Faculty

Angela Kenski has been a part of the Turning Pointe family since it opened. She started as a twinkler and worked her way up in the STARS program. She competed until she was 18 winning multiple dance awards. After she graduated from Lake Brantley High School she started teaching and continued to for 5 years. After Two years of living in New York, she is back and ready for a great year. Her specialty areas are Jazz and Lyrical.

While attending Lake Brantley, she was a member of the varsity dance team for 4 years as well as captain for 2. This included a large variety of styles of dance including: kick, pom, jazz funk, military commands and others. While being a member of the team she also choreographed many routines which when on to place at state competitions and even won choreography awards. After graduating she continued to help coach for two years after.

Outside of dance Angela enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is continuing her education at Seminole State College in the early childhood education field with a minor in Business. She is also a teachers assistant at Annunciation Catholic Academy. She loves seeing the dancers grow up at Turning Pointe, and is so honored to be apart of it!

Miss Darlene has been dancing since the age of 3. She studied in New Jersey at The Joe Ruddy School of the Dance. She took classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Acro, Hawaiian and her favorite style, Tap. Darlene also studied dance in New York with members of the cast of Cats and 42nd St. In High School, Darlene was in the cast of her high school’s productions of The Best of Broadway and The King and I. She was also a contestant in the Miss Union County Pageant in New Jersey, a preliminary pageant to Miss America. She performed a Tap Solo and placed in the Top 5.

Darlene attended college at Kean University in New Jersey and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. She currently teaches 1st grade and was awarded “Catholic Educator of the Year” in 2018.

Darlene is married to her husband Michael and they have 2 children, Jamie and Jason. Fun Fact: Darlene and Michael met tap dancing together. She joined the Turning Pointe family as a parent in 2000 when Jamie first began Miss Cathy Mae’s Special Combo class and the rest, as they say, is history. She taught Zumba at Turning Pointe from 2016-2019 and has been teaching Tap and Special Combo Classes since 2014. Miss Darlene says, “I can’t imagine teaching dance anywhere else.”

Teaching young children has always been Darlene’s passion, and she is so happy to do that and share her love of dance, as well.

“Life is better when you dance.”

Marie Wiley was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y. She has been dancing since the age of 5. She attended Brockport State University of New York. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dance. She is a former NFL Buffalo Jills cheerleader, and also an AFL Orlando Predators cheerleader.

Marie has been teaching and mentoring children of all ages for both recreational and competitive groups since she was teenager. She has taught locally here in Orlando for Showtime Dance Studio, Dance Centers of Orlando and has now found her home at Turning Point A Dance Studio.

Her passion for teaching has also lead her to become a school teacher for grades K-3. She currently teaches at The Crenshaw School. She continues to bring her love of dance into the academic world by coaching her dance team called "The Crenshaw Dance Stars."

Marie has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, and musical theatre. Her choreography has earned her multiple awards such as outstanding and most creative choreography just to name a few.

Jamie Jacoby has been a part of the Turning Pointe Family for as long as she can remember. She loves being able to teach and choreograph at the studio she grew up dancing at. She began dancing at the age of 2 ½. When Jamie was 7 years old, she became a Twinkler and began her journey as a competition dancer. She competed with Turning Pointe for 12 years, until she graduated high school in 2012. She was a part of many award-winning routines and attended many conventions and competitions throughout the state of Florida. Jamie was also a West Coast Dance Explosion scholarship recipient, an all-star dancer in the Opening Number at Hall of Fame Nationals, part of the Most Dancers on Pointe World Record, and was able to take classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York City while she was a member of the Turning Pointe competition team. While Jamie was in high school, she was also co-captain of Wekiva High School’s Dance Company. This opportunity allowed her to choreograph various routines, perform at different school events, and participate in the All-County dance program.

After Jamie graduated high school, she attended college at the Florida State University (Go Noles!) where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree at the University of Central Florida. She loves working with kids. Before coming to the studio to teach each day, Jamie works as an educator in an elementary school classroom. She taught for 6 years at a school in Orange County. During the 2021-2022 school year, she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for being an outstanding classroom educator. She is currently working at Annunciation Catholic Academy teaching 3rd grade.

