Fearless Dance Company

Meet Our Team

Cassandra Scala Owner/Director 

Cassandra, a Long Island native, has been involved in dance for 21 years.  Her love for dance began at age 7 and she was a competitive dancer, trained in all styles, from ages 11-18.  She has earned various recognitions and titles through award-winning solo and group performances.  In addition to dancing competitively she was also the captain of her high school's dance team and was an active member of the community.  She was a founding member and soloist of Arrhythmia Dance Company, one of Long Island's first pre-professional dance programs.  As a member of Arrhythmia Dance Company, she earned the title of Dance Captain and was selected to perform at notable events such as the A.C.E. Awards and Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.  With Arrhythmia, she also helped raise funds through various charity performances, including donations to Toys For Tots.  Cassandra has turned her love of dance into a passion for teaching the next generation.  She has been teaching for 12 years and has inspired students of all ages and abilities in both a studio and dance team setting.  Cassandra has experience as an artistic director of both competitive and recreational programs.  Her choreography is recognized both regionally and nationally.  Her passion is to create a safe space where kids feel encouraged to explore, learn, and develop confidence not just in dance but in life.  To dance and to live fearlessly - a powerful combination to show that anything is possible. 

Louise Scala - Office Manager

With over 47 years of experience as an office assistant- and over 20 years as a proud dance mom- Louise brings both heart and organization to Fearless Dance Company.  She has watched Cassandra and countless others grow their passion for dance, and along the way, developed a love for the art form herself (even dabbling in a little line dancing!) Louise is known for her welcoming spirit, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting both students and their families.  She's thrilled to be a part of the Fearless family and can't wait to meet all the new dancers and their families.  

Hali Tumminia - Instructor

Hali Tumminia (MA, BFA) has been a dance educator for almost 20 years.  She received her BFA in Jazz Dance Performance from the University of the Arts and went on to dance professionally in both Israel and NYC.  She then earned her MA from Stony Brook University.  From 2018-2024 she was both the Head of Dance and a Professor of Dance at Five Towns College.  She returned to choreograph their 2025 spring production of Hairspray! Hali is a competitive dance teacher and a dance team coach whose work has been recognized both regionally and nationally at the high school and college levels.  

Jess Zozzaro - Instructor

Ms. Jess started dancing at 2 years old and has studied a variety of styles and danced competitively.  While tapping is her passion, she has done it all! Ms.  Jess loves sharing her dance experience and knowledge with her students, and she can often be found jumping into a class to join in if the dancing looks too fun to miss out on.  

LaToya Darden-Dixon - Instructor

With 17 years of dance experience spanning with classical training and competitive dance, LaToya has consistently excelled, earning 11 nation and national grand champion titles, including the crowns at the senior level.  Her dedication extends to numerous dance conventions, where she has received scholarships, invitations to prestigious programs like the Hollywood Summer Tour (twice), as well as improv challenge wins.  Sharing her passion, she has 9 years of teaching experience, inspiring students through student teaching, summer camps, and full year instruction.   

Shannon Tarkington - Instructor

Shannon Tarkington is a Long Island Performer with experience in acting, singing, and theatre dance.  With a background in musical theatre, Shannon brings energy, storytelling, and creativity to every class.  Her goal is to help students connect movement with performance and she is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive environment where every student can grow, build confidence, and have a great time learning. 

Amy Scanlon - Instructor  

Amy Scanlon began her dance journey at the age of four in Shirley, New York.  She spent 12 years as a competitive dancer and served as captain of her high school Rockette team.  After graduation, Amy auditioned for and earned a spot on the St. John's University Dance Team, where she became captain during her sophomore year.  Her time with the team gave her incredible opportunity to perform at iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Barclays Center, and Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports.  In her senior year, Amy led the team to their first National Title, becoming the 2016 UDA Hip Hop National Champions.  Today, she is a proud mother to a baby girl, a dedicated first-grade teacher, and is entering her 11th year of teaching dance.  Amy is grateful to continue sharing her love for dance and inspiring students for their road to performance.  

Stephania Teran - Instructor

Miss Stephania is a passionate hip hop dance teacher and choreographer with over ten years of dance experience.  She started teaching at just 18 and was formerly the captain of her high school kickline team, bringing strong leadership and vibrant energy to every class.  Known for her dynamic and empowering choreography, she creates a space where students grow in creativity and confidence.  Miss Stephania continues to train, evolve, always bringing fresh inspiration back to her students.  

Caleigh Kellerman - Instructor

Caleigh has been dancing since the age of 3, training and competing in a wide range of styles including lyrical, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and more.  She continued her dance journey at the collegiate level with Long Island University, where she served as captain of the dance team for 3 years. Under her leadership, the team became 3-time National Champions at UDA Nationals.  Caleigh is also a member of the UDA staff, traveling across the country each summer to teach and inspire dancers at UDA camps.  

Brooke Gilhauley - Instructor

Miss Brooke is an accomplished dancer and active teammate.  She grew up dancing at her home studio, Artistic Choreography and along the way knew that she wanted to eventually teach classes of her own.  She has been dancing since she was 5 years old!  Brooke is currently studying at St. Joseph's College working towards her degree in elementary education.  At St. Joseph's college she is a member of their very own dance team club.  This is her second year teaching, and she loves working with children and helping them learn.