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About
The Studio
World of Dance opened its doors October 1st 2001. The first class was an open hip-hop class and the music hasn’t stopped since. The studio began with fourteen registered students and now boasts a program with almost two hundred weekly dancers. The program primarily focuses on Hip-Hop, Jazz & Tap with the fundamentals of Ballet, directed by Regina C. Marcucci
Each week we ensure the classes learn new choreography and terminology building from the week before. Our program is aggressive and highly structured, but has proven to be successful in keeping our dancers interested all while maintaining a fun atmosphere. We encourage our students to dance anywhere and everywhere, and to experience all styles and forms of movement.
World of Dance proudly boasts several Grand Champion titles, choreography awards, Nationally ranked teams, US Finals Champions teams (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017) and a newly Bid Worlds Team (2015) with their All-Star Hip-Hop teams.
Regina Marcucci
Director/Owner | Est. 2001 | Travel Team Coach
Regina C. Marcucci began her career in dance at three years old at Rose Fabiano’s school of Dance. She continued her training in Poughkeepsie with Bertman from MTV-The Grind where she was introduced to Hip-Hop. While marching in the Macy’s Day Parade for Universal Dance Association she met her hero, Jazz dance legend Frank Hatchett, which led her to further expand her dance curriculum with Jazz-Funk and other styles.
Her resume varies from a degree in Business to working with the industries Elite. Other than teaching and coaching at her own studio, she has choreographed for several programs as well as collegiate level teams. Professionally she has served on the National Dance Advisory board for the USASF, Judges for Varsity brands and several dance studio competitions.
- Proud mom of 3 and wife for 19 years!
- Has a degree in Business
- A lifelong love of dance
- Collegiate, HS & Youth dance & cheer choreographer
- Nationals & WORLD’S Choreography titles
- Served on the Regional & National Advisory board for the US All-Star Federation of Dance
- Varsity Brands judged for 2016-2020
Marina Umana Lopez
Mini Squad Coach | Pre-School Lead Instructor
Marina danced at World of Dance for 13 years. She was on our competitive travel team, attended Nationals in Disney, was Student Director for 2 years, a gymnast and competitive cheerleader. Now a wife and mom, she is super excited to be back dancing and taking over our pre-school program with Miss Charlie Sasso as her assistant.
- Proud mom of 2 and wife for 6 years!
- Danced at WOD since age 5
- Hip-Hop Squad dancer for 5+ years
- Competitive HS cheer athlete for 4+ years
- Marina circled back to WOD 2021 and will be attending a conference in 2024
Mya Barth
Assistant Director | Team Coach & Combo Instructor
Miss Mya, also known as Peanut, is currently working towards a degree in Business. She has danced at WOD since age 5. Miss Mya has held the position of Assistant Teacher at World of Dance for 4 years, in addition to Hip-Hop Squad captain before college. Her specialties are acro, tumble & tricks.
- Working toward a degree in Business
- Danced at WOD since age 5
- Hip-Hop Squad & Company Dancer
- Assistant teacher for 4 years
- JR Squad Coach 22′, 23′ & 24′
- Specialty in Acro, tumble & tricks
Lisa Bettencourt
Dance Coach | Choreographer | Technique Instructor
Miss Lisa is thrilled to be coaching at World of Dance! A dancer since age three, Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in ballet, contemporary, jazz and musical theater. She trained under Rafael Grigorian at the Rafael Grigorian School of Classical Ballet and grew up as a competitive dancer, earning the title of Dancer of the Year in 2004. After earning her degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Lisa went on to perform professionally in musical theater as well as television and commercial work. Her professional credits include productions of Cabaret, Guys & Dolls, Gypsy, Grease and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, along with television and commercial appearances.
At WOD, Lisa specializes in coaching and choreographing solos, duos and trios, as well as helping dancers strengthen their technique and performance skills.
- Dancer since age 3
- Trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz & Musical Theater
- BA in Communication & Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Professional musical theater, television & commercial performer
- 200-hour certified yoga instructor
- Former photographer for Showbiz National Dance Competition
- Professional photographer
- Loves a good karaoke moment!
Specialty: Solo, duo & trio choreography and dance technique coaching
Kirsten Smits
Company Dance Team Coach
Kirsten Smits is a professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and movement artist based in New York. She holds a BFA in Dance and Composition from Western Michigan University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Her career has taken her internationally, teaching and performing in Beijing and Barcelona before moving to New York City in 2019.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Kirsten has worked with dancers of all ages and levels, from recreational and pre-professional students to competitive dancers and adults. Her teaching spans contemporary, jazz, hip hop, commercial dance, improvisation, and somatic movement.
Kirsten’s approach to dance is rooted in musicality, self-expression, and authentic movement. She creates an encouraging environment where dancers can explore their individuality, deepen their artistry, and build confidence in both their movement and themselves.