Meet The Staff

Nick Alvino
Jazz/Musical Theater
Nick Alvino loves to perform. Nick most recently was seen on Broadway in The Music Man, directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Warren Carlyle. His credits also include The Light in the Piazza directed by Chay Yew and choreographed by Parker Esse. He also performed in Montclair State University’s productions of Urinetown and Guys and Dolls. Nick’s earliest training was at The Growing Studio, Dancer Palooza and Alexa’s Dance Academy. Currently based in New York City, Nick has danced in Broadway Bares and continues to dance, choreograph and teach.

Kaila Castrucci
Contemporary
Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Kaila Castrucci began her classical training at Master Ballet Academy. She went on to earn her BFA in Dance from Chapman University, where she trained under the mentorship of Dwight Rhoden, Megan Doheny, and Kayla Kalbfleisch. Her performance experience includes dancing with Phoenix Ballet, along with additional training at Ballet BC Intensive, NW Dance Project, and Pina Bausch. Now based in New York City, Kaila continues to pursue opportunities as a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer.

Tina Firzlaff
Pilates, Hip2Flip
Tina Firzlaff is a professional dancer and Pilates instructor who trained extensively at CLI Conservatory under Teddy Forance, completing the 10-month program in 2026. During her time at CLI, she trained intensively in contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, improvisation, and other styles while working with renowned choreographers and teachers from across the industry. She has performed in numerous showcases and rehearsals and continues to expand her training and teaching experience. Tina is also Pilates Mat certified through Mind to Body and is passionate about helping dancers build strength, confidence, and artistry.

Amanda Loughran
Ballet/Tap/Jazz, Modern
Mandi Loughran studied dance in Massachusetts until moving to college to pursue her dance career. She recently graduated from Marymount Manhattan College/Northeastern University with her BFA in Modern Dance. She has performed concert work by José Limón, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Tiffany Rae Fisher, Monique Smith, and Adesola Osakalumi. She has also performed commercial work by Menina Fortunato, Melina Rounis, Mickey DellaVella, and Sohey Sugihara, which was included in the film “Universal Dance Awards.”
Mandi has been teaching dance since high school, working with students of all ages and levels in a wide variety of styles and techniques. Additionally, Mandi is a certified mat Pilates instructor and professional photographer.

Hannah Ramos
Hip Hop
Hannah Ramos is a recent graduate from Point Park University, where she earned a B.F.A. in Dance, with a Musical Theater minor. Throughout her career, Hannah has had the privilege of collaborating with many esteemed artists, including Mia Michaels, Nappytabs, Nikos Lagousakos, Al Blackstone, Maud Arnold, Ahmad Simmons, Christopher Huggins, Danny Herman, Rocker Verastique, and Kiki Lucas. Hannah’s performance credits include Pittsburgh Musical Theater's Jesus Christ Superstar, the Chita Rivera Awards, Aditya Birla Corporate Award Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Pittsburgh Today Live, and performances at the Joyce Theater. Most recently, Hannah could be seen in The Pittsburgh Playhouse's immersive production, Ascend.

Jamie Salmon
Ballet
Jamie Salmon received her professional ballet training as a youth with Dana Kennedy, Melissa Hayden and Paul Meija. She attended the North Carolina School of the Arts for Jr. high and high school. Further training was received at the School of American Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet school, where she became a member of the Joffrey Concert Group performing lead roles in classics and new works.Jamie has also worked with Kirk Peterson and Louis Falco as well as dancing in commercials, tv, film and print work.
Jamie began her teaching career at the Joffrey Ballet school as ballet mistress for the Concert Group and teaching at the Joffrey school. She is well known on the Dance Convention circuit teaching for Danny Hoctor’s Dance Caravan, Professional Dance Teacher’s Association Dance Masters and as a judge for the Stars of Tomorrow Dance Competition.
Jamie has been training dancers of all ages for over 20 years. Her students can be seen on Broadway, television, in classical and contemporary companies as well as attending the finest ballet schools and college dance programs in America.

Amy Semtak
Acro, Tap, Leap&Turn, Stretch
Amy Semtak began dancing at the age of four and turned her lifelong passion into a career dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers. She earned her BFA in Dance from Montclair State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, where she studied the works of renowned choreographers including Alwin Nikolais, José Limón, and Bill T. Jones, and performed in the American College Dance Festival.
Amy began teaching at just 16 and has since established herself as an accomplished teacher, choreographer, and mentor, with her choreography earning continued recognition throughout her career.
Her students have performed at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Orange Bowl halftime show, with dancers going on to Broadway, television, professional dance teams, and international performance opportunities. Her students were also among just five Northeast studios selected to compete in the inaugural World Dance Championship Series.
Most recently, Inspiration Dance Academy was named a Top Tap Studio in 2025 and a Top 5 Dance Studio in 2026—a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion of Amy and the entire IDA team.

Alison Stroming
Ballet
Alison Stroming is a professional dancer, model, and entrepreneur. Born in Recife, Brazil and raised in the heart of New York City, she started her formal ballet training at nine years old at the School of American Ballet. She continued her training at the prestigious American Ballet Theater. In 2010, Alison won the title of “Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen” and represented the state of New York at Miss America's Outstanding Teen where she won Overall Talent.
As a professional ballerina, she has performed across the country and overseas in Spain, Lithuania, Guatemala, Tel Aviv, Poland, Budapest, and Italy. Alison also had the opportunity to perform with legend, Aretha Franklin, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Alison has been featured in national campaigns for Under Armour, Free People, Aeropostale, Adidas, McDonalds, Canon, and American Eagle, which was featured on Times Square billboards. She has been featured in several publications and media including Women’s Health, Marie Claire, BET, Popsugar, Interview, Nylon Magazine, and ELLE Magazine.
In 2018, Alison launched her own dance wear brand, AS Dancewear, with focus on female empowerment. In addition to ballet, Alison studies all styles of dance, acting, voice, and serves as a mentor to young dancers across the country. Alison currently serves on the panel of faculty and judges for several dance competitions and conventions including Youth America Grand Prix.

Haley Switlyk-DiGioia
Hip2Flip
Haley Switlyk-DiGioia grew up as a competitive dancer and has carried her love of dance into teaching the next generation. She teaches recreational Hip 2 Flip classes while also working with competitive dancers to help them grow in their technique, confidence, and performance skills. Outside of the studio, Haley is a special education teacher, bringing her patience, creativity, and passion for working with children into every class. She loves creating a fun, supportive environment where dancers of all levels can learn, grow, and feel confident!
