Instructors
Interested in joining Lucky Star Staff?
Email a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to brianna@luckystar.dance
Bri Clemente
OWNER & LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Bri Clemente began dancing at three years old at Health Quest, which soon developed into Q-Dynamics Dance Company in Flemington, New Jersey. Ages three to eighteen- Bri studied hip hop, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and modern. At twelve years old, Bri shifted from being a student in the classroom to a teacher by covering hip hop classes, soon leading her to discover she not only had a passion for dancing but teaching as well. Shortly after, she continued her dance journey at FrameWorks Dance Studio to grow and develop as a choreographer and instructor.
At the age of thirteen, Bri began dancing competitively at numerous regional and national competitions, and judge’s awards proved her asset was her intense emotional connection. As a result of her passionate performances, Bri received an invitation to be a part of Cathy Roe’s Heart and Soul Dance Company along with the opportunity to perform in Starbound National Talent Competition’s opening number at their Atlantic City Nationals, with the top ten competitive/elite soloists. In her freshman year of high school, she was accepted onto North Hunterdon High School’s Varsity Dance Team and continued with them until her graduation in June 2018, where she ended her time as the captain.
During her sophomore year of college at The Pennsylvania State University, Bri joined Hot Styles Dance Company and worked closely with their State College and Bellefonte competition teams. During her junior year, she choreographed seven dances and became the founder of their mini-aged competition company. During her senior year she choreographed 23 routines that won at their regional and national competitions. While taking on these positions, she continued her dance education on CLI studios with world-renowned instructors. Some of the instructors include- Shannon Mather, Teddy Forance, Molly Long, Delaney Glazer, Lex Ishimoto, Misha Gabriel, Blake McGrath, Kathryn McCormick, Mark Meismer, and more!
Now, Bri is the founder and owner of Lucky Star Dance Company. She has dreamed of starting her dance studio since she was ten years old and is so excited that the day has arrived. Bri believes this is only the beginning of her companies future, as well as her choreography career. She cannot wait to share her love for dance the way her previous instructors did with her. She sends thanks to all the teachers, mentors, colleagues, students, friends, and family who helped get her to where she is today.
INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Madison Palmer is thrilled to join the Lucky Star family! Growing up in Kansas, she participated in a robust dance and theatre community. She was trained and has taught classes at Midwest Dance Mechanix in Wichita, Kansas. A competitive dancer from the age of 7, Break the Floor has been a second home to her and has given her many opportunities to hone her craft while working with the best choreographers and teachers in the industry. She has competed with choreography from Anthony Morigerato, Danny Lawn, Ricky Mallouff, Brian Marcum, Chad Vaught, among others. She also specializes in cleaning competitive dances. A highlight for her has been performing in many Music Theatre Wichita productions including The MTW Holiday Special (Regional Emmy Nominated), and last summer she performed in the ensemble of 42nd street. She also received a Kristi Award while filming the Documentary 1,300 Miles to Broadway With Kristin Chenoweth and Kenny Ortega. She is a Musical Theatre BFA major at Penn State and is thrilled to find a home to share her love of all things dance.
MADISON PALMER
LEAD BALLET INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Victoria was born in New York, but spent a large part of her childhood playing in the rural landscapes of central Pennsylvania, where she resides now. Having a mother who was also ballet dancer, she was exposed to dance at an early age. Victoria would put on costumes and dance along with VHS tapes of CATS The Musical, and Gelsey Kirkland in ‘The Nutcracker.’
Victoria was a freelance artist and guest artist for multiple productions around New York City and Long Island. She has experience performing and teaching classical repertoire from major ballets such as; The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, Giselle and more. She also performed with a contemporary ballet company for several years before moving to Pennsylvania in 2021.
But her path in dance was not a linear one. While she always studied ballet in the background, she was also drawn to activities like gymnastics, dirt bikes, skydiving and climbing precarious objects. It wasn’t until after Victoria graduated with her psychology degree that she found herself seriously considering a career in dance.
She traded her perilous pastimes for the vigor of the Vaganova method, a ballet technique and training system that fuses elements of traditional French style from the romantic era with the athleticism and virtuosity of Italian technique. It is designed to involve the whole body in every movement, with equal attention paid to the upper body, legs and feet. This approach increases consciousness of the body, creating a harmony and fluidity of movement and greater expressive range.
