why be normal?go mad!

MAD Mission- Welcome to MAD Performing Arts

At MAD Performing Arts, our mission is to provide students of all ages and backgrounds with a positive arts education while helping them achieve their personal goals. We strive to provide excellent technique, self- discipline, an appreciation for, and love of each art form through positive reinforcement in a non-competitive, professional atmosphere. It is our mission to consciously create a healthy environment where our dancers are encouraged to truly connect, both socially and artistically. We help cultivate confidence, positive self-image, and a happy work ethic, as students build friendships that will last a lifetime.

From Ballet to Hip Hop, BBoy to Salsa, Musical Theatre to Acro, MAD Dance is the Miami based performing arts Academy specializing in singing, acting, dancing and musical theatre classes for people from all walks of life.

Offering after-school and evening classes to weekend and morning classes, our team of experienced professionals from dance, theatre, film and television deliver expert, hands- on MAD instruction.

From beginner through advanced and master level classes, MAD Dance’s exciting mix of expert instruction, practical experience and live performances have been designed to enhance your artistic potential. Want to sing like a pro, perform in a Broadway show or immerse yourself in a Street Dance master class? With over 100 classes and courses to choose from, MAD Dance has the perfect course for you.

So why be normal? GO MAD!


Cherilyn Marrocco
Artistic Director

Cherilyn Marrocco - Artistic Director/Owner

Cherilyn Marrocco is the Artistic Director and owner/founder of MAD Dance. Cherilyn is a Miami/New York-based Choreographer, Director, Instructor and Performer. Cherilyn Marrocco founded MAD Dance and Musical Theater to bring others all of the joy, experiences, and appreciation for the arts that dance has provided her. With over 30 years of dance training, 20 years of Dance and Musical Theater instructing, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theater/Drama Education, Cherilyn brings with her a diverse set of skills and talents, an understanding for children and their different learning styles, and a life-long passion for the beauty, creativity and freedom of dance and theater. She brings an enthusiasm and dedication to MAD Dance that is reflected in the quality of the instructors, programs and facilities. Her goal is to provide all students with an enjoyable dancing and/or Musical Theater experience and sense of accomplishment.

Cherilyn began her career in the Miami area. She received a BFA from New World School of the Arts/University of Florida Music Theater Program. A native of Miami, Mrs. Marrocco trained at the age of 4 at the Ballet Academy of Miami under the direction of Tony Catanzaro and Lizette Piedra. She then received a full scholarship at Miami City Ballet in 1995 and trained with renowned masters Edward Villella, Violette Verdy, Vladimir Issaev, and Nancy Raffa. In 1997 she was awarded a full scholarship to Belvoir Terrace, a Performing Arts Camp for Girls in Lenox, MA. At Belvoir, Mrs. Marrocco trained with master teachers and mentor Michelle Benash, Carolyn Lanfredi, Pedro Ruiz, Nancy Bielski, Chris Lee, Chet Walker, and Milton Myers.

Her Ballet repertoire includes such classics as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty, Serenade, Paquita, Valse Fantaise, Concerto Barrocco, Who Cares, Raymonda, Carmen, Who Care's, as well as a wide variety of modern and contemporary works including Pedro Ruiz’s masterpiece “Places of the Heart” at Jacob’s Pillow in 2004. Mrs. Marrocco has performed at such venues as the International Hustle and Salsa Competition and was a Dancesation company member for over 5 years under the direction of world champions Katie Marlow and Billy Fajardo. She has also had the privilege of singing John Rutter’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Candace Wicke.

Ms. Marrocco’s Theater credits include: Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me, The Witch in Into the Woods, Iris in No Dogs Allowed, White Christmas the Musical, Angela in Fools Paradise, Godspell in NJ and as the unforgettable Little Sally in Urinetown the Musical at Actors Playhouse in which she was nominated for a Carbonell Award at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in 2007.

