Faculty
Astrid Audet, Artistic Director
Astrid Audet began her ballet training at the late age of twelve at the Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique under the direction of Magda Auñon and went on to study at the world-renowned Harid Conservatory under full scholarship at age sixteen. At these prestigious schools she performed soloist and principle roles in such famous Ballets including: The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Le Corsaire, Cinderella, La Bayadere, & Paquita, among others. It is during this time that she discovered and developed her true passion and love for the art and beauty of Ballet.
In 1990, Astrid’s talent was recognized when she received the prestigious Presidential Scholar in the Arts award, a testament to her dedication and skill. She was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, before President George Bush and the first lady. Astrid’s other accolades include being the 1st place recipient for the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts and the 3rd place recipient for the National Arts and Letters Recognition Competition. Her journey also saw her receiving numerous scholarships to study at America’s finest Ballet schools and companies.
From 1990 to 1992, at age 17, Astrid became among the youngest members to dance professionally with the acclaimed Boston Ballet. She gained experience and expertise by training among the best dancers and ballet masters worldwide. She also enjoyed touring throughout the Northeast region and dancing repertoire from famous ballets and new contemporary works. After a challenging year of injury, Astrid came home. She began her college studies at Florida Atlantic University and taught ballet locally as she tried to heal her body. During this time, she discovered her love for teaching and working with children. In 1996, Astrid graduated with high honors from the New World School of the Arts in Miami, earning her BFA in Dance and Teaching Certificate from the University of Florida in Gainesville.
For the past 30 years, Astrid has been teaching and choreographing throughout South Florida’s finest dance academies, including her very first ballet school, Magda Auñon School of Ballet and Meg Segreto’s Dance Center, International Ballet Academy, University Center for the Performing Arts, Dance Academy of North Lauderdale, and Many But One. She is a certified teacher and educator through Florida Dance Masters and has worked for the association as a master teacher and guest choreographer. In 1995, Astrid was honored with a nomination for Who’s Who among America’s best teachers, an honor she holds very dear to her heart. In 2004, Astrid’s choreography of her own creation of “Pachelbel’s Canon” for the Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique won the Monticello Award at the renowned South Eastern Regional Ballet Festival. Students from Astrid’s Academy have won numerous awards and scholarships in the past years at local conventions and competitions as well as have gone on to dance in many of America’s leading professional companies and colleges, including Boston Ballet, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, New World School of the Arts, North Carolina School of the Arts, UCLA, NYU, UF, and FSU among others.
In 1997, Astrid began her yoga practice, which became another of her loves. In 2003, Astrid was invited to participate in a local Yoga Exhibition, which granted her a first-place award for the state of Florida and landed her a spot at the International Yoga Exposition in Los Angeles, California. She traveled to LA and came home with the Bronze medal from thousands of participants worldwide, including China, Japan, and India. She also enjoys running outdoors and participated in her first marathon in February 2012.
Astrid and her husband, Robert, reside in East Fort Lauderdale, where she continues to teach and share her passion and joy for ballet with children of all ages. In 2023, Gabrielle, an accomplished dancer, student, and choreographer, completed her BFA in Dance and BS in Advertising at the University of Florida. She lives and works in NYC – dancing, choreographing, and auditioning. Annabelle attends the University of Florida (Class of 27), pursuing a BFA in Dance and a BS in Journalism.
Astrid thanks her Lord God Almighty for His grace and guidance and His greatest gift of salvation, her family and friends for all their love and support, and all her “Beautiful Ballerinas” for allowing her to share her gifts and talents with them. It is, without a doubt, the most rewarding of all her accomplishments to give back her gift and passion and help shape her students’ lives. After all, “To teach is to touch a life forever.”
Natalie Parcinski, Assistant Director
Natalie began her dance career when she was 5 years old at The Kit Andree Dance andPerforming Arts Center in Denver, CO. She trained under the instruction of the fabulous MissKit Andree and her ever talented daughter Miss Phan Peterson. Natalie was extensively trainedin ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theater, lyrical, and cheer. In college, Natalie danced with thenationally competitive University of Colorado Buff Gold Dance Team, where she was appointedteam captain and eventually coach and choreographer. Throughout her dancing career, Nataliehas always loved performing, and from this passion developed the desire to share and teachothers about the loNatalie began her dance career when she was 5 years old at The Kit Andree Dance andPerforming Arts Center in Denver, CO. She trained under the instruction of the fabulous MissKit Andree and her ever talented daughter Miss Phan Peterson. Natalie was extensively trainedin ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theater, lyrical, and cheer. In college, Natalie danced with thenationally competitive University of Colorado Buff Gold Dance Team, where she was appointedteam captain and eventually coach and choreographer. Throughout her dancing career, Nataliehas always loved performing, and from this passion developed the desire to share and teachothers about the love of the stage. In 2013, Natalie and her husband welcomed their firstdaughter into the world, and in 2017 came their second. She and her husband are both attorneys,but she believes that dance adds a balance to her life that she thoroughly enjoys.ve of the stage. In 2013, Natalie and her husband welcomed their firstdaughter into the world, and in 2017 came their second. She and her husband are both attorneys,but she believes that dance adds a balance to her life that she thoroughly enjoys.
