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garet&co members
professional members
Madelynn Brown
Soloist & Professional Member
Madelynn Brown is a Connecticut native currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts. Madelynn is a student at the Boston Conservatory and is a member of their inaugural class of commercial dance majors. At the Boston Conservatory she has performed works by Jessica Franco, Raul Cruz, Anthony Burrell, Jun Kuribayashi, and Heather Easley. Performance titles include Boston Conservatory’s “WinterWorks”, Berklee’s “Alicia Keys Great American Song Book” at MGM Music Hall, “Monkey Business” a Cirque Du Soleil Collaboration, and “Usher’s Tribute Indoctrination Show” at The Agganis Arena. Madelynn has had her choreography showcased at Jennifer Hill’s SWAN DAY, Connecticut’s National Dance Day, and was a part of Emerging Artist Theatre’s 2022 “New Work Series” in New York City. Madelynn has performed as a soloist with Garet&Company in New York City, Brooklyn, Saratoga Springs, Philadelphia, Hartford, and parts of New Jersey, and was Garet&Co’s first guest choreographer in the 2023, “ECLIPSE”. Madelynn loves teaching and believes it is her way of spreading her passion to the next generation.
Madelynn Brown is a Connecticut native currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts. Madelynn is a student at the Boston Conservatory and is a member of their inaugural class of commercial dance majors. At the Boston Conservatory she has performed works by Jessica Franco, Raul Cruz, Anthony Burrell, Jun Kuribayashi, and Heather Easley. Performance titles include Boston Conservatory’s “WinterWorks”, Berklee’s “Alicia Keys Great American Song Book” at MGM Music Hall, “Monkey Business” a Cirque Du Soleil Collaboration, and “Usher’s Tribute Indoctrination Show” at The Agganis Arena. Madelynn has had her choreography showcased at Jennifer Hill’s SWAN DAY, Connecticut’s National Dance Day, and was a part of Emerging Artist Theatre’s 2022 “New Work Series” in New York City. Madelynn has performed as a soloist with Garet&Company in New York City, Brooklyn, Saratoga Springs, Philadelphia, Hartford, and parts of New Jersey, and was Garet&Co’s first guest choreographer in the 2023, “ECLIPSE”. Madelynn loves teaching and believes it is her way of spreading her passion to the next generation.
Kyleigh Olivier
Soloist & Professional Member
Kyleigh began dancing at the age of three in Massachusetts and trained in a variety of styles,
including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, hip hop, and pointe. She recently graduated
summa cum laude from The Hartt School in May of 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a
concentration in Ballet Pedagogy, along with a Business Management minor. While she was
training at The Hartt School, Kyleigh had the opportunity to perform repertory by multiple
prominent choreographers, including Martha Graham, José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Jules
Perrot, Gabrielle Lamb, and Lar Lubovitch. Kyleigh is also honored to have received the 2019
Elena Delvecchio Rusnak Dance Education Scholarship and the Hartt Dance Division Senior
Outstanding Achievement Award while pursuing her BFA degree. In her time at The Hartt
School, Kyleigh discovered her passion for teaching dance and community outreach as she
worked with diverse groups of students in her internships. She is also grateful for her opportunity
to serve as Dance Director of the Prism Project in 2020, leading movement activities for children
with exceptionalities. Kyleigh has been teaching at Connecticut Dance Academy since 2019 and
has greatly enjoyed helping the talented and ambitious students to continue to grow in their
technique and artistry. She is excited to join Garet&Co again in its third season and continue to
dance alongside many talented artists as the company grows!
Kyleigh began dancing at the age of three in Massachusetts and trained in a variety of styles,
including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, hip hop, and pointe. She recently graduated
summa cum laude from The Hartt School in May of 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a
concentration in Ballet Pedagogy, along with a Business Management minor. While she was
training at The Hartt School, Kyleigh had the opportunity to perform repertory by multiple
prominent choreographers, including Martha Graham, José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Jules
Perrot, Gabrielle Lamb, and Lar Lubovitch. Kyleigh is also honored to have received the 2019
Elena Delvecchio Rusnak Dance Education Scholarship and the Hartt Dance Division Senior
Outstanding Achievement Award while pursuing her BFA degree. In her time at The Hartt
School, Kyleigh discovered her passion for teaching dance and community outreach as she
worked with diverse groups of students in her internships. She is also grateful for her opportunity
to serve as Dance Director of the Prism Project in 2020, leading movement activities for children
with exceptionalities. Kyleigh has been teaching at Connecticut Dance Academy since 2019 and
has greatly enjoyed helping the talented and ambitious students to continue to grow in their
technique and artistry. She is excited to join Garet&Co again in its third season and continue to
dance alongside many talented artists as the company grows!
