Meet
The Team
Amanda Spilinga
Creative Director, Founder | @the1_nonly_amanda
Born and raised in Northern Italy, Amanda Spilinga discovered her love for dance at the tender age of 11 when she began studying Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Contemporary dance styles. From the very beginning, movement became her language of expression, and she quickly excelled in her training.
At the age of 16, Amanda's determination and hunger for more opportunities led her to attend a prestigious local dance convention. Little did she know that this experience would shape the trajectory of her entire career. It was at this event that she crossed paths with her first impassioned dance mentor, Steve LaChance. Inspired by his guidance and fueled by her own fiery passion for dance, Amanda set her sights on a grand vision: to build a platform that would empower others to experience liberty, growth, and self-expression through movement. This vision took the form of Alternative Synergy The Company (ASTC).
As Amanda's dance journey continued, she received numerous scholarships and secured victory in several regional dance competitions throughout Italy. She had the privilege of studying under influential personalities in the dance world, including Corinne Lanselle, Daniel Tinazzi, and Silvio Oddi. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she won accolades in modern dance competitions like "Cantadanza" and "Vallee Danza" in Italy. At the age of 17, she earned her professional modern dance instructor designation from the esteemed Internal Dance Association (IDA), solidifying her status as one of the youngest sought-after dance teachers and choreographers in Italy. Amanda's versatility as an artist also allowed her to lend her talents to various TV shows and theatre productions, further honing her skills as a performer and instructor.
Seeking new challenges and artistic growth, Amanda made a bold decision at the age of 20 and ventured to the pulsating city of New York. In the heart of this dance mecca, she taught at various studios and had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned figures in the industry, including Sheila Barker, Michelle Barber, Michele Oliva, Derek Mitchell, and Shaik, among many others. The electric energy of New York City's nightlife exposed her to culture curators and promoters, such as Voodoo Ray, and opened doors to countless performance opportunities. It was in this vibrant and eclectic environment that Amanda's vision of Alternative Synergy The Company came to fruition.
In 2017, Amanda's dream took flight with the inaugural show of ASTC, titled "The Debut." The overwhelming success of this production demonstrated the power of dance as a transformative force and paved the way for further opportunities. With the support of investors, ASTC continued to thrive, showcasing their talent and passion through captivating performances.
Beyond her remarkable work with ASTC, Amanda Spilinga is a dedicated advocate for the dance community and independent workers nationwide. Her passion for empowering dance professionals led her to collaborate with organizations like Freelancers Union NYC, where she has been a driving force in representing and reaffirming the identity and rightful positions of movement artists in society. As an advocate for fair compensation and recognition, Amanda's commitment to social advocacy extends beyond the realm of dance, making her a powerful voice for change in various industries.
Amanda's journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance and the profound impact of dedication and advocacy. Her unwavering determination to empower fellow artists and independent workers has not only brought her success as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace their own creative paths. As she continues to make waves in the world of dance and beyond, Amanda Spilinga's legacy shines as a beacon of artistic freedom, empowerment, and unyielding passion for the transformative art of movement.
Alexandra Varga
Assistant Choreographer & Movement Coach | @avtherese
Alex Varga plays a significant role in the ASTC family. With 10 years of professional experience in nonprofit management, Alex brings a breadth of knowledge as Director of Development - whether it’s building relationships, managing our books, and supporting programming Alex has been a huge hand in bringing the ASTC vision to life. As an artist - Alex danced from the age of 8 to 18, taking a brief break to pursue a career in environmental conservation. After a decade-long hiatus, Alex rekindled her passion for dance and has been with the company since its inception.
Columbia university alumni, project manager and animal lover, Varga practiced gymnastics until the age of 13. It's only years later after embarking the career as a fitness trainer that she falls back in love with the art of dance through Amanda Spilinga’s classes! She’s been dancing since and in only three short years Alex has dedicated to studying in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, House, Litefeet, Popping, Hustle, Partnering, Acroyoga and Floorwork.
We’re so lucky to have her be a big part of our vision at ASTC.
Ladell Thomas
Company Dancer, Instructor & Movement Coach | @mrocean
Ladell “Mr. Ocean '' Thomas is an artist specializing in Popping and Waving. He has learned other dance styles such as Dancehall and Hip hop. Some of his mentors include Big Mike, Future Ninja and Chris “Shaik'' Mathis. Ladell has danced with Iluminate from “America’s Got Talent” and “It’s Showtime NYC.” He has also had the pleasure of performing for Bill T. Jones’ Deep Blue Ocean, PBS’ Bare Feet with Mikaela Mallozzi, NY Philharmonics Bandwagon, Lincoln Centers Restart Stages, Lincoln Centers Centrifugal Force with Buddha Stretch, It’s Time For Hip Hop in NYC Concerts.
