Meet Our Staff!

Corinne Messina started dancing at the young age of 3 and has been dancing ever since. She has taught in the styles of Lyrical, Jazz,Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tap, Ballet, Modern, and Musical Theatre. In 2016, Corinne graduated with top honors from Middlesex College receiving her AA in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Dance and later received her BA in Dance from Hofstra University in 2018. At Hofstra University, she trained under Rachel List, Heather Waldon, Robbie Cook, Amy Marshall, Colin Stilwell, Anita Feldman, Karla Wolfgangle, and Ellie G. Kusner. While working towards her degree, she performed with the MCC Dance Ensemble and has performed in the Hofstra Faculty Show. She has learned and performed pieces from professional choreographers Lees Hummel and Claire Porter. In 2021, Corinne received her MS from the University of Florida in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a concentration in Human Performance. She utilizes this knowledge to create an anatomical approach to teaching technique to help her students perform safely and efficiently. Professionally, Corinne has performed at Six Flags Great Adventure in various character shows, dance shows, and parades and has also performed in Dance New Jersey’s Show Up and Dance event. As a choreographer, her pieces have went on to receive choreography awards, entertainment awards, special judges awards, first place ranks, and invitations to worlds. Corinne finds most enjoyment when she sees a students “AHA!” moment and seeing what each of them can bring to her choreography. Her mission is to provide a positive, judgment free space for her students to learn, thrive, and grow.

Grace started dancing at the age of 9 at Ovations Performing Arts. Her after-school activity soon turned into her passion, which brought her to studying at the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy throughout high school. She was later accepted to University of the Arts to continue her education through college where she graduated with a BFA in Jazz Performance. Although she focused her studies on jazz dance, she studied in many other genres including ballet, pointe, tap, modern, flamenco, & musical theater. With multiple years of teaching under her belt, she is so excited to be invited to teach at the nurturing environment Turn It Out Dance has offered!

For over 10 years Carissa brings enthusiasm, positivity, and strong leadership into every classroom while creating an environment where dancers feel confident, supported, and excited to learn. Her teaching style focuses not only on technique and performance quality, but also on helping students build self-esteem, creativity, teamwork, and a lifelong love of dance.

Alongside teaching, Carissa has extensive experience in studio operations, front desk management, community outreach, and family communication. She has played a major role in organizing programs, supporting studio events, and building strong relationships with students and parents. She is known for her warm personality, patience, professionalism, and ability to connect with dancers of all ages and skill levels.

Carissa earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Studies from Montclair State University, where she was also recognized on the Dean’s List. Her background in education and child development allows her to create classes that are engaging, encouraging, and developmentally supportive for young dancers.

Whether she is teaching in the classroom, choreographing routines, or mentoring students, Carissa is dedicated to helping every dancer shine both on and off the stage. She is excited to continue inspiring the next generation through her passion for dance, creativity, and performance.

Tabitha Edwards fell in love with dance at the age of four, and has been dancing ever since. Trained in many different styles, Tabitha enjoys sharing their love of dance through teaching. Tabitha has an Associate’s degree in LA-Dance from MC. They have performed with, and choreographed for, the Middlesex College Dance Ensemble as a guest artist, as well as local companies: Artistic Visions Dance Company, Main Street Theatre Company, and the Rahway Arts and Business Partnership. Tabitha has performed at Highland Park's Arts in the Park, the Koresh Showcase in Philadelphia, Dance NJ’s Show Up and Dance, OSPAC for the FreeSpace Summer Season Performance, Reframe Dance Theatre's A Night Dance, and the Hi, Solo NJ Performance Series.