D'Lanor Harris - Founder & Artistic Director
Miss D’Lanor
Founder & Artistic Director
Miss D’Lanor began her dance training at the age of seven at The Centre of Performing Arts in Concord, Massachusetts, where she studied Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. Her talent quickly became evident, earning her numerous awards as a Jazz soloist. At the age of nine, she shifted her focus to classical ballet and began training under Kathryn Anderson and Anne-Marie Sarazin of the Boston Ballet through the Acton School of Ballet. She later joined the Commonwealth Civic Ballet Company and was also inducted into the professional company Dance Prism—becoming its youngest company member at just 14 years old.
Throughout her performing career, Miss D’Lanor danced iconic roles such as Clara in The Nutcracker, Alice in Alice in Wonderland, and Mrs. Mallard in Make Way for Ducklings. She continued her education at renowned institutions including Walnut Hill School for the Arts and Briansky School of Ballet, studying with many of the leading figures in the dance world.
Miss D’Lanor began teaching at the age of 14, and by 19, she was directing regional productions of The Nutcracker with Dance Prism. Over the past 30 years, she has taught and choreographed for studios throughout the Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts areas, working with students of all ages and skill levels.
In 2021, she fulfilled her vision of creating a nurturing, high-quality dance environment by founding Leap of Faith Dance School. Miss D’Lanor brings decades of experience, artistic passion, and a deep love for Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, and Jazz. Her goal is to inspire the next generation of dancers and help each student grow in confidence, technique, and self-expression.
Sophia Arribada - Lead Teacher/Choreographer
Miss Sophia
Lead Teacher
Miss Sophia brings over 20 years of dance experience to Leap of Faith and is a dedicated and passionate Dance Instructor who teaches children of all ages. Her favorite style is tap, where she enjoys the challenge of intricate rhythms and musicality. She also has a strong love for jazz dance, drawn to its energy, expression, and dynamic movement.
In addition to her extensive dance background, Miss Sophia has a deep-rooted love for theater. She participated in drama club for many years and performed in several stage productions. Two of her most memorable roles include the whimsical Woodland Fairy in Into the Woods and a lively Russian dancer in Fiddler on the Roof, complete with a bottle-balancing performance.
Miss Sophia graduated cum laude from Bridgewater State University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of Southern Maine. With her combined experience in dance and health, her long-term goal is to work with dancers to help prevent and treat injuries—supporting their physical well-being so they can continue to thrive in the art form they love.
Miss Sophia’s enthusiasm, creativity, and nurturing approach make her a beloved member of our team. We are thrilled to have her at Leap of Faith!
Nick Claudina - Lead Teacher/Choreographer
Nicholas Claudina
Lead Teacher
Nicholas Claudina is a passionate and experienced dance educator who brings over two decades of dedication, performance, and teaching to the classroom. He began dancing at the age of four and has since trained extensively in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Acrobatics at Kelly’s Dance Academy and Dance Xtreme. His diverse background has shaped him into a well-rounded and dynamic instructor.
As a performer, Nicholas has taken the stage in countless competitions, recitals, and professional productions, including the 8&1 Christmas Show, a PRIDE performance at Six Flags, and as a backup dancer for Jessica Amaro. His choreography and performance work have earned him numerous high-scoring awards and the title of Mr. Dance Ovations 2017, along with multiple judges’ and choreography honors.
Nicholas has spent the past eight years teaching both in early childhood education and in the studio setting, working with dancers from ages 2 to 18. Known for his engaging, structured, and creative teaching style, he creates an environment where students feel both challenged and supported.
What Nicholas loves most about teaching is helping dancers discover their individuality through movement. He believes in building strong technique alongside self-expression, discipline, and confidence—skills that serve his students both on and off the dance floor. For Nicholas, dance is more than just an art; it’s a lifelong passion and a powerful tool for growth.
Allison Ferreira - Lead Teacher/Choreographer
Lead Teacher
Miss Ally began her teaching journey at the age of 13 as a student assistant and has since grown into a confident and passionate Lead Teacher with over four years of experience. She teaches a wide range of styles and strongly believes in the importance of being well-rounded and stepping outside your comfort zone as a dancer. While she enjoys training in all styles, tap holds a special place in her heart—she sees it as a creative outlet that blends rhythm, music, and storytelling in a truly unique way.
Ally is currently a senior at Dean College, where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in dance. She is an active member of the college’s dance community and serves as the Vice President of the Pom Team. Through her leadership roles and performances, she continues to grow as both an artist and mentor, bringing that same energy and dedication into the classroom.
Beyond the studio and her academic pursuits, Ally works at a daycare where she loves caring for and teaching babies and toddlers. Her natural connection with children of all ages is reflected in her nurturing, encouraging teaching style.