Cherilyn Marrocco was the Director of Dance/Choreographer for Miami Children's Theater in 2010 and the Magnet dance faculty member at Hialeah Senior High for 4 years. Over the past decade, Mrs. Marrocco has taught in many dance companies and schools throughout South Florida and the Northeast. She began teaching at the Ballet Academy of Miami and New Image Dance Company. Other Dance schools and academies she has taught in are Miami City Ballet, the MCT Dance Conservatory, the University of Miami, Actors Playhouse Theater Conservatory, Broadway Musical Theater in Key Biscayne, Center Tone Music School, MJM Productions Music School in Westfield, NJ, and Belvoir Terrace, a performing Arts Camp for girls in Lenox, MA. and the Dance Now Summer program jazz/musical theater instructor.

Aside from teaching dance, voice, and theater, Mrs. Marrocco has been choreographing for over 20 years. Her choreographic works include: LEGALLY BLONDE, ANNIE JR., SEUSSICAL JR., FAME, DROWSY CHAPERONE, ON THE TOWN, EVITA, GUYS AND DOLLS, GREASE, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE WIZ, HAIRSPRAY, excerpts from WEST SIDE STORY, KISS ME KATE, DEAR EDWINA, WILLY WONKA JR., ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, URINETOWN THE MUSICAL, A CHORUS LINE and JERRY HERMAN’s TRIBUTE at the University of Miami to name a few.

Mrs.Marrocco is the Dance Team and Broadway Company Director at MAD. In 2016, she was awarded the Best Director in South Florida through Access Broadway an acclaimed Regional Competition. She has choreographed over 100 new works and has helped numerous students get into Arts schools such as MAC and New World School of The Arts. She has MAD alumni who have continued on the Performing Arts journey and are attending schools such as Carnegie Mellon, The Boston Conservatory and New World School of the Arts to name a few.

As a choreographer and teacher, she uses her extensive performance experience – ranging from jazz, tap and lyrical to ballet, hip hop and musical theater – to create high energy and motivational classes that push her students to new heights.

MAD Faculty

Cherilyn Marrocco- Company Director/Choreographer

Cherilyn Marrocco is the Artistic Director and owner/founder of MAD Dance. Cherilyn is a Miami/New York-based Choreographer, Director, Instructor and Performer. Cherilyn Marrocco founded MAD Dance and Musical Theater to bring others all of the joy, experiences, and appreciation for the arts that dance has provided her. With over 30 years of dance training, 20 years of Dance and Musical Theater instructing, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theater/Drama Education, Cherilyn brings with her a diverse set of skills and talents, an understanding for children and their different learning styles, and a life-long passion for the beauty, creativity and freedom of dance and theater. She brings an enthusiasm and dedication to MAD Dance that is reflected in the quality of the instructors, programs and facilities. Her goal is to provide all students with an enjoyable dancing and/or Musical Theater experience and sense of accomplishment.

Cherilyn began her career in the Miami area. She received a BFA from New World School of the Arts/University of Florida Music Theater Program. A native of Miami, Mrs. Marrocco trained at the age of 4 at the Ballet Academy of Miami under the direction of Tony Catanzaro and Lizette Piedra. She then received a full scholarship at Miami City Ballet in 1995 and trained with renowned masters Edward Villella, Violette Verdy, Vladimir Issaev, and Nancy Raffa. In 1997 she was awarded a full scholarship to Belvoir Terrace, a Performing Arts Camp for Girls in Lenox, MA. At Belvoir, Mrs. Marrocco trained with master teachers and mentor Michelle Benash, Carolyn Lanfredi, Pedro Ruiz, Nancy Bielski, Chris Lee, Chet Walker, and Milton Myers.

Her Ballet repertoire includes such classics as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty, Serenade, Paquita, Valse Fantaise, Concerto Barrocco, Who Cares, Raymonda, Carmen, Who Care's, as well as a wide variety of modern and contemporary works including Pedro Ruiz’s masterpiece “Places of the Heart” at Jacob’s Pillow in 2004. Mrs. Marrocco has performed at such venues as the International Hustle and Salsa Competition and was a Dancesation company member for over 5 years under the direction of world champions Katie Marlow and Billy Fajardo. She has also had the privilege of singing John Rutter’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Candace Wicke.

