Rhonda Carol
Founder & Executive Director of Calliope Fitness & Arts
Rhonda Carol has a unique in-depth background in fitness, dance and theatre. She trained in London at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance (modern, ballet, Laban, choreography, Alexander) with such noted teachers as Bonnie Bird--a Martha Graham disciple, Stuart Hopps, Jean Jarrell, Machtel Hauer; and in acting at Guildford School of Acting, U.K. She also holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and is a certified Pilates instructor and Fitness Trainer. She was the founder and director of Pineapple West Pilates and has taught fitness and Pilates at health clubs, studios and Y's in N.Y.C. and Long Island, spanning several decades, most recently at Pathways Women's Health, and including the North Shore Health Club; The McBurney Y, NYC; the Manhasset Library; and The New York Hustle, NYC. She served as Artistic Director of Womanstage, a company advancing women in the performing arts. Rhonda has worked internationally as a choreographer, dancer, director and actor. She has performed various leading roles in Ibsen, Chekov, Pinter, the Greek classics and others. Wanting to do something for the victims of 9-11, she produced and directed "A Streetcar Named Desire" and donated the proceeds to the 9-11 fund. Some notable productions include "Dancing at Lughnasa" at Theatre-in-the-Park, NY, which she directed, and working as Development Assistant on Richard Trent's film project "The Piano Teacher" Film Export, Czechoslovakia.
Rhonda Carol has a unique in-depth background in fitness, dance and theatre. She trained in London at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance (modern, ballet, Laban, choreography, Alexander) with such noted teachers as Bonnie Bird--a Martha Graham disciple, Stuart Hopps, Jean Jarrell, Machtel Hauer; and in acting at Guildford School of Acting, U.K. She also holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and is a certified Pilates instructor and Fitness Trainer. She was the founder and director of Pineapple West Pilates and has taught fitness and Pilates at health clubs, studios and Y's in N.Y.C. and Long Island, spanning several decades, most recently at Pathways Women's Health, and including the North Shore Health Club; The McBurney Y, NYC; the Manhasset Library; and The New York Hustle, NYC. She served as Artistic Director of Womanstage, a company advancing women in the performing arts. Rhonda has worked internationally as a choreographer, dancer, director and actor. She has performed various leading roles in Ibsen, Chekov, Pinter, the Greek classics and others. Wanting to do something for the victims of 9-11, she produced and directed "A Streetcar Named Desire" and donated the proceeds to the 9-11 fund. Some notable productions include "Dancing at Lughnasa" at Theatre-in-the-Park, NY, which she directed, and working as Development Assistant on Richard Trent's film project "The Piano Teacher" Film Export, Czechoslovakia.
Jeanne P Kogut
Founding Officer & Artistic Director of Calliope Fitness & Arts
Jeanne was trained in the Royal Academy and Imperial Socity methods and is both a member of the Royal Academy of Dance and Licentiate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing of Great Britain, the pre-eminent dance examinations board worldwide. She was formerly on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory of Music (Dance Department), the Cathedral School of St. Mary, Garden City and a dance instructor for Pathways Women's Health. Jeanne was on the Advisory Board of Children's Entertainment review, a NYC-based magazine, where her Dance School Guide was reviewed as exemplary by the New York Times. She is currently Director and Principal of the The Academy of Dance, Garden City. Jeanne has a B.A. from Boston University and is one of only six instructors in the Northeast qualified in both the Royal Academy and Imperial Society methods.
Jeanne was trained in the Royal Academy and Imperial Socity methods and is both a member of the Royal Academy of Dance and Licentiate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing of Great Britain, the pre-eminent dance examinations board worldwide. She was formerly on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory of Music (Dance Department), the Cathedral School of St. Mary, Garden City and a dance instructor for Pathways Women's Health. Jeanne was on the Advisory Board of Children's Entertainment review, a NYC-based magazine, where her Dance School Guide was reviewed as exemplary by the New York Times. She is currently Director and Principal of the The Academy of Dance, Garden City. Jeanne has a B.A. from Boston University and is one of only six instructors in the Northeast qualified in both the Royal Academy and Imperial Society methods.
