LIFE MEMBERS S2.
STEPHANIE CONSIGLIO - NEW YORK
Stephanie Consiglio is a 16 year old dancer and Queens native. She currently attends Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art where she is a dance major. Stephanie travels all around the country to assist master teachers and choreographers at conventions and dance events. She performed on many legendary stages and venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Apollo Theater, The Gramercy Theatre, Alvin Ailey, Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center. She was a part of the opening number at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and performed on Broadway during the Chita Rivera Awards. A highlight of her dance career so far was when she performed her contemporary solo during opening night of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Stephanie ended her competition career at the age of 12 but during those years she won many titles, awards and scholarships. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she received a choreography award from legendary Broadway Dance Center teachers for her self choreographed solo. She continues to train in all styles of dance and perform around NYC with numerous companies like: MOVE|NYC|, AbstraKt Beings, Nitrogen The Company, The Crew Dancers and Royal Thieves. Steph is a part of many charitable organizations that allow her to use her love of dance to give back to her community. Steph likes to teach her students that it is important to stay true to YOURSELF.
DEVEN FULLER - MARYLAND
Deven Fuller is a 19-year-old aspiring artist from Pasadena, Maryland. He has been dancing for 8 years and has trained in various styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, African, musical theatre, tap, and hip-hop. His dancing career began in school and quickly developed into an undeniable passion. He began dancing competitively as a sophomore in high school at Dancer’s Dreams Dance Studio and has received numerous awards and accolades since then such as Imagine Dance Challenge’s Next Top Model Award (2017), a Maryland All-State Dancer Title (2019), and a scholarship to Broadway Dance Center Summer Intensive (2020) to name a few. He is currently attending the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on a full scholarship as a Linehan Artist Scholar double majoring in Dance and Mathematics. At UMBC Deven has garnered the attention of his professors and has been afforded opportunities to perform at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center. When Deven is not performing, he is working on his Mathematical studies and spending time teaching and mentoring young dancers at the studio where he began training.
NINA SOTO - MASSACHUSETTS
Nina was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. At two years old, she started training at a competitive studio, New England Dance Centers. There she performed under the direction of Loree Cloud for 15 years, in styles including contemporary, jazz, and ballet. Nina also traveled on the weekends to numerous conventions. At 17, Nina graduated early and moved to New York to complete Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester, where she received training in street and commercial styles, as well as vocal technique and musical theater classes. Someone who has influenced my dancing immensely is one of my first dance teachers, Hayley Cloud. Seeing her dance when I was younger is what inspired me to dance professionally. She has always been a role model for me and is someone who I continue to look up to today. A favorite saying of mine is; “there is no substitution for hard work.”
DIARRA GRACE - NEW JERSEY
Diarra Grace Smith is an 18-year-old college freshman pursuing a BFA in Dance at AMDA, The College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts. She has been dancing since the age of four and studies Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, African, Hip Hop and Jazz. Diarra Grace, as she is professionally called, has a passion for dance that has inspired her to use her skills to bring awareness to important issues in today’s society. She has performed for both, the “Make A Wish” and “A Cure for Cancer” foundations with the 5-6-7-8 Dance Company and has danced as a soloist at The Bethwood in Totowa, N.J. to raise money for college scholarships. She has performed her award-winning Contemporary solo at the World Famous Apollo Theatre to express the importance of African-American creativity in American society. Also, for four consecutive years, she has danced for the “Walk Against Domestic Violence,” in Newark, New Jersey and was invited to dance her solo, Beauty in the Rain, for the “Community Book Bag Giveaway” sponsored by the My Sister’s Lighthouse Organization and the NFL Alumni Association to promote the importance of education. Some of Diarra Grace’s greatest accomplishments exemplify her passion for different genres of dance. Between 2018 and 2019, she became a six-time Title-Award Winner throughout New Jersey’s regional dance competitions for her Contemporary solos, and has won numerous Judges Awards for her Lyrical dances. In 2018, she was accepted to the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Summer Dance Intensive and achieved the Ballet Award for Ballet and Pointe. In December of 2019, she represented the USA with the American Dance Company and competed in the Contemporary and Jazz categories at the IDO (International Dance Organization) Dance Championship held in Poland. Because Diarra Grace has a strong sense of community, she has dedicated her life to becoming an instrument of change by using dance to enlighten humanity about the adversities that plague our society and bring healing through the arts to those who endure it.
