Astra Studio Alumni
Astra Studio is proud of the dancers who have grown through our studio community and continued their journey beyond the studio. Many Astra dancers spend years training, performing, and forming lasting friendships before moving on to new opportunities in college and beyond.
While many Astra alumni go on to perform with college dance teams, university dance programs, theater productions, and creative arts communities, others carry the confidence, discipline, and friendships they built at Astra into new paths and careers.
No matter where their journey leads, Astra alumni are never far away.
Astra Studio is located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut and serves dancers from communities across the Connecticut Shoreline.
Emma Elgart
Emma danced at Astra for nine years and served as Vice President of the Astra Studio Chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
Since graduating, Emma has continued her dance training and has begun sharing her experience with younger dancers.
She taught Pom classes during Astra's 2026 Summer Intensives and will return to the studio as a substitute instructor during the 2026–2027 season.
Favorite styles of dance:
Contemporary & Jazz
Advice from Emma
“Remember to live in the moment and enjoy every opportunity you get to dance, especially with your friends.”
Emelia Wacker
Emelia danced at Astra for five and a half years and served as President of the Astra Studio Chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. During her years at Astra, she performed in community events, competitions, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
After graduating, Emelia began attending the University of Vermont, where she is studying Biochemistry. During the summers, she works with the Old Saybrook Ambulance Association.
Favorite styles of dance:
Contemporary & Jazz
Advice from Emelia:
“Do as many extra things as you can because you will get better and make memories!”
Class of 2025
Shelby Pauloski
Shelby danced at Astra for nine years and served as President of the Astra Studio Chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. During her time at Astra, she was a Company dancer and performed both dance and vocal solos. She was also nominated for a Halo Award for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the Old Saybrook High School musical Chicago.
After graduating, Shelby began attending Fordham University, where she is majoring in Business Management with a minor in Theatre.
Some of Shelby’s favorite dance memories include performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, having a little, Zelda, and spending time with teammates.
Favorite styles of dance:
Tap & Musical Theatre
Advice from Shelby:
“Always reach for your full potential and work as hard as you can.”
Zoë Brunza
Zoë danced at Astra for five years and was a Company dancer. During her time at Astra, she performed a senior solo and was featured in a pointe variation in the Teen Ballet Swan Lake.
After graduating, Zoë began attending George Washington University, where she is majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law Track with minors in Chinese and Spanish.
Some of Zoë’s favorite dance memories are running around competition venues and spending time laughing and talking with her teammates.
Favorite styles of dance:
Lyrical & Ballet
Advice from Zoë:
“Have fun and enjoy your time with the girls on your team.”
Class of 2026
STAY CONNECTED
Once an Astra dancer, always part of the Astra community.
If you are an Astra alum and would like to share what you are doing now, whether you are dancing, teaching, performing, or pursuing another passion, we would love to hear from you.