Michele Tabaroki
Founding Officer & Program Director of Calliope Fitness & Arts
Michele has been dancing for as long as she can remember. She has studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance both in Canada and the United States. She began Belly Dancing in 1995 and instantly fell in love with the ancient art form. She began her Middle Eastern dance training in Toronto, Canada, where she was part of the Habeeba Hobeika Egyptian Folkloric Dance Troupe for many years. The Troupe performed for many cultural events and opened for Middle Eastern Superstars such as Amr Diab. It was with Ms. Hobeika that her love for teaching began. Michele continued her training with renowned master teacher, Renate Wallasch. Michele has also studied with acclaimed teachers such as Ranya Renee, Elisheva, Kaeshi, Yousry Sharif and Tamalyn Dallal. She continously attends seminars and workshops to further her understanding of the art. Michele uses her extensive knowledge of dance in composing a unique class that is full of energy and fun. Currently, Michele teaches Belly Dance and Zumba (she is a certified Zumba Instructor). Self expression is the most important part of this dance and Michele's passion encourages students to tap into their creative core and bring depth and beauty into their work.
Michele has been dancing for as long as she can remember. She has studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance both in Canada and the United States. She began Belly Dancing in 1995 and instantly fell in love with the ancient art form. She began her Middle Eastern dance training in Toronto, Canada, where she was part of the Habeeba Hobeika Egyptian Folkloric Dance Troupe for many years. The Troupe performed for many cultural events and opened for Middle Eastern Superstars such as Amr Diab. It was with Ms. Hobeika that her love for teaching began. Michele continued her training with renowned master teacher, Renate Wallasch. Michele has also studied with acclaimed teachers such as Ranya Renee, Elisheva, Kaeshi, Yousry Sharif and Tamalyn Dallal. She continously attends seminars and workshops to further her understanding of the art. Michele uses her extensive knowledge of dance in composing a unique class that is full of energy and fun. Currently, Michele teaches Belly Dance and Zumba (she is a certified Zumba Instructor). Self expression is the most important part of this dance and Michele's passion encourages students to tap into their creative core and bring depth and beauty into their work.
Cathy Adamo
Photo and Bio coming soon!
Angela Binetti
(Restorative Yoga) CYT, Yoga Alliance
Angela trained with and has been inspired by such teachers as Alicia Bustamante, Director of Yoga Studio 6, L.I.C.(10 years) and in Iyengar Yoga with Jean Aronoff. She received her certification with Gail Grossman. Angela also studied Pilates with Meryl Bass for seven years, which she incorporates into her practice. She worked as an instructor/ trainer at the Ritz Spa and Country Club, Jupiter, Florida and continues her work as a private Yoga Teacher in NY and Florida. Angela credits her long term teacher Alicia Bustamante with inspiring her to meet the challenge of developing a yoga practice that would enable her to realize her passion: to help women and men to experience good health and a better quality of life. Part of her mission is to extend the benefits of yoga to the boomers and beyond. She emphasizes correct posture with attention to alignment and takes a "hands on" approach with her students in the art of RESTORATIVE YOGA; the benefits including deep relaxation, improved posture, strength, and stress release.
Angela trained with and has been inspired by such teachers as Alicia Bustamante, Director of Yoga Studio 6, L.I.C.(10 years) and in Iyengar Yoga with Jean Aronoff. She received her certification with Gail Grossman. Angela also studied Pilates with Meryl Bass for seven years, which she incorporates into her practice. She worked as an instructor/ trainer at the Ritz Spa and Country Club, Jupiter, Florida and continues her work as a private Yoga Teacher in NY and Florida. Angela credits her long term teacher Alicia Bustamante with inspiring her to meet the challenge of developing a yoga practice that would enable her to realize her passion: to help women and men to experience good health and a better quality of life. Part of her mission is to extend the benefits of yoga to the boomers and beyond. She emphasizes correct posture with attention to alignment and takes a "hands on" approach with her students in the art of RESTORATIVE YOGA; the benefits including deep relaxation, improved posture, strength, and stress release.
Brenda
Bio and Photo coming soon!
Carolyn Carpentiere
Yoga Instructor RYT, CPR Certified
Carolyn has been involved in the fitness industry since 1986 when she
began instructing fitness classes in college. She has taught at
many gyms and spas in the NY area including Sportset, The Excelsior
NYC, Health Trax and Pathways for Women's Health. Carolyn teaches
beginner through advanced and adds strength, stretching and inspiration
to all her sequences.
Carolyn has been involved in the fitness industry since 1986 when she
began instructing fitness classes in college. She has taught at
many gyms and spas in the NY area including Sportset, The Excelsior
NYC, Health Trax and Pathways for Women's Health. Carolyn teaches
beginner through advanced and adds strength, stretching and inspiration
to all her sequences.
Abigail Davila
Abigail Dávila has always had a passion for dance and began her salsa dance career in 2003. Originally from Connecticut, Abigail lived in Montreal for a few years where she studied ballet. She later moved to Philadelphia, where she began taking salsa lessons with several salsa instructors from Art In Motion and Barbara Capaldi at Atrium Dance Studio. Since then she has furthered her training in New York City with elite dance instructors, including Eddie Torres.
