The Lori Allen Dance Center
About Us
Lori Gales Allen
Lori is a graduate of Point Park University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. Prior to opening the Dance Center, she has studied and danced with Broadway Choreographers Rob Marshall and Rob Davis and been a professional teacher in the South Hills area for 33 years. Lori has performed with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Don Brockett Productions and other local and regional theaters. Lori was also a dance instructor for RMU Island Sports Complex. Lori continues her dance education by attending conventions and seminars. This is currently the Dance Centers 23rd season. The center offers recreational dance as well as a competitive group. The LADC competitive group are regional and national platinum winners. Lori is thrilled to share her love for dance with all her students and welcomes all dancers of all ages to the Dance Center!
Julie Hilzendeger
Julie, originally from Bethel Park, graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Bachelor of Arts in both Catechetics and Theology with a concentration in Youth Ministry. She is a stay at home mom to Michael, Karen and Madelyn. Julie is also a mompreneur running two businesses from home that empower women to dream bigger and create their lasting legacy through the power of direct sales. Julie was a student of Miss Lori's for 9 years. She loves being back home at the studio, sharing her love and passion for dance with the students! The Dance Center welcomes Miss Julie back for her 8th season!
Cara Fornella
Cara Fornella, from South Fayette, graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in May 2010 with a B.A. in Childhood Development and Education and a minor in theater. After receiving her teaching certification, she attended the University of Pittsburgh for her Reading Specialist certification and a masters in Reading Education. Cara is a second-grade teacher at South Fayette Elementary School, as well as the High School and the Middle School Musical Choreographer, a Co-Director for the high school musical, and the Majorette Coach for the Little Green Machine Marching Band. She has an extensive background in dance and musical theatre. Miss Lori was Cara’s first dance teacher at the age of three, and she is thrilled to be back in the studio with her. Cara is eager to share her love of dance with the dancers at the Lori Allen Dance Center! The Dance Center welcomes Miss Cara back for her 9th season!
Angela Bell
Angela, from Canonsburg, graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2019. She is currently enrolled in classes at Point Park University to receive her principal certification and obtain a master's degree in Education Administration. She is a fifth grade language arts teacher at Jefferson Hills Intermediate School in West Jefferson Hills School District. Angela also nannies for two families and tutors students within the South Hills area. Throughout her dance career, she was involved with the Duquesne University Dance Theatre at the advanced level and was a member of the Canonettes for all four years of high school. She also served as captain her senior year and was the sponsor for the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, Angela danced for Miss Lori for 15 years and was an assistant teacher during that time. She is so excited to be back at the studio as a teacher to share her love of dance with all of her dancers. The Dance Center welcomes Miss Angela back for her 5th season!
Taylor Riedel
Taylor Riedel is a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she received her BA in English Writing and History. She was a four year member of the Pitt Dance Team where she served as captain during her senior year. She competed with the dance team at the NDA college nationals in Daytona, Florida during her time on the team. Taylor is currently attending Duquesne Law School, full time, to receive her JD degree. Growing up, Taylor danced for Miss Lori for 11 years and is excited to be back at the studio where she can share her passion for dance with the students! The Dance Cemter welcomes Miss Miss Taylor for her 2nd season!
Nicole Flasch
Nicole Jamison is a graduate of Point Park University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a dual Jazz and Ballet concentration. Nicole recently retired after dancing for seven seasons as a Principal Artist with Pittsburgh-based Bodiography Contemporary Ballet. Nicole is an American Ballet Theater ® certified Teacher after successfully completing the ABT ® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level Three of the ABT ® National Training Curriculum. She enjoys sharing her passion for dance with her students in the Pittsburgh-Area and loves witnessing her students' personal growth and their joy for dance. The Dance Center welcomes Miss Nicole back for her 9th season!
Jennifer Romano
Jennifer Romano began dancing in her hometown of Cary, North Carolina. She is a graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in dance. While in Pittsburgh, Jennifer has been given the chance to perform works by Lucinda Childs, Stephanie Martinez, Matthew Powell, David Morse, Matt Pardo, Kiesha Lalama, and Dan Karasik. In addition to dance, Jennifer is Power Pilates certified and completed an education internship at the Civic Light Opera. She is excited to share her passion for dance with the students at the Lori Allen Dance Center. The Dance Center welcomes Miss Jennifer back for her 4th season!
Kyleigh Seusser
Kyleigh started studying in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap at a young age in Erie, Pa at Erie Dance Conservatory under the direction of Sarah Purvis. She participated in Regional Dance America for the Northeast region for several years where she attended master classes with many renowned faculty such as Jennifer Miller, Terrence Greene, and Jon Lehrer to name a few. During this festival she has had the opportunity to have performed at various theaters in various cities such as Pittsburgh, Pa, Harrisburg, Pa, and Montreal, Canada. She has attended many summer intensives such as Point Park International Summer Intensive, Joffrey Ballet’s Jazz and Contemporary Intensive, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Bachelor of Arts in Jazz dance in 2017. She joined Bodiography Contemporary Ballet in August of 2017 as an apprentice and continues to be apart of the company as a professional dancer and teaching artist. She is looking forward to start a great year and the Dance Center welcomes her back for her 3rd season!
Isabella Rolin
Isabella, originally from Cecil, attended Duquesne University and Purdue University. While in school, she was a part of the Duquesne Dance Theatre at the advanced level. She was also on the Purdue 2XS Hip Hop team, performing at places like the Metro in Chicago. Isabella has danced for Miss Lori since she was 4 years old and helped with classes over the years. She is excited to be back for a 3rd year and The Dance Center Welcomes back Miss Isabella!
Stacey Kail
Stacey is a graduate from Clarion University where she was involved in the dance and theatre clubs.
Stacey was active dancer from grade school thru college. Also performed in summer productions At the Little lake theatre, including Cinderella and Snow White. She is a mother of 7 and is excited To be a part of the Dance Center. The Dance Center welcomes Miss Stacey back for a 6th season!