Dance Director

Danielle Arocho

Ms. Danielle has been teaching and choreographing for over 8 years, attending the Charter High School for Performing Arts and DeSales University, both with a focus on dance performance. She recently has choreographed musicals for Pocono Mountain East High School and Rebel Stages. In addition to her role as Dance Director for SVPA, Danielle teaches a variety of classes including hip hop, ballet, contemporary, and musical theatre.

Dance

Clarissa Newby-Phillips

Clarissa Newby-Phillips is a director, choreographer and dance educator with over 30 years of experience. She was Artist-in-Residence at the Cicely Tyson School Theater Department for nine years, earning multiple Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Award nominations. A graduate of Rutgers University (BFA in Dance) and NYU (MA in Dance in Higher Ed), she holds NJ’s first state certification in Dance Education. She has collaborated with renowned artists including Savion Glover, Maurice Chestnut, Christopher Huggins, and Dion Parson. Her professional background includes performances and choreography in TV, theater, and gospel productions, with credits alongside icons like Michael Peters, Tina Turner, and Patti LaBelle.

Acting

Alana Glynn

Miss Alana graduated from East Stroudsburg South High School where she was awarded the Musical Theater and Choral Merit Awards. She then earned a double theater degree in acting and directing from East Stroudsburg University. Her extensive experience spans both on-stage performances and behind-the-scenes work. Now, her passion has shifted towards directing, where she has successfully helmed productions such as 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'. As an acting teacher, she aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of performers, sharing her love for the craft and the invaluable lessons she's learned throughout her journey.