SOTD PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING THE PARENT PORTAL
760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA, USA
THE SOTD SQUAD
THERESA D'ALESSANDRo
THERESA D'ALESSANDRo
THERESA D'ALESSANDRo
FOUNDER
VISIONARY
DIRECTOR (1980-2020)
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
FOUNDER
VISIONARY
DIRECTOR (1980-2020)
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
THERESA D'ALESSANDRo
THERESA D'ALESSANDRo
EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SOTD ALUMNA
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Ballet, Pointe
Since 2020, Ashley Castro has proudly served as Director of School of Theatrical Dance, where she also leads the Ballet and Pointe program. Ashley has had a varied career as a dancer and educator with over 25 years of experience empowering students of all ages in t
EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SOTD ALUMNA
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Ballet, Pointe
Since 2020, Ashley Castro has proudly served as Director of School of Theatrical Dance, where she also leads the Ballet and Pointe program. Ashley has had a varied career as a dancer and educator with over 25 years of experience empowering students of all ages in the DMV region.
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 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 took over as 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.”
RENEE ELIAS
THERESA D'ALESSANDRo
LINDA MCLEAN
EXECUTIVE PARTNER
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Indian Dance, Bollywood, Fitness
Renee leads the SOTD Bollywood dance program for kids and teens and proudly serves as Executive Partner. Renee provides administrative, strategic, and creative support to Director Ashley Castro to ensure that all SOTD classes and productions run smoothly.
Renee has been a
EXECUTIVE PARTNER
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Indian Dance, Bollywood, Fitness
Renee leads the SOTD Bollywood dance program for kids and teens and proudly serves as Executive Partner. Renee provides administrative, strategic, and creative support to Director Ashley Castro to ensure that all SOTD classes and productions run smoothly.
Renee has been a backstage mom of three SOTD students since 2021 and was thrilled to join as a guest performer and Bollywood dance teacher in 2025.
Renee began her dance journey not unlike her two girls with Ballet, Jazz, and Tap.
By age 9, she committed her dance training fully to Bharat Natyam, an ancient form of South Indian dance revered for its rhythmic footwork, precise hand gestures, and evocative facial expressions.
Renee completed her professional certification (“Arangetram”) at age 18, which involved preparing and performing a 90-minute solo performance of eight foundational dances for an audience of 400+ guests.
Renee has performed Bharat Natyam and Bollywood dance extensively throughout the DC metro area at venues including the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, the Library of Congress, and the Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple.
She also trained in Modern dance, Yoga, and Martial Arts which she loves to sprinkle into her choreography!
Outside of dance, Renee has a PhD in urban planning and held leadership roles in academia and the non-profit sector for 15 years.
LINDA MCLEAN
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
LINDA MCLEAN
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Fitness
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 he
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Fitness
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!
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JOANNA LUNDQUIST
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
SOTD ALUMNA
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Twinkles Dance Workshop, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Modern
Joanna leads SOTD's Modern/Lyrical Dance program as well as Twinkles Dance Workshop for kids ages 3-5.
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
SOTD ALUMNA
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Twinkles Dance Workshop, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Modern
Joanna leads SOTD's Modern/Lyrical Dance program as well as Twinkles Dance Workshop for kids ages 3-5.
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 at her home studio, SOTD!
MELISSA ROBERTS
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
JOANNA LUNDQUIST
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Jazz, Rhythmic Tap
Melissa leads SOTD’s coveted Jazz/Tap program for kids ages 4-18.
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 recent
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Jazz, Rhythmic Tap
Melissa leads SOTD’s coveted Jazz/Tap program for kids ages 4-18.
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!
RAMSEY ELIAS
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Performance Acrobatics
Since 2021, Ramsey has taught Performance Acrobatics to kids ages 4-12 at SOTD.
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 focuse
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR: Performance Acrobatics
Since 2021, Ramsey has taught Performance Acrobatics to kids ages 4-12 at SOTD.
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!
MEAGEN TORRES
ENCHANTED STAGE
(Friends, Fellow Visionaries, Creative Allies)
Under the direction of Meagen Torres, 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 o
ENCHANTED STAGE
(Friends, Fellow Visionaries, Creative Allies)
Under the direction of Meagen Torres, 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.
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. 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!