Ms. Marrocco’s Theater credits include: Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me, The Witch in Into the Woods, Iris in No Dogs Allowed, White Christmas the Musical, Angela in Fools Paradise, Godspell in NJ and as the unforgettable Little Sally in Urinetown the Musical at Actors Playhouse in which she was nominated for a Carbonell Award at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in 2007.

Cherilyn Marrocco was the Director of Dance/Choreographer for Miami Children's Theater in 2010 and the Magnet dance faculty member at Hialeah Senior High for 4 years. Over the past decade, Mrs. Marrocco has taught in many dance companies and schools throughout South Florida and the Northeast. She began teaching at the Ballet Academy of Miami and New Image Dance Company. Other Dance schools and academies she has taught in are Miami City Ballet, the MCT Dance Conservatory, the University of Miami, Actors Playhouse Theater Conservatory, Broadway Musical Theater in Key Biscayne, Center Tone Music School, MJM Productions Music School in Westfield, NJ, and Belvoir Terrace, a performing Arts Camp for girls in Lenox, MA. and the Dance Now Summer program jazz/musical theater instructor.

Aside from teaching dance, voice, and theater, Mrs. Marrocco has been choreographing for over 20 years. Her choreographic works include: LEGALLY BLONDE, ANNIE JR., SEUSSICAL JR., FAME, DROWSY CHAPERONE, ON THE TOWN, EVITA, GUYS AND DOLLS, GREASE, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE WIZ, HAIRSPRAY, excerpts from WEST SIDE STORY, KISS ME KATE, DEAR EDWINA, WILLY WONKA JR., ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, URINETOWN THE MUSICAL, A CHORUS LINE and JERRY HERMAN’s TRIBUTE at the University of Miami to name a few.

Mrs.Marrocco is the Dance Team and Broadway Company Director at MAD. In 2016, she was awarded the Best Director in South Florida through Access Broadway an acclaimed Regional Competition. She has choreographed over 100 new works and has helped numerous students get into Arts schools such as MAC and New World School of The Arts. She has MAD alumni who have continued on the Performing Arts journey and are attending schools such as Carnegie Mellon, The Boston Conservatory and New World School of the Arts to name a few.

As a choreographer and teacher, she uses her extensive performance experience – ranging from jazz, tap and lyrical to ballet, hip hop and musical theater – to create high energy and motivational classes that push her students to new heights.

Jessica Mylene Drago- Pre School Program, Ballet Technique and Pointe

Jessica Mylene Drago began her young classical ballet training in Miami. She soon received scholarships to the schools of the Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and Houston Ballet. Soon she was asked to join the Atlanta Ballet by its Artistic Director, Robert Barnett. She captured the hearts of audiences dancing the principle role in many ballets including Balanchine’s “Serenade”, “Four Temperaments”, “Square Dance” and “Allegro Brilliante”. She delighted audiences with her portrayal of the much-coveted “Giselle”. She was selected to dance the lead by Fernand Nault in his internationally acclaimed “Carmina Burana” as Intritina, and Kirk Peterson’s “Belling the Slayer” as the Young Maiden. Other principle roles include Eliot Feld’s “Intermezzo”, Caroline in Anthony Tudor’s “Lilac Garden” and original choreography by David Parsons and Lisa DeRiber. During her 7 years with the Atlanta Ballet, she was asked by Cleveland Ballet’s Dennis Nahat to perform in his “Quick Silver”, “Ode to Joy,” “Copellia”, “Swan Lake” and “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”. Before leaving the Atlanta Ballet, she danced in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as part of the “Arts Olympiad”, an international cultural event.

Mrs. Drago continued her career at the Cincinnati Ballet where her versatility and dramatic talent continued to excite audiences. Resident choreographer, Dennis Poole, specifically set the leading role of his successful “Nature Scape” ballet on her. Additional principle roles include the Dream Girl in Paul Taylor’s “Company B”, Olympe in Val Caniparoli’s “Lady of the Camelias” and Lila York’s “Rapture”. Dance Magazine praised her “radiance” in Balanchine’s “Jewels”. In celebration of her fourth and final season in Cincinnati, Mrs. Drago was asked to perform Balanchine’s much sought after signature piece “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux”.

