ABOUT OUR STUDIO
We desire to aspire our dancers to work hard, dedicate themselves mentally and physically, commit fully to the development of their dance education, persevere through challenging times and to trust their teachers and mentors to develop them into beautiful, strong and educated dancers both on a physical level but also in an intellectual level.
Mission Statement
Waves of Motion Dance Center prides itself on offering an exceptional and educational dance experience. Every student will grow their love for dance in an inspiring, encouraging, and nurturing environment. In return, this will feed their passion and awaken the artist in every child. Whether a student decides to pursue dance or a different career, Waves of Motion will instill lifelong qualities such as self-confidence, creativity, and collaboration, which are necessary to achieve their future endeavors.
ABOUT THE OWNER
MISS RAQUEL
OWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR
Miss Raquel is a NJ Native and resident of East Brunswick. She received her degree in dance from Rutgers University. She had the pleasure of studying under Reagan Wood Sanders, John Evans, Jeff Friedman, Julia Ritter and many other amazing professors and choreographers from New York City’s Broadway Dance Center. While completing her undergrad credits at Middlesex Community College under the direction of Aimee Mitachoine, she was awarded “Most Promising Dancer” at the Dean’s Tea Ceremony.
Currently, Miss Raquel is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and Dance New Jersey. Although she has been dancing for over 25 years, her passion for teaching students began at the young age of 13 as a teacher assistant. She took on her own classes at the age of 18 and has been teaching ever since. Miss Raquel has taught at various studios throughout NJ. At a competitive level, her dances have placed in top overalls and won numerous choreography awards.
As the owner/artistic director of Waves of Motion Dance Center, the studio has won Sportsmanship Award, The Heart Award from Heat, Technique Award from Elite Dance Challenge, Hula Frog's Most Loved Dance Studio for 2021 & 2022, cash prizes, dancers have been awarded Titles at competitions, and overall top winners at a national competition level.
Miss Raquel is the proud mother of three children, Aidan, Savannah, and Julianna, and with the support of her husband Gilberto Simao she is excited to be celebrating her 7th year in June of 2023. She looks forward to a strong future of dance education, teaching children the art of dance, and instilling life-long values necessary for their futures.
FACULTY
MISS SARAH
From South Amboy, NJ, Miss Sarah started her dance training at a local studio in Spotswood, NJ. There, she trained in the styles of tap, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, hip hop, and ballet. She then continued her studies at the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York City where she earned her degree in Dance Theatre.
At AMDA, Miss Sarah trained in the styles of tap, musical theatre, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary. She also trained her vocals by taking singing lessons with Heather Petruzelli. During her time there, she performed in many showcases as a featured vocalist, tap, and musical theatre performer directed by Cynthia Murray-Davis. Miss Sarah also choreographed numerous pieces in the styles of tap, contemporary, and jazz for performances at AMDA.
After graduating from American Music and Dramatic Academy, Miss Sarah performed in a Broadway-style piece to be aired on WOWOW, a Japanese television channel, for the Japanese Tony Awards. She currently performs as a member in the MCC dance ensemble in Middlesex Community College as well as choreographs. In the past year, she’s taught and choreographed for various regional and national competitions, as well as worked for the national competition of Step Up 2 Dance.
Miss Sarah has had award-winning tap and musical theatre choreography and has received numerous “Feet on Fire” special awards, most entertaining awards, and Best choreography awards. Teaching is her passion, and she cannot wait to work with all her students.
TAP/WDC TECHNIQUE INSTRUCTOR & WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
MISS JULIANNA
WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
Julianna has been dancing since she was 3 years old, competing since the age of 8. She trained in jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, and ballet, while also volunteering her time as a student teacher at her studio for 10 years. It was during this time that Julianna discovered her passion for teaching young dancers.
Julianna recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, where she was a member of their nationally-ranked competitive Dance Team. With the team, she performed jazz, pom, lyrical, and hip hop styles at Football and Basketball games. She also earned spots in the team’s competition routines each year, competing at regional and national competitions, including the UDA College Dance Team Championships in Orlando, FL.
Coached by longtime UDA instructor and award-winning choreographer Jennifer Whitford, Julianna had the privilege of learning from many well-known teachers and choreographers including Stacy Paydo, Toya Ambrose, Katie Lane, April Hamner, Wanda Weir, and Karl Mundt. She has attended numerous camps and conventions held by the Universal Dance Association and Proaction Dance in Las Vegas.
