Meet Our Staff
Miss Jill, Studio Director
Miss Jill’s journey into the world of dance began at a young age. She was just two years old when she attended her first ballet and tap class. She became a member of the Waterbury Park and Rec Dance Program for 17 years, attending numerous conventions and workshops, training with renowned choreographers, and participating on the competition team for most of her years there. During the summers, she attended Waterbury Ballet Company. Over the years, she trained in a wide variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, lyrical, afro-caribbean, hip hop, and pointe.
Starting out as a dance major at Manhattanville College, she even created her own tap class, teaching a night class as a freshman. She later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University to obtain a BS, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Immediately following her undergraduate graduation, she attended the University of Bridgeport and received her K-6 Masters in Education.
Her dance experience did not end after graduation. Knowing she wanted to teach children for a living while still pursuing her passion for dance, she decided in 2007 to establish a small studio in her hometown. She opened her doors with only a handful of students, holding onto a vision of finding staff and students who shared her passion for dance and love for children. Her goal was to create an environment where both girls and boys could express themselves creatively, build confidence, and truly be themselves.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her journey has always been the opportunity to teach others. Sharing her knowledge and passion with young dancers has been incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow and find their own love for dance is a testament to the power of this art form. She is currently in her third dance studio building, serving close to 600 students throughout her time open.
Owning and operating Heart and Sole has been a dream come true. She has watched her dance family grow and has been touched by countless lives throughout the years. Dance has shaped who she is and has taught her invaluable lessons about discipline, creativity, and self-expression. As she continues this journey, she looks forward to new experiences, fresh opportunities, and the new faces that await her in this ever-evolving dream.
Mr Andre, Instructor
Mr. Andre is a professional dancer and choreographer born in Waterbury, Connecticut. He attended the University of Connecticut, where he founded Encore Dance Team and quickly became known for his dynamic style and leadership. After graduating, Andre moved to Los Angeles and spent six years performing with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Kendrick Lamar, and Janelle Monáe. Today, he’s back in Connecticut, sharing his passion through dance and yoga classes, inspiring students of all levels to connect with movement and express themselves authentically.
Miss Meg, Instructor
Miss Meg grew up dancing at Heart and Sole, beginning at the studio at 10 years old. After graduating high school, she continued her dance journey at Manhattan College, where she performed as a Jasper Dancer for the Division I Manhattan College Dance Team. During her time on the team, she trained extensively in Pom, Jazz, and Hip Hop, and competed at the NDA National Dance Championships, where she was a member of the 2019 Division I Hip Hop National Title team.
Following her collegiate career, Meg returned to the Jasper Dancers as head coach for the 2020–21 season before ultimately coming back home to Heart and Sole. She now teaches Modern and has experience choreographing Contemporary and Jazz pieces for the studio’s competition team as well. Meg loves inspiring the next generation of dancers to push boundaries, express themselves, and find joy in movement.
Miss Bethany, Instructor
Miss Bethany is a passionate dance educator and choreographer with over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages and levels. Trained in tap , jazz , hip hop and ballet , as a dancer herself from the age of 5. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where dancers can grow in confidence, artistry, and discipline in and out of the studio!
Miss Kerri, Instructor
With over 35 yeas of experience in styles including jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and contemporary, Miss Kerri brings passion, precision and creativity to every class. While attending the University of Connecticut, she was a part of the UCONN tap team, performing at many events throughout campus, competing in competitions and taking classes from various choreographers. She has been with Heart and Sole since they opened their doors in 2004. She is an inspiration to dancers of all ages. Known for her high energy and encouraging teaching style, Miss Kerri focuses on helping students grow in both technique and confidence.
Miss Justina, Instructor
Miss Justina “Tina” has been dancing for over 25 years, training in Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Step. She has appeared in numerous concept videos, live performances, and music videos, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Over the years, Tina has collaborated with local creatives, worked alongside NBA players, and called The Lab Creative Space her dance home. In addition to her performance career, Tina is a passionate educator who has taught dance throughout Connecticut, inspiring students of all ages. Known for her ability to blend culture, creativity, and discipline, Tina continues to use dance as a tool for empowerment, expression, and community building.
Miss Jacqueline, Instructor
Miss Jacqueline “Jackie” has been dancing since the age of two and has trained in a wide variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, ballroom and hip hop. She went on to major in Dance at Hofstra University, where she performed with Danceworks Productions, a student-run organization that gave her the chance to teach, choreograph and perform alongside other passionate dancers. For more than 10 years, Miss Jackie served as the lead dance motivator with Powerstation Events, an event production and entertainment company, where she brought energy and excitement to weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and corporate celebrations. Over the years, Miss Jackie has taught at several dance studios across Connecticut and New York, sharing her love of movement with students of all ages. She has also performed with Heart and Sole and choreographed a special four-generations lyrical dance, one of her proudest moments, which celebrated life, growing up and the passage of time. In every class, Miss Jackie brings high energy, creativity and encouragement. Her biggest goal is to help her students grow in skill, express themselves freely and build confidence both on and off the dance floor.
Mr. Alfred, Instructor
Mr. Alfred “Al” was born in Helena, Montana and started dancing at Creighton University, where he was trained in classical ballet, jazz, and musical theater. In Omaha, he performed roles such as Cavalier and Harlequin doll in The Nutcracker, Albrecht in Giselle, and Phoebus in Esmeralda. He was taught by Patti Zukaitis, Patrick Roddy, and Liz Alford at Creighton before attending UMKC where he recently graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography. At UMKC he studied ballet under Ron Tice and Tempe Ostergren, and modern under DeeAnna Hiett, Gary Abbott, and Michael Blake. There he performed excerpts from Swan Lake and Paquita, Donald Byrd’s Drastic Cuts, and Jose Limón’s The Winged among other original works by the faculty. He is excited to start a new chapter and is honored to be joining the New England Ballet Theatre for this season!
Mr. Romelo, Instructor
Originally from Long Island, NY, Romelo “Melo” is a dedicated coach, choreographer, and dancer who currently performs with the Central Connecticut State University Division I Dance Team, competing in Pom and Hip Hop. He choreographs Jazz and Pom routines for Allstar Worlds Senior teams, and has extensive experience as an acro and tumbling coach, as well as a choreographer for both cheer and dance programs. With a strong foundation from his background in gymnastics coaching, Romelo brings technical precision, creativity, and a passion for performance to every athlete he works with, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and artistry.
Miss Bella, Instructor
Miss Andrea, Office Manager & Competition Team Manager
As Office Manager, Miss Andrea “Mama Ang” ensures the studio runs smoothly and efficiently, assisting families and staff with everything they need. In addition to her role in the office, Miss Andrea also serves as the Competition Team Manager. She is committed to supporting every dancer, family, and instructor, helping to coordinate and organize all aspects of the team’s season. You will always see Miss Andrea at every competition and recital alongside the coaches cheering for every dancer on stage. Her office is always open for encouragement, advice, or even just a hug, earning her the nickname “Mama Ang”.