During all her years dancing, Mrs. Drago shared her love for classical ballet by continually teaching, coaching and training the next generation of dancers at schools throughout the states including The Studio in Georgia, the Southwest Virginia Ballet, SEDAC in Alabama, and the prestigious Joffrey Ballet Midwest Summer Workshop. After returning to Miami to start her own family she continues to share her knowledge and love of dance with children of all ages.

LEGO- Breakdance

B Boy LEGO (Alfredo Sotelo) (Breakdance) was born in Managua, Nicaragua. LEGO, has been breaking for 20 years with the crew Flipside Kings. LEGO has been a member of Teo Castellanos D-Projects theater company for 11 years. He has taken first place in the following B-Boy battles: Who Can Roast the Most 1 and 2 and 20, Freestyle Sessions Seattle 2003, B1 Project Japan, B-Boy Summit Los Angeles 2003 All Nations 1on1 Miami 2007, Enter the Cypher Ohio 2007. He teaches break dance throughout South Florida and has judges B-Boy competitions in Colombia, Russia, Spain, Holland, Canada, Poland and throughout the United States./p>

Saraah Prodani- Dance Team, Contemporary, Tap/Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro

Saarah Prodani graduated from Rowan University with a degree in dance. Philadelphia Soulmate alumni and aspiring professional dancer for one of the many great teams based out of Miami. I love working with all the MAD Faculty and students! I teach tap, jazz, contemporary, acrobatics, and hip-hop as well as coach and choreograph for the junior and elite competition teams. One dance piece I am very proud of is a contemporary dance called "Sail" that was awarded with a platinum award during our first competition! I cannot stress enough how great our program is and how rewarding it has been to be apart of this company, go MAD!

Terese Morgan- Musical Theater Acting

Bio coming soon

Arianna Rose- Music Faculty and Private Voice Instructor

TBA

Cema Pires- Office Manager and Dance Faculty

Cema Pires is a Brazilian Dance Instructor from Rio de Janeiro . She attended Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro for 10 years, where she obtained her first dance degree. In 1977 she toured throughout the United States with a show called “Brasil Canta e Dansa “. She moved to New York City and lived there for 13 years continuing her dance education training with Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet, Luigi and Jo Jo Smith. Cema then moved to Miami where she continued her education at FIU to obtain her Bachelors degree in Dance Education. She taught for Miami Dade County Public School, Charles R. Drew Elementary Magnet Program for 22 years, and Summer camps at Miami Jackson High School and Miami Beach Senior High. She has retired from the public school system and now devotes her time at MAD Performing Arts.

Amanda Cohen- Jazz, Jr, and Mini Contemporary

TBA

Alexis White- Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary

TBA

Diane Garle- Musical Theater, Acting Faculty

TBA

Lisandra- MAD Choir Director

TBA

Randolph Ward- Contemporary Ballet

TBA

Maria Torres O'Connor- Guest Artist

Maria Torres is an acclaimed performer, Choreographer and Director with extensive experience in the theater, film, and television. As a performer, Maria has graced both the Broadway stage, starring in Swing!, and the big screen in "Dance with Me," starring Cheyenne and Vanessa Williams. Maria has worked on projects in the music industry ranging from choreographing the video for Enrique Iglesias hit single Bailamos to hailed Reggaeton artist Don Omar's most recent tour King of Kings, and The International Dance TV show "Quiero Bailar". Maria was the on-camera guest choreographer on the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance and has worked with scores of producers and directors at studios including MTV, NBC, HBO, BBC and Walt Disney. She recently worked with John Leguizamo, John O'Connell, and trained renowned actors such as Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams in Disney's "Enchanted", She has choreographed Jennifer Lopez in "El Cantante", and Raven Simone in "College Road Trip". Maria's choreography can also been seen in the upcoming Movie "The Six Wives Henry Le Fay" starring Tim Allen, Andie McDowell, Jenna Elfman, Epatha Merkerson and Paz Vega. On and Off-Broadway, Maria's co-Director, co-Choreographer stage/theatre credits include "Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz" and 8 time billboard winner Don Omar, "Kings of Kings" US Tour. Maria has worked with Diane Paulas(Director) on "The Donkey Show", "Best of Both Worlds", "The Women's Project", "The Drama League Musical Celebration" honoring Betty Comden & Adolph Green, and "Disney's Golden Mickey's". Other Director/Choreographer and Choreographer credits include "Latin Heat" at the Hudson Guild, "Seagrams DJ Live Show" (Clio Award Winner), "Swing" (Specialty Chor.) B'way and National Tour, Lynne Taylor-Corbett Dir., "Swing Time" starring Ann Hampton Calloway of "4 Guys Named Jose" Dir. Susanna Tubert, which was nominated for the Lucille Lortel award for best choreography. Associate Choreographer Credits include "In The Heights" (37 arts), Dir. Thomas Kail and "Mambo Kings", Arne Glimcher, Dir. Ms. Torres is also an artist in residence at Amas Musical Theatre.

