Thomas Dance Studio

Amy Gentile studied dance at Thomas Dance Studio, and throughout her training, attended summer intensive dance programs, including DanceAspen and the Musical Theatre Project of Tampa. While at the Musical Theater Project of Tampa, Amy was fortunate enough to learn from the legendary Ann Reinking who gave Amy the opportunity to work with artists such as: Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Bernadette Peters and Trent Williams.  Later, she was invited by Gregory Hines to perform in his one man show with Savion Glover at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.  She also studied with ballet masters Violette Verdy, Jillana and Edward Villella while studying ballet at Dance Aspen. As a student at TDS, Amy was awarded the titles of “Junior Miss Dance of Florida”, and “Miss Dance of Florida” through the Florida Dance Masters organization, and danced with their “Main Attraction” Dance Troupe, as well as Thomas Dance Studio’s ENCORE! Dance Company. Amy was also awarded a number of scholarships through the Florida Dance Masters organization including the top ballet, tap and overall scholarships available to students. She attended the Palm Beach County School of the Arts (now known as BAK Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos School of the Arts)  and was awarded scholarships through the school, graduating with honors. While in High School, Amy became a teaching assistant at TDS launching the very first 3 year old program at the studio.  Amy continued her dance studies at Oklahoma City University’s Dance Department where she studied with nationally renowned  performers and dancers. Upon her return to Palm Beach County in 1997, she began teaching for Thomas Dance Studio and earned her teacher’s certification through Florida Dance Masters.  She has since held many board positions with Florida Dance Masters including Director of both the Jr. Miss/Mr. and Miss/Mr. Dance Scholarship Competitions and continues to serve on FDM's Board of Directors. In 2005, she was appointed ENCORE! Dance Company Assistant Director. In 2008, she joined the board of Support Dance, Inc. where she not only chaired their Gala (Starry Starry Night), but also became the Support Dance, Inc. Vice President.   "Miss" Amy's teaching philosophy is to train young dancers in the healthiest, safest method possible while enabling them to reach their highest potential at whatever age or skill level that might be.  Sharing her passion and love for dance is what continues to drive her to excel as a dance educator and Director of Thomas Dance Studio.

Charlotte Hamer has been an instructor at Thomas Dance Studio since 1987, had her early training at the Thomas Studio under Grace Thomas from 1938-46. As a member of Mrs. Thomas' National USO troupe, she toured hospitals and also entertained the Royal Air Force in the summer of 1944 with Master of Ceremonies Stubby Kaye.Mrs. Hamer was a member of the original Broadway casts of ‘Paint Your Wagon’ and ‘Make a Wish’ and also was in the Broadway cast of ‘My Fair Lady’. She starred as ‘Laurie’ in the original London cast of ‘Oklahoma’ in 1948 and in 1949 was in the South African touring company of the show. Mrs. Hamer studied at the School of American Ballet and became a dancer with the famed New York City Ballet from 1952-’59 under ballet master George Balanchine. Her television work included ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’, ‘The Firestone Hour’ and appearances with singer Patti Page. Mrs. Hamer is a gifted ballet instructor and has taught master classes for both conventions and workshops. She currently teaches ballet and pointe at the studio, and continues to inspire students with her love of dance and high standards of technical excellence.

Trina has been teaching ballet since completing the teacher training program at Leigh Franklin Academy where she was awarded a full scholarship under the direction of Victoria Leigh and James Franklin. She also trained at Houston Ballet with a full scholarship and stipend under direction of Rosemary Miles and Clara Cravey.   Upon returning to Florida she danced as an apprentice with Ballet Florida where Ruth Petrinovic inspired Ms. Jennings to continue on to become a professional dancer with The Richmond Ballet. It was there she had the privilege of working with Arnott Mader, Malcolm Burn, and Jerry Schwender, as well as other notable choreographers.

She returned home to dance with Ballet Florida under direction of Marie Hale and Claudia Cravey.  She has been a guest artist, coach, teacher, and choreographer for various venues throughout the United States.   Some of the companies she has worked with as a dancer and/or choreographer are: The Palm Beach Opera, Houston Ballet, New Centuries Dance Entertainment, Ballet Florida, Richmond Ballet, and Ralphael & Jullianna Productions. 

