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732.920.2400


  • Home
  • About Us
  • Staff
  • Announcements
  • Calendar
  • Contact Us
  • Competitive Edge
  • Classes
  • Photo Gallery

Meet our Staff

Ms Michele Hulsart - Director and Owner

Michele Hulsart is living her dream as director and owner of Standing Ovation School of Dance for over 30 years. Michele been dancing ever since she was 3-years-old. After attending Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and achieving a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts she went on to perform world-wide. However, her real love for dance was in teaching so she has dedicated her life to teaching her students the art of dance and encouraging them to reach for their dreams. Michele has over 30 years of teaching experience and continues training to further her knowledge of dance by taking classes at dance conventions and attending business seminars. Michele's studio was proudly featured in Dance Spirit Magazine in 2007 as being one of the top 50 upcoming studios in the country. Michele was honored at Tremaine Dance Convention in New York City for all of the fundraising work the studio has done for Dancers Responding for AIDS. She also won the Co. Dance Educator award in NYC in 2011 and then her entire staff won it again in NYC in 2013. She is also the proud mother of five wonderful children who have all been a part of the dancing family through the years.

Ms Allye Amorino

Ms Felicia Catney-Martin

Ms Felicia Catney-Martin

 Allye Amorino has invested a lifetime studying the art of dance. Beginning at the young age of 3 years old, Allye grew up training in all the art forms but now primarily focuses on Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theater. She believes in a continued education and enjoys spending her weekends at conventions and teacher workshops while striving to take classes at local studios, as well as in New York City, as often as possible.  Allye's accolades include dancing alongside the Somerset Bears, performing in numerous musicals as well as performing on the TLC network's hit show "Four Weddings".  Allye is no stranger to the dance community having modeled for dance catalogs, performing in character at private events and assisting choreographers at both regional and national conventions all while continuing to compete at various festivals.  Always eager to foster her love of the arts, she has recently become certified in both Yoga and Barre and is excited to continue her education to add additional certifications.  Allye is very proud of her unique approach to teaching as she is very passionate about instilling the love, art and commitment of dance in her students and she looks forward to watching her students grow each and every day. 

Ms Felicia Catney-Martin

Ms Felicia Catney-Martin

Ms Felicia Catney-Martin

Felicia Catney-Martin hails from Rider University and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors in May 2016. During her time at school she earned her BA in dance performance with a minor in music studies. Through the dance program at Rider University she was able to study ballet and many other styles at the Princeton Ballet School. Felicia was given the opportunity to audition for many dance showcases and productions during her time at Rider, this allowed her to perform, choreograph and grow as a young artist. She was also an active member of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honors Fraternity and served as a fine arts mentor and seminar leader for three years. In the summer of 2018 she was accepted into Broadway Dance Center’s Summer Intensive Program where she worked heavily with world-class teachers and choreographers. Felicia has choreographed and performed in festivals and showcases such as, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Biomorphic Dance Festival NYC, Dance NJ’s Show Up and Dance, as well as two different Broadway Dance Center showcases. She has also been asked to perform in gala performances at Grounds For Sculpture and the Princeton Golf Club. Felicia has built herself up as a well-known teacher and choreographer in the NJ area since she graduated. She was also given the opportunity to choreograph for Ocean County Performing Arts High School’s dance department as a guest artist. As a young adult Felicia enjoyed playing dance and lead rolls in many school and community theater productions. She also plays guitar and sings! She enjoys pushing her students to their fullest potential and will meet every dancer where they are at to help them grow. Felicia is very excited to share her love of dance, performing, choreographing and teaching with the students at Standing Ovation! 

