The Teachers Guiding You on Your Dance Journey
PEDC teachers either have their B.A. Degree in Dance from an accredited university or several years in the field of dance education. It is the philosophy of PEDC to have a well-rounded staff that is fluent in the many disciplines of dance. We take pride in knowing that PEDC students become versatile in all styles of dance.
Miss Amie - Owner/Director, Jazz, Combo
Miss Amie grew up in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, where she trained at the Donna Miceli Dance Center for 15 years. In addition to her local training, Amie received a scholarship to study under the direction of many renowned choreographers at the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio in Boston. Amie went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree in dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating from college, Amie went on to perform for Disney Cruise Line, Sesame Street Live, and Walt Disney Entertainment. In 2003, Amie's childhood dream came true when she opened Performer's Edge Dance Center. She is so happy to bring dance to the Davenport/Four Corners Area. Amie loves to teach her own passion for dance and performing to her students, and she is so proud to see her dancers grow not only to be well-trained dancers and performers but most importantly amazing individuals. Amie's choreography has won numerous awards at both the regional and national competitive levels. Her students have won numerous scholarships, received specialty awards, performed on cruise ships, and more. Amie resides in Davenport, Florida with her husband Jim, and they are the proud parents of Zoe Grace Hollborn.
Miss Alyssa - Tap
Miss Alyssa grew up dancing along with Miss Amie at the Donna Miceli Dance Center in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Alyssa danced with the "Kid Co." and "Youth Dance Company" during her training at DMDC. At the age of 16, she graduated from the Teacher Preparation Program and started her career as a teacher and choreographer at DMDC. Alyssa has trained with tap masters such as Gregory Hines, Brenda Buffalino, Barbara Duffy, and Julia Boynton. She has traveled the country for tap conferences to further her training on several occasions. Alyssa moved back to Florida in 2010 to teach for Miss Amie and has enjoyed every minute of it. She loves teaching at Performer's Edge because she can share her love of tap with her students while dancing alongside her sister again.
Miss Sara - Acro, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Sara Kushious is a dance educator, choreographer, and social media professional based in Orlando, FL. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Sara received a BFA in Dance from the Ohio State University and studied abroad at the Trinity Laban Conservatory of dance in the UK.
Sara performed in parades and shows for Walt Disney World Entertainment from 2014-2020. She has appeared in numerous Disney shows such as Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, Mickey’s Boo to You Parade, Move it Shake It Street Party, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, and more.
Sara has been teaching dance in the Central Florida area for 10 years, and absolutely loves working with kids of all ages. Sara teaches jazz, theatre dance, and acrobatics, and is passionate about sharing her love for these styles with her students.
Outside of the dance studio, Sara has graduated with a Master’s Degree in Arts and Culture Management & Marketing and works in social media and brand management. She also manages social media for PEDC!
Miss Doha - Contemporary
Doha Abounouadar is an accomplished choreographer and educator based in Orlando, Florida. She teaches at Performer’s Edge Dance Center, a leading competitive studio, and works nationally as a Convention Manager with Amplified Productions. Doha also oversees the ACE Program, Amplified’s internship and mentorship initiative. As an educator and choreographer she travels across the country to teach, choreograph, and inspire dancers.
Doha is known for her passionate teaching style, dynamic movement, and unique musicality. She creates spaces where dancers feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. Her choreographic work has been recognized beyond the competition stage, with presentations at Jacksonville University’s Guest Choreographer Fall Showcase (2021), The Contemporary Dance Choreography Festival (2023), OpenDoors (2023), and the Dance Educators Collective’s Choreography Cup (2025).
Miss Heather- Cheer
This is Heather’s 4th year teaching at Performers Edge Dance Center. She holds an
Education degree from the University of Central Florida and brings over 20 years of
experience in elementary education. In addition to her work in education, Heather has 11
years of cheer coaching experience and currently serves as the Head Varsity Coach at
Ridgeview Global Studies Academy. Heather has dedicated part of her career to working with
children with special needs and is excited to share her love of cheerleading with her students,
inspiring them to grow both in skill and confidence. Beyond teaching and coaching, she enjoys
traveling and experiencing life with her husband and two daughters. She is also a proud
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.
