DANCE INSTRUCTORS

LAURA DACYSHYN - Director & Ballet Instructor

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Aria may be new to Boca Raton, however, its director, Laura Dacyshyn, is a recognized and seasoned professional with deep roots in the world of dance.

At age nine, Ms Laura discovered her passion for movement when she was accepted into the prestigious National Ballet School in Toronto, Canada. While at NBS, she trained with the world’s top instructors, including those in Toronto, Moscow, and New York City. Upon graduating, Laura began dancing with The National Ballet of Canada and performed various roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Manon, Romeo & Juliet, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella, to name just a few.

After retiring from the stage, Laura found her true calling when she began working with children of all ages to inspire a mutual love for dance and movement. In 2002, she opened her first dance school in Toronto, Canada, where she trained thousands of students, many of which went on to professional schools and careers in the performing arts. As the director for twenty years,  her clients were not only confident in her aptitude for teaching, but also in her ability to mentor and lead with grace. The culture in her studio was consistently applauded, as her relationship with clients and students was a trusted one, revolving around mutual respect and appreciation.

Over the years, Laura has also been a supporter of giving back to the community; through her time and recital ticket sales, she has donated to local and global charitable organizations, enhancing the environment and providing much needed resources to ensure the precious artistry of dance is always appreciated.

Today, Ms Laura is thrilled to open her doors to her brand-new boutique studio in Boca Raton, offering expert instruction in a personal, welcoming, and family-friendly space!

KAILENA VAN DE NES - Acro Instructor

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Kailena Van De Nes is an award-winning choreographer, internationally trained dance educator, and esteemed adjudicator with nearly 40 years of experience. Born in Toronto and raised in both Brazil and Nova Scotia, Kailena’s diverse upbringing shaped her dynamic approach to dance and movement. She holds a degree in Recreation Management from Acadia University and spent 15 years in Ottawa, Ontario, co-owning and operating KV Dance Studio alongside her husband.

Her extensive training includes RAD Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acrobatic Arts, Musical Theatre, Zumba, Circl Mobility, Alixa Flexibility, Relative Motion, and Ballroom. Known for her passion for injury prevention and dancer longevity, Kailena focuses on helping her students build strong, functional, and resilient bodies.

Kailena’s Certifications include:
• Acrobatic Arts (including specialty courses completed such as Acrobatic Adjudication, contortion, aerial, back handsprings, back tuck, back layout)
• Joanne Chapman’s Artistic Dance Educators – Acro (Aug 2025)
• Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT)
• Alixa Flexibility – Module 5
• Fitness and Nutrition Expert
• Relative Motion
• Sugarfoot Therapy
• Zumba (Zumba Kids, Kids Jr., Strong Nation, Plate by Zumba, Circl Mobility)
• Art of Adjudication Level 1
• ID Dance Competition Adjudication course
• KAR Dance Competition course

Aria is thrilled to welcome Kailena as an acrobatics, flexibility, and strength training instructor for the 2025/26 season. We are certain that her enthusiasm, expertise, and passion for movement will inspire our dancers to push their limits, both as athletes and artists!

GABRIELA LEE - Lyrical Instructor

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Gabriella began her dance journey at the age of 10, training in many styles, such as ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Soon after discover her passion, she entered the competitive dance circuit and quickly made her mark, earning numerous accolades—including “First Overall” awards at the Universal Ballet and Showstopper National Dance Competitions.

Her talent, and dedication to dance led her to further her training in New York City at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School. While still in high school, Gabriella expanded her role in the dance world by also stepping into teaching and choreography. She holds a certification in Progressive Ballet Technique and has received choreography awards from many respected organizations, such as Dance Educators of America.

Today, Gabriella is continuing her education as a dance minor at Florida Atlantic University. She remains deeply involved in the South Florida dance community, where she remains committed to fostering growth, excellence, and a love for dance amongst her students!

ALEXA BRAXTON - Jazz Instructor

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Alexa Braxton is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and educator, originally from South Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Early Childhood Education from The University of Alabama, where she performed and choreographed extensively for “Dance Alabama!”, the university’s student-run performance organization.

Alexa began dancing at the age of two and has been competing since the fourth grade, earning numerous awards as both a soloist and team member across regional and national competitions. Her training spans a wide range of styles, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and more. She is known for her strong musicality, dynamic energy, and ability to emotionally connect through movement.

While in college, Alexa created original works for the stage, choreographing full-length pieces for university performances and homecoming events. She has also trained under a variety of respected instructors throughout South Florida and the Southeast. 

Alexa has also served as a guest faculty member at That’s Dancing, where she led masterclasses for young dancers, sharing her passion and choreographic style. Her teaching style emphasizes technical development, confidence building, and a genuine love for the art of dance.

Alexa is excited to bring her experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to Aria Dance Academy and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers!

TIFFANY HERNANDEZ - Hip Hop Instructor

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Bio to Come!