THEINSTRUCTORS
LEARN FROM OUR AWARD WINNING & CHAMPION INSTRUCTORS
Karissa Spinola
K.H.O.M Founder
Karissa is a highly accomplished dancer, instructor, and choreographer with a lifelong passion for the art of movement. With years of experience both on stage and in the studio, she has choreographed dynamic performances for high-profile events, including halftime shows at the Barclays Center and showcases at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Her work in competitive dance has led to numerous award-winning routines and title-winning solos, solidifying her reputation as a sought-after choreographer.
Karissa’s dance journey began at the age of 3 when she trained and performed with elite dance companies. By 11, she was assisting instructors, and at 16, she discovered her true calling—teaching. Her dedication to mentorship and technical excellence laid the foundation for her teaching philosophy.
Driven by her love for dance and her commitment to fostering personal growth in her students, Karissa founded Karissa’s House of Movement. Her vision extends beyond skill development; she strives to inspire confidence, self-esteem, and mutual respect among her dancers. Karissa believes in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student not only reaches their full potential but also experiences the deep camaraderie of a true dance family.
Alexis Racanello
Director
Alexis Racanello began her formal dance education at the age of five and then continued to perform and compete for over ten years winning numerous regional titles.
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Alexis graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BA in Dance and minors in Health and Wellness and Counseling. While at the University at Buffalo, she was a member of Zodiaque Dance Ensemble and performed and choreographed for Dancer’s Workshop and Digital Poetry and Dance, where she was also a soloist. At Buffalo, Alexis trained under Thomas Ralabate, Melanie Aceto, Kerry Ring, and many others.
Alexis has a love of choreographing and performing, as well as a true passion for teaching and spreading a love of movement and self-expression through dance!
Carlie Irwin
Instructor
With 19 years of dance experience, Carlie is a national and world champion specializing in hip-hop. She spent nearly a decade competing at elite levels and has trained in hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and jazz. She has also attended and performed at top conventions such as Monsters, Kaos, and World of Dance.
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For the past five years, Carlie has taught at Karissa's House of Movement, shaping dancers with her expertise in hip-hop. Passionate about movement and creativity, Carlie continues to inspire and push dancers to their full potential.
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Carlie's choreography has won numerous first-place awards in solos, duos, trios, and group dances, including a National Title in 2024. Each year, she presents her work at competitions and recitals, choreographing for dancers ages 4 to 18.
jULIANA mORMILE
Instructor
Juliana Mormile is a passionate and dedicated dance instructor and choreographer. Juliana has been dancing since she was just two years old and has trained extensively in a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop. Juliana performed in numerous shows and competitions throughout her dance career so far.
Juliana was a competitive dancer for 15 years and then continued her dance training in New York City at Broadway Dance Center, Brickhouse, Ripley Grier, Royal Thieves , Peridance, and Alvin Ailey. Juliana received many awards and scholarships at events such as Step Up 2 Dance, Maverick Workshop, Monsters of Hip-Hop, and more.
In Juliana's dance career her credits include Reebok, Bobby Newberry, World of Dance, Brytiago, Anuel, Alyssa Gomez, Carnival, Sybrite, and more.
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Vako Gvelesiani
Instructor
Vako Gvelesiani, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, is a graduate of LaGuardia High School and NYU Tisch School of the Arts for Dance. From 2022 to 2024, he toured internationally with the production of "West Side Story", captivating audiences around the globe with his dynamic performances.
Currently, Vako serves as an Assistant Coach and Choreographer for the Brooklyn Nets, where he brings his creative vision and expertise to the team. In addition to his work with the Nets, Vako is dedicated to teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers through his classes in Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Jazz.
Sydnee Del Monte
Instructor
At the age of 3, Sydnee began gymnastics and soon thereafter incorporated her skills into dance where she trained in ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and lyrical. Her hard work earned her a spot on the Varsity Cheerleading team as a freshman at John F. Kennedy High School and ultimately on the St. John's University cheer team.
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Sydnee's true passion for hip-hop was evident early on. She danced at a competitive level throughout high school on several hip-hop crews and as a company dancer. She has performed at Walt Disney World, danced at halftime shows at the Prudential Center, the Barclay Center, and has both cheered and danced at the world renowned Madison Square Garden. Sydnee has attended numerous conventions, including Imma Beast and The Pulse and has won many first place awards for duos and group dances plus Title for her Contemporary Solo.
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Sydnee enjoys teaching all ages and is committed to growing as a choreographer by taking classes in New York City. Her goal is to create award winning dance routines while building confidence and precision and having fun at the same time.
Julia Boberg
Ballet Instructor
Julia is a New York City-based dancer, choreographer, and visual artist originally from Los Angeles. Her performance repertoire includes work by Dylan Pearce, Earl Mosley, Roderick George, Marla Phelan, José Limón, Robert Battle, Maleek Washington, Jacob Jonas, and Juel Lane. She has also appeared in Pippin and Chicago productions, performed in the Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Sharpe Family Singers, and featured in music videos for Alyson Stoner and Donna DeLory.​
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Julia's recent choreographic accomplishments including curating a gallery show at Fordham University's Lipani Gallery, showcasing three dance films, photography, and a live performance she choreographed. Additionally, her work was selected for the 2023 Steps Beyond Foundation Fall Choreography Lab and Assemblèe Internationale, hosted by Canada's National Ballet School. Her choreography was selected for the 2020 New Century Dance Project, and she received the Artistic Merit Award from the National Honor Society for Dance Arts in 2019.
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Julia graduated from the Ailey/Fordham program with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Visual Arts. Her artistic experience also includes training in voice with Mary Rogers, violin at The Colburn School, and acting at Gary Spatz's interdisciplinary collaborations. Dedicated to exploring interdisciplinary collaborations, she aims to make dance more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive.
Adrienne LeBLANC
Acro Instructor
Adrienne began dancing at the age of 3 and has remained passionate about it throughout her life. During high school, she was a member of a local dance company and a varsity cheerleader, further honing her skills as a performer. She pursued her love of both dance and education at Hofstra University, majoring in elementary education with a minor in dance, before transferring and graduating from Pace University.
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Her teaching career began at a studio in Mahopac, where she eventually took over as owner. In 2003, she became the co-owner and studio director of A&E Dance Studio, dedicating herself to training young dancers in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. Committed to continuous growth, Adrienne attended dance teacher conventions every summer and earned her Acrobatic Arts certification.
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Beyond the studio, Adrienne spent six years directing the Mahopac High School Dance Company, choreographed for multiple middle school productions, and coached cheerleading for nine years. While the COVID-19 pandemic brought changes to her studio ownership and teaching, she found a new home at KHOM, where she now enjoys teaching acro and assisting backstage during recitals.
bIANCA bUSA
Student Instructor
Bianca has been dancing since the age of 2 and fell in love with performing after her very first recital. A competitive dancer since she was 5, she has earned an impressive eight titles and has trained with top choreographers on both the East and West Coasts. Her favorite dance styles are Hip Hop and Contemporary, where she thrives in both technique and expression.
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Bianca's talent has taken her to major stages and screens—she has appeared on Good Morning America, performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at just 8 years old, and was the runner-up on Episode 2 of Dancing with Myself. She has also been featured in multiple music videos, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
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Beyond performing, Bianca is passionate about sharing her love of dance with others. As a student instructor, she is dedicated to inspiring and guiding the next generation of dancers.