In a short time, Abigail has broadened her skills and has become a more talented dancer with an elegant and energetic style. In 2007, Abigail achieved a milestone in her dancing career as she began teaching salsa classes throughout Long Island. She specializes in Club style Salsa and Ladies’ Latin Styling.
In addition to dancing, Abigail has always been committed to being fit and was certified in Zumba® in August 2007. Since then has been certified in both Zumba Gold® and Zumba Toning® .
In 2009 Abigail founded Love, Faith, Hope and Dance (LFH&D) a nonprofit organization that through the powers of dance is bringing awareness to life's adversities.
Abigail is currently dedicating the majority of her time to Zumba® and is teaching several classes throughout Long Island and Queens New York as well as Norwalk, Connecticut.
In a short time, Abigail has broadened her skills and has become a more talented dancer with an elegant and energetic style. In 2007, Abigail achieved a milestone in her dancing career as she began teaching salsa classes throughout Long Island. She specializes in Club style Salsa and Ladies’ Latin Styling.
In addition to dancing, Abigail has always been committed to being fit and was certified in Zumba® in August 2007. Since then has been certified in both Zumba Gold® and Zumba Toning® .
In 2009 Abigail founded Love, Faith, Hope and Dance (LFH&D) a nonprofit organization that through the powers of dance is bringing awareness to life's adversities.
Abigail is currently dedicating the majority of her time to Zumba® and is teaching several classes throughout Long Island and Queens New York as well as Norwalk, Connecticut.
Samantha DuBoff
Samantha Lyn DuBoff, a Long Island, NY native, earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Jazz performance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has been dancing her entire life. In addition to teaching dance, she became a certified Zumba instructor for dance fitness in 2009 and teaches in multiple locations in New York.
Samantha is currently touring with the company Cirque Le Masque, which travels nationally and internationally. She has also recently performed in shows at Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza.
In addition to performing and teaching a variety of dance techniques, Samantha has also modeled for several companies, including the Costume Gallery Catalogue, Baum’s dance wear and the Dodge Dance Company. She has also performed on television for NFL’s Pro Bowl, ABC’s The View and WGN America.
In addition to her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance, Samantha has also been trained at Nassau County’s Long Island High School of the Performing Arts (formerly BOCES), New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the Eglevsky Ballet Center and the American Theater Dance Workshop, amongst others.
Samantha is currently touring with the company Cirque Le Masque, which travels nationally and internationally. She has also recently performed in shows at Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza.
In addition to performing and teaching a variety of dance techniques, Samantha has also modeled for several companies, including the Costume Gallery Catalogue, Baum’s dance wear and the Dodge Dance Company. She has also performed on television for NFL’s Pro Bowl, ABC’s The View and WGN America.
In addition to her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance, Samantha has also been trained at Nassau County’s Long Island High School of the Performing Arts (formerly BOCES), New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the Eglevsky Ballet Center and the American Theater Dance Workshop, amongst others.
Elisheva
Calliope Artist-in-Residence
Elisheva is a 2nd generation belly dancer who started her studies as a young artist in Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance. She has taught workshops, classes and performed internationally in dozens of countries. She began performing jazz, tap, modern and lyrical dance with a children's touring dance troupe and went on to an intensive modern dance program at Performing Arts H.S. under the direction of original "Alvin Ailey 2" Artistic Director Tyrone Aikens, NYSSSA and ADF. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance at Ohio State University under the direction of Susan Hadley (Mark Morris Co,), Bebe Miller (Bebe Miller Co,), Rosalind Pierson (Charles Weidman Co.), and Karen Elliot (Merce Cunningham Co.) in an extensive program that allowed her to master choreography and Dance Labanotation, and included intensive music studies, Alexander Technique, Pilates and Bartinieff Fundamentals. She began her professional belly dance career at the age of 15, at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park leading Serena Wilson's and Renate Wallasch's collaborative summer show. She has studied with many acclaimed teachers including Yousry Sharif, Sahra Seeda, Dalia Carella, Aziza (C.A.), Amir Taleb, Amar Gamal, Kaeshi Chai, and is Level 1 certified in the Suhalia Salimpour format. Elisheva now performs as company member and as the Dance Captain of NYC's world-renowned belly dance company "Bellyqueen" (www.bellyqueen.com). Her passionate performances have allowed her to dance on stages with international powerhouses such as Oojami and she has toured and performed Off-Broadway (Hip-Hop, Jazz and Modern Dance) and at National Geographic's Performance Theatre. Elisheva has been featured on television series (FOX), news broadcasts, commercials, and award-winning Independent Films, as well as cabaret/dinner clubs in NYC and on L.I. For more information, visit: www.elishevadance.com.
