Academy Dance

Academy Dance Program

Ages: 3 years-100 years

Dance is a personal and emotional art form. It allows a physically creative way to express our thoughts and feelings as it touches our hearts and inner beliefs. Dance rejoices in the threads of our societies and diversified cultures, and it can present a different perspective of life. A language all its own, dance has historical roots and meanings, and is represented by every culture in the world.

Our dance program at Cygnus brings the highest standards in teaching,  performances and exposure. Dance at Cygnus provides the students with professional qualified teachers, solid technique, individual attention, and a chance to explore, develop, and evolve into a professional artist.

DANCE PROGRAM    September 2024 - June 2025                                                                                   

Classes will be pro-rated if registring mid-quarter. Tuition is payable In Full. Schedule is subject to change based on enrollment.   

Please use the link below for the Sept 24-June 2025 schedule

2024-2025 Dance Schedule

2024-2025 Children's Dance

Visual Arts

Drawing (pencils, pen), painting (watercolor, acrylic, oils), mixed media, 2D /3D Art

Ages 5 years-100 years

Our Visual Arts Department offers classes in many different forms of art such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, papermaking and mosaics. Our Visual Arts faculty is dedicated to the development of artistic talent by teaching art techniques in a logical order for both the serious and recreational artist.

Cygnus offers classes for children and adults, beginner through advanced levels.

Students are encouraged to participate from September to June to advance their talents and are encouraged to take part in our Student Art Shows. Cygnus also sponsors a very popular, competitive Juried Art Show, attracting some of the finest artists in South Jersey and surrounding areas. Please call (609) 272-1199 for information on how to submit a piece for consideration.

Private Hourly Art lessons are available for students who need additional prep time for portfolio development or who would like individual attention outside a classroom atmosphere. Lessons are paid in full on a monthly basis.  All students must register at the front desk before instruction starts. Teachers are only paid if the student is paid in full.

Music / Vocal

Private percussion, piano, voice, guitar, horns, winds, and strings instruction

Ages 5 years-100 years

Art for the Young at Heart

Free for residents 65+ in Atlantic County

Art for the Young at Heart is "Made possible by funds from the Atlantic County Office of Cultural Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts."   

All Classes are offered Free to Seniors 65+ throughout Atlantic County.                                                                 Classes Begin February 5- November  30, 2024

2024 Art for the Young at Heart 

Special Needs Dance

Partnership with the Arc of Atlantic County

Special Needs Dance /Movement program is in partnership with the Arc of Atlantic County.  Funding for this program in made possible from funds from the Atlanic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. 

Movement and Special Need classes are designed to improve flexibility, balance, muscular strength, coordination, muscle control, and posture as well as augment the ability to relax and concentrate. Balance, muscle strength in the lower legs and thighs, and flexibility are associated with the prevention of falls.  Dance is a form of exercise and exercise is recognized as a means of reducing stress, dance activities contribute to the reduction of physical and emotional tension in the body. Classes are developed by the instructor in collaboration with young and older participants who have limited movement capability. Chairs, mats, cushions, towels will serve as additional aids.

Stage and Film

Stage and Film Classes

Acting classes come to life as students learn the importance of character development, improvisation, scene study, monologues, film and script interpretation. Exposure to both contemporary and classic works enhances our students understanding of the dramatic and thrill of musical theater. In addition students from all ages learn the importance of how to audition and prepare for final productions.

FALL 2023 CLASSES    Fall 2023 Acting for Camera and Theatre classes

Theatre & The Actor

Ages: Middle School - High School Dates: Wednesdays September 27- November 29, 2023       Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

During this session we will navigate an Actors mind through movement, short plays, and workshopping different acting techniques. The actor will be focusing on the development of dramatic and comedic monologues. Actors will be introduced to acting techniques that involve Method Acting, Meisner, and so on. They will explore vocal and physical choices to develop an authentic performance. Actors have the chance to engage their core using movement. Being able to tell a story through body as well as voice and face. Movement can be an opportunity for actors to explore thought, feeling, and action. The capabilities that an actor holds to analyze elements on stage to bring the character alive!

Acting for the Camera

Ages: Middle School - High School   Dates: Wednesdays September 27- November 29, 2023     Time: 5:45-6:45pm

Over the duration of this session we will approach the fundamentals of screen acting technique. This includes partner scene work, screenwriting, and audition practice while utilizing acting on camera. Learning the film process and terminology. Engaging with physicality and voice for screen. The actor will gain knowledge to apply scripts on to the screen. We will focus on screen acting improv using commercial exercises and complex dramatic and comedic scenes. The actor has a chance to study the craft of successful screen acting and confidence in front of the camera.

Paris Monet / Paris is an NYU Tisch Drama graduate. She advocates to dismantle patriarchal structures, women’s rights, and child mental health awareness! She’s a screen and stage actress, voiceover actor, dance choreographer, blogger, and by the time she’s old and gray she wants to have a nonprofit company for all aspiring dancers and actors! She believes that you can do it all, no matter what box you're checked in. She wants to make an impact on the world and become an official humanitarian in the near future. Paris believes that the world is overdue for change. She lives by this quote “influence the room, don’t adapt”!