Eveline Vergnani
Soloist & Professional Member
Eveline Vergnani was born and raised in western Massachusetts. Eveline started her dance journey at the young age of two years old. Her passion for dance increased throughout the years as she trained at New England Dance and Gymnastics Center, and at the age of six years, she joined their competitive dance and gym teams. She spent seventeen years training there in many styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Tumbling. As part of the competitive teams, as well as at an individual level, Eveline has won numerous top awards at both regional and national levels. Focusing her efforts on dance training, she has trained with some of the best choreographers in the industry, has also spent time training at the AMDA College summer program, and is currently attending the CLI Conservatory in Southampton, MA. In addition to continuing her training, she is teaching dance at New England Dance & Gymnastics Center, and she continues to be a professional member and soloist with Garet&Co based in Connecticut.
Eveline Vergnani was born and raised in western Massachusetts. Eveline started her dance journey at the young age of two years old. Her passion for dance increased throughout the years as she trained at New England Dance and Gymnastics Center, and at the age of six years, she joined their competitive dance and gym teams. She spent seventeen years training there in many styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Tumbling. As part of the competitive teams, as well as at an individual level, Eveline has won numerous top awards at both regional and national levels. Focusing her efforts on dance training, she has trained with some of the best choreographers in the industry, has also spent time training at the AMDA College summer program, and is currently attending the CLI Conservatory in Southampton, MA. In addition to continuing her training, she is teaching dance at New England Dance & Gymnastics Center, and she continues to be a professional member and soloist with Garet&Co based in Connecticut.
Cassie Lorom
Marketing Manager & Professional Member
Cassie Lorom is dancer and teacher born and raised in Western Massachusetts. Cassie has been trained locally. Over the past 17 years, Cassie has earned experience in ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, modern, acrobat, tap, musical theater, and hip hop. Cassie performed in Albany Berkshire Ballet’s Nutcracker for 7 seasons. In 2015, Cassie was honored to earn the role of Clara. The following year, Cassie was cast as a pointe soldier. In 2020, Cassie received the Miss Dancer’s Image scholarship. Cassie has choreographed and taught at her home studio over the past years as both an assistant and lead teacher. She has currently taken on the role as a professional member of the CT based contemporary dance company, Garet&Co. Cassie has performed many times in CT and NYC with Garet&Co in 2022 and 2023. This year, she will be completing her sophomore year at Westfield State University as a Health Science major, with aspirations of becoming a Physician Assistant. Cassie is thrilled to dance with Garet&Co for another season!
Cassie Lorom is dancer and teacher born and raised in Western Massachusetts. Cassie has been trained locally. Over the past 17 years, Cassie has earned experience in ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, modern, acrobat, tap, musical theater, and hip hop. Cassie performed in Albany Berkshire Ballet’s Nutcracker for 7 seasons. In 2015, Cassie was honored to earn the role of Clara. The following year, Cassie was cast as a pointe soldier. In 2020, Cassie received the Miss Dancer’s Image scholarship. Cassie has choreographed and taught at her home studio over the past years as both an assistant and lead teacher. She has currently taken on the role as a professional member of the CT based contemporary dance company, Garet&Co. Cassie has performed many times in CT and NYC with Garet&Co in 2022 and 2023. This year, she will be completing her sophomore year at Westfield State University as a Health Science major, with aspirations of becoming a Physician Assistant. Cassie is thrilled to dance with Garet&Co for another season!
Brianna Albanese
Professional Member
Brianna Albanese is a dancer, dance educator, and choreographer from Southington, CT. She grew up competing at her home dance studio, Centerstage Dance Studio in Southington, CT, training in various styles such as ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, modern, lyrical, break dance, and contemporary. She expanded her dance training in high-school, at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts(GHAA), Hartford, CT, where she majored in dance. In 2022, Albanese graduated from Central Connecticut State University with her B.S. in Dance Education and is now a certified dance teacher for pre-K-12th grade. She was a member of the CCSU Dance team for four years, where she led the team as president for two seasons, competed nationally with hip-hop and pom, and choreographed halftime performances. She was also a member of the contemporary company, DanCentral, where she was the public relations manager, choreographed for showcases, and was a soloist in the piece “Yellow Brick Road”, choreographed by Emily Bufferd. Currently, Albanese is a Dance Educator at R.J. Kinsella Elementary School, coaches Middletown High School's Dance Team, teaches dance at dance studios, and is a professional dancer for Garet and Co. She spends her summers traveling around the Northeast, instructing dance camps, as a Universal Dance Association Instructor. Albanese wants to be remembered as someone who consistently brings a positive light into her students' lives, while creating positive relationships with each and everyone of them. She aspires to always make dance enjoyable for all and hopes that her students will grow to love dance as much as she does.