Francys Hernandez, Office Manager & Teacher
Francys is proud of her Puerto Rican/Cuban heritage. Raised in Fort Lauderdale, she danced for10 years at Mrs.P’s Dance and Acrobatics studio. During those years, Francys competed in group and solo numbers in different competitions and conventions such as Stars, Intrigue, Can Dance,Hollywood vibe, and more! Francys grew as a dancer and decided to continue her dance career at DANL dance center in Coconut Creek. She competed at Starpower Nationals, Step it up,Onstage New York and more. Francys is a USAG certified Gynmnastics coach and Acrobatics Arts certified instructor. Has 10 years plus of teaching experience. Francys has choregraphed and danced in numerous companies, fashion shows, and pageants. Francys had her son Mason this past year is happy to be a mom! “I am thankful and blessed for the opportunity to pass on my passion for the art of dance.”
Harlee Meyerowitz, Studio Support Partner
Harlee Meyerowitz discovered her passion for dance at the age of 9, when she began training in a diverse range of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Pom. Her dedication to dance continued into adulthood, where she honed her craft through master classes with esteemed companies and instructors such as the Martha Graham Dance Company, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
Between 2017 and 2024, Harlee’s performances with Dancefx in Athens, GA, highlighted her versatile talent, including memorable appearances at the Harlem Globetrotters halftime show, an off-Broadway showcase at The Tank in New York City, and the iconic 40 Watt Theatre in Athens.
Harlee began her teaching journey in 2018 and quickly developed a deep passion for instilling a love for dance, building confidence, and cultivating strong technique in her students. From 2021 to 2023, she took on the role of Youth Artistic Director for the Northeast Georgia children’s cast in the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker.
With over six years of experience in studio management and youth instruction, Harlee is a seasoned professional devoted to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Teachers
Gia Acevado
Gia began dancing at seven at the Academy and graduated from FAU with a degree in Business
Administration, focusing in Marketing. Notable performances include the Arabian Pas de Deux in The Nutcracker. With over six years of teaching experience, Gia continues her professional dance career through teaching and performing. Passionate about inspiring students, Gia is dedicated to sharing her love for dance and nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Lorenzo Agramonte
Born in Cuba, Lorenzo began his ballet training at the National School of Ballet of Cuba and then graduated with honors from the Royal Conservatory of Professional Dance “Mariemma” in Madrid, being recognized as the best graduate of his class. He went on to dance professionally with Victor Ullate Ballet for six seasons, performing in numerous works by Ullate, including Jaleos, Samsarra, Apres Toi, El Amor Brujo, Carmen, Wonderland, and El Arte de la Danza, among others. Lorenzo joined the Tulsa Ballet in 2018., performing prime rolls in many company ballets. He won the second prize at the International Ballet Competition in Havana,Cuba in 2003.
Claudia Alvarado
Claudia was born and raised in Broward County. She trained in Ballet under the direction of Ms.Astrid as a young student. She continued dancing through college and completed her Degree in Modern Dance from the University of South Florida in Tampa. While in Tampa, she also found anew passion for teaching children to dance. She has since been teaching children ages 3-18 Contemporary, Acro, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Jazz Funk, and Hip Hop at various studios throughout South Florida. After College, she performed with several different Professional Dance Companies, but has always come back to teaching children. She has created several Champion Dance Teams and been invited perform in the World Dance Championships in NewJersey for 3 consecutive years.
Annabelle Audet
Annabelle began her dance training at the age of two and never stopped. She danced at the academy for over 16 years in all styles of dance and excels especially in contemporary and jazz. Annabelle attended several summer intensives including America’s Ballet in Tampa, Joffrey Ballet in New York, and intensives at the Academy. She has participated in dance conventions and competitions with Florida Dance Masters and Dance Educators of America earning top placements. She has performed in all 13 of the Academy’s Nutcrackers, dancing starring roles such as Clara, Angel, and Dewdrop. Annabelle was also a 2 year captain of the Varsity cheerleading team at Westminster Academy. Annabelle has been assisting at the academy formay years and has been teaching 3. Annabelle just finished her first year at the University of Florida where she continues to dance along with her studies.
Gabrielle Audet
Gabby began dancing at three years old and has trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary,modern, hiphop, and acrobatics. At Astrid Audet Academy, she had the opportunity to dance lead roles in the Nutcracker and recital productions as well as successfully compete in solo and group numbers at Florida Dance Masters. Gabby graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida where she received her BFA in Dance and her BS in Advertising. At UF, she studied under industry professionals and received many performance and choreographic opportunities that broadened her experience in the dance field including master works by Doug Varone and Jose Limon. She has a passion for teaching, choreographing, and mentoring younger students on their dance journey’s and hopes to continue to do this as well as keep performing for many years to come!
