For Lisa Matta-Paze, dance has always been more than a profession. It is a lifelong passion, an extraordinary career, and a treasured family legacy that continues to inspire generations.
An accomplished dancer, choreographer, educator, and director, Lisa has dedicated her life to the performing arts, earning recognition for her contributions to professional entertainment, dance education, and her community.
Lisa’s remarkable career includes her time with the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, where she performed for three seasons, from 1978 through 1980, and served as a line captain. Her exceptional talent and leadership led her to become the team’s choreographer and coach in 1981 and 1982. During this time, she choreographed numerous NFL pregame and halftime performances, produced and directed the first New England Patriots Traveling Dance Team, and created and hosted the first cheerleading clinic at Sullivan Stadium.
In recognition of her pioneering contributions to professional cheerleading and her lasting impact on the industry, Lisa was inducted into the Professional Football Cheerleaders Hall of Fame, an extraordinary honor recognizing her achievements, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field.
Lisa’s accomplishments extend well beyond the NFL. In 1979, she earned the title of Miss Boston and competed in the Miss America Scholarship Program, receiving the Miss Massachusetts State Talent Award. Her experience in the pageant world led to years of involvement as a choreographer, director, judge, and mentor. She also toured throughout New England with the USO, sharing her talents through performance.
A graduate of Emerson College, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance, Theatre Arts, and Communication, Lisa also pursued training at the Boston Conservatory and Boston Ballet. Her background in special education further reflects her lifelong commitment to understanding, encouraging, and supporting students of all abilities.
Throughout her career, Lisa has received numerous awards for outstanding choreography, performance, and excellence in dance education. Her creativity, artistic vision, and dedication have helped establish Matta Dance Academy as a respected institution within the South Shore dance community.
Yet among her many professional accomplishments, one of Lisa’s greatest sources of pride is continuing the extraordinary legacy of Matta Dance Academy, founded by her mother, Shirley Matta.
As a second-generation leader of the academy, Lisa has devoted decades to preserving the traditions, values, and high standards upon which the school was founded. While her professional achievements speak to her exceptional talent, it is her genuine love for her students that has become one of the defining qualities of her teaching career.
Known for her nurturing spirit, endless encouragement, and ability to make every dancer feel valued, Lisa has been far more than a teacher to generations of students. To many, she has become a second mother, someone who celebrates their accomplishments, guides them through challenges, builds their confidence, and believes in their potential long before they recognize it themselves. Her influence extends well beyond the studio, creating relationships and memories that last a lifetime.
Today, Lisa has the special privilege of working alongside her daughter, Ashley, who proudly represents the third generation of the Matta family at the academy. Together, they continue to honor the traditions and values established by Lisa’s mother, Shirley Matta, while bringing their own creativity, passion, and vision to the future of Matta Dance Academy. What began as Shirley’s dream has become a cherished family legacy spanning three generations, built upon a shared love of dance and a commitment to inspiring young performers.
Beyond the studio, Lisa has devoted more than 50 years to charitable and community organizations, generously volunteering her time in support of veterans, children, individuals with special needs, and senior citizens. She has also served in leadership roles within the New England Professional Cheerleaders Alumni Association, helping preserve and celebrate the history of professional cheerleading.
Despite a lifetime of remarkable accomplishments, Lisa’s greatest legacy is not measured by awards, titles, or recognition, but by the countless lives she has touched and the generations of dancers she has inspired.
Her passion, kindness, and unwavering dedication remain at the heart of Matta Dance Academy, where the values instilled by her mother continue to thrive through the generations that follow.
With more than 50 years of experience in dance, Jeanne Comstock has built an impressive career as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and mentor. Her extensive training in a variety of dance styles, combined with decades of experience working with young dancers, has made her a highly respected figure in the local dance community.
Throughout her career, Jeanne has had the opportunity to work with some remarkable names in the entertainment industry. She has performed professionally with legendary entertainer Wayne Newton and worked with acclaimed Broadway and television choreographer Peter Gennaro. She has also served as a judge and choreographer for the Miss America Program and has coached and choreographed numerous award-winning competitive dancers.
As the Head Choreographer of the Matta Dance Academy Competition Team, Jeanne has played an instrumental role in the development and success of the academy’s competitive dancers. Among her many accomplishments is choreographing African Footprint, the award-winning routine that earned Matta Dance Academy a National Championship title in 2024. Her continued success includes The Ritz, which earned Highest Scoring Routine Ages 13 & Over, First Place Teen Production, and Second Place in the Entertainment Challenge in 2026, along with other award-winning routines such as Bringing It Back. Her creativity, attention to detail, and exceptional understanding of music and movement are evident in her choreography. Jeanne has a special ability to recognize each dancer’s strengths while challenging them to reach new levels of technique, artistry, and performance.
