760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA, USA
SOTD INSTRUCTORS
THERESA D'ALESSANDRO, FOUNDER
THERESA D'ALESSANDRO, FOUNDER
THERESA D'ALESSANDRO, FOUNDER
SOTD Founder
SOTD Director from 1980-2020 Administrative Advisor
Theresa was in the teaching profession for over 40 years teaching all levels of Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern.
Her formal Ballet training began in the early 60’s with Solange Binda at the Ballet Academy of Northern Virginia who she thanks for making childhood dance a nurturing a
SOTD Founder
SOTD Director from 1980-2020 Administrative Advisor
Theresa was in the teaching profession for over 40 years teaching all levels of Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern.
Her formal Ballet training began in the early 60’s with Solange Binda at the Ballet Academy of Northern Virginia who she thanks for making childhood dance a nurturing and inspiring experience.
At age 9, she auditioned for, and danced in the National Ballet’s (The predecessor of The Washington Ballet) “Nutcracker”, under Ballet legend, Frederick Franklin.
At 14, she was accepted into the prestigious full time academy at the Washington School of Ballet, but chose to continue her public education while studying under WSB Founder Mary Day, Julio DeBettencourt, and Martin Buchner.
Theresa received her BA in Dance from Mary Washington University under the guidance of Sonja Dragomanovic Haydar, Jean Hunt, and Kathy Gray.
After officially opening the Studio in 1980, Theresa continued to pursue her performing career.
She danced with the Washington Opera Ballet for five seasons at the Kennedy Center, working with such world-renowned choreographers as Baayork Lee, Donald Sadler and Brian Macdonald.
For ten years she was a member and soloist with the Modern dance Company, KHG Dance Theatre.
Over the years, Theresa has choreographed and produced numerous original Ballets, such as “From Amber to Blue”, “Cuban Overture”, “Equisses de Royaute”, "The Little Mermaid”, “La Fortuna”, “Come Spring”, “Bach”, “Seasons”, and multi-genre productions including, “A Golden Afternoon”, and “J’Adore Paris”.
Theresa has worked in television, acting, and choreographing for the Korean EBS network, as well as being a voice actor for radio.
She was a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, registered with the Royal Academy of Dancing, and AGMA.
Theresa has a son, Tom, “My joy”.
ASHLEY CASTRO, DIRECTOR
THERESA D'ALESSANDRO, FOUNDER
THERESA D'ALESSANDRO, FOUNDER
SOTD Director
SOTD Alumna
SOTD Senior Instructor: Ballet, Pointe
Ashley began as a student of SOTD with Miss Theresa and continued her studies at The Maryland Youth Ballet with world-renowned Tensia Fonseca and Eric Hampton.
Throughout her study at MYB, Ashley worked with The Washington School of Ballet, The Kirov Academy of Ballet of DC, and
SOTD Director
SOTD Alumna
SOTD Senior Instructor: Ballet, Pointe
Ashley began as a student of SOTD with Miss Theresa and continued her studies at The Maryland Youth Ballet with world-renowned Tensia Fonseca and Eric Hampton.
Throughout her study at MYB, Ashley worked with The Washington School of Ballet, The Kirov Academy of Ballet of DC, and was selected to train with The Boston Ballet, The American Academy of Ballet, and received a scholarship to The Joffrey Ballet School in New York.
In 2005, Ashley graduated from the College of Charleston in SC earning degrees in Performing Arts, Ballet & Corporate Communications.
While in Charleston, Ashley was a member of The Robert Ivey Ballet Company for five seasons.
In addition, Ashley has performed with the Joffrey Ballet and Charleston Ballet Theatre in such venues as The Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, and the historic Sottile Theatre.
In 2006, she returned to her SOTD family to perform and teach.
In 2015, Ashley continued her professional dance training, teaching, and performing during her four year residence on the Mediterranean island of Limassol, Cyprus.
In 2020, Ashley was promoted to Director of SOTD.
Ashley is grateful to Miss Theresa, her childhood dance teacher, mentor, and friend.
