Meet Our Faculty
Heather DeSantino
Heather DeSantino brings over 20 years of professional experience as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and studio leader. She trained extensively through the Broadway Dance Center Professional Program and spent more than a decade teaching, choreographing, and performing in the New York City dance community, with credits including OffBroadway performances, commercial choreography, and national television appearances. Heather has served as a judge for the Star Dance Alliance for over ten years and is a Certified Nutrition Coach, integrating wellness education into dancer development through her Appetite For DANCE program. As Artistic Director, she oversees the studio’s creative vision, competitive standards, and longterm artistic growth.
Owner & Artistic Director
Veronica Alvarez
Veronica Alvarez is an experienced instructor, choreographer, and operations leader with more than a decade of experience working with dancers ages 2–18. Her background includes technique based instruction, curriculum development, competition preparation, and studio administration, supported by training under nationally recognized choreographers. In addition to her instructional work, Veronica has held operational roles with Revolution Talent Competition, contributing to large scale event coordination and scheduling. Known for her organized, disciplined, and student centered approach, she plays a key role in maintaining consistency, structure, and studio culture.
Studio Operations Manager
Chiara Gonzalez
Studio Coordinator
Chiara Gonzalez is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator with training and performance experience in both Los Angeles and South Florida. She has worked with notable choreographers and recording artists and spent two seasons as a Miami Heat Dancer, serving in a leadership role during her second year. Chiara brings versatility across multiple styles and combines performance experience with strong instructional and administrative support. At High Definition, she serves as a studio coordinator while also contributing as a competitive team instructor and choreographer.
Leydis Sanchez
Leydis began her ballet training at the age of six, graduating from the prestigious National Ballet School of Cuba and the University of the Arts in Havana, Cuba. She danced professionally in classical ballet until the age of 26, performing on renowned stages across Cuba, the United States, Europe, and South America. Leydis is certified in the Cuban Ballet Technique, Vaganova method, and Progressive Ballet Technique, all of which shape her approach to building strong technical foundations. Leydis’ passion for teaching is matched by her commitment to helping dancers reach their fullest potential, whether they are preparing for prestigious ballet companies, universities, or international competitions. Leydis currently directs the Ballet curriculum at HD.
Instructor
Katie Wilson
Instructor
Katie Wilson is a professional dancer and educator with a strong foundation in both performance and academic training. She holds a B.A. in Dance from Loyola Marymount University and has danced professionally with the Miami Marlins and Miami Heat, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Katie has toured nationally with major recording artists and brings extensive experience coaching and choreographing for high school, collegiate, and professional teams. She currently serves as Assistant Coach for the University of Miami Sunsations while continuing to develop elite dancers. Katie teaches Jazz at HD.
Danielle Mednick
Instructor
Danielle Mednick is a master teacher and choreographer with over 35 years of dance experience and more than two decades of teaching across all disciplines. She is known for her specialized focus in acrobatics and her ability to integrate athletic movement into technically sound choreography. Danielle has judged nationally for over ten years, including serving as a judge and director on Lifetime’s Dance Moms, and has choreographed for high profile performances such as the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders. Her extensive leadership background includes directing a competitive team for 20 years and mentoring dancers at all levels. She currently teaches Acro and Stretch & Strength at HD.