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S.T.A.R Dance Division

Students Taught the Arts as Recreation!

The S.T.A.R (Students Taught the Arts as Recreation) Dance Division is great for any dancer that wants to learn a dance routine without the year long commitment of a technical dance program. This program offers affordable pricing, with level up quality instruction and a variety of classes to meet the needs of all residents throughout Atlantic County.  The S.T.A.R Dance Division also includies the Mommy and Me and Rising S.T.A.R.S focused on the the little ones who enjoy mving!   The program is open to anyone interested in dancing and looking to have Recreational Fun!  

*Program fee includes a Recital costume subsided by Cygnus. Costumes will be ordered for students performing in the Recital. Costumes will not be given to the student if the student drops the class. 

*All fees are Paid in FULL and are Non-Refundable.  Fees are not pro-rated for late enrollment. 

*All classes not filled by the end of enrollment period are subject to change and/or combined or cancelled.

S.T.A.R DANCE DIVISION 2024 Winter-Spring. $185 / 20 Weeks. Registration Open to Everyone. No Refunds.  

Start Date: July 9, 2024 Please use the link below for the schedule

2024 Summer / Fall S.T.A.R. Dance program

2024-2025 Academy Dance program

2024-2025 Children's Dance

 Register online at www.cygnusarts.org  Email:  info@cygnusarts.org  with questions. 

A.I.M.( Art in Motion) Program

Outreach /Partnerships

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Art in Motion, The  A.I.M. Program

Is an exciting Outreach Program sponsored by Cygnus Creative Arts Centre. This educational outreach program is designed to promote the arts throughout the community for our community’s youth by holding weekly classes after school.  The principle of this program is to educate young students in the arts- free of charge, for under-served members of the community. The focus of the Art in Motion (A.I.M) dance program is to expand the understanding of dance as a moving art form and afford students who don’t have the opportunity, to participate in the art of dance. 

Please click on the links below for detailed information for the 2023-2024 after school program. Copy and paste the URL into youR browers for access to Google Doc Registration form OR hit the hyperlink for Google Doc regiatration form. 

 2024 AIM Flyer English    /      2024 AIM Flyer Spanish   /  AIM Information Letter   

AIM Registration Form   /  2024 AIM Registration form Spanish

https://forms.gle/pwGhwhXa8CHh2PVe6     Google Doc Registration form

This program is "Made possible by funds from the Atlantic County Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey Council on the Arts." 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional funding by the Schultz Hill Foundation-Dina Award, Walmart and Wawa.              

Cygnus Strings

Cygnus Strings

Ms. Kate Wyatt is excited to introduce a New performing arts program for students who have a passion for studying and performing Strings! This 1st session will be focused on learning a variety of holiday songs to be performed throughout the area during the holiday season. For this session, Ms. Wyatt is inviting students who  study the Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass to Join!  Future sessions and additional instruments will be added throughtout the year, providing music students an opportuniy to perform continually.   

New Session will begin April 2024.  Spring 2024 String Ensemble Below is is an overview of previous requirements.  

This session requirements are:   

Previous students 8yrs and up with playing experience will be placed according to ability.   

New students 10yrs-up with playing experience need to schedule a placement evaluation on September 21 beginning at 5pm. 

All Classes will be on Thursdays beginning September 28, 2023 Time: 6pm-8:30pm   Tuition cost is $225 per student.    

Ensemble size is limited to 15.  Early sign ups are encouraged. Performance dates and time throughout the holiday season will be given at 1st class.   Please contact Cygnus at 609.272.1199 / email: info@cygnusarts.org to schedule an evaluation and/or questions.

2024 Summer Sessions

Dance, Art, Yoga, Tai ChiWeekly Sessions

2024 Summer Class Flyer 

Summer 2024 Class Description

Spring 2024 Yoga

Spring 2024 Tai Chi Fan-Sword

2024 Spring String Ensemble

Please select the link above to view up coming Summer Sessions!  More to come in the next few months! Please check back for up dates and new offerings.

Children's Dance Program

Children's Dance

Dance is innate in all children and it is evident because they love to move! From balancing on their toes to raising their arms, and moving to all kinds of music! Dance utilizes the entire body and all of its muscle groups as it improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture. Physical fitness is just one of many benefits of dance that can enhance your child’s life in so many ways.  Committing to a dance class involves showing up on time, every time, fully prepared, with hair fixed and in proper clothing, and instills great habits and accountability. 

Dance helps children develop emotionally, socially and cognitively, and the dedication, discipline and focus children learn  in each class and practice and perserverence are important life skills that will transfer over to school, work and other aspects of their lives.

Why not introduce you child to the world of Dance?  The benefits are rewarding! 

2024-2025 Children's Dance

2024 Summer/Fall S.T.A.R Dance program

Pamela Tyson

Vice President

Pamela Tyson joined the Board of Cygnus in 1996 and held the office of Vice President for many years. Pam is a graphic artist who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Kent State University, Graphic Arts Department. She has created logos, ad campaigns, and various printed materials. Clients include Atlantic City Casinos, pharmaceutical companies, golf courses, financial institutions, medical facilities and various non-profit organizations.

