our founders

Our founders Josie, Kathy, and Lisa met over a decade ago when their daughters starting dancing together. Years of attending dance competitions have caused them to experience competitive dance at every level. After seeing what works and what is lacking in the competitive dance world, they decided to bring to Pure what they loved best and change what they thought needed a fresh approach. Pure promises to create an event that will provide an unforgettable, unique, fun, yet challenging experience while maintaining the highest level of integrity. Pure seeks to put our dancers and their families first, while providing an incomparable level of service. Their daughters brought them together by chance, which inspired them to create a competition for dance in its purist form.

josie mangan

founder & executive director

Josie’s love of dance started at an early age, like so many dancers, taking lessons at a local dance school. While Josie wound up earning a Bachelors degree in Business, worked in Europe and Asia for various shoe designers – her love of dance never waned. A wife and mother of two, her passion for dance was reignited over a decade ago when her daughter took up serious dance study and competitive dancing. Josie has sought to share her love of dance and her passion by forming Pure Dance Competition.

lisa taddeo

founder & managing director

Lisa Taddeo moved to Rumson, NJ from Brooklyn, NY 16 years ago. She began dancing at the age of seven. Her passion grew into a major in dance in Middle School and continued through High School. She attended Long Island University on a scholarship and received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance. Lisa obtained a Master’s of Education at Adelphi University. She performed in modern dance companies as well as back up dancer for recording artists. Currently, she is teaching in the Rumson School District. She is a wife and mother of three. Her two daughters share the same love of dance. Lisa is extremely excited to start this new venture in life, while creating one of the most prestigious, classiest and fairest competition in the industry.

kathy dell’anno

founder & managing director

Dance has been a passion for Kathy since she was a young girl. She studied dance while excelling academically and majoring in business. Kathy and her husband are dedicated parents. They have four children and her philosophy is simple. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, always put forth one hundred percent in everything you do and kindness counts. Kathy was overjoyed upon realizing her two daughters showed a fondness for dance. They both began dancing at the age of three. They study many different dance styles and are devoted competitive dancers. Inspired by dance and its many benefits, Kathy is especially proud to have founded a charity organization. Taught by trained volunteers, YourChancetoDance.org provides free dance lessons to potential young dancers who have always dreamed of dancing but have not because of the expense. Presently Kathy and is forging forward an outstanding new dance competition. Pure Dance Competition will offer the highest level of professionalism, challenging and educational experience to the next generation of dancers.