Staff
Addie Chilmonik – Co-Owner/Co-Director
Addie was a member of Dance Design’s IMPACT Competition Team through the age of 18, competing at numerous competitions across the tri-state area and training at Broadway Dance Center and prominent conventions. In addition to winning the title of “Miss Performing Arts” through the Performing Arts Alliance LLC, Addie was invited to perform at Walt Disney World, which led to her participation in several high school shows as well.
Addie’s passion for dance expanded during high school when she became an assistant teacher at Dance Design Studio. Following her graduation from Freedom High School in 2002, she continued her education at The Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in early childhood development, which led to a full-time position as an early childhood educator at the Bennett Family Center on campus. While at Penn State, Addie was a choreographer and member of the Orchesis Dance Company. Specializing in the styles of jazz, ballet, and modern, Orchesis is a performance-based dance company that has been in existence at the University for nearly 80 years. As a member of Orchesis, Addie performed in various campus and community events, such as the Homecoming parade, THON dance marathon (the largest student-run philanthropy in the world), MLK Day Celebration, and Blue and White Weekend, in addition to the semi-annual Choreographer’s Showcases, held at the end of each semester.
After graduating from Penn State in 2006, Addie returned to Dance Design to teach full time, specializing in competitive and pre-K classes, including jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater. Dance Design Studio has and always will be such an important part of Addie’s life. She couldn’t be more thrilled to take on the role as co-owner, alongside her wonderful friend and esteemed colleague, Stephanie Piccione. Addie is looking forward to what the future holds for the many talented students at Dance Design Studio and to help them realize their passion to dance and love for performing every day.
Stephanie Piccione – Co-Owner/Co-Director
Steph grew up dancing at Dance Design Studio under the direction of Miss Judy. She was a member of the IMPACT Competition Team for 10 years, competing in various competitions and conventions throughout the tri-state area. While in high school, Steph taught at Dance Design and was also involved in her school’s Musical Theater Program as well as the Pennsylvania Playhouse.
After graduating from Freedom High School in 2004 Steph went on to attend Penn State University where she graduated with a BS in Accounting. While at Penn State, Steph was a member of the nationally-ranked Lionettes Dance Team, where she served as Treasurer for 2 years. Her experience with the Lionettes afforded her the opportunity to perform on the field at Beaver Stadium during football games, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball games. Other yearly highlight performances included Tailgreats, Rally in the Valley, the Homecoming parade, THON (Dance Marathon), and NDA Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL. As a member of the Lionettes, Steph danced in over 100 performances on and off campus every year. While at Penn State, Steph also taught dance classes at Centre Dance in State College, PA.
After obtaining her degree, Steph was employed as a Financial Services Tax Accountant by Ernst & Young LLP in Philadelphia, PA. She quickly realized that the corporate world was not for her and after a year returned home to teach at Dance Design and begin a job working in Special Education at Delaware Valley Regional High School in New Jersey, where she worked for 5 years. She very much enjoyed her time at Del Val but is excited to be moving on to the next chapter of her life as co-owner of Dance Design Studio. She is thrilled to be able to continue her love affair with dance and hopefully inspire the younger generation to let their dreams be what drives them.
Jade Bloshuk – Instructor
Originally from Bangor, Pennsylvania, Jade expanded her dance training from commercial dance styles to modern techniques, ballet, jazz, improvisation, and composition at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, where she graduated in June 2015. She then continued her education at the University of Florida to pursue her BFA in dance and mass communications minor. Here she had the opportunity to work with artists including but not limited to Dante Puleio, Maria Gillespie, Elizabeth Johnson, Trent D. Williams Jr., Tamara Thomas, Daniel Lewis, and Nita Little. As her dance studies continued she developed a strong interest in dance in medicine work and marketing. Throughout her time at University of Florida, Jade was able to pursue these passions through interning with the College of the Arts PR & Marketing team and studying in Northern Ireland, where she was able to volunteer with artists working in various healthcare settings. Most recently, her thesis workCenterfold was selected to be performed in the Gala Concert at the ACDA conference in Oxford, Mississippi and is being restaged at University of Kentucky during the 2019-2020 academic year. She would like to thank her mentors, family, and friends for their love and encouragement.
Emily Luca – Instructor
Emily is a graduate of Eastern University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She began her dance training at Miss Pat’s Stage Door Studio in Wilson PA, and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts; she has been dancing for nineteen years. Her performance and choreographic experience includes dance recitals and concerts at the Stage Door Studio, LVPA, Northampton Community College, Eastern University and Dance Design Studio. Emily has performed in Disney World, Hershey Park, and at the American College Dance Festival. She has performed with the Monarch Dance Company throughout The Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York City. Emily is currently teaching dance at Dance Design Studio in Easton, PA and is in her second year dancing with Monarch Dance Company.