Mr. Niko - Hip Hop
His impressive stage credits include performances on prominent platforms such as NBC’s World of Dance, Universal Studios CityWalk, America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, and with the NBA’s Orlando Magic. As a competitive dancer, Niko has participated in prestigious international competitions with Extreme All-Stars and Studio One, securing National and International Champion titles at events like the Dance Worlds at Walt Disney and Hip Hop International in Las Vegas.
Currently, Niko serves as a production manager for Revel Dance Convention and is a full time hip hop instructor/choreographer locally in Central Florida. He is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers and inspiring students to reach their full potential, which remains his paramount objective.
Miss Kelsey -Jazz
Kelsey has over 25 years of dance experience, from major motion pictures, teaching students across North America, judging at prestigious dance competitions within the United States and creating her own conditioning program for dancers. With a Bachelor of Science in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University, Kelsey's professional performing credits include working with renowned choreographers like Fatima Robinson, Mia Michaels, and many more on projects like Anchorman II: The Legend Continues, Rock of Ages, and Disney's Million Dollar Arm. She has also shared her talents with well-known companies such as HSN, Royal Caribbean International, Feld Entertainment, and Cirque Productions, to name a few. But Kelsey's passion goes beyond performing. She is equally dedicated to providing quality instruction and choreography. With experience at various universities, dance studios, and national conventions, she has continually honed her teaching skills and choreography portfolio. As a Master Instructor for various organizations, Kelsey has the privilege of connecting with dancers from all corners of the country.
Miss Amanda- Pre-School, Ballet, Tap, Jazz
Amanda’s dance journey began at the age of 6, and it has been the heartbeat of her life ever since. She attended the University of Michigan’s dance program before setting out to perform professionally aboard Holland America Line with Barry Manilow’s Stiletto Entertainment. Her time at sea gave her the chance to travel the world, perform on incredible stages, and connect with people from every corner of the globe.
Between contracts, Amanda found her way back to where it all started — teaching at the very studio in Michigan where she grew up dancing. Those experiences cemented her belief that teaching was her true calling. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she joined PEDC in 2022 after to moving to Florida and now specializes in early dance education, helping little ones discover the joy and magic of dance.
A proud mom of two daughters (and wife to a British Sailor), Amanda believes the studio is more than just a classroom — it’s a place where confidence grows, friendships are made, and creativity comes to life. Every class she teaches is built on her belief that dance is truly magic.
Miss Sabrina - Tap, Hip Hop
With over 22 years of dance experience, Sabrina Spence brings a deep passion and well-rounded expertise to every class she teaches. After spending 10 years as a competitive dancer across all styles at Performers Edge Dance Center, Sabrina found her true calling in sharing her love for dance-especially in tap and hip hop-with the next generation at her home studio.
For the past 11+ years, she has been a dedicated and inspiring dance educator, known for her fun yet challenging tap classes that push students to transform their "no's" into confident "yes's." Sabrina specializes in teaching company-level tap classes while also leading recreational sessions, always blending technical precision with a positive, high-energy atmosphere.
Her teaching philosophy centers on building confidence through consistent practice and encouragement, while never losing sight of the joy that dance brings. Each week, she drills essential technique skills, ensuring her students grow not only as dancers but as individuals.
Sabrina continues to evolve as both an artist and educator, committed to supporting and uplifting the beautiful dance community she's proud to be a part of.
Miss Shealynn - Tap, Hip Hop
Shealynn has been at PEDC for what feels like her whole life. Starting at age 3, Shea danced for a total of 15 years and competed on the competition team for 12 of those years. While being at the studio she did the student assistant program where her love for teaching and guiding others flourished. While at the studio she has been able to do many special performances, meet and learn from multiple world renowned teachers and choreographers as well. Shealynn now teaches Tap and Hip Hop at the studio, trying to help students be the best versions of themselves, while making class still fun and challenging.
