Faculty/Staff

Jennifer Vecchio

Artistic Director

Opening her business in 1989 she followed a dream and has never looked back. She has built her studio on her reputation of hard work, commitment and determination. Her dance focus is ballet having been a principle dancer for the State Ballet during her dance career. She is a Six Time National Grand Champion, represented Team USA in Resia, Germany. Teacher of the year honors at several regional and national events. Ranked number one studio in RI, 2008 (Dancer Magazine). Ranked number one arts educator 2019, 2020, 2021 (Kids out and About). Multiple Choreography and Judges awards. Lead Dancer on Club MTV, 1991. Multiple invitations to the World Dance Championships, Final Five Finalist, Top Three winner at Worlds.

Bridget Wilson

Assistant Director

As daughter of the Artistic Director, Miss Bridget has danced for nearly as long as he has been alive. She works with little stars, minis all throughout the season while assisting in choreography and rehearsals. Her specialty is tap, however she has trained in all aspects of dance.

Denise Costa

Acro Director

Having been in the dance world for as long as she can remember, Miss Denise helps dancers achieve their acro goals and tricks using her experience and knowledge. She works with all levels of students.

Arlene Gilbert

Ballet Consultant

Arlene has specialized in superb classical ballet training since 1965. She trained and performed with The First New England Junior Ballet Company which included performing at the first Northeast Regional Ballet Festival in Scranton PA in 1959, The State Ballet of Rhode Island, The Boston Conservatory of Music, and she completed her Teacher Training Certification Program under Myles Marsden before opening her own school in 1965.

Timur Kan

Classical Ballet (Nov 2022)

Timur Kan began his professional training at the A. Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School in Almaty (Kazakhstan) at age 11. His ballet training is based on the Vaganova Method. Besides ballet, he also studied character, contemporary, and traditional folk dances as well. He has won 1st place in contemporary choreography nomination and 3rd place in ballet nomination in the Orleu International Ballet Competition (Almaty, Kazakhstan), where he performed contemporary dance pieces and classical dance variations from ballets Le Corsaire, Flame of Paris and Harlequinade. Upon graduating from the A. Seleznev Almaty Choreographic School where he received Associate of Fine Arts degree in ballet, he also received an award as a member of the Union of Choreographers of Kazakhstan. Timur joined the Abay State Opera & Ballet Theatre in Almaty, where he performed in a variety of classical ballets, such as Don Quixote, Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Flame of Paris and The Nutcracker. Timur worked as a guest dancer with The Samruk Contemporary Dance Theatre in Almaty (Kazakhstan), Joburg Ballet in Johannesburg (South Africa), Albany Berkshire Ballet in Albany (New York), and currently is with Island Moving Company (IMC) of Newport, Rhode Island.

Samantha Champagne

Teaching Assistant

She has been dancing since she was two and then joined DTRI in 2008, where a year later, she was asked to audition for the competition team!

"Dancing at DTRI has made me the person I am today. It is also where I learned technique, teamwork, love, passion, dedication, and respect! I am dedicated to help teach our minis to thrive and be the best dancer they can be!”

Lexie Aguiar

Teaching Assistant

We are happy to welcome Lexie back in studio to assist with classes during the week! She will be working with our little stars, mini company and junior/teen company! Welcome home Miss Lexie! “I am so incredibly happy to be back at my second home! DTRI teaches more than just dance. It becomes a second home and family , a happy place. Provides lifelong friends and it’s home to some of my greatest memories”