OUR INSTRUCTORS
Lori M. Javornick
Founder and Director of the Academy of Dance by Lori, has been dancing since the age of 4. She was a member of the American Dance Ensemble at Point Park College for 4 years and performed in “The Nutcracker”, ” Rite of Spring,” ” A Chorus Line, ” and ” Cats.” She has studied with Douglas Bents, Ron Tassone, Kenith Johnson, Nicolas and Mary Petrov. Lori is the founder of the Academy of Dance by Lori in 1985 and the Academy Dance Company. She has received numerous awards for her choreography and costume design as well as for her student’s technique and performance. The Academy has won regional and national recognition over the past 30 years. Lori’s students have been accepted to the Pennsylvania Governors School, awarded with dance scholarships, college scholarships, and National Dance Titles. She is a national adjudicator for dance competitions and is a master teacher at dance conventions and dance competitions. Lori is also a national choreographer and master teacher whose work is commissioned frequently in California and other states throughout the US. Her studio has been named the critics choice dance studio in the South Hills of Pittsburgh by the Tribune Review in both 2006 and 2007.
Michelle Dawson,MS,
Co-Director of The Academy of Dance by Lori, has performed nationally and internationally with Chicago’s Mad Shak Dance Comapnay, the Pittsburgh Dance Alloy and The Neofuturists Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. Her choreography has been performed at Dance Chicago, the Pittsburgh Choreographers Continuum, The American College Dance Festival at Penn State and Mercyhurst College, the Carnegie Museum and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland with the Unseam’d Shakespeare Company. Her choreography has received national acclaim at dance competitions and festivals. Furthermore, her students have gone on to receive numerous national dance titles and special awards. Michelle also holds a Masters Degree in Developmental Movement/Movement Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She holds an ardent interest in movement education and has worked with Dr Julius PA Deward, PT, PhD and other colleagues at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on movement recovery research following hemiparetic stroke. This work has been published and presented at major conferences both nationally and internationally. She is currently a part-time faculty member at the University of Pitttsburgh, an adjunct instructor at Point Park University, is the founder of the ACOYA DANCE PROJECT and has served as the Local Dance Coordinator for the Moscow Ballet’s production of the great Russian Nutcracker in the fall of 2006 and 2008.
Mary Pietropaolo
New York native whose passion for dance began at an early age as a competitive dancer. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Mary has trained at several prestigious institutions, including the Joffrey Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Staten Island Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and Dance Educators of America, as well as participating in numerous conventions across New York City.
After graduating from a Performing Arts high school, Mary continued her training at Point Park University, where she majored in ballet. During her time there, she performed works by renowned choreographers such as Francesca Harper, Peter Merz, Doug Bentz, Ron Tassone, and Jay Kirk, and ultimately earned her BA in Dance. She also trained in the Joffrey Ballet’s Trainee Program, performing both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Upon graduation, Mary was offered apprenticeships with several ballet companies, but her true calling led her to teaching. For over a decade, she has been an integral part of the Academy of Dance by Lori, where she has received numerous accolades for both her choreography and teaching. Her work has earned several choreography awards as well as recognition for outstanding technique and performance.
Mary remains deeply committed to her growth as a dance educator and artist. She regularly attends dance conventions and performances to stay inspired and continue evolving her craft.
Shane Kesnek
A renowned dance professional with extensive experience in competitive dance. He has had the privilege of working with high-profile artists including T-Pain. Shane has also collaborated with various artists including Jansten and Caylea, showcasing his versatility and creativity. His innovative choreography and keen eye for technique have earned him recognition in the dance community. Shane has trained and mentored numerous dancers, helping them achieve top placements in regional and national competitions. With a passion for fostering talent, he has conducted workshops and master classes at renowned dance studios across the world. Shane’s workshops are known for their dynamic energy and personalized attention, ensuring each participant receives valuable feedback and guidance.
Alexandra Rodwick
An alumna of The Academy, is a professional dancer and choreographer with over 25 years of dance training, education, and experience. After graduating from the Creative and Performing Arts High School in downtown Pittsburgh, she went on to pursue dance at Slippery Rock University. Alexandra graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Art degree in Dance and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. Her work “Dissatisfied” was selected to perform in New York City at the Dancing Through College and Beyond Showcase. She has training and experience in jazz, lyrical/contemporary, modern, tap, ballet and gymnastics. Alexandra has also studied the classical Indian dance style Bharatanatyam, as well as Dance Composition and Laban Movement Analysis. Alexandra has worked and studied with professional dance artists such as Mansur Kamaletdinov, Ursula Payne, Nora Ambrosio, Teena Marie Custer, Matthew Shaffer, Michele De La Reza and Attack Theatre, Greer Reed, and many others. Alexandra has also assisted in staging the 2022-2025 St. Joan of Arc Medallion Balls. She has experience as a dance competition judge/adjudicator for several dance competitions. She is currently a dance instructor at The Academy and was awarded 2025 Choreographer of the Year at Kid’s Artistic Revue National Dance Competition for her routine, Tough Lover.
Gabrielle Dunn
Gabrielle Dunn has been part of The Academy of Dance by Lori since 2012, beginning as a student and quickly becoming a member of the studio’s competitive company. Today, she is proud to be on faculty, working with dancers of all ages and abilities, and is especially involved in the Academy’s Adaptive Dance Program.
Gabrielle is a recent graduate of Slippery Rock University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with dual concentrations in Performance & Choreography and Studio Ownership & Dance Entrepreneurship, along with a minor in Adapted Physical Activity. While at SRU, she collaborated with peers, faculty, and guest artists to develop and present original choreographic works, including if the world was ending, we go down together, and you’re the first, the last, my everything. She also performed in faculty repertory by Nora Ambrosio and Lindsay Viatori and participated in residencies with guest artists Cameron McKinney and Jennifer Blankenship.
Now entering her second year of teaching at the Academy post-graduation, Gabrielle is excited to continue sharing her passion for dance with all students in a supportive, creative, and inclusive environment.