Miss Nagisa - Ballet
I started ballet in my home town Yokohama, Japan where I began ballet lessons at the age of 5.
In 2007 I moved to Canada to continue my training at the Quinte Ballet school. After that I moved to the UK where I studied at London Studio Center and Northern Ballet school in Manchester. Upon graduation, I jointed the Coastal City Ballet in 2012. From 2013-2024 I was a principal ballet dancer with Atlantic City Ballet.
I played lead roles in productions “Odette and Odile in “Swan Lake” “Carmen” “Sugar Plum in Nutcracker” “Wilhelmina in Dracula” “Cinderella” “Aurora in Sleeping beauty” and “Titania in Mid summer night’s dream”.
When I was in Japan, I danced the leading role at the showcase of Ballet Studio Nakamachidai.
In 2004, I participated in the Nutcracker performance of the Tokyo City Ballet Company as a dramatic role for child. At the same time I took lessons for jazz and hip-hop dance as well as classical ballet and in 2002 I performed at the Opening Ceremony of FIFA World Cup in Yokohama, Japan.
Miss Emily - Ballet, Combo, Boradway Jazz
Emily Silva’s love of dance began at an early age. Her passion led her to earn a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Florida to begin her professional career at Walt Disney World. Since then, she has had the opportunity to open several shows in the parks and participate in numerous special events.
While living in Florida, Emily also served as a lead producer for Flash Mob America for several years.
Eight years ago, she discovered a new passion: teaching dance. She loves being able to share her love of dance with the next generation and is incredibly excited to continue that journey at Performers Edge this year!
Miss Deanna - Combo Classes, Ballet, Tap, Jazz
Originally from Long Island, NY, Deanna trained for 15 years at A Step Above Performing Arts, where she was a member of the competition team as well as a student assistant and substitute teacher. Deanna attended Long Island High School for the Arts where she had the opportunity to train with dancers and dance companies based in Manhattan. Through the connections she made, she was hired to teach at local studios and taught various workshops. She also worked with a company that partnered with school districts teaching dance to elementary and middle school students. Her experience includes teaching ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary, and has worked with students ages 1-55. Deanna studied dance at Dean College prior to moving to Florida and working for Disney. Her goal as a teacher is to encourage students to discover an enjoyment and passion for dance while creating a fun learning environment.
Miss April - Ballet
April Chinea is a dynamic choreographer, performer, and educator based in Orlando, FL. Most recently, she completed a seasonal entertainment contract with Universal Orlando Resort. Her professional credits also include two performance contracts with Disney Cruise Line, appearing aboard both the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy.
In addition to her performance work, April is a passionate educator and choreographer. She travels across Florida working with studios, schools, and conservatories, training students in various genres of dance. Her students have been accepted into elite programs such as NYU Tisch and New World School of the Arts.
April holds a dual degree in Dance and Business Management from Florida State University. Her foundational training includes New World School of the Arts High School (NWSA), Armour Dance Theatre, and Fundación Julio Bocca.
She has performed works by renowned choreographers including Robert Battle, Jennifer Archibald, Jessica Lang, Peter London, and Tim Glenn. In 2022, she was selected to perform Fence with Staibdance for FSU’s Opening Night.
As a choreographer, April’s work spans competition circuits and conservatory settings. Her collaborative piece Time Out (with Io Ermoli) represented FSU at the American College Dance Association. During summer 2023, she served as a Program Assistant at FSU’s Valencia Study Center and performed her senior capstone piece Valor for the university’s President, First Lady, and Board of Trustees.
Miss Jennifer - Acro, Hip Hop
Raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Jennifer began dancing at age 3. Her love for dance quickly grew into a dream of becoming a professional dancer and teacher. During her college years at Oakland University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Biology with a teaching minor in Dance, Jennifer was a dancer for the WNBA Detroit Shock and a member of the Oakland Dance Theatre. She also taught dance and acro to children ages 3 to 12.