UNICORN SQUAD
Victoria Streeto, director and owner of Divaz Dance Academy, created Divaz with a dream and a handful of glitter. After dancing for 29 years, choreographing for 21, and teaching for 12, she decided to open a place for dancers who believe in magic. Miss Vicky, aka Unitoria, began her career in dance at the age of 6. Inspired by legendary 80s and 90s music videos like Michael Jackson's "Bad" and Madonna's "Vogue", Vicky knew that she had to dance. She continued dancing (tap, ballet,jazz, hip hop and musical theatre) through high school at local dance studios and at workshops in New York City. She earned her BA in theatre at SCSU where she studied theatre and dance. Her vast interest in the arts has given her many different work experiences like working with an independent CT music label, teaching art and drama for the New Haven Public School system, and teaching dance and choreography at distinguished schools like Notre Dame High School of West Haven and Neighborhood Music School of New Haven. Vicky believes art is everywhere and works with visual arts as well, makeup being one of her favorites. She has been perfecting both classic and new and innovative makeup looks for years and is glad to assist those who love to express themselves through the colors and styles we are feeling. Miss Vicky teaches her students that confidence is the key to success, and our uniqueness is what makes us powerful!
"Walk in the room and whip your pony tail"
"Know that you are beautiful and always WEEERK"
"Remember to follow the rainbow to your dreams"
Ballet, Contemporary & Lyrical Instructor, Kristen Castro
Originally from Massachusetts, Kristen began her dance training in Boston, studying Ballet and Jazz, as well as attending various Dance Olympus' and competitions throughout New England. During high school she performed with The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as well as training at L'Ecole De Ballet in Littleton, MA. After high school Kristen earned a Bachelors Degree as a dance major at Roger Williams University. There she studied technique, choreography and kinesiology as well as performing for the R.W.U. Dance Company, she was also one of the founding members of the R.W.U. Dance Club, which allowed students to create and showcase their own choreography at various venues. Following graduation, Kristen began her teaching career at L'Ecole De Ballet as well as performing with their resident company. After a move to CT, she began teaching at various studios along the shoreline where she resides today. Wishing to perform again, she joined The River Valley Dance Project in 2014 for their production of "An Evening Of Tango Dance and Music". Kristen continues her training by attending workshops and classes in New York City and conventions such as The Pulse with esteemed choreographers such as Briann Friedman and Tyce D'Orio. Kristen looks forward to sharing her passion for dance and performance art with her students.
Acro Teacher & Stage Manager, Christina Santos
Christina Santos has over 40 years of dance experience. Originally from the Waterbury area, Chris started her dance journey at a very young age training and then teaching for Betty Malon’s Studio of Dance. She was part of a 20-member dance troupe called the “Dancettes” and attended the Dance Congress in New York City for training. She studied under a teacher that went on to become a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall. She attended many dance conventions in New York where she became certified in Tap and Jazz. She started assisting at the age of 10 and had her own classes to teach by age 13. She then went on to studying, training and teaching at Barbara Hyland’s School of Dance, which concentrated on ballet technique. After five years of training with Barbara, she continued her training and teaching at Connecticut Academy of Preforming Arts, (CTAPA) in Waterbury. One of the many guest artists who were invited to teach at CTAPA was Savion Glover, who is most known for Tap Dance Kid, Jelly’s last Jam, Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk and the animated character in “Happy Feet”. Chris had the opportunity to take tap class with him, learning a new style of tap. She has extensive training in tap, jazz, ballet & acro. She was a featured dancer in West Side Story, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, as well as the many recitals she performed in. She choreographed Fiddler on the Roof for Wilby High School in Waterbury. Chris enjoys teaching all ages and helping students continue their dance education. All of her expertise and many years of recitals has given her the skills to be a Stage Manager. As Stage Manager, she wrote tech notes, kept the dances flowing, worked with lighting and sound crews and juggled any other tasks that came up during a rehearsal or performance. When she’s not dancing you can find her in the garden, at the beach, hula hooping, doing crafts or acting as her condo association treasurer. Chris’ teaching is dedicated to technique, not just recital routines. It’s wonderful to have found a new dance family at Divaz Dance Academy and Chris looks forward to many years with Miss Vicky.