Ms Annette Lutz

Ms Jennifer Korpon

Ms Jennifer Korpon

 Annette Lutz originally hails from Pittsburgh,PA where she grew up dancing at Foxtrot Dance Studio from age 3 to 18 years old. She got her start student teaching at Foxtrot when she was 15 years old and has loved teaching ever since.Annette went on to receive her Bachelor's in Journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she was the chosen student speaker for her department's graduation ceremony. During her time at IUP, Annette was part of their student-run dance team, IUP Dance Explosion and was voted to be a council member for the team for both her junior and senior years. She also spent her college years teaching dance at a local studio, The Dance Academy. Following her college years, Annette became a staff member at a  Pittsburgh-based, all hip hop studio: Pittsburgh Heat.  In 2012, Annette began working with Groove National Dance Competition and, in 2013, she moved to New Jersey to work full-time for Groove. She has been with the company since and is now the VP of Client Relations with Groove.  Annette joined the teaching staff of Standing Ovation in 2015 as a hip hop instructor and is so grateful for her studio family!  

Ms Jennifer Korpon

Ms Jennifer Korpon

Ms Jennifer Korpon

Jennifer Korpon is originally from Metuchen, New Jersey and has been studying the art of dance since age two. Jennifer completely fell in love with dance and always felt most at home at the studio or on the stage. She has studied and taught all genres of dance including tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, musical theatre and of course ballet and pointe technique. Jennifer grew up dancing at Metuchen Dance Centre where she studied under June Vaganak, Barbara Greco-Brady, Amanda Papa and Kim Jones. She became the dance captain of their company Dance Reflections all while refining her ballet skills at the New Jersey Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet in New York City learning from Raeman Kilfoil, Carolyn Clark and Paul McRae. She continued her dance education and training at Rutgers University as a dance major at Mason Gross School of the Arts, performing works by Randy James, Keith Thompson and John Evans while refining the techniques of José Limón, Martha Graham and Lester Horton. 

After graduating with her BFA in Dance in 2018, she pursued her K-12 Education credentials through Stockton University  and currently teaches Physical Education and Dance Education in her hometown’s school district. She recently wrote the Phys. Ed / Dance Curriculum for K-2 in this district and in 2024 received the Governor’s Educator of the Year award for her school. With over ten years of teaching experience, Jennifer is so excited to be a part of the Standing Ovation dance family and looks forward to watching her students grow and learn while sharing her passion for teaching, choreographing and performing! 

Ms Alyssa Colombo

Ms Alyssa Colombo

Ms Alyssa Colombo

Alyssa Colombo, a talented and determined dancer raised in ​Middletown, New Jersey, has studied a wide range of dance styles in both the concert and commercial dance world. Her passion for dance emerged at a young age and propelled her towards artistic excellence. Alyssa's natural talent, combined with her relentless determination and ambitious nature, sets her apart from her peers. She possesses an unwavering drive to succeed and continually pushes herself to new heights in pursuit of her dreams. After training on the east coast for over 15 years, Alyssa continued her dance education on the west coast by obtaining her Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Commercial Dance at ​AMDA Downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, she is pursuing a Bachelor's of Science degree in Entertainment Business at ​The Los Angeles Film School. Alyssa’s versatility has led her to train with some of the top names in TV commercials, conceptual creations, and the dance industry as a whole. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has worked with artists such as Tinashe and Sunday Scaries. Alyssa is not only a talented dancer but also a multifaceted professional. She has successfully blended her passion for dance with her skills in social media and marketing. By seamlessly integrating her dance career with digital marketing, Alyssa demonstrates her adaptability in the ever-evolving dance industry. She leverages her expertise in social media management and digital content creation to promote dance companies such as Dare to Dance in Public Film Festival, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with audiences through captivating dance-related posts. Her dedication, discipline, and perseverance have shaped her into an impeccable professional who is constantly striving for growth and improvement. As she continues to pursue her dreams, Alyssa is sure to make a lasting impact in the world of dance and beyond. Alyssa has recently joined Eris Talent Agency as a Junior Agent to help artist’s see their dreams come to fruition!  