Elisheva is a 2nd generation belly dancer who started her studies as a young artist in Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance. She has taught workshops, classes and performed internationally in dozens of countries. She began performing jazz, tap, modern and lyrical dance with a children's touring dance troupe and went on to an intensive modern dance program at Performing Arts H.S. under the direction of original "Alvin Ailey 2" Artistic Director Tyrone Aikens, NYSSSA and ADF. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance at Ohio State University under the direction of Susan Hadley (Mark Morris Co,), Bebe Miller (Bebe Miller Co,), Rosalind Pierson (Charles Weidman Co.), and Karen Elliot (Merce Cunningham Co.) in an extensive program that allowed her to master choreography and Dance Labanotation, and included intensive music studies, Alexander Technique, Pilates and Bartinieff Fundamentals. She began her professional belly dance career at the age of 15, at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park leading Serena Wilson's and Renate Wallasch's collaborative summer show. She has studied with many acclaimed teachers including Yousry Sharif, Sahra Seeda, Dalia Carella, Aziza (C.A.), Amir Taleb, Amar Gamal, Kaeshi Chai, and is Level 1 certified in the Suhalia Salimpour format. Elisheva now performs as company member and as the Dance Captain of NYC's world-renowned belly dance company "Bellyqueen" (www.bellyqueen.com). Her passionate performances have allowed her to dance on stages with international powerhouses such as Oojami and she has toured and performed Off-Broadway (Hip-Hop, Jazz and Modern Dance) and at National Geographic's Performance Theatre. Elisheva has been featured on television series (FOX), news broadcasts, commercials, and award-winning Independent Films, as well as cabaret/dinner clubs in NYC and on L.I. For more information, visit: www.elishevadance.com.
Sharon Epstein
LCAT, BC-DMT, RYT
Sharon Epstein is a NY State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and a Board Certified-Dance/Movement Therapist. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with supplemental training in prenatal yoga and yoga for kids. In 2003, she received training to work with cancer survivors and those managing a chronic illness, integrating “The Lebed Method” and “Moving on Aerobics” into her program called Move, Soothe & Heal offered at North Shore-LIJ’s Monter Cancer Center. In 2009, Sharon participated in a training program with members of the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson’s Disease Group. She now offers a program, Dance for Parkinson’s Disease on Long Island. In 1999, Sharon met and was inspired to study Middle Eastern Belly Dance with Renate at Pathways; she continues to study, teach and perform Middle Eastern Belly Dance.
Since 1987 Sharon has worked in hospitals, community and wellness centers, nursing homes, camps and schools blending her unique skills as a dancer, therapist and yoga teacher. She enjoys and is experienced in moving with people of all ages and abilities to bring about positive physical and emotional change. MS, Dance Movement Therapy, Hunter College; BS with honors, Theatre Arts, Bard College.
Sharon Epstein is a NY State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and a Board Certified-Dance/Movement Therapist. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with supplemental training in prenatal yoga and yoga for kids. In 2003, she received training to work with cancer survivors and those managing a chronic illness, integrating “The Lebed Method” and “Moving on Aerobics” into her program called Move, Soothe & Heal offered at North Shore-LIJ’s Monter Cancer Center. In 2009, Sharon participated in a training program with members of the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brooklyn Parkinson’s Disease Group. She now offers a program, Dance for Parkinson’s Disease on Long Island. In 1999, Sharon met and was inspired to study Middle Eastern Belly Dance with Renate at Pathways; she continues to study, teach and perform Middle Eastern Belly Dance.
Since 1987 Sharon has worked in hospitals, community and wellness centers, nursing homes, camps and schools blending her unique skills as a dancer, therapist and yoga teacher. She enjoys and is experienced in moving with people of all ages and abilities to bring about positive physical and emotional change. MS, Dance Movement Therapy, Hunter College; BS with honors, Theatre Arts, Bard College.
Erica Fazzari
Woven like a bamboo basket, breath is the foundation of all of Erica’s classes. Teaching vinyasa style with an iyengar core and focusing on alignment and breath, she truly helps her students find their “beingness”. Life in the theater (since the age of six) as an actress was where Erica had always found her greatest joy. In 1997, life dealt her a couple of lemons, and yoga became her lemonade. “The first class I took was at Alan Finger’s BeYoga studio in Manhattan and I was hooked. It gave me the opportunity to stop, to pause, and to nourish my body and my soul.” Always passionate about love and life, yoga gives Erica the opportunity to share with her student s and allows them to connect with their hearts energy.
Linda Fuller
Picture and Bio coming soon!
