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 

April 5, 2021-JUNE 14, 2021 (10 Weeks)

Open Registration On Line Now through April 1, 2021 

Tuition is payable In Full.Schedule is subject to change based on enrollment.                  Classes not filled by April 1, 2021 will be cancelled or combined. 

Visual Arts

Drawing (pencils, pen), painting (watercolor, acrylic, oils), mixed media

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.

DRAWING I (8yrs-12yr)   Students will explore traditional drawing techniques as they learn the basic elements of drawing: line, tone, form and space. Working from direct observation is emphasized. Various still life objects will be used to give students a full range of subject matter to explore. Repetition and practice will help students to improve their drawing skills. An introduction to color with the use of pastels will be explored toward the end of the class term. *Students are recommended to take this class for a full year as drawing is essential to many other disciplines in art.

DRAWING I (Teens-Adults)  Students will explore traditional drawing techniques as they learn the basic elements of  drawing: line, tone, form and space. Working from direct observation is emphasized.  Various still life objects will be used to give students a full range of subject matter to explore. Repetition and practice will help students to improve their drawing skills. An introduction to color with the use of pastels will be explored toward the end of the class term. *Class is taught in an Academy format with individual attention. Students are recommended to take this class for a year as drawing is essential to many other disciplines in art. 

DRAWING and PAINTING I This class is for the student who has fundamental drawing and painting skills and has a minimum of one (1) year of art. This class uses may different techniques and materials as students advance their skills in acrylic, watercolor and oil paints.   Students will use the techniques and practices of traditional painting using tempra or acrylic paint first. Visual perception, an introduction to the elements of art, use of color, brushes and techniques: will develop confidence and individual artistic expression in student’s who have never taken up a brush to a completed project.  • Class is taught in an Academy format with individual attention.

DRAWING AND PAINTING II  This class continues exploring the techniques and practices from Drawing and Painting I. Emphasis will be on refining of technique and further development of observational skills. Students will be introduced to charcoal and gestural drawing (quick studies) as well as an Introduction to the basics of the human form. • Class is taught in an Academy format with                individual attention.  

Meets  6:45PM-8:15PM on Tuesdays              Instructor: Mayberry, Jennifer        Level: Intermediate             Tuition: $290.00

MIXED MEDIA (7yrs-up)  Students learn the elements of art and the priciples od design while working with many different substances and materials. Students will begin with 2D art work and advance through the year to 3D completion.

DRAWING II    Students expand on previous knowledge of traditional drawing techniques and continued reinforcement of the element of art: line, tone, form and space.  Direct observation is encouraged throughout the development of their work.  Still life objects, pictures, and natural elements give students a full range of subject matter to create.  Repetition and practice are reinforced to continue to refine drawing skills. An introduction to color with the use of colored pencils and pastels will be introduced toward the end of the year. • Class is taught in an Academy format with individual attention.

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

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.                                                                 

 Mondays:  Movement / Gyrokinesis  9:30am-10:30am  Yoga 10:35am-11:35am Instructor:  Michele Mortiz  Level: Open Level     All classes are movement oriented and improve flexibility, balance, muscular strength, coordination, muscle control, and posture as well as the ability to relax and concentrate. Balance, muscle strength in the lower legs, thighs, back, in addition to flexibility have been associated with the prevention of falls.  The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing dance like movement sequences.  Participants are asked to bring mats, cushions, towels to serve as additional aids.

 Zumba Gold Wednesdays 9:30am-10:30am  Instructor:  Louise  Celestino Level: Open                                                                  Zumba Gold is a Latin inspired movement  dance class like its sister Zumba. This class is fun while improving cardio, rhythm, coordination and balance. The class is geared towards muscular preservation and the older adult. In addition to Latin music,  participants will dance to standards and oldies. This is a fun class for those who are shy to exercise!

 Drawing and Painting Classes Thursday 9:30am-11:00am Instructor: Jennifer Mulberry      Level: Open Level                              This class is specially designed for individuals who have an interest in painting and drawing.  Students will explore  techniques and practices of drawing and traditional painting.  Students will then choose personal projects to paint. Techniques are explored  in different mediums.  Personal attention and instruction is give to individuals in a class setting.