Ms Alea Pinho

Ms Alyssa Colombo

Ms Alyssa Colombo

Alea began dancing when she was 5 years old. She joined her studio's competition team at 11 years old and competed at numerous competitions until she graduated high school. She then furthered her dance career at Rider University where she graduated in 2021 with a double major in Elementary Education and Dance with a minor in Special Education. She was also part of the Rider dance team for all 4 years of college and began choreographing for the team as a freshman. Alea was elected President for the dance team 2 years in a row. While at Rider, Alea trained at Princeton Ballet School where she was offered a job to be a hip hop teacher at a nearby studio. Alea has been a teacher at that studio since 2018. Alea creates an exciting and fun atmosphere in all her classes to enhance her students confidence and ensure they are comfortable performing in the studio and on stage. 

Ms Dani Rush

Ms Tatiana Corbett

Ms Tatiana Corbett

Dani has lived her whole life in Monmouth & Ocean county and graduated from Brick Memorial High School.  She obtained her Associate's Degree from Ocean County College and continued her education at Georgian Court University majoring in Math & Education.  During her time at GCU, Dani was part of multiple clubs and organizations, with the Dance Theater Club being one of her favorites for sure!  She taught multiple different classes for the Dance Theater Club including jazz, contemporary/lyrical and ballet.  She really enjoyed being able to share her love of dance with her peers, and introduce dance to some of her fellow college students who had never experienced dance class before.

Dani started dancing at Standing Ovation School of Dance when she was 9 years old.  During her time as a student at S.O., she took class in all styles of dance but contemporary/lyrical & modern styles were always her favorite.  Dani has also participated in dance competitions & conventions alongside the Standing Ovation Competition Team, taking master classes and competing solo & duet performances.

After college, Dani worked for a local, well known, dance competition for over 5 years where she was an Event Director at competition events all over the country. She also worked as their Production Manager, coordinating & planning events behind the scenes.

Now, you can catch Miss Dani behind the desk at the studio, or hanging out in the classroom with all the amazing dancers here at S.O.!  She is beyond excited and so greatful to be able to share her love of dance with her students.  She can't wait to see the sparkles in their eyes when they light up the stage!!

Ms Tatiana Corbett

Ms Tatiana Corbett

Ms Tatiana Corbett

Ms Alexa Burica

Ms Alexa Burica

Ms Alexa Burica

 Alexa Burica has dedicated 20 years to dance, with a deep passion for contemporary/lyrical and jazz styles. Her journey began in high school at the Fine and Performing Arts Program (FPAC), where she first discovered her love for choreography while creating pieces for annual showcases. A proud graduate of Rutgers University, Alexa was an active member of the Rutgers Performing Dance Company, where she choreographed several pieces across various semesters. 

Continuing her education, Alexa earned a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. She now teaches 3rd grade, where she integrates movement into her classroom, crafting a teaching philosophy that combines her love of dance with education. She has been choreographing competition routines for all age levels for several years now, loving nothing more than to watch her students shine on stage. She loves finding the crossovers and countless ways teaching children in the classroom versus the dance studio is similar.

Coach Rob Gold

Ms Alexa Burica

Ms Alexa Burica

  Rob Gold has been coaching men's and women's gymnastics for the past 20 years. He entered the world of gymnastics from the age of 5 and hasn't ever left, competing until the age of 18 as a level ten competitor, coaching most competitive programs throughout his career, from boys classes, to highly competitive women's team programs. Currently, Rob coaches gymnastics for Toms River High School South, as well as assisting Excel team programs in various gymnastics academies. He brings his techniques and coaching mentality to our studio in order to help our dancers gain strength, confidence, and enjoyment in their acro to enhance their dance routines. He greatly enjoys watching our dancers getting stronger and more confident in their skills every session.   

Meet our Assistant Teachers

Miss Amanda Moore

Miss Brianna Lubsen

Miss Amanda Moore

  Amanda Moore is currently 15 years old, and a sophomore at Brick Township high school. She is going into her 14th season dancing. Amanda started her dance journey at a studio in Matawan, NJ at the age of 2, then switched to Standing Ovation when she was 9 years old. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, pointe, and acrobatics. Amanda has been dancing competitively for 8 years, 5 of those years with the SO competitive edge. She has attended many competitions and conventions including Backstage, Throwdown, True Talent, and Dancers inc. Last year Amanda was also a part of the dance team at her school. This is Amanda’s second year of student teaching, and she is excited to continue to share her love and passion for dance with the younger dancers! 