As a volunteer, Pam has been involved with the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Juvenile Diabetes, Home School Association, Police Athletic League and the EHT High School Lady Eagles Soccer Booster Club. She is presently Vice President for the Greate Egg Harbour Township Historic Society & Museum and helps with events for the Community Food Bank of South Jersey.

Presently Pam is the Director of Community Outreach for the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers®. She and her husband Tony have lived in the same house in Egg Harbor Township since 1977. They are the proud parents of adult twins, Jennifer and Andrew and proud grandparents of 2 boys and 1 girl.

Cynthia M. Domino

Artistic Director

Originally from Pennsylvania, Cynthia began her training with the Bucks County Ballet in Doylestown, PA. She holds a BFA from Adelphi University in Dance Performance, an M.Ed. in Dance Education from Temple University and Supervisor Certification from Rowan University.

Her 13 year professional performing background is diverse. She has performed with the Bermuda Civic Ballet, Dance Company Elite, the West Virginia Dance Theatre Company, with repertory ranging from original modern dance works, to the classics of Paquita, Swan Lake Act II, Coppelia, Les Sylphides, Hansel and Gretel, Giselle, Le Grande Pas de Quatre and many, many Nutcrackers. Her commercial background includes musicals, television, commercials, movies and revue shows in Bermuda, Canada, California, Las Vegas, Reno and Atlantic City.

Cynthia is the Artistic Director and one of the original founders of Cygnus Creative Arts Centre, a non-profit Art Centre located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Cygnus is dedicated to offering classes for all ages and levels in the Visual and Performing Arts. The Art Centre began with 80 students and expanded into a new 11,000 square foot facility in June 2008. The Centre services over 500 students county wide in the visual and performing arts.  Cynthia receives yearly funding from the New Jersey State Council of the Arts, through the Atlantic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs to bring in guest artists from the Pennsylvania Ballet, Buffalo Inner City Ballet, and various College programs that afford professional programming for the Art Centre.

With these grants and additional local corporate funding, she creates original full-length ballets for the Cygnus Contemporary Dance Company from the fairy tales Santa and His Elves, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, The Firebird, The Ice Maiden and re-staged The Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and Cinderella. Cynthia was commissioned and worked with Maestro Anton Copplia to create an original balletic version of Gounod’s Opera Faust for the Metropolitan Repertory Ballet, NYC. She has created full length original World Premiers; The Elves and the Shoemaker and The Pied Piper for Maestro William Scheibel and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. Locally, Cynthia choreographed Follies for the Margate Little Theatre and The Fantastics for Fool Moon Productions.

Cynthia is an advocate for the arts in education has been involved in the New Jersey statewide standards reform efforts since 1997.  She was a member of the team that helped review and revise the 2004 & 2009 Visual and Performing Arts Standards; was a contributing author to the ’98 Arts Frameworks document; participated in the Standards Clarification Project; the Longview Foundation Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning Project; the Exemplary Standards Unit Development project; the Model Curriculum Assessment Team; adjudicated many Career and Technical Education: Exit Exams; and participated in the Career and Technical Education Performing Arts Skills Proficiency Task Force that is responsible for creating, adjusting and providing dance exit exams for high school students; the Gap Analysis/Crosswalk Project Content Standards and the revision of the Core Curriculum Content Standards to the Student Learning Standards aligned to the National Standards for Arts Education. These projects were all facilitated by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Formerly, Cynthia taught as adjunct professor of dance at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and Atlantic Cape Community College, and retired as the Dance Educator at Atlantic City High School where she taught for seventeen years. She presently serves on the Atlantic County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. Currently, is a consultant to the New Jersey Department of Education and serves as a program supervisor for eligible Dance Education Master in Education candiates through Rutger's University. 

Janice Cambron

Secretary

Janice Cambron joined Cygnus Board in 2001 and has served as the organization’s secretary throughout some of her commitment. After 37 years of service, Janice retired in 2019 as executive director of Seashore Gardens Living Center, a facility in Galloway providing health care and housing for the elderly. Janice holds a Master’s in Business from Rutgers University and undergraduate degree in public health from Stockton University. Janice is a strong supporter of the arts and the benefits it brings to EHT. She also is treasurer of the Greater Egg Harbour Township Historical Society, and member of Stockton Alumni and Leading Age New Jersey. Janice has lived in Egg Harbor Township since the 1950’s. She and her husband Frank have a grown daughter, Valeska, who is an alumnus of Cygnus.

Dr. Mark C. Kadetsky

Board Member

As a teacher, he has conducted bands and orchestras in the Egg Harbor Township New Jersey Schools for over twenty years. Under his direction, the EHTHS Marching Band won group IV State Championships in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Television appearances included the Marching Band in a commercial for Volkswagen and an EHTHS Symphony Orchestra performance on Good Day Philadelphia! From 2010-2016, the Fernwood Middle School Wind Ensemble received “Gold” ratings at numerous festivals while also serving as the lab-band for conducting students at Rowan University. Since 2003, he has been the Music Director of the Atlantic Pops, South Jersey’s largest, community symphonic band. In 2017 he commissioned and premiered, with the Pops, the first ever wind transcription of the Symphony #1, by Dimitri Shostakovich.

