PHOTOS: MICHAEL HIGGINS / CONTRIBUTED

Jimmy Locust

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR + OWNER

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Jimmy Locust has worked with top entertainment industry stars such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen. He has been featured in iconic music videos and films including Rhythm Nation 1814 and the wedding dance sequence of Coming to America. He has performed at the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. He was one of the original members of the world-renowned Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago company, where he also co-choreographed with Jazz dance legend Gus Giordano. Mr. Locust was one of the head choreographers for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta (opening and closing ceremonies) and was nominated for an American Choreography Award in 2001 for his work on the Warner Brothers’ network television show Nikki. Locust has choreographed commercials for both international and national companies, including Sanyo in Japan with Nicholas Cage and Rapid Advance in the U.S. He worked on the Justin Bieber Tour in 2010 and choreographed for the CW Television Network’s The Next with hosts John Rich, Joe Jonas, Nelly and Gloria Estefan.  He has been a studio owner and master teacher for over fifteen years. Locust is also Founder and Director of Harmony Nation, an educational anti-bullying program that performs for schools and youth organizations, and most recently started the non-profit Locust Foundation. Locust has partnered with numerous community and non-profit organizations including HORIZONS, Reach Prep, Domus, Chester-Addison Community Center, Curtain Call and the Stamford Family YMCA to choreograph theater productions, design curricula and provide scholarships. In addition, he directs Locust Contemporary Dance Works, a youth company which performs in New York City, as well as Hip Hop's Finest and FOCUS Hip Hop pre-professional groups. He is an Associate Director of Axam Dance Theatre Experience in Atlanta, Georgia and is a returning faculty member for the renowned Boca Ballet Theatre's summer residency program in Florida. Locust was also selected to be an adjudicator and Artist-in-Residence for Jewish Community Center (JCC) Maccabi Games Artsfests across the country from 2015-2019. Locust’s multi-faceted lifestyle is chronicled in his series Locust Under 5’.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Cheryl Carpio

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Cheryl Carpio is a classically trained NYC Dancer, she danced under the direction of Frank Hatchett, Charles Kelley and Phil Black In the styles of Break dance, Hip-Hop, African, Jazz, Tap and Acrobatics and the classical style of Bob Fosse Jazz with an emphasis on stage presence. Cheryl has studied Ballet and partnering with Brian Lewis and with The Connecticut Ballet and Latin rhythms combined with classic Ballroom, with Bill Davies. Cheryl is the former Owner, Director and Choreographer of the Professional Dance Center, of Sandy Hook CT. Cheryl is a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance. Cheryl, Choreographed My Beautiful Detour, that was scored by Actress Amy Ostriecher. Cheryl was Captain of the dance team at WCSU. She modeled professionally and competed in the All American Boy and Girl Pageants, nationally. Cheryl also collaborated with French Olympic Gymnast and Equestrian Jean-Luc Cornee on a film linking the art of dance and gymnastics to   horse training.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Kylie Ashlund

Kylie Ashlund is a Stamford, CT native and former student who danced under Jimmy Locust and at LPAC from the time of its inception. She was a member of Kool Kidz, FOCUS Hip Hop, Parade Team and Hip Hop’s Finest and was in a music video choreographed by Jimmy. Kylie is excited and grateful to share her passion and love of dance with others and help students express themselves, just as she was able to do, by being in the LPAC community.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Mikela Pirri

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Mikela Pirri is an alumna of Locust Performing Arts Center and trained in all styles ranging from Hip Hop to Contemporary, Jazz, and Ballet for over twelve years. Mikela was a member of Hip Hop's Finest and Locust Contemporary Dance Works, and part of the original Locust Elite Dance competition team. She was an assistant for Locust Lab, Locust Contemporary Dance Works, and Kool Kidz. Mikela is currently a student at Sacred Heart University majoring in Marketing with minors in Dance and Honors. She is a part of SHU Dance Company and Inception Dance Crew and has had the opportunity to choreograph pieces in the Company Student Choreography program. Mikela is very excited to be back at LPAC teaching and choreographing! 