Jamie started as a Twinkler when she was a young dancer at Turning Pointe and now works closely with the current group of Twinklers and Rising Stars! Her experience in different styles allows her to teach a variety of classes and choreograph routines for our STARS competition team. Her dances have won many overall awards, including a few for choreography. Jamie loves being a part of the Turning Pointe faculty so she continue to share her passion for dance with others.

Kelli born and raised in Orlando Florida began dancing at Turning Pointe at the age of 2 and started competing at 5 years old. She continued dancing through her Senior year of high school to count for 16 years of training at Turning Pointe. During her time competing she has won a multitude of scholarships, titles, overalls, and judges awards at conventions and competitions. Kelli was awarded the “Future Star Award” and featured in Dance Spirit Magazine in 2017.

Kelli went onto Florida State University where she became a Florida State Golden Girl. She performed on the sidelines of FSU football, basketball, and volleyball. She competed at UDA Nationals with her team where they are consistently ranked top in thde country. She graduated July of 2021 with her Masters in Business Marketing from FSU.

Some more of Kelli’s dance credits include dancing for Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines, Universal Studios Orlando, Music videos and Photoshoots. Kelli also works for Star Dance Alliance- Nexstar National Talent competition where she travels around to different states as the backstage manager.

Kelli is so happy to be teaching in the Orlando area. She has been teaching and for 7 years, her favorite things to teach are technique, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and acro! Kelli has recently started choreographing pieces, her choreography has won awards including choreography awards, judges awards, titles, overalls, and national champions! Kelli is thrilled to be sharing her passion for dance to the next generation of dancers especially at Turning Pointe, the place where she built her passion and foundation for dance!

Jeremy started dancing at the age of eight and has not stopped since. He grew up dancing and competing in the Orlando, Florida area. As a young competitive dancer, Jeremy was extremely successful and influential to the dance scene around him. He has been awarded numerous scholarships to Broadway Dance Center, EDGE PAC, Gus Giordano Jazz, and Rock School of Dance. His first professional job as a dancer was with Royal Caribbean where he experienced working with top stage directors and choreographers in the industry. He continued his dance education through training with the Valencia Dance Program. Those college years were spent studying modern and classical ballet which presented opportunities to perform works by Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, and George Balanchine. Instilling the importance of dance history into his curriculum.

Jeremy started as a teacher's assistant at the age of twelve. By the age of sixteen, he was teaching classes fully on his own. Then by the age of eighteen his routines that he choreographed would win top billing at competitions. His students have helped inspire numerous choreography, costume, and technique awards over the years. These accolades and dance education supported him in his years as a studio owner. It was also seven seasons where Jeremy was the choreographer and coach for the Orlando Magic Minis. His dancers were given numerous performance opportunities over the course of these years including the 2012 NBA All-Stars Games.

Jeremy has been teaching and inspiring dancers for over fifteen years. Utilizing his enthusiastic personality with his sharp technical eye he continues to produce dancers that courageously follow their own goals and ambitions within the industry. You can find some of his students over the years on various Orlando billboards, working for numerous Television shows, performing and touring on Broadway, sailing the seas on cruise ships, and even as singers landing on the pop charts. He is extremely excited and eager to have this opportunity to continue to train and grow with the Turning Pointe family.

Pete Simpson, current Head Coach of Winter Park High School’s Dance Team (“The Roar”), was scouted by an Emmy award winning producer at an acting convention at the age of 14. Shortly after, he began his dance training and found success as a competitive dancer in Central FL. His career as a dancer, educator, coach, consultant, and adjudicator spans nearly 15 years!

Some of his favorite credits include: Televised Commercials on ABC (Disney Descendants), The Food Network, and The Disney Channel (Disney Descendants). Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean, CATS The Musical (Mr. Mistoffelees, Pouncival, Tumblebrutus), and Tokyo Disney Resort's One Man's Dream II: The Magic Lives On (10th Anniversary Cast, 15th Anniversary Cast, and Final Cast). Other exciting credits include: Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World (Dream Along With Mickey - Final Cast), and Universal Studios Orlando (Beetlejuice's Graveyard Review - Final Cast).

