Mr. Castilone has been involved with The David DeMarie Dance Studio since its inception in 1968. His formal training has been entirely with the DeMarie Studio and he continues to broaden his expertise by studying with renowned teachers and attending dance seminars throughout the country. He has had twelve years of classical training in music, performed in musical theater, and has taught for many dance organizations and studios in the U.S. and Canada.
Leonard's choreography has been recognized with top honors both locally and nationally, and his students have won high score awards for excellence in dance at Dance Masters of America, New York City Dance Alliance, Rochester Invitationals, Starbound, Starpower, WNY Dance Championships, Showstoppers, Summer Dance Festival, and the American Dance Awards.In addition, Leonard has adjudicated for all of the major dance festivals in the U.S. and Canada.
Mr. Castilone takes pride that all of his tap and jazz faculty have been trained at the studio, insuring consistency in education throughout the school. Leonard and his entire faculty are members of Dance Masters of America, and are "certified by test to teach."
WILLIAM MINSTERMAN - ASST. DIRECTOR
"Mr. Bill" has been associated with the DeMarie Studio since 1985. He has studied dance with David DeMarie, Leonard Castilone, and musical theatre at SUNY Buffalo.
Professionally, he has performed at theme parks across the country including Busch Gardens and Six Flags. His theatrical credits include performances at Studio Arena, Artpark, Musicalfare, Buffalo United Artists, and the Kavinoky Theatre. He has performed lead roles in productions of "West Side Story", "A Chorus Line", "Grease", "Hair", and "Sweeney Todd" (1993 Artie Award, Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Musical).
In addition, Mr. Bill has worked as a casting director for Encore International, which stages theme park shows across the country and cruise line shows all over the world.
Mr. Bill will be teaching the private voice lessons at ddd and assisting with the acting classes this season.
SHARI BENTLEY
Shari has studied at the DeMarie Studio for the past twenty-nine years. She has performed at Artpark, Shea's Buffalo Theater, and the Tralf. In 1983 she was crowned Miss Dance of Western New York through Dance Masters of America. Her groups and solos have been awarded top honors at many competitions.Shari continues to broaden her knowledge by studying with teachers and dance organizations across the country. Shari has adjudicated competitions locally, in Rochester, Boston, and Canada. She is a member of Dance Masters of America, and has taught many conventions for various dance organizations and studios. We are proud to have her on staff with us.
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SHANON DEAN
Shanon has been studying with the DeMarie Studio since the age of three. She was a class assistant for six years, has choreographed for school musicals, and has won numerous awards for her outstanding performance and choreographic ability. Shanon continues to broaden her knowledge in dance by studying with various teachers at dance seminars and in New York City.Shanon is a tremendous asset to our fine teaching staff. She is a member of Dance Masters of America.
DENISE GORNY
Denise has received all of her formal training at the DeMarie Studios since age four.During her sixteen years at the Studio she was a class assistant for five years.After teaching in Batavia for four years, she returned home to us as a welcome addition to our faculty.Miss Denise has received numerous high score and choreography awards at the American Dance Awards, she continues to study at conventions and seminars, and also is an active member of Dance Masters of America.
REBECCA GUILE
Rebecca danced with the David De Marie Dance Studio for 16 years. She went on to pursue a career in Dance at the University at Buffalo where she graduated with a BFA in Dance. After graduating she performed with Costa Victoria and Regal Princess Cruise Lines. From there she performed and filmed commercials at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. She also performed at the Tropicana, Bally's, and the MGM Grand. Rebecca has danced with Charo live on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon and has toured through China with Eastworld Entertainment. In addition Rebecca is certified in Pilates and aerobics.