KASEY GRIGSBY - VIRGINIA
Originally from Spotsylvania VA, Kasey Grigsby, has trained in many dance forms including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, and various other styles. Specializing in Contemporary Forms she has continued this Journey at Virginia Commonwealth University receiving her BFA in Dance & Choreography along with a Minor in Psychology. At VCU she has discovered her artistic voice while working with various Student and Faculty Choreographic processes. In the Spring of 2018, Kasey was fortunate enough to live and deepen her knowledge of dance throughout Europe while abroad in Paris. During this experience, she was able to expand her dance horizon and reenergize her love for the art form by allowing the space for self-discovery in aesthetic and improvisational exploration. This passion for dance has always fueled her teaching style, which she has fortunately been able to continue while in school; As well as her choreographic style and other elements of her life that she is interested in.
JUSTIN LABOY - NEW YORK
Justin is a recent graduate of Broadway Dance Center and is most known for his ability to incorporate all forms of dance into an all-inclusive but funky choreography. He can be seen performing on Youtube videos and other vignettes throughout social media platforms. Justin opened for the Grammy award-winning Pop rock band Jonas Brothers when he performed as a background dancer for Pop artist Elle Winters. Justin performed at the Salt City carnival in Syracuse and recently ranked runner up at the world-renowned Showtime at the Apollo amateur night competition. Justin is a member of the Royal Thieves Crew, owned and founded by DeShawn DaPrince. Justin recently completed a 5 week online TFT Course with Andye J @ monster365 to enhance his teaching skills. When Justin is not training, he spends his time teaching and creating choreography for local and out of state studios as well as perform workshops for TM Talent agency.
ALAINA DEAN - NEW JERSEY
Alaina Dean is an 18 year old dancer who was born and raised in Carteret, New Jersey. At the age of five, she started her competitive dance training at Dance Starz Academy located in Rahway, New Jersey, where she still continues to train and compete under the direction of Amy Panza Fabian and Kiersten Coghan. Alaina is a recent graduate of East Brunswick Vocational and Technical School where she not only learned academics, but also furthered her dance training under the direction of Cleo Mack. Alaina plans on continuing her dance training at Montclair State University next fall where she will major in dance with a concentration in K-12 teaching. Alaina has been in several music and concept videos; and has done performances under TM talent agency. She is also apart of Nitrogen the Company, where she continues to train with Taylor-McLean Wickham and Travis Bertell for a second season. When Alaina isn’t dancing, she is teaching at her local studio and being a mentor for young dancers on her team.
BRIANNA IZQUIERDO - NEW JERSEY
Brianna Izquierdo, from Woodland Park, NJ, age 18, is a recent alumnus of Passaic County Technical Institute where she completed her four-year program as a dance major. Brianna began her dance career at the age of three at 5-6-7-8Dance in Totowa, NJ. She took weekly classes, became a part of the competition team, and has won numerous awards, titles and scholarships for her performances. Now, fifteen years later, she will continue her dance education at the prestigious University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, with a scholarship and will obtain her BFA in Dance. During her career at Passaic County Technical Institute, she has won numerous awards and scholarships including the 2018 NJPAC Hispanic Youth Showcase Scholarship, 2019 New JerseyArtistic Merit and Leadership Award and the 2020 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Education for Artistic Excellence and Leadership in Dance. She is also a member of the National Dance Honor Society, obtains a high GPA and participates in community service. Brianna also excels outside of the classroom as well. She has performed on stages such as the World of Dance Championship in Los Angeles, California, performed as a back up dancer for various artists and has been cast in multiple music videos. She has been a member of the Royal Thieves Hip Hop Crew and is currently a member of Nitrogen the Company season 1 and 2. She has studied under the direction of and performed pieces by Hayden J. Frederick, Taylor Wickham, Miles Keeney, Daniel Padierna, J. T. Jenkins, Carolyn Dorfman, Luam Keflezgy, Tricia Miranda, Charles Smith, Anthony Rue, Kat Cogliandro, Deshawn Da Prince, Jona Biddle, Erick Rios, Corie Zodda, Chelsea Giudice, Carla Montecchi-Dswonyk, Nina Lorusso & Roland Culler to name a few.
