Arlene Ashburn
Musical Theater and Dance Instructor
Arlene "Ozzie" Ashburn is an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and vocal
coach who has performed in musicals, dramas and caberet throughout
Weschester and Rockland Counties as well as in New York City and New Jersey.
She earned her A.A.S. in Performing Arts from S.U.N.Y. Westchester and received
the Opal Euard Motter Theater Award for "outstanding excellence in Drama.
Further studies and training include: vocal major at Five Towns College, Seaford
NY with Carl Olson, Craig Lee; Carnegie Hall Studios, and Karen Van Houten.
Acting and dance at S.U.N.Y. Purchase, The New School with Claude Underwood; University of Maine at Orono; HB Studios and Northern Westchester Center for the Arts, where she was also a musical theater and drama instructor. She is a board member, performer and instructor with Westco Productions, a
professional children's theater company based in White Plains, NY. She is also an acting and musical theater instructor for P/NY BOCES Arts in Education Program.
Off-Broadway Kids (Grades 2-3)
Off-Broadway Kids Jr. (Pre-K, K, Gr.1)
Christel Autuori
Yoga Instructor
Christel Autuori is a certified AcuYoga instructor and yoga practitioner with over
thirty years experience practicing Kripalu and Anusara style yoga. She became
certified in AcuYoga after studying with Dr. Michael Reed Gach, director of the
Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California. Christel has developed and led a
number of workshops and classes in various intitutions, and she is the yoga
teacher for the Ridgefield High School Wrestling team.
Hatha Yoga for Health (Teens welcome to join all adult classes)
Andrew Beals
Saxophone/Flute/Woodwinds Instructor
Aimee Berger-Girvalo
Gymnastcs/Yoga Instructor
Aimee Berger-Girvalo has an extensive professional teaching background and
has taught creative movement and music at Landmark Academy. She is also a
certified yoga instructor for children and adults.
Jean Cobelli
Dance Instructor
Ms.Cobelli has taught dance for the past twenty years. She received her BFA in
Dance from Rutgers University and MS in Dance Therapy from Hunter College.
She studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern, and performed for the Boston Ballet
and the New Jersey Ballet. As a certified Dance Therapist, she worked with
children for several years at Bronx Lebanon Hospital and Westchester Medical
Center. Her own education and performance background has informed her
teaching philosophy and method. "As a young dancer," she writes,"I was
captivated with my dance teachers." Ms. Cobelli has designed her program to
create memorable experiences for each and every dancer. She and her carefully
selected staff expect their students not only to learn to dance, but to feel that
the teacher is a partner in the learning experience. "There is no greater reward
in life for a teacher," she says, "than to inspire a child." Ms. Cobelli,
affectionately known as "Ms. Jean," continues to innovate ways to get dancers to
"feel at home" in the studio and to take pleasure in stage performance. "Dance,"
she says, "has been a lifelong journey for me, and teaching has been the most
magical part of it."
Ballet/Pointe (Middle School-Adult)
Jazz Repertory (Middle School-Adult)
Jazz Repertory (Grades K-Elementary)
Nuts About the Nutcracker Camp 2013 (Grades K-12)
Jason Cutmore
Piano Instructor
Canadian pianist Jason Cutmore has performed solo recitals and collaborative
concerts throughout North America, Europe and India. Mr. Cutmore made his
Chicago recital debut in the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts in 2005 with
an all-Liszt programme that was broadcast live on WFMT radio, and shown
on Chicago Cable TV 25. Since then he has appeared in Canada’s Colours of
Music Festival, the Elora Festival, the University of Calgary’s Celebrity Series,
as well as at venues in Cleveland, Chicago, New York City, and elsewhere in
North America. His concert performances, and an ardent interest in foreign
travel, have frequently taken him abroad to Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, and
India, including concerts at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in
Mumbai, India, and the Franz Liszt Museum in Budapest.
In 2008, Mr. Cutmore’s debut commercial CD, an album of piano music by
Spanish composer Manuel de Falla on Centaur Records, was released to
critical acclaim. Gramophone magazine declared that “more than a few
orchestras can learn from Cutmore’s perfectly placed accents and ideal dance
tempi” and Classicstoday.com called it “a first-rate release.”
Mr. Cutmore holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the
SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Music in New York. His major
teachers have been Stephanie Brown, Robert Shannon, and Michael Massey.
Originally from Edmonton, Canada, Mr. Cutmore now resides in a suburb of
New York City.
To learn more visit jasoncutmore.com.