Brianna Albanese is a dancer, dance educator, and choreographer from Southington, CT. She grew up competing at her home dance studio, Centerstage Dance Studio in Southington, CT, training in various styles such as ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, modern, lyrical, break dance, and contemporary. She expanded her dance training in high-school, at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts(GHAA), Hartford, CT, where she majored in dance. In 2022, Albanese graduated from Central Connecticut State University with her B.S. in Dance Education and is now a certified dance teacher for pre-K-12th grade. She was a member of the CCSU Dance team for four years, where she led the team as president for two seasons, competed nationally with hip-hop and pom, and choreographed halftime performances. She was also a member of the contemporary company, DanCentral, where she was the public relations manager, choreographed for showcases, and was a soloist in the piece “Yellow Brick Road”, choreographed by Emily Bufferd. Currently, Albanese is a Dance Educator at R.J. Kinsella Elementary School, coaches Middletown High School's Dance Team, teaches dance at dance studios, and is a professional dancer for Garet and Co. She spends her summers traveling around the Northeast, instructing dance camps, as a Universal Dance Association Instructor. Albanese wants to be remembered as someone who consistently brings a positive light into her students' lives, while creating positive relationships with each and everyone of them. She aspires to always make dance enjoyable for all and hopes that her students will grow to love dance as much as she does.
Emma Brockett
Professional Member
Emma has been dancing since the age of 7, training at a local studio in various styles including jazz, tap, ballet , lyrical, modern and contemporary and started dancing competitively when she was 13. Emma discovered a strong passion for ballet early on in her teens and was excepted into the Joffery summer program at age 16, and a year later at 17 she was accepted into the trainee program at New England Ballet Theatre in Connecticut under the direction of Victoria Manning. Post-High School, she went on to join New England Ballet Theatre professional company as a Demi-Apprentice. With NEBT she got to dance in shows like “Cinderella” and “Fantastic Toyshop,” choreographed by Rachael Gnatowski, and guest pieces such as “Painted Lady” choreographed by Jacob Taylor, and has performed in NYC at the Alvin Ailey Theatre in Gnatowski’s piece “B-side” and understudied for Saki Morimoto’s piece “Focus Point.” Emma began teaching and choreographing at 15, and has continued teaching ballet classes and privates at both competition schools and New England Ballet theaters school program. She loves to work with kids and watch them grow as dancers each year and wants to continue teaching in her future and leading the next generation to greatness and is looking forward to continuing her dance career.
Emma has been dancing since the age of 7, training at a local studio in various styles including jazz, tap, ballet , lyrical, modern and contemporary and started dancing competitively when she was 13. Emma discovered a strong passion for ballet early on in her teens and was excepted into the Joffery summer program at age 16, and a year later at 17 she was accepted into the trainee program at New England Ballet Theatre in Connecticut under the direction of Victoria Manning. Post-High School, she went on to join New England Ballet Theatre professional company as a Demi-Apprentice. With NEBT she got to dance in shows like “Cinderella” and “Fantastic Toyshop,” choreographed by Rachael Gnatowski, and guest pieces such as “Painted Lady” choreographed by Jacob Taylor, and has performed in NYC at the Alvin Ailey Theatre in Gnatowski’s piece “B-side” and understudied for Saki Morimoto’s piece “Focus Point.” Emma began teaching and choreographing at 15, and has continued teaching ballet classes and privates at both competition schools and New England Ballet theaters school program. She loves to work with kids and watch them grow as dancers each year and wants to continue teaching in her future and leading the next generation to greatness and is looking forward to continuing her dance career.
Sydney Champagne
Professional Member
Professional member Sydney Champagne is originally from New Hartford, CT, and has been dancing for over 17 years. As a teen, she served as captain for the competitive dance team at D.A.N.C.E. by Kristin for several years, while training in ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz. She then began to expand upon her dance journey at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) as a dance education major with a specialization in entrepreneurship. There, she dances and choreographs for the CCSU contemporary dance company, Dancentral, also serving as its vice president. She also teaches contemporary, ballet, and lyrical to students ages 4-17 at the Alyce Carella Dance Center in West Hartford, CT. Sydney adores making meaningful connections with audience members, peers, and students. It is imperative to her that she takes dance education beyond just learning dance techniques to integrate real-world skills like resilience, empathy, self-concept, and creativity. When she is not dancing, Sydney enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, making jewelry, cooking and baking, and spending time with her kitties!
