Anissa Gordon

Artistic Director/Instructor

Anissa opened Anissa's Dance Academy in Auburn in 2005 and moved to her current location; 710 Main Street, North Oxford, Ma 01537 in 2020. Anissa's positive approach to teaching and her main mission of "Instilling More Than Just Dance" in all her students has set her a part. She encourages her students to reach their full dance potential while learning proper dance technique in a structured yet innovative dance environment.

Anissa received her Associate in Arts from Dean College where she majored in dance. While attending Dean, she performed as part of the Dean Dance Company and was accepted into the Alvin Ailey Intensive Dance Program in 1997. After receiving her degree from Dean, she furthered her dance training at the Hartford Conservatory of Dance and Music. She majored in Dance Pedagogy and received her diploma.

Anissa danced in several performances during her years in Connecticut. She performed in conjunction with Momix and The Nutmeg Ballet. She also taught classes at Eastern Connecticut State University and the Hartford Conservatory. Anissa became a member of the professional dance company Synergy. While performing with Synergy she performed at The Connecticut Forum, The Bushnell in Hartford and many other performances with elite dance companies. Anissa has also taken master classes under Frank Hatchett, Brenda Buffalino, Denise Jefferson, Paul Taylor Dance Company and many more.

Being able to experience both teaching and performing has molded Anissa into a well rounded dance educator!

Julia Fotheringham

Competition Team Manager/Instructor

Julia is a graduate from Worcester State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

Julia is a special Education Teacher by day and a dance instructor by night!

She is a former student of Anissa's Dance Academy where she was a part of the first ever ADA Competition Team. Julia danced for 11 years at ADA and continued her dance training at Worcester State University.

While attending Worcester State University Julia danced with the WSU Dance Company where she choreographed and performed at multiple events.

Julia has been teaching at ADA since 2018.Julia has choreographed many different styles including Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, and many more. Julia has received awards for her competitive choreography and she enjoys teaching all styles and ages at ADA...ADA is her happy place!

Rosie Joubert

Instructor

Rosie began dancing at the age of three and found her love of Musical Theatre at the age of seven.

Rosie was among the final graduating classes of Dance Progressions in Worcester, MA under the tutelage of Jennifer LaFlamme. Rosie is a graduate of the Joan Sheary's Dance Department at Burncoat Jr/Sr High School. Both dance programs trained her extensively in ballet, tap. jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre.

Some of Rosie's theatre credits include Margot (Legally Blonde), Gingy (Shrek The Musical), and Miss Adelaide (Guys and Dolls) to name a few.

Rosie is the resident choreographer for Bancroft School in Worcester, MA and is a Kindergarten Paraprofessional in the Worcester Public School System.

Rosie has been on the ADA faculty since 2019 heading the Musical Theatre Program as well as instructing all styles and levels of dance. She is so grateful to be part of the ADA Family, sharing her wealth of all things Broadway with the best students!

Lauren Duquette

Instructor

Lauren is a graduate of Nichols College receiving her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in hospitality and certificate in entrepreneurship.

While attending Nichols College Lauren was part of the Nichols Team Dance.

Lauren has been a part of ADA since it opened in 2005 and was an original member of the ADA Competition Team.

She was an assistant teacher for many years which began her teaching journey and has been on the ADA faculty since 2020!

Lauren has received awards for both choreography and crowd pleasing awards at numerous dance competitions and is excited to continue creating and sharing her love of dance with her students.

Ashley Sanchez

Instructor

Ashley is graduate of Dean College where she received her Associate of Arts Degree. While attending Dean she trained in various styles of dance including jazz, ballet, tap, and modern. During her time at Dean College she was one of only five interns selected for a summer Teaching Assistant Internship at The Boston Ballet. While there she had the pleasure of learning from Luciana Aimar the head of the children's curriculum.

Ashley began her dance training at Central Mass Dance Academy in Worcester, MA and furthered her training at the Burncoat Middle and High School Fine Arts program.

Ashley has a passion for working with the Senior Citizenship community during the daytime. Ashley has organized numerous performance opportunities at Senior Communities for the ADA dancers to share their love of dance and give back to the Senior community!

Ashley has been on the ADA since 2019 and is excited to continue teaching and sharing her love of dance with all her students!

Kaitlyn Hanna Monopoli

Instructor

Kate's passion for dance started at a young age and brought her to Dean College to further her studies within dance, choreography and the performing arts industry. While attending Dean, she threw herself into learning about as many styles of dance as possible.

Kate's background includes teaching, training and competing in many styles from Ballet to Ballroom. She has competed for a national Latin title at the United States Dance Championship.

Kate continues to share her expertise in dance as a dance competition judge throughout New England providing feedback and critiques to help young dancers grow.

Kate is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, Barre Above and is a member of the National Dance Education Association. Kate has been on the ADA faculty since 2020 instructing all levels and styles!

Sydney Fanion

Instructor

Sydney is a graduate from Central Connecticut State University where she received her BA in Speech Pathology.

Sydney is now pursuing her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology at WSU.

While attending CCSU Sydney was part of the CCSU Dance Team for three season where she received three National Titles.

Sydney danced at ADA for 15 years.

She was an Assistant Teacher and Member of The ADA Competition Team and Team Captain for the 2019 -2020 Dance Season. Sydney earned various stylistic and speciality awards during her years at ADA.

Sydney is so excited to be back with her ADA family as a choreographer and instructor!

Mary Beth McCarthy

Founding Faculty Member/Guest Instructor

Mary Beth is a graduate from Assumption College where she received her Bachelor of Arts. After receiving her Bachelors, she furthered her education at Springfield College and received her Masters of Education.

Mary Beth has danced as a member of the Roger Williams Dance Company, Rhode Island and Company X of Worcester. Mary Beth has been instructing dance for over 25 years to all ages and levels throughout the Worcester area and has been a part of ADA since its conception in 2005.

She has choreographed for a variety of dance competitions and won awards for her choreography. She has extensive dance training in all levels of dance.

Mary Beth was an integral part of ADA during its early years, providing incredible support and guidance. Though she no longer teaches weekly, she remains a cherished friend and important part of our studio family.