Chris DeAngelos
Guitar/Bass/Piano Instructor
Chris DeAngelis received his Bachelors Degree in Music Performance in 2004
from Western CT State University. He has performed with jazz greats such as Jon
Riley, Fred Hersch, Don Braden, Terrell Stafford, Chris Parker and the late Bob
Berg. Chris is alos a composer and arranger. His big band composition, "The
New Zoo," and his small group composition,"Slightly Temperamental," were
chosen for WCSU 's promotional CD. Drumming great Chris Parker (Bob Dylan,
Brecker Brothers) included one of Chris' songs in the repertory of his critically-
acclaimed band, "Tophe and the PussyCats." Chris performs with several jazz
and R&B groups in the area and has toured Europe with Randy Johnston, The
Jamie Begian Big Band, Steve Davis, Parliament Funkadelic, Henry Cole, Tony
Escapa, Niel Smith, Andrew Beals, Eric Kalb, Chris Morrison, Bob Leanord, and
many others. Chris teaches in New York and Connecticut and has given clinics at
several prestigious summer workshops (The UCONN Jazz Camp, The Litchfield
Jazz Camp, the WCSU jazz festival) and at local high schools (Newtown, Bethel,
and Southbury).
Bethany Dupuis
Voice/Piano Instructor
Bethany earned her BA from University of Northern Colorado and will soon
complete her MA in Education with music certification from University of
Bridgeport. She has been teaching music in the New Haven public school system
since 2005, and has extensive experience as a preschool music teacher before
that. With her love of musical theater, Bethany has performed in countless
productions including the role of Fairy Godmother in Summer Theater of New
Canaan's presentation of Cinderella.
Individual Piano Lessons (Ages 5 & Up)
Luis Espinosa
Breakdance Instructor
Luis Espinosa has been selected by the leading breakdance website
bboyworld.com as one of the ten best in the nation. In spring 2010, as member
of Team USA, he competed in Paris and Montreal; and as a member of Team
Puerto Rico he performed in Seoul, Korea before an audience of 3,000. Luis and
three other Enchanted Garden teachers form the dance crew United Outkast,
which has won two national and one international breakdance
competitions. They were cast in the recent dance film Step Up 3D, where their
choreography and amazing dance skills were showcased in a competition
sequence. Luis has been teaching at the Enchanted Garden Studios since 2004.
Boy's Breakdance (Middle School-Adult)
Breakdance (Grades K-Elementary)
Summer Break Dance & Hip Hop Camps July 29-Aug 2 (Grades 1-12)
Kelly Giordano
Dance Instructor
Corey Grimes
Hip-Hop Instructor
A multi-talented performer, Corey Grimes has worked as a hip hop
dancer and choreographer with some of the biggest names in
the industry, including Sean "P diddy" Combs, J LO,
Mario, Jay Z, Destiny's Child, and Jaheim. At Broadway
Dance Center in New York City, Corey taught Hip
Hop, Choreography and industry audition preparation. He and his crew, United
Outkast, appeared in the recent dance film Step Up 3D. Corey has been teaching
hip hop at the Enchanted Garden Studios since 2006.
Boy's Hip Hop (Elementary Grades)
Boy's Hip Hop (Middle School-Adult)
Girl's Hip Hop (Middle School-Adult)
Summer Break Dance & Hip Hop Camps July 29-Aug 2 (Grades 1-12)
Kathy Hardin
Dance Instructor
Kathy holds a BA in Art History from Marymount, Tarrytown, where she choreographed and danced with the Marymount Dance Group. She studied at Balanchine's School of American Ballet.
Ballet/Pointe (Middle School-Adult)
Ronald Hawkins
Piano Instructor
Hailed for his "great depth of poetry, understanding and excitement"
(Gazette), American pianist, Ronald Hawkins is quickly establishing himself as
one of the country's leading pianists and has earned international acclaim for
his sensitive and insightful performances. Mr. Hawkins began his musical
studies at the age of sixteen and was performing in concert within eighteen
months.
Mr. Hawkins has performed in modern and historic venues throughout North
America and Europe. Recent appearances include Carnegie Hall, The Lyceum,
Tchaikovsky Great Hall, and St. Martins-in-the-Fields. Mr. Hawkins made his
international debut in 1997 at The Rachmaninoff Conference held in England.
He has recieved numerous awards throughout his career including the
prestigious 2007 Young Career Award for his continued achievements in
music.