Recent conducting engagements include, The Olympic Conference Honors Band, All County Honors Orchestra in St. Mary’s, MD, The Calvert County MD, Honors Orchestra, All South Jersey Chamber Strings, Rowan University Wind Ensemble, All South Jersey High School Symphonic Band and a 2018 performance at Carnegie hall with the Atlantic Pops. Dr. Kadetsky currently serves as the District Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts for Egg Harbor Township, overseeing the artistic activities of faculty and students in ten schools serving over 7,500 students in grades K-12.He holds a BA in Music-Strings Bass, from the College of New Jersey, an M.Ed in Administration from Rider University and a Doctorate in Music Education from Shenandoah University. Notable teacher include: String Bass studies with john Hood of the Philadelphia Orchestra and conducting with Lt. Commander John Pastin (ret) Commander of the US Navy Band.

Mark keeps bust as a clinician, bassist and conductor throughout the country and resides in Egg Harbor Township, NJ with his son Colin Rain.who joined the Cygnus Board in 2000, is the director of the award winning Egg Harbor Township High School Silver Eagle Band and Symphony Orchestra as well as the music director for the Atlantic Pops Community Band. He keeps a busy schedule as a performer, speaker and clinician for several schools and colleges.

Mark received his BA in Music Education from The College of NJ in 1993, his MA in Educational Leadership from Rider University in 2003 and his Doctor Fellow at Shenandoah University.  Mark resides in Egg Harbor Township with his son Collin.

Dr. Leanna D. Mullen

Community Liason

Leanna Mullen, Ed.D. joined the Cygnus Board in 2016. In addition to her role as President of Cygnus, she serves as District Data Analysis Specialist at Egg Harbor Township School District. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at Rowan College of South Jersey (Cumberland) and Wilmington University. Before earning her Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) at Wilmington University, she attended Stockton University for her undergraduate and Masters coursework.

From the time she could remember, Leanna was always involved in dance, theater, voice, and instrumental music. She enjoys continuing the Cygnus legacy by supporting young artists. Leanna lives in Egg Harbor Township with her husband, Eddie, and their three dogs.

Leo Schoffer

Board Member Emeritus

Leo Schoffer, with his father Sam, founded Schoffer Enterprises in Egg Harbor Township specializing in light industrial and commercial real estate development and leasing.Leo joined the Cygnus Board in 2002. 
Leo graduated from Rutgers College and then the Hofstra University School of Law. Leo has been involved in a number of community activities including the following: President of the Congregation of Beth Judah, Vice Pres. and Campaign Chairman of the Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, Pres. of the Atlantic City High School Athletic Hall of Fame Association, Member of the Rutgers University Board of Governors. 
Leo grew up in Atlantic County spending many of his childhood years in Egg Harbor Township of which he has fond memories. Presently his lives with his wife Patti J. Schoffer and has three grown children, Melissa, Daniel and Rebecca.

Kenneth Hitchens

President

Kenneth Hitchens joined the Cygus Board in 2017.  Currently he serves as a Contracting Officer for the Federal Aviation Administration.  He serves as the Regional President Of the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, a special emphasis group for the agency.  Kenneth received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History & Minor in Business Administration from Delaware State University in 1988.  Kenneth has been involved in all aspects of music all his life from singing in church choirs, concert choir and marching band during his early years.  He still is pursing his passion for music,presently in the studio working on his debut music release.  Kenneth resides in Egg Harbor Twp with wife Migdalia and daughter Paris.

Gary Press

Board Member

Gary just recently joined the Cygnus Board in 2022. Currently he is the General Manager of Johnson’s Appliance and Bedding in Ocean City and Wildwood. Gary also serves as the President of the Atlantic Pops Community Band, the ensemble in residence at Cygnus Arts. Gary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Kean University, 1978.  Not only is Gary, President of the Atlantic Pops Community Band, he is one the founding members and a performing musician with the group as well.  Gary is also one of the founding members and performing musician with the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble.  Gary can also be found performing with the Cape Shore Jazz Orchestra and various high schools in the area to support their High School Musical productions. Gary has been a resident of Egg Harbor Township since 1986 with his wife Lisa, who is a lifelong resident.  Gary and Lisa have two boys, Jeremy and Robert, both married and one grandson, Jayden.  Robert is an alumnus of the Cygnus Arts program.

Paul Herron

Board Member

Paul has worked in the non-profit sector his entire career and held leadership positions in healthcare, social service, the Arts, and environmental areas. He received an MBA and Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Stockton University where he developed and teaches a non-profit management class. Paul is passionate about nonprofits and respects the hard work and dedication of those who work in the sector.

