Our Team
Rebecca Masel
Mrs. Rebecca is from Lexington, Kentucky, where she grew up as a competitive dancer studying all dance forms with a special emphasis on Ballet. In 1997, she moved to New York City to pursue a dance career and expand her training. Although she worked in many shows while in New York City, one of her proudest dance achievements was landing a coveted spot as one of the famous Radio City Rockettes performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for over five years. Even more exciting, she was selected as one of the few Public Relations Rockettes, appearing in numerous television interviews to promote the Radio City organization, as well as, performing on national television such as on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. For fun, see Miss Rebecca's appearance on the Tonight Show in the Competitions and Recitals (videos) section!
Before making it as a professional dancer, Rebecca won numerous local, regional and national awards including “Ohio’s Female Dancer of the Year” (American Dance Awards), “Miss Dance of Ohio” (Dance Masters of America), and was 3rd Runner-up in the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant (a preliminary to the Miss America Scholarship Pageant) and performed in many local and regional theatre productions.
Rebecca attended the University of Kentucky on a full academic scholarship and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. After spending several years as a full-time dance instructor at her home studio in Lexington, she moved to New York City to pursue her dance dreams. Rebecca was quickly hired by famed jazz instructor, Frank Hatchett, as a class and convention assistant. Shortly thereafter, she began booking numerous dance opportunities, with her success even taking her to Los Angeles where she also danced professionally and lived for five years.
Judy Ann Bassing
International Director, Choreographer, Master Teacher. Recipient of six Los Angeles Drama-Logue awards and the San Diego Theatre Circle Critics award for outstanding choreography and directing. Ms. Judy is a member of the New York Stage Directors and Choreographers Union. Her New York teaching credits include Broadway Dance Center, Jo Jo’s Dance Factory, Joffrey Ballet School, Steps, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, New York University, Lexington School for the Deaf. She has taught Master Classes for all the major dance organizations in the USA. Her choreography credits range from the opening ceremonies for the 1999 World Ski Cup Championships to Musical Theatre, concert stage and cruise ships. Miss Judy choreographed “Singing in the Rain” and “Crazy for You” in Las Vegas. As the Lawrence Welk Theatre her directing and choreography credits include “Nunsense”, “Funny Girl”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Man of La Mancha”, “Sugar”, “Peter Pan”, “Hello Dolly”, “Anything Goes”, “Cabaret” and “Sweet Charity” are just a few of the productions she worked on.
At the Broward Performing Arts Center she choreographed “Me and My Girl”. On staff of Folkwang Hochschule in Essen, Germany, and Centre Professional de Dance in Poitiers, France. Miss Judy has been a guest artist and conducted Master Classes in Austria, Czech Republic, Scotland, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, University of Poitiers, University of Wisconsin, Stephens College, Oklahoma City University, Central Wisconsin School of Ballet. Conducting teachers training courses at the University of Buffalo, Dance Teachers Web Las Vegas, Dance Teachers Summit New York City. Miss Judy is certified IDO Judge and has been the USA Judge for the World Dance Olympiad in Moscow, Russia, the world championships in Portoroz, Slovenia, Hamlin, Germany and Orlando, FL. She was also invited by the French Minister of Culture to adjudicate the National Dance Examinations at the Conservatoire in Bordeaux, France.
Judy has also adjudicated the Surrey Dance Festival in Vancouver, B.C. as well as Mr. and Miss Dance of America. She has produced Educational videos and CD's for dance teachers to learn how to teach tap from beginner to advanced levels. You will find Judy’s former students in Musical Productions all over the world. Miss Judy is currently teaching in the Theatre Arts Department at the University of Miami. One of her great teaching joys was teaching Deaf students to tap dance.
Eden Brod
Ms. Eden is excited to bring her styles to Artistry Dance Academy! A native of Richmond Virginia, Eden is a former competitive dancer. Eden studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Musical Theatre. While studying these disciplines she also worked as a dance teacher in all disciplines. She has been featured in music videos and performances around the east coast and is currently a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. Eden is currently enrolled in the National Academy of Sports Medicine where she is studying Nutrition and Personal Training. “I am so excited to share my love for dance, children and creativity this year at ADA!”
Daynelis Munoz Castell
Born in Cuba, Ms. Daynelis studied classical ballet for 8 years at the Cuban National Ballet School where she graduated as a Professional Classical Dancer and Ballet Instructor. She has been a company member of the Cuban National Ballet, Mexico Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. Miss Daynelis has danced on stages around the world in Spain, France, Colombia, Mexico, and more. She has been a principal dancer in Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Infra, Serenade, and Bayadera. Miss Daynelis has also had the privilege to dance in pieces by internationally renowned choreographers such as John Cranko, Edwaard Liang, Marcello Angelini, George Balanchine, Wayne McGregor, Ma Cong, and Alicia Alonso. In addition, Miss Daynelis has participated in numerous international ballet competitions, such as the International Ballet Competition in Cuba, where she won several gold medals. Miss Daynelis has also been awarded a scholarship to dance with the Washington, D.C. Ballet through the Youth America Grand Prix. She also has extensive experience judging international ballet competitions. Miss Daynelis’ goal for her classes is to teach proper technique and inspire her students to reach their full potential as artists. When Miss Daynelis is not teaching here at ADA, she can often be found sharing the joy of Ballet at galas, master classes and ballet productions across the country, such as in Chicago, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arizona, and Ohio.
