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Guest Faculty & Choreographers

	Katy Spreadbury serves as one of our favorite guest teachers and competition choreographers.  As a dancer, she grew up and trained at the Diane Kelley Dance Studio.  In her youth, her talent was recognized by competitions and magazines alike. She’s been named Miss Dance of America, America’s Choreographer of the Year, and Capezio’s Future Star, as well as having appeared as a featured artist in both Dance and Dance Spirit Magazine. As a professional, Katy’s dancing has taken her all over the country. She is continually sought after as a guest artist, has performed alongside legends such as Ben Vereen and Karen Ziemba, and has most recently danced as a featured performer for the Astaire Awards in New York City. An amazing performer who teaches with a kind heart and a strong will. Her undeniable technique and passion for dance is evident every time she teaches. As an instructor, Katy is recognized to be an incredible motivator, a positive spirit, and a fountain of knowledge. She has quickly become the sweetheart of the convention circuit, and continues to remain in high demand throughout the country as teacher who wants to make a difference.
	Derrick Yanford is another of DKDS's favorite guest teachers and competition choreographers.  He began his formal training under Brenda Barna in his hometown Southwick, MA where he studied ballet, jazz, tap, and acrobatics.  After furthering his dance education at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Derrick began his professional career performing with Ballet Hispanico of New York, Battleworks Dance Company, The Joffrey Concert Dancers, Northern Connecticut Ballet, Koresh Dance Company, and A.S.H. Contemporary. Derrick has also gained recognition as a choreographer and has had his work commissioned by ABC Television for the "Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade", "Sunoco's Welcome America's 4th of July Parade", the "Barrymore Awards", "76er's Dance Team" and the "Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Millennium Kick-Off" to name a few. While currently residing in New York City, Derrick freelances as a choreographer, master class teacher and adjudicator for major dance organizations throughout the United States and Canada.
	Alicia Monaco is an invaluable member of the DKDS team as a guest teacher and competition choreographer. She began dancing at the age of 2 at The Dancer’s Studio in North Haven, CT. Her early training comes from Sharon DiCrosta, and she now continues her studies in NYC with teachers such as Andrew Nemr and Derek Grant. Cited for her talents at the age of 9 by Gregory Hines, his words of praise and encouragement continue to motivate Alicia even today. A former Petite Miss Dance of America, she has been recognized for her performances, as well as her choreography on the national and international levels. As a member of the World Tap Dance Champion Team in 96 and 97, she placed 3rd highest among female soloists and captured the bronze medal in the couples division with her partner Stacy Eastman. Recently Alicia, along with an incredible cast, performed in ‘Wonderland: A Tap Tribute to Stevie Wonder’ created by Sarah Savelli and Ayodele Casel and she is currently a member of Cats Paying Dues, a tap dance company under the direction of Andrew Nemr.   In addition to performing, Alicia continues to travel throughout the country as a master teacher and choreographer.
	From a very early age Jason Winters was inspired by the soundtrack of life; pushing and pulling his mind and body in so many directions. Studying classical piano and percussion was the opening of many doors and the beginning of an insatiable appetite to explore the boundless world music had to offer. Having trained in South/Central Florida in theater as well as Classical Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Modern, Jason began to work professionally in every genre and medium available. Jason as had the opportunity to choreograph with influential people; a few of these being Mia Michaels, Marc Dendy, Demetrius Klein, Odyssey Dance Utah, Southern Ballet Theater, Sol Kerzner's Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Radio City Music Hall Productions, The Walt Disney World Co., and Cirque Du Soleil. Also with European artists such as Anna Vissi, and on The Grammy Awards and numerous Superbowl halftime shows with artists such as Madonna, Eminem, Elton John, NSYNC, Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige, Moby and The Blue Man Group. DKDS is thrilled to have Jason as part of our team.
	Laura Halzack grew up in Suffield, Connecticut and began her dance training at the age of four with Brenda Barna. She furthered her training at The School of the Hartford Ballet and studied at the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College. Ms. Halzack graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in History from the University of New Hampshire in 2003. She then studied at the Hartt School and at The Taylor School's 2004 Summer Intensive. She has performed with the Amy Marshall Dance Company and Syren Modern Dance and has enjoyed teaching in her home state. Ms. Halzack studied at The Taylor School for two years before joining the Paul Taylor Dance Company in Summer 2006.
	Megan Cranney has recently moved from Utah with her husband to Rhode Island. She's been dancing all her life growing up in the competition world, winning numerous national awards including National Outstanding Dancer for New York City Dance Alliance at the age of 12. She is trained in everything, but is passionate about jazz/contemporary. She has danced professionally for the 2002 winter Olympics, Tokyo Disney and has assisted many teachers in LA and New York.  Her choreography ranges from contemporary jazz to hip-hop and enjoys taking inspiration for different cultures dance styles. She is currently also a personal trainer, working on her Exercise science degree and enjoying life on the East coast.