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Discover Encore

The Encore Center for Performing Arts is a vibrant hub for dance and performing arts in Armonk, Westchester. Our goal is to ignite a lifelong love of the stage in individuals of all ages.

We offer a comprehensive curriculum that caters to both beginners and experienced performers, providing a supportive and nurturing environment where creativity flourishes. Whether your child is interested in dancing, singing, or acting, we have the means to nurture their passion and help them reach their full potential.

About Encore

Established in 2022, we aim to create a positive, welcoming environment that is encouraging for all. 

Located within the town of Armonk, NY, Encore Center for Performing Arts is the most comprehensive dance & performing arts facility in the Westchester region. 

To ensure classes are suitable for those who attend, we offer a range of options across styles, age groups and abilities. Whether you are aiming for a professional career, looking for classes in an all-encompassing performance discipline, or finally ready to give dance a try, we have a class for you. 

The teachers at Encore Center for Performing Arts have a vast range of experience across dance and performance styles. Our collective approach is to share our love of performing arts while being supportive and encouraging. 

Enroll for group lessons or book private lessons at a time that suits you. 

Visit Us

High Kicks, High Energy & Lots of Fun!

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a world where everyone can access the thrill of performing arts.

We have witnessed first-hand how dance & performing arts can build character, confidence and friendships. ECPA provides classes in all three performing arts disciplines, dancing, singing & acting.

Through our courses, we strive to provide exceptional coaching and leadership to our students. While striving to instill the importance of etiquette and manners, we also focus on self-esteem and assurance.

OUR MISSION

At Encore Center for Performing Arts, our mission is to build an environment where our students manifest their skills through the art of dancing, singing, acting and/or musical theatre.

Our studio is built on the foundations & techniques of dance and performing arts allowing our students to become well rounded performers and individuals.

Dancers are given opportunities beyond weekly classes, including dance competitions and special performances. Regardless of skill or age, students are challenged in a constructive and enjoyable atmosphere. Students interested in musical theatre will gain experience in acting & singing and learn what it means to be a part of a theatrical production.

As educators we consider it vital to give our students access to life skills and opportunities to develop lifelong relationships.

Our center for performing arts is not only meant to be a space for students to learn and grow as performers but also a place to call home.

OUR VALUES

ENCORE stands for the following:

  • Entertainment: Our classes strive to entertain our students and give them something to look forward to; the more excitement and passion you put into your training, the more you will improve. We want this entertainment to take the students to the stage where they will then learn how to entertain our audience and families.
  • No Limitations: There are no limitations to what your student will accomplish at ECPA.
  • Creativity: Our classes are structured to teach students to be confident in their creativity and express themselves and their ideas.
  • Opportunity: The opportunities are endless at Encore and we want our students to gain the best experience and take advantage of every opportunity they can.
  • Resilience: We teach our students to never give up and believe in themselves even in the challenging times as a performer and in life.
  • Exceptional Experiences: All our students deserve an exceptional experience every time they participate in a class

Our Team

Lexi Pichiarallo, Owner & Director

Lexi is driven by a passion for the performing arts and a desire to connect with the next generation. She built a dedicated following of students at other studios before opening her own dance school to share her passion for performance and dance.

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Gisela Quinteros, Ballet & Technique Instructor

Gisela Quinteros, Originally from Argentina. Started dance at 8 years old at Estudio Pavlova. At age 16 Artistic Director Pierre Lacotte invited her to join his company: Ballet National de Nancy et Lorraine in France (1995-2000) With BNNL she…

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Jenna Rae Smith, Asst. Competition Director & Instructor/ Choreographer

Jenna Rae Smith received most of her early training in her hometown of Youngstown, Ohio before attending Point Park University to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in modern dance.

There, she had the opportunity of becoming…

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Emily Fournier (Office Manager & Instructor)

Emily Fournier is a dancer, instructor and choreographer from Westchester, NY. Emily graduated from Manhattanville College with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Dance.

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Katie Pound, Private Voice Instructor & Music Director

Katherine Pound, a dedicated performer from Canada, brings a rich blend of experience and
enthusiasm to her work in musical theatre.

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Lis Aquino, Hip Hop Instructor

Lis has known to love dance all her life. She started dancing at the age of 10 with a
dance crew in Westchester called “FDC” and through the dance crew she had found her
way to KR3T’S, owned by Violeta Galagarza in 2009 when she was 13 years old.

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Yael Kortsarz, Private Voice & Piano & Music Director

Yael Kortsarz is a NYS K-12 certified music teacher and disability advocate. Yael started
her journey as a performer focusing on choral music and musical theatre.

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Kristen Ragusa, Tap, Jazz, Preschool Dance & Acting Instructor

Kristen Ashley Ragusa is an actor, dancer, singer, and cat mom. She received a BFA in Musical Theatre along with a dance scholarship from The University of Miami.

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Sara LaPadula, Asst. Competition Director & Instructor/ Choreographer

Sara LaPadula is a contemporary/modern dancer and teacher based in New York, New York. She began dancing at the age of 3 in Westchester County, New York before attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2021, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Education.

There, she had the opportunity of becoming…

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Melissa Presta, Acrobatics Instructor

Melissa Presta is a seasoned dance and gymnastics instructor based in Westchester, NY. With a foundation in dance, Melissa has extensive training in tap, jazz, acrobatics, and ballet. Her passion for gymnastics led her to join a competitive team, where she honed her skills through regional meets, performing floor and barre routines.

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Laura Baker, Acrobatics Instructor

Laura Baker is a choreographer and gymnastics coach currently living in Pleasantville NY. She was originally born in Galveston TX, where she started gymnastics at the age of 4.

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