Jeanne has always believed that becoming a well-rounded dancer involves much more than mastering steps. She places great importance on musicality, technique, self-expression, and the ability to connect with an audience. Through her teaching, she encourages students to develop not only their dance skills but also the confidence and discipline that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Jeanne’s connection to Matta Dance Academy is especially meaningful, with a history that spans all three generations of the Matta family. She began as a student of the academy’s founder, Shirley Matta, and later choreographed a solo for Shirley’s daughter, Lisa Matta-Paze, for the Miss America pageant. Years later, Jeanne went on to teach Shirley’s granddaughter, Ashley, who now serves as co-director of the studio. Today, Jeanne and Ashley work alongside one another, continuing a relationship that has come full circle. Few people share such a long and personal history with Matta, and Jeanne has played an important role in carrying on the traditions and standards established by Shirley so many years ago.
Having been part of Matta Dance Academy for so many years, Jeanne has helped shape generations of dancers and contributed greatly to the studio’s growth and success. Her knowledge, dedication, and passion for teaching have made a lasting impact on countless students. Beyond her accomplishments as a teacher and choreographer, it is her longstanding connection to the Matta family and the generations of dancers she has inspired that make her such a special part of the academy. We are incredibly fortunate to have her continuing to share her experience, talent, and love of dance with our students.
For Ashley Paze-Trenteseaux, dance has always been more than a passion—it is a lifelong commitment and a family legacy she is proud to carry forward. A third-generation director, award-winning choreographer, and dedicated dance educator with more than a decade of teaching experience, Ashley has been an integral part of Matta Dance Academy’s faculty since 2013.
Having grown up immersed in the world of dance, Ashley began her training at a young age at Matta Dance Academy, where she studied various styles of dance and was a dedicated member of the academy’s competitive dance team. Her years of training and competition helped shape her passion for performance, choreography, and teaching, laying the foundation for her career as a dance educator.
A graduate of Curry College, Ashley earned her degree in Psychology with a minor in Education. During her college years, she was also a member of the collegiate cheerleading team, competing at the prestigious NCA Collegiate National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, where her team earned a Top 10 national placement.
Beyond the dance studio, Ashley spent five years working in a behavioral classroom at Plouffe Middle School within Brockton Public Schools. This experience strengthened her understanding of child development, behavioral support, and the importance of adapting educational approaches to meet the individual needs of students. Ashley has also dedicated numerous hours to volunteering with nonprofit organizations, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
An accomplished and award-winning choreographer, Ashley has received numerous accolades at regional dance competitions, including First Overall placements, Top Choreography Awards, Judges’ Choice Awards, and special recognition for creativity and performance. During the 2026 competition season, Ashley co-choreographed Power Move alongside fellow faculty member Jaelyn, earning First Place, a Top Choreography Award, and recognition as the Highest Scoring Production for dancers ages 12 and under. Ashley takes great pride in creating choreography that challenges her dancers, showcases their individual strengths, and inspires them to grow as confident, expressive performers.
Ashley also works closely with longtime faculty member and Head Competition Team Choreographer Jeanne Comstock in the development and preparation of Matta’s high school competition dancers. Through this collaboration, Ashley continues to learn from Jeanne’s extensive experience while playing an important role in supporting the dancers’ growth, refining their performances, and preparing them for the competition stage. Her dedication extends beyond choreography, as she takes great pride in ensuring that every dancer feels prepared, confident, and supported throughout their competitive journey.
Ashley believes that dance education extends far beyond learning steps and perfecting technique. Drawing upon her background in psychology, education, and behavioral support, she understands the importance of recognizing each student’s individual strengths, building confidence, and creating a positive, encouraging environment. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes not only strong technique and performance quality, but also discipline, teamwork, perseverance, individuality, and self-belief.
Today, Ashley proudly works alongside her mother, Lisa Matta-Paze, continuing the legacy established by her grandmother, Shirley Matta. As part of the third generation of family leadership, she is dedicated to preserving the values and traditions that have defined Matta Dance Academy for decades while bringing fresh creativity, energy, and vision to its future.
For Ashley, one of the greatest rewards of teaching is watching her students grow—not only as dancers, but as individuals. Whether helping a young dancer discover their confidence or guiding an experienced performer toward new achievements, she is passionate about making a lasting impact on every student who walks through the studio doors. Through her dedication to dance education and her family’s remarkable legacy, Ashley hopes to inspire future generations of dancers to believe in themselves, embrace their individuality, and reach their fullest potential.
