Dance Ink Faculty
Dance Ink Faculty are required to have the following clearances, It is extremely important to Ink Cares that any staff member or volunteer provide these clearances before date of hire.
Act 151 (Child Abuse Clearance)
Act 34 ( Criminal History)
Act 114 (FBI Fingerprint)
Mandated Reporter Training
Stephanie Masullo
Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Dance Ink LLC
For Stephanie Masullo, dance has been her love, joy, and passion since the early age of 2. She has trained throughout Pennsylvania and New York at acclaimed schools such as the Academy of Dance by Lori, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Chautauqua Institute for the Arts, Pittsburgh CLO Academy, Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, Point Park University, Steps on Broadway, and more. Stephanie started teaching more than ten years ago and ever since has been highly successful in improving a dancer’s technique, enhancing a dancer’s performance ability, giving meaning to the dance, and sharing her passion for art. She is sought after for not only teaching but also for master classes and choreography.
Stephanie is thrilled to be the co-founder of Dance Ink where the sole vision is to leave a positive mark on the students, faculty, families, and the community. She combines her passion for dance and love of hospitality to be a role model to those she has the humbling responsibility to lead.
Stephanie is very involved in community outreach and is a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has also choreographed for numerous charity projects that she holds near to her heart. The first was the Bravery and Beauty Fashion Show benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter and Crisis Center North supporting victims of domestic violence. Additionally, she choreographed a piece for Happy Heart Day, a day educating children on taking care of themselves and others, and a Flash Mob for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pittsburgh event. Stephanie looks forward to continuing to share her passion for dance and art with her students and the world.
Lindsey Lawrence
Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Dance Ink LLC
Since the age of 3 Lindsey has been dancing on stages in Western Pennsylvania all the way to Europe. She started training with various studios in Pittsburgh’s South Hills where dance became her passion. At just 11 years old, the youngest in the cast, she performed in Pearl Ann Porter’s production of “Striped”. At 14 years of age she was chosen to train with the Radio City Rockettes at their Summer Intensive at Radio City Music Hall in New York City where she continued for 6 years. During her High
School Years along, with her dance training she could be found leading the dance team, leading the cheerleaders, leading Carlynton High School’s Musicals or dancing, singing and acting in Stage 62’s many performances as a Featured Dancer. As a Dance Major at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania she choreographed as well as performed many pieces, she was also credited with many performances including the award winning “Divergence” along with her troupe that she performed in at the 30th Annual Jazz/Tap Festival in Fairfax, Virginia. While at Seton Hill University Lindsey was a collegiate level cheerleader and was named the captain for her Junior and Senior years. While in Europe, Lindsey trained at the Labon Conservatoire of Music & Dance in London and with Patricia Apergi in Ireland. Lindsey also is Dance and Acrobatics Instructor teaching ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop, preschool, and contemporary classes. She has choreographed award winning pieces for her soloists, duets and competition teams. Lindsey’s favorite thing to do is travel so she can research dance in its different forms and bring it back to her students.
Alivia Jane
COO- Chief Operations Officer
Alivia Jane is from Pittsburgh,PA and is the Chief Operations Officer of Dance Ink located in Carnegie,PA. She began dancing at the age of 3 at the Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburgh, PA. She is trained in multiple styles of dance including Contemporary, Ballet, Pointe,Musical Theatre, Tap, Acrobatics, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and Jazz. Alivia has traveled to multiple cities around the country competing in dance and learning from some of the best choreographers in the world. Alivia started her professional dancing career in 2015 and booked her first job with Singer/Songwriter Todrick Hall in his music video "FREAKS LIKE ME". You can also find Alivia in Pop Star Mack Z's music video "Girl Party". Alivia has performed at multiple shows including the "Bravery and Beauty Fashion Show" benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Women’s Shelter and Crisis Center supporting victims of domestic violence and “Happy Heart Day” benefiting inner city schools in downtown Pittsburgh.