 This program is made possible through New Jersey State Council on the Arts, through the Atlantic County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs — 

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.

Drama/Film

Drama Classes and Screen Writing

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

Previous sponsors for program include: 

  Mostly Dead Prosthetics  Bloody Mary Make-up  Graftobian Professional

Recreational Dance

Recreational Fun!

This Dance Division offers affordable pricing, quality instruction and a variety of classes to meet needs of all residents throughout Atlantic County.  This program is open to everyone and welcomes anyone 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.

RECREATIONAL DANCE DIVISION  CLASS OFFERINGS

  2021 Spring Session 10 Weeks. Must be enrolled by April 1. 

Start Date: April 6, 2021

                                                                       $75 / 10 Weeks--- No Refunds

  Tuesdays:      April:  6, 13, 20, 27 / May:  4, 11, 18, 25 / June:  1, 8                                                                                        Wednesdays:  April: 7, 14, 21, 28 / May: 5, 12, 19, 26 / June:  2, 9

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

Outreach Dance Program

Outreach /Partnership with the Leeds Avenue Elementary School, Pleasantville NJ

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. 

This program is made possible by funds from the Schultz Hill Foundation Dina Award, Costco, Walmart and Wawa.              

Summer Music Enrichment

Music Enrichment Classes

SUMMER MUSIC ENRICHMENT CLASSES

These music enrichment classes are designed for music students to keep their music skills sharp. The classes are divided into 2 levels of ability. Group 1 focuses on all beginners starting with 4th and 5th graders and for those who have never had a chance to play.  Level 2 emphasizes rising musicians in Middle through High School with music knowledge. Wind, Strings, Brass and Percussion instruments are offered.   

Pamela Tyson

Board Member

Pamela Tyson joined the Board of Cygnus in 1996 and has been Vice President for much of the time. 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. 
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.

Adrienne A. Landgraf

Secretary

Dee Landgraf joined the Cygnus Board in 1996.During much of time as a board member she has been the organization’s secretary. She brings to Cygnus a wealth of experience from her many community activities, including township committeeperson, EHT school board, zoning and planning boards, and numerous other volunteer and appointed positions. She has a BA in psychology from Boston University, and has worked as a social worker, parole and probation officer and teacher. 
Egg Harbor Township has been her home since the early 70’s, where she raised her two sons. Dee is committed to giving of her time and talent to the community in which she lives.

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; currently the Gap Analysis/Crosswalk Project. These projects were all facilitated by the NJDOE.

Cynthia serves on the Atlantic County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. Formerly, served 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 sixteen years. She presently serves as a consultant to the New Jersey Department of Education.

Janice Cambron

Board Member

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

President

Leanna Mullen joined the Cygnus Board in 2016. In addition to her role as President of Cygnus, she serves as District Communications Manager for EHT-TV Channel 97 as part of the Egg Harbor Township School District. She is 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's 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

Board Member

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.

Laura Stetser

Board Member

Laura Stetser joined the Cygnus Board in 2019. She currently works as the Social Media Specialist for AtlantiCare, a member of Geisinger. Prior to joining AtlantiCare she was an award-winning local journalist. She also is a board member of the Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools, Inc., where she is the communications chairperson. Laura earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from University of Delaware, with a concentration in journalism and a minor in French. In her youth, she played the flute and piano and is proud to have passed on her love of music to her children. She lives in Egg Harbor Township with her husband Kevin and their daughter Madeleine and son Jack.

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 began playing drums at the age of three, moving on to drum set by the time he was five years old. He played in the marching /stage band at Oakcrest High school. Ron, being a lifelong student, studied privately with the renowned Philadelphia drum teacher, Armand Santarelli, master drum teacher and jazz legend Joe Morello, and Kim Plainfield at Drummer’s Collective in New York. He has also take private lessons with Tiger Bill Meligari and Jason Gianni from Drummer’s Collective. Ron is a full time drum teacher who worked at Music Central beginning in 1995 through their closing in 2016, at which time he started at Cygnus Creative Arts Centre. He also is on the percussion staff at Holy Spirit High School. Since 2010 he has been and is currently the percussion accompanist for the Stockton University Dance Program.