The wonderful teachers she experienced have inspired her as a teacher.  Early in her dance / teaching career she put her students first and vowed to help every student and to never give up on anyone. She states, "I believe in continuing my personal education so I am better equipped to empower every child.  Even though a child may not plan to dance as a career, ballet teaches discipline and provides them with the tools they will need to succeed. As a student or as the instructor I feel we should never stop learning, we all have something to share, and we need to be open to new thoughts, new ideas, and new experiences."

Trina is happy to join Thomas Dance Studio to share her love of ballet with her students. 

Debbi Dee has earned the honor of being referred to as a “teachers” teacher.  She is known as a true technician as well as Dynamic Stylist whose Energy is unsurpassed. Her expanding knowledge can be seen on platforms through out the United States and is Internationally recognized as a “Master Teacher” in Japan, France, South America and Canada. Debbi has been a guest faculty for the prestigious “Tradition In Tap” in New York, National Tap Dance Day in Dallas, St. Louis Tap Festival as well as many other tap events through out the U.S.  She has held choreography positions as well as being a “Master Teacher” at Walt Disney World, Florida. Debbi currently works on Convention Platforms, teaching teachers as well as students for many major dance organizations, including Dance Olympus, Dance Masters of America, Florida Dance Masters, Dance Educators of America, Dance Teacher Summit, Dance Makers and many more.  She has held guest positions at OCU (Oklahoma City University), University of Buffalo, as well as numerous performing arts schools.  She continues to teach at private studios giving master classes as well as private choreography. Debbi has held her own Tap Intensives in Florida, and are now being hosted in various cities nation wide.  The “Debbi Dee Tap Intensive”  is recognized by Dance Teacher as a higher education course for teachers.

Debbi has performed professionally as a Soloist on Broadway, Lincoln Center, Las Vegas, USO shows and Nightclubs, as well as performing on television and in movies.  She has held the title of choreographer, dance captain and assistant choreographer to many Off-Broadway productions as well as Industrials, Fashion Shows, Professional & Community Theater. In March 2011, Debbi was HONORED with the prestigious “LIVING TREASURE AWARD: from OCU, (Oklahoma City University). In 1989 she received the “COVERS” of “DANCER” and “DANCE TEACHER”, and has beenFEATURED IN “DANCE SPIRIT”.  She has also been published with articles in “On Tap”, Dancer, Dance Magazine & Dance News & Reviews.  Debbi also sits on the Advisory Board of “Tradition In Tap” in New York.  She was also honored for her contribution in tap education from the Northeast Workshop for Dancers. In 2010, she was given the cover of “The Dance Magazine of Florida”.Her technique has been documented on her many Educational DVD’s & Written Training Aids for teachers.  They are recognized World Wide. She also orchestrates CD’s for Statler Records.

Debbi has worked with some of the biggest names in show business.  After directing her own dance centers in Upstate N.Y., she maintained a successful faculty position with two of the most prestigious Broadway Studios, Henry LeTang Studios and Broadway Dance Center, where she continues to be a guest faculty. Debbi is a protege’ of Henry LeTang and cherishes working side by side with him.  She is proud of her many students and their accomplishments as they now own studios of their own, along with careers on Broadway, Disney, Las Vegas, Rockettes, TV and World Cruises.  She is currently working on a Tap Syllabus for teachers as well as a Reference Book of Tap featuring her technique.

Her professional reviews have often compared her to Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller, yet she has a magical style of her own.  The DEBBI DEE TRADITION continues as she challenges herself and others to be the best they can be.  SHE IS OFTEN COPIED, BUT NEVER DUPLICATED. SHE IS TRULY.....BORN TO TAP.     

TDS is pleased to announce that Debbi will be joining our school's faculty in the 2011-2012 Season!