NICOLETTE PETRIELLO - NEW YORK
Nicolette Petriello began dancing at the age of two at her local dance studio. Since then she has received numerous overalls and titles. She continued her dance training at LaGuardia High School, working with choreophers including Darrell Moultrie and Travis Wall. Once graduating high school, Nicolette is now pursuing a BFA in Commercial Dance at Pace University. She became a Pro- Reveler and a Nexus Protege in the same year of 2019. She began to tour the country assisting many famous choreographers in the dance industry. She was also flown to Spain to perform in a famous theatre through Artistic Dance Exchange. Nicolette has been a member of Nitrogen the Company as a Life Member under Taylor McClean-Wickham and Travis Bertell, where she took part in multiple concept videos and performed at the famous Gramercy Theatre.
BELLA RODRIGUEZ - NEW YORK
Bella is a 20 year old dancer from Long Island New York. She has competitively trained in multiple styles her whole life. She has had the opportunity to train and assist with Taylor Wickham in previous months, where she has been inspired by amazing artists along the way. Bella has been apart of several music videos and concept, as well as perform as a dancer u see TM Talent Agency. Bella had the amazing opportunity to train and grow under the leadership of Taylor Wickham and Travis Bertell during Season 1 of Nitrogen The Company. When she is not dancing Bella is teaching at a local studio and inspiring young dancers to continue there passion. Bella is eager to train and grow with the dancers of Nitrogen Season 2, and cannot wait to continue her craft and continue to push herself.
DOMINICK MCCLURE
Originally from Washington State, Dominick McClure grew up training in classical ballet until he turned 17; when he started taking classes in commercial and contemporary styles. Dominick has performed with artists from Madison Beer, to the Russian Grand Ballet, and at various dance festivals along the West and East Coasts. Dominick graduated from the Broadway Dance Center Professional Semester in 2019 and since then has been performing around the East Coast. Outside of dance Dominick spends his free time studying computer coding and programming.
LILLY KANE - PENNSYLVANIA
Lilly Kane (18) began her dance training at the age of three in the Philadelphia area. She grew up studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Theater, Contemporary, and various other dance forms. She has been dancing and competing at On Edge Movement dance studio for 12 years under the direction of Kara Testa and Makenzie Crane. When she isn’t training with her home studio, Lilly trains with Koin & Co Junior Training Program under the guidance of Ali Koinoglou and Steph Noble. Throughout her years of training at On Edge Movement, she has been awarded several prestigious acknowledgments and scholarships for her dancing. Lilly is an assistant for both Transcend Dance Tour and Revel Dance Convention. She has had the privilege to perform many pieces by Theresa Stone, James Alonzo, Erik Sosa, Jill Daly, Teddy Tedholm, and Mariah Tilili. Lilly’s passion for dance has always been something that she has needed, and it exudes from her pores when she steps out on the stage.
MARISA D'AMICO - New Jersey
Marisa D'Amico is 18 years old and was born and raised in New Jersey. She is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and actress. She is represented by Bloc NYC Talent Agency. She began dancing at the early age of 3 at the Performing Arts Academy where she trained in Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip-hop, and Acrobatics and danced competitively regionally and nationally. At the age of 10, she earned the privilege of dancing as a Knicks City Kid and a NY Liberty Lil' Torch for four seasons. She recently graduated as a member of multiple honors societies from Passaic County Technical Institute where she studied Theatre. She currently attends Montclair State University where she will receive her BFA in Dance. Marisa has appeared in concept and music videos, NBA All-Star Games, a Netflix series and has had the opportunity of performing at MSG, Prudential Center, Dance Teachers Summit, Disney, Barclays center, Universal, NY Carnival, Apollo Theater, Sybarite, and World of Dance. She studied under many talented teachers, performing pieces under the direction of talented choreographers such as KC Castellano, Miles Keeney, Lexie Garcia, Talia Favia, Chaz Buzan, Maud Arnould, Charles Smith, Teddy Forance, Jason Samuels Smith, Mollee Gray, Jona Biddle, Keenan Cooks, Kevin Frey, Lane Napper, Amber Perkins and Alicia Monaco. She has performed with artists such as Todrick Hall, Niko and Vinz, Pretty Much and Sugar Hill Gang. Marisa is also a member of Theresa Stone's pre professional dance company, AbstraKT BEINGS, Megz Alfonso's pre professional dance company, Unique Soulz and Deshawn Da Prince's hip hop crew, Royal Thieves.In 2017 and 2019 Marisa traveled with the USA Tap Team to Riesa Germany where she competed against other countries. She received a Silver and Bronze medal, as well as 8th in the world for her solo, and placed in the top five with all her groups, duets, and trios. Marisa is honored to have received prestigious awards at dance conventions such as Pulse Protégé at the Pulse on Tour, Jump VIP Finalist, and Prodigy at Artistic Dance Exchange. She’s won various scholarships, overall awards and titles at many competitions and conventions. Marisa also trains at Broadway Dance center and Peridance Capezio Center, and has attended intensives such as Generation IV, Chapters, and Jersey Tap fest. Marisa has enjoyed being a LIFE member in Nitrogen The Company’s first season and is so excited to be returning for season 2!
