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Erin Saunders|Assistant to The Director| Faculty
Erin Saunders recently earned degrees in Dance and Performance Studies and Arts Administration at Roger Williams University, where she trained with artists such as Christina Robson, Netta Yerushalmy, Ephrat Asherie, David Parker & The Bang Group, Hilary Easton, Sydney Skybetter, K.J. Holmes, Gary Shore, France Hunter, Cathy Nicoli, and Michael Bolger. In 2018, Erin performed at Tisch School of the Arts for choreographer Christina Robson, in a concert of works by the dancers of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. Erin has also performed at the Dance Complex, Green Street Studios, the Somerville Theatre, BU Dance Theater, Onstage Dance Company, and more. Her own choreography has been featured at Boston University during the American College Dance Conference as well as many performance venues throughout Boston. Erin spent a semester abroad training in London with Katie Lusby, Stephen Pelton, and Jorge Cercis and participated in training intensives of the Trisha Brown Dance Company, Pantos Project, and Urbanity Dance. Erin serves as rehearsal director for Project31's professional dance company. Erin is a certified teacher of Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and AcroDance Preschool Curriculum. Erin is also a certified instructor of Alex Flexibility Module 1, and Ready Set Dance, and Ready Set Acro. Erin is is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Lacey Sasso| Faculty
Lacey Sasso is the founder and Artistic Director of Sasso & Company, a Boston-based modern dance company. She attended Missouri State University where she earned a B.F.A in Dance Performance and a minor in Psychology. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy from William James College. Lacey spent six seasons with Undertoe Dance Project (NYC) as the Jazz Captain and Resident Jazz Teaching Artist. Lacey joined Project31’s professional company at its inception in 2017 and continues to perform, guest choreograph and work as a rehearsal assistant. Lacey is NGCP certified in the Basic-Professional levels of Giordano Jazz Technique, is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, has completed the Dance for PD Introductory Dance Teacher Training Course, Martha Graham School Intensive Teacher Workshop (NYC), and Kaelyn Gray’s Tap Basics with a Twist Workshop, and Alex Flexibility Modules 1 & 2.. She has served on the faculty at Boston University, the Royal Academy of Dance (London), and Montage Theatre Arts (London). She currently teaches on faculty at Project31 Dance Studio, Urbanity Dance, and South Shore Ballet Theatre, where she is the Head of the Classical Ballet and Modern Dance Programs. Lacey is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Catrina Kubek| Faculty
Catrina Kubek graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Adelphi University. At Adelphi, she performed works by Paul Taylor, Adelheid B. Strelick, Orion Duckstein, William Briscoe, and Jennifer Kreichman. During her junior year, she was nominated for and awarded the Lois Betts Scholarship Award for Dance 2016-2017. She has attended and performed at the American College Dance Association Northeast Conferences in 2017 and 2018. To further supplement her dance training, Catrina has attended the Boston Conservatory Dance Summer Intensive and Urbanity Summer Dance Intensive. Catrina joined Project31 Dance Company in 2018 and has since been promoted to dance captain. In addition to Project31 Dance Company, she has performed professionally with the Julia Kane Dance Collective (New York), Douglas & Co. (New York), and Sasso & Company (Boston). She has formerly held the position of Company Director at KC Dance Expressions. Catrina is CPR & First Aid Certified and has completed Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Aerial Arts Silks teacher certification. Catrina is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Avery Pelosi | Faculty
Avery Pelosi earned a BA in psychology with a minor in dance from Boston University. During her time at BU, she performed and choreographed works mentored by Micki Taylor-Pinney, William McLaughlin, Liz Roncka and Ann Brown-Allen with Boston University’s Dance Theatre Group while serving as the group’s Concert Coordinator. Avery’s choreography was selected to represent BU at the American College Dance Association regional conference in March of 2022. Avery joined Project31 dance company in 2021 and since then she has performed in 2 evening length works with the company. Currently, Avery is on faculty at Project31 Dance Studio and Center for Performing Arts Dance Studio & Acting School as a dance teacher and choreographer. She is the founder and director of an annual dance workshop and student choreography showcase, Day of Dance. Avery looks forward to her third season with Project31 Dance Company and second season with Project31 Dance Studio! Avery is an Acrobatic Arts Module 1 certified teacher. Avery is certified in Progressing Contemporary Technique and the Ready Set Dance Curriculum. Avery is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Jenn Mathien | Office Manager | Faculty
Jenn Mathien has been professionally teaching Pilates for the past 15 years. Originally earning her full mat & equipment certification through Unity Pilates in Sydney, Australia, Jenn further completed her full STOTT Pilates training in Sydney, Los Angeles, & New York, including specialty training for cross-training athletes, pre- and post-natal women and other special populations. Jenn is also fully Barre-certified through Boston Body Barre. While Jenn's teaching approach is rooted in classical Pilates, she prides herself on creating workouts that cater to the individual's needs. Jenn is passionate about ensuring that our dancers learn correct posture, body awareness & muscle activation in order to control their bodies in space, not only to help them reach their dance potential, but to cultivate healthy movement habits that will stay with them through life. When not teaching, she's a busy mom of daughter, Grace (Junior team dancer) and son, Cooper (Petite team dancer). Jenn lives with her husband and kids in Hingham. Jenn isa certified Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Aerial Arts Instructor. Jenn is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Nikki Gagliano | Faculty
Nikki is a Boston based Dance artist and educator who earned her Bachelors of Arts in both Dance and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania with concentrations in Choreography, Performance & Education, and Marketing respectfully. In her time at college, she choreographed numerous contemporary pieces in addition to performing in works by professional artists such as Randall Anthony Smith. Since moving back to Massachusetts, Nikki has joined Sasso & Company and Boston Community Dance Project as a company member. She has also presented her own work locally at NACHMO Boston and Salem Arts Festival. Nikki joined KAIROS Dance Theater as a trainee in the fall of 2022. Nikki is certified inAcrobatic Arts Module 1 & 2.