PHOTOS: GUIDO VENITUCCI / CONTRIBUTED

Aaron Bantum

CO-DIRECTOR LPAC's HIP HOP DEPARTMENT

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Aaron Bantum is an accomplished Dancer, Actor and Singer from Stamford, CT who has performed for Broadway, television and film. Aaron received his dance training from Locust Performing Arts Center under the direction of Jimmy Locust and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Aaron’s Broadway credits include Finian’s Rainbow and Kinky Boots (pre-Broadway). His film credits include Last Vegas, Carry Me Home and Demolition and television’s Law and Order SVU, A Gifted Man and Are We There Yet. Aaron is an alumnus of LPAC’s elite performance group Hip Hop’s Finest and has taught dance throughout Western CT, including FOCUS and Hip Hop's Finest master classes and summer programs at LPAC.

PHOTO: JAY RITTER

Angelina Bajra

CO-DIRECTOR KOOL KIDZ

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Angelina Bajra has trained in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet and Modern dance. She is a graduate of LPAC and was a member of Locust Contemporary Dance Works and Hip Hop's Finest performance groups, under the direction of Jimmy Locust. Angelina was featured in LPAC's Love to Dance commercial and has performed throughout Fairfield County and in New York City. She is excited to be back at LPAC to share her passion for dance with her students!

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Courtney Copper

CO-DIRECTOR LPAC's JAZZ DEPARTMENT

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Courtney Copper is a former Radio City Rockette based in New York City. She was raised in Pennsylvania and began dancing at the age of three. Courtney graduated Magna Cum Laude from West Chester University with a degree in Education/Dance. While studying, she performed with many dance companies including Brandywine Ballet. She went on to perform with the Broadway tour of Annie Get Your Gun and several production touring companies. Courtney also travelled the world with Royal Caribbean, Regent and Holland America Cruise Lines as a dancer, singer and dance captain. You may also see her in many television shows and films. Courtney has been teaching and choreographing for over 20 years, working with all ages and styles of dance.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Lauren Sherwood

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Lauren Nicole Sherwood is very excited to be joining the LPAC teaching staff. After many years dancing with Jimmy (and watching her son dance at LPAC) she is thrilled to work alongside the fabulous teachers here. Lauren earned her B.F.A. in Fine Arts Studies from the University of Arizona  where she created her degree program based on artist outreach, theatre/dance education and business. She also received her M.F.A. in Theatre Management from Florida State University. Lauren has done over 100 musical productions throughout her career as a director, choreographer, costume designer and performer. She works with many local schools and theatre companies making art accessible to all. Lauren looks forward to a fabulous dance season here at LPAC. 

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PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Sara Weissman

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Sara Weissman is a Native New Yorker and recently moved to Stamford. Sara has trained for nearly twenty years in hip hop, jazz, and ballet. She danced at North Shore Performing Arts and U Gotta Dance in Long Island, NY. Sara has participated in numerous competitions and has taught students during her time at both studios. She is also a professional corporate event planner. Sara is thrilled to be able to have an opportunity to share her passion of dance with the youth of Stamford!

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Alyssa Fulmer

LPAC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR +

CO-DIRECTOR LOCUST PREPARATORY COMPANY 

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Alyssa Fulmer started her training at the young age of five. Her extensive training includes ballet, pointe, modern (Graham, Limón and Horton), jazz, musical theater, tap, character, improvisation, partnering and contemporary. At the age of 15, she successfully auditioned to the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts under the direction of Kimberly Maniscalco. She had the privilege to train with Karen Keeler, Dana Nederostek and Yu Hong among others. After high school, she attended Point Park University and graduated Magnum Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. While in Pittsburgh, she received more in-depth training from incredible artists such as Susan Stowe, Doug Bentz, and Ernest Tolentino. Alyssa also performed for musical artists Kellee Maize, Raekwan, and many others while producing short films and teaching dance. Alyssa had the unique opportunity to move to New York to work as a trainee with the Joffrey Ballet under the direction of Dorrell Martin where she performed in shows all over the city. She has performed for renowned choreographers like Alexandre Proia, Angelica Stiskin, Sidra Bell, and Julie Bour to name a few. She also had the privilege to be a founding member and company manager of Alyson Laury Dance Co. which allowed her to perform all over the East Coast. When Alyssa isn’t performing you can find her in the studio taking class or sharing her passion for movement with her students!

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Alexis Ziman

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Alexis Ziman is from Rochester, NY and recently moved to Stamford, CT.  She began dancing at the age of three and has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap and Lyrical. She is a graduate of Niagara University with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing.  During her time there, she was captain of the Niagara Dance Team and performed at the NDA. After college, she continued her dance career and became a semi-pro dancer as a Buffalo Bandette for the NLL Buffalo Bandits in Buffalo, NY.  While in Buffalo, she taught at a local studio and gained her love of teaching the youth about the art of dance and watching their confidence grow. 

