Lawrence Edwards
has been studying the art of dance since the age of 8. He graduated from Red Bank Regional Performing Arts Dance program in 1999. Directly after graduating high school, Lawrence stepped into the professional world of dance. He traveled the country performing and dancing for companies such as Paramount Pictures, and Disney. Later returning to the tri-state area joining a professional modern dance company (Bass River Dance Project). Following several years of dancing professionally, he returned to school to peruse a degree in dance on an arts scholarship awarded by the faculty of Rutgers and Mason Gross School of the Arts. He graduated from Rutgers University in 2005 (MGSA) with a BFA in dance. Being distinguished as the first male to complete the BFA dance program in over a decade. Throughout his college career he maintained a name for himself in the professional field. He became a choreographer and performer for Madison Square Gardens’ New York Knicks and New York Liberty basketball games half time shows. As well as, working part time with a small New York modern dance company (Randy James Dance Works). After graduating he continued to tour and teach all over the country. Lawrence has been a master teacher across the nation to several major colleges, as well as a guest teacher at the National High School Dance Festival and American College Dance Festival. He has performed back up dance for artist such as Jessica Simpson, Blaque, and Crystal Waters. He continues to share his love for dance with his teaching and chorography. Currently he is working with the Emerge Theatre Company choreographing a revamped Christmas Choral that will be staged at the Trenton War Memorial Theatre in December 2007.
Lawrence has created a life and career through his passion for dance, and loves teaching children who share the same passion for the art as him. He is honored to be the new owner and director of The Movement Dance Academy, and will continue the traditions of the Academy.

Donna Battaglia
Donna is a graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in Speech and Theater. She has been teaching dance for twenty years, and trained under master dance teachers across the country . Her choreography has been seen at the Premier Theater Company, Eatontown Playhouse, Oh! Pear Theater Company, Toms River High School East, Point Pleasant Boro High School, Brick Memorial High School, Monmouth Regional High School, and Christian Brothers Academy. She had the distinct honor of choreographing the original musical Vivianna for Eatontown Playhouse, which was critically praised when performed in New York City. Donna is also an accomplished actress and singer, and has performed memorable roles with the Premier Theater Company and Strand Theatre Projects, including Charity in Sweet Charity, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Estelle in The Full Monty, Sheila in A Chorus Line, Texas in Cabaret, and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof

Caroline Quatrochi
Caroline was the original owner and director of The Movement Dance Academy. At the age of 21 Caroline was given the opportunity to take over what was then The Dance Connection. After several years of owning the studio; which she first name Dance by Caroline, she out grew her own expectations. Later renaming the studio to what we now know as The Movement Dance Academy. Caroline is a master teacher and choreographer; she has molded some of the best professional dancers and performers in the tri-state area. She continues to teach and choreograph, winning countless awards at dance competitions all over the east coast. Caroline has inspired many children to follow their dreams, in all aspects of life. She continues to inspire and share her passion of dance at MDA, along with the fundamentals she established over 16 years ago.

Kristi Bean
Kristi was an original Movement Dance Academy student and company member. Her dance training extends to the Broadway Dance Center, Steps, Rutgers University and the New Dance Group. Kristi has traveled all over the country teaching and performing for numerous artist and dance companies. She has performed for the Universal Dance Association and was a member of the Rutgers National Championship Dance Team in 1998. She has worked with the NBA, Disney Productions, and HBO, and is a current member of the actor’s equity association. Kristi was the assistant teacher to Sheila Barker for the Manhattan Dance Project. Currently she is a Rockette, and will be gearing up to perform in their Christmas Spectacular show come Christmas 2007.

Kate Brannan
started her dance training and developed her passion for dance under the tutelage of Caroline Quatrochi at Dance by Caroline, which we know today as The Movement Dance Academy. She then followed her dreams and passion of dance and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in dance and was awarded the title of Creative and Performing Art Scholar. She performed with multiple professional choreographers in the Washington D.C. area at venues including the Kennedy Center. After graduation Kate worked with Skip Costa in the off-Broadway production “Rock Stars NYC”, and with the modern group Gritty Cherries. Kate is now a certified Pilates Instructor teaching at the Center for Pilates in Red Bank. Kate continues to share her passion of dance with the students of MDA.

Kristy Hays
a native of Massachusetts, Kristy received her training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Her credits vary from choreographer to performer. As a choreographer, Kristy has worked with dancers from the NBA's Knicks, Nets, and Florida Flame dance teams. Her work has been seen aboard Atlantis Cruise Lines and in a regional production of Grease. She has worked alongside Tony Parise (an original Broadway cast member of 42nd St and Me and My Girl), taught for NYC's Camp Broadway, and is currently a faculty member for B.'W.A.Y. (Broadway Workshops for Adults and Youths) - a national touring theatre intensive based out of NYC. As a performer, some of Kristy's credits include: Anything Goes (Nat'l Tour, Dance Captain), The King and I (Anna), Babes in Arms (Susie), Ira Gershwin's Centennial Celebration (featured performer), as well as lead vocalist and dancer aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. Locally, Kristy choreographs for the Cherry Hill West High School Performing Arts Center in Avon, and holds the Head Coaching position of the Monmouth University Dance Team.

Becca Lee
grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and trained at The Dance Refinery in all disciplines of dance. At the age of 12 she untapped her talent and began competing in both dance and gymnastics. Becca has performed in numerous regional theater productions and NFL halftime shows for the Indianapolis Colts. In 2004, after high school graduation, Becca moved to NYC to attend Marymount Manhattan College. During this time she became a Knicks City Dancer. Through this experience she was able to work with well-known choreographers and was able to perform at many prestigious events! She was a Knicks City Dancer for two years and also danced for the New York Liberty (WNBA) for a year. Becca is currently completing her degree at Rutgers University and is now a member of the #2 nationally ranked Rutgers University Dance Team. Becca is honored to be a staff member at The Movement Dance Academy.


Elanee Frangros
began her dance training at the age of 5. She has studied ballet, jazz, tap, modern and several forms of ethnic dance. She has appeared in Frank Hatchett's Showcase, Merv Griffin's Casino Resorts, as well as competed in numerous dance competitions all over the country. Elanee trained intensely in the R.A.D. syllabus and received the highest score on Honors on the elementary examination. She was also a finalist at the Margot Fonteyn Awards, for which she received a scholarship to study with David Howard. Ms. Frangos continued her training on scholarship, at the Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet at the age of 16. Her performing credits include The Nutcracker, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Peter Rabbit and Other Tails with Company of Dance Arts. As well as The Nutcracker, Petrouchka, and Romeo and Juliet with the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Philadelphia Opera Company's Aida round out some of her most spectacular performances. Elanee is honored to be joining the Movement Dance Academy staff.