Alivia began her teaching career at Dance Ink in 2021. Alivia is also a certified Yoga teacher as of 2022. She now sits on the Board of Trustees for Ink Cares and choreographes for Dance Ink and for their pre-professional program. Alivia's passion lies in teaching dancers the intricacies of flexibility and strength. She combines her love for dance with a deep understanding of biomechanics to create tailored training programs. Alivia focuses on nurturing both physical capabilities and artistic expression, emphasizing patience and encouragement throughout the process. Her goal is to empower dancers to achieve greater flexibility, strength, and overall resilience in their craft.
Hannah Santoro
Director of Talent & Culture
Hannah’s passion for the art of dance started at the age of 3; her first few years of training began at Darlynn’s School of Dance & Gymnastics and Rostraver Dance Academy. From there, she continued her training at Shirley Deans School of Dance for 10 or so years until she graduated high school. At Shirley Deans, she mastered multiple styles of dance including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern/Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. She learned to choreograph her own numbers and volunteered to teach the younger classes. In her senior year of high school, she helped start a dance team for the first time with the school marching band and was voted as captain of the dance team. Outside of dance, Hannah studied and mastered piano for 15 years. She performed at yearly recitals and was rewarded multiple trophies.
Hannah continued to study dance and music on her own but started a career in Hospitality after receiving her Associates Degree in Travel & Hospitality Management. She pursued this career for 5 years and mastered many skills involving customer service, business, leadership, etc. She was rewarded/recognized by many customers and staff on numerous occasions, she was promoted multiple times until she was Front Office Manager, and was apart of the CARE committee.
In March of 2022, Hannah chose to go back to her roots by starting her teaching career at Dance Ink. She hopes to combine her passion for dance, love of teaching, and knowledge of hospitality/leadership in order to create a rewarding experience for the students & faculty at Dance Ink and everyone she encounters.
John Pickup
Dance Ink Instructor
Mr. John received his early training from Leeanne Rutherford at Ballet Theatre Australia and later with Peter Shortland and Kathryn Hailey at The Studio. As a dancer he performed with The Wiggles, Lithuanian National Ballet, Gelsey Kirkland Studio Company and New York City Children's Theatre. Mr. John began teaching at Essendon Academy of Ballet, Melbourne Australia before teaching at various schools throughout Sydney and Melbourne. During this time he studied the RAD syllabus under Kathryn Hailey.
After relocating to New York, he began training under Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov as both a dancer and teacher. Mr. John was a faculty member of the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet and taught in the full day, pre professional and after school programs.
As a professional choreographer Mr Pickup has created works for The Wiggles and Circa 21 Dinner Theater.
When not teaching ballet Mr Pickup still performs in Musical Theater and credits include: Lurch in “The Addams Family” (Surflight Theater) Mr Z “An American in Paris” (Surflight) The Wizard of Oz in “Dorothys adventures in Oz” (92nd Street Y) Colonel Mustard in “Clue, The Musical” (Circa 21) to name a few.
Mr Pickup looks forward to sharing his love of classical ballet with the students of Dance Ink!
Karen Prunzik
Dance Ink Instuctor
Karen was the originating role of Anytime Annie in 42nd Street on Broadway and tap legend Paul Draper's protégé. She was also in the movies "Tap" with Gregory Hines and "A Chorus Line." She also originated the Ginger Rodgers role of Anytime Annie in Gower Champions blockbuster Broadway sensation "42nd Street." This was the first audition Karen attended when she arrived in New York City at the age of 22. Karen also owned and operated her own studio in the Pittsburgh area, winning many awards and best director awards from many dance competitions. Karen is now enjoying retired life with her cats and teaching the adults at Dance Ink!
Karen is hailed in the industry as "one of the best tap dancers in the world!" Paul Draper said "You can do anything I can do, only prettier." Gene Kelly said "She is one of the best tap dancers I have ever seen." John Kenley said "No auditions necessary, i know her work. " Gregory Hines said "She's BETTER than Ann Miller!" Ginger Rodgers said "I feel like I've known you all my life." Katherine Hepburn said "That girl has SPARK." Gower Champion said "Honey, you are not a dancer you are an artist." Sammy Davis Jr. said "Haven't seen tapping like that in years!"
