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TORI CROMBIE
Owner/Director
Tori Crombie is a Nationally recognized educator bringing 30+ years of experience to the art form. Growing up right outside of Pittsburgh, her dance career took off at a young age studying Tap, Jazz, Classical Ballet, Modern, Theater, Voice, Gymnastics, & Acrobatic Arts. She studied under the direction of Pam Wright with Wright Dance as well as the Morgantown Ballet and WV Civic Ballet. As a young professional dancer Tori had the opportunity to travel all over the country and perform at the Apollo Theater, American Tap Dance Foundation, Walt Disney Corporation, ESPN, the White House and various film & stage productions with legends such as Susan Stroman, Ray Leeper, Charles Kelley, Dianne Walker, + the late great Gregory Hines!
After winning the prestigious "Diamond Choreography Award " at the age of 18, Tori's path for teaching became clear. Soon after she was scouted and began coaching for UDA (Universal Dance Association), the countries leading organization for college dance teams. She then attended Kent State University and graduated with a degree in Dance Education & Pedagogy, with a minor in Kinesiology. While in college she performed with the Kent Dance Ensemble, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Parsons Dance, Sean Curran, and received the distinguished Kennedy Center Grant for "Young Choreographer of the Year" at the American College Dance Festival.
In the Fall of 2002 Crombie opened the Toriography Dance Company with her incredible Mother, Grace! Heading home after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Tori continues to run it in her honor proudly celebrating 24 years in business! You will always see sunflowers around the studio and in the front row of every recital, her favorite flower.
As an Instructor Tori raises exceptional young artists. They can be seen touring in national stage productions, on television, in college dance programs, choreographing for dance companies, throughout the pages of magazines & catalogs, and more! Her choreography is consistently recognized throughout the country for it’s unique approach, powerhouse performers, and unparalleled imagination. Professionally, Tori has been a regular contributor for various dance publications including “Dance Spirit”, “Dance Studio Life” & “Dance Magazine”. She is a certified "Royal Academy of Dance" Instructor, the world's oldest and most prestigious Ballet curriculum which she uses in all her children's classes.
Far beyond any awards or accolades, she is most proud to be a part of her students lives! From the littlest faces, who are a constant source of light & wisdom to the oldest dancers who spend 15 years of their lives gracefully growing between these walls. Whether or not they plan to pursue a professional career in dance, she takes great care in making sure they leave this program with a voice, a deep appreciation for the arts & music, and the confidence to conquer the world proudly themselves!
REBECCA CAMPOS
Hip Hop
Rebecca Campos is from White Plains, NY and began dancing, like many, at the age of three. Her journey began with ballet and tap, and she quickly added hip hop, jazz and contemporary into her repertoire. During her high school years, Rebecca had the privilege of performing in renowned arenas such as Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. In college Rebecca studied theater, studio art, dance and art history. In 2012, she traveled abroad to Florence and continued her passions and education in the latter two fields. She received her BA in Art History and Dance in 2013 from Stony Brook University. A year later, Rebecca returned “home” to City Center Dance to begin her career as a dance instructor and in 2019 started her tenure with Penny Lane Dance Academy in Mahopac, NY teaching hip hop and contemporary. In her 10 years as choreographer and instructor, Rebecca has had the joy of witnessing many young dancers grow into talented performers and people.
MADELYN CYR
Dance Company
Madelyn is a proud Toriography alumni, dancing 15 years before graduating on stage in 2021! Throughout her time at the studio she was a member of the Toriography Dance Company, where she trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary. During her Senior year of high school she began teaching and is thrilled to be entering her fifth season of sharing her love of dance with the next generation. She works closely with the Mini and Petite Company dancers, helping them build a strong foundation while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for performing! Outside the studio, Madelyn is pursuing her Master's degree in School Counseling at Springfield College and in her free time she loves reading and spending time with her dog, Winnie!
ELLA DUBIEL
Dance Company
Ella Dubiel is from Colchester, CT and recently graduated from The University of Connecticut with a degree in Communications and Digital Media Marketing. Ella started dancing at the age of 3 and was invited to perform competitively at age 9, where she specialized in the genres of jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and acrobatics. Ella has been involved in multiple dance teams and ensembles where she has explored her opportunities & strengths within the dance community. She started choreographing at the age of 15 as a part of Figments Youth Dance Ensemble, a modern based dance company. In addition, Ella went on to choreograph and dance for the Suffolk University Dance Company in Boston, where they participated in game-opening performances for the Boston Celtics and other dance showcases in the greater Boston area. Ella has since continued her dance training, taking contemporary, ballet, and pro-style-based classes with instructors and students at various studios across CT and MA including “The Lab”, “The Boston Ballet School”, “Qi Studios”, and “Boston Dance Studios”. Ella is so excited and grateful to work with such a talented group of students and staff at Toriography!
ALISA NIPP
Ballet
Originally from Southern California, Alisa began dancing at the age of 4. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Belhaven University and graduated with honors from National Honor Society for Dance Arts. At Belhaven, she learned from Ravenna Tucker Wagnon & Laura Morton and performed at The Kennedy Center through the American College Dance Association. Upon her graduation, Alisa danced in Chicago, IL, with Ballet 5:8 for two seasons before joining Ballet Hartford, and in 2023 she was promoted to Principal. During her time with Ballet Hartford, Alisa has had the opportunity to perform notable and lead roles in Gilbert Bolden III’s “Scherzo in D”, Caleb Mitchell’s “Heaven Full of Stars”, Leyna Doran’s “Holiday Happenings,” and Claire Kretzschmar’s “A Ceremony of Carols”. Alisa premiered in NYC as a lead in Kretzschmar’s newest ballet “Weihnachtsbaum” while on tour with the company. In July 2023, Alisa had the joy of dancing original choreography by Juliano Nuñes and Flock at Orsolina 28’s Open Air Stage in Italy as well as performing at Project Dance Paris. Drawing from her Pedagogy and Vaganova-based teaching methods classes at Belhaven University, she has found a love for teaching Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, & Conditioning and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique.
MARGARET SCHMIDT
Ballet, PBT
Toriography welcomes Margaret Schmidt to the program! Margaret began her dancing career at local studios in Connecticut before pursuing an education at Eastern Connecticut State University. While at school she danced for the ECSU Dance Team and since then has continued to teach and expand her knowledge of the dance world through classes and conventions as well as becoming certified in Progressing Ballet Technique. Her passion for fitness instruction also led her to become a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor allowing her to coach at several studios. You may also recognize her as your friendly Assistant Town Clerk in Ellington! When she’s not hard at work you can find her at home spoiling her two cats, Harpo and Leo. She is excited to join Toriography this season and be a part of a community of passionate, joyful dancers!
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