A little bit about our STAFF...​

THOM McINTYRE
The Philadelphia Dance Center was started in 2009 by Thom McIntyre. As the owner, creative director, and instructor he strives to bring the exciting world of dance to students of all ages and experience levels. 
At an early age, Thom realized his passion and desire to be a dancer. He is an alumnus of the High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and continued his education at the University of the Arts and Temple University. He has studied all over the U.S. and Canada, including Pennsylvania Ballet (PA), Koresh (PA), Philadanco (PA), Steps on Broadway (NY), Millennium Dance Complex (CA), EDGE Performing Arts Center (CA), and still attends the world-famous Broadway Dance Center (NY).
Thom has toured, danced, and choreographed for recording artists and has also worked for Walt Disney Entertainment. During his studies, he realized that he would love to share his talent, and overall dedication to his craft.  This aspiration brought him into the world of teaching.  Thom began to teach at a number of local dance studios and centers in the area.  Throughout his teaching journey he has led his students to take dance titles, medals, and awards at various competitions.   
Simultaneously, Thom has continued to expand his personal / professional growth through his involvement in other venues within the dance world, such as his involvement through Art Stone and Costume Gallery by assisting in the photo shoots and designing costumes.
 
CARLA CRAIG-KROCHAK
Over 30 years of dance experience, primarily in ballet but well versed in character, modern, and jazz. Formerly a soloist with the Philadelphia Civic Ballet Ensemble and guest artist for the Wilmington Ballet, Ballet South, and Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania.  Career embraces major performances as principal dancer at the Academy of Music, Walnut Street Theater, Robin Hood Dell…appearances on all 3 Philadelphia affiliates of major television networks…performances in varied settings, from Lincoln Center, to parks and schools, to shopping malls, to cabarets.  Considerable experience as a dance instructor throughout the tri-state region.
 
REGGIE OLIVER
Reggie is a dancer / choreographer in his early 20’s. Reggie’s experience as a dancer stretches from the studio to the stage and even the set!! He has had the pleasure to dance with recording artists like Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Lindsey Stirling. Reggie has choreographed for super producer / artist RJD2, and the up and coming post sensation Alex B.  Reggie’s has been featured in catalogs, commercials, as well as specials on CBS, PBS, and MTV. With all of these experiences under his belt Reggie finds joy in teaching and sharing the Art of Dance with students near and far. 
 
 
MARIAH PIZZO
Mariah Rose Pizzo was born Levittown, PA in 1991. Being brought up in a dance-oriented family, Mariah developed a love for being a living room superstar early. She began taking ballet classes at the age of three and went on to explore many other styles such as: Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Tap. She trained competitively for 15 years, collecting many trophies, medals, scholarships & experiences along the way. Upon graduating high school, she began instructing & choreographing for competitions and local theatre programs. She believes that the most important and useful tool for growth in dance (or any art form) is to be put in a situation outside of your comfort zone.
 
TRICIA TROUT HARVEY
Tricia began dancing at the age of six. She danced at Bucks County Dance Center with Synergy, Mulford Dance Studio, New Horizon Dance Studio with the Holiday Ballet Theatre, Children's Ballet Theatre and at Pennsylvania Ballet.  Tricia attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts High School where she met Mr. Thom and they were dance captain’s senior year.  Tricia has studied Marion Toer, Rex Herndricks, Nancy and Kim Mulford, Scott Jovich, and Nina Fedrova.  Tricia danced at Sesame Place, for new recording artists, and in many parades on the east coast during her career.  Fun Facts: Tricia was an Al Albert’s dancer, guest star on local ABC shows, and worked for the Miss America Pageant for many years.
 
SARAH McINTYRE
“Yoga is not just for the flexible, it is for the willing” and our goal is to give the community a yoga class designed to benefit each individual who walks through the door. Sarah McIntyre is a registered yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance and teaches at PDC. She works full-time as an Accounting Director and yoga is her personal source of balance. She enjoys sharing the techniques that help her unwind, detox, and find calmness in daily life. She believes yoga is a journey to become a healthier, more patient, and all around better person. Yoga is more than the study of perfection in a pose; it is about finding yourself along the way.

REBEKAH TIGANO
Rebekah Tigano has been dancing for 13 years.  During which time, she has gained an extensive background within classical Ballet, Yoga, and Egyptian Belly Dance as a student and instructor. Rebekah has taught in a number of additional locations other then PDC, including Tony Simeti’s School of Dance, Top Hat Dance Studio, & The Nagwa Sai’d School of Oriental Dance.  In addition to teaching, Rebekah has been performing for the past 6 years as a member of the Egyptian Dance Troup “El Rakes S’aid” & percussion group “Layali Derbekku”, where they perform along the East Coast.  Rebekah has also directed & instructed for the past 4 year for the employee health program at COMCAST.  Currently, Rebekah continues her studies with Habibi of Philadelphia, as well as Ballet and Pilates.
 
KAYLEE PIRRUNG
Kaylee has been dancing for 10 years and has been with Philadelphia Dance Center since the very beginning. She has performed in many different events such as the Miss America Parade, Mayfair Thanksgiving Parade, Philadelphia Soul Game, Painted Bride, and Keya's Fun Approaches Showcase in Hamilton, Bermuda. This past summer Kaylee attended the Rockettes Summer Intensive in New York City for 3 days of classes at Radio City Music Hall. When it comes to teaching and choreographing Kaylee started as an assistant teacher when she was 14 years old and worked her way into classes of her own this year as well as a joint teaching position.