REVOLVE DANCE ALLIANCE DIRECTORS AND FACULTY
Meet your dream team dance instructors.
Our passion and concern for our dancers are what set us apart from other dance studios in Central New York, bringing the best dance experience possible within the walls of Revolve. We truly believe that every dancer can reach their full potential in all genres and we can’t wait to dance with you!
Season 4 Company Members - Minis, Juniors, Teens, and Seniors
Meet the Directors
Choreography mavens.
Hey there — we’re Amanda and Olivia, the founders and directors at Revolve Dance Alliance. We have a passion for dance, education, and the industry as a whole that is like no other. We strive to provide the highest quality dance education to our students as they pursue their goals both in and out of the dance studio.
We’re continually inspired by innovation and the ability to push boundaries. We thrive on using that inspiration to come up with new programs and choreographic or artistic concepts, all with an emphasis on team building and teamwork.
A backstage pass.
“If you’re looking for a supportive and positive studio experience combined with a focus on growth and technique, RDA is absolutely the best place for your dancer. The directors created a culture of caring and are my daughter’s biggest cheerleaders. They work hard to help their students reach their potential not just in dance class, but beyond the studio walls. In just a few months, I have seen tremendous growth in my daughter’s skills and confidence. We are so blessed to be a part of the Revolve family!”
— Jen M., Revolve Dance Parent
Meet the RDA faculty.
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Amanda Lydon
CO-OWNER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Amanda Lydon began her career as a dance educator in 2004 and is a graduate of the University at Buffalo dance program in 2009 with a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) in Dance. She has 20+ years of experience teaching and educating dancers.
While at UB, Amanda was a featured choreographer and performer for company pieces in Dancers Workshop, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble (the university’s selective performance company) as well as a 3-year member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. She has also studied at and performed in programs such as Point Park University, Joffery Ballet in NYC, the Dance Awards, and Generation IV.
She has taught in many studios along the east coast (New York City, Buffalo, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Central New York) and currently has former students across the country in higher ed/university programs, on Broadway, and working professionally pursuing their passions. She has also judged at regional competitions along the east coast since 2009.
Her choreography has been recognized at numerous regional and nationally held competitions and conventions and is currently the Co-Owner and Director of Revolve Dance Alliance in Syracuse, NY. At Revolve, she teaches lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and jazz while also holding specialized classes in technique, progressions, choreographic tools, and improvisational skills, and created a two day intensive "Movement Architects" designed to help the next generation of young dancers learn the skills necessary to teach and organize their own classes, choreograph, and develop a dance curriculum to become dance educators.
As a teacher, she wholeheartedly believes in the power of positive motivation; that all dancers can learn from and support one another and as teachers, our primary job is to encourage honesty and the growth of the individual rather than trying to fit every dancer into a specific box.
Amanda strives to encourage and teach with special attention being paid to a dancer’s individual needs rather than to a generalized standard and to make sure every dancer feels seen and heard in her class. She believes that connection and trust between students and teacher leads to true growth both physically and mentally as an artist.
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Olivia Burke
CO-OWNER, TAP DIRECTOR
Olivia is an award-winning professional dancer and choreographer who has trained in all genres of dance. Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, she began her training at a young age under the tutelage of Megan O’Brien. This was when her love of tap dance emerged.
She has traveled the country extensively, working with many amazing tap artists such as Anthony Morigerato, Aaron Parkhurst, Jason Samuel Smith, and Ayodele Casel. She has assisted Anthony Morigerato, Jason Janas, and Aaron Parkhurst at several highly distinguished dance conventions, and is a member of Jason Janas’ professional tap company Co.MITT.
Last summer Olivia was hand-selected to be part of STEPS on Broadway Theatre/Jazz Summer Study working with dance masters Eliza Ohman, Lloyd Culbreath, Billy Griffin, and many more. She is also the co-creator of BRIDGE Dance Intensive and has taught and choreographed all over Central New York.
Olivia is excited to be a founder and director at Revolve Dance Alliance. She specializes as the tap artistic director and has many exciting things planned for the future of tap dance at RDA — stay tuned!
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Justine Toscano
HEAD OF PRE-K KINDER PROGRAM
Justine began dancing at the age of 3 and has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary styles. She was an award-winning competitive dancer for over 10 years.
Justine has had many years of experience teaching various ages but the little ones have always been her favorite! She focuses on the importance of technique and building passion from a young age.
Justine is happy and honored to be a part of Revolve’s positive environment. She enjoys seeing her students discover their love of the art and grow into beautiful dancers!
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Cara Connolly
ADVANCED/ELITE BALLET INSTRUCTOR, POINTE INSTRUCTOR
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Amy Just Nickels
LEVEL 1 YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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Jade Porcaro
ACRO INSTRUCTOR
Come dance with us!
From pre-k to beginner, intermediate, advanced, elite, and even adult classes, there is truly something for everyone at Revolve. We can’t wait to dance with you and have you as part of the RDA family!