09/07/2026
Our final teacher introduction of the season is Miss Addie Cannistra💜
Addie is the founder/director/owner of Dance From The Heart. She graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in 1995 with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Addie has been dancing since the age of three. She studied many types of dances, including Acrobatics, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theater, and her favorite, TAP!!! As a dancer, Addie has competed all over the United States and won many titles and awards, including Dance Elite Grand Champion of CNY in 1994 and Miss Adult Dance Masters in 1995. When she was 15 years old, she was presented with the opportunity to assist and choreograph at Sandies Dance Academy in Oneida. At the age of 18, Addie’s choreography was receiving recognition and praise at numerous local competitions.
Addie studied with local choreographer Sandie Fukes for 20 years. Along with Sandie, she has also studied with famous New York City jazz choreographer Frank Hatchett and tap legend Savion Glover. Addie has attended many Dance Teacher Summits throughout her adult years and enjoyed the experience of taking classes with celebrated dancers. Some of the choreographers included Hip Hop phenom Stephen “tWitch” Boss, from “So You Think You Can Dance?” and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Tap legend Anthony Morigerato, whom she grew up competing with as a teenager.
Addie opened Dance From The Heart in 2000. A dance studio built on the philosophy that the only true way to dance, is from your heart. Along with teaching happiness and contentment in your own skin, building confidence and positivity about yourself through the art of dance. Addie attributes her passion for dance and her love for her students to Sandie Fukes. Her years of mentorship and guidance taught Addie the art of treating each student equally and as important as the next. She takes pride in herself and her staff for implementing this every day at Dance from the Heart.
In the 25 years that Dance From The Heart has been open, Addie’s students have been recognized for many awards, titles, scholarships, and accolades all over the East Coast. Including many Outstanding Choreography, Stage Presence, and Technique Awards. For many years, her students were allowed to compete for charity at the Power of the Dance competition, where their winnings were given to a charity of their choice. Some of which included The Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Jessica’s Heroes. However, Addie takes the most pride in the ADCC (Association of Dance Competition and Conventions) Award and the Studio of Excellence Award that she has received at multiple competitions for professionalism, quality, and competitive success. It is a prestigious honor that is held very high in the dance studio community. Dance From The Heart is happy to uphold this gold standard and continues to strive, every day, to maintain it.
Addie and the teaching staff at Dance From The Heart believe that every child is special and has their own gift. Believing in themselves is the most important goal to achieve.