“Thank you for taking me under your wing and opening my eyes to new stages of opportunity and strength. I’ve learned something new from you every single day, and I treasure everything you’ve taught me. I’ll be forever grateful to you for trusting me with your SOTD vision.”
Ashley has a lovely daughter, Evelina, who is already following in her mother’s footsteps!
LINDA MCLEAN
THERESA D'ALESSANDRO, FOUNDER
LINDA MCLEAN
SOTD Senior Fitness Instructor
Linda graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri earning degrees in Theatre Arts and Social Science for Secondary Education.
She has been certified by AFAA and ACE and has CPR/AED certification.
Linda started teaching Aerobics at School of Theatrical Dance in 1982, and has taught at a variety of loca
SOTD Senior Fitness Instructor
Linda graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri earning degrees in Theatre Arts and Social Science for Secondary Education.
She has been certified by AFAA and ACE and has CPR/AED certification.
Linda started teaching Aerobics at School of Theatrical Dance in 1982, and has taught at a variety of local health clubs in Reston and Mclean over the years.
Linda has been a beloved and legendary member of the SOTD family for over 40 years!
RAMSEY ELIAS
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
LINDA MCLEAN
SOTD Senior Instructor: Performance Acrobatics, Aerial Silks, Parkour, Calisthenics
Ramsey has been doing Acrobatics for ten years. He loves training that facilitates the strength and balance required to do moves in Gymnastics, Parkour, and Circus Arts like partner balancing.
Ramsey's training is focused on Calisthenics and animal-mimicking
SOTD Senior Instructor: Performance Acrobatics, Aerial Silks, Parkour, Calisthenics
Ramsey has been doing Acrobatics for ten years. He loves training that facilitates the strength and balance required to do moves in Gymnastics, Parkour, and Circus Arts like partner balancing.
Ramsey's training is focused on Calisthenics and animal-mimicking movements which develop the whole body for functional strength and range of motion.
He has performed for audiences big and small, with his two children, fellow adult performers, and his SOTD students.
Before Acrobatics, Ramsey trained in kung fu. Similar to Ballet, the leg strength, postures and body awareness developed in martial arts lend themselves readily to Acrobatics, Gymnastics, and more.
Ramsey believes his classes should be both playful and challenging!
MELISSA ROBERTS
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
SOTD Senior Instructor: Jazz and Rhythmic Tap
Melissa has competed in dance circuits since the age of 7; receiving award winning titles.
Upon graduating from Langley High School, Melissa attended University of Tennessee where she earned degrees in Communications and Dance.
Most recently, Melissa has been teaching both competitive and recre
SOTD Senior Instructor: Jazz and Rhythmic Tap
Melissa has competed in dance circuits since the age of 7; receiving award winning titles.
Upon graduating from Langley High School, Melissa attended University of Tennessee where she earned degrees in Communications and Dance.
Most recently, Melissa has been teaching both competitive and recreational dance for the past 10 years.
Melissa loves sharing her passion for all dance genres and witnessing her students joy and progress!
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JOANNA LUNDQUIST
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
SOTD Alumna
SOTD Instructor: Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Joanna began dancing at School of Theatrical Dance at age 6 and was part of the SOTD family until she graduated from The Madeira School in 2018.
Joanna became a Teaching Apprentice when she was in 5th grade, began substituting and Student Teaching when she was a freshman in high school, and fle
SOTD Alumna
SOTD Instructor: Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Joanna began dancing at School of Theatrical Dance at age 6 and was part of the SOTD family until she graduated from The Madeira School in 2018.
Joanna became a Teaching Apprentice when she was in 5th grade, began substituting and Student Teaching when she was a freshman in high school, and flew solo as an Instructor of Jazz and Tap at age 17.
In 2018, Joanna was accepted to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee where she double majored in Political Science and English Literature while continuing to expand her passion for dance.
Joanna graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2022, and is excited to be teaching Teen Jazz and Tap classes at her home studio, SOTD!
