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 Cooper
Co-Artistic Director/Operations Director Of Dance Ink
Alivia Cooper is the Co-Artistic Director/ Operations Director of Dance Ink.
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, 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 North supporting victims of domestic violence and Happy Heart Day in Pittsburgh Pa.
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 both Dance Ink locations along with teaching at Ink Cares after school locations "Shady Side Academy" and "Montour Elementary"
Alivia is excited to share her knowledge with her students and looks forward to the future of Dance Ink.
Hannah Santoro
Business Coordinator/Dance Instructor
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 at Dance Ink and everyone she encounters.
Ej Christopher
EJ Christopher is a graduate of Penn West University, obtaining a B.A. in Theatre with a
concentration in Musical Theatre. He is currently a Teaching Artist for several Propel Schools in
the Pittsburgh area. Outside of Dance Ink EJ is very active in enhancing his craft through various
mediums such as stage, film, and writing. He has collaborated with Washington Community
Theatre, Poor Yorick’s Players, Cal U Theatre, Actors and Artists of Fayette County, and The
Geyer Performing Arts Center. His performing credits include Into the Woods (The Baker),
Spring Awakening (Moritz), Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical (Claude), Jesus
Christ Superstar (Simon Zealotes), and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
(Hysterium). Directing credits include You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown! (Revised), Saving
the Greeks: One Tragedy at a Time, and Doubt: A Parable. EJ is very excited and grateful to
share and instill his love for the arts with our next generation of artists!
Elektra Davis
Elektra Davis is a Pittsburgh native and graduate of La Roche University with a B.A. in Performing Arts— Dance and a minor in Management. She has additional modern dance training from the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. During her time at LRU, she performed works by esteemed guest artists Jackie O’Toole, Calllum Newman, Meg Schriffen, Christina DiMarco, and Judy Adelson. She also performed with the La Roche Dance Department in works choreographed by faculty and resident artists: Maria Caruso, Kelly Basil, Nicole Jamison, Melissa Tyler, Kirstie Corso, and Gia Cacalano. She was given the opportunity to perform in student works choreographed by Derrick Izumi, Halle Mathieson, Mariah Brandon, and Kyra Bracey, as well as premiere her heels piece, Hypnotic, at the La Roche Spring Gala in 2019. Elektra was a BCB2 company artist during the 2019/2020 season, and was also an Apprentice with Maria Caruso’s Bodiography, performing in work by Virginie Mécène. She was promoted to Company Artis in 2020. In 2021 she performed Off-Broadway in Maria Caruso’s Rearview Mirror and also traveled to Brazil with the company to help build partnerships globally. She is also certified in both the Bodiography Fitness and Strength Training System and Bodiography Dance Movement Therapy System. Elektra is also a local dance and fitness instructor all over the Pittsburgh area, teaching at 6 different studios. During her time at these studios she has received numerous outstanding choreography awards and enjoys working with all of her students!
Selena Vinciguerra
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!
Karen Prunzik
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!"
Chelsea Costello
Chelsea Costello started dancing when she was four years old. Dance has been an important and influential part of her life ever since! She danced at the Carol Leone dance studio for 5 years and then danced and competed at Louise School of Dance for 9 years. Chelsea attended Clarion University where she was a member of the Clarion University Dance Team for 4 years and also danced in productions through the Clarion University Department of Theatre. After graduation, she began teaching at Louise School of Dance and is very excited to continue her dance journey with the Dance Ink family! Chelsea specializes in jazz and tap but also has experience teaching ballet, lyrical, acrobatics, and more. Chelsea also teaches Elementary Special Education at Central Valley School District and has a Masters of Education from Slippery Rock University. Chelsea is grateful she gets to share her love and passion for dance with students of all ages. Chelsea’s passion is and forever will be dance!
Lindsay Barnhart
Lindsay Barnhart has been dancing for over 27 years. She believes that dance is a way to communicate art in different ways impacting diverse audiences. Lindsay studied at Slippery Rock University where she earned her Dance Degree. Lindsay has worked with many professional artists; one of her favorites most notably is Savion Glover. Lindsay specializes in Modern, Tap, and Jazz and enjoys choreographing in these genres! Lindsay also loves performing! The best part of her job though, aside from creating art, is mentoring young adults. She believes that Martha Graham said it best, "The body says what words cannot."