Tamar LaSure-Owens

Board Member

Tamar LaSure-Owens holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and certificate in African American Studies from Stockton University; in addition to a Master of Science in General Administration from Central Michigan University. In 2015, Tamar became the recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Advocacy. She was recognized for her conscientious work, dedication, extraordinary talent, demonstrated excellence and exceptional contributions to Arts Education to Pleasantville School District and its community. Her motivational and inspiring efforts were highly favored at the Arts Ed Summit in 2015 and in 2017, due to her advocacy for sequential, accessible and equitable arts programs for all New Jersey students. Tamar also co-hosted the Red Carpet of the 2022 Visual and Performing Arts Governor’s Awards and the 2021 virtual Visual and Performing Arts Governor’s Awards. In 2016, with the assistance, support and expertise of Cynthia Domino and Jessyca LaSure, Tamar implemented the Leeds Avenue School Ballet program for elementary students that is now a joint partnership with Cygnus Creative Arts. Additionally, LaSure-Owens was recently appointed in June 2022, as a member to the Board of Directors for Cygnus Creative Arts. Tamar’s Arts advocacy transcends into all elementary classrooms in Pleasantville Public Schools, through AMHOTINO curriculum initiatives.  AMHOTINO stands for Amistad (which includes Native American history), Asian Pacific, Holocaust and Latino history.  AMHOTINO also includes the history and biographies of Hispanic and African American Visual and Performing Arts Artists such as Cachao López, Victoria Santa Cruz, local legend Patti Harris, the study of the African American Music Chart designed by Dr. Portia K. Maultsby and the history of Latin Jazz. 

Due to her commendable efforts, seventy-eight staff members including teachers, administrators and support staff received New Jersey Legislative Commendations from Senator Chris Brown for Amistad implementation and Certificates of Recognition from the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners in 2019. In 2018, LaSure-Owens was the National Life Group “Life Changer of the Year” Nominee and the 2020 Leeds Avenue School’s “Teacher of the Year.”  In 2022, Tamar was awarded New Jersey Education Association’s (NJEA) first Urban Education Award for AMHOTINO Curriculum initiatives at Pleasantville Public Schools and an honorary Resolution from the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners. Tamar currently serves on the NJEA Patriots Alliance (for veterans), NJEA Members of Color (MOC), NJEA Amistad Stakeholder Group, NJEA Instruction Committee and NJEA R.E.A.L. (Racial Equality, Racial Affirmation and Racial Literacy) Movement, a member of the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County (HAAC) and the First Vice-President of the Mainland/Pleasantville NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Tamar’s military service has made her a phenomenal leader inspiring Leeds Avenue School’s students and staff to optimal efforts for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day.  Tamar, a veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard, received two Army Commendation Medals and two Army Achievement Medals for exemplary leadership and service.

Janet Rosenthal

Treasurer

Janet joined the Cygnus Board in 2022. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountingfrom Fairleigh Dickerson University in 1985 and has worked in the field of accounting for a variety of industries in the years since. She currently works for a commercial real estate company where she has been for over 20 years. She is looking forward to another long term business relationship helping Cygnus prosper. She is very familiar with the programs offered by Cygnus Creative Arts Centre as her daughter grew up taking many, many dance classes over the years. Janet has lived in Egg Harbor Township since 1997 and has raised her son and daughter in the Township. She has been an avid equestrian for her whole life and was so proud to have owned an OTTB (Off -Track Thoroughbred) for 30 years.

Natalia Matijasic

Classical Piano

Natalia Matijasic is a conservatory trained pianist, having graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. A classical pianist who has trained since age 4, she graduated from the Performing Arts High School in Manhattan. As a recording artist Natalia has performed a vast repertoire of chamber and solo piano pieces concentrating on the works of Contemporary and Impressionist composers. For many years she served as pianist for the Dance Program at Stockton University. At the Manhattan School of Music Natalia was trained in the Dalcroze Method, a method of music learning through movement. She specializes in teaching piano to young children at Cygnus.

Ron Mortillite

Drums & Percussion

Ron Mortillite is a full time drum teacher at Cygnus Creative Arts. Having an older brother who was a drummer, Ron began banging out rhythms on cookie tins at the age of three, and was playing drum set when he was five years old. During his elementary school years he played for weekly services at The Hammonton Baptist Church Vacation Bible School. While attending high school, Ron was a member of the Oakcrest Marching Ambassadors, and stage band. Right out of high school he began playing professionally with various bands, both locally and in Nashville, and also with the Apple Band from Rochester, New York, which was a mainstay for many years at Resorts Rendezvous Lounge.

He studied privately with such notables as renowned Philadelphia drum teacher Armand Santarelli for ten years, and jazz legend and master drummer Joe Morello, for four years. He also studied at Drummer's Collective in New York City with Kim Plainfield for a year. Ron continues to be a lifelong student of drumming and music history.

Ron taught at Music Central, both in Vineland and Egg Harbor Township for twenty years, from 1996 through 2016, and moved to Cygnus to teach after their closing. ln addition to his students at Cygnus, he has been teaching percussion at Holy Spirit High School for six years. Ron is in his twelfth year as the accompanist for the Stockton University Dance Department. 

Steve Gibson

Visual Arts

Steve Gibson is a painter who specializes in automotive airbrushed
murals and portraiture as well as fine art. He has a BA in Fine Art from
Flagler College in St.Augustine, FL. His fine art efforts have been
recognized by curators from both The Philadelphia Museum of Art [1] as
well as The Whitney Museum of Art with selections into group exhibitions
in both Long Beach Island [2], NJ and New York City.