PHOTO: JAY RITTER 

Kelsey Buffer

CO-DIRECTOR LOCUST LAB +

LPAC CLASS ADVISOR

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A Stamford native, Kelsey Buffer trained in various techniques throughout Fairfield County while growing up. She attended SUNY Buffalo and graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Dance.  Shortly after moving to New York City, she spent a year traveling the world and performing on a cruise ship, followed by various performances in NYC including Couture Fashion Week, Young Choreographers Festival, Project Dance, Gotta Dance at The Wild Project, Brooklyn Bowl, Little B's Big Holiday Wish and several Aerial workshops. Kelsey has worked with ALMA NYC, a dance company that incorporates outreach and performance with which she climbed Kilimanjaro to support The Bethel School in Burkina Faso. Kelsey has taught gymnastics and dance throughout the tri-state area and loves to challenge students to achieve more than they think is possible. In addition, she is the face behind "Ask Kelsey" as LPAC's Class Advisor, assisting families with finding classes that will be the best fit.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Tanya Bagnato

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A proud alum of The School at Jacob's Pillow, Tanya Bagnato has taught at and performed at leading institutions and dance festivals around the world including Broadway Dance Center, The Joffrey Ballet School, New York City Center, Birdland Jazz Club, Tap Dance Festival UK, The New York City Tap Festival (Tap City), and Tap in Rio. Her artistry has been featured in a Professional Artist Profile for the PBS Television show “Pinkalicious and Peterriffic," Dance Teacher Magazine, Broadway World, The Financial Times, Chacott World Report, and her performances can be found in the permanent archives of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Tanya currently attends NYU Tisch School of The Arts, where she is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Tisch Tap Collective, and President of The Tisch Talent Guild. Tanya is grateful to have been mentored by luminaries such as Jason E. Bernard, Brenda Bufalino, Michelle Dorrance, Mercedes Ellington, Derick K. Grant, Jared Grimes, the late Mable Lee, Andrew Nemr, Sarah Reich, Jason Samuels Smith, Sue Samuels, Randy Skinner, Caleb Teicher, and Dianne Walker and is excited to celebrate her joy of dance with the LPAC community!  

DESK STAFF

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Mindy Vaccino

EXECUTIVE OFFICE MANAGER + MARKETING / DESIGN

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Mindy Vaccino studied at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and in Rome, Italy, receiving a degree in Fine Arts. She is a published illustrator, painter, photographer and graphic designer whose work has been exhibited in the U.S. and abroad. In the performing arts, her work in office administration and on theater sets, prop design and performance publications has spanned over 20 years. She has done voice-acting for animation and can also be seen in Rapid Advance's national commercial as "The Doctor." Mindy has been with Locust Performing Arts Center since its inception and has enjoyed both managing the studio and creating posters, logos, signs, photographs and literature for LPAC. In addition to her design work, she has produced both commercial and artistic films for Locust Performing Arts Center which have been showcased at LPAC and Locust Contemporary Dance Works concerts. Mindy has also taught visual arts classes for LPAC, as well as for children's ministries and public  school programs.

PHOTO: JAY RITTER

Roxanna Bajra

OFFICE MANAGER

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Dilian Cantrell + Allison Yakubovich

OFFICE MANAGERS

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PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Stacy Homicki

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR,

L.E.D. COORDINATOR +

OFFICE MANAGER

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Stacy Homicki has been working in dance education and show production for over 20 years. She grew up training in many different styles of dance, performing and competing throughout New England and other parts of the country. Stacy discovered her love of teaching dance, and pursued her training as a teacher, as well as a dancer. She received her BFA in Dance and Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Stacy taught extensively in the Boston area for many years, and she worked in the Performing Arts Department at KING School in Stamford for 9 years. Her experiences have offered her a strong and versatile background in teaching, choreographing, show production, and studio office management. Stacy is so happy to be a part of LPAC, and to be able to watch the love of dance grow in young dancers.

GUEST TEACHERS +
CLASS ASSISTANTS 

PHOTO: JAY RITTER

Kara Manzino

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Dilian Cantrell

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Ivory McCulley

Classroom Assistants

Back row: Melissa Parra, Mackenzie Coffield,

Maggie Denninger, Ally Heiland, Julieta Kuri,

Peyton Andersen Front row w/Jimmy: Ava Mallozzi,

Ava Homicki, Fernanda Herrera

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