The studio is led by the director, Ann Marie Coelho. She has been teaching dance for 35 years. Her early childhood training led her to continue training in NYC, while attending college. She was a scholarship student at Phil Black Dance Studio in NYC, under the direction of Phil Black and Des Calderon. She has a BA in dance and economics from Rutger’s College, Rutger’s University. She chose teaching, as passing on the art, developing dancers of the future and seeing the joy it brought to the dancer and audience ultimately was her true passion. Her choreography has won numerous awards at both regional and national dance competitions. Her students have gone on to professional careers in dance and theater. Her energy and passion for dance and teaching has kept students training here for the past 31 years. She takes great pride in teaching classes of all ages and knowing that this studio also fosters leadership training and character development for her students growing up here. She is also a proud mom of two dancing daughters. 

Our teachers have 100 plus years combined teaching experience! The staff is highly qualified and each brings a unique style and energy to the studio, our “home”. Come in, try a class and experience the joy of dance!  

Alyssa Coelho is a graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology where she received her Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Finance. She has is trained in all styles of dance and competed on the CSDC for 20 years. She has won many titles, accolades and awards throughout her years on the CSDC. She performed in the Keke Palmer Music Choice video “Snack”, in the 2019 Soul Train Award Opening Number and in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the Coach float with Keke Palmer. Miss Alyssa‘s energy and innovative choreography are sure to be enjoyed by her students. Her choreography has won regional and national awards at competition. She is also a full time consultant at Deloitte in the complex securities team. 

Emily Dowiak is currently a senior at Ramapo college where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has trained in all styles of dance here at Center Stage from the age of 3 and was a member of the Center Stage Dance Company for over 10 years. She is a member of the Ramapo Dance Club and has been class assistant and receptionist here at Center Stage for several years. She is excited to be back again teaching this season!.

Lois Englund  is a professional dancer/choreographer/director and teacher, who won acclaim for her portrayal of Val in “A Chorus Line” on Broadway, and the National and International companies. In her long professional career on Broadway, TV and film, she performed in over a dozen Broadway shows, including “Bob Fosse’s Dancin”, “Carousel” “Showboat” “Annie” and “Cabaret”.   Lois had the honor of working for notable choreographers/directors like Michael Bennett, Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Ann Reinking, Hal Prince, Agnes DeMille, Margo Sappington, Gillain Lynne and many others.  She served as Artistic Director and Professor at New York University Tisch School of the Arts; and Dance Dept Head of Musical Theatre Works Conservatory in NYC. She also taught ballet at University of Rhode Island, Ballet Hispanico in NYC, and Theatre Arts Dance America, as well as many local dance studios in NY and NJ, including Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Lois has taught master classes, summer intensives and judged dance competitions all over the country.  She also directed touring productions of A Chorus Line, Desert Song, Best Little House, The New Yorkers, as well as choreographing ballets for numerous Ballet and Ballroom companies world-wide.

Yoko Kono graduated William Paterson College with a Bachelors of Science, Exercise Science and a concentration of Exercise Physiology.  She danced professionally with Tap City and has taught dance to all ages for the past 13 years. Miss Yoko’s choreography has won top honors at competition. 

Jill Rota is a graduate of St. Bonoventure University.  There she attained her nursery through high school teaching certification.  She has taught elementary school for over 27 years and is currently a Ridgewood elementary teacher.  Miss Jill has extensive training and performance experience in ballet. 

Lynn Weimer is our resident certified Zumba instructor for the past 12 years. She has been teaching for several years and her classes are fun and energizing!!  Come and drop in for a great work out.

Office Staff & Teaching Assistants
Ann Marie Coelho, Alyana Coelho & Caryn Levy

You will also enjoy our other guest and master teachers here throughout the season!