Ernie Tolentino
Dance Ink Instuctor
After being an All-City High School football player and a violinist in the El Paso Texas All-City Orchestra, Ernest Tolentino combined his athletic and music abilities in college. Ernie received a B.M. in Music and Ballet Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso, he danced with Milwaukee Ballet and then the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for fourteen years rising to rank of soloist. Ernie danced numerous major and principal roles in all Pittsburgh Ballet productions and was featured in classical and contemporary works by Marius Petipa, Patrick Fantz, Ohad Naharin, Domy Reitersoffer, Agnes DeMille, Anthony Tudor and George Balanchine, just to name a few. An audience favorite, Ernie’s athletic ability, dramatic characterizations, sensitive and skillful partnering have won acclaims from critics all over the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Taiwan. In 1992 Ernie founded The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Dancers’ Trust, a career transition fund for retiring PBT dancers and remains the executive director. He is currently on the teaching staff of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University and Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Drama.
Ernie is married to former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre principal Tamar Rachelle, and they have two children.
Hannah Carter
Dance Ink Instructor
Hannah Carter of England joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in 2013 after dancing as a corps de ballet member of the Estonian National Ballet. She graduated with honors from the Royal Ballet School in London and performed in a number of productions, including a tour to Spain, with The Royal Ballet. Hannah was promoted to PBT soloist in 2015 and to principal in 2016. Her repertoire with PBT includes Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room and Nine Sinatra Songs, Jiří Kylián’s Petit Mort and Sinfonietta, and William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated as well as classics, including Swan Lake, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker. Hannah has also performed leading roles in Le Corsaire, La Bayadère and Romeo and Juliet, among others.
Julia Dominiquez
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
"Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I began dancing at the young age of four at Scrivas Dance Studio. Just a year later, I was accepted on to the Competition Team and I competed for thirteen years. I competed in the advanced level in various styles such as jazz, lyrical, pointe, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. My experience includes teaching and choreographing, as well as working with many parents, students, and other teachers. As my passion and love for dance grows, I decided to continue my training by attending Point Park University to earn a duel degree in both Dance and Education. Now in my second year of college, I long to inspire the younger dancers and hopefully be an impact on their dancing journey! I am so thankful to be a member of the Dance Ink team and contribute to their wonderful community!"
Nick D'Angelo
Dance Ink Instructor
Point Park University undergraduate Nick D’Angelo is a Pittsburgh-based dancer, as well as an educator and choreographer at Dance Ink. With 12 years of performance experience, Nick is eager to share his passion and expertise. He aims to inspire and empower students to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Naomi Terrell
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
Naomi has been dancing for 13+ years. She got her BA in Theatre with a Musical Theatre concentration from Penn West California University where she choreographed multiple movement pieces and numbers for the stage. She is also a 6x All American cheerleader and has been teaching students dance and cheer for over 5 years.
Gigi Kokai
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
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Gigi Kokai, is a grad student at Robert Morris University amd got her undergrad in management at RMU as well, with a minor in human resources and a sales certificate. Besides her academic journey, Gigi was a dancer in her youth for 15 years and has been involved in the musical theatre world from onstage to backstage to directing for 19 years. Her dream is to combine arts with business in some magnificent way, such as they do at Dance Ink. A passionate advocate for the arts, Gigi is eager to bring her skills and creativity to Dance Ink in marketing, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Melanie Frye
Dance Ink & Ink University Instructor
Melanie Frye recently graduated from Seton Hill University with a degree in both Pre-Dance
Movement Therapy and Dance Choreography. Melanie trained at Seton Hill University Dance
Academy on their competitive team for six years and has been dancing for a total of 19 years.
She has trained in a variety of styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, musical
theater, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, heels, pom, and acro. She has taught at local dance
studios such as, Seton Hill University Dance Academy, Westmoreland Dance Alliance, and Jean
Cooke Dance Studio, and is excited to be a new member of the Dance Ink faculty. She really
enjoys teaching children the art and discipline of dance while creating a safe and fun
environment for her students to shine and grow as individuals.