Isabella Elias
Ms. Isabella began dancing at the age of 4 in California. At 10, the family relocated to Florida and immediately she joined the family at Artistry Dance Academy - formally Stella’s Dancers’ Studio. Throughout middle school and high school, the studio became her second home as she was constantly in and out, coming from school cheer to competitive dance classes. She was an all-around dancer as she danced jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, and musical theater. She continued her passion by volunteering with the competition team, and is now teaching kids her love for dance. Ms. Isabella is passionate for kids and dancing, ensuring a fun environment where kids can learn and enjoy their time, while learning through the steps to become the dancers they dream to be, competitive or recreational.
She graduated high school - class of 2022, and is now continuing her education at Nova Southeastern University where she plans to become a lawyer.
Nancy fell
Miss Nancy is our Office Manager and the reason our academy runs so smoothly! She is also in charge of accounts receivable. You will find Miss Nancy extremely detail oriented and very helpful to all your needs.
Miss Nancy has a personal connection to our academy as her daughter, Savannah, now a Pre-Med student at FSU, began her dance career here as a Baby Ballerina and still loves dancing and helps out at the studio as often as she can.
Carlos Ignacio
Mr. Ignacio is from Cuba were he started dancing at age 11 at Alejo Carpentier School of Dance and then attended the National Ballet School in Havana, Cuba, where he graduated with professional honors. He joined the National Ballet of Cuba, under the direction of Alicia Alonso, dancing from 2008-2014 as a soloist. He moved to the United States and danced as a Principal Dancer with Ballet Evolution in North Carolina. He moved to Miami and danced with Florida Classical Ballet as both soloist and principal, as well as roles with many other local companies and international companies. He has performed solos and principal roles in Don Quixote, Giselle, Dialogo a 4, Coppelia, Carnival of the Animals, The Nutcracker, Majisimo, Dionaea, Spring Water, French Twist, Soldier Serenade and Sleeping Beauty.
Alayjah Kendrick
Ms. Alayjah is a highly accomplished dancer who began her training in South Florida and has since honed her skills in vario9us genres including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. From the tender age of 4, she showed immense talent and dedication, catching the attention of the prestigious DDO Agency, which promptly signed her.
Throughout her career, Alayjah has had the privilege of dancing alongside the Broadway cast of Newsies and performing at the renowned Disney World, where her exceptional skills were showcased and televised for the Macy's Day Parade. These experiences allowed her to exhibit her versatility and grace on a grand stage, captivating audiences far and wide.
In high school, Alayjah continued to shine as she assumed the role of captain for her dance team. As the captain, she not only led her fellow dancers but also had the opportunity to showcase her choreographic talents, creating mesmerizing routines for shows and pep rallies. Her passion for dance and innate creativity shone through as she brought energy and excitement to every performance.
In recent years, Alayjah has taken on the role of a choreographer and has achieved tremendous success in this realm. Her talent for crafting captivating and award-winning competition pieces has been recognized and celebrated. Through her choreography, she continues to push boundaries, blending different styles and creating unique expressions of movement that leave a lasting impact.
Philip Kendrick
Mr. PK was born in West Palm Beach and is a native of South Florida. As a dancer he is part of Tae Talent which is one of the most respected agencies in Miami. As one of the most sought-after Hip Hop teachers in Florida, he has taught/is teaching in some of the most respected studios throughout South Florida.
PK has also shared the stage with Jason Derulo, Don Omar, Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Trick Daddy and Danity Kane, and he has done videos with the likes of Luis Fonsi, French Montana, Yandel, Maluma, One Direction, FloRida, to name a few. He has also appeared on shows such as MTV Super Sweet 16, BET Spring Bling, Premios Juventud and Premios Lu Nuestro.
His passion for dance has inspired others through his artistry, and he is happy to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of dancers as a sought after master teacher and judge.