Michaela Flaherty | Dance Team Technique & Pom
Michaela Flaherty began her dance career in her hometown of Quincy, Ma. She later graduated with her A.A from The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College in 2012. Michaela has extensive training in modern, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance. She also studied dance composition, dance history, creative movement, anatomy, and kinesiology. Michaela is a former NBA Dancer for the Boston Celtics 2014-2016 under the direction of Marina Ortega. Her most memorable performance took place during the Celtics Dancer’s 10-year reunion halftime show at the TD garden. She has danced and choreographed for various events and shows in the Boston area. Michaela’s passion for dance leads her to a career in fitness. Michaela runs her own online health and fitness company and is the assistant coach of the Braintree High School Dance Team.
Gelsey White| Photographer
Gelsey White began dancing at the age of 3 in her hometown of Taunton, MA. When she was 13 she joined the Project Moves Dance Company, competing regionally and performing across the Northeast including at the Joyce Theater in NYC and the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston. She attended Vassar College, where she received a B.A. in English in May 2019. While at Vassar, Gelsey was a member of the Vassar Repertory Dance Company, studying under former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer John Meehan and performing debut works by former Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham company dancer Stephen Rooks and independent choreographer/teaching artists Leslie Partridge Sachs and Kathy Wildberger. Her choreographic works were featured in the Vassar dance department annual spring showings. In addition, Gelsey trained in dance photography with Rose Eichenbaum at The School at Jacob’s Pillow and has photographed the Stars of American Ballet, ODC/Dance, Aurora Borealis Dance Company, and the Project Moves Dance Company. She currently works as a portrait photographer and teaches ballet, tap, and jazz/lyrical at Spotlight Dance Studio in Taunton.
Madison Plummer, Instructor & Videographer
Madison graduated from Skidmore College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Studio Art with a concentration in Digital Media and a double-minor in Dance and Media & Film Studies. Prior to becoming a dancer, Madison was a gymnast and circus acrobat. She studied circus partner acrobatics at Esh Circus Arts, Pitch Catch Circus, and the National Centre for Circus Arts in London. After college Madison moved to Boulder, CO and joined the Cindy Brandle Dance Company where she was both a company member and videographer. She then moved to San Francisco where she found a passion for ballroom and social dance. Eventually Madison made her way back to the East Coast and couldn’t be happier. Everyday she combines her love of partner acrobatics, contemporary dance, ballroom dance, and filmmaking. Madison is a professional company member for the Project31 Dance Company. She also dances with the Rumba y Timbal Salsa Company and is the head of their “Lifts and Tricks” program. Madison is the Founder of the Boston Dance Film Festival and excited to host the inaugural festival this fall.
Emma Symonds, Junior Apprentice Teacher
Emma recently graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School and will be a freshman at AMDA NYC this fall in the musical theater dance program. Emma is an award winning competitive soloist and an alumni member of Project31's competition team. Emma is also and apprentice dancer with Project31's professional company. Emma is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Avery Whyte, Junior Apprentice Teacher
Avery is a sophomore at Rising Tide Charter High School in Plymouth. Avery is an award winning competitive soloist and a member of Project31's Protege competition team. Avery assists many classes and co-teaches the Petite & Junior Hip Hop Teams. Avery is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Assistant Teacher and is also CPR & First Aid Certified.
Marie Marios, Junior Apprentice Teacher
Marie is senior at Hull High School where is president of her class. She spends her free time doing community service at her local elementary school. Marie is a captivating performer and has received many high placements and special awards for her solo performances. Marie is a member of Project31's Protege competition team. Marie will be co-coaching our Primary 1 Combo Classes & Mini Competition Teams this year. Marie is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Assistant and is also CPR & First Aid Certified.
Madden Wosneski, Junior Assistant Teacher
Madden is a junior at Cohasset High School. She is an accomplished acrobat and fantastic performer. Madden recently discovered her talent for aerial silks. Madden is a member of Project31's Competition Team. Madden is a Project31 Birthday Party Assistant and is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Frances Leland, Junior Assistant Teacher
Frances is a junior at Notre Dame Academy where she is a member of their dance team. In addition to dancing, Frances is an accomplished cellist. Frances is a member of Project31's Protege Competition Team. Frances is working toward her Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher Certification and is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Meghan Sullivan, Junior Assistant Teacher
Meghan is a junior at Cohasset High School. She is an excellent student and hopes to be a doctor some day! Meghan is a member of Project31's Competition Team. Meghan is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Brooke Figueiredo, Junior Assistant Teacher
Brooke is a junior at Cohasset High School where she plays on the volleyball team. She is an accomplished acrobat and fantastic performer. Brooke is a member of Project31's Protege Competition Team. Brooke is a Project31 Birthday Party Assistant and is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Avree Dolan, Senior Assistant Teacher
Avree is a sophomore at Cohasset High School. She is an accomplished acrobat and fan favorite performer. Avree is a member of Project31'sProtege Competition Team. In Avree' free time she loves to read! Avree is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Assistant and is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Colby McGowan, Junior Assistant Teacher
Colby is a junior at Hull High School. Colby is a member of Project31's Protege Competition Team. This past season Colby won many high adjudications for her lyrical solo and even placed first! Colby is working toward her Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher Certification and is CPR & First Aid Certified.
Rose McLaughlin, Junior Assistant Teacher
Rose is a sophomore at Hingham High School. Rose is a member of Project31's Protege Competition Team. Rose recently earned the Highly Commended score on the Acrobatic Arts Level 8 exam. Rose is working toward her Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher Certification and is CPR & First Aid Certified.