Teachers with Experience
Our Faculty
Our Philosophy
Our Programs
Our faculty is made up of highly trained and experienced dance professionals who are dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals. Our instructors bring a diverse range of dance styles and teaching methods to our studio, creating a unique and dynamic learning environment.
Our Programs
Our Philosophy
Our Programs
We offer a wide range of programs for dancers of all ages and levels, from recreational classes to pre-professional training. Our programs are designed to provide our students with a comprehensive dance education, including technique, artistry, and performance skills.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
At Shannon’s Studio of Dance Education, we believe that dance is not just about learning steps, but about self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. We strive to create an environment where our students can explore their passion for dance, develop their skills, and build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Our Philosophy
Shannon DeFusco (Artistic Director) Shannon started dancing at the age of two . She studied Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, and Lyrical with Rosemary Medeiros. Shannon is a graduate of Dance Teachers Club of Boston. During her training, she studied under world- renowned teachers such as E. Laura Haussmann, Carol Hess, Tom Ralabate, and Diane G
Shannon DeFusco (Artistic Director) Shannon started dancing at the age of two . She studied Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, and Lyrical with Rosemary Medeiros. Shannon is a graduate of Dance Teachers Club of Boston. During her training, she studied under world- renowned teachers such as E. Laura Haussmann, Carol Hess, Tom Ralabate, and Diane Gudat. Shannon has been sharing her love of teaching for the past 27 years.
Shannon's accomplishments include being a national winner in the R.I. Chapter of Talent America and a principal dancer for the Elvis Remembered Company. She has performed for the Annual Muscular Dystrophy Charitable Fund Raisers, the R.I. Junior Miss Pageant, and the Boy Scouts of America Conventions for the R.I. and Massachusetts Chapters. Shannon served as a judge for the Roger Williams University Hip Hop Team, and casted dancers for an online commercial for Hasbro Toys.
Throughout her career, Shannon has received numerous awards including first place in the American Miss Talent and Modeling Competition East Coast Finals.
AJ Maio of Barrington, Rhode Island, began his Ballet training with Festival Ballet Providence School under the direction of Mary Ann Mayer, Mindaugas Bauzys and Leticia Guerrero. He has attended summer programs with Festival Ballet Providence, Estonian National Ballet, the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop, International Ba
AJ Maio of Barrington, Rhode Island, began his Ballet training with Festival Ballet Providence School under the direction of Mary Ann Mayer, Mindaugas Bauzys and Leticia Guerrero. He has attended summer programs with Festival Ballet Providence, Estonian National Ballet, the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop, International Ballet Summer Intensive South Korea, and the Vaganova Academy.
In spring 2022, AJ graduated from the University of Utah with a B.F.A. in Ballet and a B.A. in Russian. While there, he performed roles including the Pas d’Esclave from Le Corsaire, Escamillo in Carmen, Jean de Brienne in Raymonda, Basilio in Don Quixote, Albrecht in Giselle, Arthur in La Vivandiere and, Alain in La Fille Mal Gardée. AJ also performed soloist roles in Sur Le Fil by Penny Saunders and Carmina Terra by Susan Jaffe.
Jenna Nadales is a long time student of Miss Shannon's dancing since the age of four. She also has a love for animals and is a certified veterinary technician. Miss Jenna is now a mother of two and living with her husband, kids, dog & cat in Barrington, RI. She's excited to share her love for dance to all our students.
Rhiannon Palmieri began dancing with Miss Shannon at the age of 10. She quickly developed a love for all dance disciplines. Rhiannon became a part of the studio competition team winning numerous awards throughout the years.
Miss Rhiannon has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Educational Studies, and minoring in Psychology from
Rhiannon Palmieri began dancing with Miss Shannon at the age of 10. She quickly developed a love for all dance disciplines. Rhiannon became a part of the studio competition team winning numerous awards throughout the years.
Miss Rhiannon has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Educational Studies, and minoring in Psychology from Roger Williams University. She has also earned a Master of Education degree with a focus in School Counseling K-12 from Providence College. Hip Hop and Tap are her favorite styles of dance.
Abby Velleca Bio coming soon:)