Victoria received a majority of her training from former Prima Ballerina, Ms. Irina Lebedeva, as well as other former principal dancers from the Mariinsky Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet. In 2012, Victoria traveled to Saint Petersburg, Russia to visit the Vaganova Academy of Classical Ballet to observe the students and expand her knowledge of this beautiful method. Furthermore, she took advantage of the most prestigious schools and teachers that NYC had to offer, including; Gelsey Kirkland, Katherine Healy, Leslie Browne, Lupe Serrano, and collegiate programs at American Ballet Theatre.
Revisiting serious training as an adult made Victoria a very analytical dancer and a pragmatic teacher. In 2015 she began teaching students of all ages and skill levels in Long Island, New York. She emphasized technique and small artistic details to help her students become more empowered performers.
Her practical and approachable teaching style also gained popularity on her YouTube channel that is dedicated to breaking down ballet technique for adult beginners. She currently has 12.5K subscribers from all around the globe, all of whom insist that “no one else explains things as well as she does!”
After relocating to Pennsylvania, Victoria continued to teach online, but she was missing the energy of being in the studio with other dancers. While researching studios, she discovered Lucky Star Dance Company! She quickly reached out to Miss Bri and is now thrilled to be a part of this school. Victoria has a passion for making ballet accessible to everyone. She hopes to inspire young dancers with her teaching, and aspires to keep the community engaged by starting up a professional performing company as well.
Victoria
barretti-rhine
INSTRUCTOR
Mattee Stoicheff grew up in State College, PA where she began her dance career at the age of eight and joined a local competition team when she was eleven. During her freshman year of high school, Mattee was a member of the school dance team, but now is a member of the varsity cheerleading team. Her favorite genre of dance has always been lyrical because you can easily channel your emotions into your performance. Mattee’s favorite memory from dance was rehearsals for their spring recital, where she would spend the whole day with her teammates. She loves iced coffee, bright colors, and trying new things. Mattee is looking forward to building relationships with the entire Lucky Star Family and working together towards each other’s goals!
Mattee Stoicheff
INSTRUCTOR
Miss Julia is from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. She started dancing at the age of three and continued ever since. She attends Bellefonte Area High School and will be a junior next year. 4 seasons ago, Julia began her competitive experience at Hot Styles Dance Company. Julia is most looking forward to sharing her love for dance with others and growing both as a dancer and teacher at Lucky Star Dance Company.
Julia Huntsinger
LEAD INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Mackenzie Kay Leitzell started her dance journey in State College, PA at the age of 3. She trained at local studios, where she danced competitively. She fell in love with Hip Hop when she was selected to attend the Westsiders Camp created by Hannah Gosset in Youngstown, OH. At The Westsiders Camp, Kenzie was first introduced to the history of Hip Hop and it’s foundations as well as funk styles like Waving, Popping, Locking and Gliding. In 2019 she had the opportunity to begin touring with Artists Simply Human Dance Convention as a Company Member. Under this program, she received mentorship and training from ASH faculty in all styles of dance. When Kenzie was 15 she received the opportunity to assist choreographer, and her idol, Hannah Gosset. Under Hannah’s mentorship, Kenzie was able to watch and learn how a kind and knowledgeable teacher operates. She also got to see effective ways to choreograph, connect with students, and ensure that her classroom was a safe and encouraging place. Kenzie received training from “In My Feelings”, a program dedicated to performance and emotion. She also trained with “The Westsiders Virtual Camp” where she had the opportunity to learn from masters like Speks, Randi “Rascal” Fritas, Jesse Sykes, and Tracey Wong. Kenzie is always looking to expand her knowledge of dance and recently has been training in styles like House and Waacking, which are her favorites, in hopes of passing that knowledge to her students!
Mackenzie Leitzell
INSTRUCTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER
Lucy Hodges is a Senior at The Delta Program and has been dancing for 11 years. Lucy started their dance journey in Spring Mills, PA at the age of six. Starting their training in Jazz classes, and then quickly expanding to Ballet, Tap, and Lyrical. At the age of 9 they joined a pre-professional Tap company, allowing them to train and perform all across the northeast. At the age of 14, Lucy started competing for the Hot Styles Dance Company competition team in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Modern. When they were 17, Lucy got a chance to train at the famous Millennium and TMILLY studios in Los Angeles California. Lucy has been helping out in dance class as a Teaching Assistant since the age of 11, and is excited to continue their teaching education at LSDC.