Professional member Sydney Champagne is originally from New Hartford, CT, and has been dancing for over 17 years. As a teen, she served as captain for the competitive dance team at D.A.N.C.E. by Kristin for several years, while training in ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz. She then began to expand upon her dance journey at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) as a dance education major with a specialization in entrepreneurship. There, she dances and choreographs for the CCSU contemporary dance company, Dancentral, also serving as its vice president. She also teaches contemporary, ballet, and lyrical to students ages 4-17 at the Alyce Carella Dance Center in West Hartford, CT. Sydney adores making meaningful connections with audience members, peers, and students. It is imperative to her that she takes dance education beyond just learning dance techniques to integrate real-world skills like resilience, empathy, self-concept, and creativity. When she is not dancing, Sydney enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, making jewelry, cooking and baking, and spending time with her kitties!
Maria Citarella
Professional Member
Maria Citarella is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Long Island, NY. Maria began dancing at the age of 4, learning from various studios on both the east and west coast. She graduated from Sacred Heart University in May of 2019 with a liberal arts degree and minors in dance, psychology, social work, and human rights. Her work includes performances with artist Ali Berke as well as music videos for Pianos become the Teeth and Michael Minelli. She had the privilege of performing at locations such as Lincoln Center, Times Square, Carnegie Hall and Orange County, LA. Maria currently resides in New Haven, CT and continues to teach and perform throughout the community. As an educator, she aims to create a safe space for students to express themselves fully and as a performer, she works to create a deep and meaningful connection to her audience. She believes movement to be our most precious form of connection to both ourselves and others, and works to integrate this knowledge of dance into her personal and professional lives.
Maria Citarella is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Long Island, NY. Maria began dancing at the age of 4, learning from various studios on both the east and west coast. She graduated from Sacred Heart University in May of 2019 with a liberal arts degree and minors in dance, psychology, social work, and human rights. Her work includes performances with artist Ali Berke as well as music videos for Pianos become the Teeth and Michael Minelli. She had the privilege of performing at locations such as Lincoln Center, Times Square, Carnegie Hall and Orange County, LA. Maria currently resides in New Haven, CT and continues to teach and perform throughout the community. As an educator, she aims to create a safe space for students to express themselves fully and as a performer, she works to create a deep and meaningful connection to her audience. She believes movement to be our most precious form of connection to both ourselves and others, and works to integrate this knowledge of dance into her personal and professional lives.
Kam DeAngelis
Professional Member
Kamryn DeAngelis is a senior at Farmington High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day program (GHAA). She has performed in GHAA’s Choreographer’s Showcase and Peter Kyle’s production of “And All Things Hushed”. She will be performing with Garet&Co in “WONDERFUL”, “Big God”, and “Amanda”. Kamryn hoping to pursue dance in college and earn a BFA in dance.
Kamryn DeAngelis is a senior at Farmington High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day program (GHAA). She has performed in GHAA’s Choreographer’s Showcase and Peter Kyle’s production of “And All Things Hushed”. She will be performing with Garet&Co in “WONDERFUL”, “Big God”, and “Amanda”. Kamryn hoping to pursue dance in college and earn a BFA in dance.
Marina DeThomas
Professional Member
Marina DeThomas is originally from Sandy Hook, CT, and has been dancing & performing for over 15 years. She attended Rockwell Dance Center, where she trained in ballet, contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. She continued to perform and train with the UConn Dance Company for all four years of undergrad, where she choreographed three pieces for the company's semester showcases, and served as the External Affairs Chair, planning social and community events for the company. Marina currently works in the health technology field and is an advocate for increasing mental health accessibility. She is passionate about starting conversations around mental health and how we can use our creativity and artistic platforms to share our personal struggles. Marina is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform with Garet&Co for Season 3 and looks forward to building a strong contemporary community within CT. In her free time, she enjoys baking and cooking for family & friends, hanging out with her cat, and going for walks!
Marina DeThomas is originally from Sandy Hook, CT, and has been dancing & performing for over 15 years. She attended Rockwell Dance Center, where she trained in ballet, contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. She continued to perform and train with the UConn Dance Company for all four years of undergrad, where she choreographed three pieces for the company's semester showcases, and served as the External Affairs Chair, planning social and community events for the company. Marina currently works in the health technology field and is an advocate for increasing mental health accessibility. She is passionate about starting conversations around mental health and how we can use our creativity and artistic platforms to share our personal struggles. Marina is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to perform with Garet&Co for Season 3 and looks forward to building a strong contemporary community within CT. In her free time, she enjoys baking and cooking for family & friends, hanging out with her cat, and going for walks!
