What's Hot

    Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year

    September 1, 2023

    315 Bulletin

    September 1, 2023

    Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage

    September 1, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year
    • 315 Bulletin
    • Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage
    • Explore CNY: Cortland is home to a nature center, a theatre, and a Guinness World Record holder
    • Homework Habits: How to Motivate Kids
    • After-School Activities and Programs in CNY
    • Syracuse Stage Celebrates 50th Season
    • Fun, Educational Websites You Won’t Want Your Kids to Miss
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Family TimesFamily Times
    • Community Guide
    • Things to Do in CNY
      1. Central New York Events
      2. Activities
      3. Treat Yourself
      Featured

      Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year

      By Courtney KlessSeptember 1, 20230
      Recent

      Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year

      September 1, 2023

      Explore CNY: Cortland is home to a nature center, a theatre, and a Guinness World Record holder

      September 1, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Right Mind Syracuse hosts one-session art workshops at local venues

      August 1, 2023
    • Parenting
      1. Pregnancy
      2. Babies
      3. Kids
      4. Preschoolers/Toddlers
      5. Special Needs
      6. Teens
      7. Pets
      8. View All

      The Power to Save a Life: Cord blood is being used to treat more than 80 diseases

      January 30, 2020

      It’s Not What It Looks Like: Reflections on motherhood’s changes, outside and inside

      July 29, 2019

      In Search of Sleep: 8 Strategies for coping with wakeful babies

      July 29, 2019

      A Surgical Birth: Many pregnant women are likely to deliver by cesarean

      July 29, 2019

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Hand to Mouth: How to help babies start to sample solid food

      August 1, 2020

      315 Bulletin

      August 1, 2020

      Name, Please? Expectant parents face another momentous decision

      August 1, 2020

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Rainbow Snowflakes: A colorful craft even little ones can make

      November 24, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      DIY Critter Magnets: Make cute clips for hanging reminders and more

      September 1, 2020

      Allergy Adjustments: Parents can support their food allergic child

      September 3, 2019

      Calming Commotion: How to deal with car sickness and more

      June 27, 2019

      Introducing Riff Rockit: Kindie artist to play jingles at Leon Fest

      June 1, 2017

      A History of Inclusion: The Jowonio School marked 50 years in 2019

      March 30, 2020

      Reaching a Milestone: Now the largest chapter in the country, Special Olympics New York is celebrating 50 years

      March 30, 2020

      Come Out and Play: Move Along offers adaptive sports for youth, adults

      March 30, 2020

      Let’s Get Together: Remaking classrooms so all students are included

      September 3, 2019

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      A Blooming Craft: These homemade flowers make a great centerpiece

      March 1, 2021

      Environmental Club: Auburn Junior High School

      January 30, 2020

      Furry Friends: What it takes to adopt a pet for the first time

      July 1, 2020

      Tail Wagging Fun: Lights on the Lake Dog Walk 2019

      November 14, 2019

      Uncommon Companions: Local pet store sticks to its niche

      May 30, 2019

      Dog Food for Thought: Trying to keep your pet from your plate

      May 30, 2019

      Homework Habits: How to Motivate Kids

      September 1, 2023

      After-School Activities and Programs in CNY

      September 1, 2023

      Fun, Educational Websites You Won’t Want Your Kids to Miss

      September 1, 2023

      Take the Stress Out of School Mornings

      August 31, 2023
    • Health
      1. Child Development
      2. Food
      3. Nutrition
      4. The “Recipe Doctor”
      5. View All

      Financial Literacy for Families: How parents can teach children, teens about money management

      April 1, 2022

      Strangers Bearing Advice: New babies bring out the expert in everyone

      August 1, 2021

      Choosing a Daycare: Learn As You Grow’s Joshua LaGrow offers some tips for finding the right fit

      August 1, 2021

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      Berries and Cream Croissant Breakfast Casserole

      June 1, 2023

      Prep Work: Keep your family’s food safe this summer

      June 1, 2022

      Nutrition in No Time: Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

      January 1, 2022

      Easy Holiday Recipes: Are you searching for some new dishes this season? These are some of our favorites.

      November 1, 2021

      Nutrition in No Time: Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

      January 1, 2022

      Liking Lunch: Best bets for serving kids a delicious, nutritious meal

      September 1, 2021

      A Little Jolt: Caffeine’s risks for kids and teens

      March 1, 2021

      Better Choices: How about a resolution to eat vegetables and other nutritious foods?

