Marla Leonow is owner and artistic director of MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE DANCE. She was a Nets Dancer in the NBA for 4 seasons. She has over 25 years of extensive dance training in all areas including jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern and over 15 years of gymnastics training. She continues her training at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She was a 4-year member of the nationally ranked Rutgers Dance Team and majored in dance at Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University). She also received a B.A. degree in Communication while at Rutgers. She has been teaching dance and gymnastics to children of all ages for over 20 years. Ms. Marla has her elementary teaching certification and was an elementary school teacher for 10 years. She has coached and choreographed for various teams, including the Nets Senior Dancers, West Point Cheerleaders, WAM cheerleaders, Ridge H.S Cheerleaders and North Plainfield H.S Cheerleaders. She was featured in the movie, “Gotta Dance,” (directed by Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Dori Berinstein) which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008 and received numerous awards. She has performed on Good Morning America and Good Day New York. She was also featured in the Capezio ad campaign for their Frontline Dancewear line, Dance Spirit Magazine and a Nets billboard on the NJ Turnpike. She was represented by one of the most well-known talent agencies in NYC and has performed for celebrities such as Jay-z, Beyonce, Ciara, Missy Elliot, P. Diddy, Rihanna, Usher, Bon Jovi, Bruce Willis, Eva Langoria and Kanye West. Marla continued her training in L.A. at Millenium Dance Complex, where stars such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera etc. also rehearse and take classes. She also attended classes at other professional dance studios in L.A. and Hollywood such as The Edge Performing Arts Center and Debbie Reynolds Professional Rehearsal Studios, in order to keep up with the latest dance trends and deliver the absolute best to her students. She received the 2014 Star Dance Alliance Teacher Excellence Award and the 2022 ADCC Studio of Excellence Award. Marla is passionate about her students and the art of dance! It is a dream come true for her to have the opportunity to share her talents and love for dance with others!

Ms. Alexa started dancing at he age of 4 and began competitively dancing when she was 7. She is trained in many styles of dance ranging from ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, acro, tap and more! Ms. Alexa was a 4 year member of the Rutgers Dance Team, and graduated with a Bachelors in Nutritional Science. During her time at Rutgers, she was a member of he United States National Pom Team. In addition, she was named the head captain her senior year. She recently graduated from Simmons University with her Masters in Nutrition and Health Promotion and Certificate in Sports Nutrition and began her career working as a registered dietitian. Ms. Alexa is excited to continue to share her passion and love for dance through teaching at Maximum Performance Dance!

Ms. Allyn grew up dancing! Her training started at the age of 4, studying Flamenco, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Contemporary, and Acro. She is a passionate dance educator and award-winning choreographer. She holds a B.A. in Theatre & Dance. In addition to her role at Maximum Performance Dance, she currently serves as full-time faculty for The Pingry School, teaching K-5 Performing Arts. This year, Ms. Allyn will be the director of our All Stars Performance Team! She is very excited to work with our All Stars Team as well as teach the MPD students!

Ms. Andrea’s love of dance started at the age of 5. She began dancing competitively in ballet, lyrical, jazz and acro and won numerous awards. She then went on to train at Princeton Ballet School. Here she was invited to join the pre-professional company, the Career Track program, and dance with the American Repertory Ballet company. Some of the performances include Swan Lake,The Nutcracker, Coppelia, and Sleeping Beauty. With a focus on ballet and pointe, she was also trained in Pilates, modern, folk and Spanish dance. At Rutgers University she studied Dance and Dance History and choreographed for the Rutgers Dance Company. Now she teaches yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to young adults. Ms. Andrea started at MPD last year as a substitute dance teacher. She is passionate about dance and movement, and is excited to share that love with the fabulous MPD dance family!

Ms. Candace has an extensive background in all forms of dance. She received her early training with Appalachian Ballet Company, Atlanta Ballet and Terpsichore the Traveling Performance Company, affiliated with the University of Tennessee. Ms. Candace received her Bachelor's degree in dance education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville 1984. Upon moving to NYC to pursue dance professionally, she received training with Christine Neubert. After taking a 3 week workshop with the famed Margot Fonteyn at the Jofffrey Ballet School, she was given a scholarship to study with the school. This lead to many professional company experiences with Windemere Ballet Theatre, Balinese American Fusion Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater and Joffrey School/Company. At Joffrey, Ms. Candace began working in the children department as an assistant teacher, as well as a rehearsal assistant for the children's productions and Joffrey's Nutcracker. Eventually, at the school director's request, she began teaching her own classes at Joffrey. Ms. Cadace has now lived and worked as a ballet, tap and jazz instructor for the past 25 years in New Jersey. She has taught at New Jersey Ballet, Studio Allegro, Ballet Forte as well as choreographed many local Musicals in Morris County. She loves teaching ballet and pointe at Maximum Performance Dance! She is mother to Tyler and Max and has been married to her husband Mike for over 30 years.