Tatyana Johnson
Professional Member
Tatyana Johnson began dancing at the age of three at Connecticut Concert Ballet. Since
then, she has trained with multiple teachers including Jane Levin, and Susannah Marchese. She has spent some time ballroom dancing; and found herself enjoying swing and salsa the most. In 2020, Tatyana was able to keep dancing by being apart of the first online Broadway Dance Center summer program; where she focused on Musical Theatre dance and quickly fell in love with the style. In early 2021, she was thrilled to become apart of Dimensional Dance in
Hartford, where she participated in the premiere of “Prudence Crandall and Sarah Harris:
Whole Souled Women.” Since then, Tatyana has worked with the 78 Dinner Theater, and Sonia
Plumb Dance Company. She is very excited to be taking part in the second season of Garet&Co.
Tatyana Johnson began dancing at the age of three at Connecticut Concert Ballet. Since
then, she has trained with multiple teachers including Jane Levin, and Susannah Marchese. She has spent some time ballroom dancing; and found herself enjoying swing and salsa the most. In 2020, Tatyana was able to keep dancing by being apart of the first online Broadway Dance Center summer program; where she focused on Musical Theatre dance and quickly fell in love with the style. In early 2021, she was thrilled to become apart of Dimensional Dance in
Hartford, where she participated in the premiere of “Prudence Crandall and Sarah Harris:
Whole Souled Women.” Since then, Tatyana has worked with the 78 Dinner Theater, and Sonia
Plumb Dance Company. She is very excited to be taking part in the second season of Garet&Co.
Tori Mattie
Professional Member
Tori Mattie is from New Haven, CT and has been dancing for over 15 years. She grew up dancing at Wendy’s School of Dance where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater. In 2017, she toured with DanZa Competition and Intensive as a member of the Z-Crew, assisting classes in various styles with faculty members such as Jaclyn Walsh, Bill DeRicco, Sarah Jo Fazio, and Angie Sellers. Tori then attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts where she earned her BA in Theater and Dance Studies as well as a BA in English. There, Tori joined the Wheaton College Dance Company under the direction of Cheryl Mrozowski and instruction of Andy Taylor-Blenis and Leticia Guerrero. During her senior year, Tori danced in Wheaton’s revival of “The Game,” originally choreographed by Diane Arvanites and reset by Andy Taylor-Blenis. Tori was also a member of Wheaton’s tap dance group, Tap Out Loud, and served as Co-Captain of both Tap Out Loud and the Dance Company. Throughout her college dance career, Tori had many opportunities to choreograph in different styles of dance, and since graduating in 2022 she has been invited back twice as a guest choreographer. Tori is incredibly excited to join Garet&Co for their third season and to dance with such a talented and dedicated community of artists.
Tori Mattie is from New Haven, CT and has been dancing for over 15 years. She grew up dancing at Wendy’s School of Dance where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater. In 2017, she toured with DanZa Competition and Intensive as a member of the Z-Crew, assisting classes in various styles with faculty members such as Jaclyn Walsh, Bill DeRicco, Sarah Jo Fazio, and Angie Sellers. Tori then attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts where she earned her BA in Theater and Dance Studies as well as a BA in English. There, Tori joined the Wheaton College Dance Company under the direction of Cheryl Mrozowski and instruction of Andy Taylor-Blenis and Leticia Guerrero. During her senior year, Tori danced in Wheaton’s revival of “The Game,” originally choreographed by Diane Arvanites and reset by Andy Taylor-Blenis. Tori was also a member of Wheaton’s tap dance group, Tap Out Loud, and served as Co-Captain of both Tap Out Loud and the Dance Company. Throughout her college dance career, Tori had many opportunities to choreograph in different styles of dance, and since graduating in 2022 she has been invited back twice as a guest choreographer. Tori is incredibly excited to join Garet&Co for their third season and to dance with such a talented and dedicated community of artists.
