Emily LaRuffa & Marialana Malafronte

Emily LaRuffa began dancing at just three years old, training in tap, jazz, and ballet before expanding into lyrical and hip hop as a competitive dancer. She competed nationally for many years, developing the versatility, discipline, and performance quality that would become the foundation of her artistic voice.

At 22, Emily moved to New York City to pursue a professional dance career. She appeared in music videos for globally recognized artists and performed in regional productions. She was also a company member of DoubleTake Dance Company, performing in respected venues including the iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

While performing professionally, Emily trained at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway, studying under renowned educators including Ginger Cox, Sheila Barker, and Derek Mitchell. There, she continued refining her technique, musicality, and artistry at the highest professional level. Known for her expressive performance quality and deep connection to music, her work spans tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and contemporary dance.

Following a knee injury, Emily stepped away from dance and built a successful corporate leadership career in New York City’s hospitality industry while becoming a mother of two. Those years strengthened her leadership, empathy, and discipline and gave her perspective she now brings into the studio. When she returned to dance, it felt less like a restart and more like a homecoming, blending professional training with the life experience that shapes her approach as an educator.

Emily has taught throughout New York City and Long Island. Her teaching centers on connection to the music, the story, and each other while building strong technical foundations and confident, expressive dancers. She believes dance is a space for discipline, courage, and joy, and strives for every student to leave class stronger, empowered, and inspired.”

With over 25 years of experience in dance, Marialana Malafronte is the Artistic Director and Founder of The Dance Axis, bringing a deep passion for movement, education, and artistic growth to dancers of all ages and levels. Beginning her journey as a competitive dancer and continuing her training through college, she developed a strong technical foundation across all dance styles, which has shaped her well-rounded and thoughtful approach to dance training.

She has spent more than 15 years teaching, working with students from early childhood through advanced and pre-professional levels. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous choreography and technique awards, reflecting her expertise in both recreational and competitive training. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes strong technique, artistry, confidence, and age-appropriate progression, creating a positive and motivating environment where dancers can thrive.

Marialana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Business, with a concentration in Media and Arts Management, blending artistic excellence with strong leadership and organizational expertise. She holds extensive training throughout New York City in multiple styles under nationally accredited choreographers and dance educators. Marialana is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Acrobatic Arts, allowing her to incorporate safe, effective strength-building and conditioning practices into her instruction.

Marialana continues her dance education regularly as well as performing. She also enjoys teaching Adults 17+ through Safe Haven Dance in a welcoming, judgement-free space where dancers can move freely, build confidence, and be part of a supportive dance community.