Ms. Claudia has been dancing since the age of 5 and still works everyday to fulfill the highest expression of herself as a person and an artist. Claudia studied and competed in just about every genre of dance and loves all things creative! From the funk of hip hop and jazz to the elegance of lyrical and ballet, channeling and expressing emotions through dance is one of Claudia's favorite things to do! Ms. Claudia has also performed at World competitions dancing alongside students from all across the globe. She has earned many regional titles along with judges awards. She was invited to dance with the Star Dance Alliance’s “Star Squad” and qualified and took part in the “Clash of the Stars”. Claudia is still continuing to advance her dance career and enjoys every second of being in the studio. Ms. Claudia loved teaching summer classes at MPD and she is so excited to continue to share her passion with the MPD students this season!

Ms. Deonna began training at the age of 4 and hasn't stopped dancing since! Studying & competing in the styles of tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and acro, she advanced her education by attending and graduating from Stockton University with a B.A. in Psychology, B.S. in Health Sciences, and a minor in dance. While at Stockton she was a member of the dance team and most notably the Stockton Dance Company where she trained with, and was selected for pieces choreographed by artists such as Kat Echevarría Richter, Lauren Putty-White, Nathaniel Hunt, Tiffany Mills, Chandra Moss-Thorne, Rain Ross, and more. Some of her notable performance credits include: The Tapcracker and On Tap with The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, Stockton University's Spring Dance Concert, Stockton University's Fall Choreography Project, and Stockton University's Emerging Choreographers Showcase where her self-choreographed tap solo entitled, "can you hear me now?" was selected to debut. Additionally, she is a First Company Dancer and the Wardrobe Assistant for the professional, all-womens tap company called The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble based in Philadelphia. She is beyond excited to share her passion with MPD & teach this season!

Mr. Donovyn started out as a gymnast! He competed in the Junior Olympics 5X. He attended Springfield College in Massachusetts where he was an NCAA college athlete (gymnastics). He trained and competed with dance as well! He was on the hit TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD) season 17 and was featured in the opening number. He now attends Rutgers University and is a professional dancer/gymnast. He is currently a contestant on “America’s Got Talent” and received a standing ovation from the judges and moved the entire audience with his stunning performance! He is excited to be a part of the MPD family!

Ms. Felicia grew up as a competitive dancer for over two decades and has trained at studios including Broadway Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway, Alvin Ailey, and her local NJ studio. She received scholarships to attend University of the Arts (Philadelphia), Rutgers University, and Point Park University. Felicia was a member of the nationally ranked Rutgers University dance team. She has modeled for Dance Spirit magazine, Bodywrappers, and the Dance Teacher Summit fashion show. She appeared on TV shows including The Apprentice, The Rachel Ray Show, Aeropostle commercial, American Gladiator, and many nationally televised news specials. In 2008, Felicia appeared on MTV’s Season 2 of America’s Best Dance Crew. Following she became a member of the NJ Ironmen and New Jersey Devil Dance Team and was part of the New Jersey Devils Dancers for six years. In 2013, Felicia appeared in the Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger” music video. She also has worked closely with many choreographers such as, Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, Shelia Barker, Talia Favia, Sonya Tayeh, and Tabitha & Napoleon. Felicia can also be found backstage or judging for well-known competitions. Ms. Felicia is thrilled to be teaching technique and working with our MPDC this year!

Ms Fotini was born and raised in Athens,GR.

She began her early dance training at the age of 4 in the Vaganova and I.S.T.D. syllabus at Isadora and Raymond Duncan center and then under the direction of acclaimed professor Mioara Popescu.

Later she was accepted to the Higher professional dance school N. Kontaxaki - Bakali after examinations the ministry of Culture. She graduated with her B.F.A in dance in 2012(recipient of full scholarship).

Over the years she performed a wide range of classical and contemporary roles including Don Quixote, La Bayadere, Giselle, Cinderella, Dega’s little dancer etc. in theatres all around Europe (National opera of Bucuresti, Moscow Ballet)and the greatest area of Athens.

In addition to her dancing education Ms Fotini got certified in the Pilates Method and in the Progressing ballet technique.

She attended numerous workshops with international instructors ( L. Basova (Kirov Academy), L. Lambrou, Y. Zaharieva, M. Antonichev, E. Korfia, A. Neskov, T. Stoffer, L. Kapetanea, M. Anthimidou, A. Kanelopoulou, K. Clippinger, R. Isacowitz) specialising in movement, anatomy and rehab for dancers.