Ed McCabe

Guitar

Ed McCabe is a professional band musician and has performed with Borzoi, New York Rock Ensemble, Walt’s Garage, Trilogy and Ed Manion of the South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. He is a New York City session player with Lifelong Records and plays a wide range of styles to include: rock, jazz, contemporary, acoustic styles to name a few. Ed is a knowledgeable guitarist with 30 years of successful private lesson instruction and is experienced in repair and setup of string instruments and associated electronic equipment.

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.

Stevie Cornine

Office Manager

Stevie is a graduate of DeVry University with a Bachlor of Science Degree in Justice Administration - with a concentration in Digital Forensics. She has been the Office Manager for Cygnus since August of 2017. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys having her children participate in the arts here at Cygnus Creative Arts Centre.

Jessyca LaSure

Outreach Dance Instructor

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. 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.

Michele Moritz

Classical Ballet, Modern, Yoga, Gyrotonic

Michele was a student of CYGNUS and is so very happy to return as a teacher.  Her first NYC performing experience was with Miss Cindy in Faust at Florence Gould Hall. Classically trained in Ballet and Modern Dance, Michele has earned a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from Marymount Manhattan College (2001). She has performed in many  freelance ballet and modern companies and Merce Cunningham 2. Along with dancing and performing in NYC Michele has been a Gyrotonic®️instructor since 2001 (almost 20 years). Her passion for teaching dancers to become the best version of themselves is largely attributed to the use of the Gyrotonic®️ training methodology, a somatic approach system developed by classical dancers.

Michele is also honored to be an authorized teacher of Hilary Cartwright’s Yoga Narada™️ (a specialized Yoga for Dancers that is implemented in prominent ballet school programs such as American Ballet Theatre JKO School, Julliard and many others. Michele has taught for dance schools and companies in addition to her private practice including Steps on Broadway, Mark Morris Dance Center, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Arts, The Gelsey Kirkland Academy and The Academy for Dance Arts. Michele has a strong passion for Functional Anatomy and continues study with Julliard Anatomist Professor Irene Dowd where she has completed certificates in Kinesthetic Anatomy and Biomechanics of Motion, as well as numerous courses on Neuromuscular Re-education. Michele is also influenced by the work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and has devolved her teaching style through these incredible mentors.

Michele believes and witnesses every day the beauty of what the body can do is realized through the mind. Currently, Michele is virtually teaching the 2020 ABT Summer program.

Melissa Faisst

Modern / Classical Ballet

Nagisa Suzuki Guest Artist

Classical Ballet

Nagisa Suzuki is a Guest Artist at Cygnus and began her Classical Ballet training at 5 years old and attended the Ballet Studio Nakamachidai in Japan.  She continued her training at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada and graduated from the Northern Ballet School located in the UK.  In 2008, she was a finalist in the 10th Annual Nakano International Dance Competition.  She held leading roles as Clara in the Nutcracker and Myrtha in Giselle with the Manchester City Ballet in addition to performing Odette in Swan Lake with the Coastal Ballet. Currently, Miss Nagisa is a principal dancer with Atlantic City Ballet and performed many leading roles to include: Aurora and Lilac Fairy from Sleeping Beauty; Odette and Odile from Swan Lake; Hermia and Titania from Midsummer’s Night Dream; Carmen from Carmen; Lucy and Willamena Murray from Dracula; and Cinderella from Cinderella; and Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop and Snow Queen in the holiday performances of the Nutcracker.  

Jessica Rosenthal

Recreation Dance Teacher

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

String Teacher

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.

Dawn Donchey

Woodwind Teacher

Dawn Donchey is starting her third year as the Alder Avenue Middle School Band director.  Prior to that, she was a general/choral director at Miller School, general music at Slaybaugh Elementary School, and General/Band/Choir director in Egg Harbor City Schools.  She is a graduate of West Chester University (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) and still plays her clarinet in the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble.  Mrs. Donchey can also be found helping out as a woodwind instructor with the Egg Harbor Twp High School Marching Band, or sometimes just hunting for shade while the band plays on!