Miss Ava Mulcahey

Miss Brianna Lubsen

Miss Amanda Moore

Ava Mulcahey is 16 years old and has been dancing at Standing Ovation for nine years. She’s been on the Standing Ovation Competition Team for five years. During those five years she has attended several conventions, competitions and nationals. Although Ava has trained and competed in various styles of dance, her favorite is lyrical. Ava is currently a junior at Brick Memorial High School. Dance and school keep her very busy, but when she has free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and spending time with her family. The thing Ava wants to instill in the young dancers she helps teach, is that hard work and perseverance do pay off. She hopes to help them establish a love of dance just like she did. Eventually, Ava would like to become a dance teacher after she finishes college.

Miss Brianna Lubsen

Miss Brianna Lubsen

 Brianna Lubsen has been dancing since the age of three and is going into her 7th year dancing at Standing Ovation. She has studied ballet, tap jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and tumbling. She has been on Standing Ovation’s Competitive Edge for 7 years. She has been to various competitions and conventions such as Backstage, Throw Down Dance Challenge, and Royal Dance Competition. Brianna is a sophomore and is involved with various activities at her school. She was inducted into the National English Honor Society, and is a varsity dancer in her school dance program. She has won numerous awards with her solos and with her team. Dance has always been an important part of her life. She loves to express her emotions and preform with her team. Brianna is going into her second year of assistant teaching. She can’t wait to spread the love of dance with younger kids at Standing Ovation School of Dance! 

  

  

  

Miss Julianna Baughman

Miss Julianna Baughman

Miss Julianna Baughman

Julianna Baughman is 14 years old and an 8th grader at Veterans Memorial Middle School. This is her 12th year at Standing Ovation and her 8th year on the competition team. She studies ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles and loves them all!  Her favorite styles are jazz and contemporary.  She has participated in many different well-known competitions & conventions such as Revel, Tremaine, Backstage, and ThrowDown Dance Challenge.

Outside of dance she is in her school's National Junior Honors Society & loves helping throughout our community.  She loves assisting our little dancers at the studio and is so happy to have the opportunity to watch them grow their passion for dance just as much as she has!

Miss Sabrina Du Jat

Miss Julianna Baughman

Miss Julianna Baughman

 Sabrina Du Jat is 15 years old and a Sophmore at Brick Township High School. This will be her 13th year at Standing Ovation and 5th year on the Competition Team. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. Hip Hop and Jazz are her favorites styles of dance.¿  Outside of dance she participates in Key Club and loves assisting her preschool class at Warren Wolf.  Her favorite things are coffee and the beach.  This will be her 2nd year Assistant Teaching and she is excited to inspire the younger dancers at Standing Ovation! 

  

  

  

Miss Riley Cavanaugh

Miss Stella Breitenbruck

  Riley Cavanaugh is 13 years old and is in 8th grade at Lake Rivera Middle School. She has been on the competition team for 8 years now. She has participated in many competitions and conventions, she has also one numerous awards. She has studied jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hiphop, and ballet. She has been dancing at Standing Ovation for many years now, this year will be her 11th year dancing at SOSOD. 2024 will be her first year as an assistant teacher and she is so excited to see younger dancers have the same passion she had when she was younger. 

Miss Stella Breitenbruck

Miss Stella Breitenbruck

Miss Stella Breitenbruck

Stella is 13 years old and attends Lake Riviera Middle School as an 8th grader. She has always loved dance since she was a kid. She started at just 2 years old and has been at Standing Ovation ever since. Stella has been a competitive dancer for 7 years, with her favorite style being lyrical. She has won a Title two times, achieved the highest-scoring dance in the whole competition, receiving multiple invitations to performance teams, and has won many more with her team. This year, she just started assisting and is excited to work with younger kids and guide them through the dance career that’s waiting for them. 

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