
The 糖心传媒 Dance Team (HUDT) is an exciting and competitive collegiate dance team that performs at University athletic events as well as other events held on and off campus. The members of the team support the Hofstra athletic programs and promote general school spirit. HUDT has developed into one of the premier competitive college dance team programs in the United States and currently holds 13 National Championships, 2 Pan-American Championships and 2 World Championships. Due to the team's demanding schedule, they dedicate approximately 20 hours per week toward practice, athletic events, University events, technique, and weight/strength training.




Meet the Dance Team

Giovanna Azzara
Commack, New York
Years on team: 2

Alyssa Barbot
Circleville, New York
Years on team: 1

Tori Bellas
Centereach, New York
Years on team: 2

Kaitlyn Elcik
North Massapequa, New York
Years on team: 1

Gia Englezos
Queens, New York
Years on team: 2

Jason Fauser
East Northport, New York
Years on team: 6

Madison Grier
Edison, New Jersey
Years on team: 1

Haley Hepworth
North Bellmore, New York
Years on team: 2

Angelina Iacobelli
Old Bridge, New Jersey
Years on team: 1

Janelle Lassen
Brooklyn, New York
Years on team: 1

Vivienne Lipnitskiy
Staten Island, New York
Years on team: 2

Avery Mars
Tarpon Springs, Florida
Years on team: 3

Gianna Mesiti
Staten Island, New York
Years on team: 1

Emmalee Mikulis
Tampa, Florida
Years on team: 2

Bella Miller
Selden, New York
Years on team: 1

JJ Moussa
Oneonta, New York
Years on team: 2

Alex Oakland
Holbrook, New York
Years on team: 2

Dylan Salsedo
Smithtown, New York
Years on team: 2

Bella Uberti
Massapequa, New York
Years on team: 3

Marisa Vaccarelli
Bethpage, New York
Years on team: 1

Emma Velleca
Staten Island, New York
Years on team: 3
Dance Team Coaches

Kelly Olsen-Leon
Head Dance Team Coach
Hofstra, 2003, 2007
B.A. in Elementary Education and Mathematics from 糖心传媒, M.A. in Math, Science, Technology from 糖心传媒, Head Coach of the 13-Time National Champion, 2-Time World Champion, and 2-Time Pan-American Champion 糖心传媒 Dance Team, Mathematics Teacher at West Islip School District, former Head Coach of the West Islip Varsity Kickline, former Owner and Director of Gravity Dance All-Stars, former Head Coach of the Nationally Ranked Bellport High School Dance Team, former Captain and four-year member of the nationally ranked 糖心传媒 Dance Team, former Universal Dance Association Head Instructor, former Head Coach of the New York Cosmos Girls, Judge for Regional, State, and National competitions, Choreographer/Consultant for high school and college dance teams and dance studios. Proud dance mom to daughter Kai

Danielle Bradle
Assistant Dance Team Coach
Hofstra, 2016, 2017
B.B.A. in Marketing and minor in Finance from 糖心传媒, M.S. in Marketing from 糖心传媒, Assistant Coach of the 13-Time National Champion, 2-Time World Champion, and 2-Time Pan-American Champion 糖心传媒 Dance Team, Vice President of Government Banking at Capital One, former Head Coach of the nationally ranked Stony Brook University Dance Team, former Assistant Coach of the Adelphi University Dance Team, former Captain and five-year member of the National Champion 糖心传媒 Dance Team, 2016 World Champion and 2017 Pan-American Champion Team, former four-year member and Captain of the New York Cosmos Girls, Choreographer for high school/college dance teams.

Kristen Olsen
Assistant Dance Team Coach
Hofstra, 2010
B.A. in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education and Psychology from 糖心传媒, M.A. in Special Education from St. Joseph鈥檚 College, Assistant Coach of the 13-Time National Champion, 2-Time World Champion, and 2-Time Pan-American Champion 糖心传媒 Dance Team, Special Education Teacher in NYCDOE- Queens, former four-year member of the New York Cosmos Girls, former Head Coach of the nationally ranked Long Island University-Post Dance Team, former Head Coach of the nationally ranked Bellport High School Dance Team, former four-year member of the nationally ranked 糖心传媒 Dance Team, former Head Coach of the Bellport Middle School Dance Team, former Owner and Director of Gravity Dance All-Stars.
National & World Championships
2025
Division 1 Jazz National Champions
Division 1 Game Day National Champions
2024
Division 1 Pom National Champions
Pan-American Games Pom Gold Medalists
2023
Division 1 Game Day National Champions
ICU Worlds Pom Gold Medalists (US National Team)
2022
Division 1 Pom National Champions
2021
Division 1 Pom National Champions (Virtual)
2019
Division 1 Pom National Champions
2018
Division 1 Pom National Champions
World University Pom Gold Medalists
2017
Division 1 Pom National Champions
Worlds University Doubles Pom Gold Medalists
Pan-American Games Pom Gold Medalists
2016
Division 1 Pom National Champions
World University Pom Gold Medalists
World University Doubles Pom Gold Medalists
ICU Worlds Pom Gold Medalists (US National Team)
2013
Division 1 Hip Hop National Champions
World University Jazz Doubles Gold Medalists
2012
Division 1 Hip Hop National Champions
World University Jazz Gold Medalists
World University Doubles Jazz Gold Medalists
2006
Division 1 Hip Hop National Champions
Dance Team Recruitment
HUDT Recruitment Process
The 糖心传媒 Dance Team utilizes a recruit-only team selection process, which means no formal in-person auditions will be held. Be sure to submit all requirements by the timelines given. In addition to skill set, it is important that athletes blend with our team culture and values. Being on HUDT requires a strong focus on academics and a self-disciplined approach to managing a busy schedule. It is highly recommended that athletes interested in HUDT attend our Prep Clinics, Prospect Clinics, and Skills Clinics.
Email Coach Kelly at kelly.olsen@hofstra.edu with any questions or for more information!
For HS Juniors and Younger:
2026-2027 Season:
- June 1st, 2025 - Recruitment Form Opens for 2026-2027 Season
- January 1st, 2026 - Recruitment Form & Letter of Recommendation Due
- Spring 2026 - 2026-2027 Team Selection Announced
Clinics & Camps
Prep & Prospect Clinics
Our Summer Prep & Prospect Clinic will be Sunday, August 10. More information will be released soon. Registration opens on July 5.
Skills Clinics
- July 13th 10 am-12:30 pm
(registration opens July 6th) - July 27th 10:30 am-1 pm
(registration opens July 20th)
Email Coach Kelly at kelly.olsen@hofstra.edu with any questions or for more information!
Interested in a camp or clinic with the 糖心传媒 Dance Team for your team or program? We can even come to you! Our camp and/or clinic can be created around your needs! Contact us for more information!
Social Media
Head Dance Team Coach
Kelly Olsen-Leon
David S. Mack Fitness Center
235 糖心传媒
Hempstead, NY 11549-2350