Faculty
Our Dedicated Team
Lori Gales Allen
Lori Gales Allen 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 studied and danced with Broadway Choreographers Rob Marshall and Rob Davis and has been a professional teacher in the South Hills area for 35 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 and continues her dance education by attending conventions and seminars. Lori is thrilled to share her love for dance with all her students and welcomes all dancers of all ages to the Lori Allen Dance Center, which is proud to celebrate its 26th 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 earning her teaching certification, she attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she completed her Reading Specialist certification and Master’s degree in Reading Education.
Cara is a second-grade teacher at South Fayette Elementary School and is actively involved in the performing arts throughout the district. She serves as the choreographer for both the high school and middle school musicals, Co-Director of the high school musical, and Majorette Coach for the Little Green Machine Marching Band. With an extensive background in dance and musical theatre, Cara works with recreational, company, and competition dancers at the Lori Allen Dance Center, helping students grow in both skill and confidence. Her passion for performing began at a young age, and Miss Lori was her very first dance teacher when she was just three years old, making it especially meaningful to now be teaching alongside her. Cara is thrilled to continue sharing her love of dance with her students. Watching dancers not only develop their skills, but also bring choreography to life on stage, is one of her greatest joys. The Dance Center is proud to welcome Miss Cara back for her 13th season!
Nicole Jamison
Nicole Jamison is a graduate of Point Park University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with dual concentrations in Jazz and Ballet. Previously, Nicole danced 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 is also a Level 1 & 2 Building Blocks of Dance certified teacher. Nicole enjoys sharing her passion for dance with her students in the Pittsburgh area and loves witnessing their personal growth and joy in dance. The Dance Center welcomes Miss Nicole back for her 13th season!
Jennifer Stephens
Jennifer Stephens is a graduate of Point Park University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance with a concentration in modern. Jennifer is Power Pilates certified and completed an education internship at the Civic Light Opera. She also recently obtained a Master’s in Education from Point Park University. In addition to dance, Jennifer teaches 5th grade at Carnegie Elementary School. Jennifer 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 6th season!
Kyleigh Seusser
Kyleigh Seusser started studying 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 in the Northeast for several years, attending master classes with renowned faculty, including Jennifer Miller, Terrence Greene, and Jon Lehrer. During this festival, she has had the opportunity to perform 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 a part of the company as a professional dancer and teaching artist. She is looking forward to starting a great year, and the Dance Center welcomes her back for her 5th season!
Isabella Rolin
Isabella Rollin, 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 has helped with classes over the years. The Dance Center Welcomes Miss Isabella back for her 5th season!
Taylor Riedel
Taylor Riedel is a recent graduate of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University. Taylor is currently an associate attorney at Tucker Arensberg, P.C. Prior to law school, Taylor attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her B.A. in English writing and her B.A. in History. She was a four-year member of the Pitt Dance Team and 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. 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 Center welcomes Miss Taylor back for her 4th season!
Rachel Romano
Rachel Romano recently graduated in December of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Pitt. Rachel enjoys working with children, spending much of her time nannying, babysitting, volunteering for those with special needs, and tutoring. She danced for Miss Lori for 15 years, growing up, including 6 years as a part of the competition team. Rachel has also been an assistant teacher at the studio for many of those years, including on-and-off throughout college. She is so excited to return to the studio, which has become her second home, to share her passion for dance with all of the students!