Staff
valerie smith
Owner/Director
Ballet/Pointe/Creative Movement/Musical Theatre/Tap/Contemporary/Jazz/Technique/Acro
Distinguished Dance Professional, Choreographer, and Educator
A Delaware native with an unwavering passion for the art of dance, Valerie’s journey began at the tender age of three. Over the course of more than three decades, she has cultivated an illustrious career as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and visionary leader in the performing arts. As Owner and Director of Dance Delaware, Valerie has enriched the cultural landscape of her home state while earning recognition nationwide for her artistry, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
Career Highlights & Accomplishments -
Valerie’s professional footprint spans coast to coast, from New York City to Los Angeles, and across a spectrum of media including Broadway, film, television, and commercial productions. Her formative years were shaped by rigorous training with renowned instructors and performances with esteemed companies such as Eglevsky Ballet and Wilmington Ballet.
Valerie’s Broadway credits are a testament to her versatility and talent, with standout performances in Beauty and the Beast, 42nd Street, Evita, Meet Me In St. Louis, and the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular. She has captivated audiences in celebrated productions including A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pajama Game, Crazy for You, Anything Goes, King & I, Me & My Girl, Once Upon a Mattress, Shenandoah, Can Can, Annie, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, Legends, and a starring role in The Great American Songbook.
Her talents extend beyond the stage. Valerie spent three seasons singing and dancing alongside country music legend Glen Campbell, further showcasing her adaptability and range as a performer.
In addition to her stage accomplishments, Valerie’s work in television, film, commercials, and industrials has afforded her opportunities to collaborate with a distinguished roster of entertainers, including Tony Danza, Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise, Ossie Davis, Heather Headley, Charlotte Church, the band Chicago, Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Barry Bostwick, Richard Chamberlin, Yolanda Adams, Little Richard, Bebe Neuwirth, Elliott Yamin, Jordin Sparks, Jimmy Smith, Josh Groban, Tom Bergeron, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Lee Ann Womack, Steve Buscemi, Megan Hilty, Matthew Broderick, Kelli O’Hara, Josh Turner, Amber Riley, and Kool & the Gang.
Choreography & Artistic Direction -
Inspired by her work with Emmy Award-winning director/choreographer Walter Painter, Valerie shifted her focus toward teaching and choreography. Her creative vision has shaped stage productions, musicals, commissioned works, and award-winning competition routines. She has choreographed for major celebrities and productions in both stage and screen, notably choreographing the film The Sophomore (2009), starring Bruce Willis and Mischa Barton.
Valerie played an integral role as associate choreographer for the acclaimed PBS special A Capitol Fourth in 2011 and 2012.
Leadership & Recognition -
- Global Arts Award for Choreography, Los Angeles (2015, 2021)
- “Studio of Excellence” Award (2019)
- Dancers recognized for “Excellence in Dance” at the Global Dance Festival, Los Angeles (2021)
- “Best Dance Instruction” Award (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- Inducted into the Delaware Business Hall of Fame for “Best Dance Instruction” (2021–2025, five consecutive years)
- Studio selected as “Best Dance School in Delaware” (2024-2025)
Educator & Advocate -
Valerie is widely recognized as a leading dance instructor at universities and performing arts high schools across the United States. Her influence extends through her extensive travels, teaching and judging at dance competitions and conventions nationwide. She is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of dancers, inspiring excellence and artistry in every student.
Personal Resilience & Dedication -
Valerie’s journey is marked not only by professional triumphs but also personal strength. A proud breast cancer survivor, she approaches every endeavor with resilience and gratitude. Above all, Valerie cherishes time spent with her beloved son, Reed, and their dog, Barkley.
As the Owner and Director of Dance Delaware, Valerie continues to set the standard for artistic achievement, education, and community impact, driving her studio’s reputation as Delaware’s premier destination for dance.
Stephanie Smith
Acro
Bio Coming Soon!