Jamie Batt
Jayme started gymnastics when she was 3 years old. She was a competitive gymnast until the age of 18. Jayme was on the dance team at her college, as well as a coach and choreographer at a gymnastics center in Poughkeepsie New York. She moved to Florida to coach gymnastics and led a number of gymnasts to regional and national titles. Jayme will never lose her love for gymnastics or dance as her daughter continues in both sports. She loves teaching kids and watching the excitement of children when they learn new skills!
Meagan Christiansen
Meagan began her Ballet training at the age of 8 at Expressions of Joy under the direction of Josie Geyer and transitioned to the Academy at age of 12 to further her training in all styles of dance. She has excelled in all genres and is one of our most versatile and impressive dancers. Meagan has participated in six of our annual Nutcracker Ballets over the years dancing many roles including the Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy. She has also attended many conventions and competitions and received both Platinum and Top Overall awards. She has attended the Academy of Ballet’s annual summer Intensive as well as the Joffrey Ballet in Miami in 2017. Meagan graduated from the New World School of the Arts in Miami for high school and accelerated dance training. She is currently a dancer with STYX Company in Miami.
Mifa Ko
Isabella Bianco
Isabella Bianco, a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School and a member of the varsity dance team, began her dance journey at 2 years old with Mrs. Astrid. She’s currently part of the senior company at the Academy. Isabella has a passion for choreography and has choreographed 6 competition solos and won the student choreography award at Florida Dance Masters. With over 13 annual recitals and Nutcracker Ballet performances under her belt, Isabella’s talent truly shines on stage. She loves her students so much and admires their constant growth and love for dance!
Alicia Goutizolo
Alicia was born in Boca Raton Florida, Alicia has been dancing since four years of age. At the age of 13, she became a student of the renowned Cuban ballerina, Magda Auñon, in pursuit of a professional career. After a few years, Alicia accepted an offer to train at Ellison Ballet in NewYork City year round. Graduating in 2018, she then went on to dance professionally with NewYork Theatre Ballet. Currently, Alicia resides in south Florida, finishing her degree and teaching classical ballet to a wide range of ages. Alicia has performed in a variety of ballets, including Cinderella, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, the Nutcracker, Don Quijote, and more; as well as a multitude of other works including those by George Balanchine and Merce Cunningham.
Carolyn Yancey Paddock
Rylee Rhodes
Rylee has been dancing at the Academy since she was 5 years old and has trained in ballet,pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip-hop. She is a student at Cardinal Gibbons High School and a member of their competitive dance team. Rylee has played featured roles in many of the Academy’s performances including Clara and Ballerina Doll in the Nutcracker! She has been assisting classes and summer camp at the studio for many years and is now on her second year of teaching pre-ballet at the Academy.
Taylor Russell
Taylor received her MFA at Hollins University and her BFA from Jacksonville University. Her passion for dance started at the age of three and she has had the privilege of training at MegSegreto’s Dance Company and Performance Edge Dance Complex. Russell is well versed in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Pointe, Contemporary/Lyrical, and more. She has worked with and been a principal dancer for choreographers such as Robert Moses, April Henehan, The Nicholson Twins – backup dancers for Ariana Grande, Joe Cutler of Koresh Dance Company, Kara Davis of Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and several others. She had a short stint on the Sirens Jacksonville University dance team but chose to focus on her classical dance training and finish up her B.F.A.of Dance. She performed in Superbowl 2020 as a field dancer as team Shakira. As a dancer and educator, it is her desire for all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, to experience and explore the gift of dance.
Sage Sappey
Sage started dancing when she was 3 years old in Georgia and at the age of 8 she started dancing with Ms. Astrid at the Academy. She has participated in 8 of our annual recitals and Nutcracker Ballets, performing featured roles such as Clara, angel soloist, and Spanish lead. At the age of10, Sage started assisting dance classes here at the academy. She is currently attending Cardinal Gibbons High School and is part of their dance team. Sage is a wonderful student and leader in her classes at the Academy and an amazing teacher to our Pre-Ballet students!
Leah Stricker
Leah started her dance training at age three at Southern Dance Theatre located in Boynton Beach, Florida. She attended Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos School of the Arts majoring in Dance. She continued her dance career at Mary mount Manhattan College where she studied Entrepreneurship and Dance. She continued her studies outside of college at Broadway Dance Center, where she trained with many notable choreographers. In 2019, Leah was 1 out of30 individuals accepted into Broadway Dance Center’s professional semester. Currently, Leah teaches at many studios South Florida where she is mostly known for her unique Contemporary Fusion movement. Although Leah teaches on a daily basis, she continues to train in her spare time. This is Leah’s first year teaching at the Academy and she has been a wonderful addition!
Nevaeh Burrell
Carey Channing
Finley Peterson
Hi! I’m Finley Peterson and I am new member of the AAA staff. I attend Cardinal Gibbons high school and have been committed to their dance team for four years. I’ve also been dancing here since I was a little girl and have been so blessed by all my amazing teachers, and I now have the gift to be the teacher. I can’t wait to inspire and be inspired by these talented kids!
We do not offer free trials in the summer
Teacher’s Assistants in most children’s classes provide an extra hand to the students and help the teachers ensures that individualized attention is given to each student.