Elena
Owner | Instructor | RSPC Co-Director
Elena is a mother, dancer, and businesswoman with a history of dance and gymnastics. The style close to her heart is Poms, which she competed in when she was younger. She joined Rhythm and Shoes in 2018 and enrolled her daughter in 2019. Elena and her team at The Toninato Group manage the studio from an administrative and operational standpoint. Elena is also the owner of the Rhythmic Beauty Lounge.
Olivia
Instructor
Antonia
Instructor
This upcoming season will be Antonia’s 6th year teaching at Rhythm & Shoes. She attended Mankato State University, earning a degree in Theatre. She teaches Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, and Preschool classes. Although well versed, she specializes in Broadway Jazz. She currently works as an Actress and Choreographer around the Twin Cities.
Ashley
Instructor | RSPC Co-Director
Ashley started dancing at 7 and has continued her passion to this day. She has taught Ballet, Tap, and Jazz at Rhythm & Shoes for the past seven years. When Ashley’s not teaching or dancing, she loves spending time at her family’s cabin and being a mom!
Cori
Instructor
Cori trained at Dance Direction in Northern California under Lisa Clark-Schmeling. She went on to choreograph and coach high school and collegiate all-star teams while dancing at Sacramento State. After a career-changing injury, she found her passion in teaching and choreography, using dance as a tool for both physical and mental growth. With 25 years of experience, Cori has taught and mentored dancers across the country. Since moving to Minnesota in 2017, her choreography has been featured at major venues like Mall of America and Saints Stadium. She continues to inspire through studio work, concept videos, and national conventions.
Abby
Instructor
Abby grew up dancing at Rhythm and Shoes and, now that she has graduated, enjoys continuing to teach and dance as an adult.
Michelle
Instructor
Michelle has taught at Rhythm and Shoes for 15 years and has been a high school science teacher for 12 years. She was a chemical engineer before teaching for about 15 years. She has been dancing since the age of 4. Lyrical and contemporary her my favorite styles of dance. She has a chemical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and a teaching degree from Hamline. She loves that dance allows you to be creative and express yourself in addition to improving your strength, flexibility, and coordination. Also, dance has been found to improve brain function, memory, and mental health.
Vanessa
Assistant
Alaina
Assistant