Melissa Diehl – Instructor
Melissa began her dance training at the age of 5. She studied contemporary, modern, jazz, tap and ballet and competed with regionally winning many top score awards. After graduating high school, Melissa attended The Pennsylvania State University. She was a four-year member of the Lionettes Dance Team and studied modern, jazz and tap in Penn State’s Dance Minor Program. Melissa went on to win two National Championships as captain of the Dance Team in 2012 and 2013. She received her B.S. in Marketing with a Minor in Dance in 2013. Currently, Melissa is a dance teacher and choreographer in the Lehigh Valley and is the head coach of the Lafayette College Dance Team. She is thrilled to be part of the Dance Design family!
Adriane Orcutt-Fraser – Instructor
Hailing from a family of teachers, Adriane Orcutt-Fraser is as passionate about the Art of Teaching as she is about the Art of Dance. Having grown-up in a family where education was a way of life, Adriane knows first hand about the need to balance strict with fun and structure with creativity. Caring about her students’ health, well-being, and artistic development is essential to Adriane’s teaching style and choreographic goals.
Adriane began her ballet training at Budzynski Studios/Dance Theater of PA. She studied Ballet, Pointe, and Ukrainian Folk dance and was able to perform demi-soloist and soloist roles alongside professional dancers. Adriane was accepted into the school of Philadanco, where she received training in Graham and Horton modern technique from Milton Myers, Pat Thomas and Dolores Brown, and continued her training in ballet and pointe. Adriane was a scholarship student at BalletMet and Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensives where she studied with Melinda Baker and Francesca Corkle, among others. As a high senior, Adriane was accepted on scholarship into the BFA dance program of DeSales University. She studied and performed with university Seniors and received college credit for her dance courses. Adriane was also invited to train and rehearse with Danco II, Philadanco’s Second Company and she was involved in a youth performance group that toured and performed in West Africa.
After high school, Adriane attended Fordham University. While studying for an academic degree in Philosophy/History, and because a dual major in dance was not an option at the university at that time, Adriane studied dance in the Alvin Ailey/Fordham BFA program by audition as a non-major. She was privileged to receive training in ballet, pointe, modern and jazz and perform works from world renowned teachers and choreographers, including Celia Marino, Denise Vale, Ana Marie Forsythe and Carl Paris.
Adriane has taught Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary/Lyrical and Folk Dance in New York, Long Island, and Pennsylvania. She enjoys teaching students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, and is passionate about instilling the love of dance and artistic expression to all dancers, whether recreational students or professionally bound. Adriane currently lives in the Lehigh Valley with her husband and children, all of whom study dance.
Bella Guiducci – Instructor
Bella has been at Dance Design since she was 4 years old. She’s danced for 14 years, 7 of those years being on our IMPACT competition team, which she started at the age of 10. She graduated from Easton Area High School in 2023 and was a part of Easton’s musical theater program as a featured dancer as well as teaching at Dance Design with fellow teachers during middle school and her four years of high school. Bella currently attends Northampton Community College majoring in general studies, while taking ballet and jazz classes on campus. Shes very excited to take what she learned from her teachers while dancing and teaching at Dance Design and teaching it to the next generation of dancers!
Stephanie Chambers – Instructor
Miss Stephanie was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley from a family who have been dancing for many generations. She began dancing at the age of 3 and continued through her high school years. After high school she attended Moravian College, receiving her bachelor’s degree in business management. She works during the day as an accountant at Lehigh County Government Center. After graduating college, Miss Stephanie began her career as a dance teacher at the age of 21 and has been teaching dance ever since! She specializes in Mommy and Me classes and Preschool/Elementary age dancers. She has continued her dance instructor education with courses and class certifications under the instruction of Rhee Gold, Tiffany Henderson and Julie Kay Stallcup. Miss Stephanie has two daughters, Natalie and Lilly, and enjoys spending time with them and watching them dance
Kristen Hancz – Instructor
Kristen Hancz has taught dance in the Lehigh Valley for over twenty years. Her teaching focus has been mainly in the styles of contemporary, lyrical and jazz. Kristen has been awarded multiple entertainment and choreography awards at regional and national dance competitions. Her most memorable win was in Disney World at the World Dance Competition where her piece Bibliophile placed 1st Overall and holds a title in its division.