      January 1, 2021

      Best Friend’s Treats: Bake up some special dog biscuits

      June 1, 2018

      Colorful Soup in a Jar: Give the gift of winter comfort

      December 1, 2015

      Berry Good! Use a summer favorite in this ice cream

      July 1, 2015

      Flapjack Fever: Even pancakes can be a healthy breakfast

      June 1, 2015

      Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year

      September 1, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Right Mind Syracuse hosts one-session art workshops at local venues

      August 1, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Oswego Harborfest returns with food, live music and children’s activities

      June 28, 2023

      Treat Yourself: Explore restored wetlands, more at Canastota’s Great Swamp Conservancy

      June 1, 2023
    • Travel
    • Education
      1. Educator of the Month
      2. Class of the Month
      3. Education News
      4. Reading
      5. Teaching
      Featured

      Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage

      By Courtney KlessSeptember 1, 20230
      Recent

      Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage

      September 1, 2023

      Annie Gordon, Education Program Coordinator at the Sciencenter

      July 31, 2023

      Stephanie Waldron, Director of Environmental Risk Assessment for the Onondaga County Health Department

      June 28, 2023
    • Crafts & DIY
      • Create
      • Holiday Crafts
    Family TimesFamily Times
    Home»Education»Staff, Dance Centre North
    Education

    Staff, Dance Centre North

    Courtney KlessBy Courtney KlessSeptember 30, 2022No Comments8 Mins Read
    Dance Centre North Staff
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

     Cathy Mucci, Owner of Dance Centre North

    1. Dance Centre North is celebrating its 35th season. How has it changed and evolved over that time?
    When I first opened Dance Centre North, I was teaching all the dance forms and all the levels on my own. I quickly realized that the intensity needed to keep up that pace would not last, and by the next year, had begun to hire other teachers. It’s not easy to let go and allow others to assist in the development of the students, but I have been extremely fortunate that the staff I have acquired is now and has always been very well-trained professionals. They are gifted with the ability to pass on that training. Not everyone who is a good dancer is also a good teacher. It takes the desire to share those gifts, nurture, instill, and inspire the students from the first time they enter the studio until their final bow when they graduate.

    2. What kind of impact do you think you have had on the community?
    Over the course of our years here in Syracuse, we have always strived to keep a standard of excellence in addition to developing the pure joy experienced through movement. Through the many performing opportunities that we provide at Dance Centre North, our students gain the expertise needed for the stage. Those skills acquired are useful in both their academic and future employment requirements, thus developing responsible young adults joining the community workforce, and also during their training creating entertainment and contributing to the arts in our Syracuse community.

     3. What types of classes and programs do you offer?
    We are primarily a ballet school which encompasses the styles of Vaganova, Cecchetti and Royal Ballet. However, in addition to classical ballet, variations and pas de deux, we offer Modern, Jazz, Tap, Conditioning for Dancers, and Dance for Musical Theatre. This year, we have begun to add Adult Ballet, as well as a “Mommy & Me” class for 2-and-3-year-old children and a parent. Our curriculum is based on incremental progressive levels of training, which develops physicality and advances each student as an individual.

    Advertisement

    4. What do you see in the future for Dance Centre North?
    As with other arts institutions throughout the world, DCN has been challenged to keep its doors open throughout the recent years, dealing and operating during the pandemic. Fortunately, our staff and students were able to maintain classes online. Now that some normalcy has been established, I hope to rebuild within the school’s levels, and focus on developing additional performing opportunities for our dancers in collaboration with other arts organizations. Though I never imagined seeing DCN into year ’35,’ I am eternally grateful that God has given me this work, an incredibly wonderful staff that has had my back all along, and super families who entrusted their precious children to us these past 35 years.

     

    Larry Crabtree, Instructor

    1. What is your background in dance?
    I started tap dance in the Syracuse City School system after-school program when I was 4 years old. Later, I delved into jazz through my teen years and competed locally and nationally. I performed in high school musical productions, television, and musicals with the Pompeian Players. Upon graduation from North Syracuse High School, I continued training with Deborah Boughton, at the Center of Ballet & Dance Arts, for three years. I worked in retail clothing and as a Syracuse Post-Standard paper distributor during this time until my departure in 1984. In 1984, I moved to New York City, where I had a successful career as a dancer/teacher/choreographer with numerous companies for 23 years. These included the Anglo-American Ballet, New York Theatre Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, Peter Pucci Plus Dancers (Modern), the New York City Jazz Company, and others, performing nationally and internationally.

    As a teacher, I have taught for the Anglo-American Ballet, Circle in the Square Theatre School, New Jersey Ballet, and 23 years later here in Syracuse at Dance Centre North (2006-present), Le Moyne College (11 years), Syracuse University (10 years), among others, teaching classical ballet, body conditioning, pas de deux, musical theatre, and jazz classes.

    Additionally, I have choreographed numerous plays, cabarets, and musicals in New York City and in the Syracuse area, for the International Healthy Buildings Conference, and am the director/choreographer of CNY Arts’ annual holiday production of Dasher’s Magical Gift.

    2. What do you do during the day?
    During the day, I am a full-time Mentor for Advocates, Inc., empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to direct their own lives and create a vision for their future. Additionally, I teach about eight classes weekly at Dance Centre North.