Elizabeth Warfel
Vocal/Acting/Musical Theatre
Though not a native of Wilmington, DE, Beth has spent her older youth and most of her adult life in Wilmington. Currently, Beth is the Choral Director at Talley Middle School in the Brandywine School District where she also serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair and is the head of the Drama Department. She also serves as a Lead Teacher for the district and this summer ran a Musical Theater Camp to help bring back the district Fine Arts Summer Camps. Beth holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Mississippi. Beth was part of many theater productions, including a few shows with the local Brandywiners, during her time in school as well as two seasons with the Mobile Opera Company before beginning her masters work. She also ran an after-school program for inner city youth in Mobile, AL that centered around musical theater. During graduate school though her studies focused on the choral ensemble, Beth’s love for the stage continued through performances in the opera workshop, as well as competitions such as the NATS vocal competition where she won first place in the Musical Theater category. Beth’s love for the stage started in the annual Christmas pageants and children’s musicals in church and she has continued to carry her passion for church work through her life. She has sung for numerous churches, was the music director at two different churches during her college years and spent the better part of the last 20 years running youth ministry and youth music programs at Richardson Park United Methodist Church here in Wilmington. Beth is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association-and served the Co-founder and Co-Chair of their annual Bass Voices Festival, the National Association for Music Education, Sigma Alpha Iota - Women’s Music Fraternity. Some of Beth’s most recent theater experiences include a four-day Broadway Teacher’s Workshop this past summer in New York City where she got to meet, work with, learn from, and even dance with many of the people who are working in shows currently on Broadway. As a child, Beth’s dream was to dance with the Rockettes, and while never making it to NYC she is NOT afraid of a good pair of tap shoes, and she is excited to help build our young dancers into kind and confident all-around performers who will feel good about their participation in the arts and have the skills to do whatever it is they dream to do!
Matthew Grassa
Hip Hop/ Tap/ Director of Performance Crew
Matt Grassa, a distinguished native of Delaware County, PA, has established himself as a highly respected figure within the dance and performing arts community. Beginning his dance journey at the remarkably young age of three, Matt embarked on an intensive and comprehensive training regimen that spanned over a decade, immersing himself in competitive dance and mastering a diverse array of styles.
Matt’s expertise is most prominent in Hip-Hop, where his dynamic presence and innovative movement vocabulary have garnered acclaim. However, his versatility extends far beyond; he is equally proficient and passionate in Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Ballet, Lyrical, and additional genres. Over years of competitive and performance experience, Matt cultivated a genuine love for the stage, a passion that naturally expanded to include singing, acting, and live theater, making him a true multi-disciplinary performer.
Following his graduation, Matt launched his professional career in a leading role as the Pumpkin King in The Hallo-Fun Fright Show at Knoebels Amusement Park, marking a memorable debut that showcased both his technical prowess and magnetic stage presence. His career continued to flourish as he became a featured backup dancer for 80’s pop icon Taylor Dayne, performing at high-profile events across New York, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and beyond. Matt’s impressive performance credentials also include multiple guest artist appearances in Chester Valley Dance Academy’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker.
Most recently, Matt captivated audiences in the lead role of Dr. Fright during the 25th Annual Dead Man's Party at Six Flags Great Adventure, further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after performer. His talents are regularly showcased throughout the Tri-State Area, where he is a fixture at flash mobs and special events coordinated by premier entertainment companies.
Matt’s creative influence extends behind the scenes as a versatile and innovative choreographer. His choreography credits include prominent organizations such as Beat Addikts United, the Padua Academy Dance Team, and the Garnet Valley Performing Arts Association, where he has contributed to a wide variety of productions. Recognized for his leadership and vision, Matt has also embraced directorial responsibilities in both theater and dance. He directed Frozen Kids The Musical for the Garnet Valley School District and led the competition team at Dance Delaware during the 2023–2024 season.
