Amanda Nolan has the honor of being the first and only American to graduate from the prestigious Academy of the National Opera of Ukraine. Viewed as one of the premier European Academy's the National Opera is home to many famous dancers. There she trained with top European teachers and choreogra-phers. Ms. Nolan completed the Academy with a degree in Classical Ballet, Pointe, Character, and Choreography. Along with the National Opera of Ukraine, Detski Musical Theatre also opened their doors to Amanda.

There she was able to train with both classical and modern performers. Ms. Nolan also performed soloist roles with the Donetsk Ballet Theatre and toured the East Cost in the Company's Nutcracker production in the role of Clara. She also participated in the Ukrainian Youth Exchange Program, Ukrainian/Italian Exchange and the Ukrainian/Spanish Exchange in Kiev, Ukraine. Along with her may solo roles in Europe she performed for many American companies as well. Ms. Nolan danced for the International Ballet Theatre, Philadelphia Ballet Theatre, The National Ballet, and the Tressor Group to name a few. Besides her extensive performing experience Amanda has also worked as a teacher and coach. She taught choreography to children for the Donetsk Ballet Theatre. Amanda also worked with younger students as part of her training with the National Opera. Currently Amanda is competing in Ballroom dancing in both the Smooth and Rhythm styles. Her Bio also includes various commercial roles. These include appearances on A&E, Le Mystere's ad campaign and various venues.

Jessica Molchan started dancing at the age of three. For fifteen years she trained at various studios in many disciplines including ballet, pointe, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and tap. For the past seven years she has had the privilege of studying at ARB's Princeton Ballet School in Princeton, NJ. In addition to studying at local studios she has also had the chance to work with a professional dancer and choreographer in his elite performance company. Miss Jessica was cast in the production of The Nutcracker at the age of 13. Since then she has performed at various competitions all over the United States, winning awards for stage presence and technique. She has also choreographed various award winning dances and has been recognized for excellence in choreography. Miss Jessica continually participates in workshops, conventions, and intensives, giving her the privilege of working with some amazing professional dancers and choreographers including Joe Lanteri, Joey Dowling, Jason Parsons, Danny Wallace, Mandy Moore, Shane Sparks, Julie Shulman, and Thang Dao. Jessica is currently a Body Wrappers dancewear model. Jessica has always loved teaching and passing her love of dance on to others and she is thrilled to be a part of the Ocean Academy of Dance Arts staff.

Ocean Academy of Dance Arts is pleased to welcome Cassandra DeRosa to our staff. Ms. DeRosa will be teaching our advanced Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap classes. Cassandra comes to us with 16 years of performing arts experience. She started her dance training at the age of four and throughout her training she has received numerous scholarships and titles. Cassandra has trained throughout New York and New Jersey with noted choreographers including: Joe Lanteri, Mia Michaels, AC Ciulla, Wade Robson, Shane Sparks, Mandy Moore, and Ray Leeper. Cassandra's passion is teaching dance and she continues to further her career, while attending workshops and conventions with many well known choreographers and performers throughout the year.