Gail Willadsen-Criscione

Gail Willadsen-Criscione opened the doors to Star Struck Dance in 1989 shortly after completing her reign as Miss Staten Island. Growing up as a competitive dancer, she was no stranger to the dance world.  Gail knew she wanted to share her passion for dance at a very young age and choose teaching as her profession. Her goal was to train her students to be explosive performers.  She takes great pride in running her business, creating her own choreography and working with an amazing staff that were all trained under her wing.  Gail has been the recipient of countless Choreography, Entertainment and High Score awards.  Her students have won numerous National Championships, and many of them have continued to pursue professional careers in performing and teaching. Gail also is a notable judge across the nation for top competitions and has the distinguished honor of co-producing the local scholarship pageant which is a preliminary to Miss America. Gail puts her heart and soul into her work, loving every minute of the incredible life that she has been blessed with. She credits her success to an amazing supportive clientele that rarely changes but continuously grows.  Her biggest accomplishment is her beautiful family. Her husband Andrew and two daughters Cameryn and Peyton are her inspiration and sanity. Her Mom is her best friend. Gail says that being the Director of SSDS is her claim to fame and she hopes to continue having a positive affect on all the children that walk through her doors.  She will infect her students with self confidence and a love for dance that will remain in their hearts long after their lessons are complete.

Louie Vazquez

Louie started his dance career at age 15, when he began competing with The Star Struck Dance Company. It wasn’t until age 19 that he found his love for “hip hop” and started  teaching and choreographing. Among his many awards, Louie was chosen to dance at the 1996 Pro Bowl “half time show” in Hawaii. He also has danced for the New York Knicks and New York Liberty dance teams; and has taken dance classes and trained with some of the nation’s top choreographers. Along with his demanding dance schedule, Louie is also employed full-time, as a New York City Department of Buildings Electrical Inspector. Over the years, Louie has been nationally recognized by winning various “high-score” and “entertainment” awards; but strongly feels his biggest REWARD is watching his choreography and ideas come to life through his students. 

Jackie Guidera

Jackie Guidera began her dance career as a member of the Star Struck Dance Company in 1990. She has been training and competing for the past 18 years gaining much recognition in the dance world. She has toured the country with various dance companies and is presently dancing with the New Jersey Nets. Jackie is fluent in all styles of dance and has taken our lyrical company to new heights with her powerful yet beautiful choreography. She brings a whole new style to lyrical and has been recognized nationally by winning High Score and Choreography awards. Jackie will continue teaching at Star Struck while she pursues her professional dance career. 

Lynnore Palmieri-Vazquez

Lynnore Palmieri-Vazquez plays a tremendous part in every aspect of Star Struck Dance.  Lynnore’s relationship with director & best friend Gail stems back to when they were both training in a former studio.  Being a member of the Star Struck Company from day one, Lynnore excels in all styles of dance.  Her specialty is working with the baby classes.  She has been an integral member of the staff for the past 12 years and is certainly a Star Struck favorite.  Aside from teaching, Lynnore works as a receptionist and has earned the title of Office Manager.  She is highly knowledgeable in both the business and artistic side of dance.  Her welcoming smile and true passion for people makes her a tremendous asset to Star Struck. Referring to the studio as her second home, Lynnore not only found her profession but her soul mate & husband, Mr. Louie.

Jenn Russo

Jennifer Russo has been with Star Struck since day one.  She began as a member of the Company and presently assists in all costuming for the studio. Jennifer has extensive gymnastic training and is an incredible dancer, performer and instructor. She assists with the Company choreography and teaches all styles of dance. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute for Technology in NYC where she earned her degree of science majoring in fashion merchandise management. She was employed as an account executive until the birth of her daughter Isabella Rose. Jenn says the studio has always been her second home and she is thrilled to be back full time while raising her baby. She looks forward to her daughter growing up at the studio the way she did.

