Lora Ayala, Director
Lora graduated with a BA in Child Study from St. Josephs College and is in her 8th year Head Coaching the Huntington High School Dance Teams and Kickline. As a dancer Lora has recently Performed in the opening ceremonies of the US Open and was a Principal dancer for the DHTW Modern Dance Company. Lora was also a background dancer for the pop music group 98* and the Venga Boys. She 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 recently choreographed a NY Knicks pre-game. Lora is a Regional and National Judge for Olympic Miss Dance Competition, Dance Arts Plus Dance Competition and That’s Entertainment Dance Competition. Lora is very proud to have won four “Best Choreography Awards” and three “Best Costume Awards” among many other awards. Lora has completed Dance Teacher Workshops by Dance Masters of America, Dance Teacher Magazine and Broadway Dance Center.
Miss Jess
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 Nationals titles and numerous special judges awards. Jess is also the headcoach of the Huntington Highsteppers choreographing their jazz and kick routines. She continues to study dance technique at Broadway Dance Center in NYC.
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. 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.
Miss Lindsay
Lindsay graduated from St.Joseph's college with her bachelors degree in special and general education and is now working for the Merrick school district. 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 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. Currently Sabrina studies at 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.
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.
Miss Frankie
Miss Devin
Devin Gaffney is a Senior at Pace University where she is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language with the hopes of teaching upon graduation. 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 Sam
Sam is a graduate from Adelphi University studying history and adolescent education. She began dancing at the age of 2 years old and still continues to take dance classes. Sam was a competitive dancer throughout her teenage years. She has performed in productions of The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella with a Long Island based ballet company.