Jessica
Mellace
Owner/Artistic Director
An award-winning performer and choreographer, Jessica has been trained in all genres of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, musical theatre and acro. Jessica is committed to giving her students the opportunity to grow as a well-rounded person of character and is proud and elated to share her passion with generations of students to come.
Nichelle Matthew
Teacher
A Graduate Student at Rutgers University, Nichelle is studying to complete a Master's Degree in Dance Education with a K-12 certificate. She has studied different dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, acro and contemporary. Nichelle is excited to share her passion with future generations of dancers.
Lisa
LoPinto
Teacher
An award-winning competitive gymnast for 14 years, Lisa has experience coaching tumbling and acrobatics along with assisting with teaching and choreographing hip hop, ballet, and jazz classes. Lisa enjoys sharing and teaching her passion for dance, gymnastics, and music with her students.
Jasón Wells
Teacher
An experienced dancer, Jasón has a background in tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and musical theater. He has showcased his dancing across New Jersey and as a member of the Montclair State Dance Company. Jasón is excited for the opportunity to teach at Studio J and can't wait to see what the future has in store!
Diane
fox
Teacher
A professional opera and musical theatre singer for 31 years, and a professional voice teacher for 21 years, Diane is eager to share her vast performing work and knowledge with her students! Ms. Fox has sung on some of the greatest stages throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. She made her international operatic debut opposite the late Metropolitan Opera legend, Jerome Hines at the prestigious Bolshoi Opera House in Moscow, Russia. In musical theatre she has performed alongside Broadway fame, Robert Cuccioli of Jekyll and Hyde, Jeff Richmond of Mean Girls, and Christa Moore of Gypsy.
Victoria Strata
Teacher
A professional dancer, Victoria has studied with many renowned artists and choreographers. She has trained with the Limón Dance Company as a part of their professional training program and performed restaged works of Limón’s masterpieces. She has most recently been hired as a dancer and collaborator for the artist Reza Farkhondeh.
Ava Spagnuolo
Teacher
A Dance Major at County College of Morris, Ava has plans to continue her education and eventually earn a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Master's Degree in Dance Education. She has worked with many well-known choreographers and has experience with different styles of dance, including tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, ballet and hip-hop.
Tracy
Badini
Guest Choreographer
With over twenty years of experience as a dance educator and choreographer, Tracy trained at New Jersey School of Ballet and School of American Ballet in NYC. She has performed in numerous ballets and her students have been accepted to various schools across the nation. Tracy continues to learn and grow as an artist and teacher every day and she is excited to share her passion with the next generation of dancers.