Lora Ayala -Hinde, Director
Lora graduated with a BA in Child Study from St. Josephs College. As a dancer Lora performed professionally as background dancer for the pop music group 98*, the Venga Boys and can also be seen dancing on the tv show JAM TV. She has performed at the Nassau Coliseum as a NY Dragon’s Firedancer (Cheerleader) and at the Meadowlands Arena as a NJ Gladiator Girl (Cheerleader) and has choreographed a NY Knicks pre-game show. Lora also performed in the opening ceremonies of the US Open under the direction of Pam Chancey and was a Principal dancer for the DHTW Modern Dance Company along with numerous other professional performances. Lora was a Regional and National Judge for Olympic Miss Dance Competition, Dance Arts Plus Dance Competition and Storm Dance Competition . As a competitor Lora has won numerous "Grand National Champion" and Title awards. As a teacher she is very proud to have won several “Best Choreography" and “Best Costume" awards and her dancers have earned numerous overall and Title awards. Lora has completed Dance Teacher Workshops by Dance Masters of America, Dance Teacher Magazine and Broadway Dance Center. Locally you can see Miss Lora teaching dance to the 3rd graders at Saw Mill Road School in Bellmore . As Director of Platinum Performance, Miss Lora is very proud that she still teaches a large amount of dance and acrobatic classes, ranging from beginner to the most advanced. Miss Lora is thrilled she can continue to share her knowledge and passion for dance with her students for over 20 years.
Miss Jess -Assistant Director
Jess started dancing at the age of 8. She joined Platinum Performance at the age of 16 as both a company member and a student teacher. By the age of 19, Jess achieved the status of teacher and choreographer at Platinum. Her choreography has won National titles and numerous special judges awards. Jess was also the head coach of the Huntington Highsteppers, choreographing their jazz and kick routines at the Regional and National levels. Miss Jess's dancers have won numerous Titles and awards under her tutelage. She continues to study dance technique at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She is currently working in early childhood services as a teacher for preschoolers under the autism spectrum. We are thrilled to have Miss Jess with us for over 10 years!
Congratulations Miss Jess on completing the AcrobaticArts BHS and aerial workshop!
Staff
Mr Angelo
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Mr. Angelo has danced competitively for both JUMP Dance Studio and Fazio Dance Center, winning first place many of times with his solos and various group dances. Currently, Mr. Angelo is an education major with a concentration in special education, and he continues to further his dance experience by training and competing as member of the Molloy University Dance Team. Mr. Angelo also takes class at Broadway Dance Center and Steps On Broadway in the city on his free time to continue to develop his technique and understanding of dance movement. Being experienced in all styles, including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, acro, and pom, Mr. Angelo is excited to teach alongside the other amazing faculty and staff at Platinum Performance Dance Academy.
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Mr Brian
Brian received a BA in Communications and completed a BFA program in Dance at Adelphi University. At Adelphi, Brian had the privilege of dancing works by Frank Augustyn, Orion Duckstein, Catherine Denisot-Lawrence, Maurice Brandon Curry, Leda Meredith, David Parsons, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham and Jiri Kylian. He performed a featured role in Martha Graham's "Acts of Light" at the Joyce Theater as part of their University Partners Showcase. Brian also performed with Patricia Kenny Dance Collection for two seasons and had the honor of participating in the "Inside/Out" series at Jacob's Pillow. Brian has interned at USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts and was a member of their pre-professional company. Brian has also choreographed for Holy Trinity Diocesan High School's dance program for the past three years.
Congratulations Mr. Brian on earning your Progressive Ballet Technique Certification!
Miss Devin
Devin Gaffney graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language. She is an alumna of Platinum Performance where she was a member of the company team for 6 years and helped her team win 3 national championship titles. Her favorite style of dance is tap but she is excited to teach all styles of dance this season at PPDA
Miss Frankie
Frankie started dancing at 4 years old and competing at age 10. She attended Long Island High School For The Arts where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, dance history and anatomy. She was on her high school’s kickline and dance team and became part of Platinum’s award winning competition team her senior year. She later went on to study dance at Nassau Community College. She’s worked for numerous entertainment companies dancing at events including bar/bat mitzvahs and sweet 16’s. Her favorite styles include lyrical, contemporary and jazz. She has been apart of the platinum family for over 10 years and is looking forward to another great year!
