Meet Our Team
DECAdance Founder
Samantha Tirone-O'Neil founded DECAdance Competition in 2019 after 25 years in a number of different roles within the dance community. Sam began dance at three years old and joined the competition team at age six. She was a part of multiple school and state community theatre productions and then began teaching combo classes while in high school, and found her true passion! After graduation, she attended Stockton College and later Montclair State University and graduated with a BA in Theatre Studies and a minor in Dance. As she shifted from student to teacher and then to competition choreographer, she saw a need for change within the competition world. Sam has been on stage and backstage and now, as a founder and director, she couldn't be more excited or proud of the positive shift she and her team are in the process of creating!
Event Producer & Sound
Steve has been a part of DECA since it's inception! He has a long history of producing shows for bands all over the state of NJ. It is always helpful to have an electrical contractor on staff! He often times, can be found at our main tech table and makes appearances behind the mic as one of our emcees!
Technical Advisor & Event Design
Rick has been advising for DECA since day one! He actually built the original logo! Rick designs our light and special effects and is always working on new upgrades to bring to the DECA stage!
Tech, Tabulation & Backstage
Tina and Vanessa wear many hats at DECA and have been a huge part of making DECA what it is today! They both spend time at our main tech board, visit the judges down at tabulation and keep the show running smoothly backstage! Tina and Vanessa have dance in their blood; from growing up in the competition circuit to teaching for competitive studios and now, dance moms themselves! They are both insanely passionate and pour their heart and soul into DECAdance Competition!
DECAdance Founder
Samantha Tirone-O'Neil founded DECAdance Competition in 2019 after 25 years in a number of different roles within the dance community. Sam began dance at three years old and joined the competition team at age six. She was a part of multiple school and state community theatre productions and then began teaching combo classes while in high school, and found her true passion! After graduation, she attended Stockton College and later Montclair State University and graduated with a BA in Theatre Studies and a minor in Dance. As she shifted from student to teacher and then to competition choreographer, she saw a need for change within the competition world. Sam has been on stage and backstage and now, as a founder and director, she couldn't be more excited or proud of the positive shift she and her team are in the process of creating!
Event Producer & Sound
Steve has been a part of DECA since it's inception! He has a long history of producing shows for bands all over the state of NJ. It is always helpful to have an electrical contractor on staff! Often times, he can be found at our main tech table and makes appearances behind the mic as one of our emcees!
Tech Advisor & Design
Rick has been advising for DECA since day one! He actually built the original logo! Rick designs our light and special effects and is always working on new upgrades to bring to the DECA stage!
Tech, Tabulation & Backstage
Tina and Vanessa wear many hats at DECA and have been a huge part of making DECA what it is today! They both spend time at our main tech board, visit the judges down at tabulation and keep the show running smoothly backstage! Tina and Vanessa have dance in their blood; from growing up in the competition circuit to teaching for competitive studios and now, dance moms themselves! They are both insanely passionate and pour their heart and soul into DECAdance Competition!
THE #DECADIFFERENCE
DECAdance has been an INCREDIBLE event we attend every single year! Cannot recommend enough!
Jenna R.
Samantha and her team at DECADance have been phenomenal, and we look forward to their competitions every year!
Sophie S.
Get In Touch
If you are ready to reserve a competition date or have any questions, let us know!
About
DECAdance strives for excellence in the world of dance competitions. We’re committed to providing the most professional experience for the wide range of competitors in a safe and fair environment; ensuring that each DECA event provides high levels of education and the opportunity for growth in every dancer. We are building the dancers of tomorrow!
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