Meet the Owner
Adrianna Espinoza-Folkes
Owner and Artistic Director
Adrianna Espinoza-Folkes, Owner and Artistic Director of ALIST Dance Company discovered her passion for dance at the age of six. Adrianna began teaching and choreographing at 14-years-old, as multiple awards for her imaginative and inspiring choreography followed. In 2018, Adrianna assisted in choreographing The Dwyer High School Chorus’s rendition of MOTOWN. This piece was ultimately selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She has also studied under renowned choreographers while training at Peridance Capezio Center and Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
Adrianna believes in giving back to the community. She has previously volunteered with the non-profit De George Program at the Kravis Center, which is dedicated to offering dance lessons to middle school students dance. While in Orlando she volunteered and taught at a rehabilitation center for those who have fallen ill and taught weekly dance lessons at a senior living facility. She was also recognized for her work with adult fitness classes while teaching for National Dance Day.
At the age of 19, Adrianna achieved a significant milestone in her career by securing her first professional performing position with the prestigious organization, Sesame Street. There she performed in several capacities for both live and recorded audiences.
In addition to her teaching experience, Adrianna managed a dance studio for several years, honing her leadership skills and gaining valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of studio ownership.
Adrianna studied with the National Dance Education Organization where she received certificates in Elements of Dance, Training Disabilities in Dance, Developmental Domains of Dance and Education of Choreography in Dance. Adrianna is YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) certified, CPR certified and is a certified group fitness instructor under the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Adrianna is driven by her passion for leadership, dedication to teaching values, and commitment to instilling grace and leadership in the next generation of gifted dancers.
Meet the Team
Francesca Johnson
Francesca Johnson
Francesca Johnson
Instructor
Ms. Francesca began dance at the age of four and has studied classical ballet for more than 16 years. Ms. Francesca danced with Ballet Palm Beach, St. Lucie Ballet and Nashville Ballet. She competed in YAGP, UBC, and ADCIBC. Francesca graduated from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s in International Relations. She is excite
Instructor
Ms. Francesca began dance at the age of four and has studied classical ballet for more than 16 years. Ms. Francesca danced with Ballet Palm Beach, St. Lucie Ballet and Nashville Ballet. She competed in YAGP, UBC, and ADCIBC. Francesca graduated from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s in International Relations. She is excited to be back in Florida and continue her professional ballet career with Ballet Palm Beach and to share her love for dance with the students at ALIST Dance Company.
Elizabeth Mongo
Francesca Johnson
Francesca Johnson
Instructor
Ms. Elizabeth discovered her passion for dance at Tamala Taylor’s Academy of Dance (Wooster, OH) at age 5. As a young dancer, she studied with Cecchetti Council of America completing yearly exams. Ms. Elizabeth then moved to Wilmington, NC in 2006 where she continued her competitive career as a member of the South East Dance Aca
Instructor
Ms. Elizabeth discovered her passion for dance at Tamala Taylor’s Academy of Dance (Wooster, OH) at age 5. As a young dancer, she studied with Cecchetti Council of America completing yearly exams. Ms. Elizabeth then moved to Wilmington, NC in 2006 where she continued her competitive career as a member of the South East Dance Academy Performing Team. She trained in many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and acrobatics. Throughout her 12 years of competitions, Ms. Elizabeth was recognized for her musicality and performance quality as well as receiving many overall scores in the Elite Contemporary and Tap categories. She has taught since 2014 and always enjoyed sharing her artistry with young dancers. Ms. Elizabeth is a member of Carolina Dance Masters, certified to teach Jazz and Acrobatics. She is also a Module 1 certified teacher in Acrobatic Arts. Ms. Elizabeth recently relocated to Palm Beach County and is beyond thrilled to join the AList Dance Company Staff!
Megan Taylor
Francesca Johnson
Abby Saphirstein
Instructor
Ms. Megan has loved the art of dance ever since her first ballet class at the age of three. Throughout the last 18 years, Ms. Megan has trained in ballet, pointe, tap, and hiphop at studios across the South. She spent several years studying and passing exams under the Cecchetti Counsel of America. Ms. Megan also has a passion f
Instructor
Ms. Megan has loved the art of dance ever since her first ballet class at the age of three. Throughout the last 18 years, Ms. Megan has trained in ballet, pointe, tap, and hiphop at studios across the South. She spent several years studying and passing exams under the Cecchetti Counsel of America. Ms. Megan also has a passion for teaching young dancers in a fun and God-glorifying environment. She began teaching creative movement, ballet, and tap at the age of 13 and has taught at four upstanding studios. She has also independently run summer dance camps! Megan is thrilled to continue to pursue her love of dance and teaching at ALIST Dance Company!
Abby Saphirstein
Victoria Espinoza
Abby Saphirstein
Instructor
Ms. Abby is a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University studying Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Student Ministries. At PBA, she holds the position of Student Body President. Throughout her own dance development, she trained in a number of styles and was a member of her studio's competitive dance team. While there sh
Instructor
Ms. Abby is a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University studying Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Student Ministries. At PBA, she holds the position of Student Body President. Throughout her own dance development, she trained in a number of styles and was a member of her studio's competitive dance team. While there she gained the valuable experience of assisting in classes of younger dancers. Abby is excited to join the ALIST Team and help dancers discover their love for dancing in a community that is encouraging and uplifting.
Victoria Espinoza
Victoria Espinoza
Victoria Espinoza
Instructor
Ms. Victoria is a junior at Palm Beach State College where she studies business administration. She is thrilled to join ALIST Dance Company as a dedicated dance instructor. With 15 years of dancing experience under her belt, she has honed her skills and competed at some of the highest levels. Ms. Victoria has a profound love fo
Instructor
Ms. Victoria is a junior at Palm Beach State College where she studies business administration. She is thrilled to join ALIST Dance Company as a dedicated dance instructor. With 15 years of dancing experience under her belt, she has honed her skills and competed at some of the highest levels. Ms. Victoria has a profound love for the art form of dance and finds immense joy in sharing her knowledge and expertise with others, especially with young, budding talents. She considers working with children a fulfilling and inspiring mission. Her teaching approach instills more than just technical skills but also fosters a sense of passion and dedication. Ms. Victoria's aim is to inspire students to push their boundaries, embrace challenges and discover the sheer joy of dance!