Faculty Bios

Faculty Bios

Marianne Anderson-Santilli (Director)
Marianne began her dance studies at a local dance school directed by Clare Mundy of Wantagh. It was there that she found her love of dance and the joy of working with children. Under Mrs. Mundy’s loving guidance, Marianne opened her school in 1973 at the age of eighteen. Having been nurtured and loved in Clare’s warm, family-like atmosphere, she sought to create a similar atmosphere in her own school. As the school began to grow, MAS began college studies, first at C.W. Post for Theater and then moved on to Adelphi University where she completed her B.S. in Physical Education. She studied Dance at Adelphi and attended classes in Manhattan where she had the privilege of studying with Charles Kelley, Frank Hatchett, Ann Reinking, and many other highly regarded teachers of that time. She had the opportunity to participate in graduate studies at American University, in Washington D.C., and met and studied with Lee Theodore (the original Anybodys in the Broadway version of West Side Story), Buzz Smith (the original cast of “The Pajama Game”) and Gemze deLappe (the original Laurie in Oklahoma). At this time, Miss Theodore was director of The American Dancemachine - a company devoted solely to re-creating the finest dance pieces in American Musical Theater. This experience culminated in Marianne’s lifelong passion for Broadway show dancing and led to numerous opportunities to choreograph such musicals as Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, Lil’Abner, Anything Goes, and many more. Marianne considers her staff members one of her greatest accomplishments - each member is a sensitive and creative individual with great technique, talent, energy, and love for the arts.