Best,
Mrs. Lindsay Barnhart
Melissa Jones
Hello! My name is Melissa Jones. I work as a preschool teacher at a daycare center in Moon during the day. I've been dancing at Louise School of Dance since I was 4 years old. Throughout my dance years I dabbled in almost all genres of dance, and loved it all. I competitively danced for 8 years before graduating high school and pursuing dance in college as a minor for 2 years. I greatly enjoy dancing, along with reading, working out, and hanging out with my 3 cats in my spare time.
Alexandra Topalova
Alexandra Topalova trained with numerous renowned teachers early on such as Julia Wilkinson Manley, Peter LeBreton Merz, Alan Obuzor, and Kwang Suk Choi. Alexandra spent her summers training at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC, Chautauqua, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Boston Ballet. In 2017, Alexandra was invited to join Boston Ballet as a trainee. During her time there she performed many roles, including the principal role in Trazom, an original work by Yury Yanowsky. In 2018, Alexandra joined the Sarasota Ballet as a trainee.--
Leah Nimmo
Leah has been dancing since the age of 5 at various dance studios throughout Pittsburgh. Upon graduation from Slippery Rock University with a B.A. in dance in 2013, Leah moved from her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL to begin studying with Jump Rhythm Jazz Project and learning a new approach to jazz dance under the artistic direction of founder, Billy Siegenfeld. Leah danced with JRJP as a scholarship student and worked her way up to apprentice and eventually company member by 2015. Throughout her time dancing with JRJP, she performed throughout the greater Chicago area, toured the midwest, and performed internationally with the company. She also performed in a contemporary jazz company, Noumenon Dance Ensemble in 2016 under the artistic direction of Alia Simon Montijo, where she was able to perform in concerts such as Dance Chicago. Leah briefly returned to Pittsburgh in 2017 where she dance for Exhalations Dance Theater and MurrDance before moving to Rochester, NY. During her time in Rochester, Leah taught Jazz technique classes at Nazareth College as an adjunct faculty member as well as taught and choreographed for dance studios in the area. She is so excited to be back in Pittsburgh and joining the Dance Ink family!
Emily Carr
Emily attended Carnegie Mellon University where she received her B.F.A in Vocal Performance, Advanced Music Studies Certificate in Vocal Performance, and K-12 Music Education Certification. In her time at Carnegie Mellon, Emily studied the Bel Canto method of vocal technique while specializing in opera, musical theatre, and vocal pedagogy. She also completed extensive acting training with Carnegie Mellon School of Drama professors Tony McKay and Greg Lehane. Emily can be seen in operas and musicals throughout the Pittsburgh area, as well as in local bands. Her most recent roles include Tribe Member in PMT’s production of Hair, Suzanna in scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro, Mrs. Peachum in The Beggar’s Opera, and Factory Girl (u/s Fantine) in PMT's production of Les Misérables. She recently joined the band at Howl at the Moon in Downtown Pittsburgh, and sings with Racan Productions.
Emily has extensive experience not only in performance, but also as a music instructor. She has served as a choir director in several local private and public schools, most recently working as the Choir and Musical Director at Elizabeth Forward Middle School. Along with her work in the schools, Emily has taught at musical theater summer camps across the country. She spent the summer of 2018 in Denver, Colorado co-writing and directing two original children’s productions, and the summer of 2019 and 2021 music directing Peter Pan Jr. and Shrek Jr. at Chatham Music and Arts Day Camp in Shadyside. Emily currently works with voice students in Bethel Park and the East End of Pittsburgh. She previously served as the staff voice teacher at Bethel Park Music Studio and Karen Prunzik's Broadway Dance Studio. Emily is so excited to join the Dance Ink family!
Hannah Carter
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.
Tim Moore
Tim Moore has been teaching tumbling to dancers for 30 yrs. He also danced with Ballet Midwest and attended the school of Cleveland Ballet.
Hayley Gass
Dance Ink Carnegie Receptionist
Hi, I’m Hayley!
My love for performing began when I was 9 and saw my first musical. From that point forward, if there was any way to perform, I was going to find it! From participating in school choirs and productions like Bye, Bye Birdie & Lil’s Abner, cheerleading or leading the marching band as a majorette. Performing has always been something that brings me joy. Getting to be apart of Dance Ink gives me the chance to feel that same exciting spark all over again and I get to see others find their passion as well.
Gwen Deluca
Volunteer/Dance Ink by Louise 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.