Tonilyn Jackson
Dance Ink Acting/Vocal Instructor
Tonilyn Jackson has been teaching acting and directing for over 15 years in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. She has performed with local and regional theaters and was most notably nominated for a Barrymore Award for Best Supporting Actress in Musical Theatre for her role as "Ms. Pennywise" in Urinetown. Tonilyn has a BA in Theater from Duquesne University and a MFA in Theater from Villanova University as well as a MSEd in Secondary English Education. Tonilyn teaches English full time at Carlynton Jr. Sr. High School. She is a member of an all-female comedy group and she is a Literary Reader for the Young Playwrights Contest at City Theater. Outside of the classroom and theater, she can be found at your local library with Ginny the Therapy Dog for "Read to a Dog" programs, and she hopes to one day be on the hit show "Nailed It," to show off her lack of baking skills.
Solomon Onyukwu
Dance Ink Vocal & Ink University Instructor
Solomon Onyukwu, baritone, is from PG County, Maryland. Solomon has been singing professionally for several years. He has studied gospel, r & b, soul, contemporary and recently Classical music. Solomon is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, where he is a student of Professor Sari Gruber. He has performed at places such as Carnegie Hall, Opera in the Ozarks, Utah Vocal Arts Academy and several churches alike. Most recently he has performed the role of Decio in Vivaldi’s Ottone in Villa with Carnegie Mellon University Opera.
Alyson Young
Dance Ink Instructor
Alyson grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. When she was 3 years old, her parents put her in dance classes because she was dancing in the aisle at her cousin’s dance recital. In Pittsburgh, Alyson was mentored by Karen Prunzik from the time she was 14 years old learning some of Karen’s most advanced Paul Draper classical tap technique. She went on to study at James Madison University in Virginia and earned her BA in both Dance and English. After graduating, Alyson moved to NYC where she continued dancing and teaching.
Alyson started teaching dance when she was 16 and taught throughout her college years and post graduation in Pittsburgh and NYC. She has had the honor to study with Ray Hesselink and Rashaan James in NYC. Alyson specializes in teaching tap and throughout the years has recreated choreography from movie musicals, as well creating her own choreography. She is excited to return home to Pittsburgh after dancing in NY for 10 years to teach.
Rickia Davenport
Dance Ink Instructor
Rickia Davenport is a native of Pittsburgh's Hill District and South Hills areas. She has been shaping the lives of students through dance and fitness for over 12 years. Rickia has always had a love and passion for dance, even when the path was difficult to navigate. She began to realize that dance not only helped to shape who she was becoming, but also allowed her the freedom to dream. Her life journey is reflected in her teaching methods. Rickia has a strong background in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Contemporary Dance and Fitness. Ms. Davenport attended Potomac State College in West Virginia where she performed in the musical "Chicago". She has taught for dance schools and companies throughout the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding regions. Currently, Rickia serves as the Arts Education director with K-Theatre Dance Complex and is a lead Dance Instructor for Propel Charter Schools. She has also cultivated dance partnerships with Voices against Violence, Gwen's Girls, Dance Junction, Be Healthy Be Smart Fitness and more! Aside from the networks of dance Rickia has developed, she is also the proud CEO of Kai FiTT. Kai FiTT focuses on fitness, mental wellness and health. "Sometimes its the Journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.”
Annastassia Stewart
Ink University Instructor
Annastassia Stewart (Miss Anna) has been a theater kid all her life! After high school, she pursued a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from SUNY Fredonia. Following graduation, she toured internationally with Missoula Children's Theatre for 15 months before returning home to Pittsburgh. She used her time during the pandemic to teach virtually while also completing a Master of Education degree in Advanced Teaching. She currently works as a full-time nanny and part-time teaching artist. In her free time, she still participates in shows throughout the area. She has worked with Stage Right School for the Performing Arts in Greensburg, The Strand Theatre in Zelienople, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Split Stage Productions in Irwin.
She can't wait to sing, dance, and act with everyone at Dance Ink!
Jaimie Hand
Ink University Instructor
Originally from New York, Jaimie started dancing at age 3. Her passion for dance grew dramatically throughout her teenage years. Joining a competitive dance team, she learned strong technique skills and team work. These carried her into her career as a dance instructor. As an adult, she has performed all over the country with different companies.