JOE TEMPERINO - STATEN ISLAND
Joseph Temperino is a 20 year old from Staten Island, New York. Currently pursing a degree in nursing at Wagner College. He is thrilled to continue his time with Nitrogen The Company into season 2 . He is a dancer and actor in which he takes on the work of choreographers and directors. He has an extensive background that allowed him to train, be on sets and perform in numerous styles which include Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Improvisation, Jazz, Hip Hop, West African, and Tap working with some of the best artists and choreographers in the industry. He has been trained by faculty from the Professional Performing Arts High School in Manhattan, New York, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Purchase Conservatory of Dance. Some of his most remarkable work consists of: becoming the season 2 Helium Podcast host, Nitrogen The Company Season 1, So You Think You Can Dance Season 17, Casted in the Purchase Dance Company and performed work by Ohad Naharin, Marcus Jarrell Willis, and Norbert De La Cruz lll, Back up danced for the concerts Freestyle For All and Disco Ball in Atlantic City New Jersey, Casted for a TV Series Documentary of West Side Story with The Company BBC In London, Worked with Matthew Rushing along with Renee Robinson on a project and performed at Terrace on The Park and Bryant Park, Opened for World Tennis Day at Madison Square Garden, Worked with Earl Mosley on Celebration and Snow and Roses, Casted in The PPAS Musical Of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, and Casted in the PPAS musical of West Side Story playing the role of Diesel. Joseph has been awarded many scholarships and titles ever since he started dance at the age of 6 while dancing in the competition world where he began to make more connections which then allowed him to not only be a dancer and actor but choreographer as well at the age of 15 where he was now given opportunities to set works on companies and studios sharing not only his dance skills but personal life experiences and artistry as well. He continues to move forward into this industry sharing everything he has to offer with those all around.
AMANDA RODRIGUEZ - NEW JERSEY
Amanda Rodriguez is 18 years old from Brick, New Jersey. She began dancing at the age of two and is trained in contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, improvisation, hip hop, musical theater, and tap. Currently, Amanda is a BFA dance major with a modern concentration at Marymount Manhattan College. She graduated as a dance major from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Performing Arts Academy where she has been a part of several concert performances. Outside of school, Amanda attended Starz Dance Studio as a member of the competition team since the age of six. She has won numerous scholarships and awards at national dance conventions, including Advanced Protégé at The Dance Xperience. She was also crowned Dancer of the Year in 2019 and Teen Miss in 2017 at Dancers Inc National Competition. Through Dancers Inc, Amanda had the opportunity to travel along the east coast working backstage at competitions, assisting master teachers, and performing at regional and national events. Amanda has experience with choreography and teaching at her local studio, inspiring the next generation of artists. As a TIME Member in Season 1 of Nitrogen the Company, Amanda danced in several concept and music videos. She also performed at the Gramercy Theatre for Sybarite. Amanda is beyond excited to continue her journey as a LIFE member in Season 2 of Nitrogen.