Currently, Matt serves as the principal Hip-Hop and Tap Instructor at Dance Delaware Studios in Wilmington, DE, and as the primary company-level Hip-Hop Instructor at Dance Artistry Center in Swedesboro, NJ. He is also a sought-after guest instructor, regularly teaching adult classes at Powerhouse Dance in Cherry Hill, NJ. His commitment to education, mentorship, and artistic excellence has made him a trusted and inspiring figure among students and peers alike.
In addition to his prolific career in dance and the performing arts, Matt is pursuing his academic ambitions and is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree at Wilmington University. His dedication to personal growth, both on and off the stage, exemplifies his commitment to lifelong learning and artistic development.
Matt Grassa continues to inspire audiences and the next generation of artists through his performances, choreography, and educational leadership, setting a standard of professionalism and passion in every endeavor he undertakes.
Maria Grandizio
Jazz/Technique
Maria is an professional dancer, choreographer, and educator based in Collingdale, Pennsylvania. With a foundation built on technical excellence and a passion for the performing arts, she has cultivated a diverse career spanning multiple genres and prominent venues.
Maria commenced her dance training at the age of five, developing proficiency in jazz, lyrical, theater dance, contemporary, ballet, tap, and pointe. As a competitive dancer, she quickly distinguished herself, earning scholarships, high-score accolades, and judges’ awards. Her formal education was completed at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA), where she focused on choreography, dance history, advanced performance techniques, and participated extensively in school and community service. Maria was inducted into the National Honors Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) in recognition of her commitment to both academic and artistic excellence.
Maria launched her professional career at eighteen, performing the role of Natasha in "Dead Man’s Party" at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey. She subsequently returned to the production, portraying Casper (2022), Serena (2023), and Ryan as part of the 25th Anniversary cast. In addition to her performing roles, Maria served as Dance Captain for the show over two seasons, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills.
Her professional engagements include performances at the Summer Vibes Dance Festival and "Frost" at Great Adventure. Maria’s skill and versatility have been showcased at multiple theme parks along the East Coast, including Kings Dominion—where she performed in "Retrospect," "Tinkers Toy Factory" (as Tumbles), and the Spectacle of Color Parade—Sesame Place Philadelphia, and Busch Gardens Tampa in "Holiday Magic."
Maria has also appeared in the 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade as a representative of Powersurge Performing Arts Center and was a company member of Project Moshen Dance Company. At Walt Disney World, she contributed her talents to the Festival of Fantasy Parade, the Easter Pre Parade, and the Frontierland Hoedown Happening.
In addition to her performance career, Maria is dedicated to arts education and community outreach. Through service projects and mentorship, she actively supports the development of emerging artists, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion within the dance community.
Maria’s career demonstrates a sustained commitment to artistic integrity, technical mastery, and professional collaboration. Her experience across competitive, educational, and professional stages distinguishes her as a leader in the performing arts.
Kelly Passaro
Creative Movement, Contemporary
Kelly's love for dance has been evident since the age of two, when she first stepped into the studio and began her lifelong journey of movement and self-expression. Over the years, she has honed her skills through rigorous training in an impressive array of styles, including acro, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and foundational technique classes, developing her artistry and versatility as a performer. Her passion for dance drives her to constantly push boundaries and explore new forms of creativity both on and off the stage.
Kelly is not only dedicated to her craft but is also committed to personal and academic growth. She recently graduated from Wilmington University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science. Her academic pursuits reflect her deep care for wellness and community. In addition, Kelly holds a certificate in trauma-informed approaches and child advocacy, underscoring her desire to create supportive, empowering environments for every child she works with. Her unique perspective bridges the worlds of health, advocacy, and the arts, making her an invaluable resource to those she mentors and teaches.
