Sweet Charity, under the direction of Verdon Fosse Legacy members Lloyd Culbreath and Dana Moore. Sarah is thrilled to be sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with her students!

Hailie Suk

Miss Hailie began her dance training at the age of three. She has been teaching a variety of dance disciplines of all ages throughout her dance career. Miss Hailie holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and a master's and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo. She is very excited to be a part of the "Facul-team" at Spezio's Dance Dynamics. 

Julianna Szczesniak

Miss Julianna started her dance career at the age of 3 at a studio in the Western New York area. While she has trained in all styles of dance, her favorites are jazz and lyrical.  In 2015, Julianna went on the Dance Olympus Summer Tour where she traveled to Chicago, Minneapolis, Boston and Houston. Here she assisted teachers in a convention setting every day for two weeks. This allowed her to expand her training and gave her the opportunity to work with new teachers, students and peers while following a demanding schedule. In 2016, Miss Julianna joined the Spezio’s competition team and continued dancing here until she graduated in 2018. She is currently studying Dietetics with a minor in Spanish at D’Youville College. 

Leah Wilson

Miss Leah started dancing at the age of five and trained in several different styles, her favorites being tap and contemporary. She assisted in dance classes throughout high school and loved working with young children that were just discovering dance. She believes that dancing can teach so many skills beyond just dance, including confidence, discipline, determination, and respect. Since then, Miss Leah has earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in counseling from the University at Buffalo. She will now be working towards a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and hopes to continue working with children and families in her future career. Miss Leah has loved being a new member of the SDD faculty and hopes to continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation. 

Alyssa Zeshonski

Miss Alyssa has trained with Spezio’s Dance Dynamics since the age of four and has been a member of the competition team since nine years old. Her love for teaching began when she started as a class assistant at eleven years old. Miss Alyssa grew up under Miss Michelle’s motto of “dancers turn out better," and wishes to provide a positive and productive environment to help young children become the best versions of themselves. Miss Alyssa intends to pursue a Nursing degree at a University in the south, and eventually wishes to work in the labor & delivery field.