time members
CHRISTEN FRANDINA - NEW YORK
Christen Frandina is from Long Island, NY, and she is 15 years old. She has been training in various styles ever since she was 2 at her home studio, Garden City Dance Studio, and her favorite style is contemporary. She has also been training with the faculty of Eglevsky Ballet for the past 2 years. Christen competed for 8 years, and is now focusing on training in more professional settings. When Christen turned 13, she began to train under the direction of Ali Koinoglou on the Koin and Co. Dancers Junior Training Program. Adding onto the styles she learns at her home studio, Christen also trains in Latin Ballroom, House, Footwork, and many more to become a versatile dancer. She has also worked on several concept and music videos, along with performing at large venues such as Sybarite and Citi Field. Christen goes to conventions on weekends to expand her training, and Nitrogen is opening another door for her into the industry. Christen is super honored to be a TIMEmember for her second season on Nitrogen!
ISABELLA KLEE - PENNSYLVANIA
Isabella Klee, better known as Izzie, is 16 years old and currently a junior in high school. Her hometown is Reading, Pennsylvania. She’s been taking classes at her home studio, Dance Fusion Studios for 11 years, training in all forms of dance. Izzie has been a competitive dancer for about 5 years. On the weekends, she enjoys attending various conventions to broaden her dance horizon. She has received countless recognition from NYCDA and Break the Floor Productions. Outside of the commercial dance industry, she travels to Philadelphia and New York City to take classes with professional companies. She can not wait to take her dance career to the next level with NITROGEN and is so excited for this opportunity in the upcoming year!
JILLIAN SHAUGHESSY - NEW JERSEY
Jillian Shaughnessy is from New Jersey, and she is 16 years old! She has been dancing from the age of 3, and has been competing and training in various styles of dance at her local studio. Jillian recently transitioned from competitive dance to training more professionally at a preprofessional ballet program. As a junior in high school Jillian is also attending an honors dance program that is focused on modern, ballet, and jazz. Over the past 13 years of Jillian’s life she has attended and continues to attend several conventions, and intensives to surround her with various teachers and styles. Jillian can not wait for all of the opportunities Nitrogen will give her, and she couldn’t be more excited to start training as a TIMEmember.
TULA JOHNSON - CONNECTICUT
Tula Johnson is a 17-year-old dancer from Cheshire, CT. She attends Cheshire High School and The Educational Center for the Arts Dance Program in New Haven, CT, where she trains in modern, ballet, and choreography. She began dancing at the age of 6 and started competing at the age of 10. Tula trains in many genres of dance such as ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. She has won numerous national titles and scholarships. She also attended several intensives at Joffrey Ballet School and The Camp at MSA. After years of competing, Tula decided to focus on her training and is now taking classes at Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford, CT, and The Lab Creative Space in Meriden, CT. She also takes vocal lessons with Stephani Buonocore at New Haven Academy of Performing Arts in East Haven, CT. One of Tula’s biggest accomplishments is being signed and now represented by McDonald Selznick Associates (MSA Agency) in New York City. Her special passions are improv and choreography. Tula is very excited to be a TIME Member with Nitrogen this season!
RUBY PENNY - NEW JERSEY
Ruby Penney is a 13 year old Dancer from Paterson, New Jersey. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and has been training at her local studio for 10 years. She has competed the last 5 years in various styles of dance, where she has won numerous titles and awards and attends as many conventions as she can. Ruby is trained in many styles of dance with Hip Hop and Contemporary being her favorites. She now feels it’s time to focus on intense training in all aspects of dance. She has been training in NYC with various High Profile Dance Teams learning as much as she can since she was 7. She has Danced for The New York Knicks, the New York Nets and the New York Mets. Ruby is very excited to be apart of Nitrogen and all of the opportunities that come with it!
GIANNA MESITI - STANEN ISLAND
Gianna began dancing at the age of 3 years old and has been competing since she’s 7. She currently dances at L.A. Dance in Staten Island, NY where she trains in ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz and Hiphop. Gianna attends Wagner High school on Staten Island and was granted a spot in the Performing Arts program. During her free time, she enjoys attending a variety of conventions and open classes with choreographers of all genres. She especially loves training under Theresa Stone and was recently accepted into Theresa’s company “Abstrakt Beings.” In 2019, Gianna began training with Jona Biddle and is now a company member with “The Boss Kids” where she attends conventions and competitions with them. Over the years, Gianna has received numerous awards and scholarships from both conventions and competitions. Her most recent acknowledgement was becoming an ADE Teen Prodigy for Artistic Dance Exchange. Gianna loves being pushed to the next level, she is looking forward to all the challenges this next journey has to offer. She is excited for what Nitrogen has in store for her and can not wait to pushed to new limits.