A dynamic member of Empire Dance Company, Kelly has performed in numerous high-profile dance showcases and competitions alongside her talented team. Her credits include electrifying appearances at World of Dance New York and World of Dance Boston, where she captivated audiences with her energy and precision. Kelly's artistry has also graced the stage at the renowned 30 30 30 dance showcase at Dixon Place in New York City and at Brickhouse NYC, both venues known for celebrating innovative dance and emerging talent. Expanding her collaborative spirit, she has performed with a teammate at the prestigious Koresh Artist Showcase, bringing her dedication and creativity to new artistic partnerships.
Beyond the spotlight, Kelly finds immense joy in teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers. She believes in nurturing not just technical skill, but also a genuine love and appreciation for the art of dance. Kelly strives to create a welcoming and motivating environment where students can grow as dancers and individuals, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm to help others discover the transformative power of movement. Her commitment to fostering positivity, confidence, and resilience in her students resonates in every class she leads.
Kelly's journey is a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and artistry. As a performer, educator, and advocate, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the dance community, inspiring those around her to follow their dreams and embrace the joy of dance.
Avery Snyder
Musical Theatre/ Jazz/ Contemporary
Avery’s journey in dance began at the tender age of three, when she first stepped into a ballet class at her local YMCA. Her early passion for movement quickly led her to join Dance Delaware, where she began to cultivate her artistry and commitment to the craft. Demonstrating remarkable dedication and discipline from an early age, Avery also achieved her black belt in karate by the time she was nine years old—a testament to her unwavering focus and perseverance.
Shortly after, Avery became a member of the Dance Delaware competitive dance team, embarking on a dynamic path marked by continuous growth, achievement, and recognition. Throughout each competitive season, Avery has distinguished herself by earning numerous scholarships and honors, including awards from Jump Dance Convention and a coveted musical theatre scholarship to Dancer Palooza, granted by renowned choreographer Al Blackstone.
Avery’s commitment to fostering community and sharing her love of dance is evident through her seven years of service in the Dance Delaware Assistant Teacher program. Now, she is thrilled to elevate her leadership as she steps into the co-teaching role alongside Nora, where she will inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 dance year, Avery will also be channeling her creative vision as the choreographer for the team production number, bringing fresh artistry and enthusiasm to the studio.
Outside of dance, Avery is a dedicated athlete, serving as the goalie for her lacrosse team—showcasing her versatility and competitive spirit both on the field and in the studio. Above all, Avery is driven by the power of music and movement to evoke and express emotion, and she looks forward to continuing to share her passion with the Dance Delaware community in her new leadership role.
Nora Ellis
Hip Hop - Co Director of Performance Crew
Nora, a dynamic and dedicated dance professional originally from Hungary, has brought her vibrant energy and international perspective to Delaware since 2016. From the moment she arrived, Nora immersed herself in the local dance community, quickly finding her second home on the stage and in the studio of Dance Delaware.
Her diverse training with Dance Delaware spans a wide range of styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, musical theatre, hip hop, and acrobatics. As a committed member of the Dance Delaware competitive team, Nora has showcased her talents at competitions and performances across the East Coast, consistently demonstrating poise, artistry, and an unyielding passion for dance.
Nora’s leadership and dedication shine through her five years in the Dance Delaware Studios assistant teacher program, where she inspired and mentored young dancers with her patience, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm. Now, as Co-Director of the Performance Crew alongside Matt, Nora is thrilled to step into a new chapter—fostering the next generation of performers and elevating the art of dance within the company.
Outside the studio, Nora cherishes time spent with her beloved dog, family, and friends. She values an active lifestyle, enjoying swimming and soccer as ways to recharge and stay fit. Nora’s commitment to her craft, her students, and her community continues to make a lasting impact, both on and off the stage.
Karla Bradley Manhard
Tap
Bio Coming Soon!
Artists in Residence:
Samantha Butler
Samantha is a Graduate of Rider University, where she studied Dance and Elementary Education along with English as a second language and multidisciplinary studies. She grew up at DDstudios taking every class possible, competing for the competition team, and teaching classes. She is a part of the Rider Dance Team and club. With experience in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, her main passion lies with musical theatre. She has performed with the Young Americans in California, been awarded many titles through dance competitions/conventions, and worked with the Radio City Rockettes during their summer intensives in New York City. She hopes to continue dancing for the rest of her life.
