Miss Mallory Chesler,

Director and teaching artist

 Mallory has been studying dance for over 21 years. She is a graduate from Montclair State University where she received a B.F.A. degree in dance with a concentration in ballet and modern techniques.  While at Montclair, she worked with many choreographers and performed pieces choreographed by Sean Curran,  Donna Sco, Kim Whittam, Lisa Grimes, Lonne Morreton, and Nancy Lushington to name a few.

Mallory is currently the director and educator for Encore at Eclipse where she is also the choreographer for their award winning competition team. She also choreographs for high school musicals, her most recent work being “Pippin”, ”Beauty and the Beast” and “The Sound Of Music”.  Mallory was honored by Who’s Who Premier International for outstanding professionals in the dance industry for 2008-2009 and selected as Executive Professional of the year in 2009. Mallory is also a proud member of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists and Dance New Jersey. She also has been involved with children’s outreach programs such as “Literacy Programs of NJ- Arts Come To Life”. This is Mallory’s sixth season at Encore at Eclipse. Mallory feels very lucky to be able to impact children in a positive way through her love of the performing arts and is looking forward to a wonderful 2009-2010 season!

Miss Stephanie Paltjon,

Teaching artist

          Miss Stephanie is excited to be returning to the Encore at Eclipse family for a second season! Miss Stephanie is a graduate from La Salle University with a degree in nursing. She has been a dancer for many years and trained under many renowned choreographers.

Miss Stephanie’s classes are packed with energy and FUN! Miss Stephanie encourages students to refine their technique while developing style. Packed with trend you will love to move in this supportive and challenging environment!

Miss Tiffany Shostchuk,

Teaching artist  

Miss Tiffany Marquardt holds a B.A. in dance from Point Park College.  She is experienced in teaching and choreographing all genres’ of dance for the past 7 years, specializing in Hip Hop and Jazz.  She has performed as a showgirl for “El King and His Court”, was a magician’s assistant for “Doug Young & Co.”, and was also a dancer for the NJ Extreme Professional Indoor Football League.  In addition, she was a competitive artistic gymnastics for many years. Miss Tiffany is excited to be a part of the Encore at Eclipse Staff this season!

Miss Shelby Zappia,

Teaching artist

Miss Shelby has been a dance instructor in Burlington County for over 20 years.  She was the owner and director of Dansations School of Dance from 1994-2008.  She holds a national Level III dance teacher certification through Dance Educators of America.  Shelby specializes in tap although has vast experience teaching ballet, jazz and acrobatics from age 2 through adult.  Aside from running her own studio, she has also run dance programs for many other organizations.  McGuire AFB and Ft. Dix Youth Services, Family Services of Burlington County and many local day care centers and preschools.  She has also choreographed musicals for several theater groups and school districts and has developed dance therapy programs to help aid in the growth of children and adults with disabilities.  Shelby is new to this area and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with the students here at Encore at Eclipse.

Miss Christine Rizzo,

Teaching artist
 

 Miss Christine has been studying dance for 17 years, including competing at the regional and national levels since the age of 6.  Throughout the years, she has studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and pom.  Christine has also volunteered as an assistant and substitute teacher for all ages and styles of dance.  Christine attended many workshops and conventions, such as the KCD experience, where she had the opportunity to learn from many well-known choreographers and professional dancers.  Christine is currently a junior at Rutgers University studying Communication, and a third- year member of the Rutgers University Dance Team.  While on the team she specializes in jazz, pom, and hip hop.  Christine is excited to join the staff of Encore at Eclipse and cannot wait to start working with the dancers!

Sensei Dan Levatino,

Karate Teaching Artist

Dan Levatino began his training in San Lung Tao in 1992 in under Sensei Peter Crannage.  He began assistant teaching children’s classes in 1999 and continued to do so for the next five years.  During that time he received his shodan(first degree black belt).  Dan established his own dojo through Encore with the blessing of San Lung’s founder Thomas Gettling in 2003. He currently holds a Master’s Rank of Yondan (fourth degree black belt).  Dan has competed internationally and won 1^st Place in Black Belt Weapons Division at the American Federation of Martials 25^th Anniversary Competition held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.