Caitlin Quinn (Cat)
Professional Member
Originally from Windsor Locks, CT, Caitlin started her professional training at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts where she majored in Dance. Caitlin then went on to earn her BFA in Dance at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. During her time at Mason’s School of Dance, Caitlin has been a part of 21 student choreographed pieces and performed in Robert Battle’s Mass. During her collegiate career, she has had the opportunity to learn various repertory from Mark Morris, Lar Lubovitch, Doug Varone, and others. Additionally, she has trained at the Hartt School, the Ailey School, Bounce! and at the Mark Morris Dance Group. Caitlin has performed and choreographed with various companies in CT. She was appointed as the Assistant Choreographer of the 78 Dance Company, under the direction of Ervis Nallbani, and performed in CONNetic Dance’s “The Nutcracker Suite and Spicy,” under the direction of Carolyn Paine. Caitlin has also had the honor to perform several works with Dimensional Dance, under the direction of Ruth Vesenka Lewis, such as “The Story of Ruth” and “Whole Souled Women.”
Originally from Windsor Locks, CT, Caitlin started her professional training at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts where she majored in Dance. Caitlin then went on to earn her BFA in Dance at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. During her time at Mason’s School of Dance, Caitlin has been a part of 21 student choreographed pieces and performed in Robert Battle’s Mass. During her collegiate career, she has had the opportunity to learn various repertory from Mark Morris, Lar Lubovitch, Doug Varone, and others. Additionally, she has trained at the Hartt School, the Ailey School, Bounce! and at the Mark Morris Dance Group. Caitlin has performed and choreographed with various companies in CT. She was appointed as the Assistant Choreographer of the 78 Dance Company, under the direction of Ervis Nallbani, and performed in CONNetic Dance’s “The Nutcracker Suite and Spicy,” under the direction of Carolyn Paine. Caitlin has also had the honor to perform several works with Dimensional Dance, under the direction of Ruth Vesenka Lewis, such as “The Story of Ruth” and “Whole Souled Women.”
Evie Sondag
Professional Member
Evie is originally from Norman, Oklahoma and began her formal dance training at Webster University in St. Louis where she studied with Maggi Dueker, Beckah Reed, Betsy Brandt, Xi Zhao, Michael Uthoff, Dawn Karlovsky, and Monica Newsam. Evie has also participated in guest artist residencies with Gregory Dawson, the Limón Dance Company, Ballet Hispánico, and Abby Z and the New Utility. Evie graduated in December of 2022 with a BFA in dance with an emphasis in modern dance. In 2023, she danced as a company member in the Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) in St. Louis for their 46th season. Evie recently reallocated to New Haven, and is excited to begin her Connecticut dance career as a professional member of Garet&Co!
Evie is originally from Norman, Oklahoma and began her formal dance training at Webster University in St. Louis where she studied with Maggi Dueker, Beckah Reed, Betsy Brandt, Xi Zhao, Michael Uthoff, Dawn Karlovsky, and Monica Newsam. Evie has also participated in guest artist residencies with Gregory Dawson, the Limón Dance Company, Ballet Hispánico, and Abby Z and the New Utility. Evie graduated in December of 2022 with a BFA in dance with an emphasis in modern dance. In 2023, she danced as a company member in the Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) in St. Louis for their 46th season. Evie recently reallocated to New Haven, and is excited to begin her Connecticut dance career as a professional member of Garet&Co!
Noor Taweh
Professional Member
Noor is a CT-native who attended Evjen Academy of Performing Arts as a student from age 13 where she trained in contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, and lyrical. In high school, she choreographed our town's musicals and plays, several of which went to the HALO awards. She continues her work as a teacher and choreographer for Evjen Academy, which she adores! In college, she was a choreographer for and member of the UConn Dance Company for four years. She is thrilled to be a part of Garet & co for her second season and is so happy to have dance continue to be a large part of her life as she completes her medical degree.
Noor is a CT-native who attended Evjen Academy of Performing Arts as a student from age 13 where she trained in contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, and lyrical. In high school, she choreographed our town's musicals and plays, several of which went to the HALO awards. She continues her work as a teacher and choreographer for Evjen Academy, which she adores! In college, she was a choreographer for and member of the UConn Dance Company for four years. She is thrilled to be a part of Garet & co for her second season and is so happy to have dance continue to be a large part of her life as she completes her medical degree.
Jessica Winter
Professional Member
Jessica began her dance training at an early age through New England Dance Center in Westfield, MA. She then continued on to Point Park University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and an Associate’s degree in Business Management. Furthermore, she continued her love of movement through the completion of a Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western New England University. Jessica has performed works by esteemed professionals including Jim Cooney, Ron Tassone, Heather Carpenter, Ori Flomin, Nicholas Petrov, and Douglas Bentz. In addition, she has traveled the world performing in a variety of shows on cruise ships, danced in modern works with Eclipse Dance Company, as well as performed in musical theater productions with Mark Milovats, Exit 7 Players, and K and E Theater group. She has an endless desire to continuously learn and grow, which led her to complete an adaptive dance teacher program provided by the Boston Ballet School. When not dancing, or providing therapy services, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, her cute pup Yoda and her 3 guinea pigs.