LUCINDA HODGES
INSTRUCTOR
Julz Aumiller is from West Grove, Pennsylvania. She started dancing at the age of 5 and 16 years later is still doing what she loves. Julz has had the opportunity to work under numerous instructors, but has spent her most recent years teaching and dancing at Chesco Dance Center in Avondale, Pennsylvania. She was on the competition team for multiple years attending various competitions and conventions and has recently become a competition team choreographer. Julz has also had the opportunity to perform at 76er’s halftime show and Walt Disney World. Julz will be a senior at The Pennsylvania State University majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. She is excited to be able to teach full time both in a classroom and on the dance floor. Julz has recently taken over the role of treasurer on Penn State’s dance team, Nittany Dance Project. Julz is beyond excited to join the Lucky Star family in hopes to inspire others and make a positive impact on the new generation of dancers.
JULZ AUMILLER
INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Aurora White started dance at the age of thirteen, taking tap originally to get more roles in musical theatre. Quickly dance became her main focus. With guidance she began training up to 4 hours a day at home. At 15 she was taking as many dance classes possible in all genres including ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, hip hop and acro dance. Many teachers saw her dedication and asked her to compete the following season. Aurora advances at storytelling and was often recognized for emotional commitment in her dances. Behind the scenes she was either choreograhing her own solos, assisting on larger group dances, or filling in for teaching classes.Aurora has been through many hardships and dance has always been a way for her to express herself. The studio has always been like a second home to her and she is so excited to join a new family at Lucky Star.
aurora white
LEAD BALLET INSTRUCTOR
Eleanor dance at 3 years old, in Blue Springs Missouri. She learned a combination of Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, and Ballet, with a little Tumbling and Rhythmic Gymnastics mixed in. At the age of 11 Eleanor received a scholarship to train at the Kansas City Ballet School, and she performed with the professional company in the Nutcracker, and with the Kansas City Youth Ballet, under the direction of Alecia Good, in several performances. During this time, Eleanor attended summer intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Eleanor was accepted into summer intensives with School of American Ballet in New York City as well. Eleanor eventually received a scholarship to train full time at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet when she was 14. Eleanor rained here under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary for two years, where she continued her ballet education and additionally studied modern dance, jazz, and lyrical dancing. At 16, Eleanor ended up tearing my ACL, and she realized that my career as a professional dancer wasn’t plausible. However, Eleanor started training at the Ribbon Mill Ballet School, and received instructor training from Leslie Hench. During her two years here, Eleanor taught Creative Movement, Mommy and Me, Levels 1, 2, and 3 of classical ballet, as well as beginner and intermediate Modern and Lyrical, Beginner Pointe, and Variations. Additionally, she taught an intensive stretching and technique class using therabands, yoga blocks, and other apparatus. Eleanor attended Penn State University for college where she danced with the Volé Dance Group for all four years and performed in several works. Eleanor also choreographed the first and seconds acts of their Nutcracker performance. She has 4 years of gyrotonic and pilates training and hope to get her certification soon! She is CPR certified and a BLS provider as well. Eleanor recently moved back into State College after graduating, getting married, and having a baby of my own. Dance has always been her absolute passion, and she is so excited to work with the next generation of dancers at Lucky Star.
Eleanor Al-Sulamani
MORE INSTRUCTOR BIOS COMING SOON!
INSTRUCTOR
COMING SOON!
Isabella Sand
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS & TEACHERS
We are so thankful for the opportunity to bring world-renowned choreographers into our space to teach at our Breakthrough Intensive and set choreography pieces for our competitive programs.
We are excited to host Quest Intensive at our space with leading names in the industry this year!
Stay tuned for more instructors to be announced!
GUEST TEACHER & CHOREOGRAPHER
BIO COMING SOON!
Trevor Sones
Lauren Hummel
GUEST TEACHER & CHOREOGRAPHER
BIO COMING SOON!
Derek Mitchell
GUEST TEACHER
Derek Mitchell is one of todays most sought out choreographers and is currently the Resident Choreographer for “HAMILTON”-An American Musical (West Coast Companies).
He has choreographed projects utilizing almost every style of dance and that versatility makes him an asset to any project. He has numerous credits in TV, Film, Stage, Commercials, Music Videos and Concerts. Derek has been teaching for over 20 years and was on the cover of the October 2014 Dance Teacher magazine. Derek was nominated 3 years in a row for The Capezio A.C.E. Award for Choreographic Excellence.
