Meet the Team at Studio D

Heather Sabad is the proud new owner of Studio D and is thrilled to begin this exciting new chapter with a studio that has meant so much to her family. A lifelong dancer and performer, Heather is passionate about creating a positive, welcoming environment where every dancer feels inspired, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Heather began dancing at the age of two at Jill Chase Dance Studio in Shelton, Connecticut, where she trained through the age of seventeen. As a competitive dancer for many years, she developed a deep appreciation for the discipline, artistry, and joy that dance brings.

Her love for the performing arts expanded into theater during middle school when she performed in Oliver! at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven. From there, she became actively involved in musical theater, performing in numerous productions with Trumbull High School and the Trumbull Youth Association throughout high school and college.

Heather earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Western New England University. While attending college in Springfield, Massachusetts, she continued her dance training by taking classes at several local studios, allowing her to further develop her skills and deepen her appreciation for the performing arts. It was also during this time that she met her husband, Michael.

After graduating and returning to Connecticut, Heather continued dancing as an adult, with a special love for tap. 

Above all, Heather treasures time with her husband, Michael, and their two daughters, Taylor and Tori. She loves cheering them on in everything they do, especially dance and soccer, and proudly considers herself their biggest fan. Watching her daughters discover their own love of dance—beginning at Studio D when they were just two years old—has made this opportunity especially meaningful.

Dona Wassell, Founder and Instructor of Studio D Center for Performing Arts, began dancing at the age of three and went on to become a member of the faculty at Jeannette’s School of Dance in Bridgeport and Fairfield. Over the years, she has continued her training as both a teacher and choreographer in New York City and New Hampshire, studying with many renowned master teachers including Luigi, Janice Barringer, Al Gilbert, Daryl Retter, Jerry Rose, Ben Vereen, Jimmie Ruth White, Holly Humphreys, Mallory Graham, Alecia Lakernick-Hoctor, Becca Retter, and many more.

Dona served as the Director of the Dance Program at the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA for over ten years, teaching students ages two through adult and forming both competitive and performing teams. She also taught and choreographed a dance/exercise-style aerobics program for the Fairfield and Lakewood-Trumbull YMCAs and was on staff at the Fairfield YMCA as an exercise/dance aerobics instructor for over 18 years.

As the founder of Studio D, Dona has dedicated her life to sharing her passion for dance with generations of students. Under her leadership, Studio D’s competitive team has earned numerous first overall placements, platinum awards, entertainment awards, and special recognitions. While these accomplishments are meaningful, Dona is most proud of the supportive and loving dance family that has grown within the studio walls.

After 20 incredible years as the owner and director of Studio D, Dona is beginning a new chapter as the studio’s Founder. Although the business has transitioned to new ownership, Dona remains a deeply valued part of the Studio D family and continues to share her knowledge, heart, and love of dance with students and faculty.

Dona’s legacy is woven into every part of Studio D — the culture, the community, the standards, and the love that make the studio so special. Carrying that legacy forward is an honor and a responsibility that remains at the heart of Studio D’s future.

Outside of the studio, Dona loves spending time with her husband, Rich, her children, Kristin and Jack, and her amazing grandchildren: Eric, Austin, Lily, Bella, Delilah, Olivia, Hunter, Dylan, Vivian, Shamus, and Dawson. When she is not dancing or with her family, you can usually find her anywhere there is a beach. 

Dona is proud to continue inspiring dancers and supporting the next generation of Studio D as she celebrates 50+ years of teaching and a lifelong passion fulfilled: to teach dance.

Kristin Granata began dancing at the age of two and entered the competitive dance world at age nine. She trained at numerous studios throughout Fairfield County and competed for 12 years, earning many awards at local, regional, and national competitions.

Kristin graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Dance. During her time at ECSU, she was an active member of the ECSU Dance Team for five consecutive years, training in jazz, pom, and hip hop. She served as both Captain and President of the team for two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, she led the team to NDA Nationals in Daytona, Florida, where they placed 7th in the nation.

Kristin was also a member of the ECSU Dance Ensemble, where she trained, performed, and choreographed in lyrical, contemporary, and modern dance. Each year, the ensemble traveled to the American College Dance Festival to perform and attend classes, conventions and perform.

After college, Kristin continued her performance career as a professional dancer, cheerleader, and captain for the UFL Hartford Colonials. She later served as the director of a professional dance team for the American Basketball Association and coached Fairfield University’s Dance Team in 2011.

