MELISSA TRUELOVE | Owner/Director

Melissa Truelove welcomes you to The Dance Pointe. Mrs.Truelove is a Greenwich native with a BFA in dance from the University of Massachusetts's five college dance department. She founded TDP in 2009. Having spent her youth under the direction of the Greenwich Ballet Workshop, Truelove spent her summers dancing abroad. This experience pushed her to pursue her art at the professional level. Mrs. Truelove has had the opportunity to work with such artists as; Jin Win Yu, Janis Brenner, and Leslie Partridge. She performed with various artists in New York City and was a member of the Peter Czerner Dance Company, located in southern Germany. Mrs. Truelove is further sharing her European experience with her students by organizing summer dance intensives in the foothills of the Black Forest and northern Switzerland. The Dance Pointe is an extension of Truelove's passion and dedication to dance and its principles.

JESSICA GALLAGHER (Season 16)

Jessica is a dynamic individual who embodies both the world of speech-language pathology and the artistry of dance. Jessica was raised in Rye Brook, New York, and has danced since the age of 3. Jessica was trained in all styles of dance, but throughout the years, she ultimately discovered a passion for hip-hop dance. Jessica danced at a local studio for the majority of her dance career. At 13, she joined a hip-hop group in NYC and dedicated hours each week to travel to NYC, practicing and performing at events such as concerts, fundraisers, and NY Knicks’ halftime shows. Jessica attended the University of Central Florida, where she not only continued to immerse herself in hip-hop dance as a member of a dance group but also shared her expertise by teaching hip-hop at a local studio. Jessica has recently moved to Connecticut and is ecstatic to continue sharing her passion for dance with the students of The Dance Pointe.

CAROLINA GUASCO | Studio Coordinator

Carolina is a graduate of Greenwich High School and The Dance Pointe. Having trained under Melissa Truelove, Carolina is thrilled to be sharing her joy of dance and her knowledge with the Tiny Tots and Mini Movers. Carolina carefully crafts every young dancers’ foundation and confidence. Carolina is an integral part of The Dance Pointe both in the studio and behind the scenes. Carolina participated in the 2014 International Dance Program in Germany and looks forward to the summer tours to come.

MICKEY LONSDALE (Season 16)

Mickey is an international award-winning physical theatre actor and dancer. He originally hails from Ramer, Alabama. He began his dance training at Alabama Dance Theatre and has a B.A. in Communication/Theatre at Auburn Montgomery. While in college, he became the emcee, entertaining 7000 fans nightly, for the Montgomery Biscuits. After graduating, Mickey moved to Italy to pursue an M.F.A. in Physical Theatre at the Accademia del’Arte. He received training in Commedia Dell’Arte, Clown, Dance, Choreography, and Acting. During this time, he attended Flic Scoula di Circo, Circus School, where he trained in acrobatics, acro dance, Chinese pole, walking globe, and various other circus skills. While in Europe, he performed with companies such as Familie Floz in Germany, Divaldo Continuo in the Czech Republic, and Red Dot Theatre in Italy and Turkey. After receiving his M.F.A., Mickey moved to the NYC area where has starred in several independent films, commercials, TV shows and works as a free-lance dancer/choreographer. He is also a founding member of Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre. This company tours all over the world telling compelling stories using acrobatics, dance, and physical acting. Mickey has developed techniques that help children develop motor skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. He has made it his goal to help children reignite their imagination to know and feel that whatever their dreams are, they can accomplish them. Mickey co-founded Circus Splendiferous LLC, in March 2020.

KRISTINE MACDONALD (Season 16)

Bellemare grew up in Northern Connecticut and studied all types of dance from a young age. In 2009, Kristine started teaching, and from that point she realized her goal is to spread her passion for dance, giving her dancers the opportunity to learn and grow inside and outside of the studio. Kristine's choreography has won numerous awards, and she is also an award winning and Top Score Award dancer at the Regional and Competitive level. Kristine teaches both recreational and competitive dance, and has a love for both levels, she believes each dancer should be treated individually striving as much as possible. Choose a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life!

VICTORIA RAGUSO (Season 16)

Victoria is an energetic, caring and confident dance teacher who works hard to make sure that every student, regardless of skill, level improves and becomes the best that they can be. Victoria has experience teaching all ages styles of dance such as jazz, contemporary, ballet and hip hop. She is passionate about the art of dance and hopes to inspire her students as well. Victoria's has trained at some of the finest dance institutions including: Complexions Summer Ballet Program, Joffrey Summer Program, Houston METdance Professional Intensive and has her certificate from the International Dance Academy.

KENDALL MORAN (Season 16)

Kendall Moran attended Lamar University on a dance scholarship, then studied and trained with teachers and choreographers from the London Royal Ballet and Steps Studio to Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Kendall is an ABT® Certified Teacher and successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

SOPHIE MOYER (Season 16)

Sophie Moyer is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer with over 10 years of professional experience. Sophie grew up dancing at her family's dance studio, The Moyer Institute of Dance, and also studied with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Pennsylvania Regional Ballet. Sophie received a BA in Dance and Sociology from The George Washington University. While at GWU, Sophie was a board member, choreographer, and principal dancer with the university’s student dance company. She graduated with honors in dance and with nominations for both choreography and performance excellence awards. Immediately upon graduation, Sophie became an Assistant Manager and youth & adult faculty member at Joy of Motion Dance Center, located in DC and MD. Sophie relocated to NYC in 2016, where she currently resides.

CHARLOTTE STENZZ (Guest Artist & Competition Choreographer))

Charlotte has been dancing since she was 3 years old, grew up as a competition dancer, training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and hip hop. During this time Charlotte has received numerous titles including ADA Dancer of the Year (2016), Hall of Fame All-Star Award, and many scholarships from Intrigue and JUMP dance conventions. She was also a member and captain of the Newtown High School Varsity Dance Team, winning SWC’s and State titles. She went on to study at The University of Alabama, majoring in communication and dance, graduating in May 2020. During her time at UA, she was a part of the Alabama Dance Program and performed in numerous student and faculty choreographed shows. She was also a member of the Alabama Collegiate Dance Team, performing at the Alabama homecoming football game, men's & women’s basketball games, and competing at UDA Nationals in Orlando, FL. While her ultimate goal is dancing professionally, teaching has always been one of Charlotte’s passions and she is excited to share her knowledge and skills with her students.