Teachers with Experience

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.

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.

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.

Shannon DeFusco began dancing at the age of two and has dedicated her life to the art of dance ever since. She trained extensively in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, and Lyrical under the direction of Rosemary Medeiros and is a graduate of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston. During her training, Shannon had the privilege of studying with world-renowned educators and master teachers including E. Laura Haussmann, Carol Hess, Tom Ralabate, and Diane Gudat.

For the past 28 years, Shannon has shared her passion for dance through teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students of all ages. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her students have earned her recognition both as a performer and educator. Among her accomplishments, Shannon was a national winner in the Rhode Island Chapter of Talent America, a principal dancer with the Elvis Remembered Company, and a featured performer for numerous charitable and community events, including the Annual Muscular Dystrophy Fundraisers, the Rhode Island Junior Miss Pageant, and Boy Scouts of America conventions throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

In addition to performing, Shannon has served as a judge for the Roger Williams University Hip Hop Team and cast dancers for an online commercial campaign for Hasbro Toys. Throughout her career, she has received numerous honors, including First Place at the American Miss Talent and Modeling Competition East Coast Finals.

Under Shannon’s leadership, Shannon’s Studio of Dance Education has earned widespread recognition. The studio was voted “Best Dance Lessons” in Rhode Island Monthly Magazine’s Best of Rhode Island issue and was selected as one of the nation’s Top 50 Studios on the Move by Dance Spirit Magazine, recognized for exemplifying the spirit of dance education, performance, and competition.

Founded in 2001, Shannon’s Studio of Dance Education began as a small studio with a simple mission: to provide quality dance instruction in a nurturing and supportive environment. As enrollment grew, Shannon’s father, the late Arthur DeFusco Jr., designed and built a beautiful state-of-the-art dance facility in Bristol, Rhode Island, giving the studio a permanent home where generations of dancers would train, perform, and create lasting memories.

Following the loss of her father in 2015, Shannon made the difficult decision to step away from operating the studio. Though the doors closed, her passion for teaching never faded. She continued sharing her love of dance throughout the community, teaching at various studios and remaining deeply connected to the art form that has always been part of her soul.

In 2022, Shannon’s Studio of Dance Education proudly reopened its doors, welcoming both new and returning families. Today, Shannon continues her mission of fostering confidence, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance while creating a studio environment where every student feels valued, encouraged, and inspired to achieve their personal best. 

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 3 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 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 has been dancing with Miss Shannon since the age of 3:) In addition to instructing dance classes, she is a full time employee of the Bristol Police Department. Miss Abby loves animals and has her own pet sitting/dog walking buisness! 

Grace Silva is a long time student of Miss Shannon. Grace graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a bachelors in Sports Media and Digital Media Design. Currently she is a content creator for a sports marketing company.  Miss Grace loves being back at Shannon's as an instructor for our littles:) 

Miss Jenna began dancing at the age of three, studying ballet and tap before expanding her training at New England Dance Academy in Attleboro at the age of five. As a competitive dancer, she trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Acrobatics, participating in numerous regional and national dance competitions throughout her youth.

During high school, Jenna was also a dedicated varsity cheerleader, competing with her school’s cheerleading team across the region. She continued her education at Dean College, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Performing Arts, further strengthening her technical training and artistic foundation.

Jenna’s passion for dance led her to the prestigious Alvin Ailey Summer Program, where she broadened her knowledge by studying additional dance styles, including African Dance and Dunham Technique. She later became an original member of Jo-Mé Dance Theatre, a Boston-based contemporary dance company founded in 2012, where she continued to develop her artistry as a performer.

A former member of the Dance Teachers’ Club of Boston, Jenna is a certified dance instructor and has also earned certifications in Acrobatic Arts and Progressive Ballet Technique.

Outside of the dance studio, Jenna’s lifelong love of animals inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinary technician, allowing her to combine her compassion for animals with her dedication to helping others.

Miss Jenna brings years of performance, teaching, and professional experience to the classroom. She is passionate about inspiring her students to develop strong technique, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.