Shenandoah Conservatory awarded Mr. Hawkins his Bachelor and Master of
Music degrees in Piano Performance. His principal teachers include Samuel
Bartos, Frederic Chiu, Paul Ostrovsky, Elizabeth Temple and Ruby Morgan. He
has also performed in master classes with internationally acclaimed artists.
Ronald appears on MSR Classics, Jamlet Records, Pier Records and PBS
Records labels. His discography includes seven recordings, his most recent
being J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Ronald lives in Connecticut, USA, where he enjoys spending his free time with
his dogs, Andy, Ty and Dakota. He is a native of South Carolina. Ronald
Hawkins is a Schimmel Piano Artist. - July 2009
www.ronaldhawkins.com
Mimi Hirt
Theater Instructor
Mimi Hirt holds B.F.A. from the Tisch School at NYU. She also studied at the
Royal Academy of the Arts in London. She has performed with the NY Wildlife
Preservation's summer theater program at the Queen's Zoo and appears on the
TV soap, "Guiding Light." She served as a senior instructor at the Enchanted
Garden Conservatory's Shakespeare Summer Institute in 2007 and will be
returning this summer to be part of the team led by Clista Townsend.
Isaac Hirt-Manheimer
Director & African Dance and Drumming Instructor
Isaac began drumming at the age of seven and continued his music studies at
Simon's Rock College of Bard, where he received his BA with honors. He
completed his MA in World Music at Wesleyan University, where he also served
on the faculty as a visiting instructor in both the Music and Dance departments.
He spent the past eight summers researching traditional drumming and dance in
Ghana and has presented lectures on West African Music and Dance at
Princeton, New York University, Lehman College, and The New School. He has
many years of teaching experience, from nursery school through university, and
serves as director of the Enchanted Garden Conservatory of the Arts.
Judy Hirt-Manheimer
Founder/Director/Teacher
A teacher's teacher, Judy's innovative work with children spans over 30 years.
She studied music, dance, and drama in her native Vancouver, Canada. She
received her BA from University of British Columbia, and her MA in Dance
Therapy/Psychology from Goddard College. A nationally-recognized pioneer in
early childhood Music education, she is an author and music education
consultant to Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Enchanted Camp 2013 (ages 3-6; Different Theme Every Week!)
Judy's Music (babies, toddlers, twos with parent/caregiver)
Summer Judy's Music (ages 2 mos.- 2yrs with parent/caregiver)
Twos and Threes Class (Ages 2 and 3 with parent/caregiver)
Jennifer Hunt
Dance Instructor
Jennifer received her BFA in Dance from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Modern Dance (including Tharp, Ailey, Cunningham, and Varone). She has performed with the 2nd Avenue Dance Company in New York and with Sea World of Texas. She taught competitive dance themes in Texas and starred in a music video for the Texas Tornadoes. She is a certified American Aerobic Fitness Association group instructor and a certified New York City Ballet Workout instructor.
Robin Idestrom
Voice Instructor
Soprano Robin Idestrom is a versatile performer and an influential teacher.
She has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, in a
variety of genres from contemporary, spirituals and gospel, to Broadway,
concert repertoire and modern opera. She has been featured on a number of
recordings, singing classical, worship and a variety of contemporary styles.
Robin began teaching voice and piano privately in California in 1993 after
receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Azusa Pacific
University. In Alberta, Canada, she taught privately for Canadian Nazarene
College, Word of Life School of Music in Red Deer, and more recently at Rocky
Mountain College in Calgary. She has performed with the Calgary
Philharmonic, the Calgary Civic Symphony, the Johnny Summer’s Jazz
Orchestra, and the Calgary Opera Chorus. Robin had the privilege of
portraying Ruth Baldwin in the New York premier of the opera Later the Same
Evening, as well as the Second Housewife in Griffilken by Lukas Foss. Robin
has studied and performed with Centro Studi Lirica in Italy and graduated
with her Masters in Classical Voice from the renowned Manhattan School of
Music in 2009, studying under Joan Patenaude-Yarnell. While she loves to
sing classical and opera, Robin is equally comfortable singing and teaching
pop, gospel, jazz and musical theatre. The recipient of the Birgit Nilsson
Scholarship in Voice, Robin is passionate about creating life and beauty
through music that will touch the soul, as well as inspiring others to reach
their potential as artists and communicators.
