1. Elissa M DiBona
(508)944-3149 / essy8@aol.com
22 Twilight Drive, Foxboro, MA 02035
Education
Boston University Metropolitan College
Boston, MA
 MS Arts Administration
 Classes in marketing, advertising, development,
entertainment law, Art Policy
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
 BA Concentrations in dance, psychology,
creative writing
 Honors: Merit Scholarships
Featured Experience
BostonBalletCenter for Dance Education Boston, MA
- Student 1987-1999
- Various Years Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- Dancers At The Robsham: A Showcase of Boston area choreographers 1998
Personally asked by featured choreographer, Patricia Strauss, of Boston Ballet
- Internship: Media Relations 2005
- Rehearsal assistant to Mimi Farrel, Children’s Ballet Mistress during The Nutcracker season 2008
FAITH Dance Project 2005
- Co-founder and Artistic Director
- Classical and Contemporary ballet company based in Manhattan, New York
- This Company was founded in memory of a dance friend lost too early. Ticket proceeds are donated to the
American Lung Association in her name. We started with an adult company, and have since added a
children's apprentice company as well. We find it to be a very fun, positive experience for aspiring
ballerinas to learn the original choreography of famous ballets. We officially hold a non-profit, 501c3.
FAITH Dance Projectatthe Dance Forum New York City, NY
- Red House: A Tribute to Psychedelic Blues Rock choreographer, dancer 2010
- Stormy Weather choreographer, dancer, producer 2006
Stonehill College Easton, MA 2011- Present
- Faculty - Ballet and pointe classes; choreography for end of semester dance concerts
- I started this program Fall Semester of 2011, with only eight students, and an allotted class time of an hour
and fifteen minutes. Over the years, ballet has exceeded the class limit of 25 students, and we have been
able to add an extra half an hour, extending class and rehearsal time to an hour and forty-five minutes.
There has been such interest in the ballet program, we have been able to expand and offer a separate pointe
class. We are doing amazing things, in a very short amount of time!

2. Noteworthy Achievements
Former ballet teacher of Trent Kowalik
- Cast as an original "Billy' in the Broadway debut of Billy Elliot
Dance Ovations Regional and National competitions 2009
- Award presented to the Choreographer of the Highest Scoring Lyrical Solo; “Nightmare”, performed by
Michaela Della Russo
Charlotte Klein’s 60th Anniversary Gala 2012
- One of only two choreographers asked to present a piece during the celebration
Disney Performing Arts 2015
- Teacher/performer
Why We Dance 2014, 2015
- Choreographer for a yearly benefit gala performance, held at the Norwood Theatre
The “NOTcracker” 2003
One of four original choreographers of T3’s full length production, presented in New York
Teaching Background
*Unless otherwise stated, I primarily teach
a Vagonova based ballet and pointe class, as well as progressions (leaps and turns).
I am sought after to bring my patience and Sugar Plum Fairy attitude to inspire the baby’rinas,
as well as to pass on my detailed knowledge of technical skills to competitive teams.*
Dance Out Canton, MA 2014 - Present
Elite Dance Center Foxboro, MA 2013 - Present
Charlotte Klein Dance Center Worcester, MA 2012
A Fine Dance Studio Needham, MA 2011-2012
Stephanie Dineen Dance Studio Carver, MA 2011-2012
Performing Arts Programs summer dance/theatre camp 2011
K and M Dance Studio Norwood, MA 2010-2014
Prospect Hill Academy Somerville, MA 2010
Government Funded Enrichment Program for Inner City Children grades K-8
Paula Coffey Dance East Bridgewater, MA 2010
New England Dance Academy Attleboro, MA 2009-2013
Let’s Dance! Inc Stoneham, MA 2008-2009
- Choreographer of Michaela DellaRusso and Dana DeFabrizio, both, Miss Dance Ovations
Regional Title winners 2009
Master class teacher – Summer 2009
- Spotlight Dance Studio Taunton, Ma
- Dance Express Easton, Ma
- Dance Carousel Scituate, Ma
Studio of Performing Arts Canton, MA 2007 Guest Teacher
RDS Performing Arts Dover, MA 2006-2009 Guest Teacher
DSD Summer Ballet Intensive New York, NY 2006 Director
Dorothy’s School of Dance Bellmore, NY 2003-2006
 Ballet Mistress and Company Director (Competition Team)
 Choreographer of two Title winning dancers, 2005 season
 Rehearsal Director for the 2004 Long Island Film Expo
 Rehearsal Director for the 2004 Bellmore Fair

3. Conventions
The Pulse Dance Convention teacher room 2011, 2012, 2013
JFF Dance Convention, Boston: Master Class Teacher 2010
Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston Spring Meeting 2007 master class workshops
Starpower Teacher Conventions 2002, 2003
References
 Erin Drennan
Director
Integral Ballet, Merrick, NY
631.645.3708
integralballet.com
edrenn2@yahoo.com
 Lindsay Denault
Director
Elite Dance Center, Foxboro, MA
508.250.5667
mail@elitedance.us
 Melanie Cox
Director
Dance Out, Canton, MA
781.821.1221
danceoutcanton@yahoo.com