848-333-3273
Meet Our Staff
Christina Wright
Owner, Director, Teacher, Choreographer
Miss Christina began dancing at Steppin' Up Dance/First Class Dance Academy, where she was a member of their award-winning competition team, she received scholarships to join the Joffrey ballet trainee program and
Starpower Competition’s Power Pack. She auditioned for Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s
Performing Arts Academy and spent her four years of high school studying the fine arts.
At the young age of fifteen, she started teaching her own classes. She fell in love with the passion her
students showed towards the arts. In 2013, she was recognized by The State Organization on Arts and
Disabilities and was presented with a Governor’s Award and an Arts Excellence Award in dance for
acting as a role model and inspiration to all students with disabilities.
After high school she received a full scholarship to attend Georgian Court University as a dance major.
While there, she performed as a guest dancer with Hee Rah Yoo and Company at the “2015
Choreographers’ Canvas” in New York City. Miss Christina's choreography “1in6” has been showcased at the
American College Dance Association’s Adjudication showcase, That Which Connects, Camden's Festival
of Dance in 2017, and Bridge for Dance Uptown Rising series in 2019. She graduated with her Bachelor
of the Arts in Dance from Georgian Court University.
Since then she has graduated from Rowan University with her masters in Theater Arts Administration
and is currently pursuing her dream of opening her own dance studio.
Miss Christina continues to stay connected to the local arts community by being an active member of
Dance NJ and volunteering with The Strand Theater in Lakewood.
Shandelle Marie
Teacher, Choreographer
Shandelle Marie Started dance training at the age of two and have danced ever since with passion and joy! Ihave studied al genres of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary/modern, musical theater, hip hop and balroom. I became a competitive dancer and vocalist at the age of 7, studying under Maria Petrizzo, Steppin' Up Dance/First Class Dance Academy and Cherie Carl, Atlantic Music Academy. My high school experience was spent as a dance major at the Red Bank Regional High School for the Performance Arts and thereafter received a Bachelor of Science from the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations with a minor from Mason Gross School of the Arts and Alumni of the Rutgers Performing Dance Company. Dance took me on a journey to theater where I had the opportunity to perform in productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Grease, Beauty and The Beast and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. I spent three summers training with DEA (Dance Educators of America) to become a certified master teacher, Pre-K to Adult and in addition completed foundation training as a ballroom instructor. I currently just completed my 50 hours for aerial silk teaching and I am training for my level two certificate. I have been extremely fortunate to have opportunity to study with industry talents, Al Blackstone, Danny Walace, Shelia Barker of Broadway Dance Center and Todd Shanks, Steps on Broadway. My greatest joy has been teaching, it is truly the place that happiness is derived for me. I have been teaching, choreographing and building competition team dancers for over 10 years. I have accompanied my students through many competition & convention seasons with emphasis on team building and the experience for growth. Personally, watching a student meet a goal or having the privilege to observe their progress through the years is an indescribable and overwhelming feeling. Iam a firm believer in foundation, technique, flexibility, strength and FUN ! Dance is more than "the dance" it is a lifestyle, a family, an outlet, a safe place and when that all comes together, Iconsider myself the lucky one to share this gift!
Lauren Visaggio
Studio Manager
Miss Lauren grew up in Toms River NJ and attended Georgian Court University for clinical and behavioral child psychology. She moved to Beachwood with her family after working as a district manager for Massage Envy for several years. Miss Lauren has loved the arts since she was a child and has been active in dance throughout her life. Whether it be by participating in classes herself or by bringing her children to classes. Her children describe her as the perfect dance mom! Loving, supportive ,understanding, and always on top of her game. Miss Lauren hopes to bring those attributes to the studio!