Derek has choreographed a total of 15 Contemporary Jazz and Street Jazz duets and Group pieces for “So You Think You Can Dance” – Ukraine. and most recently choreographed the NBA Playoffs Nationwide Flash Mob event, Ameritrade National conference with Hillary Clinton, the opening number for The International Kids Emmy Awards, The Wendy Williams Show 5th season TV Commercial, Cornell University Gala andan industrial for Guardian Life Insurance.
Derek choreographed 3 years in a row for Jerry Mitchell’s “Broadway Bares” Benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids at Roseland and Hammerstein Ballroom. Derek has choreographed music videos and world tours for Taiwanese Superstar “Jolin Tsai”, “Sylvia Tosun” -Billboard Magazine’s #1 Dance recording artist (National Tour including the House of Blues in Atlantic City with Freedom Williams, music videos for “Push ‘n’ Pull”, “5 Reasons” and “World Keeps Turning”), and for Billboard Top 40 Dance Artist “Bex” (“What You Are” and “Life of the Party”) both music videos and live performances.
Derek has choreographed over 300 Flash Mobs including- 2 time Latin Grammy Award winning artist “Fonseca” in Times Square, the NBA 5-city Playoff celebration, Sears Industrial starring Emmy Winner Derek Hough, NY Color make-up, YouTube viral sensations “Wedding Proposal in Bryant Park-Flash Mob” (featured on The Piers Morgan Show-CNN, The Today Show) and the “Bollywood Wedding Proposal” Flash Mob (featured in the NY Post, Nightline and Good Morning America). He is a resident choreographer for “The Brooklynettes” (Brooklyn Nets dance team) and the NY Knicks City Dancers 2009/10 season halftime shows as well as choreographer for the Aldo shoes 2010 worldwide print campaign, Industrials for Clarins Cosmetics, Calvin Klein and Pepsi and choreographed/directed the Step-Up 3-D promo for Disney.
Derek currently lives in NYC where he teaches Street Jazz and Contemporary Jazz in NYC at the world-renowned institution Broadway Dance Center. He has also been on Faculty at Steps on Broadway, Peridance Capezio Center and as a Fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness for 13 years. He created, directed and choreographed the Off-Broadway dance drama “Thin Line“ at Dance Theatre Workshop, starred in the Off-Broadway productions of “The Karaoke Show” (also choreographer), “The Donkey Show” (Dance Captain and Associate Choreographer) both under the direction of Tony award winning Director, Diane Paulus(Pippin, Hair and Porgy and Bess)-. He also performed with Lindsay Lohan on “Saturday Night Live,” and for the R&B group New Edition.
Derek Mitchell formed Derek Mitchell Dance Company which has performed at NY and LA Choreographers Carnival, Sirens After Dark, Pushing Progress, Young Choreographers Festival, The BDC 25th Anniversary Gala, Sybarite, Brooklyn Dance Festival, APAP festivals and the Capezio A.C.E. Awards.
Derek has also worked as a stylist in collaboration with Elle Magazine’s Creative Director and Fashion Icon Joe Zee in styling Justin Timberlake and his dancers for Nickelodeon, Cameron Diaz, Hilary Swank, Britney Spears, JC Chasez, Kelis, Mary J. Blige and dancers for GAP and most notably Madonna and Missy Elliot’s dancers in their infamous 2004 GAP commercial.
Derek has taught master classes all over the world including The Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive, NIKE BLAST 2013 in Sweden, The Complexions Winter Intensive, Argentina, France, Ecuador, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Austria, South Africa, Israel, The Ukraine, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos and Canada. He has taught for many acclaimed dance conventions including The Pulse, REVEL, WILD, MOVE NY (TOKYO The Company), Artistic Dance Exchange, Dance Olympus, Dance Masters of America, Wild About Dance, MOTIV8, Thunderstruck, Headliners, NADAA and for the dance department at Dean College. His classes and choreography have been featured on Britneyspears.com, THE A-LIST, CBS, VH1, NY1 News, W Magazine, Piers Morgan, CNN, Good Day NY, The Today Show, TV Guide, Elle, Time Out, U.S. News and World Report, Women’s Wear Daily and Crunch magazine.
In 2009 Derek was Dance Teacher’s Instructional Teacher of the Month. He has been profiled in numerous articles in Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit, Dance and Dancer magazines.
Hannah Gossett
GUEST TEACHER
BIO COMING SOON!
DOMINATE TECHNIQUE
GUEST TEACHER
BIO COMING SOON!