Heather Colletti

Owner, Dance Instructor, ZUMBA & ZUMBA TONING Instructor and Choreographer

Heather is part owner of The Studio for the Performing Arts along with Phyllis Mouton and JoAnna Mott. Weekly she is the ballet and lyrical instructor for all levels and ZUMBA instructor. Heather is the credited director and principle choreographer of the following SPA ballet productions: Snow White (2011), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Hansel & Gretel (2009), Cinderella (2008) Peter Pan (2007), The Wizard of Oz (2006), The Dream (2005), Giselle (2004), The Tales of Beatrix Potter (2003), Swan Lake (2002), Coppelia (2001), Sleeping Beauty (2000), andThe Nutcracker (1998-2008).
In the fall of 2006, Heather became the Artistic Director of the newly founded Studio for the Performing Arts Ballet Company.

Having begun her training at the age of five, it was not long before Heather realized her true love for ballet. Heather’s extensive classical ballet training coupled with the desire to educate others has brought her to the remarkable place she is today. As a teacher, Heather’s intent is to provide an enriching atmosphere in which her students feel free to be creative and express themselves through positive reinforcement and encouragement.

Providing a high quality program is paramount to Heather so her students can develop artistically, physically, emotionally and intellectually. “I dance, teach and choreograph with the intent to boost my students’ self-esteem and to assist at every opportunity the development of their imaginations.”

Heather is fueled by the love and support from her 3rd grade pen pal now husband, Jared, and their three children Isaiah, Sedessa and Leah.

JoAnna Danielle Mott

Owner, Instructor and Choregrapher

JoAnna is one of the three owners of "The Studio for the Performing Arts" and is a credited choregrapher and instructor. JoAnna mainly teaches tap & jazz in all ages but also teaches ballet. She is a choregrapher for the SPA Dance Team and our Competitive Dance Teams. JoAnna is a credited choreographer in the following ballets: The Wizard of Oz (2006), The Dream (2005), Giselle (2004), The Tales of Beatrix Potter (2003), Swan Lake (2002), Coppelia (2001), Sleeping Beauty (2000), and The Nutcracker.

The Studio for the Performing Arts is a registered retailer for Capezio, and JoAnna is the resident buyer.
JoAnna started dance at three years old and continued until she graduated. At that time she along with Heather Colletti and Phyllis Mouton purchased the studio. Because her love of dance she continued on with her training so she could encourage young ones to find the same joy in movement that she has. JoAnna believes each young person is a unwritten story and she enjoys and takes very seriously the opportunity to be an author on the slate of each child's life. "I want them all to have fun but also to learn to express themselves through DANCE."

Phyllis Mouton

Owner, Instructor, ZUMBA & ZUMBA GOLD, Instructor, Choreographer, Costume Room Manager, Coordinator of Prop and Set Design/Building, Advertising and Office Procedures

Phyllis is part owner of The Studio for the Performing Arts, Inc., and her primary focus as an instructor of dance is with the preschoolers, beginning levels and adults.   She enjoys the energy of her younger students, and their joy of learning.  With her adult students she finds to be motivated and eager to learn.  Phyllis’ primary goal is to create an environment where her students are comfortable and willing to experience new movements and concepts without the fear of failing, that perfection is not expected and their efforts will be celebrated, while teaching proper technique and terminology.

“It is our love of dance that motivates us.  We as a team work together to create opportunities and a variety of venues for our student’s to experience dance and to share our love and their love of our “ART” dance.   Phyllis actively participates in the productions at the studio in her multitude of roles – she feels that her primary role is to smooth the path so the head choreographers and creative artists can concentrate on their visions and tasks.  –My Passion is Dance.

 

Michele Lapresi Turner

Dance Instructor, ZUMBA Instructor, Choreographer, Scenic Artist, Set and Prop Designer, Costume Designer

Michele is currently celebrating eleven years as dance instructor with The Studio for the Performing Arts with her ffth production of The Nutcracker gracing the stage of The Smith Opera House. Favorite theater credits include Snow White (2011), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Hansel & Gretel (2009),Cinderella (2008), Peter Pan (2007) and The Wizard of Oz (2006).

A dancer since the age of three, Michele finds herself at home on the stage. Mostly self-taught in the theater arts, she indulges in every aspect of creative artistic expression. Around the studio, it is well known Michele can be the true “dreamer” of any given show stating her most excellent work is done while sleeping… “visions of sugar plums dance in her head.”

Creativity being her finest trait and tenacity her greatest attribute, Michele gives tirelessly of her time to enhance her students’ talents and her productions. To illuminate the essence of her creative ingenuity, Michele states it best saying, “Give me muffin mix and I’ll make soufflé.”

Weekly Michele teaches ZUMBA at our Newark location and is one of the instuctors for the Preschool program and at The Studio for the Performing Arts off site location at the Phelps Community Center. Michele also finds herself emerged in creative dance projects of all kinds.

Outside the studio and theater, Michele stays active with her three daughters Milla, Sennett and Lissen. She also owns Lapresi’s Pizza Emporium in Phelps along with her husband, Larry.

Linda Biehl

Account Payable & Receivable

If you have any questions about your bill or if you need to acquire a payment plan leave a message for Linda with any office staff member or set up an appointment to meet with her. She will be happy to help you out in any way she can.  

Please fill out contact form and she will be happy to assist you!

Sharon Braden

Office Staff

Sharon has been with the Studio as a "proud mom" since her daughter started dancing in 1999.  As an office staff member she is always willing to assist you with any questions regarding classes or events. Please fill out contact form and she will be happy to assist you!

Since 2004, Sharon has taken on her favorite role at the studio as Backstage Manager for the Studio's Nutcracker, Spring Ballet & Recital productions.

Emily Brown

Office Staff

Emily is a recent graduate of SUNY Potsdam with her BA in dance.  She has studied African dance in Ghana and is looking forward to her graduate studies in dance education. Emily is one of the members of our office staff. She will be more than happy to help you with any questions and concerns!

Please fill out contact form and she will be happy to assist you!

Brittany Gilligan

Teacher

Brittany teaches Tap, Jazz & Hip Hop and also for the SPA Dance Team.

Please fill out contact form if you have any questions for her!

Kendra Johnson

Office Staff

Kendra is one of the members of our office staff. She will be more than happy to help you with any questions and concerns!

Please fill out contact form and she will be happy to assist you!

Jane Mott

Director of Special Programs

Jane is one of the members of our office staff and mother of co-owner JoAnna Mott. For the last 12 years Jane has volunteered in many areas of the studio, from painting murals on walls to designing and making costumes such as seahorses, lobsters and renaissance gowns.

As Director of Special Programs, Jane finds Nursing Homes, Festivials, Business Shows and other opportunities for our students to share their talents and love for dance. Annualy Jane in cooperation with the Wayne County Council for the Arts organizes the "Art for the Sake of Dance" presentation in January. She also spends time grant searching and writing. If you know of any special opportunity you would like to see the studio be involved in, please fill out the contact form or call the studio and she will be happy to assist you!