His experimental nature, combined with a colorful and versatile work
history make his pieces both highly original at their core as well as
masterful in their execution. His caliber of excellence in the airbrush
and automotive industry has been called upon by notable bike builders
Jesse James, and Paul Teutel Jr. of American Chopper, of which he
appeared on multiple episodes in 2018 on the Discovery Channel.  2018
also saw the launch of his signature paint line with airbrush giant
Createx Colors as well as design work with Parisian fashion giant
Balenciaga, and work with Sullen Clothing (CA) (release in 2019)   He
teaches airbrush workshops nationally and is proud to now offer lessons
locally as well through the art center.

Steve is also in his 10th year teaching studio classes in traditional
approaches to drawing and painting at Cygnus Art Center and will be
available for private lessons starting in the fall 2018.

Jenn Mayberry

Visual Arts

Jenn Mayberry holds a BA in Fine Arts and a BA in Art History from Buffalo State College in Buffalo, NY. She began airbrushing in 1999 in her junior year of high school and hasn’t put down the gun since. She began co-instructing the Old School Realism classes around the country at the Renowned  Airbrush Action Getaways in 2017; and will begin co-instructing the Freehand Realism class at the Airbrush Art Circus, held bi-annually in San Antonio, TX and various locations in the United States. Her airbrush talents have been called upon as one of a few elite artists whom have represented both House of Kolor/ Valspar Auto and Anest-Iwata Medea Airbrush company at the world famous SEMA Show held annually in Las Vegas, NV; of which she is once again scheduled to return this October. Jenn's Fine Art interests are inspired by Neo-Pomeiism, Neoclassicism, and Magical Realism; and is currently exploring those themes and ideas in her work.

Jessyca LaSure

Academy Dance / A.I.M Dance program

Jessyca LaSure is a prolific performing artist, earning her Bachelor's of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in 2015. At AMDA New York, Jessyca spent two years studying "Broadway Style" Dance and Theatre. At AMDA Los Angeles, Jessyca spent her last two years studying "Commercial and Music Video Style" Dance and Theatre; performing in AMDA's Dance Theatre Productions, such as "Cloud Six " "The Art of Shaking Hands,"  "Four Quartets," "Ready, Set. Pause" and Company Showcases. Since graduation, Jessyca has worked with Cynthia Domino, Linda Diamond, Just Right Productions and Imagine Dance Theatre. In January 2016, Imagine Dance Theatre Company was selected and awarded to perform at the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference in Colorado. Jessyca has studied all forms of dance including tap, ballet, jazz, pointe, modern, hip hop and dance choreography. Her most notable musical theatre roles include "The Nubian Nutcracker (2018)"and "For Colored Girls (2017)." She is a Cygnus Creative Arts Alummus,  NAACP ACT-SO Alumnus, and above all, a 2007 and 2009 NJ Governor's Award Recipient for Dance and Dance Choreography. Jessyca continues to perfect her craft as a performer, choreographer and teacher and recently completed a Dance Pedagogy course through Cygnus.  Her former dance instructor of many years and current mentor; Cynthia Domino, epitomizes hardwork, dedication, a love for dance like no other with a committed passion to teach. Through the guidance of her mentor, Jessyca is excited to share her knowledge and love for dance with the students at Leeds Avenue School in Pleasantville under the Art in Motion A.I.M Outreach Program at Cygnus Creative Arts.

Melissa Faisst

Modern / Classical Ballet

Jessica Rosenthal

Academy Dance / A.I.M. Outreach / S.T.A.R Dance

Miss Jessica (Jessica Rosenthal) is a former student of Cygnus, where she studied all styles of dance. She is currently pursuing dual degrees at Stockton University, in both Health Science and Dance with a concentration in Physical Therapy.  As an incoming freshman, Jessica was selected to perform Everyday People choreographed by Beau Handcock with the Stockton Dance Company.  Her performances includes many years with the Cygnus Contemporary Dance Company for the Atlantic Pops, JRL Productions at Dante Hall and various showcasing engagements throughout the area including Egg Harbor Township High School Musicals.

Jessica choreographed the musicals Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, Lion King, Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen for the Adler Middle School in Egg Harbor Township, Godspell for Brigantine Lighthouse Players, Show-Off’s for the Mirage Players of Barnegat and yearly Cygnus programs of If Life Were a Musical and Yelp! created by Kevin McCafferty  She gained teaching experience at Cygnus as a substitute for Pre-Ballet and Ballet I classes in addition to serving as a teaching Aid for the Special Needs Dance classes in partnership with Arc of Atlantic County. Her a passion for teaching all ages and abilities and her love of dance and performance is evident in all of her work. She looks forward to continuing her relationship with Cygnus.

Kate Wyatt

Summer Music Enrichment / Strings

KATIE WYATT / String Instruments

Ms.Kate Wyatt is a well rounded music educator, known for her specialization in string instruments. Ms. Wyatt graduated from Rowan University with a major in education and instrumental music (violin). She graduated in 2019 with a Masters in Music Education from Kent State University, in Ohio where she was recently acknowledged as a featured alumni by the school of music. Ms. Wyatt has taught hundreds of string students, of all ages in Southern New Jersey. She currently teaches in Egg Harbor Township at the Dr. Joyanne D. Miller School and Fernwood Avenue Middle School. Ms. Wyatt also plays in the Atlantic Pops Community Band, conducts the Atlantic Youth Orchestra prep group, and teaches part time at Hambros House of Music.