Lindsay Udin

Lindsay Udin has been dancing for 18 years and is currently involved in teaching most phases of dance at Star Struck. To her credit she has appeared on national television dancing on the Sally Jesse Raphael Show, and has also been awarded the title of Miss. Richmond. Lindsay is a graduate of LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts where she studied dance and choreography. As the smile on her face shows it, Lindsay adores every minute she spends at Star Struck and is grateful to share her passion of dance with all of her students. Lindsay intends to pursue a successful career in dance whether it be professionally, or as a noted director. 

Joan Willadsen

Joan Willadsen, “AKA” Miss Gail’s Mom, has been the studio’s biggest supporter right from the start.  Though she’s not directly involved with the dance aspect of the business, she keeps things running smoothly by handling all the paper work.  Joan is the official book keeper & den mom to the entire staff, not to mention Miss Gail’s personal therapist.  Joan has been an employee at JP Morgan Chase for the past 30 years.  Her family is what matters most and having both her daughters Gail and Erica follow their dreams is all any Mom could ask for. She is filled with pride and loves the part she plays at Star Struck.

Doreen LaPenna

Doreen LaPenna is a certified dance instructor who received her license from DEA in 1981. She has been part of the Star Struck family right from the start.  Doreen runs the toddler Tap & Ballet program and says that the studio is her 1st passion. She is the mother of 3 beautiful children, Tyler, Evan & her own little ballerina Julia, who is a member of the SSDS Company. Doreen is also a critical care registered nurse for the past 24 years. She manages an internal medical practice with her husband Dr. Robert LaPenna. 

Dina Crowe

Dina has been apart of Star Struck for the past 18 years, whether it is dancing or teaching. She earned a Bachelor’s from the College of Staten Island with a major in Elementary Education. Dina is currently in the process of receiving her Masters degree in Elementary and Special Education. She is also a teacher with the New York City Department of Education. Dina loves being a part of the Star Struck family and sharing her love of dance with children.

Chrissy Nappi

Chrissy has been apart of Star Struck for the past 18 years, whether it be dancing or teaching.  She is a graduate of LaGuardia High School and has a Bachelor’s degree from Hunter college with a major in Dance and a minor in Theater. Chrissy is currently in the process of receiving her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from St. John's University. Chrissy has been trained and competed in Tap, Jazz, Hip hop, Ballet, and Modern dance.  She has performed in showcases for choreographers like Mia Michaels, AC Ciulla, Dan Karaty, and Joe Lanteri and has been involved in a television series based on dancing in New York City that has aired on the BBC network. She currently works for Starpower National Talent Competition traveling the country during their regional and national seasons. 

Maria Alexa Boshnack 

Maria began dancing at Star Struck Dance Studio in 1991 at the age of 2. She has been trained in all aspects of dance and continues to do so. She began working as an Assistant teacher with Miss Gail in 2001 teaching Acro. Miss Gail trained her in Acro since she was 3 years old and it was quite an honor to work with her. She also works side by side with Mr. Jeoffrey as his Assistant since September of 2003 teaching Turn/Technique and Modern.  Maria was the recipient of a Scholarship to StarSystems Dance Convention 2003 and the recipient of a Scholarship to Starpower Power Pak Tour 2005.  She performed at The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida during the summer of 2005.  Maria graduated from St. Joseph Hill Academy in June 2007 and will be attending Wagner College in the Fall of 2007.  She will be majoring in Biology and minoring in Dance.  She will continue to be a part of Star Struck Dance Studio learning and working with the people she loves.

Kristin Zazulka

Kristin has been a member of Star Struck for the past 14 years as both a powerful dancer and fun-loving teacher. She is trained in all styles of dance however her true passion is for Modern choreography. Since she became part of the studio, it has been a second home for her, always providing her with a place to express her love for the art, as well as a family that is understanding, talented and always around for a good time. She loves having fun with her students while teaching as well as being a positive role-model for them. Kristin currently attends the College of Staten Island pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Dance has always been a positive influence on her life and SSDS will always remain close to her heart. 

