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! 

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 is currently working towards her Bachelor's degree as a double major in Dance and Special Education at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. When Avé is home on school break and summer, you will see her around the studio! 

Substitute Faculty: Kimberly Janeczko, Marissa Masson, Alexis Silvestri

Emerson, born and raised in Southern NH, just graduated from Nashua North High School this past May. Emey is a Freshman at UMass Amherst continuing her education in dance and psychology. 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.