Julianna has been teaching and choreographing at studios throughout central Jersey since 2017, working with students ranging from preschool aged to high school in various styles. Routines she’s choreographed have received recognition for entertainment, cleanliness, and dynamics, as well as many overall awards at competitions. Currently, during the day you can find her working (remotely for now) as an Analyst at a Marketing Research company, taking dance classes both in-person and virtually, and continuing to share her love of dance with all her students through her teaching and choreography!
Danielle has been dancing since the age of four and has studied in all styles. She specifically trained in Hip Hop at Iconic Dance Complex.
Danielle recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a BA in Psychology. There, she competed with Delaware Dance Fever and choreographed hip hop dances for the team. She was also an assistant choreographer for team performances at 76ers basketball games.
While at the University of Delaware, Danielle helped build Evolve Intercollegiate Dance Convention to connect college dancers from around the east coast. Danielle is excited to teach and share her passion for dance.
MISS DANIELLE
HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR & WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
Deanna has been dancing since age 4. After studying Dance, Theater, and English at Montclair State University, Deanna continued her dance training at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and Princeton Ballet (American Repertory Ballet), studying with teachers such as Susan Tenney, Kim Vaccaro, Sheila Barker, Bev Brown, and Joshua Bergasse.
She has choreographed several musicals including Little Shop of Horrors, Guys and Dolls, and The King and I. Her performance credits include Brigadoon, Oklahoma, Godspell, and many others. In addition, Deanna has been featured in a variety of film projects both as a dancer and an actor.
Deanna specializes in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Modern. She also teaches Creative Dance, Tap, and Acro, with students ranging from 2 ½ years old to Adult. Formerly a preschool teacher, Deanna uses her extensive study of early childhood education to develop a creative curriculum for the young dancer. Deanna is also a trained vocalist and pianist who incorporates her knowledge of music theory into all of her dance classes.
MISS DEANNA
COMBO PROGRAM/TAP/ACRO/MUSICAL THEATRE INSTRUCTOR & WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
Marissa Aucoin is a passionate artist who utilizes dance to empower individuals and build communities through shared physical expression. She holds both an MFA and BFA in Dance from The College at Brockport and Montclair State University, respectively, and is committed to providing accessible, high quality dance education for dancers and non-dancers alike. Currently, Marissa teaches at Raritan Valley Community College, Yvonne’s School of Dance, and for several non-profit arts organizations including ReThink Theatrical. In addition to her work as a teaching artist, Marissa continues to choreograph, produce and perform professionally. Recent performance credits include Monica Bill Barnes, Wild Beast Dance (Tammy Carrasco), CapFree Collective (Sara Caplan), and Big Fish Movement (Jordan Demetrius Lloyd) to name a few. She is also the founder and artistic director of mla | Format Dance, and has presented and performed work at the Rochester Fringe Festival, Dixon Place, Visual Studies Workshop, Hollins University, Montclair Art Gallery and GEVA Theatre Center among others. Marissa is thrilled to be joining Waves of Motion for the upcoming season and cannot wait to get into the studio with you all!
MISS Marissa
Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary
"AJ has 10 years of experience teaching dance, and is widely known for his compassionate and energetic teaching style, visually stimulating choreography, and anatomically precise technique. He takes his deep knowledge in the healing arts - being a currently working Reiki Master, a full-time graduate student of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and having previously worked as a licensed Massage Therapist - and dance to create classes that help dancers bring finesse to their technique, voice to their inner creative spirit, and calm self-awareness to their physical, emotional, and mental faculties. AJ has taught classes and workshops for students and teachers alike all over the Tri-State area, for dancers of all skill levels ages 5-70. He received his BFA in Dance from Montclair State University and has extensive experience in yoga and contortion. AJ also works as a visual artist selling angelically-inspired artwork. More information on all AJ's professional offerings can be found on his website www.ajmannion.com"
AJ MANNION
BALLET, ACRO, WDC LEAPS, JUMPs & TURNS
Brianna Brathwaite
ABOUT OUR STUDIO
We desire to aspire our dancers to work hard, dedicate themselves mentally and physically, commit fully to the development of their dance education, persevere through challenging times and to trust their teachers and mentors to develop them into beautiful, strong and educated dancers both on a physical level but also in an intellectual level.
Mission Statement
Waves of Motion Dance Center prides itself on offering an exceptional and educational dance experience. Every student will grow their love for dance in an inspiring, encouraging, and nurturing environment. In return, this will feed their passion and awaken the artist in every child. Whether a student decides to pursue dance or a different career, Waves of Motion will instill lifelong qualities such as self-confidence, creativity, and collaboration, which are necessary to achieve their future endeavors.