Giselle Guillen is a native of the Republic of Panama.  She was a professional dancer for more than 20 years and has been an instructor of Classical Ballet since 1993.  At the age of 13, she joined the National Ballet of Panama and became immersed in the Vaganova and Cuban methods. While attending college, she danced with the Ballet Juvenil de Caracas, Venezuela for four years.  She returned to Panama as a soloist and principal with the National Ballet and remained there for 15 years.   In 1995, together with her sister, she opened G & G Dance Studio in Panama, where she served as Artistic Director and Principal Instructor until moving to the United States in 2005.  Miss Giselle accompanied her students to seminars and international competitions in Italy, The Czech Republic (Prague), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Orlando, and Las Vegas, where they have won many of the highest awards.  Since 2005, Miss Giselle has continued her work as a Classical Ballet teacher at several top schools in South Florida.  In 2009 and 2011 she completed seminars for Vaganova instructors led by the esteemed couple of John White and Margarita de Saa, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society.  In 2010 she served as a judge and instructor at the 18th Passo de Arte International Dance Competition in São Paulo, Brazil.  Miss Giselle’s purpose as a dancer and teacher is to guide young ladies in the discipline of Ballet, to encourage them toward personal successes, and to expand their cultural horizon. TDS is pleased to welcome Giselle to the faculty for the 2011 - 2012 Season. 

Courtney, another former Thomas Dance Studio student, performed with ENCORE! Dance Company and won the title of “Miss Dance of Florida.” She also danced with Florida Dance Master’s “Main Attraction” dance troupe. After graduation, Courtney attended the University of Florida, and then began her professional dance career performing at Walt Disney World in Beauty and the Beast. She performed in industrials and commercials, and danced at Capone’s Dinner Theatre in Orlando. After moving to Los Angeles, Courtney did film and commercial work, and then took a contract dancing for three years with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, where she met her husband, Nick. Courtney is very excited to be living in the Palm Beaches and very happy still to be at the Thomas Dance Studio as part of the studio “family.” She teaches all dance disciplines, specializing in jazz and lyrical.

Alex trained in all forms of dance at Thomas Dance Studio since the age of 4.  She is a graduate from Forest Hill High school and is now attending FAU majoring in criminal justice. Alex was a member of ENCORE! Dance Company for 7 seasons and was also a member of Florida Dance Masters Main Attraction. She received several scholarships from FDM including top ten overall, and was named first runner up at Miss dance in 2010. Alex also had the opportunity to attend Alonzo King’s lines ballet summer intensive program where she studied with world renowned dancers and choreographers.  Not only was Alex a wonderful student, but not has proven to be a talented teacher and mentor to the students at TDS. Alex joined our faculty in 2010 and we are thrilled that she is continuing to share her love of dance with her students for another season. 

Kenny has performed in the opening acts for many celebrity artists including, Mario,  Far East Movement, Jason Derulo, Busta Rhymes, Sean Paul, Shaggy, The Marley Brothers, 50 Cent  and Jay Sean.  He has choreographed for various celebrity artists and a production number for Ben Vereen. Kenny also has numerous TV appearances, and hosted  a workshop with MTV award winning choreographer Darren Henson.

Kenny joined the faculty of TDS  in the Summer of 2009. We are thrilled to have Kenny on board to teach his wonderful style of hop hop dance. 

Originally from South Florida, Alexa danced Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tap, Lyrical, and Modern for 10 years.  After completing her training, she taught both dance and gymnastics at several studios both in Florida and in Virginia.  During that time, Alexa has participated in, coordinated & presented seventeen year-end performances. Outside of dance, Alexa loves to sketch and play the guitar.  Alexa comes from a big family with two brothers and two sisters, and just celebrated her 2 year anniversary with her husband Corey.

Olivia was a student of Thomas Dance Studio since age 4. She is a graduate of Dreyfoos School of the Arts where she was a dance major. She performed as a member of TDS's ENCORE! Dance Co. for 8 seasons and in addition, performed with FDM's Main Attraction Dance Troupe. Olivia was awarded several FDM Scholarships, including being named Top Ten Overall and a Miss Dance of Florida finalist. She is currently a student at Palm Beach Community College studying child development. We are pleased to have Olivia on board for another season with us teaching in our early childhood program.

As a former professional ballet dancer with Boston Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet Threatre and Arizona Ballet, and as a graduate of S.U.N.Y. Purchase as a dance major, Whitney brings a wealth of experience to her teaching. Whitney, a South Florida native, did her early training in Fort Lauderdale with Magda Aunon. She was on faculty at Miami City Ballet school, and since 2006, was on faculty at Florida International University in the dance department. She has produced several full-length stage productions, as well as designed a Stretch class, based on Ballet technique, for Equinox Spas in South Florida. Whitney has taught master classes for Florida Dance Masters. After being on staff for several summers at Thomas Dance Studio as a master teacher, she joined the faculty in 2009. 