ANTHONY CIACCIO - NEW JERSEY
Anthony is 16 years olds and has been dancing for 10 years. Anthony is from Woodbridge, NJ but also trains in New York. He started with tap but eventually started ballet, and he now trains in all styles. He has just recently started to transition into the commercial dance world. He has danced for multiple conventions as well as a few TV shows and videos. He recently just ended his season as an Artistic Dance Exchange Noble Prodigy where he trained with many choreographers including Miles Keeney, KC Castellano, Mollee Gray, Hamilton Evans, and Alex Wong. From the styles he trains in, his favorites are tap, contemporary, and hip hop. He trains with NJ Dance Academy and Kozmic Edge, and cannot wait to start training as a TIME member with Nitrogen.
MAYA DAVILA - NEW JERSEY
Maya Kristina Davila is an 18 year old dancer from Bergen County, NJ & is currently attending the Fashion Institute of Technology. Maya began dancing at the age of 11 & has been training with her local studio for the past 3 years. She has studied a plethora of dance genres including contemporary, modern, jazz, ballet, jazz funk, & flamenco. She has also attended countless competitions & conventions, surrounding herself with world-renowned choreographers & receiving numerous scholarships, special awards, & titles. In addition, Maya has also studied at Peridance Center & the Joffrey Ballet School, working with choreographers such as Angelica Stiskin, Jason Lux, Amy Yakima, & even assisted Tyler Gilstrap. Currently, Maya is a member of Titans of Dance’s Titan Force for their upcoming 2020-2021 season. She is beyond grateful & excited to be a TIMEMember with Nitrogen this year!
ANGELINA CIULLA - NEW YORK
Angelina Ciulla is 20 years old and from Long Island, NY. She began training and competing at a local studio at the age of 12. She trained in various styles but found hip hop and contemporary to be her calling. After a year of college, Angelina moved to Manhattan to pursue a professional dance career while still coming back to choreograph for local studios and to teach classes. Since her move, she has graduated from Broadway Dance Center’s 3 month training program and was accepted into their Professional Semester where she took numerous drop in classes every day from world class renowned professionals. Her concentration was street styles, but choreographed contemporary for the program events. Angelina is part of Brickhouse’s contemporary fusion company, Mixrz. She was also picked to be part Fortitude Productions mentorship program and is one of their ICONS where she trains in dance, acting, and singing. On her free time she loves to choreograph, take class, improv, and teach. Angelina is beyond honored and excited to be a TIME member for Nitrogen!
LAURICE LAWRENCE - BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Laurice Lawrence is a 17 year old contemporary dancer born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. It has been only 5 years since she started professionally training in styles like tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, ballet, and hip-hop. Laurice is in her senior year at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, where she has been training in ballet and modern techniques. You can find her taking class at Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Capezio Center, Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, Mark Morris Dance Center, and countless other studios in the New York City area. On her free time she is hanging out with friends and improving on the Great Lawn that sits in Central Park. The feeling of complete satisfaction and vulnerability is what drives every fiber of her being to dance the way she does. Laurice is honored and eager to start this chapter of season 2 with Nitrogren the Company as a TIMEmember!
SOPHIA MIGUEL - NEW JERSEY
Sophia miguel is 15 years old and lives in northern New Jersey. She has been training at her home studio Performing Arts Academy for 12 years and has competed since she was 5. She is frequently trained in styles including ballet, jazz, acrobatics, heels, contemporary, hip hop, tap, lyrical, and modern, from teachers ranging from L.A., to New York. Sophia was first introduced to the commercial dance world when she began dancing for the New York Knicks. She continued with the more commercial side of the industry by modeling for different companies, working along side brands, and dancing in the Macy’s Day Parade for consecutive years. She has since been very interested in the more contemporary aspect and continues this training with varied classes in New York along side a number of well known choreographers. Last year she was excepted into season 1 of Nitrogen as a TIME member. Since then she has taken part of concept videos, photo shoots, music videos, and has danced at Sybarite productions, and it has opened up so many new opportunities and experiences. Sophia is extremely excited to continue to grow and train under Nitrogens amazing teachers and cannot wait for her second season.
