Colleen Dougherty Azzaro – Director & Teacher
Colleen is originally from the Pocono Mountains and began her dance training at the David Blight School of Dance. She studied various forms of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. Colleen began teaching these styles at the age of sixteen as an assistant, and has since had the opportunity to teach at studios in the Pocono area, Bucks County & the Philadelphia region, and beyond. Colleen has become one of the most in-demand dance teachers in the area, teaching at multiple studios, coaching various competition groups, and is often sought after for her versatility, her extensive knowledge of dance & fitness, and her ability to develop lasting relationships with her dance students.
During her jazz dance career, Colleen has been a proud member of two Philadelphia based dance companies: Project Moshen Dance Company, under the direction of Kelli Moshen, as well as Sanbrooka Productions, under the direction of Sammy Reyes. Colleen has had the opportunity to work with many talented choreographers & directors, and some of her credits include: Philly Fringe, The Lincoln Center (NYC), Philadelphia Furball, APAP, Peridance Capezio Center, Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Bridal Show, and more. She continues her training at Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia and Broadway Dance Center in New York.
Colleen has coached and mentored many competitive dancers, and has had choreography recognized with high scores and awards in various competitions including REVERB, Elevate, DanceXplosion and others. During her time as a competitive dancer, Colleen participated in various competitions and conventions across the country, along with other performance opportunities including: the half time show of the Citrus Bowl; the Miss America Parade and Steam Team dance team in Reading, PA.
Colleen was also the competition director of Freestyle Dance Academy, helping to lead their dancers to many awards and accolades in various dance competitions. Colleen believes a love of dance starts early, and leads many of IMPACT’s preschool outreach programs, while also overseeing the toddler dance program here at the studio. Colleen also teaches & mentors the young student teachers of IMPACT, showing them how to create a safe classroom that encourages the youngest dancers to grow and begin their exciting dance journey.
Colleen also currently works in Doylestown at the Mercer Museum after having received her degree in Art History from Temple University, and working at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Along with being a dancer, Colleen is an avid & respected fitness instructor in the Philadelphia region. She has taught many types of classes over her career including barre, cardio & more at multiple locations including Fitness Works Philadelphia, Sweat Fitness, & Lithe. Colleen also has entertainment experience as a party motivator/dancer at Cutting Edge Entertainment.