His work ethic and eagerness to chase his dreams has exposed him to a great deal of exciting opportunities. In 2018, while briefly based in New York City, he found himself juggling multiple callback opportunities for shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours-- and even film! To name a few... Hamilton: An American Musical, Beetlejuice, CATS The Musical, Miss Saigon, Chicago, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.

Pete has had the pleasure of teaching, coaching, choreographing, and consulting in Florida, New York City, New Orleans, Hawai'i, Canada, and Japan. His love and appreciation for beauty and fashion is intertwined in his choreography, staging, and costuming. His work as a freelance hair and makeup artist have been published and appreciated in print, web editorials, and at the SS2012 Oscar de la Renta Ready-To-Wear Fashion Show. He recently returned to his first interest in the entertainment industry, training at The Maile [Image, Modeling, Acting] School (ORL) and Drama Inc. (ATL).

Pete’s objective is to provide a safe space for talent to develop a sense of high self-esteem and confidence through responsibility, accountability, commitment, and respect. He believes character comes first and dance comes second.

Ashley was born and raised in Florida. She began her competitive dancing career at the age of 4. Ashley is trained in various styles of dance like contemporary, tap, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, progressions, and others. Through the course of her training, she has achieved several overall wins and multiple scholarships.She began teaching and choreographing at the age of 16 for studios over Central Florida. Ashley is also Acrobatic Arts and Muvmethod certified. She is presently setting award winning choreography to soloists and groups. Ashley loves the art of dance and getting to spread the love to fellow dancers!

Jaliyah “Juicy” Kersten has been dancing for the past 15 years and is trained in a plethora of styles including ballet, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, latin, modern, kick, pom, and tap. Recently she was a finalist on SYTYCD the new season until they cancelled it due to COVID. Jaliyah was a part of Immabeast and Immabreathe as well as traveled and assisted for many different dance conventions including Intrigue and Step It Up in LA. Jaliyah began choreographing national championship routines as the early age of 13 years old. She now travels across the country choreographing for many studios, high schools and Bowl games. Jaliyah also sets award winning solos on dancers of all ages within any style listed. She presently coaches for the National Championship team Lake Mary Marionettes and is their lead choreographer. “Juicy” is known for bringing her flavor to the stage, her students and her choreography!

Taylor Savaglio was born in Tennessee but grew up in Orlando and began dancing at the age of six. Taylor has trained in just about every style growing up and In her professional career. Hip hop has always been a favorite of hers but her individual style fuses jazz funk, contemporary and hip hop.

When Taylor graduated high school, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dance career and made many connections. There, she signed with Go2Talent agency and travels back and forth when booked for a show. Now, Taylor mainly professionally teaches at studios in and around the Orlando area, travels to other countries to teach and judge on conventions, is Captain of the Orlando Magic dance team (the 407 CREW) and choreographs for local artists and events.

Her credits include: Janet Jackson, Ariana Grande, The VOICE and a series of other performance jobs and industrials!

Brittany Shore has been a part of the Turning Pointe Family since 2005. In her early TP years she started taking recreational classes prior to joining the STARS competition team in 2007. She competed with us until she graduated from Lyman High School in 2013. Brittany attended FAU in Boca Raton, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education and Leadership Studies. Her time away from the studio she would travel back to her second home to help with competition’s, winter performances, and recitals!

While growing up in this very own studio, Brittany has taken her passion for dance into teaching. Brittany began teaching with us in 2018. She has a love for teaching all ages and being hands on with our STARS program. In 2020, Brittany became Ms. Danielle Justine Assistant, her right hand, she assist in and out of the studio. By helping prepare our STARS for their upcoming competition season, team bonding and so much more. She travels with us to each of the competitions and personally puts on each of our pieces on stage. This year, she is taking the leap and creating her own MINI TEAM, known as the Sparklers and Dazzlers Program!