With more than two decades of experience as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to Matta Dance Academy. A valued member of the Matta faculty for nearly 10 years, Greg works primarily with middle and high school dancers, helping them develop their technique, performance quality, confidence, and artistry.
Throughout his career, Greg has earned regional and national recognition for his innovative choreography, with students receiving numerous awards and titles throughout New England. His success at Matta includes choreographing the award-winning competition routine After Hours, which earned First Place at a regional dance competition. In addition to his teaching at Matta, he is the owner and artistic director of Studio G Dance Company, the founder of Live to Dance Convention, a guest instructor throughout New England, and a national dance competition adjudicator.
Greg is a graduate of Bridgewater State University, with a background in Health Studies and Business Management, and serves on the Board of Directors for Dance Masters of New England, Chapter 5. Dedicated to continued professional development, he regularly trains with industry professionals in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and beyond.
Known for his energetic teaching style, creativity, and commitment to his students, Greg encourages dancers to challenge themselves, strengthen their technique, and grow as confident, well-rounded performers. His experience and enthusiasm have made him a valued part of the Matta Dance Academy teaching family.
A proud Matta Dance Academy alumna, Lacy brings a wonderful combination of dance experience, athleticism, education, and enthusiasm to the studio. Having grown up as part of the Matta family, she is excited to share her passion for dance with a new generation of students.
Lacy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Gender and Women’s Studies from Stonehill College, followed by a Master of Education in School Counseling from Boston College. Her educational background has given her a strong foundation in working with children, understanding their individual needs, and helping them develop confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
In addition to her dance training, Lacy has an impressive athletic background, having competed in both Division I and Division II collegiate field hockey. She has also performed professionally as a Maine Celtics Dancer and has experience teaching gymnastics, bringing versatility, coordination, and a strong understanding of movement to her classes.
Known for her fun-loving personality, energetic teaching style, and natural ability to connect with students, Lacy creates an environment where dancers feel comfortable, encouraged, and excited to learn. Her approachable nature and enthusiasm make her a favorite among students, while her passion for jazz dance shines through in her teaching.
For Lacy, returning to Matta as an instructor is especially meaningful. She takes pride in giving back to the studio that helped shape her love for dance, creating the same positive experiences and lasting memories for today’s students.
For Maya, Matta Dance Academy has always held a special place in her heart. A proud alumna of the studio, she developed her love for dance at Matta and now has the opportunity to share that passion with the next generation of dancers.
Maya earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Higher Education from Boston College. Her educational background reflects her interest in personal development, mentorship, and helping others reach their fullest potential.
In addition to her dance experience, Maya was a professional cheerleader for the Massachusetts Pirates indoor football team, where she further developed her performance skills, teamwork, and love for entertaining audiences. With jazz as her favorite style of dance, she brings a passion for musicality, performance, and creative expression to the studio.
Maya is known for her warm personality, kindhearted nature, and genuine care for her students. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where dancers feel valued, encouraged, and comfortable being themselves. Her positive energy and thoughtful approach to teaching help students build confidence while developing their skills and love for dance.
Having once been a student herself, Maya understands the special connections and memories that are created at Matta Dance Academy. She is proud to return as an instructor, continuing the traditions that made the studio such an important part of her own dance journey.
Jaelyn is currently attending Bridgewater State University, where she is pursuing degrees in Elementary Education and Dance Education. While at Bridgewater State, she was a member of the competitive dance team, Kinetic Edge, and served as the team’s Public Relations Officer during her third year.
Jaelyn has been part of the Matta Dance Academy family for most of her life. She trained at Matta for 15 years before graduating in 2022 and was a member of the Matta Dance Team, competing in several award-winning routines, including Rhythm Nation and Survivor.
Her experience in teaching began at just 10 years old, when she started assisting Miss Ashley’s dance classes. In 2021, she officially joined the Matta Dance Academy faculty. Since then, she has continued to grow as an instructor, helping teach and choreograph numerous routines, including Power Move, an award-winning competitive hip-hop production.
What makes Jaelyn so special is the way she connects with her students. Her calm, patient, and encouraging personality allows dancers to feel comfortable, supported, and confident in the classroom. She has a natural ability to work with children of all ages, and the relationships she has built with her students are a reflection of how much she genuinely cares about them. Jaelyn is also someone our faculty can always depend on, consistently showing up with a willingness to help wherever she is needed.
Watching Jaelyn grow from a young student into the wonderful teacher and role model she is today has been incredibly rewarding. She is a perfect example of what makes Matta Dance Academy so special: students who grow up within our studio, develop a lifelong love of dance, and return to share that passion with the next generation. Jaelyn has become such an important part of our Matta family, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her. We are proud of everything she has accomplished and look forward to watching her continue to grow as an educator.
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