Charleston Dance Works

Melissa DiRienzo- Studio Owner

Melissa DiRienzo is the owner and founder of Charleston Dance Works. Melissa has over 20 years of experience teaching all styles of dance to all ages. Her teaching motto/mantra/ mission statement is all about bringing technique and fun together as one. Melissa received scholarships to Dance at both Adelphi University and Plymouth State University. She received prestigious dance awards from Plymouth State University as well bachelor’s degrees in Dance and Psychology. Melissa has performed with two professional contemporary dance companies in Boston, MA. She was also named Miss Lakes Region and Miss Winnipesaukee in the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship program. She went on to choreograph for many pageants throughout New Hampshire. She has directed many shows and managed many studios before opening her own studio. Melissa is overjoyed to have her own studio to teach future dancers. Her greatest joy is developing excellent technique as well as a passion and love for dance in her students.

Jody Mack

Jody studied as a dance major at Radford University and performed with the RU Dance Company in ballet and jazz. She continued her training in advanced ballet for 5 years while in graduate school at the University of South Carolina Dance Department. After moving to Charleston for her postdoc at MUSC, she performed as a soloist in lyrical and contemporary pieces with the JII Performance Group and taught the Adult Ballet classes at the MUSC Wellness Center for 7 years. She currently teaches Adult Ballet at Charleston Dance Works where she also serves as the staff photographer. She lives and works full time as a photographer in Mt. Pleasant, SC with her husband, and 3 daughters (all dancers)!

Julia Pase

Julia Pase moved to Charleston in 2020 from New York where she taught dance for 8 years. She has taught many styles from hip-hop to lyrical for children ages 2 to 18 years old. Most recently, Julia coached a high school dance team where they placed 4th at a regional competition. Before teaching, Julia danced tap on a regional competition team. She enjoys teaching dance at CDW in her spare time as her first job is a 1st grade teacher. She currently teaches Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap at CDW and serves as a choreographer for the Competition Teams. Julia is beyond excited to be a part of this journey with CDW and to inspire students through dance.

Keara Thomson

Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Keara is a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader, and Florida State University graduate with an Exercise Physiology degree. Keara is currently a physician assistant student at MUSC! She has a passion for all styles of dance and loves to share that with her students.

Angelina Bartolozzi

Angelina Bartolozzi is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based out of Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Purchase College, SUNY with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BA in Arts Management. Her Arts Management Bachelor of Arts Thesis Research focused on progressing dance education standards across the country — particularly on improving proper anatomical, kinesiological, socio-cultural, and mental health education within dance training settings.

In addition to teaching, Angelina is an active choreographer. She served a Resident Choreographer with the Vineland Regional Dance Company for 10 years and has choreographed for numerous other non-profit dance companies within Regional Dance America. Her choreography has been adjudicated and selected for performance at Regional Dance America Festivals nationwide. She also creates award winning works for the Charleston Dance Works Competition Team.

Angelina is passionate about physical fitness and is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer as well as a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach. She is ecstatic to be entering her fourth year of teaching at Charleston Dance Works!

Ali Pace

Ali grew up here in Charleston, South Carolina where she began dancing at the age of 3 and competing at the age of 7. She competed across the southeastern region and attended numerous conventions and master classes until she graduated from high school. She has been teaching at Charleston Dance Works since 2022 and is proud to be a CDW alumna and member of staff. She trained under the Charleston Dance Works owner and director, Melissa DiRienzo.

Ali currently teaches ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary, as well as choreographs for the competition team. She is a certified Mental Wellness Dance Instructor, helping promote a healthy and supportive environment for dancers of all ages.

Beyond the dance floor, she serves as a studio admin assistant, competition team coordinator, and helps manage the studio’s social media. Ali loves being part of the CDW Crew!

Park Ave Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466, USA

Studio A: 3500 Park Avenue Blvd Suite 103, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

Studio B: 3540 Park Avenue Blvd Suite 103, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466

(843) 284-8407