Caz Boyd

Visual Arts

Cathy Boyd is an artist who has worked independently and on a variety of location and studio assignments.  She is an accomplished illustrator, printmaker and photographer, works in clay, watercolor and acrylics. Her work spans from 1975 to present with exhibitions in the United States and Australia.  She is a graduate of the University of Akron and studied graphic arts and photography at Penland School of Crafts and North Carolina State. She has managed the creative departments for several companies and has directed graphic design and print production. She has works exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Akron Art Museum, AtlantiCa and Mura Clay Gallery in New South Wales, Australia. Her work has been featured on UNICEF Christmas cards.

Cathy likes working with children and other artists and sharing with them a love of the arts and a spirit of creating.

Christina Luthke

Musical Arts Teacher

Ms. Luthke holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Westminster College of the Arts and a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from Esther Boyer College of Music. In addition, holds Master’s Credits in Music Education from The University of the Arts.

Ms. Luthke’s performance background is extensive. She has performed with New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Carnegie Hall and Royal Concertgebouw at the Kimmel Center.  Her operatic credits include Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment & L’Elisir D’Amore, Massenet’s Don Quichotte & L’Amico Fritz, Mozart’s Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, De Fledermaus & Le Nozze Di Figaro, Purcell’s King Arthur, Verdi’s Rigoletto and Wolf-Ferrari’s Inquisitive Women.  She has performed in various play and musical productions with the Actor’s Company, Fool Man Theatre Group, JCC Players, Landis Players, Margate Players, and Shaken Not Stirred Players. Her film credits include A Dark State with Steven Michaels Studios and performed with Sarah Brightman on her Hymn tour. Ms. Luthke recently performed Ms. Cratchit in A Christmas Carole at the Gateway Playhouse.

Ms. Luthke currently teaches 4th & 5th grades General and Special Education music classes as well as directs the 4th/5th Chorus and 5th Select Choir at the Dr. Joyanne Miller School in Egg Harbor Township School District.  A previous alumnus of Cygnus, Ms. Luthke is pleased to be sharing her musical knowledge with the students at Cygnus Creative Arts Centre.

JJ Aponte

Theatre / Dance / Movement

Amelia Rae Dennis

Academy Dance / A.I.M. Dance / S.T.A.R Dance program

Miss Amelia (Amelia Dennis) started dance at Cygnus in 1999. Throughout her time as a student, Amelia studied ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, and tap. After high school, while continuing to dance with Cygnus’ company, Amelia studied psychology at Stockton University.  She went on to purse her Masters in Educational Counseling from Rowan University, while also earning her certification in personal fitness training. Amelia currently works as a school counselor at Atlantic County Institute of Technology, where she assists students in the Performing Arts Academy program with their academic, college/career, and personal/social needs. Amelia remains active in the arts, competing in ACIT’s Dancing with the Staff competitions, and most recently serving as director of choreography for the musical, “Aida.” Amelia approaches the study of dance from both a technical and emotional perspective. Perfect technique is impressive to behold, but conveying a feeling through dance is what makes an audience remember the experience long after the curtain falls. It is Amelia’s goal to foster artistry in the next generation of dancers. Amelia completed a Dance Pedagogy course at Cygnus and she could not be more excited to return to Cygnus as a teacher!

Stephanie Alicea

Academy Dance / A.I.M. Dance / S.T.A.R. Dance program

Mrs. Stephanie (Stephanie Alicea) is a former student of Cygnus, where she studied all styles of dance and brings 18 plus years of dance experience with Classical Ballet as her passion.  She performed with the Cygnus Contemporary Dance Company ballet productions along with dancers from the Pennsylvania Ballet, including Cinderella, Snow White, Firebird, as a soloist in Coppelia.  Further through Cygnus, and during the holiday seasons, she performed in many Santa and his Elves productions holding various dancing leads. In addition, Mrs. Stephanie performed with the Cygnus Dance Company’s original choreographed productions of The Elves and the Shoemaker, the Pied Piper written by Douglas Coombs and Spanish Night with the Ocean City Pops under the direction of Maestro Scheible.  Additional performances include the Atlantic City Pops under Director Mark Kadetsky and numerous holiday shows for local assisted living agencies and tree lighting ceremonies. Mrs. Stephanie enjoyed studying dance freelance in college and recently completed a concentrated Dance Pedagogy Course through Cygnus. Mrs. Stephanie holds two Bachelor’s Degrees: Business Marketing from William Paterson University and Elementary Education from Stockton University.  She is very excited to share her talent and knowledge with all dance students!