As a young adult, Kristen attended Image International in Allentown, and signed with Cleri Model Management in Edison, NJ, which led to performing experiences in regional and national commercials and being featured in several issues of Modern Bride Magazine. While working on her elementary teaching degree at East Stroudsburg University, Kristen danced in the college’s Musical Revues for several years. It was during that time that she became affiliated with PA Dance Vision, a non-profit dance company, that provided extensive dance training and performance opportunities. While working on her B.S. and M.Ed. degrees, and all throughout her teaching career in the Easton Area School District, Kristen has continuously taught dance.
Kristen is very excited to start her dance journey at Dance Design Studio along with her two daughters who are on the DDS Impact Competition Team. She is a caring and dedicated dance instructor, driven by her desire to share her passion with students of all ages. Her approachable and compassionate nature promotes positive relationships with her students which, in turn encourages them to strive for excellence in their art.
Sara Kimble – Instructor
Sara received dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and pointe at Stage Door Studio under the direction of Pat Bartholomew for 15 years. She graduated Penn State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a minor in Dance Studies. While at there, Sara was a member/choreographer of Penn State’s Dance Company, Orchesis. She also was one of the members/founders of Penn State’s tap company – Tapestry, which is still there today. Sara was named Miss Penn State 2001 and went on to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant. She was a top 10 finalist in the competition. Sara moved to Beverly Hills California after graduating from Penn State and began taking classes at the The Edge Dance Studio in Hollywood, CA where she continued tap training and began learning the art of hip hop. Sara opened a dance studio out of Paige Private School in Beverly Hills serving children ages 5-14. After starting a family, she began teaching tap and hip hop to all ages and levels of students across studios in the Lehigh Valley for the last 20 years and received her Masters Degree from Wilkes University. Sara has choreographed for the Outstanding Young Woman Program and has been a talent judge for the Pennsylvania International Pageants. Sara currently is the Director of Red Door, a private academic preschool/kindergarten located in Center Valley and also teaches part-time for Penn State. In her free time she enjoys dancing, country music and spending time at the beach with her two children, Aisley and Chase. She is so excited to have found a home at Dance Design and is looking forward to sharing her love of tap with the dancers!
Krystal Lentz – Instructor
Hi, I’m Krystal Lentz. I have been teaching dance in the Lehigh Valley since 2003. I attended the Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA) in Philadelphia where I studied as a Dance Major and an Instrumental Minor. After I graduated, I became a member of PA Dance Vision a nonprofit organization directed by Maria Triano. During my time with PADV, we performed within local communities as well as throughout the tristate area dancing at festivals and shows.
Dance has always played an immense role in my life. It has been a way to express myself through movement. I love teaching the little ones and giving them a strong dance foundation to one day grow into beautiful, passionate dancers. Although I have studied many styles of dance, tap has always been one of my favorites! It’s like playing a musical instrument with my feet! My daughters are dancers for the DDS Impact Competition Team. We couldn’t be happier being a part of this amazing community of teachers and dancers. I hope to inspire all your little dancers to keep soaring and reaching for the stars! When in doubt, dance it out!
Gina Link – Instructor
I was born and grew up with a strong influence of not only dancers but dance studio owners and professional performers. With having the positivity of dance all around me, my love for movement came quickly and naturally. I started dancing at the age of three. I studied jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet and modern and competed regionally until 2012. After high school I went on to minor in dance at Northampton Area Community College and graduated as a surgical technologist, currently employed at St. Luke’s Hospital. I began teaching and choreographing in 2021, specializing in lyrical, jazz and tap. My daughter, a member of the Junior Impact Team, has been keeping my love for dance alive and now I get to share it with the Dance Design Studio family!
Kristy Martelli – Instructor
Miss Kristy began her dance career at the age of 3 right here at Dance Design Studio! Like her students, she also competed from a young age and even taught classes as a teen. After graduating from Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts (now known as Charter ARTS), she attended Hofstra University obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education K-12.
For the next 7 years, Miss Kristy taught dance to students in a public school from grades K-8 in Queens, NY. While teaching, she earned her Masters Degree from Hunter College in the Arnold Graduate Dance Education Program on a full scholarship. Throughout her time as a NYC dance educator, her students were chosen to perform at many dance festivals, collegiate dance concerts and even on Broadway! Miss Kristy’s own dance education continued while she attended many NYC teacher professional development courses in dance ed and in other areas of education as well.
Although she was living out her NYC dance dreams, Miss Kristy decided to come back to her Easton roots once she started a family. For the past 6 years she has been back at DDS and loving every moment of teaching alongside her colleagues, some of whom she originally danced with! It is an honor to create and choreograph alongside such talented women and be apart of such a supportive and loving dance community at DDS. Watching her students grow as dancers and individuals is what makes Miss Kristy most proud! Now, life has come full circle and Miss Kristy is able to watch her own 2 girls thrive at Dance Design just as her students do!