Tricia Keane
Yoga Instructor
Tricia received her certification from Nyack Yoga Center, where she studied
asana, pranayama, meditation and anatomy under Master Yoga Teacher Paula
Heitzner. An active member of the Yoga Teachers Association of Westchester,
she has also studied with Charles Matkin, Rodney Yee, Joan Gibbons, and many
others. She instructs in the Hatha Yoga tradition, with Iyengar and Kripalu
influences.
Hatha Yoga for Health (Teens welcome to join all adult classes)
James Kessler
Piano/Saxophones/Flute Instructor
Mr. Kessler has more than a dozen years of experience
teaching music lessons to children and adults. He performs
in many genres on multiple instruments. Currently he teaches
piano and woodwind instruments, as well as Jazz ensembles
at the Enchanted Garden Conservatory of the Arts. His students
continue to win awards year after year, including several first-
place winners in regional competitions. He holds a Bachelor's
Degree from the University of Connecticut, with an emphasis
on Human Development, Culture, and the Arts.
Individual Brass Lessons (Ages 10 & up)
Individual Piano Lessons (Ages 5 & Up)
Christen Klewicki
Yoga Instructor
Christen Klewicki has been practicing and studying yoga for the past 13 years.
She discovered ISHTA (Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda) yoga
in New York City in 2002, and completed a 500 hour level certification in the
ISHTA tradition under the guidance of Yogiraj Alan Finger. She has also
completed an additional training program in prenatal yoga. Her classes combine
the energy of vinyasa flow with the peace and stability of holding poses in
careful alignment. Christen strives to create classes that make yoga enjoyable,
safe and accessible to everyone. Christen is also a high school English teacher,
and she lives in Ridgefield with her husband and young son.
Hatha Yoga for Health (Teens welcome to join all adult classes)
Joel Lee
Electric/Upright Bass Instructor
Joel Lee is an electric bassist from CT that has performed for many different
bands in the Connecticut, NYC, and NY capitol regions. He is also an
accomplished studio musician. Joel’s playing style varies as he tries to get as
much diversity out of the instrument using slapping, two-handed tapping,
harmonics, and many other techniques. In addition to the electric bass, Joel
also plays upright bass in jazz and classical settings.
Joel recorded his own solo album entitled “The Overlooker” and will soon be
working on a new solo project.
Performance credits include playing with FRO, Bobby T and the Electric Circus,
Paul Halley, Paul Winter Consort, Jenn Taylor, and Carrie Ashton. Joel
continues to perform in his rock band FRAYD and children’s music ensemble
Rossnoscerous with other E.G. colleagues. He has opened for such national
acts as Michael Brecker, The Yellow Jackets, Tower of Power, Johnny Winter,
The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and the Marshall Tucker Band.
Joel currently teaches in the New Haven Public School district as a middle
school band director. As a bass instructor, Joel focuses on proper hand
positioning, scales, chords, theory, jazz walking while reading chord changes,
funk patterns, improvised solos, stylistic elements of many genres, advanced
techniques such as harmonics and 2-handed tapping, and formal audition
preparation. Many of Joel’s students have auditioned and were selected to
perform in Regional and Allstate music festivals in both Connecticut and New
York. Other former students have gone on to major in music in college and
now perform professionally.
BS Music Technology/Entertainment Arts – College of St. Rose, Albany NY
MS Music Education- Western CT State University, Danbury CT
Kim Macko
Voice Instructor
Kim is a classically trained singer having studied voice privately for over fifteen
years. She studied with the celebrated and renowned professional Gwen Omeron,
who also coached Grammy Award-winning vocalist Debbie Gibson and several
other Broadway Stars. She went on to compete weekly on the national television
hit show Star Search, where she was a finalist. From there she achieved National
recognition and was given a recording contract with Atlantic Records. She
recorded a record with producer Rob Freeman, who successfully worked with
The Go-Go’s, Blondie, The Ramone’s and other artists. She had a billboard hit,
and toured the United States and Canada, appearing at high exposure venues
and on many television programs including Dance Party USA. Other career
experience highlights include performing at the Superbowl, corporate events and
weddings. Her professional career, spanning over 20 years, has also included
voice-overs for Seinfeld and other national commercials and several Jingles. Kim
has been teaching voice at the Enchanted Garden since 2003.
Noah Manheimer
Arts & Science Teacher and Guitar Instructor
B.A. Simon's Rock College of Bard. M.A. in Music
Composition, Goddard College. Operates The Enchanted
Garden Recording Studio. Composes original music including three children's
music CDs with his band Fezcat. Noah's (imaginary) twin brother Chef No-ah
cooks with the Enchanted Garden's 3-5 year olds. Noah also teaches guitar and
song writing.