ABOUT THE OWNER
MISS RAQUEL
OWNER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR
Miss Raquel is a NJ Native and resident of East Brunswick. She received her degree in dance from Rutgers University. She had the pleasure of studying under Reagan Wood Sanders, John Evans, Jeff Friedman, Julia Ritter and many other amazing professors and choreographers from New York City’s Broadway Dance Center. While completing her undergrad credits at Middlesex Community College under the direction of Aimee Mitachoine, she was awarded “Most Promising Dancer” at the Dean’s Tea Ceremony.
Currently, Miss Raquel is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and Dance New Jersey. Although she has been dancing for over 25 years, her passion for teaching students began at the young age of 13 as a teacher assistant. She took on her own classes at the age of 18 and has been teaching ever since. Miss Raquel has taught at various studios throughout NJ. At a competitive level, her dances have placed in top overalls and won numerous choreography awards.
As the owner/artistic director of Waves of Motion Dance Center, the studio has won Sportsmanship Award, The Heart Award from Heat, Technique Award from Elite Dance Challenge, Hula Frog's Most Loved Dance Studio for 2021 & 2022, cash prizes, dancers have been awarded Titles at competitions, and overall top winners at a national competition level.
Miss Raquel is the proud mother of three children, Aidan, Savannah, and Julianna, and with the support of her husband Gilberto Simao she is excited to be celebrating her 7th year in June of 2023. She looks forward to a strong future of dance education, teaching children the art of dance, and instilling life-long values necessary for their futures.
FACULTY
MISS SARAH
From South Amboy, NJ, Miss Sarah started her dance training at a local studio in Spotswood, NJ. There, she trained in the styles of tap, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, hip hop, and ballet. She then continued her studies at the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York City where she earned her degree in Dance Theatre.
At AMDA, Miss Sarah trained in the styles of tap, musical theatre, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary. She also trained her vocals by taking singing lessons with Heather Petruzelli. During her time there, she performed in many showcases as a featured vocalist, tap, and musical theatre performer directed by Cynthia Murray-Davis. Miss Sarah also choreographed numerous pieces in the styles of tap, contemporary, and jazz for performances at AMDA.
After graduating from American Music and Dramatic Academy, Miss Sarah performed in a Broadway-style piece to be aired on WOWOW, a Japanese television channel, for the Japanese Tony Awards. She currently performs as a member in the MCC dance ensemble in Middlesex Community College as well as choreographs. In the past year, she’s taught and choreographed for various regional and national competitions, as well as worked for the national competition of Step Up 2 Dance.
Miss Sarah has had award-winning tap and musical theatre choreography and has received numerous “Feet on Fire” special awards, most entertaining awards, and Best choreography awards. Teaching is her passion, and she cannot wait to work with all her students.
TAP/WDC TECHNIQUE INSTRUCTOR & WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
MISS JULIANNA
WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
Julianna has been dancing since she was 3 years old, competing since the age of 8. She trained in jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, and ballet, while also volunteering her time as a student teacher at her studio for 10 years. It was during this time that Julianna discovered her passion for teaching young dancers.
Julianna recently graduated from The College of New Jersey, where she was a member of their nationally-ranked competitive Dance Team. With the team, she performed jazz, pom, lyrical, and hip hop styles at Football and Basketball games. She also earned spots in the team’s competition routines each year, competing at regional and national competitions, including the UDA College Dance Team Championships in Orlando, FL.
Coached by longtime UDA instructor and award-winning choreographer Jennifer Whitford, Julianna had the privilege of learning from many well-known teachers and choreographers including Stacy Paydo, Toya Ambrose, Katie Lane, April Hamner, Wanda Weir, and Karl Mundt. She has attended numerous camps and conventions held by the Universal Dance Association and Proaction Dance in Las Vegas.
Julianna has been teaching and choreographing at studios throughout central Jersey since 2017, working with students ranging from preschool aged to high school in various styles. Routines she’s choreographed have received recognition for entertainment, cleanliness, and dynamics, as well as many overall awards at competitions. Currently, during the day you can find her working (remotely for now) as an Analyst at a Marketing Research company, taking dance classes both in-person and virtually, and continuing to share her love of dance with all her students through her teaching and choreography!
Danielle has been dancing since the age of four and has studied in all styles. She specifically trained in Hip Hop at Iconic Dance Complex.