Outside of the studio, Brittanys heart for teaching continues. Brittany works for Orange County Public Schools in the ESE field teaching kids with Autism. Over the last five years in the county she has taught various ESE classes ranging from Autism, InD and Emotional Behavior Disorders. In addition to her ESE background, Brittany works stateside for a nonprofit organization known as Footprints of the Son, located in Haiti for children with disabilities. Over the years, Brittany has traveled in the summers to be hands on in the organization, to have a hands on experiences to help with organization. Brittany helps organize child sponsorships and fundraisers. In her visits she would build relationships, teach classes to their teachers and make outreach visits to meet all the families.

Each year, Brittany’s goal is to continue to inspire and empower the next generation of dancers!

Marie Wiley was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y. She has been dancing since the age of 5. She attended Brockport State University of New York. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dance. She is a former NFL Buffalo Bills (Jills) cheerleader, and also an AFL Orlando Predators cheerleader.

Marie has been teaching and mentoring children of all ages for both recreational and competitive groups since she was teenager. She has taught locally here in Orlando for Showtime Dance Studio, Dance Centers of Orlando and has now found her home at Turning Pointe- A Dance Studio.

Her passion for teaching has also lead her to become a school teacher for grades K-3. She currently teaches at The Crenshaw School. She continues to bring her love of dance into the academic world by coaching her dance team called "The Crenshaw Dance Stars."

Marie has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, and musical theatre. Her choreography has earned her multiple awards such as outstanding and most creative choreography just to name a few.

Bio coming soon

A Jacksonville University alumni, professional dancer, personal trainer and dance educator. Nikki graduated JU in 2019 with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Kinesiology.

Throughout her time at JU, Nikki took on many leadership roles across campus. She represented the dance department for 3 years, as Fine Arts Representative. And through the duration of her time in the department, Nikki also earned accolades such as Best Female Performance, Outstanding Sophomore and received the Dean’s Excellence award her senior year.

Nikki was a part of the university’s dance team for 4 years and held roles on the team such as co-Captain, her junior year and Captain, her senior year.

After graduating Ju, Nikki has had a plethora of performing opportunities such as cheering for the NFL as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader as well as dancing for Universal Studios Orlando in the show called Vamos! She has also worked with artists such as Nicky Jam, Ryan Castro, Anuel AA, Angel y Khriz and more in both music videos, as well as live performances.

As Nikki continues to receive performance opportunities and expand her versatility in the industry, she has always had a passion for educating dance. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience in many different generes. Nikki has set choreography on multiple dance studios and dance teams all across Florida. She has assisted on numerous choreography jobs that include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and the Royal International Miss agent opening number for the past 4 years.

Nikki truly loves sharing her passion for dance with her students and inspiring others to keep working hard towards their dreams as she continues to do herself.

Bio coming soon

Originally from Miami, FL, Percy Nelson started out as a street dancer. Upon moving to Orlando, FL in 2007, he guided his eventual pursuits into the dance industry. Spending a plethora of time training and teaching in Orlando at local studios as well as dance workshops, Percy quickly became highly sought after. Percy began to work with international artists such as Blanca and Tedashii. Percy has also worked as a dancer with some of the industry's top choreographers such as Sean Bankhead, Hollywood, Charm Ladonna, Matt Steffanina Draico Johnson, Fullout Cortland, Amari Marshall and more. Percy has appeared on BET's 106 and Park, Telemundo and MTV. His success has also lead him to work with the world renown companies, Old Navy, Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. In addition, Percy has choreographed and danced at various showcases and competitions around the country. He has formerly been a choreographer for the breakthrough Megacrew known as "theSQUAD" out of Orlando, FL. They have competed and placed 1st at World of Dance twice, four times at Prelude South Dance Competition and Hip Hop International in the USA Finals, four times. Percy is currently represented by Level Talent Group for commercial work. His most recent accomplishments consist of performing at Super Bowl LV with the world-renown artist, The Weeknd and also assisting with choreography for SZA. Allowing for his passion to influence creativity, Percy continues to develop a unique platform for dance within the industry today performing in and on multiple music videos and stages across the country.

Malani Vaughn has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has trained under countless award-winning studios, including Skyra Studios, Xtreme Dance, New Dimensions Dance Academy, Marshall Ellis Dance School, University Performing Arts Centre, Motiv Dance, and Destination Dance of Oviedo. She has also been a trainee in multiple ballet, commercial, and choreography conservatories through Skyra Studios and Xtreme Dance. In 2022, Malani became a member of Heat Convention’s travelling Hip Hop Crew (created by Comfort Fedoke) and a member Heat Force in 2023. She is represented by Professionally Pretty Modeling Agency.