EMILY PILZ - NEW JERSEY
Emily Pilz is a 15 year old dancer from Saddle Brook, NJ. She has been dancing and competing since the age of five with her current studio, MVMT Dance Center. Trained in numerous styles such as ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, musical theatre and hip hop. Emily has received multiple regional titles and is a two-time national champion in the competitive world. She attends as many conventions, classes and intensives in the NY tri-state area as a way to expose herself to new styes of dance in hopes to be a well-rounded dancer and artist. Emily had the pleasure of dancing at Visceral Dance Center in Chicago with teachers and choreographers such as Nick Pulpillo and Hannah Brictson. She also trained with NYCDA at the Julliard School in NYC for their teen technique intensive under the direction of Suzi Taylor, Scott Jovovich, and Rick Faugno. Emily is striving to take her dance career into a more professional direction and is both excited and honored to be dancing with Nitrogen the Company as a TIMEmember!
SOPHIA LESIN - NEW JERSEY
Sophia Lesin is a 16 year old pre professional dancer from bergen county, New Jersey. She’s been dancing from the age of 7, and started training professionally in NYC at 13 years old. Currently, she is training under the instruction of Theresa Stone in her prestigious company AbstraKT Beings. In addition, Sophia works closely in all genres with many renowned Broadway Dance Center choreographers such as Kc Castellano, Ryan Miller, Hayden Frederick, Cat Cogliandro, Deshawn Da Prince, and Neil Schwartz. Sophia has won several apprenticeships with dance conventions such as Pro Reveler at Revel Dance Convention where she toured and assisted their amazing faculty all of last season. This season sophia will be touring with Transcend Dance Convention as a senior ultimate transcendent winner. Dance means the world to sophia and she is always striving to push herself past any limits. She was challenged both artistically and physically as company member last season and cannot wait for her second season as a Nitrogen The Company TIME Member!
NICHOLAS MOLETTO - Long Island, NEW YORK
Nicholas Moletto (better known as Nick) is a 16 year old competitive dancer at his parents’ studio in Kings Park, New York. Nick has been dancing at KP Dance Center since he was only 2, and has never looked back since. Nick is well versed in almost all styles of dance, but is most confident in Tap and Contemporary dancing. He has won a multitude of Titles at many different dance competitions, such as Beyond The Stars, Turn it Up Dance Challenge, Edge Dance Competition and National Dance Showcase. He has had the amazing experience of working with Theresa Stone at the young age of 8, and has also worked with other renowned choreographers such as Emily Shock, Teddy Tedholm, Geo Hubela, Caleb Brauner, and Tyce Diorio just to name a few. Nick is continuously working hard to challenge himself and become even stronger, and is super excited to be a part of Nitrogen Season 2!
APEX
BELLA SOTO - NEW YORK
Bella Soto has been dancing since she was 3 and successfully competing since 4 years old. She is currently 13 and dances at Jam dance and fitness center. She is a company dancer and has been assistant teaching for 2 years now. She has performed in front of crowds at Citi Field, Nassau Coliseum & Disney World. Bella was honored to be chosen as the US Ambassador for Miss Ellie Dancewear last year. At just 13, she is a multifaceted dancer, with skill sets in contemporary, modern, ballet, jazz, pointe, tap, and hip hop. She is so grateful and honored to have been chosen as an apex member of Nitrogen the company and can’t wait to see where this incredible opportunity takes her within her dance journey!
