American Dance Alliance

Rosanna Karpiak

American Dance Alliance Director

Rosanna has been instrumental in developing ADA into a leading dance camp organization. A native of Miami, Florida, Rosanna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Movement Science from Florida State University. Rosanna has been teaching dance for over 20 years, was former director of the National Award Winning 'Gablettes' Dance Team for 18 years and is currently Head of the Fine Arts Department at Coral Gables Sr. High School.
Rosanna's talents have been sought out both domestically and internationally by Walt Disney World Special Projects, Mike Miller and Associates with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and as co-choreographer for the King Orange Bowl halftime productions for 1990-1997. She has worked with NBC and CBS on the opening productions of the King Orange Parade with such stars as Chubby Checker, Barbara Eden, Nell Carter, and the Hanna Barbera characters. Rosanna has also accompanied both her former dance team to Europe many times, as well as the "South Florida All Stars" Dance Team to perform in Euro-Disney, Cannes, France, and Monaco.
Rosanna is a member of the National Dance Drill Team Directors of America, a charter member of the Florida Dance Team Directors Association and has been a guest speaker for the Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Eduacation, Recreation, and Dance convention. Rosanna is also the past Co-President of the Dade Association of Dance Educators in Miami-Dade County (1999-2002)

Melanie Mitchell

Ms. Mitchell has studied ballet, jazz and tap with Sybil Andreason of Marianna, Florida and Mary Ellen Roberts of NYC, who trained at the Isadora Duncan Conservatory in Paris. Melanie has not only perfected the art of dance, but is also an accredited Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga professional. It is with expertise that Melanie balances both styles of movement with meditation and her study of psychology into a Yoga program designed especially for dancers.

Heather Coule

Now with ADA for 6 years, Heather is one of our most cherished intructors. Ms. Coule led the Florida State University's Golden Girls as captain for 2 years and is currently Assistant Director and Choreographer of the University of Miami Hurricanettes. Heather's vision and choreography have been commissioned by nationally ranked high school dance teams and appreciated as a dance judge for Regional, State and Local Dance Competitions.

Monica Garcia

Monica is currently enrolled as a dance major a Florida International University. With formal training in ballet, jazz, and modern dance styles at the Miami Conservatory and Ballet Academy of Miami, Monica has lent her talents to Miami Palmetto's "Chatonette" Dance team as choreaographer. In her professional career, Monica is a former Miami Heat dancer and has danced in numerous music videos.

Jennifer Shaefer

Jennifer has recently returned to her alma mater at the University of Miami as coach for the Sunsations Dance Team. A former Sunsation herself, Jennifer has been associated with ADA for several years since it's beginning in 1995. Jennifer also devotes her knowledge and experience by judging competions and advising dance teams throughout the South Florida area.

Karla Briceno

Many dance organizations have touted Karla's talents including FIU, the University of Miami Hurricanettes, Florida Bobcats cheerleading squad, and the WNBA's Miami Sol Patrol. Karla is graduating from Florida International University with a degree in Dance Education and currently teaches at Dance Gallery Studio in Miami, is assistant director/choreographer for Coral Gables Sr. High School's dance team and instructs the South Dade High School Dance team.