Haley Alexander
DanceDelaware is thrilled to have Haley join us in our Artists in Residence Faculty and as a choreographer for our Award Winning Dance Team.
Haley began dancing at the age of 3 and hasn't turned back since. Starting with ballet and tap, her love for dance snowballed into her training amongst a wide range of styles. From Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Acro, Pointe, Hip Hop, Modern & Contemporary. Haley has been with DanceDelaware from the beginning and has competed on the dance team as an original "mini" at the age of 5. Throughout her time at DanceDelaware, she has won numerous First Overall, Title, High Score, and Special Awards for solos over the years, convention faculty recognition scholarships, as well as performing in award winning group dances. Haley graduated from Cab Calloway School of the Arts where she was a dance major since the 6th grade. Her time a Cab included being a member of the dance team, and dance company. She has also been a specialty chosen assistant teacher volunteer for Cab's "Beyond the Dancer" camp that provided dancers with Cerebral Palsy & Autism a chance to discover the joy of dance! In 2021 Haley won the distinguished title of "Miss Delaware's Teen" in the nationally recognized Miss America Organization where she received a nearly perfect score for her lyrical dance in talent portion of the competition. She went on to serve the State of Delaware and represent the diamond state at the Miss America's Teen Competition! With the opportunities provided by the Miss America Organization, Haley is currently a rising junior Dance & Kinesiology major at the University of Alabama! She is honored to have received the Outstanding Sophomore Award chosen by the Dance Professors in the Theatre & Dance Department. Throughout her time at UA Haley has been cast in numerous pieces for Dance Alabama, as well as, the prestigious and super selective Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre(ARDT) fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023 shows! She was recently elected to the Executive Board of the esteemed student organization: Dance Alabama, where she is excited to serve as the Social Media Coordinator for this upcoming year!
Matt Loehr
Matt Loehr is a professional actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher who believes in the transformative power the arts can inspire in all.
As a performer, he is currently traveling the world with Some Like it Hot starring as Joe/Joesphine. He has played Elder McKinley in the blockbuster hit, The Book of Mormon, on Broadway. Additionally on Broadway, he has appeared in the original casts of The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, Promises, Promises (2010 revival), and Elf the Musical, as well as stepping in to the productions of Fosse, Movin’ Out, and Evita.
Most recently, he made his Off-Broadway debut starring as GJ in R.R.R.E.D. a Secret Musical as well as playing the duel roles of Albert Harmon and Englishman in the world premiere of the new musical, The Sting, starring Harry Connick, Jr. at the award winning Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. He is a four time Carbonell Award Winner, South Florida’s highest theatrical honor, for Me and My Girl (Bill Snibson), The Music Man (Harold Hill), Crazy For You (Bobby Child), and Hello Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl)- all performed at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, FL. He has co-starred in the world premiere of IDAHO! (Slim) at the Smith Center in Las Vegas and has performed starring roles in numerous professional productions around the country that include Nice Work if You Can Get It (Jimmy Winter) at Broadway at Music Circus in Sacramento, CA, Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood) at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA, Kiss Me Kate (Bill Calhoun) at the Cape Playhouse on Cape Cod, and White Christmas (Phil Davis) at Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars.
As a teacher, Matt was a visiting Guest Artist for two years at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he taught dance for the School of Drama as well as directing and choreographing the University’s mainstage musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, in the Fall of 2015. Additional teaching/ choreographing experiences have been on faculty for The Performing Arts Project (TPAP), The Broadway Experience in NYC, the Commercial Dance Intensive at UNCSA School of Dance, Wake Forest University (guest Choreographer for their Fall dance concert in 2014), Center Stage in Westport, CT, and Mobile Ballet in his home town of Mobile, AL.