"It is a privilege to share my knowledge of dance with children, and inspire them to follow their dreams."
Selena Vinciguerra
Dance Ink Instructor
Selena Vinciguerra has been dancing since she was three years old. She started dancing competitively when she was eight years old. Selena was a student at Studio G Dance Center
from three years old to eighteen years old. She was part of Studio G’s first competition team!
She danced competitively for 11 years at Studio G Dance Center. Selena student taught at Studio G from when she was thirteen years old until she was eighteen years old.
Selena has her bachelor’s degree from Seton Hill University. Selena taught Special Needs dance class in college and taught at the dance academy affiliated with the college. She has choreographed multiple pieces for student showcases, student plays, musicals, and dance concerts at Seton Hill University. She has also choreographed for the SHU dance team. Selena performed in many dance concerts at Seton Hill University. She also performed with the SHU dance team. Selena was the secretary for the Dance Club and helped organized many events at Seton Hill University. Selena was also a Resident Assistant while studying at Seton Hill University.
Selena taught a music and dance camp at the Sewickley YMCA after graduating from college. She then went on to assist running the dance program at X-Cel Gymnastics. Selena taught gymnastics from ages of 18 months to 18 years old. She has over three years of experience with gymnastics training. She has over five years of experience with tumbling training. She has worked with the special needs gymnastics program at X-Cel gymnastics as well.
Selena works as a Pre-K teacher full time currently.
Selena is very excited for her third season with Dance Ink! Ms. Selena has taught from ages 3 to 18 years old at Dance Ink. She has choreographed for musicals, spring shows, and competitions. She has assisted with the technical side of multiple shows as well. You can catch Ms. Selena at Dance Ink on Saturdays!
Mary Ferro
Dance Ink Piano Instructor
Mary Ferro was born and raised in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Carlynton High School and Duquesne University’s School of Music, she began her piano studies at age 7. She has studied with Jane Ferro, (mother,) Patricia Jaynes, (formerly from Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham College,) and Beverly Nero from Duquesne University. Ms. Ferro had also studied under the internationally known vocal coach, Professor Lorenzo Malfatti, (Two of his famous pupils included Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.)
Her genuine love for the piano became quite evident when at age 12, she began performing as keyboardist with her guitarist twin brother Vince. Mary has served as a professional pianist in various capacities from accompanist to Keyboard I in High School Musicals, Keyboardist in Classic Rock Bands and as a church musician. Ms. Ferro had also been the musical director of the international performing folk group, “I Campagnoli.” This troupe had successfully performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
Mary is a former Music Educator from the Carlynton School District and was employed as Choral Director and General Music Instructor. Outside of the music world, Ms. Ferro had been a broadcaster for WDUQ 90.5 FM for two years as the host of the radio show,” Rock Before Your Ears.”
Her love of music and the piano in particular, does not exclude a sense of humor. Some of her Comedienne appearances: The Howie Mandel Talk Show, America’s Funniest People, WOR Radio N.Y.C., Rutube, London England, Y97 with Jimmy and Steve etc. She is author of the newly published book, “From Calabria to Carnegie.”
Gwen Deluca
Volunteer/Dance Ink Receptionist
Gwen Deluca grew up in Beaver County and has lived in the area most of her life. Growing up Gwen danced for nearly 12 years for Christine's School of Dance in Beaver Falls. She was an active athlete in her youth playing team sports like softball and volleyball.
Gwen attended Robert Morris College graduating with a BSBA in Human Resources Management as the first graduating class of the University. She then continued her education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania receiving a 4.0 Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Labor Relations.
However, Gwen's greatest accomplishment are her two children, both dancers at Dance Ink by Louise and Dance Ink Pittsburgh.
Gwen believes in supporting her youth grow in their passions with respect, class, service, and love.
Gwen must mention that all of her accomplishments and drive would not be possible without a lifetime of family support b y her parents and her husband Anthony.
225 W Main Street Pittsbrugh, PA 15106
412 427 2837