MARISSA CATALINA - NEW YORK
Marissa Catalina is 13 years old and from Long Island, New York. At 23 months old she began dancing at The Dance Place in Hicksville, NY, where she developed a solid dance foundation. Marissa has trained in lyrical, modern, contemporary, tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, hip hop, tumbling, and cheer. Currently, Marissa is a competitive dancer and an assistant teacher at Jam Dance and Fitness in Bellmore, NY. Her dance team has been recognized for their teamwork, dedication, and excellence being crowned Star Dance Alliance National Champions, No Limits Champions, and Premier Cup Champions. Marissa has volunteered her time dancing to support various charity events, some being Stars of Tomorrowfor the Dancers Responding to AIDS Benefit and Suffolk County's Making Wishes Grow Benefit. Marissa has also participated in NYSSMA for vocal and has been selected to the Nassau County All County Music Festival. She has had the experience of attending theater camp at The Long Island High School for the Arts and has been recognized by the New York State PTA Reflections Committee for her Dance Choreography. Marissa is a hardworking dancer and is honored to expand her dance experience by joining Nitrogen The Company for Season 2!
SIENNA LINDSAY - PHILADELPHIA
Sienna is a dancer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has danced competitively since she was 5 years old and is currently training at On Edge Movement Dance Studio in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theater, and Modern. She has won numerous titles, awards, and scholarships over her years of competition and convention dance. Sienna is so excited for all of the amazing opportunities and people she will meet through NITROGENthecompany!
GIANNA UILIANO - NEW JERSEY
Gianna is a dynamic young dancer from Middletown, NJ. She started dancing before her first birthday! She has been a competitive dancer since the age of 5 and is an Elite team member at The Dance Factory USA in Middletown, NJ. Gianna trains in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and acro. She loves to show off her flexibility throughout her performances. Her favorite style of dance is acro. Gianna loves to perform on stage together with her teammates. One of her favorite memories as a dancer was winning the Battle of the Stars at Starpower Nationals with her hip-hop group. Another favorite memory was winning the Stellar Award at Beyond the Stars dance competition with her entire Elite team. Gianna was a title winner at the age of 9 and also won a scholarship to the World Dance Pageant where she performed in July 2019. From the ages of 3-5 Gianna appeared in several dance costume catalogs as a model. Gianna is extremely grateful to be a part of Nitrogen the Company as an APEX member for Season 2, and is looking forward to the opportunity to grow as a dancer.
KRISTEN MCCOY - NEW YORK
Kristen McCoy is a young dancer from Long Island, New York. She began her dance journey at age 3 and is currently a national company member and an assistant teacher to two other company teams at Jam Dance and Fitness Center. Her team has won the national championship 2 years in a row. At age 11 Kristen auditioned for and made the Long Island Nets Dance Team where she performed for the half time shows at all of their home games. She trains en pointe as well as in tap, jazz, lyrical, Hip-hop, contemporary, and modern.
Her experiences as a competitive and professional dancer have allowed her to become the young artist she is today. She is so grateful to call herself an APEX member of Nitrogen and can’t wait to grow as a dancer with her new family.
SOPHIA LYNN FUNKHOUSER - NEW YORK
Sophia Lynn Funkhouser, 12 years young, a competitive dancer. She resides in Centereach NY with her mom, dad, brother, 2 sisters, and her pets. She likes to be known as Soph. Beginning her dance career at the age of 1.5 at Michelle Ferraro’s Dance USA where she has returned this year to continue to facilitate her growth and love of dance. She has had the privilege of being trained under Taylor Wickham since the age of 4. Placing amongst the top 10 throughout her performances as well as receiving numerous judges awards. She hopes to continue to pursue her love of dance and is excited to be both a member of the National Dance Team at Michelle Ferraro’s and a member of Apex.
JOLIE BRANDWEIN - STATEN ISLAND
Jolie is an energetic, determined artist from Staten Island New York and has been dancing for 10 years at LA Dance in Staten Island where she began her dance training as a competitive dancer. During that time jolie has achieved several titles, scholarships and other special awards. She is currently an ADE prodigy and is a member of Ash the company. In addition she’s also trained with Jona Biddle the company Boss Kids. Jolie has performed at Madison Square Garden for the basketball team the New York Nets during their All-Star game. She is a member of the Pee Wee dance crew and performs for the minor-league baseball team the Brooklyn Cyclones. She currently attends Mark Twain Middle School for the Gifted and Talented in Brooklyn New York. Jolie is thrilled to be training with Nitrogen the company for season two and is eager to grow as a person and dancer.
SAMI SPEELMAN -
COMING SOON.