Kristin’s teaching career began at the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA, where she taught students ages two through fourteen in both recreational and competitive dance programs. She has continued her training with many master teachers at dance conventions, teacher workshops, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City.

Throughout her years teaching at Studio D, Kristin’s choreography has received several entertainment awards, special awards, and choreography awards. In addition to her work in dance, Kristin is also a full-time human resources professional and has enjoyed helping Studio D grow and strengthen its faculty over the years.

Teaching has become one of the most fulfilling parts of Kristin’s life and truly makes her heart full. She values the opportunity to connect with her students, earn their trust, and help bring out the very best in them both on and off the stage. Watching dancers grow in confidence, artistry, discipline, and self-belief is one of the greatest joys of her teaching career.

Outside of dance, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family - her husband Matt and their two sons, Eric and Austin. 

Kristin is proud to continue working alongside her mom, Dona, and the incredible faculty and students at Studio D. She is excited for another season of sharing her passion for dance with the Studio D family.

Karen Laham attended Jacki’s Dance Factory in Danbury, CT and The Connecticut Conservatory in New Milford, CT to receive the majority of her early dance training. She continued her higher level of study at Broadway Dance Center in NYC, concentrating in Classical Ballet and Pointe. 

Karen has also had the honor and privilege of attending classes conducted by the legendary Master Teacher David Howard of The Royal Ballet at Ballet Academy East in Manhattan. She has choreographed and performed in numerous productions, including venues such as The Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT and the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, CT. 

Karen enjoys continuing her dance education training by attending various workshops, conventions, seminars and online programs, thus enabling her to share with her students the enrichment from fellow instructors from around the world. Karen's teaching style incorporates both Vaganova and Cecchetti techniques with Balanchine influences. 

She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology from Western CT State University with a Minor in Chemistry and has received training in the sciences of Anatomy and Physiology.  

Nikki Ryane Valles was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. She was raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut which is where she began doing hip-hop at a small studio. Her high school years included dancing on the Bunnell High School’s dance team and taking classes at Regional Center for the Arts and Performing Arts Center of CT. These arts programs are both located in Trumbull Connecticut. 

In the summer of 2009 Nikki studied at Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts summer program. Through high school and college she continued to expand her repertoire in dance becoming certified to teach K-12 dance in CT through Naugatuck Valley Community College. Nikki has worked in the Norwalk community performing at Pride in the Park and Trail Mix Thursdays. 

She became a member of Generation 8 of Team Leggoo in 2019 . At the end of 2019, she began to work with artists in the area. Nikki has performed in the NY-CT area with both music and choreographer artists. 

She has experience teaching dance classes in Fairfield, CT at Double Up Dance Studio as well as coaching Flood Middle School Dance Team in Stratford, CT and is currently teaching jazz in Newtown, CT. Nikki is currently focused on continuing to grow as a student of dance, taking classes of all styles to become a better informed teacher.

Amorise began dancing at the age of 12. While many consider that a late start, he considered it the perfect start.  He began by taking Ballet and Jazz dance at Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County. 

Two years later at the age of 14 he began training in other techniques such as Tap, Hip-hop, Salsa, West African, and Modern Technique.  It was also at the age of 14 that he choreographed his first piece. From that point he knew that choreography was something he wanted to take very seriously. 

Over his teen years Amorise trained at the Regional Center for the Arts, Performing Arts Center of CT, and the Ailey School in NY.  While training at these dance schools he has had the opportunity to open for various dance companies such as Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ailey II. By the age of 18 Amorise had choreographed 15 pieces in various styles of dance. As an adult Amorise continues his studies by taking dance classes at the Ailey School and Broadway Dance Center. 

Although Amorise does not have a formal dance degree he currently holds a B.S. in Accounting and has most recently completed an MBA in Accounting and a M.S. in Data Analytics.

Rachel Baron began dancing at the age of 3 and trained at Studio D for 15 years. She joined the DanzStars dance team at age 7 before moving on to the Studio D Competitive Company at age 9.

Throughout her years as a member of the Studio D Company, Rachel has earned numerous High Gold and Platinum awards, along with several Special Judges' Awards. She has also been a member of the Studio D Ensemble, where she has continued to develop her performance skills and passion for dance.

Rachel began her teaching journey at Studio D by instructing dancers in multiple styles during Camp D for two consecutive summers. She later served as co-captain of the Trumbull High School Dance Team, helping lead rehearsals, choreograph routines, and perform at football games, basketball games, and special events.

