FOUNDER

JUSSARA ZERBINO

Jussara Zerbino
Jussara Zerbino is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of ABC Dance Company and brings over four decades of experience as a dancer, educator, choreographer, and studio owner. Her lifelong passion for dance has inspired generations of students both nationally and internationally.

Her extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance spans the United States, England, Brazil, and Spain. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of studying with renowned dance professionals, including José Meier (Alvin Ailey School), Jeanette Neill (Boston), Leni Dale (Brazil), Judith Field Polgar (England), and Montserrat Catarineu (Spain).

Jussara also worked alongside Penha de Souza, Vice President of the Association of Dance Professionals in São Paulo, Brazil, and Montserrat Borreda in Barcelona, Spain, further enriching her artistic and educational background.

Before moving to Miami, Jussara owned and directed a successful dance studio in Brazil for nine years, where she founded a Professional Dance Company dedicated to training aspiring dancers. She later lived in New Hampshire, where she trained under Barbara Mullen of the Royal Academy of Dance, earning her registration with the Royal Academy of Dance before relocating to South Florida.

Today, Jussara continues to share her knowledge and passion with every dancer who walks through the doors of ABC Dance Company. Alongside her daughter, Mariana Zerbino, she has built a studio that reflects her belief that every child deserves high-quality dance education in a nurturing, encouraging, and family-centered environment.

Jussara is also a proud mother of three children—Juliana, Mariana, and Roberto—and a loving grandmother. Her dedication to her own family is reflected in the welcoming community she has created at ABC Dance Company, where dancers and parents alike become part of the ABC family.

Her mission has always been simple: to inspire a lifelong love of dance while helping every student grow with confidence, discipline, creativity, and joy.

DIRECTOR

MARIANA ZERBINO

Studio Director | Choreographer | Dance Educator

Mariana Zerbino's passion for dance began at the age of three under the guidance of her mother, Jussara Zerbino, founder of ABC Dance Company. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in dance, Mariana began her training in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance at her family's studio in Florianópolis, Brazil, where she quickly developed a lifelong love for the performing arts.

At the age of eight, Mariana expanded her training into artistic gymnastics in Porto Alegre, Brazil, before continuing her gymnastics education in the United States with the Manchester Gymnastics Academy in New Hampshire, where she competed as a member of their competitive gymnastics team. Her gymnastics background continues to influence her teaching approach, particularly in acrobatics, strength, flexibility, and safe technical progression.

Mariana continued her dance education at the New Hampshire Academy of Dance and Dance Works Unlimited, studying Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Acrobatics under the direction of Kim Maihot, Chris Kolher, and Jussara Zerbino. She also trained in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus under the supervision of Barbara Mullen, further strengthening her classical ballet foundation.

After moving to Miami, Mariana continued to broaden her artistic training by studying Modern Dance with internationally recognized choreographer Mia Michaels, best known for her work on So You Think You Can Dance. She later attended Florida International University (FIU), where she studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Modern Dance with distinguished faculty including Mariana Brake (National Ballet of Washington), Diego Salterini (Momentum Dance Company), Gary Lund (Two's Company), Andrea Mantell-Seidel (Isadora Duncan Dance Ensemble), and Roberto Dias (Brazarte).

Today, Mariana serves as the Studio Director of ABC Dance Company, where she oversees the studio's educational programs, faculty, curriculum, and award-winning Company Program. As both a choreographer and educator, she is passionate about helping dancers of all ages develop strong technique, artistic expression, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.

Under Mariana's leadership, ABC Dance Company's Company Program has earned numerous Overall High Point Awards, National Championships, Victory Cups, Judges' Awards, and Choreography Awards at both regional and national competitions. While she is proud of these accomplishments, she believes the greatest success comes from watching students grow into confident, respectful, hardworking young people who carry the lessons they learn in the studio throughout their lives.

Having grown up at ABC Dance Company, Mariana understands firsthand the positive impact dance can have on a child's life. She is committed to preserving the family-oriented values on which the studio was founded while continuing to provide exceptional dance education for families throughout Miami, Kendall, and the surrounding communities.

Mariana believes every child deserves to feel encouraged, challenged, and celebrated. Her goal is to create an environment where dancers not only achieve their personal best but also develop lifelong friendships, lasting memories, and a genuine love for the art of dance.