As an instructor, Ally is dedicated to helping her students grow not only as dancers but as individuals. She strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment where each dancer feels valued and inspired to express themselves through movement. Her goal is to help every student build confidence, embrace their artistic freedom, and discover their own voice—both on and off the dance floor.
Deja Dominguez - Lead Teacher/Choreographer
Miss Deja
Lead Teacher
Deja Dominguez, 22, is a passionate dancer and educator who teaches all styles of dance, with specialties in lyrical and hip hop. She is currently pursuing a degree in Dance Performance with a minor in Business Management at Rhode Island College, where she continues to grow her artistry and leadership skills.
Miss Deja’s training and performance experiences are extensive, including working with Miss Taunton (Brooklyn Toli) through dance intensives and showcases, performing with Jill Rucci, and participating in residencies with world-renowned artists and companies such as Koresh Dance Company, Geo Hubela, David Dorfman, and Brandi Coleman. These opportunities have shaped her into a versatile and well-rounded dancer, giving her the tools to connect with students of all ages and levels.
Outside the studio, Miss Deja works as a veterinary technician and has a deep love for animals—especially her three cats. She also enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
Miss Deja believes that dance is not only about movement but also about expression, growth, and confidence. She strives to create a supportive and inspiring environment where every student can discover their own unique voice through dance.
Miss Hailey - Lead Teacher/Choreographer
Miss Hailey
Lead Teacher
Miss Hailey is 19 years old and has been dancing for 16 years. Her passion for dance began at a very young age and continues to flourish as she furthers her training and teaching experience. She began her teaching journey at the age of 15 as a student assistant and now enjoys leading classes in a variety of styles. While she loves teaching all forms of dance, musical theatre and contemporary hold a special place in her heart. She appreciates the contrast between the two styles and the unique ways they allow dancers to express emotion through movement.
Outside the studio, Miss Hailey works at a daycare, assisting in classrooms and caring for children of various ages. She is currently pursuing her education at Dean College, where she is majoring in dance and working toward an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
As an instructor, Miss Hailey is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for her students. Her goal is to nurture a deep love for dance while helping dancers of all ages build confidence, understand technique, and explore emotional expression through movement.
Miss Chelsea - Lead Teacher/Choreographer
Miss Chelsea
Lead Teacher
Chelsea is a dedicated and vibrant instructor at Leap of Faith Dance Studio, where she brings over 22 years of dance experience and a genuine love for teaching to every class. With a strong foundation in hip hop—her signature style—Chelsea also expertly teaches ballet, tap, and jazz, working with students of all levels to build both technique and confidence.
Her dance journey began at an early age and includes four years of competitive team experience, as well as six years as a student teacher for children ages 3 to 13. Chelsea’s approachable style, creative energy, and deep understanding of young dancers make her a favorite among students and parents alike.
Outside the studio, Chelsea is a proud mom to two boys, Jayce and Lennox, and works professionally as a dental assistant. She brings that same attention to detail and dedication to her role as a dance educator—balancing structure with fun, and discipline with encouragement.
Above all, Chelsea is passionate about helping her students find joy in movement and pride in their progress. She believes dance is not only an art form but a powerful tool for personal growth, and she’s honored to be part of each dancer’s unique journey.
Miss Felicity - Student Teacher
Miss Felicity
Student Teacher
Felicity Botelho is a passionate and accomplished Student Teacher at Leap of Faith who has been dancing for 13 years. A dedicated member of the Leap of Faith community, Felicity has grown not only as a dancer but also as a mentor to younger students. For the past three years, she has served as a Student Teacher, assisting in a wide range of classes including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, and acro. She has experience teaching children ages 3 to 9 and takes great pride in helping them grow both technically and artistically.
Felicity’s talent and dedication to dance have earned her numerous accolades at both the regional and national levels. She has received a variety of prestigious awards, including multiple overall placements, special judges’ awards recognizing her performance quality and stage presence, and scholarships for continued training. She has also been selected for several exclusive invitational performances, highlighting her as a standout dancer in competitive settings.
Teaching allows Felicity to combine her love of dance with her passion for working with children. She finds joy in helping young dancers discover their potential, build confidence, and express themselves through movement. Her classes are filled with encouragement, creativity, and a commitment to growth—both in dance and in life.
Felicity continues to be a shining example of leadership, passion, and dedication within the Leap of Faith studio, and she looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Miss Gianna - Assistant Teacher
Miss Gianna
Assistant Teacher
Gianna Harris is a passionate and dedicated Assistant Teacher at Leap of Faith Dance Studio. She began dancing at the age of three and has cherished every moment of her journey. Currently a sophomore at Bishop Stang High School, Gianna plans to pursue a career in sonography and hopes to continue dancing by joining a college dance team.