Rachel is currently attending Endicott College, where she is pursuing a degree in Interior Architecture with a minor in Dance. As a member of the Endicott Dance Ensemble, she has performed in multiple collegiate showcases, continuing to expand her artistry and performance experience.

In addition to her college training, Rachel is a summer instructor with American Dance Training Camps (ADTC), where she teaches a variety of dance styles, choreographs routines, and mentors young dancers from across the country. She also choreographs for Studio D's Company Team and is passionate about helping dancers grow in both technique and confidence.

Rachel is thrilled to continue sharing her love of dance with the Studio D family and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Sabrina Cofrancesco has been dancing for 23 years. Sabrina danced 14 years at Triple Threat

Dance Company, 11 of those years as a competitive dancer with the studio. She finished out her

senior year at Apogee Dance Academy as an Extreme Team Dancer. 

Sabrina has competed both regionally and nationally winning numerous overall awards as a soloist and a team member. She was awarded many title placements and scholarships at competitions and conventions. 

Sabrina teaches private lessons in all dance styles and is a competitive dance

teacher and choreographed many regionally and nationally winning dances. She was also in a

professional tap company, TapLifeToo. 

Sabrina has danced alongside well known dancers and choreographers, like Aaron Tolson, Michelle Tolson, Anthony Locassio, Michael Minnery, Nika Kljun, Aaron Parkhurst. Sabrina was a student at Waterbury Arts Magnet School focusing on dance. 

She then attend Central Connecticut State University as a Dance Education Major. At Central, Sabrina was a member of the Dancentral Company and was a member of the CCSU Dance Team. Additionally Sabrina was a member of the CCSU National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Her favorite styles of dance are Tap, Hip Hop, and Contemporary.

Katie Denton started dancing at the age of 3 at a local dance school in Stratford. She was asked to join the competitive dance team at age 7, where she competed in many regional and national dance competitions. 

After 10 years, she joined the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA's recreational and competitive dance teams, where she danced for 6 years. Throughout her 17 years as a dancer, she also was a student assistant and teacher at both studios where she taught students ages 3-14. 

She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Minor in Psychology. She now lives and works in New York City and is a member of the New York Celtic Dancers and takes classes at the Broadway Dance Center and Mark Morris Dance Company for recreation. 

She is delighted to begin another year working with the faculty and students at Studio D.

Jaci started dancing at a young age quickly accelerating to the competitive level in hip-hop. At the age of 18 she became a professional dancer for the United Football League's Hartford Colonials as well as a New Haven team for the American Basketball Association. 

Jaci went on to study as a Dance Major at Dean College where she furthered her dance education at the collegiate level with performance and academic courses such as dance composition, dance history, rhythmic analysis and more. She was selected to be a member of Dean College's Elite Hip-Hop Dance Company studying under Ricardo Foster Jr. who has danced and choreographed for celebrities such as Jay-Z, Usher, NSYNC and more. During her training with the Elite Hip-Hop Dance Company she learned the foundation of various styles within hip-hop to further her extensive training. 

Amidst graduating with her Dance Degree in 2014 Jaci moved to the Boston area where she was selected to be a Professional Dancer for The Expressive Movement Dance Company. During this experience Jaci participated in several elite hip-hop competitions and performances such as World of Dance, Prelude Urban Dance, and the IT Factor, travelling throughout New England and Canada for such performances. During her experience on The Expressive Movement she also participated and taught at several workshops for various dance studios around New England, and furthered her training in hip-hop, contemporary, freestyle, and other styles. 

She has been a Dance Instructor in multiple states including Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado, and her choreography in Hip-hop and Contemporary has won numerous awards at competitions. Jaci is passionate about teaching and strives to ensure that her students feel safe and comfortable to grow as dancers and individuals in her classes! 

Lily Griffin started her dancing journey at Studio D at the age of 2 with Miss Dona. At the age of 10 she joined the DanceStarz dance team, eventually joining the Competitive teams. 

During her 5 years as a competitive dancer, she earned high gold and platinum awards. While attending the Pennsylvania State University, she took ballroom dancing and yoga classes. 

Lily graduated from Penn State in May of 2023 with degrees in Microbiology and Spanish. She now looks forward to returning to her ‘home away from home,’ and choreographing for the upcoming competitive dance season!