Meet our staff

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Savannah Melo, Creative Director & Alec Webber, Director of Operations

 Alec began his dance career training at Lisa Pilato Dance Center for ten years in styles such as hip-hop, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acrobatic arts and more. Alec is a graduate from Suffolk University in the city of Boston where he was able to still pursue a passionate career in dance while studying business and real estate. Alec training with the Dance Teacher’s Club of Boston and graduated from the program in the summer of 2016. Alec continues his love for dance by teaching and sharing with others. On the competition circuit, Alec has been highly awarded both regionally and nationally as member of a competitive dance team. He has also had the opportunity to perform in many community service events as both a dance and choreographer such as Project Santa, the Dracut Scholarship Telethon and the HIP project. Through choreography for skilled dancers of a competitive level, Alec's work has been highly recognized. As Alec has continued his dance education over the years, he has been fortunate enough to study with renowned dance educators and choreographers such as Lisa Pilato, director of the LPDC, Kathleen Pantos, director of Pantos Project, Tyce Diorio, Brian Freedman, Dave Scott, Mia Michaels, and many more. He looks forward to his first season teaching and choreographing with Saval Dance Academy. 

 Savannah Melo, born and raised in Massachusetts, grew up dancing her whole life. She began training at Lisa Pilato Dance Center, where she danced for 15 years and competed for 11 years. Savannah graduated in 2019 from Rhode Island College with a B.A. in Dance Performance as well as a minor in Psychology. Savannah received the Yetta Rauch Melcer Dance Award upon graduating. Savannah has performed works by choreographers such as Alexandra Beller, Rennie Harris, Erica Randall, Teena Marie Custer, and David Parker to name a few. Most recently, Savannah graduated from Lesley University in May of 2022, with her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling: Dance/Movement Therapy. While running a studio, Savannah is working full-time as a Mental Health Clinician through Tufts Medicine. Savannah performed for two seasons with the Pantos Project Dance Ensemble in Boston, MA. Over her time as a choreographer, Savannah has been recognized for Outstanding Choreography awards as well as both Regional and National overall placements. Savannah is looking forward to creatively directing Saval Dance Academy and continue to share her knowledge and passion of dance with the local youth. 

 Abigail Chelate, born and raised In Saco, Maine grew up dancing at Steppin' Out Dance Centre, where she danced and competed for over 10 years. Once Abigail got to High School she became a member of the Thornton academy Dance Company, and later her senior year served as the Captain. Abigail graduated from Rhode Island College In August of 2020 with a double major In Dance Performance and Accounting. Abigail has performed works by choreographers such as Rennie Harris, Alexandra Beller, David Parker & The Bang Group, and Akeitha Carey to name a few. Abigail performed one season with the Pantos Project Ensemble In Boston, MA. Abigail Is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and love of dance with the local youth and Inspiring the next generation of dancers.  

 Tasia is so excited to be part of the new SDA family! Dance has always found a special way in her life. Tasia danced throughout her childhood on her studio's competitive team and on their Senior Hip Hop Dance Team. While earning her Nursing degree at Salem State University, Tasia was a dancer and student choreographer for the student run dance group, Reparatory Dance Theater. Along with dancing in the studio, Tasia was a proud theater kid, having partaken in a variety of musicals in school and with regional/community theaters. Dance brought a sense of pride, safety, and self-confidence to her has a child, and she wants to share that feeling with her students. Working full time as a nurse, being able to escape the world and share her love of dance creates that same feeling now as it did when she was younger. Tasia encourages her students to be their truest self and above all, have FUN! 

 Originally from Ashby, MA, Kimberly began her dance training at the age of 2 and began competing at the age of 6. She trained in a myriad of styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, modern, musical theater, and Acro and furthered her training while a student of The Gold School in Brockton, MA under the direction of Rennie Gold. In 2002, Kim was a member of the USA Dance Team representing the United States at the World Showdance Championships in Riesa, Germany. After graduating, Kim moved on to perform professionally with Rainbow Tribe: the Company in Boston, MA. Her professional performance credits include: AF2 Lady Wolfpack (2009), CONcept ARTists (2011-2014), Static Noyze Dance Company (2014-2018), Busta Rhymes, Salt N’ Pepa, Fat Joe, Jamn 94.5, and Ginuwine. In addition, Kim owned and directed the Harvard Academy of Dance from 2009 to 2019. Currently, she is a faculty member at Theatre at the Mount in Gardner, MA teaching extracurricular classes, youth programs, and choreographing musicals as well as the choreographer for Lawrence Academy and The Middlesex School’s musicals. Some of her favorite choreography credits include: “We Will Rock You” (TAM 2018), “A Christmas Story” (TAM 2019), “Beauty and the Beast” (Leominster All City Musical 2019), “Escape to Margaritaville” (TAM 2022), “Legally Blonde” (MS 2023), “Mean Girls” (LA 2023), and “Ruthless” (TAM 2023). Kim continues to perform on the Theatre at the Mount stage in many of their musicals. In addition, she is an adjudicator and master teacher for Imagine National Dance Challenge as well as Impact Dance Adjudicators. She is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor, is a nationally sought after teacher and choreographer, and has received many national awards/recognition for her work. She is known for her unique concepts, high standards of training, and dedication to her dancers.  

Ave, born and raised in Southern, NH has been dancing her whole life! She is excited to share her passion with her new SDA family. Avé just earned her Bachelor's degree as a double major in Dance and Multicategorical Special Education at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She also earned certifications to teach Dance K-12 and teach Prek-12. Ave will be joining Saval full-time teaching ballet and tap! 

Substitute Faculty: Kimberly Janeczko, Marissa Masson, Alexis Silvestri

Emerson, born and raised in Southern NH, just graduated from Nashua North High School May of 2024. Emey is heading to University of New Hampshire to study psychology as well as being part of the UNH Dance Team. As a competitive student, Emerson has been recognized regionally and nationally as a top scoring soloists and most recently won "Outstanding Entertainment" at Elite Dance Challenge Nationals in 2023. Emey has a strong passion for dance and is glad to share that with her students.