Since 2012 she has had the privilege of teaching students of all ages and levels until today, a mother of two and relocated now to NJ she is constantly seeking to develop her teaching methods to boost her students abilities and support learners in a safe and enjoyable environment.

She is thrilled to join the Maximum Performance Dance family!

Ms. Katelyn has been dancing at MPD for the past 11 years! She has been a member of MPD’s competition team for the past 8 years, helping her team to bring home many prestigious awards. She has assisted many different age level classes at MPD over the past several years through MPD’s leadership program. In 2021, Katelyn was inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Dance is her passion and she loves passing this on to the studio’s younger generation of dancers! Ms. Katelyn is so excited to be working with and teaching the little ones this year!

Ms. Katie is a former MPDC dancer. She studies all styles of dance and competed with the MPDC for many years. She was captain of the MPDC her senior year. She is no the MPDC assistant director.

Ms. Kelly is a recent BFA Performance Dance Major and Musical Theatre Minor graduating Magna Cum Laude from Montclair State University. At MSU, Kelly performed in works by Fredrick Earl Mosley, Nancy Lushington, Maxine Steinman, Jessica DiMauro Marks, Lorraine Katterhenry, Martha Graham, Joshua Manculich, and Sara Hook. In 2019 she performed in Hook's work at ACDA, and also performed at venues like Symphony Space, City Center, NJPAC, and most recently at Little Island. Ms. Kelly has also been an assistant for Larry Keigwin and an intern/choreographer’s assistant for Earl Mosley. Since graduation she has continued her studies at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway while assisting both John Leggio and Debbie Wilson. Kelly began her training locally in New Jersey studying all genres as well as teaching and choreographing. She was also the dance captain of her pre-professional dance company. Beck’s training also includes Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Intensives, Broadway Dance Center Summer Intensive, Mason Gross Summer Intensive, and Dorrance Dance Tap Intensive. Kelly has had the opportunity to represent the United States and perform internationally as well. Additionally, Kelly is a fit model for Capezio. She is so excited to be a part of the MPD family and teach again this season!!

Ms. Lauren started dancing at 3 years old and has trained in all styles of dance including; ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. She danced competitively with her home studio for over 10 years. Later, she was selected to be a member of the Rutgers University Dance Team. She is now working towards her Masters Degree in Special and Elementary Education at Rutgers. Ms. Lauren is excited to be joining the Maximum Performance Dance family this year!

Bio coming soon!

Ms. Samantha has been dancing at MPD for 9 years, and has been a member of the MPDC (competitive dance company) for 7 years! She has extensively trained and competed in all dance styles. She has attended many conventions and master classes. Ms. Samantha was inducted into the National Honors Society for dance! She has also been assisting with MPD classes for several years through the Maximum Leadership Program! She is very excited to teach the little ones this season!

Ms. Vanessa started dancing when she was 12 years old after switching over from gymnastics. She trained at Dance Etc., in Milford, Ohio, where she competed in jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, acro, musical theater and and hip hop. When she graduated from Indian Hill High School, she attended the University of Cincinnati and was a member of their varsity dance Team. During her time at college, she also joined a contemporary dance company called Exhale. During this time, Ms. Vanessa also taught at a nearby dance studio where she choreographed competition routines as well as taught technique and various styles of dance classes. Now that she has graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA degree in Psychology, she is so excited to teach at Maximum Performance Dance and looks forward to having an amazing season with all of the dancers!

Adar Wellington is currently the Coach and Choreographer of the Brooklyn NETS Dancers, the professional dance team that performs at every Brooklyn NETS Basketball home game in diverse styles including hip hop, jazz, musical theater, Latin, and swing.  The Brooklyn NETS Dancers also serve as ambassadors of the NBA throughout the world, with recent performances in Russia, Spain, England, China, Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines, and Mexico. Adar studied dance at Rutgers University with a major in Dance, and she was a member of their nationally ranked dance team.  Adar was captain of the NBA’s Brooklyn NETS Dancers from 2005 through 2008.  Her additional performance credits include touring with Rihanna and Ashanti and dancing with recording artists such as Kanye West, Pitbull, Diddy, Ciara, Fergie, Elton John, Ricky Martin, Akon, and Panic at the Disco among others.

Jessica was a former Nets Dancer and the Captain of the team for several years. She was also an NBA All-Star dancer. Ms. Jessica has traveled around the world performing in countries such as Singapore, England, China, Argentina and more! She was a back-up dancer for artists such as Shakira, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Vanilla Ice, Ludacris and B.O.B to name a few.