Meet the Team
Jacquelyn Allsopp
Founder & CEO, Ankh Academy of the Arts
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Jacquelyn Allsopp has enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and cultural arts advocate. She has performed as a soloist with renowned companies including Feld Ballets NY/Ballet Tech, Smuin Ballet SF, and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, as well as on Broadway’s 1st National and International Tours of West Side Story, and with the groundbreaking Modern company Momix.
Jacquelyn also served as Associate Choreographer for Broadway’s 1st National Tour of West Side Story, directed by Arthur Laurents and Joey McKneely, with performances across the U.S, U.K, Europe, Asia and Australia. She has staged works for Eliot Feld at The Juilliard School, and was Associate Choreographer and Swing for the Broadway showcase of "Shadows a new dance musical."
Her work in the commercial and fashion world includes modeling and print credits with Elle Magazine, Baryshnikov Dance wear, Revolution Dance wear, Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine, Dance Spirit, as well as runway shows in Bryant Park and photography with Lois Greenfield.
Recently, Jacquelyn earned her Master’s degree in Dance Education, with a K–12 Certification, and has served as a guest Ballet instructor around the world and throughout NYC/NJ. She is the Founder and CEO of Ankh Academy of the Arts, a traveling dance school committed to Cultural Arts education, empowerment, and excellence in movement.
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Licia Lorenzo
Ballet, Tap, & Acro Intructor
Licia Lorenzo has been dancing since the age of 3 and at the age of 10 she began her pre-professional training with New Jersey Ballet. She continued to train and dance with them for the next 8 years. Licia then began teaching at various studios across New Jersey and soon after became the dance program director within a gymnastics school. Licia is now in her 25th year of teaching and has completed the Acrobatic Arts Certification program from Preschool through Advanced. Being able to teach dance has given her the opportunity to follow her passion and also be able to raise her children. While she continues to train, she loves to teach all styles of dance- Preschool and Acro being her true favorites! To see the confidence her students develop over the years is a true gift, especially when they achieve things that may seem impossible to them.
Nikhil Gosavi
Hip-Hop & Bollywood Instructor
Nikhil Gosavi is an internationally recognized dance choreographer, performer, and instructor with over a decade of experience across India, the USA, and beyond. A graduate of Broadway Dance Center’s International Student Visa Program in New York City, he is the first and only Indian to represent the country in Tap Dance at the World Tap Dance Championships in Germany and Czech Republic. He has taught students of all ages in a variety of settings, from professional dance institutes in New Jersey and New York to workshops and classes worldwide.
Known for his versatility in Hip-hop, Street Jazz, Bollywood, Indian folk, and Tap, Nikhil brings creativity, energy, and global influence to every stage and classroom he enters, inspiring students to explore dance freely and confidently.
Nikola Palivoda
Acro & Musical Theater Jazz
Nik Palivoda brings over 15 years of experience in dance, gymnastics, and fitness to the studio. A trained Serbian Folklore dancer who later expanded his studies at Middlesex County College and Montclair State University, specializing in choreography and performance, Nik combines traditional and contemporary styles with a strong focus on body alignment and physical expression. He has choreographed and performed with Rider University, Luminarium Dance Company, Main Street Theatre Company, and Villagers Theatre, while also producing original works at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage. In addition to his stage and teaching credits, Nik is an Acro Dance coach at Head Over Heels Gymnastics, where he trains students in acro dance techniques, conditioning, and injury prevention. Nik is passionate and versatile, & loves to creates a supportive environment where dancers of all ages can thrive and express themselves through movement.
Annette Redelico
Tap Instructor
Annette is the proud mom of three adult children and four grandchildren, and a lifelong dancer dedicated to sharing her love of movement. She has studied extensively in NYC with mentors Kathleen Cirioli and Hillary-Marie, earning iTap Teacher Training certificates in Levels 1& 2.
Her performance credits include Roxy Ballet’s Nutcracker, Dracula, and Pied Piper, as well as the Raritan Valley Community College Student Dance Ensemble. For over 22 years, she has taught tap, jazz, pre-ballet, and creative dance at HealthQuest Academy of Dance, where she also choreographs for the Q-Dynamics competition team.
Annette has brought dance to senior centers, after-school programs, and local schools, collaborating with art, music, and gym departments. Her greatest joy is inspiring students to grow in skill and confidence, embracing her belief—like Mark Morris—that dance is for everyone.
