Our Team

Soraya HanzuS – founder & Artistic DirectoR

Soraya is a seasoned Irish dance professional - having performed in Cleveland, Chicago and New York City. She also has experience in other dance forms such as pointe, jazz and lyrical. Soraya started teaching early on in her career and served as performance instructor for the Conway School of Irish Dance. After moving to New York, she joined a professional performance company in Manhattan and also led the Irish dance program at the Performing Arts Center of Southern Westchester.

Soraya previously served as Senior Director at DiGennaro Communications and Public Relations Manager at digital agency 360i. She earned her BBA from Loyola University Chicago and MBA from Fordham University Graduate School of Business. Soraya is certified in Principles of Dance Medicine by New York University Langone Medical Center. She was recognized by Kiwanis for her company’s contributions and recently contributed and was also selected as one of The Irish Echo’s 2020 40 Under 40 and 2021 Arts & Culture honorees.

Michael Putman - Advanced Instructor

Michael Putman started dancing in 1995 for The Dennehy School of Irish Dance in Chicago, taught by Kathy Dennehy and founded by her parents, Dennis and Marge Dennehy. Michael was the 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance and is also an eight time Mid-American Champion, three-time North American Champion and the 2010 All Ireland Champion. Michael has performed with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Ottawa Symphony Orchestra as well as with Irish music legends such as The Chieftains and Cherish the Ladies. Michael also danced with Downtown Disney’s Raglan Road before moving to New York City where he now lives and works as a professional makeup artist.

Diana MInnix - Intermediate Instructor

Diana started dancing at 11 years old, at the Northern Virginia school Aiobhneas En Rince. She trained and competed until going to college in 2015. Diana made her return to Irish dance after finding The New York Studio of Irish Step Dance in 2021, a few months after moving to NYC. Outside of dance, Diana works as a software engineer, and loves having Irish Dance as a creative (and fun!) outlet.

Ilana Kornfeld

Ilana is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and has been dancing for about 10 years. In 2020, just before the pandemic, she discovered The New York Studio of Irish Step Dance and was instantly drawn to its friendly and uplifting community. In addition to Irish dance, Ilana also trains in ballet, and enjoys running races and playing the cello. Ilana currently works as a public interest lawyer in the Bronx.

Tabitha Ashura - Beginner Instructor

Tabitha teaches our advanced beginner classes and hopes you’ll join us for some exercise and the joy dance brings!
Tabitha began dancing with Celtic Steps in Colorado at the age of 12, and then later danced with the performance troupe Celtic Rhythm in Moers, Germany. Like many of our dancers, Tabitha took a nearly ten year break before returning to Irish dance in 2019. Outside of dance, Tabitha works on strategic initiatives for a large localization firm, loves learning to cook new dishes, and is on the DE&I committee for CBYXAA.

Erin FLynN - Alternate Instructor

Erin has been dancing for 21 years and has toured professionally throughout the east coast and on cruises. She has been teaching for 10 years and currently teaches at McManus Irish Dance in Queens where she has traveled internationally with her students for Worlds. Outside of dance, Erin has her BA from Fordham University and currently works in marketing. She’s so excited to join the team at The New York Studio of Irish Step Dance!