JULIANA ZERBINO

Juliana Zerbino born in Santa Catarina, Brazil, Juliana began her dance training at the age of 3 with mom, Jussara Zerbino. Throughout the years she has strengthened her Ballet and Jazz technique at many distinguished dance schools in Brazil and United States. At the age of 12, she discovered her love for tap and began her training under the supervision of Kim Maihot. Upon graduating high school, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Florida International University, graduating on the dean’s list. Juliana has trained with world-renowned dancers, and choreographers such as Katherine Kramer (Rhythm Explosion), Edwin Holland, Brenda Buffalino (award winning Grade Dame of Tap Dance, Diego Salterini (Momentum Dance Company), Mariana Brake (National Ballet of Washington), and Roberto Dias (Brazarte).

isabella berry

Dance Instructor | Jazz, Tap & Early Childhood Specialist

Isabella Berry has been a part of the ABC Dance Company family since she was just two years old. Having grown up in the studio, she has trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, and Hip Hop, developing a strong technical foundation and a lifelong passion for dance.

Isabella began competing at the age of five and has spent many years performing and competing at both the regional and national levels. Throughout her competitive career, she has earned numerous Overall High Point Awards, National Titles, Judges' Awards, scholarships, and special recognitions for both her solo performances and group dances.

She was accepted into the Southwood Middle School Dance Magnet Program, where she performed with the nationally recognized Superstars Dance Team, before continuing her dance education at Coral Reef Senior High School's Dance Magnet Program. As a member of the nationally acclaimed Cudettes Dance Team, Isabella helped earn six National Championships while continuing to develop her artistry, technique, and leadership. She was also honored by her classmates as "Most Likely to Become a Professional Dancer" for three consecutive years.

Today, Isabella is one of ABC Dance Company's most experienced Jazz and Tap instructors and plays an important role in developing the studio's youngest dancers through our Early Childhood Programs. She has years of experience teaching preschool and elementary-aged students, creating classes that are engaging, encouraging, and developmentally appropriate while building strong technical foundations.

Having spent her entire life at ABC Dance Company, Isabella understands the lasting impact a positive dance education can have on a child. She is passionate about helping every student gain confidence, develop discipline, express themselves creatively, and discover a genuine love for dance.

Isabella strives to create a classroom where every dancer feels welcomed, encouraged, and excited to learn. Her goal is to inspire the next generation of dancers by sharing the same passion, kindness, and dedication that her own teachers instilled in her throughout her journey at ABC Dance Company.

ROBERTO DIAS

Roberto Dias Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mr. Dias participated in the most prestigious dance companies in the country and quickly moved into theater and television performances. He was the solo artist for Opera Porgy and Bess, an American production in the renowned Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro Brazil. In television, Roberto was part of a variety of TV shows and soap operas for TV Globo and TV Manchete (Brazil). In Miami, Roberto Dias’ grand debut involved choreographing the Rio Ecstasy Show - a production bringing 38 artists from Brazil to open the Scala Miami Show house. Following its success in Miami, Roberto Dias was invited to author and choreograph Performances around the world. Recently, Roberto has been working in Miami with his dance company: the Brazarte Dance Company. BRAZARTE DANCE COMPANY is a modern contemporary dance company formed in 1999 aimed at combining the excitement and joy of the Brazilian culture with a group of dedicated and experienced dancersto present a world-class performance to our audiences

KIMIKA POPOWSKI

Company Director | Dance Instructor | Hip Hop & Contemporary Specialist

Kimika Popowski has been a part of the ABC Dance Company family since the age of four, where she developed a passion for dance that continues to inspire her students today. She began competing at the age of six and has trained extensively in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Hip Hop, and Tap, giving her a well-rounded foundation across every major dance style.

At the age of eleven, Kimika and her duet partner won Best Group Dance at the prestigious Young Talent Big Dreams competition, an early accomplishment that reflected her talent, dedication, and love for performing.

Kimika continued her dance education through the Southwood Middle School Dance Magnet Program, where she was a member of the nationally recognized Superstars Dance Team, helping earn a National Championship. She later attended the Coral Reef Senior High School Dance Magnet Program, performing with both the JV and Varsity Cudettes while contributing to multiple National Championship titles during her high school career.

Recognized for both her talent and leadership, Kimika was voted Best Overall Dancer by her peers for an incredible seven consecutive years throughout middle and high school.

Today, Kimika serves as Company Director at ABC Dance Company, where she helps lead and mentor the studio's award-winning competitive dancers while also teaching and choreographing across multiple programs. She is especially known for her innovative Hip Hop and expressive Contemporary choreography, but has extensive experience teaching Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Acro, and Early Childhood classes as well.

As Company Director, Kimika works closely with dancers to help them develop strong technique, confidence, artistry, discipline, and teamwork. She is passionate about creating choreography that challenges students while encouraging them to express themselves and reach their full potential.

