Elevé Academy Instructors
Kristen Veale
Founder & Director
Kristen began her dance training at the age of 2, embarking on a professional journey that took her from LMT Dance Academy in Massachusetts to the stages of the Dance Prism Ballet Company. While studying at Westfield State University, she served as dance club president and founded the university's official dance team. She holds a BA in Mathematics from Westfield State and an MS in Operations Research Systems Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.
With over two decades of teaching experience, Kristen has choreographed for both recreational and competitive programs across the East Coast, winning numerous awards for technique and entertainment. Her pedagogical approach is deeply informed by her background in Early Childhood Education, ensuring a nurturing environment for young artists. Kristen is dedicated to fostering confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts in every student at Elevé Academy.
Julia Advento
Choreographer & Instructor
Julia Advento is a multifaceted dancer and neuroscience scholar who blends technical precision with artistic exploration. Her diverse training encompasses everything from classical ballet and ISTD Modern to Irish dance and contemporary hip hop. Her international background provided her with a global perspective on movement, which she further refined through six years of competitive dance at CenterStage in New Jersey, winning various national titles.
At Wesleyan University, Julia is bridging the gap between science and art as the founder of WesNeuroArts while actively performing with the Precision Dance Ensemble and FXT Collective. Having served as a mentor for young dancers for several years, Julia joins Elevé Academy to inspire students to use dance as a medium for self-discovery and storytelling.
Ariyanna McDaniel
Choreographer & Instructor
Ariyanna McDaniel is a dedicated performer from Middletown, CT, with over 16 years of experience in the studio and on the professional stage. Known for her dynamic choreography, she has led high school dance teams and peers to success, earning prestigious recognition and multiple first-place titles at regional competitions. Currently recognized as an Elite Dancer for three consecutive years, Ariyanna is pursuing her professional aspirations at Dean College, where she is working toward a BA in Dance Science with a minor in Business.
Rory Joslin
Choreographer & Instructor
Rory Joslin is a contemporary dance artist and choreographer currently studying at Wesleyan University. As the Director of the Precision Dance Ensemble, Rory manages a company of twenty-five dancers, coordinating large-scale productions and interdisciplinary collaborations.
His movement background is expansive, covering styles from West African and Capoeira to modern Ballet and Tap. Rory is a firm believer that movement should be accessible to everyone, and he prioritizes creating inclusive studio environments. In late 2026, he will further his studies through the Trinity/La MaMa Performing Arts Program in New York City before returning to share his professional growth with the Elevé community.
D'vine Straughter
Choreographer & Instructor
D’vine Straughter is a Wesleyan University dance graduate specializing in the energetic foundations of Hip-Hop and funk culture. With deep expertise in popping, locking, and voguing, D’vine focuses on teaching the historical roots of street dance while encouraging students to find their unique personal groove.
Having spent years directing performance groups and working in youth summer programs, D’vine excels at building student confidence through upbeat and welcoming instruction. At Elevé Academy, D’vine is committed to fostering an environment where dancers of all levels can celebrate the creativity, history, and pure joy of hip-hop movement.
Ruby Cullen
Choreographer & Instructor
Ruby Cullen is a Texas-born aerialist and contemporary choreographer who specializes in the fusion of floorwork, release technique, and aerial silks. With a decade of training in static trapeze and professional experience with the Open Dance Project, Ruby brings a high level of technical athleticism to her classes.
Currently a double major in Dance and Creative Writing at Wesleyan University, she is an Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher and a director for the FXT Dance Collective. Her current research focuses on safe pedagogical practices and self-soothing through movement, ensuring header teaching at Elevé Academy is both physically challenging and emotionally supportive.
Cy'Ria Spain
Choreographer & Instructor
“Through movement, I seek to tell stories that connect people to themselves, to others, and to something greater.”
Cy'Ria Spain is a contemporary dance artist, performer, and emerging choreographer from Jacksonville, Florida, currently based in New London, Connecticut. Her dance journey began after discovering Toe 2 Toe Wellness on a Sunday afternoon after church, sparking a lifelong passion for movement and artistic expression.
Cy'Ria trained at Toe 2 Toe Wellness, Turquoise's School of Dance, Evelyn Ott School of Dance, Governors School for the Arts, and SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance. She has worked with acclaimed artists and companies including Linda Sims, Urban Bush Women, Rubberband, and Martin Løfsnes. Her performance credits include the Richmond Nutcracker, NAACP Award Ceremony, and various stage and dance film productions. She is also a second-place award and silver medal recipient through NAACP dance competitions.
Drawing from Jazz, Musical Theater, Pilates, Tap, Contemporary, Graham, Horton, West African dance, Improvisation, and Pointe work, Cy'Ria's style is rooted in storytelling, spirituality, and human connection. Inspired by her late mentor, Turquoise Daughtry, she continues pursuing performance, choreography, and arts education while using dance for expression, healing, and community.
Ella Taylor
Choreographer & Instructor
Ella Taylor began dancing at just one year old and has spent nearly her entire life training and performing. She spent her most influential years of training at Performing Arts Studio BE, where she studied under Michelle Bonavena and her dedicated staff. With a strong technical foundation and an emphasis on precision, Ella has trained in a variety of styles and performed in numerous competitions and productions, including several local productions of The Nutcracker. Her competitive career has also earned her both regional and national recognition. Ella brings four years of teaching experience to the studio and is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, and a genuine love for dance. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development, which influences her focus on each dancer’s individual growth and well-being. Ella strives to create a positive environment where dancers are challenged to grow while feeling supported and encouraged.