Her favorite style of dance is jazz, and she brings both energy and enthusiasm to every class she assists. Gianna has earned numerous awards and recognitions at both the regional and national levels, reflecting her commitment and talent. While the accolades are meaningful, the friendships she’s built at Leap of Faith are what she treasures most. The studio has always felt like a second home, and dance will forever be a major part of her life.
As a teacher, Gianna strives to give her students a fun, safe space where they can be creative, express themselves, and build confidence. She especially enjoys working with younger dancers—many of whom she has known for years—and loves watching them grow and thrive.
Gianna’s warmth, dedication, and love for dance make her an inspiring role model and a cherished member of the LOF family.
Miss Aviah - Assistant Teacher
Aviah Mendes
Assistant Teacher
Aviah Mendes is a dedicated Assistant Teacher at Leap of Faith Dance Studio. She began dancing at the age of three, and Season 5 marks her 13th year as a dancer and her 4th year on staff at Leap of Faith. Aviah has trained under Miss D’Lanor for many years and joined Leap of Faith when the studio first opened, following her mentor from a previous studio. Her long-standing commitment to dance and her passion for teaching make her a valued member of the Revolution Dance Company (The company under Leap of Faith).
Since Season 2, Aviah has assisted in a wide variety of classes, working with students in Levels 1 through 3 across multiple styles. Her warm and encouraging teaching style helps young dancers feel confident and excited to learn. Over the years, Aviah has been honored with several recognitions at LOF, including the 5-Year and 10-Year Awards, as well as the Spirit Award—celebrating her dedication, positivity, and team spirit.
One of Aviah’s favorite things about teaching is the strong sense of community at Leap of Faith. She has built meaningful relationships with students, families, and fellow teachers through their shared love of dance. Assisting in classes is especially meaningful to her, as she not only helps students grow but continues to learn and evolve herself.
Aviah believes in making classes both fun and productive, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to share her love for dance with the next generation. She brings energy, heart, and a genuine passion to every class she assists.
Miss Aubree - Assistant Teacher
Aubree Witkos
Assistant Teacher
Miss Aubree Witkos is excited to begin her first year as an assistant teacher at Leap of Faith. With 12 years of dance experience and four years on the competition team, Aubree brings both dedication and enthusiasm to this new chapter of her dance journey.
Dance has played a major role in her life from a young age, helping her build confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships. Over the years, she has trained in a variety of styles and developed a strong passion for performing. Now, she’s eager to share that passion with the next generation of dancers.
Though new to teaching, Aubree is enthusiastic about learning and growing in her role. Her goal is to create a positive and encouraging class environment where every dancer feels supported. She strives to inspire her students to work hard, believe in themselves, and, most importantly, have fun.
During her time at Leap of Faith, Aubree has been honored with several recital awards, including Miss Congeniality, Most Improved, and the 10 Year Award—a reflection of her commitment, growth, and positive presence in the studio.
For Aubree, dance is more than just steps or trophies. It’s about self-expression, connection, and enjoying every moment. She’s honored to begin her teaching journey at Leap of Faith and looks forward to helping her students shine on and off the stage.
Miss Kennedy - Assistant Teacher
Kennedy Rene
Assistant Teacher
Miss Kennedy is thrilled to begin her 2nd year with Leap of Faith and her 4th year as a dancer. At just 14 years old, she has already built a reputation for her kindness, determination, and positive spirit—qualities that make her a natural fit for assisting younger dancers in the studio.
From the start of her dance journey, Miss Kennedy has been known for her heart of gold. She is always willing to help others, whether it’s encouraging her peers, supporting teachers, or lending a hand to the little ones she now helps guide. Once she sets her mind to something, Miss Kennedy is all in—her strength and determination shine through in every class and performance.
Curious and eager to learn, Miss Kennedy is constantly working to grow her own skills while also building her confidence as a leader. With her natural energy, a touch of sass, and her love for connecting with others, she keeps every class exciting and engaging. Her goal as an assistant is to inspire younger dancers to find joy in learning and to develop the same passion for dance that drives her.
While she is newer to teaching, Miss Kennedy has already proven herself to be a reliable, enthusiastic, and caring presence in the studio. She looks forward to continuing her growth as both a dancer and a mentor, creating a supportive environment where every student feels encouraged and confident.
For Miss Kennedy, dance is not only about steps and technique, but also about connection, self-expression, and fun. She is proud to be part of the Leap of Faith team and excited to help the next generation of dancers shine.