Having grown up at ABC Dance Company herself, Kimika understands firsthand the lasting impact a positive dance education can have on a child's life. She is committed to preserving the family-oriented values that make ABC so special while inspiring the next generation of dancers to work hard, support one another, and pursue excellence both on and off the stage.

Kimika believes every dancer deserves to feel encouraged, challenged, and celebrated. Her goal is to create a positive and inspiring classroom where students not only become stronger dancers but also develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the art of dance.

KATRIYA LEE

Katriya Lee is from Miami, Florida, and has been dancing since the age of five. She trained at Dance Attack Miami in ballet, jazz, hip hop, acrobatics, contemporary, lyrical, modern, and Latin ballroom. She also spent three years training at Top Gun Cheer and Dance and was a member of Fusion Dance Troupe at John A. Ferguson Senior High School. Throughout her dance journey, Katriya has had the privilege of performing at prestigious events and competing in various competitions. She has also worked with children ages two and up, teaching dance through an after-school enrichment program at several preschools in Miami. Katriya is currently pursuing a nursing degree while continuing to teach and share her passion for dance. Her goal is to inspire the next generation of dancers at ABC by passing on the creativity and joy that dance has brought to her life.

YARA DUARTE

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Yara Duarte initiated her dance studies with Carla Perotti and received her Royal Academy of Dancing Method Degree in 1981.

Demonstrating Aptitude and passion for teaching from the start, she began giving dance lessons right after finishing her studies. In 1982, Duarte became the owner and director of Ballet Carla Perotti, the dance studio where she began her ballet training. Duarte ran the school for 20 years, continuing Perotti’s unique work while turning it into one of the city’s most prestigious dance academies. During this period, she was a registered RAD (Royal Academy of Dancing) method teacher. While producing and choreographing yearly presentations for her students, she directed two professional renditions of Adolphe Adam’s masterwork Giselle. Duarte also directed and coacher her own school team, winning various regional and national dance festivals.

Duarte relocated to Miami, Florida with her family in 1999. In 2003, she became teacher at Just Dance It! Studio. Along with ballet classes, she coached the competition team, cleaned choreography, and gave private lessons for 15 years. Duarte also worked with Ballet at Your School (from 2003/2006), taking a ballet program to several pre-schools around Miami-Dade.

In 2018, Duarte moved with her family to New York City where she continued to teach dance. She taught professional level ballet classes at both ASB Company and ASBallet Academy. In School’s competition team as well as providing choreography cleaning and conditioning.

Duarte plans to move with her family back to Miami, where she will continue to teach dance in 2022.

Nicole Muniz

Nicole Muniz started her training at ABC Dance Studio when she was just 5 years old. Her journey in dance has been shaped by training in diverse styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical and Hip Hop. She has performed in renowned dance companies such as Brazarte Modern Dance Company directed by Roberto Dias and, Showstoppers Dance Company directed by Susie Garcia. These opportunities have allowed her to showcase her talent on television programs aired on Telemundo & Univision as well as performing in professional modern dance concerts. Being a well rounded dancer aided her in being selected as a captain of dance teams like the The Coral Reef High School 'Cudettes', The Southwood Middle School 'Superstars', and The Florida International University 'Dazzlers'. She has accumulated 7 National Championship Titles at Universal Dance Association (UDA). With a decade of experience as a dance instructor and choreographer in the Miami area, she has received over 25 choreography awards and entertainment awards and was nominated for Choreographer of the Year by Nexstar National Talent Competition in 2023.

Julianna acosta

Julianna Acosta began dancing at ABC Dance Company at just four years old and has grown into one of the studio's most accomplished teachers, choreographers, and leaders. Having trained exclusively at ABC, she is a true example of the studio's commitment to developing dancers from their very first class through adulthood.

Throughout her training, Julianna studied a wide variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. As a member of ABC Dance Company's Competition Team for many years, she earned numerous overall awards, special judges' awards, scholarships, and titles throughout her competitive dance career.

Julianna continued her dance education at Southwood Middle School's nationally recognized Dance Magnet Program, where she was a member of the championship dance team. She later attended Coral Reef Senior High School's Dance Magnet Program, where she served as a two-year Captain of both the JV and Varsity Cudettes, helping lead her teams to multiple National Championship titles.

Today, Julianna is an instructor, choreographer, and Marketing Director at ABC Dance Company. She also serves as the Competition Team Choreographer at Southwood Middle School, where she continues to inspire young dancers while leading her team to numerous competitive awards and championships.

Julianna is passionate about helping every dancer reach their full potential. She believes that dedication, perseverance, and a positive attitude are the keys to success, and she strives to create a supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to grow both as a dancer and as an individual.