Janet Dacal- Guest Artist and Private Voice

JANET DACAL , a Los Angeles native, has a successful and extensive career in music and theater. Her musical influences range in genres, finding inspiration from the likes of Sarah Vaughn to Celia Cruz. Her music career began under the wing of Grammy winning artist Gloria Estefan, recording background vocals on a number of her albums. Other artists she’s worked with include, Ricky Martin, Sharkira, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. Following her time with the Estefan’s, Janet toured the world with Grammy Winning, Latin Recording Artist, Luis Enrique. Life’s journey took her to New York City, where she realized the childhood dream of performing on Broadway. Janet has starred in several Broadway productions, including the Tony and Grammy Award Winning Mega-Hit “In The Heights.” After having originated the role of Carla in the original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions, for which she received a Drama Desk Award, she took over the title role of Nina Rosario. She then starred as Alice, in Frank Wildhorn’s musical “Wonderland.” She appears on the original cast recordings of both “In The Heights” and “Wonderland.” Janet has had the great pleasure to perform in renowned establishments such as Birdland and The Apollo Theatre in NYC. Favorite television appearances include, “The Tony Awards” and “White Collar.” She has been nominated with Carbonell Awards for her work in the productions, “The Last 5 Years” and “Five Course Love.” She is a founding member of the District Stage Company, a theatrical force based in Miami. Janet served as a vocal coach for the Spanish Television Show “La Voz Kids”, “The Voice” for children in Latin Television Programming. She teaches and coaches voice privately. Janet presently tours the world as a symphony concert vocalist with New York Pops conductor, Steven Reineke. You can also see her live, singing with her Cuban Ensemble “Janet Dacal & The Alvarez Orchestra.”

MAD Dance Facility

MAD Dance and Musical Theater now has an array of classes in 2 different locations! First location situated in North Miami 645 NE 125th st. A Block away from MOCA! The second location is at the beautiful Little Haiti Cultural Center 212-260 NE 59 Terrace

"The Mission of the Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC) is to provide a 
space that brings together people and ideas to promote, showcase and 
support Afro-Caribbean culture in South Florida."

The Little Haiti Cultural Center offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to gain exposure to Afro-Caribbean culture, entertain and develop a new talent, and expand their knowledge of the arts. We are committed to providing activities for the community that promotes imagination, creativity, and positive experiences for children and adults throughout the year

The Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC) is a 20,000sqft cultural facility that features a spacious courtyard entrance with a distinctive Afro-Caribbean design. Within this attractive setting, the venue coordinates private gatherings, special events and performances.

The LHCC offers various community activities such as live performances, concerts, shows, arts and ceramic classes, dance (ballet, modern, Afro Brazilian, African, Haitian Folklore, etc) classes, and educational courses for the youngest residents to seniors. Additional features:

The 270-seat Theatre at Little Haiti Cultural Center provides a dynamic opportunity for playwrights and actors to develop new works; create live theatre and film. We support all cultures and levels of theatrical performances, with combined artistry of professionals and community collaborators. We encourage students to get involved as young actors and writers, conveying the stories of their own communities on stage and through film.