Techara Milligan
Ms. TeChara was born and raised in South Florida. She grew up doing various sports but her passion was always dance. She had the privilege to train under 2 competitive dance teams where she gained much of her knowledge of dance. Obtaining technical skills in lyrical, contemporary, modern, ballet, hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, ballroom, heels and tap. Within her years, she has had the opportunity to perform in conceptual music videos, talent shows, parades, festivals and sporting events. Through the years, she had many opportunities to teach and choreograph at various studios. From creating award winning dances to being recognized for her choreography, she has embarked in her journey of choreographing and teaching full time. This is TeChara's sophomore year being a part of Broward College's dance program. After she graduates from the program, she aspires to earn her BFA in Dance and join a professional dance company to further her education and training in dance. Her passion reaches par beyond herself, as she hopes to continue teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Colleen Pagano
Mrs. Colleen is originally from New York and moved to Florida in 1991. She has been involved with Mrs. P’s Dance & Acrobatics Studios for over 40 years and is celebrating her 27th year serving the South Florida Dance community. With over 40 years of teaching experience, she is a teacher and choreographer for students of all ages as well as director of a performance group that attends competitions and participates in many fundraising performances. She has had the pleasure of watching some of her dancers pursue careers in the Arts. These students have found rewarding careers in modern dance companies, teaching and choreographing, national and international commercials, SYTYCD and Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance, as well as popular sports teams including the NY Knicks City Dancers. She has had a performance career singing Off-Broadway and Cabaret, Light Opera and Pop. Her training with Manhattan’s leading vocal coaches affords her students strong vocal technique for auditions and performances. Colleen is a graduate of Dance Educators of America Teacher Certification Program and a proud lifetime member. She also serves as an adjudicator for Nexstar Talent Competition.
Kristen Pinard (KP)
Ms. Kristen (KP) is from Jacksonville, FL and has been dancing for 20+ years. She is trained in a variety of styles including: ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, modern, West African, pom, and many more! At a young age she performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and was featured in ads for Disney Parks and Entertainment. She went to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where her main focus was dance. She was also a Tremaine Dance Convention Company Assistant, and traveled on tour with them across the country for many years.
Upon high school graduation, she continued her love for dance at Florida State University, and was on the Nationally Ranked, FSU Golden Girls Dance Team, for 3 years. During her time at FSU she performed at home football, basketball and volleyball games. Some of her favorite memories were traveling with Men's Basketball during March Madness, and competing at UDA Nationals where they ranked 3rd in the nation against D1 schools her junior year.
Her dance career didn't end there, she then moved to South Florida, when she secured a spot as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader, and is now currently a 2nd year veteran on the team. This past season she had the opportunity to travel with Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, and Armed Forces Entertainment on a military tour during the holidays. She was one of eight cheerleaders chosen to perform for our Military service men and women overseas in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi. She also performed in the Super Bowl LIV Halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira!
Crystal Ratfield
Mrs. Crystal started out her dance career as a student at Stella’s Dancer’s Studio studying jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, musical theater, hip-hop and ballet with Stella Palumbo, Kathleen Vega, Scott Benson, Pamela Bolling and Judy Bassing, as well as becoming a prominent member of the Illusion Dance Company. Previously a teacher for Stella’s, Ms. Crystal has now returned to us to teach for Artistry going on 5 years. Ms. Crystal has been dancing for over 30 years in which she attended Hofstra University in Long Island, New York as a dance major. She also received dance scholarship and attended New World College of the Arts in Miami. She has been fortunate enough to receive dance training at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City in a multitude of genres from legendary teachers such as Frank Hatchet and Savion Glover. As a dancer and singer Ms. Crystal has been chosen to perform in Walt Disney World, Sesame Street Live with Bob Mcgraph, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a special vocal performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She also auditioned and was chosen to perform in Miami City Ballet’s Nutcracker in 37 live performances directed by Edward Villella. Ms. Crystal has received tap training from our very own Ms. Judy Ann Bassing and is currently under her tutelage learning her teaching methods and techniques. Now returning to her “Home” studio she has two dancing daughters that participate in classes here at Artistry and in our Ovation Dance Company. It is Ms. Crystal’s greatest desire to share her life long passion, love and knowledge of dance and the performing arts with our students and to cultivate their education and skills in all the performing arts.
Kendall Truitt
Ms. Kendall is so excited to be back teaching at the studio where it all began. She grew up in South Florida and started her dancing career at two years old. Throughout her early years she had the honor of competing with Ovation Dance Company (formerly Illusion Dance Company) at Artistry Dance Academy (formerly Stella's Dancers' Studio). Her passion for teaching started to grow throughout her time in high school, where she taught a couple recreational classes each week and was a counsellor for summer camp for several years. Kendall attended Pembroke Pines Charter High School where she spent all four years on the school's dance team and served as captain for two. After graduating from high school, Kendall moved up to North Florida where she pursued her degree in Digital Media & Communication Studies at Florida State University. During her time at FSU, she had the honor of helping raise funds for Children's Miracle Network and was on the school's nationally ranked sport club dance team, Seminole Dance Force, for all four years at the university. Kendall worked hard to serve as the team's Public Relations & Community Outreach Officer her second year and as Junior Co-Captain her third year. One of her biggest accomplishments was being elected to serve as the team's Captain her senior year. This role included responsibilities that would typically land on a coach due to the fact that the team is completely student-run. Kendall recently graduated from FSU and has moved back to South Florida. She is beyond excited to be helping kids reach their potential and follow their passions right back where it all started for her!