Faculty

*Maria Mahoney *Jennifer Freeburn *Stephanie McHugh*Alicia Civitillo*

Maria Mahoney, Artistic Director
Miss Maria has been dancing for over 30 years. This year she celebrates her fourteenth year as the owner of The Dance Connection. She is a member of the Professional Dance Teachers Association of America, National Alliance of Dance Associates, National Federation of Independent Businesses, and is licensed by American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publicists. Maria has studied with such leading names in the world of dance as Luigi, David Howard, Ronni DeMarco, Ginny East, Frank Hatchett, and Charles Kelly. She was twice awarded the overall scholarship for Dance Masters of America for excellence in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics. In 1992, Maria graduated from Roger Williams University with a B.A. in Dance and as a member of Alphi Chi National Honor Society. She was also the recipient of the Deans Award for academic excellence in Performing Arts. Her choreography has been awarded numerous overall top first place awards in Connecticut and Massachusetts Her students have been awarded numerous choreography awards at several competitions throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts competitions. Most recently her biggest accomplishments have been the birth of her four children, Cameron, age 6; Sean and Ryan, age 5, and Easton, 7 months.

Jennifer Freeburn
Jennifer has been dancing since the age of 3, studying with Nancy's School of Dance and The Dance Connection. A member of the Dance Corp since its inception, she was a top-ranking competitor earning awards such as "KAR All Star." Jennifer is a 2007 honors graduate from the University of Hartford, earning her BS in Elementary Education, and is currently a certified teacher in the state of Connecticut. She was also a member of the University of Hartford Dance Team for four years. Constantly earning awards for her achievements throughout the years, Jennifer brings innovative and fresh ideas to her classes and choreography, and is continually expanding her knowledge by studying from such teachers as Frank Hatchett, Jason Samuels Smith, Sheila Barker, Robin Dunn, Pam Chancey, and Jermaine Goodson. Her choreography has received many top awards at various competitions and has been recognized for its artistry and originality. In the classroom, Jennifer creates a fun and artistic atmosphere that allows her students the opportunity to get the most out of their warm-ups and routines. Her greatest source of pride is the opportunity to share her love of dance with children.  

Stephanie McHugh
Stephanie McHugh earned her BA in dance from Dean College in May of 2005. There she studied tap, ballet, jazz, and modern with various professors such as Bob Thomas, Jill Silverman, and Joan Palladino. In the classroom, Stephanie focuses on technique within her warm-ups while encouraging individual stylistic movement in her routines.

Alicia Civitillo
Alicia has been dancing for 17 years, beginning at Nancy's School of Dance and continuing at The Dance Connection.  Alicia has also taken classes at The Broadway Dance Center in New York City with such renowned teachers as Sue Samuels, Pam Chancey, and Andrey Silantyev. She was a member of the Dance Corp for four years during which time she received many high awards and an invitation to Nationals. She was co-captain of the team from 2004-2006.  She graduated from Farmington High School in 2006 and is currently attending Central Connecticut State University, where she is majoring in  English and Elementary Education. She is thrilled to be able to share her love of dance with her students as she works towards her teaching degree.