SOPHIA NICKLES
SOPHIA NICKLES
SOPHIA NICKLES
SOTD Alumna
SOTD Instructor: Ballet, Jazz, Modern
Sophia started dancing at age 5 at The School of Theatrical Dance and continued until she graduated from Langley High School in 2017.
In high school, Sophia enjoyed being a Student Teacher and substitute teacher at SOTD.
After graduating from The University of Colorado, Boulder in 2021, Sophia
SOTD Alumna
SOTD Instructor: Ballet, Jazz, Modern
Sophia started dancing at age 5 at The School of Theatrical Dance and continued until she graduated from Langley High School in 2017.
In high school, Sophia enjoyed being a Student Teacher and substitute teacher at SOTD.
After graduating from The University of Colorado, Boulder in 2021, Sophia taught first grade in Denver for two years.
Having moved back to Northern Virginia, Sophia is so excited to be back home at The School of Theatrical Dance teaching Twinkles, Jazz, and Modern!
MEAGEN TORRES
SOPHIA NICKLES
SOPHIA NICKLES
Enchanted Stage, Director
Under the direction of Meagen Torres, Enchanted Stage is celebrating its 10th season at Walt Disney World this December.
Enchanted Stage is a performance based company that fosters a nurturing and non-competitive environment where your dancer can shine. We are dedicated to providing a truly unforgettable experience
Enchanted Stage, Director
Under the direction of Meagen Torres, Enchanted Stage is celebrating its 10th season at Walt Disney World this December.
Enchanted Stage is a performance based company that fosters a nurturing and non-competitive environment where your dancer can shine. We are dedicated to providing a truly unforgettable experience, filled with the joy of dance and the magic of performance.
This upcoming school year, Enchanted Stage takes center stage at some of the most enchanting places on earth – Walt Disney World** and Universal Studios**!
Imagine your dancer performing on these iconic stages, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here at Enchanted Stage, we believe in fostering a love of dance and celebrating each dancer’s unique talents.
Our company is thrilled and honored to become a part of the SOTD Family! You may even catch a sneak peak of a magic performance on the weekend in rehearsals.
LINA LIAKAKOS
SOPHIA NICKLES
FLORIAN ROUILLER
SOTD Apprentice, Student Teacher
FLORIAN ROUILLER
FLORIAN ROUILLER
FLORIAN ROUILLER
SOTD Senior Instructor: Modern, Ballet, Pointe
Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Rouiller received his early training with Ecole De Danse Contemporaine and the Stuttgart Ballet School.
He has danced with, among others, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Ohio Ballet, Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Milwaukee Ballet and Goteborg Ballet.
He has
SOTD Senior Instructor: Modern, Ballet, Pointe
Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Rouiller received his early training with Ecole De Danse Contemporaine and the Stuttgart Ballet School.
He has danced with, among others, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Ohio Ballet, Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Milwaukee Ballet and Goteborg Ballet.
He has performed the Ballets of such choreographers as Balanchine, Butler, King, Prokovsky, Goh, North and countless others.
CAITLIN VIVES
FLORIAN ROUILLER
CAITLIN VIVES
SOTD Senior Instructor: Yoga
Practitioner of Reiki
Caitlin is a mom of three close-in-age children and a sibling to a brother with highly involved special needs.
Accessibility and inclusion are paramount for her, in class and in life.
Trained and certified as an anatomically-focused, trauma-informed yoga teacher (200 RYT), Caitlin has led cla
SOTD Senior Instructor: Yoga
Practitioner of Reiki
Caitlin is a mom of three close-in-age children and a sibling to a brother with highly involved special needs.
Accessibility and inclusion are paramount for her, in class and in life.
Trained and certified as an anatomically-focused, trauma-informed yoga teacher (200 RYT), Caitlin has led classes indoors and out for all ages -- from just a few weeks old to nonagenarian -- for four years.
She adores sharing the practice with others, but what she loves most is helping practitioners see that they are capable of more than they realize.
"Witnessing that light of self-recognition is truly beautiful."