Heather Bulone-Umhafer (Assistant Director) Heather Bulone-Umhafer is the Assistant Director of the Marianne Anderson School of Dance, where she received her dance training from childhood through adulthood. Heather has been an instructor at the MASD for the past 13 years. She attended Quinnipiac University in Connecticut where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications / Journalism. Throughout Heather's college career she continued dancing with Double G Productions where she performed for private parties such as bar/bat mitzvah's, weddings, sweet 16's, corporate events and fundraisers. She also performed with the dance company Rhythm By Nature in Rueben Edward's Underground Dance Project. Heather worked for several years at Clear Channel Communication's WALK 97.5 FM before returning full-time to her first love, dancing!
Kristen Collins A former MASD student of 14 years, Kristen graduated from Hofstra University in May 2010 with a B.A. in Dance. While at Hofstra, Kristen was awarded both the Dance Endowment Scholarship and the Dance Activity Grant, as well as serving as President of the dance program's student-run organization, Movom. She has advanced her training at NYU's Summer Intensives, Bates Dance Festival, Movement Research, and was a scholarship recipient at the American Dance Festival (ADF). Kristen's choreography has been peformed at ADF, Hofstra University, Long Island University, Boston University, Dance Theater Workshop, the Northeast American College Dance Festival's Gala Concert at Penn State University, and the Art House in New Jersey. In November 2010, Kristen was chosen as an emerging choreographer for Jersey City's Your Move! Modern Dance Series for her dance-theater work, "Down the Rabbit-hole." She continues to choreograph and perform for various venues and audiences in New York. In addition, Kristen is also a certified yoga instructor and is currently teaching classes at the MASD and Jem Yoga of Merrick.
Michelle Walsh Michelle is a graduate of the Marianne Anderson School of Dance with fifteen years of dance training. She currently teaches ballet and tap at our studio. Michelle attends Hofstra University and is working towards completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She is working towards a career as a Physician's Assistant.
Allison Peters-Rezza Allison Peters-Rezza trained at the Marianne Anderson School of Dance and also received her early dance training with the Joffrey Ballet School (NYC). Allison furthered her training through summers spent dancing with The Hartford Ballet School. She received her Bachelors in Fine Arts Dance Performance from the University of Akron (OH) and her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Dowling College (NY). Allison has performed and taught dance across the United States. Some performance credits include: Repertory Project (OH), Repertory Dance Company (OH), Cleveland San Jose Ballet (Performance with the Choreographers Showcase), and the Bare Bones Dance Project (NYC). Some teaching experiences include: Marianne Anderson School of Dance, Nassau BOCES Cultural Arts Center, Southern Dance Masters, The Dance Institute (NSAD), and Coventry Performing Arts High School. Allison has also taught numerous master classes in New York and Ohio.
Linda Walsh Linda Walsh is a graduate of the Marianne Anderson School of Dance with fifteen years of formal training and is currently teaching Jazz at our studio. Linda graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. She is now a Kitchen and Bath Designer at North Shore Cabinetry in Plainview. In addition, Linda is a fifth year veteran of the New York Jets Flight Crew and was selected to be a member of the cheerleading squad for the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Joseph Conger Starting his dance career at the Marianne Anderson School of Dance, Joe continued his training attending BOCES and the prestigious Meadows School of the Arts at SMU, in Texas. Upon graduation he danced with the nationally recognized Bruce Wood Dance Co, as a leading company member. While in texas he worked as a guest artist with Dallas Black Dance Theater, Chamberlain Ballet, Ballet Ensemble of Texas, Fort Worth Opera, Metropolitan Classical Ballet, Dallas Repertory Ballet, as well as performing extensively in the industrial and fashion runway circuit. He has toured nationally as a teacher and performer. A certified Pilates and Yoga instructor, Joe moves home to New York from Chicago where he spent the last two years as the #1 Pilates trainer for Fitness Formula, the elite health club in the city. He has worked with children and adults of all ages and is thrilled to be a part of the Marianne Anderson family, to whom he owes his career. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Kelly Long Kelly Long, a native of Massachusetts, graduated with honors from Hofstra University in 2009. She earned a BA in Dance and minor in Business Management. In addition to dancing throughout NYC and Boston as a member of Kelley Donovan & Dancers, Kelly has trained at the Bates Dance Festivals, Boston Conservatory, and Jacob’s Pillow. Her choreography has won several awards, and has been performed at venues including Dance Theater Workshop, the Bates Dance Festival, Connecticut College, and Hofstra University. Kelly is completing her final year of graduate school at the Pratt Institute, earning her MS in Dance/Movement Therapy. Her Dance/Movement Therapy work has led her to dance with developmentally delayed children and adults, psychiatric patients and physically disabled individuals. She is currently working with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents in Queens. Kelly is excited to be returning for her third year with the MASD, and appreciates the opportunity to work with such amazing students and staff!
Dana Baudouin Dana is a graduate from The Marianne Anderson School of Dance and has an extensive theater background. She attended Pilates on Fifth's Pilates Academy International. She is certified in All Populations Mat Pilates and Anatomy, Biomechanics and Posture Review. Dana is also a certified Zumba Instructor, attending both Zumba Basics 1 and 2, with Tanya Beardsley. She is currently teaching at The Ladies Workout Express in Wantagh and various gyms. Dana is glad to be home at the MASD!
Danielle Kwozko Danielle Kwozko, a native New Yorker, graduated from The Ohio State University in 2004 with a BFA in Dance Performance and was honored for her re-staging of Doris Humphrey's "Two Ecstatic Themes." She moved to St. Louis and danced for The Mid America Dance Company before returning home and dancing for Six Degrees Dance and Randy James Dance Works. In 2006 Danielle began apprenticing for Lori Belilove's Isadora Duncan Dance Company and was taken on as a full company member in 2007. She enjoys teaching and performing and is now working as a Licensed Acupuncturist in Wantagh, NY.
Kellene Rottenberger Kellene Rottenberger trained at the Marianne Anderson School of Dance and also received her early dance training with the Joffrey Ballet School (NYC). She then studied dance at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland and earned a B.A. in Dance with concentrations in theater, choreography and performance. While at Goucher Kellene performed in student works, faculty pieces as well as guest artist residencies. She is now teaching jazz/hip hop at the MASD and is the dance team coach at Plainedge High School.

The Marianne Anderson School of Dance | 1865 Wantagh Avenue | Wantagh, New York 11793 | 516-826-1988