Peter Nicotera

Guitar/Bass Guitar Ukulele/Madoline/Trumpet/Beg. Violin/Beg. Piano

A full time professional performing musician for decades, since my late teens, I started teaching later in life in 2002. I started teaching the piano at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cape May from 2002 until they closed in 2010. I then began teaching piano in North Wildwood at Wildwood Catholic and Cape Trinity until 2014 when they dissolved the music program. Since then, I have continued to teach   students  privately. I am a classically trained conservatory (college) educated musician. I attended the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and the Philadelphia Conservatory which is now the University of the Arts. I studied music composition and theory at the Julliard School in NYC. I was also a teacher and co-founder of Mays Landing Music Academy from 2006 to 2020 as well as a (semi-retired) working and performing professional player.

PARIS MONÉT

Stage and Film

Paris is an NYU Tisch Drama graduate. She advocates to dismantle patriarchal structures, women’s rights, and child mental health awareness! She’s a screen and stage actress, voiceover actor, dance choreographer, blogger, and by the time she’s old and gray she wants to have a nonprofit company for all aspiring dancers and actors! She believes that you can do it all, no matter what box you're checked in. She wants to make an impact on the world and become an official humanitarian in the near future. Paris believes that the world is overdue for change. She lives by this quote “influence the room, don’t adapt”!

2023 Summer Stage and Film Classes

Samantha Schenck

Modern / Classical Ballet Art for the Young at Heart /or the YouYoga

Samantha Schenck is a graduate from Rutgers University Mason Gross with her BFA in dance and is trained in ballet, modern,and jazz. She worked with many artists including Pam Tanowitz, Michelle Manzanales, John Evans, and Barbara Angeline. Samantha holds a yoga teacher certification and enjoys teaching all levels of populations, in addition to dancers using yoga as a way to promote cross training and movemnt. Samantha is from Northfield, New Jersey and is an alumusi of Cygnus. She is excited to share her knowledge of dance, movment and yoga with dancers and movement enthusiast both young and young at heart! 

Carly Cherone

Musical Theatre Dance

Carly Cherone is a New York City based dancer and choreographer. Carly is an alumnus of Cygnus and attended high school at Gloucester County Institute of Technology in New Jersey for dance.  She went on to graduate from the Boston Conservatory with a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance with an Emphasis in Jazz Dance.  At the Boston Conservatory, she has performed in works choreographed by Madboots Dance, Taylor Rodman, Claudia Lavista and Omar Carrum, Francesca Harper, and William McLaughlin. Carly choreographed a jazz piece entitled "Little Spoon," with live musicians and original music, that was performed in the 2017 Winterworks concert at the Boston Conservatory.  In 2018, she premiered her piece "On a Hook," also at the conservatory. She has spent summers performing in musicals with regional theaters, most recently with Peregrine Theatre Ensemble as a Tribe member in HAIR.  Other regional credits include CHICAGO with Peregrine Theatre Ensemble and DAMN YANKEES with Ocean City Theatre Company. Currently, Carly is the director and dancer of Velvet City Dance Company, a new Manhattan based jazz dance company that collaborates with musicians. 

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE CLASSES / 9 WEEKS / September 14-November 9, 2023 

Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm Middle School Students                                                                                                                                   Thursday 7:05pm-8:05pm High School Students

Musical theatre dancing is less of a particular style, and more of a description of dancing that is rooted in the diverse history of Broadway musicals. Relying heavily on a knowledge of ballet, tap, and jazz, musical theater dancers are, first and foremost, actors and place a high focus on musical interpretation. This class focuses on development and execution of dance and performance skills as they relate to musical theater dance style and using dance as a method of storytelling as it relates to musical theater. Students gain a better understanding of how dance and choreography create and bring dramatic elements to life.

Jackie Yan Wu

Tai Chi / Qi Gong Instructor

Jackie Yan Wu is a professional Tai Chi and Qi Gong Instructor and is certified from the AAA and ISMA associations. She worked as a Tai chi Instructor for 10 years at the Hua Xia Chinese school in Egg Harbor Township. As a skillful teacher with the ability and expertise not only to perfom Tai Chi as Chinese-style of energy art, she holds the ability to effectively teach her students to develop the techniques and competence for Tai Chi exercies. Jackie shows great patience in her training and her warm attitudes towards her students render successful experiences that transend beyond the classroom and into competitions. 

Tai Chi 2024

Jada Smith

Yoga / Healing arts

Jada is a graduate from Rutgers University holding a BA in Psychology, blending her Latinx heritage with a passion for nurturing mental and spiritual well-being. She is a Certified Mental Health Specialist, Mindfulness Master, and holds certifications as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and Reiki Level 1 & 2 practitioner. Rooted in a deep respect for holistic healing, Jada founded Healing with Jada, a wellness sanctuary that brings together mind, body, and spirit.

Jada's approach is as intuitive as it is informed, using mindfulness practices, trauma-sensitive yoga, and energy work to create transformative spaces for self-discovery and healing. Whether guiding a gentle flow or facilitating a sound bath, her classes weave intention with breath, fostering connection and a sense of calm. With a keen understanding of the mind-body connection, Jada supports clients in navigating anxiety, embracing stillness, and rediscovering balance.

Through her work, Jada hopes to make wellness accessible to everyone, offering community-based practices, private coaching, and virtual gatherings that invite all to step into a journey of self-love and growth.