Kenya
Kenya began her dance career at the early age of 10 studying tap and jazz. She trained in ballet and modern dance spanning a scope of 6 years and in 1999 her ethnic dance training began in Congolese, Ivory Coast, Guinea, expanding to include Haitian folkloric dance, and finally East African Egyptian Bellydance. Kenya teaches several dance classes a week, most recently at Pathways Women's Health, and performs as a soloist. She also dances with several different dance troupes and is the director of her own dance company The Belly Gems and Jewels Ensemble. She has performed at many venues, including the Strong Island RAQS Festival July 2008. She was a 2007 winner of the Arabesque Bellydance Competition and placed 1st in the Drum Solo category and 3rd in the Cabaret category.
Lore Kent
Photo & Bio Coming Soon!
Adrienne Samuels
Adrienne Samuels began dancing at a young age purely as a means of self expression, discovery and for the sheer joy of movement. She received her Master's Degree from Hunter College in Dance-Movement Therapy. As a means of deepening her study of the interconnectedness of body, thought, emotion, energy and breath, Adrienne immersed herself in the Science of Yoga. She received her certification for Hatha Yoga from Integral Yoga and Yoga Zone as well as completing the certifications as a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy practitioner.
Lisa Sparkles Paternoster
Lisa Sparkles Paternoster is an NDCA Certified Instructor and Zumba Certified Instructor. Lisa is a Featured Artist at Calliope W.A. and will be presenting Zumba, Latin, Ballroom and Hustle workshops and classes during the upcoming year. She has been teaching since the age of 18 in all styles of partner dancing. Lisa has just been inducted into the Cambridge Who's Who of Executive Professionals and Entrepreneurs 2008/2009 Registry and has been honored as VIP member for 2009/2010. She has performed at countless venues throughout Long Island and competed all across the tri-state area. In 2006 she took 4th place at the WORLD HUSTLE DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Earlier that year she placed 2nd at the ZACHARY's OPEN DANCE CONTEST, where she had placed in the top 5 the previous two years. She also ranked 3rd at the OPEN VAN McCOY REGIONAL'S. Although Hustle is one of Lisa's specialties she has competed and won titles in other styles of dance including 2nd at the NORTH EASTERN AMERICAN RHYTHM CHAMPIONSHIPS. Now a Zumba certified instructor, Lisa is also teaching fitness through Latin Dance.
Carmella Stone-Klein
Bio coming soon!
Phyllis Talbot
AFAA Group Fitness Instructor and Certified Zumba Instructor
Phyllis' dance career began at the age of 3 at Lillian Roberts Dance Studios in Brooklyn. She trained in dance for many years at such studios as the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Raise Him Up Praise Dance School and she continues to study and perform to date. She has performed with the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, Jazzique Dance Group, and Static Movement Dance Group. Her love of dance evolved into her dedication to the fitness arena and she has shared her enthusiasm for dance fitness at a multitude of gyms throughout the NYC area. She also traveled to the Caribbean "Super Clubs" as a guest instructor. Phyllis' fitness philosophy encompasses the concept of a sound mind, body and Spirit; as a person for whom her Christian faith is central to her work in the world, she chose to help people improve themselves physically and honor their bodies as a temporal gift. As a result, "B.O.D.I. Rock" Fitness Ministry was born along with the study and teaching of Gospel Aerobics and Praise Dance. She is a graduate of C.W. Post College where she received her B.S. in Medical Technology. Phyllis recently retired from the forensics field and is now a Fitness instructor and Personal Trainer full time!
Phyllis' dance career began at the age of 3 at Lillian Roberts Dance Studios in Brooklyn. She trained in dance for many years at such studios as the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Raise Him Up Praise Dance School and she continues to study and perform to date. She has performed with the Charles Moore Dance Theatre, Jazzique Dance Group, and Static Movement Dance Group. Her love of dance evolved into her dedication to the fitness arena and she has shared her enthusiasm for dance fitness at a multitude of gyms throughout the NYC area. She also traveled to the Caribbean "Super Clubs" as a guest instructor. Phyllis' fitness philosophy encompasses the concept of a sound mind, body and Spirit; as a person for whom her Christian faith is central to her work in the world, she chose to help people improve themselves physically and honor their bodies as a temporal gift. As a result, "B.O.D.I. Rock" Fitness Ministry was born along with the study and teaching of Gospel Aerobics and Praise Dance. She is a graduate of C.W. Post College where she received her B.S. in Medical Technology. Phyllis recently retired from the forensics field and is now a Fitness instructor and Personal Trainer full time!
Lancelot Theobald, Jr.
Photo & Bio Coming Soon!