Ladell is specifically popular for his alternative and fresh perspective to body control as a performer and to his students as a teacher through the art of Popping and Animation technique.
A true champion of personal development, Ladell is well known for his contributions to the New York City dance community as a multi-faceted artist versed not only in Popping but also in Dancehall and Hip Hop. As an actor and improvisational comedian he draws the audience to dive into an ocean full of notes, emotions, and intensity.
ASTC is proud to have Mr Thomas guiding you through a personal journey to undiscovered parts of yourself to finally start a conversation with the most inner part of your soul.
Sammi Tai
Instructor & Movement Coach | @sammitai
“It is not about how far your arms or legs can stretch but it’s about how far your soul can reach.”
Sammi is a magnetic dance instructor, performer, yoga instructor and Mandarin Chinese teacher. Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Sammi is an artist, educator and spiritual warrior. She first practiced Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga in explorative methods, learning from mentors Barbara Verrochi, Ann Huang, Hanna Yan, and Ty Landrum.
As a certified Laughing Lotus Studio New York Vinyasa yoga instructor her passion for breath-focused meditation grew into a unique teaching style in which she integrates creative moments to activate and nourish the body’s profound wisdom accessible through mindfulness, intentional breathwork, and robust movement.
Students can feel the influence in which dance inspired Sammi’s approach to what we call alternative yoga. She was introduced to Hip Hop dance by Mask Way at Merry Monarc in Taipei and other street dance styles when she moved to New York including training with the House Dance Legend and New Yorker Sekou Heru.
We’re honored to have Sammi on our roster - she brings another level of Alternative and Synergy to our incredible community.
Laura Ardner
Instructor
Laura Ardner was born and raised in York, PA. She began her dance training at The School of Music and Dance in Abbottstown, PA, and she went on to attend Slippery Rock University to pursue a BFA in Dance and a minor in Writing. She graduated summa cum laude from SRU in December, 2021.
At SRU, she has held leadership roles as the vice president of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, secretary of the Multidisciplinary Arts Collective, and a mentor to first-year students. Presently, she is an instructor at Alternative Synergy the Studios in Brooklyn, NY.
Laura is also very fortunate to have received various awards from the SRU Department of Dance including the "Outstanding Dance Teacher" award in 2021 and scholarships towards winter (2021, 2022) and summer (2018) dance intensives. She enjoys sharing her love of dance with others through dance pedagogy, and she recently spent her past two summers instructing various dance classes at Camp Fernwood in Poland, Maine.
Andrea Pelazza
Sound Engineer
Andrea (or Andy) Pelazza was born and raised near Turin, Italy. His passion for music started at the age of 12 and deepened during the late 90's when DJing at Italian clubs playing House and Euro Dance music. Andy is an incredible artist and engineer. He found his calling while navigating the world of radio - jumping between being a broadcast engineer to a sound & music designer to image producer with collaborations spanning across Italy and Europe - from Milan and Rome to London and Barcelona.
Andy has been part of the ASTC family since meeting Amanda Spilinga on his first trip to New York back in 2012. He would not be able to do what he loves the most without his special dogs, Aaron and Maya, the best studio assistants ever!
Carol Anne Cooley
Instructor
Carol Anne, a dancer hailing from Columbia, SC, began her journey at the age of three at the Columbia Conservatory of Dance. She trained and competed with the Columbia City Jazz Company, working alongside renowned choreographers including Mia Michaels, Jason Parsons, Tyce Diorio, and Travis Wall. Her passion for dance took her across the globe, performing in countries like Bulgaria, Germany, Singapore, and Austria.
After completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and Choreography at Columbia College, Carol Anne joined the faculty at the Columbia Conservatory of Dance. She also spent seven years as a member of The Power Company Collaborative Contemporary Dance Company, where she taught dance residencies in South Carolina's public schools.
In 2019 she has choreographed for prestigious organizations like A.C. Flora Dance, Dutch Fork Middle School Dance, and The Columbia City Ballet.
Currently based in NYC, Carol Anne joined the teaching staff of Alternative Synergy The Studios. With her vast expertise in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and choreography and by participating in the ASTC Teaching Method program Carol Anne demonstrates her commitment to delivering high-quality instruction and staying up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques.
Carol Anne is passionate about nurturing the next generation of dancers and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Elli Lytra
Film & Production
Born and raised in Greece, Elli’s professional career has been in Marketing and Advertising over the last 10 years. Her passion for concept-driven storytelling opened the doors for LADYBUG NY, a Creative Digital Studio based in New York City.
Video Production both in Film & Motion Graphics Animation.
With a strong point of view, Elli specializes in video production both in Film and Motion Graphics Animation lending her skills to ASTC The Company as a valuable videographer and the video editor that helps bring ASTC narrative performances that not only entertains but brings the ASTC essence to life.