Jessica began her dance training at an early age through New England Dance Center in Westfield, MA. She then continued on to Point Park University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and an Associate’s degree in Business Management. Furthermore, she continued her love of movement through the completion of a Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western New England University. Jessica has performed works by esteemed professionals including Jim Cooney, Ron Tassone, Heather Carpenter, Ori Flomin, Nicholas Petrov, and Douglas Bentz. In addition, she has traveled the world performing in a variety of shows on cruise ships, danced in modern works with Eclipse Dance Company, as well as performed in musical theater productions with Mark Milovats, Exit 7 Players, and K and E Theater group. She has an endless desire to continuously learn and grow, which led her to complete an adaptive dance teacher program provided by the Boston Ballet School. When not dancing, or providing therapy services, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, her cute pup Yoda and her 3 guinea pigs.
student members
Sami Bruce
Student Member
Sami Bruce is a junior at Southington High School and attends the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day program. She also has attended her home studio Dance City and the Art for the past 12 years. She is a part of the first Garet&Co’s full length performance ECLIPSE, performing in “Wonderful," “Big God," "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" and "Amanda." She plans to pursue a BFA in Dance and hopes to work as a choreographer.
Sami Bruce is a junior at Southington High School and attends the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half-Day program. She also has attended her home studio Dance City and the Art for the past 12 years. She is a part of the first Garet&Co’s full length performance ECLIPSE, performing in “Wonderful," “Big God," "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" and "Amanda." She plans to pursue a BFA in Dance and hopes to work as a choreographer.
Tatum DeSouza
Student Member
Tatum has been working for and with Garet since the beginning! The original film “and sometimes I wish” made Tatum realize how much more dance can be. Tatum loves going everywhere with Garet&Co and doing these amazing performances! Tatum also dances at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts half day program. Lastly, Tatum has been dancing at Connecticut Dance Academy for about 8 years and she loves every moment of dance she does. Tatum is so glad to be a part of all these opportunities dancing with super talented dancers! Tatum wants to work on taking more risks when dancing and traveling the world more! Tatum thanks everyone who has made this experience 10x better and thank you to Garet&Co!
Tatum has been working for and with Garet since the beginning! The original film “and sometimes I wish” made Tatum realize how much more dance can be. Tatum loves going everywhere with Garet&Co and doing these amazing performances! Tatum also dances at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts half day program. Lastly, Tatum has been dancing at Connecticut Dance Academy for about 8 years and she loves every moment of dance she does. Tatum is so glad to be a part of all these opportunities dancing with super talented dancers! Tatum wants to work on taking more risks when dancing and traveling the world more! Tatum thanks everyone who has made this experience 10x better and thank you to Garet&Co!
Ella Dolby
Student Member
Ella Dolby, hailing from Massachusetts, started her dance journey at 2 years old at New England Dance Center in Westfield, MA. She was invited to become a company member there at age 5, was asked to solo at age 9 and was also invited to participate on their gym teams as she is a proficient tumbler with great flexibility. In 8th grade she continued her dance journey at The Dance Slipper Academy, where she met Garet and continues to grow as a dancer, particularly in contemporary dance. She found a new passion in contemporary dance through the emotions and stories involved. Currently she is a freshman in high school and an honors student. Season 3 is her first year as a student member of Garet&Co.
Ella Dolby, hailing from Massachusetts, started her dance journey at 2 years old at New England Dance Center in Westfield, MA. She was invited to become a company member there at age 5, was asked to solo at age 9 and was also invited to participate on their gym teams as she is a proficient tumbler with great flexibility. In 8th grade she continued her dance journey at The Dance Slipper Academy, where she met Garet and continues to grow as a dancer, particularly in contemporary dance. She found a new passion in contemporary dance through the emotions and stories involved. Currently she is a freshman in high school and an honors student. Season 3 is her first year as a student member of Garet&Co.
Sarah Mella
Student Member
Sarah is a 15 year old sophomore at Cheshire Academy. She began dancing when she was 3 at Studio A Dance and Performing Arts but switched studios in 2020 to Connecticut Dance Academy. Sarah has been trained in multiple styles all her life including contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, tap, musical theater, hip hop and lyrical. She has been competing since 8 years old and this year she was asked to join the supportive dance family of Garet&Co as a student member. She plans on pursuing dance in her future and is excited for this wonderful company to take her further with experience, friendships, and working with new and amazing dancers beside her.