Kim Overman Vlcek began her dance training in 1986 in her home state of Michigan. She moved to Florida to attend the University of Florida, where she graduated and holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a minor in Dance. Kim continued her education, receiving her Dance Education Certification for grades K-12. She was head instructor for the Universal Dance Association, and has taught and choreographed for both high school and college dance teams across the United States. As a member of Dance International USA, Kim toured Australia demonstrating the American styles of tap, jazz, and hip-hop. She was offered the role of "Belle" in the production of Beauty and the Beast at Disney World in Orlando, and served as head choreographer forFloridance, the official dance company at the University of Florida. Kim is now the head of the dance division, full time, at Pinecrest School in Boca Raton. And, here at Thomas Dance Studio, Kim brings her talents to our students, specializing in jazz, contemporary and lyrical. 

Virginia has taught ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and acrobatic dancing for over 60 years in the Palm Beach County area.  Virginia began training with Grace Thomas as a child. She met Grace's son, Fred S. Thomas, and in 1948 they married. She and Fred made their home in Lake Worth with their family. Virginia taught for Grace for many years, and took over as studio director from 1975 - 1986. Her daughters, Teri Szember and Tami Valentine, followed as third generation directors of the school. As a dance student, Mrs. Thomas attended many dance workshops in Florida and New York City, and was exposed to many master teachers. She studied ballet at the School of American Ballet in New York City, and with master teachers Zachary Solov, Jack Stanley and Johnny Plaza. Mrs. Thomas has been on the faculties of national and state dance conventions, and has served as a judge for local, state and national dance competitions. Many of Mrs. Thomas’ students have danced professionally on the stage and in movies, and have become dance teachers, dance therapists, choreographers and owners of individual dance studios. Mrs. Thomas is a life member of Dance Masters of America; a member of Florida Dance Masters, where she has served as Parliamentarian.

Tami Valentine was a third generation director,  along with her sister, Teri Szember, of Thomas Dance Studio.  She was also co-director of the  school’s non-profit dance ensemble, ENCORE! Dance Company since it's inception.  Mrs. Valentine is a certified dance instructor through the Florida Dance Masters and Dance Masters of America organizations, and currently teaches ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and acrobatics at her studio. Ms. Valentine is a Past President of Florida Dance Masters, and has also served as the director of Florida Dance Masters’ “Main Attraction,” a dance troupe made up of members from around the State of Florida.  She has judged a number of company auditions as well as dance competitions. In 1985, she  attended, on scholarship, a teachers' training seminar at the Royal Academy in London, and was featured on the teaching video, “Unlimited Dance Files”, in 1996.Ms. Valentine graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, majoring in Public Relations. Ms. Valentine’s focus as a professional dance instructor is to provide her students the very best technical dance education, as well as a love and appreciation of dance as an art form. This summer, Tami was on the faculty of Mignon Furman's  American Academy of Ballet in New York.

Teri Szember was a third generation director, along with her sister Tami Valentine, of Thomas Dance Studio. She also co-directed the school’s non–profit dance ensemble, ENCORE! Dance Company. Mrs. Szember earned her teaching certification through the Dance Masters of America and Florida Dance Masters Organizations, and taught for her family’s dance school from 1973 to 2010. Mrs. Szember has received numerous awards for choreography, including top honors in contemporary ballet ensemble work.  She is proud to have had numerous students go on to professional dance careers, college dance departments, as well as teaching positions in the arts.  Mrs. Szember, along with the help of her renowned faculty, has had five students win the title of “Miss Dance of Florida”, four students awarded the “Junior Miss Dance of Florida” title, and four awarded the coveted “Edith Royal Overall Scholarship” for the state of Florida, the highest scholarship honor given in dance by Florida Dance Masters. Mrs. Szember has enjoyed guest teaching and assisting in auditions, including teaching the ballet and jazz auditions for the inaugural year of the Palm Beach County School of the Arts, and helping develop arts programs for local after-school programs.