Danielle recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a BA in Psychology. There, she competed with Delaware Dance Fever and choreographed hip hop dances for the team. She was also an assistant choreographer for team performances at 76ers basketball games.
While at the University of Delaware, Danielle helped build Evolve Intercollegiate Dance Convention to connect college dancers from around the east coast. Danielle is excited to teach and share her passion for dance.
MISS DANIELLE
HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR & WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
Deanna has been dancing since age 4. After studying Dance, Theater, and English at Montclair State University, Deanna continued her dance training at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and Princeton Ballet (American Repertory Ballet), studying with teachers such as Susan Tenney, Kim Vaccaro, Sheila Barker, Bev Brown, and Joshua Bergasse.
She has choreographed several musicals including Little Shop of Horrors, Guys and Dolls, and The King and I. Her performance credits include Brigadoon, Oklahoma, Godspell, and many others. In addition, Deanna has been featured in a variety of film projects both as a dancer and an actor.
Deanna specializes in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, and Modern. She also teaches Creative Dance, Tap, and Acro, with students ranging from 2 ½ years old to Adult. Formerly a preschool teacher, Deanna uses her extensive study of early childhood education to develop a creative curriculum for the young dancer. Deanna is also a trained vocalist and pianist who incorporates her knowledge of music theory into all of her dance classes.
MISS DEANNA
COMBO PROGRAM/TAP/ACRO/MUSICAL THEATRE INSTRUCTOR & WDC CHOREOGRAPHER
Marissa Aucoin is a passionate artist who utilizes dance to empower individuals and build communities through shared physical expression. She holds both an MFA and BFA in Dance from The College at Brockport and Montclair State University, respectively, and is committed to providing accessible, high quality dance education for dancers and non-dancers alike. Currently, Marissa teaches at Raritan Valley Community College, Yvonne’s School of Dance, and for several non-profit arts organizations including ReThink Theatrical. In addition to her work as a teaching artist, Marissa continues to choreograph, produce and perform professionally. Recent performance credits include Monica Bill Barnes, Wild Beast Dance (Tammy Carrasco), CapFree Collective (Sara Caplan), and Big Fish Movement (Jordan Demetrius Lloyd) to name a few. She is also the founder and artistic director of mla | Format Dance, and has presented and performed work at the Rochester Fringe Festival, Dixon Place, Visual Studies Workshop, Hollins University, Montclair Art Gallery and GEVA Theatre Center among others. Marissa is thrilled to be joining Waves of Motion for the upcoming season and cannot wait to get into the studio with you all!
MISS Marissa
Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary
"AJ has 10 years of experience teaching dance, and is widely known for his compassionate and energetic teaching style, visually stimulating choreography, and anatomically precise technique. He takes his deep knowledge in the healing arts - being a currently working Reiki Master, a full-time graduate student of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and having previously worked as a licensed Massage Therapist - and dance to create classes that help dancers bring finesse to their technique, voice to their inner creative spirit, and calm self-awareness to their physical, emotional, and mental faculties. AJ has taught classes and workshops for students and teachers alike all over the Tri-State area, for dancers of all skill levels ages 5-70. He received his BFA in Dance from Montclair State University and has extensive experience in yoga and contortion. AJ also works as a visual artist selling angelically-inspired artwork. More information on all AJ's professional offerings can be found on his website www.ajmannion.com"
AJ MANNION
BALLET, ACRO, WDC LEAPS, JUMPs & TURNS
Brianna Brathwaite, a native of New Jersey, is a full-time K-8 dance teacher in a public school in Newark, NJ. Brathwaite is also on faculty at Ballet Hispánico in New York, NY. Brathwaite graduated from the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University with a Master's in Dance Education. Prior, Brathwaite graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. During Brathwaite’s time at Mason Gross, she was also inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts for her Artistic Merit and Leadership. During Brathwaite’s collegiate education she had the privilege of studying abroad at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, England.
Brathwaite earned her certification Pre-Primary through Level 3 at the American Ballet Theatre under the mentorship of Maeve Dougal. Brathwaite has had the privilege of working at the José Limón Dance Foundation as well as Ballet Hispánico learning the inner workings of a dance institution. Brathwaite spent eight years studying at The Ailey School in New York City. During her time at The Ailey School, Brathwaite trained in Ballet, Horton, Limón, Flamenco, West African, Character, Jazz, Tap, and Graham. Brathwaite’s passion for dance began at a dance studio in Parlin, NJ where she trained for seven years. Brathwaite works to inspire and cultivate students through dance every day.
Brianna Brathwaite
Ballet and Technique Class