Erika Dinesen, Owner
Erika Dinesen has owned and operated Dance City Productions since 2000. Before opening her studio, Erika taught at her mother's studio, Dance Expressions, for 9 years. Erika was born into the world of dance with her aunt and mother members of the Detriot City Ballet. Her early dance training included dancing at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center. She trained with instructors such as Robert Davis, Gus Giordano, Joe Tremain, Frank Hatchet, and Barry Latler.
Before owning Dance City Productions, Erika danced professionally for 13 years, performing and teaching around the world. She began her dance career after high school with Carnival Cruise Lines. She then traveled to Tokoyo, Japan to perform and also worked with Sea Escape and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines.
Locally, Erika Dinesen performed with the Naples Dinner Theatre and Naples Philharmonic Pops and choreographed for the Children's Theatre. In 2003, Erika choreographed and performed at Jeb Bush's inauguration with an entertainment company she directed for 5 years.
Erika's competition teams have received many awards such as "Best Choreography," "Most Entertaining," 1st Overall, and "Best Studio." She values the strengths of every student and believes that self-esteem is an important focus.
Julie Pignatano
Julie Pignatano, a native of St. Louis, MO, is the “Professional Advancement Award in Dance” recipient from the renowned School at Jacob’s Pillow under the direction of Chet Walker. She graduated on scholarship from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, CA, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Theatre. Growing up, Julie received many regional & national awards and titles, as well as being recognized as one of “Dance Spirit’s Future Rising Stars” finalists. Being a well-versed AEA performer, Julie has studied with numerous tap legends at the Saint Louis Tap Festival started by Professor Robert L. Reed, Lisa Hopkins, Artistic Director of Tap Kids, River North Dance Company Chicago, and at STEPS on Broadway in NYC. She was an associate choreographer for Labrinth's "Express Yourself" music video alongside the French directing duo, Jonas & Francois, who have directed music videos for such legends as Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Iggy Azalea. Julie appeared in the opening number for the 30th annual Lucille Lortel Awards in NYC and in the off-Broadway show “Shake The Floor”. She danced for ABC in Disneyland’s “A Christmas Fantasy”, FOX premiere of “Mobbed” hosted by Howie Mandel and choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo, and in numerous Broadway productions at The MUNY in St. Louis. Julie is a well-sought-after regional and national-winning choreographer, teacher, and judge. She has had the pleasure of being the Lead Dance Instructor at AMDA's High School Conservatory Program in New York City for the past 2 summers as well as on the Dance Faculty at AMDA NY College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Most recently, Julie was awarded the ADCC 2017 Industry Excellence Award for Top Show/Event/Tour Manager held in Las Vegas. She is the Show Director for Beyond The Stars Competition, has had the honor to be on the tap faculty with REVEL, and is also the Co-Owner/Founder of J.Fuzed Studios: a competitive dance music editing service. Follow her journey @givemeawink.
Coming Soon!
Angela Yurtin Meadows
Angela grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA, and began dancing at her aunt’s dance studio, Christine's School of Dance. She was a competitive dancer and even competed against Abby Lee of Dance Moms! Her studio repeatedly won Overall Awards for groups, as did she for her solos. That continues to hold true for her own for her team today! Overalls, Entertainment Awards, Technique Awards, and Choreography Awards are not uncommon for Miss Angela! Angela’s style of teaching is rooted in strong, classic technique with a fun performance quality! Her favorite styles to teach are Tap & Musical Theatre.
Angela earned her BFA in Dance from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. After graduation, she moved to Las Vegas to begin work as a professional dancer, turning down contracts with Holland America Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Kings Island Tampa Bay. Shortly after arriving in Las Vegas, she was involved in a horrible car accident and sustained fractures to her spine in two places, spinal compression, six broken ribs, and shattered bones in her fingers. She was told she would never dance again but beat the odds! She is so grateful to be able to continue to express her passion for dance through teaching and is inspired by her students every day! She currently resides in Naples, FL with her husband and 2 cats.
Julianne Sinn
Julianne, an Ohio native, grew up dancing competitively and quickly discovered that dance was much more than a hobby—it was home. From assisting at dance conventions to performing in New York City, every experience deepened her love for the art and shaped the person she is today.
After graduating high school, Julianne returned to her home studio to begin teaching, hoping to give back to the place that gave her so much throughout her childhood. While sharing her love of dance with young students, she also pursued her dream of becoming a Physician Assistant. Today, she happily practices family medicine in Fort Myers, Florida.
Julianne has been married to her husband, Trae, whom she met in seventh grade. Although her career led her into medicine, her heart has always remained in the dance studio. She is grateful to return to her roots and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers, helping them build not only strong technique, but confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for dance.
Mandi Caba
I grew up in Indiana and found my love for dance at the age of 5. I was on the local dance studio performance and competition team through high school and began teaching after graduation. In 2002, I moved to SWFL where I was a part of Florida Fire Cats indoor Arena football cheerleading team and taught Golden Gate High School indoor competition and outdoor dance teams. In 2010, I joined Dance City Productions’ amazing family. I have had the joy of teaching all ages from 2 years and up along with performance and competition teams. Over the past 5 years, I’ve moved to Indiana, Texas, and Georgia but have finally landed back in SWFL and I’m looking forward to being a part of this amazing faculty and dance family again!