Miss Julianna
Miss Julianna has danced at Platinum Performance Dance Academy for over 12 years. She has won numerous awards for her group and solo performances including Grand Champion and the Stellar Award. She is currently at Molloy College studying Childhood Education. We are so proud that Miss Julianna continues to dance and perform on the Molloy College Dance team. Her favorite style of dance is tap but she is excited to teach all styles of dance this season at PPDA. Her most recent achievement was "Inferno Grand Champion" for her choreography with the Copper Company Company in "Go The Distance"
Miss Kati
Kati has a BFA in Dance from C.W. Post College and was the recipient of the Post Concert Dance Company “Outstanding Senior” Scholarship. Kati performed with the New York Based Immersion Dance Company. Ms Kati has been awarded many prestigious choreography awards for her outstanding tap rhythms. She has had the privilege to work with great performers and Choreographers such as Merle Hollaman, Raphael Boumalia and Kanji Segaw of the Mark Morris Dance Company. Not only is Ms. Kati a qualified dancer, but she is also a Graduate of the Dance Educators Teachers Training Course. We are thrilled to have Miss Kati with us for over 15 years!
Miss Lindsay
Lindsay graduated from St. Joseph's college with her bachelor's degree in special and general education and is now a kindergarten teacher at Jacob's Parkway in Plainview. She has been dancing for 20 years and has competed for 9. As a competitive dancer for Platinum Performance Dance Academy, she has earned herself many high scores and special awards. Lindsay also competed with her McArthur High School kick line and the award-winning St. Joseph’s college dance team. Her choreography has earned Regional and National titles, highest scoring group, and special judges' awards. Lindsay has high enthusiasm in the classroom and loves to teach. She looks forward to seeing her students each week and watching them progress throughout the year.
Miss Miriam
Miriam graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Human Services in Education. She was a competitive dancer at Platinum since she was 11 years old, during which time she won many high scores and special awards for her solos and groups, including Miss Beyond the Stars in 2018. Growing up she was also a competitive gymnast and gymnastics coach, and then captain and choreographer of both the gymnastics team and dance ensemble in college. In addition, she is an NDA instructor, teaching middle and high school dance teams. Over the last few years, Miriam has led acro and tumbling clinics here at Platinum. Miriam is excited to be working with her students this year and to be back with her Platinum family!
Miss Samantha
Miss Sammy graduated with a BS in Special Education from James Madison University in 2021 and received her MS in Adolescent English Education in 2023. She began dancing at the age of 2 years old has been a member of Platinum Performance since she was 10. Throughout her years at Platinum, Miss Sammy student taught in numerous classes and has since moved on to be a full-time staff member, working with varying ages in the styles of lyrical, jazz, and contemporary.
Miss Sabrina
Sabrina is a season teacher. She has taught at various dance studios on Long Island for 10+ years. Sabrina’s passion for dance started at the age of two, she’s been at Platinum for 6 years. During high school she was on the dance team and danced during college. Sabrina graduated from SUNY old Westbury in the business program. She has a high energy and is enthusiastic with the younger students. She has also won numerous high scores, Special awards, and continues her dancing at Broadway Dance Centre. Her most recent achievement was "Inferno Grand Champion" for her choreography with the Bronze Company in "the Rose"
Miss Tricia
Tricia is a graduate of the Stony Brook University theater program with a BA in theater arts and a concentration in dance. She also holds her certification in early childhood education. She has studied at a Broadway Dance Center and taken classes at numerous conventions and workshops during her 30-year dance journey. Outside of the studio she is a competitive gymnastics coach coaching IGC levels copper 1 - Silver.
