MEET OUR FABULOUS RBDC STAFF:

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Tiffany Turchi is the proud Director of Rockaway Beach Dance Company. A longtime Rockaway resident, she is deeply connected to the community—especially the vibrant and inspiring family that has grown within the walls of RBDC. With over a decade and a half experience in the dance industry and a lifetime love of the arts, Tiffany has dedicated herself to learning, growing, and guiding young artists both in and out of the studio.
Tiffany holds a degree in Art History and brings a diverse professional background as both entrepreneur and educator. Tiffany’s roots as a competitive gymnast and athlete have shaped her energetic and disciplined approach to teaching, recently enhanced by her certifications in Acrobatic Arts.
At RBDC, she is actively involved in all aspects of studio life—from supporting faculty and dancers in the classroom to communications and daily operations. She proudly directs RBDC’s nationally award-winning competition team and is continually inspired by the incredible growth and achievements of all RBDC dancers. Tiffany strongly believes that a dancer’s success begins with a proper foundation. She takes great pride in RBDC’s commitment to strong technical training, age-appropriate progressions, and the development of well-rounded performers. Tiffany's greatest joy comes from watching RBDC dancers evolve with confidence, passion, and a sense of belonging. Tiffany considers it a privilege to help shape not only strong performers but also kind, resilient individuals who carry the spirit of RBDC wherever they go.

Alyssa Infranco is a passionate and experienced dance teacher with over 15 years of teaching in the studio setting. She specializes in all styles of dance—including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and creative movement—working with students from ages 2 through adult. Her classes are known for being high-energy, technically strong, and emotionally engaging, designed to help dancers grow in both skill and confidence.

Alyssa brings a unique perspective to her teaching, blending her extensive studio experience with her background in dance/movement therapy. She is a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). Her formal training includes a B.A. in Dance (summa cum laude) with an Education minor from SUNY Buffalo, and a master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy. She is also a New York State Certified Dance Teacher currently teaching dance at PS 115 in Canarsie, Brooklyn.

At Rockaway Beach Dance Company, Alyssa focuses on team technique and choreography, bringing a high level of intention and excellence to the studio’s competitive program. Her guidance and expertise have helped elevate RBDC’s team training, contributing to the continued success and growth of the company’s dancers.

In the studio, Alyssa fosters a positive and motivating environment where every dancer is encouraged to express themselves, challenge their limits, and develop a deep love for the art of dance. She believes that strong technique, creativity, and personal growth go hand in hand—and she brings that philosophy into every class she teaches.

Cortney Nelsen began her dance training at the age of 12 in her hometown of Rockaway Beach, New York. She continued her training while earning her BA in dance at SUNY Potsdam where her choreography was selected to be showcased at The American College Dance Association. Cortney has had the opportunity to attend intensives such as The American Dance Festival and FlorenceSummerDance where she trained in Florence, Italy. She has had the pleasure of working with companies such as Christopher K. Morgan & Artist, Wellbeing Dance, and is currently a member of SOCO Contemporary Dance Company. Cortney is also a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor. At Rockaway Beach Dance Company she trains and choreographs for a multitude of students of varying ages across many dance styles. Cortney’s goal is to share her love and passion for dance and to inspire others who share the same passion. 

Charlotte Turchi is a versatile dance artist raised in Rockaway Beach, currently pursuing her BFA in Dance at The Ohio State University. A nationally award-winning competitive dancer, Charlotte has held multiple regional and national titles and numerous awards throughout her training. Dancing with RBDC since the age of 2, she has studied a wide range of styles. Her dedication to growth has led her to train at prestigious programs such as the Broadway Dance Center JTP, Joffrey, Liberate Artists - earning scholarships for elite intensives as well as a full-tuition scholarship to pursue her college dance studies.
Charlotte began choreographing at just 13 years old and has displayed a gift for creating original, meaningful and dynamic work. She has gone on to choreograph nationally award-winning routines at RBDC, where her creativity, precision, and storytelling shine on stage. Known for building strong and supportive relationships with her dancers, Charlotte creates a classroom environment where students feel seen, inspired, and challenged. Whether she’s setting competition pieces, or leading a room full of dancers, Charlotte brings a fresh perspective and genuine care for each student she teaches. She is dedicated to continuing her journey as both a performer and educator and is proud to be part of the RBDC faculty.

Leann Kissane is a passionate dance instructor with over a decade of classroom experience, specializing in jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary. After years of training and performing with Mrs. Elaine’s School of Dance and Rockaway Beach Dance Company from the age of 12, Leann discovered her true calling—sharing her love of dance with the next generation in her hometown and studio community.
She brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong connection to RBDC into every class, teaching with heart, patience, and care. A nationally recognized, award-winning choreographer, Leann takes pride in guiding her students to reach new levels of technique, performance, and confidence. As a certified daycare provider and a paraprofessional for the NYC Department of Education, Leann is especially committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can discover their love of dance.

Jalilah S. Alli was born in Queens, New York into a family who loves the arts. She began her dance journey at the age of 4, mentored under Teresa Cassese Aubel at Theatre Street School, and danced competitively at Rockaway Beach Dance Company. Jalilah is a Benjamin N. Cardozo High School Dance Department graduate and holds a BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts Administration at NYU Steinhardt. Jalilah performs throughout NYC, auditioning for Broadway shows and focuses on Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Improvisation, Contemporary, and Heels, Jalilah brings her diverse training into every class she teaches at RBDC, where her warmth, positivity, and signature smile help students feel inspired to reach their full potential.