    3. What is your favorite part of being a dance instructor?
    My favorite part of being an instructor is watching a student develop, learn, respect, and progress in dance so that they appreciate the art form and those that have danced before them. The reward of teaching is carrying on the art as it has been taught to me by my teachers, passing on knowledge and experience that I hope will benefit my students as they progress, whether it be in the arts, or in other areas. Dance trains you for many things in life; it helps you learn, know, develop your mind and body, and excel in all aspects of life, individual well-being, and as a community contributor.

     

    Julie Lombardi, Instructor

    1. What is your background in dance?
    I grew up taking classes at Dance Centre North throughout high school and then went on to major in dance at SUNY Purchase College, obtaining a BFA in 2001. I furthered my dance education, mostly focusing on studying at the Paul Taylor Dance Company school in New York City prior to returning to Syracuse. Upon my return to Syracuse, I began teaching at Dance Centre North and have been an instructor there for 20 years. In addition to teaching dance, I recently began performing again with a local Modern dance company, Speak Dance CNY.

    2. What do you do during the day?
    My full time career is as a physical therapist. I specialize in working with patients with neurologic conditions. I most recently began a new position as an assistant professor and director of clinical education at Upstate Medical University’s Physical Therapy program.

    3. What is your favorite part of being a dance instructor?
    As a dance instructor, I really enjoy analyzing movement and facilitating students’ awareness of their own alignment and placement to assist with their improvement in technique. The next step is then to help them learn to move through space sometimes with control and sometimes trying to abandon this control; for me, that is the most fun aspect of teaching.

     

    Samantha Dougherty, Instructor

    1. What is your background in dance?
    I have always been a jack of all trades when it came to dance when I was younger. I always wanted to experience new styles and expand my understanding of dance. I was born and raised in Central New York and have studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern, and tap dance disciplines in several area dance schools for the past 25 years. From 2006 to 2009, I was a member of “The Light of the World” professional ballet company, under the directorship of Ashley Rollinson. During that time, I had the opportunity to perform in venues all over New York state, as well as in China. While in China, I had the privilege of promoting the arts through dance in several school districts located in southern China and tourist venues in Beijing. From 2010 to present day, my love and passion for contemporary/modern dance has grown and really developed through Dance Centre North. It has brought my connection with dance to a whole new level.

    2. What do you do during the day?
    I am a marketing executive assistant that manages and directs books of business with Prudential. I’m so blessed to be able to work from home.

    3. What is your favorite part of being a dance instructor?
    I would have to say my favorite part is seeing my students not only put the time and effort into their passion, but using those tactics and lessons in their daily lives. Striving for excellence not only in class, but with school, sports, homework, building relationships. Having integrity in themselves and in what their passion is. Keeping a commitment not just towards their fellow classmates, but with themselves. Never giving up on the first try because you failed to execute it. Having them remember who they are and what they represent. This is what I push to instill in my students. Seeing it develop in the dance studio is really heartwarming as a teacher.

    Know an educator who deserves a mention? Email [email protected].

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Avatar photo
    Courtney Kless
    • LinkedIn

    Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. Courtney is originally from Maryland. She earned her Master’s degree in Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism from Syracuse University. Courtney began her career as a sports journalist, then spent several years working in higher education, before joining the company in August 2019. She enjoys traveling, reading and hiking, and recently adopted a Labrador Retriever, Bailey.

    Related Posts

    Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage

    September 1, 2023

    Annie Gordon, Education Program Coordinator at the Sciencenter

    July 31, 2023

    Stephanie Waldron, Director of Environmental Risk Assessment for the Onondaga County Health Department

    June 28, 2023
    Flip Through Our Latest Issue!
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    Top Posts

    Summer Activities Guide

    June 1, 2023147 Views

    DIY: Make your own vibrant, paper fans in only a few easy steps

    July 1, 2020107 Views

    Wondrous Waterfalls

    June 1, 202374 Views

    Staying Safe This Summer

    June 28, 202366 Views
    Recent Posts
    • Treat Yourself: Festa Italiana returns for its 25th year
    • 315 Bulletin
    • Kate Laissle, Director of Education at Syracuse Stage
    • Explore CNY: Cortland is home to a nature center, a theatre, and a Guinness World Record holder
    • Homework Habits: How to Motivate Kids

    Family Times Magazine publishes a digital magazine highlighting events, businesses, and content to inform and entertain families here in Central New York. Sign up for our twice monthly newsletter to have the magazine and other featured content.
    ____

    Email Us: [email protected]
    Contact: 1.315.422.7011

    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS
    Our Picks
    Most Popular

    Summer Activities Guide

    June 1, 2023147 Views

    DIY: Make your own vibrant, paper fans in only a few easy steps

    July 1, 2020107 Views

    Wondrous Waterfalls

    June 1, 202374 Views
    © 2023 Family Times, CNY. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • Our Authors
    • Archives
    • Community Events Calendar
    • Advertising

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Go to mobile version