Jennifer Antoniello-Russo

Jennifer Russo has been with Star Struck right from the start. She began as a competitive dancer and worked as a receptionist while she earned a Bachelors  in Elementary Education and Sociology from St. John's University. She then continued her education at St. John's  earning herself a Masters in Early Childhood and a second Masters in Reading. She is a kindergarten teacher at P.S.36 and continues to work part time at the studio.She and husband Michael say that becoming parents were their greatest accomplishment. The birth of their precious angel, Alexa Rose has made their life complete.

Jenn Azarow

Jenn has loved being a part of the Star Struck family since its doors opened.  She currently teaches ballet and tap classes at the dance studio. Jenn attended St. Joseph Hill Academy, and then Wagner College as and Education/English major. Once completing her Master’s Degree, Jenn taught first grade at Sacred Heart School. She currently teaches dance and creative writing in the talent department at I.S. 303 in Brooklyn. She is happily married to Anthony Azarow, who she met her freshmen year at Wagner. They live in Great Kills with their three cats Lilo, Stitch & Danskin.

Erica Willadsen

Erica Willadsen was born into the Star Struck family.  Being Miss Gail’s only sibling and baby sister gave her little options as a toddler. When Erica turned 4, history was made at the studio and the very first “Baby Company” was introduced.  Erica spent the past 16 years growing up in dance class and spending her vacations away at competitions with the same group of girls that we now call our “Seniors.” Erica is a graduate of Moore Catholic High School and will be attending the College of Staten Island this fall. She will continue teaching at the studio while she focuses on her education. She hopes to pursue a career in nursing.

Alyssa Bommarito

Alyssa's dancing career began with Star Struck in 1995 at the age of 3.  She has competed in Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap and Ballet.  Over the years she has earned many awards and achievements.  She has performed in many area shows both with and without Star Struck.  She is a junior at Tottenville High School and plans to attend college where she will further pursue her dance career.  She has an underlying passion for dance and loves to work at the studio.  Alyssa loves to share her passion with the kids and to see the smiles on their faces while dancing and having fun at the studio.  She loves being a part of the Star Struck family and the children she has taught.  Can't wait for another exciting year!

Christie Portera

Christie Portera has been dancing since the age of 5.  She studies and competes several genres of dance such as Lyrical, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop and Acro. Her training also includes being a USGA Competitive Gymnast for 7 years. As well as dance, Christie has a love for musical theater.  In the summer Christie attends the renowned Stagedoor Manor theater arts camp, where she had the great fortune of being cast as a dancer for Disney's first live stage production of "High School Musical".   Christie has received several dance awards among them “Best Dancer”  - Stagedoor and  "Scholarship Recipient" - Wild Dance Intensive. Professionally, she has danced for New Jersey Nets Kids Dance Team and Tumbled for New Jersey Nets Team Hype.   She currently attends LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts in New York where she majors in dance.  Christie has lots of energy and is looking forward to sharing it with the Star Struck students and the “AWESOME” Star Struck Staff.

Kristina Gargin

Kristina Gargin began pursuing her love of dance at the age of 3 where she went on to study all types of dance. She has competed in several genres of dance such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, Modern, and Acro.  Kristina has traveled across the country to further her knowledge of dance, including Starpower's Power Pak 2005 in Walt Disney World.  She met many well known choreographers and met great new faces along the way.  Kristina performed in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida during this time.  Over the years, Kristina has earned many awards and achievements that she is very proud of.  Kristina currently attends St. Joseph Hill Academy entering her Junior year. In the future, she plans to go off to college to pursue her passion for dance.  Kristina thinks as Star Struck as a second family and enjoys every minute she spends at the studio as if it were her last.  Kristina cannot wait for this upcoming year to spread her passion for dance to all of her students.  She is extremely excited and looking forward to a great year!