Sarah is a 15 year old sophomore at Cheshire Academy. She began dancing when she was 3 at Studio A Dance and Performing Arts but switched studios in 2020 to Connecticut Dance Academy. Sarah has been trained in multiple styles all her life including contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, tap, musical theater, hip hop and lyrical. She has been competing since 8 years old and this year she was asked to join the supportive dance family of Garet&Co as a student member. She plans on pursuing dance in her future and is excited for this wonderful company to take her further with experience, friendships, and working with new and amazing dancers beside her.
Ava Pasquantonio
Student Member
Ava Pasquantonio is 16-years-old, was born in Virginia, raised in Colorado, and moved to Connecticut at the age of 5. She began dancing at age five, after finding the Dance Slipper Academy in Southwick, Massachusetts. She’s been dancing with the competition team since she started dance and enjoys ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip-hop and acro. Ava has won numerous top awards at both regional and national competition levels. This is Ava’s third year as a student member with Garet&Co and she’s performed with the Company in Eclipse, at the Emerging Artist’s Theater in New York City, at the Young Choreographers Festival in New York City and, most recently at Chesterwood in Massachusetts. She’s looking forward to Season 3 and can’t wait to experience the connection and collaboration that embodies dance!
Ava Pasquantonio is 16-years-old, was born in Virginia, raised in Colorado, and moved to Connecticut at the age of 5. She began dancing at age five, after finding the Dance Slipper Academy in Southwick, Massachusetts. She’s been dancing with the competition team since she started dance and enjoys ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, hip-hop and acro. Ava has won numerous top awards at both regional and national competition levels. This is Ava’s third year as a student member with Garet&Co and she’s performed with the Company in Eclipse, at the Emerging Artist’s Theater in New York City, at the Young Choreographers Festival in New York City and, most recently at Chesterwood in Massachusetts. She’s looking forward to Season 3 and can’t wait to experience the connection and collaboration that embodies dance!
apprentice members
Patrick Davis
Apprentice Member
Patrick Davis is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. Patrick is an avid dancer. He spends over 30 hours in the studio each week, training in 9 styles including ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, tap, acro, jazz, lyrical and pointe. His favorite styles are acro, contemporary, and ballet. Patrick hopes to work as a professional acrobat throughout his 20’s and then later open his own studio in New York City.
Patrick Davis is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. Patrick is an avid dancer. He spends over 30 hours in the studio each week, training in 9 styles including ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, tap, acro, jazz, lyrical and pointe. His favorite styles are acro, contemporary, and ballet. Patrick hopes to work as a professional acrobat throughout his 20’s and then later open his own studio in New York City.
Brooke Gleason
Apprentice Member
Ella Golino
Apprentice Member
Ariana Pinto
Apprentice Member
Arianna Zirbel
Apprentice Member
Arianna began her dance training at age 3 at Connecticut Concert Ballet. There she trained in ballet, modern, and jazz under Wendy Fish-Lawrence, David Lawrence, Lorelei Chang and Haley Fabrycki. She was invited to attend their pre-professional program at age 8 and was a member for 6 years. Currently, she dances at The Ethel Walker School, where she takes classes in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, and composition. She is a member of their varsity dance company, Dance Workshop. She is also co-head of the dance club, where she is responsible for organizing and choreographing for a yearly student choreography showcase. Arianna has had the opportunity to attend many summer intensives, both locally and out of state. Some she recently attended include Point Park University International Summer Dance 2022, Ballet Hartford Summer Intensive 2023, Hubbard Street Dance Company Teen Intensive 2023, and the Garet&CoXMadln Summer Intensive 2023. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with Garet&Co!
Arianna began her dance training at age 3 at Connecticut Concert Ballet. There she trained in ballet, modern, and jazz under Wendy Fish-Lawrence, David Lawrence, Lorelei Chang and Haley Fabrycki. She was invited to attend their pre-professional program at age 8 and was a member for 6 years. Currently, she dances at The Ethel Walker School, where she takes classes in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, and composition. She is a member of their varsity dance company, Dance Workshop. She is also co-head of the dance club, where she is responsible for organizing and choreographing for a yearly student choreography showcase. Arianna has had the opportunity to attend many summer intensives, both locally and out of state. Some she recently attended include Point Park University International Summer Dance 2022, Ballet Hartford Summer Intensive 2023, Hubbard Street Dance Company Teen Intensive 2023, and the Garet&CoXMadln Summer Intensive 2023. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with Garet&Co!
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