Malani was the founder, coach, and choreographer of the Galileo Gems Dance Team from 2017-2019. The Gems took home four 2 nd place wins at MA Dance and Spirit Shine Dance, with her lyrical choreography winning the MA Dance Choreography Award. Additionally, during her time in the Hatch Conservatory at Skyra Studios, Malani’s choreography was showcased 21 times at competitions and galas. Malani was also a dancer in countless short films through the Hatch. She was the dance camp leader at Galileo School in 2021, which allowed elementary school students with minimal dance experience the opportunity to participate in dance film shoots.

Malani’s competition career started at 6 years old and has played a vital role in her development. Malani’s initial 1 st overall solo placement was at Spirit Shine Dance in 2019. Since then, among other awards, her solos have achieved 3 rd at Heat Nationals, 6 th at Jump regionals, 4 th at Tremaine regionals, 2 nd at ADE regionals, 3 rd at Hall of Fame regionals. Malani was also a VIP Finalist at Jump Regionals and has received numerous scholarships from NUVO, 24/7, Streetz, West Coast Dance Explosion, Heat, ADE, and Broadway Unhinged.

Malani advanced from 3 rd to 5 th grade in 2016 and started dual enrollment at UCF at 15 years old, becoming a full-time college student a few months later at the age of 16. She will graduate from UCF at 19 years old with her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in the strength and conditioning track. Through this degree, Malani is receiving hands on experience working with athletes through courses and internships that will prepare her to use science-based practices when helping dancers maximize their technique. Malani is maximizing her potential at UCF by serving as the Executive Vice President of National Society of Collegiate Scholars and holding membership in seven kinesiology- related student organizations.

Anjali McFadden, born and raised in Orlando, Florida, began her training at the age of three and she grew up dancing at some of the most competitive dance studios in Lake Mary/Sanford. Graduated in 2021, from University of Central Florida with a Bachelors in Sports Exercise Science. Pursuing in certifications as a nutritionist and recovery specialist. She has trained in tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, ballet and African dance. She has been an instructor and choreographer for 10 years, including for color guard, home studios and local upcoming artists such as Kaylah. She’s part of a modern/contemporary dance company called SGP movement. Anjali has performed across central Florida in Chocolate Nutcracker, R.A.W Productions, Reconnect Community Soul Festival & Upcoming Artist Kaydah Concert. Traveling around the world on a cruise contract with Virgin Voyages as a Happenings Cast as a dancer & host. Currently, at Universal Studios being a part of Universal Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Holiday Parade and Dreamworks Imagination as scare actor, dancer and animated characters. Anjali credits her success to her long journey of the passion to dance, entertainment and performing as a whole.

Erik "Silky" Moore is dancer, choreographer, instructor, and photographer with a passion for the arts in all its forms. From a young age, he has studied a myriad of dance styles from renowned instructors across the globe. He specializes in Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, and Acrobatics.

After graduating high school, Erik began his professional career as a performer at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. He has made appearances on NBC and FOX Network's talent shows including seasons 5, 6 and 11 of So You Think You Can Dance making his way to the top 11 male contestants, and multiple performances on America's Got Talent with both "Masterz N Motion" dance crew and "Street Beatz", one of the nation's top urban percussion groups.

His style and choreography has won numerous awards and made him a sought after choreographer and dancer in many parts of the country. He has shared his craft with many young aspiring dancers at many conventions across the nation including: Edge National Talent Competition, Jolt, KinFigure and many more. Erik has choreographed for names such as Kodak Black, Rich Homie Quan, and WildnOut, and he considers his biggest accomplishment, a performance in "The Chocolate Nutcracker" alongside the legendary Savion Glover.

When Erik isn't dancing or teaching, he turns to creating art in other ways; he has toured with "Artists Simple Human" and "Celebration Talent" as a photographer and videographer, further expanding his dedication to capturing movement and art.