Enchanted Camp 2013 (ages 3-6; Different Theme Every Week!)
Individual Guitar & Bass Lessons (Ages 7 & up)
Song Production Workshop (Adults)
Song Production Workshop (Bands)
Song Production Workshop Level 1 (Ages 10-12)
Song Production Workshop Level 2 (Teens)
Summer Individual Music & Voice Lessons (beginning age 5)
Summer School of Rock (Ages 11-15)
Summer Song Production Workshop Level 2 (Teens)
Katty Mayorga
Guitar Instructor
Katty has been playing guitar for 16 years and has been actively teaching since
2003. She is fluent in several genres: folk, rock, metal and classical. Specialized
in classical guitar technique, she finds ways of teaching that are interesting,
challenging and rewarding for her students. While Katty insists on basic
technical principles, she also encourages and guides each individual to find their
unique flair and the highest quality of his or her own sound. She emphasizes the
importance of sight reading and using music that students are interested in and
will enjoy.
Katty has an extensive repertoire and specializes in Latin American pieces. She
received her BA in Performance of Classical Guitar from SUNY Purchase, and is
currently finishing her MFA.
Corina Mihalchik-Renak
Mommy & Me Yoga Instructor
Corina has been dancing to the beat of her own drum since age 3. She has a BA
in Social Science & Dance from Purchase College. Corina also is certified as a
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT ) with Yoga Alliance. She also teaches dance to
children. Corina enjoys the journey of experiencing Yoga together with her
daughter Ella and son Evan
Mathew Moadel
Drumming Instructor
Matt Moadel is a working drummer and teacher who has
immersed himself deeply in many styles, ranging from
traditional drum set styles and rudimental snare
drumming to Middle-Eastern and African drumming.
He earned a bachelor's degree in Percussion from
Western Connecticut State University and has studied
privately with teachers of many genres. Matt has
performed in many settings, from Jazz and Reggae to
Flamenco and Funk to marching bands and pit
orchestras. He has worked for 15 years as a performer,
with many musicians, including the great Jazz Bassist
Bill Crow, Indian Tabla master Deep Singh, Jim Donovan
of "Rusted Root" and Flamenco great Val Ramos.
Matt has been giving one-on-one instruction the
past 10 years. His curriculum is not limited to one
path but follows a natural progression, directed not
only by the need for the essential elements of music
and drumming, but also by the needs and learning style
of the student.
Beth Perlman
Dance Instructor
Beth received her BA. in Dance Therapy and Psychology from Goucher College, and has studied Ballet, Jazz, and Modern. She has many years of experience teaching movement with adults and children in therapeutic settings, and has taught fitness classes for adults. Beth specializes teaching dance to very young students.
Budding Ballerinas (Twos and Threes)
Larisa Podoprigora
Piano Instructor
Larisa Podoprigora is a pianist, organist and music educator with 21 years of
working experience. A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, she graduated from St.
Petersburg State University of the Arts with MA degree in Piano Performance and
Piano Pedagogy. Larisa was a full-time faculty member at the Pedagogical
College in St. Petersburg and the School of Arts, also in St. Petersburg. After
moving to the United States, she worked as a Piano teacher at the Connecticut
Conservatory of the Performing Arts in New Milford, and served as Organist for
the First Church-Christ Scientist in Danbury, CT. Her current positions include
teaching piano for the Wooster School in Danbury and as Organist/ Pianist for
the Bridgewater, CT Congregational Church.
Alicia Quinones
Hip-Hop Instructor
Alicia is a national top-ranked competitive breakdancer and member of the
dance team United Outkast, which has won two national and one international
competition. She and three other members of United Outkast, all Enchanted
Garden Studios teachers, appeared in the recent dance film Step Up 3D. Alicia
has been teaching at the Enchanted Garden Studios since 2004.
Girl's Hip Hop (Middle School-Adult)
Girl's Hip Hop (Elementary Grades)
Summer Break Dance & Hip Hop Camps July 29-Aug 2 (Grades 1-12)
Valerie Rich
Yoga Instructor
Galina Rothschild
Piano Instructor
Dr. Zisk has performed throughout Europe, Asia and North America as concerto
soloist, chamber musician, and in solo recitals. Dr. Zisk has served on the piano
faculty of Manhattan School of Music, Hartwick Summer Music Festival &
Institute, International School for Musical Arts, and Tchaikovsky Summer School,
where she also served as the Program Director. She has given masterclasses and
adjudicated Music Competitions in Europe, North America and Hong Kong, and
is the Examiner for The Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program
in Canada and the US.
