Deborah Anthony- Director , Head Instructor.
Deborah is originally from Buffalo, NY and moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater and dance. She graduated summa cum laude from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy/ New School University in New York City, with a BFA in musical theater. Deborah also graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Psychology from John Jay College. She has taught dance for the past 20 years throughout Buffalo, Albany, and New York City. She teaches Ballet, Tap, and Broadway Jazz. Deborah is an ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT National Training Curriculum. She is also certified in all levels of the Progressing Ballet Technique. Deborah taught at the American Youth Dance Theater in New York City for 14 years. She continues to train at Broadway Dance Center in New York City and attends their yearly Teacher's Workshop. Deborah has choreographed 17 musicals for the Crane Acting Troupe at Ichabod Crane High School. She also was featured in the BBC film Darcey Bussell: Looking for Fred Astaire, and danced with the Anahid Sofian Dance Company in New York City. Deborah is thrilled to be able to share her love and knowledge of dance with the next generation of young artists.
Jennifer LaGrassa - Instructor Intermediate Ballet
Jennifer has spent her life studying the art of Ballet. As a child she studied at the Eberhart School of Ballet. She attended the Long Island High School of the Arts in Syosset, New York and trained under Helen Kelly, John Parks, and Hortey Loeb. Jennifer has also trained
with the Eglevsky Ballet under Leda Eglevsky and Nina Popova, and the Seiskaya Ballet underthe direction of Valia Seiskaya. Jennifer was an apprentice dancer with The Ballet Center/ Ballet Long Island. She remains a student of Ballet and trains weekly. Jennifer’s journey has taken her from dancer, to mom, to dance mom, and to dance teacher. She is beyond excited to share her years of knowledge and technique with these young dancers.
Madeleine Reynolds - Instructor Beginner Tap, Tap 6.
Madeleine has been dancing with Rising Star Dance Academy since its opening. Madeleine can be seen at the studio and at the desk on Friday’s, teaching and assisting. Madeleine has also served as dance captain for the Crane Acting Troupe, to help give back to the amazing organization. In addition, Madeleine has acted as an assistant teacher for Tap 4 for the past 2 years. Before graduating high school Madeleine was a part of the Crane Acting Troupe from 7th grade till she graduated. It was at the Crane Acting Troupe where Madeleine began to dance seriously with Deborah. Currently, Madeleine is studying journalism and communications at the University At Albany in hopes of becoming a broadcast journalist where she will be able to tell stories of arts community. Madeleine still remains a student of both Jazz and Tap where she trains weekly. Madeleine is excited to start her journey of being a teacher and being able to help her students succeed!