Galina Zisk Rothschild holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music
Degrees in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and a
Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Toronto,
Canada. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the SoNo Chamber Music
Series in South Norwalk, CT.
Click Here for a
Full Bio
Amanda Savage
Yoga Instructor
Amanda has been an avid Yoga practitioner since 1999. She is certified as a
RYI-200 from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She is also an athlete who
loves outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, snow shoeing, nordic and
alpine skiing. Amanda strives to reflect the healing aspects of yoga during her
classes and welcomes all levels.
Brian Simmerson
Modern Dance Repertory Instructor
Brian dances with Momix, a world famous dance company based in Connecticut.
Bruce Sloat
Violin/Viola/Cello Instructor
Bruce graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of
Music in Viola Performance. There he was the recipient of the James Furman
Memorial Chamber Music Award. He currently performs in the Danbury
Symphony where he has at times served as principal violinist and principal
violist. Bruce is also a member of the Ives Festival Orchestra and American
Chamber Orchestra. As the violist of the Barber String Quartet, he performed
concerts throughout Poland on a U.S. Embassy-endorsed tour. An active
chamber musician, Bruce is a member of Trio Dolce and the Ives Chamber
Players. He has performed regularly throughout New York and Connecticut,
including venues such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Stamford’s Rich Forum, Danbury
Music Centre and benefit performances for OXFAM and the Kosciusko
Foundation. Mr. Sloat has also recorded music in the genres of Classical, Hip-
Hop and Afro-Cuban Jazz. He currently conducts sectionals and private lessons
for Greens Farms Academy’s orchestral program. Bruce has taught strings
lessons in the Fairfield County area for over 15 years.
Christopher Smalley
drama instructor
Christopher Smalley received his BA in Dance and Theater from Manhattanville
College. He was certified in stage combat by Fight Director's Canada and
received further stage combat training at the National Theater Institute and at
the St. Petersburg Academy for the Performing Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Chris spent four summers teaching theater at the Foote School in New Haven,
CT, and in 2007 was a senior faculty member at the Enchanted Garden
Conservatory's Shakespeare Summer Institute.
Denise Tan
Violin/Piano Instructor
Denise Tan has been teaching violin and piano for over twenty years. She
incorporates music theory, music history, and technique in her lessons, and
caters to the individual learning style of each student. Denise has studied violin
with William Barbini (formerly with the New York Philharmonic), Hamao Fujiwara,
and Louise Behrend at The Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.
Her piano and organ studies have been under the tutelage of Thomas Gentry of
Cal-State Sacramento, and Pauline Riddle of William Jewell College.
Denise has received awards from the National School Orchestra, International
Youth and Music Festival (Vienna, Austria), and has performed throughout the
United States and Europe.
Individual Piano Lessons (Ages 5 & Up)
Clista Townsend
Director, Shakespeare Summer Institute
Clista Townsend -- actor, playwright, director, educator -- has performed in
numerous Shakespeare theaters and festivals across Amercia. She is a founding
member of the Arcadia Shakespeare Festival, Novel Stages in Philadelphia and
Ark Theatre in Los Angeles. She has worked as an actor and director for several
regional theaters, as well as for television and film. She holds an MFA in Acting
from Southern Methodist University with further training from Jacques Lecoq,
Carlo Mazzone-Clementi and Philippe Gaulier in Commedia, Clown, Mask and
Physical Theatre techniques. She currently teaches at S.U.N.Y. Purchase, Hunter
College, Manhattanville College, and Trinity College. As an educator she seeks to
"immerse students in a culture where people are kind to and care about each
other, where hard work matters and good character means even more -- where
they can come to know themselves as part of something greater than
themselves."
Nicole Whitaker
Breakdance Instructor
Nicole, a top-rated national competitive breakdancer is a member of United
Outkast, which has won two national and one international competition and
appears in the dance feature film, Step Up 3D, which showcased her crew's
choreography and amazing dance skills. Nicole has been teaching dance at the
Enchanted Garden Studios since 2000.
Boy's Breakdance (Middle School-Adult)
Boy's Hip Hop (Elementary Grades)
Breakdance (Grades K-Elementary)
Girl's Hip Hop (Middle School-Adult)
Girl's Hip Hop (Elementary Grades)
Summer Break Dance & Hip Hop Camps July 29-Aug 2 (Grades 1-12)