Dance Innovations, Inc. Faculty and Staff

Susan McCutcheon Coutts, Studio Director/Artistic Coordinator
BA in Dance and Movement Therapy from University of Maryland, Post-Graduate Certification as Dance Therapist from U of MD; Pennsylvania Ballet Co.; Scholarship studies in NYC; Choreography awards throughout the east coast; DEA “Teacher of the Year for Ballet Excellence”, teacher of Master Classes in NYC and Florida. Artistic Director/ Choreographer for Dance Innovations Performance Company invited for the past 18 years as guest performers for 2 shows annually at Walt Disney World, Orlando and Epcot through Magic Music Days and Disney’s Performing Arts Program. Extensive performing experience for both Sea World/Orlando, and Universal Studios. Outstanding Performer’s (Choreographer) Of The Year Award from Sea World, Orlando. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) selected Susan for Sponsorship for a Youth Performing Company, Dance Innovations Performance Co., for a repeat engagement with 6 Performances in May 2005 for NJPAC “Dance Jam”. Chosen to choreograph a piece for Millennium Film “Morris 2000” aired on both NJ Network and Nationally. Dance representative for the Arts Council of the Morris Area Scholarship Committee. New Jersey Dance Chairman of the National Society of Arts and letter. Arts Council of the Morris Area 2001 Joyce Talbot Outstanding Arts Educator Award. Local delegate for International Children’s Day. Internship supervisor for Master program at Drew University. National recognition on outstanding teaching methods Dance Teacher Magazine 2004. Director of Arts In Education performances for both the Morris Arts Council and Project Impact. Choreographer for the Independent Production of “Dobdinob” a story for children of all ages, which premiered in March 2005. Chosen as the Overall Best Choreographer by Cathy Roe Productions, and was commissioned by Cathy Roe to oversee and star in a teaching video for distribution in both the USA and Europe filmed in summer, 2004. 2008 Curtain Call choreographer award. 2008 Cathy Roe choreographer and the Candice Tometich Memorial award respected member of Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey. In summer 2011 featured in an article for “Dance Studio Life Magazine” highlighting her passion & success in mainstreaming special needs children into the regular dance class curriculum.

Sarah Carothers  BA in Dance (Magna Cum Laude) from Point Park College. Performed and choreographed with Allian productions, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Make A Wish Foundation and Aids benefit, Pittsburgh PA.

Kerry Cox A scholarship graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre/Schenley Program, trained with the Joffrey Ballet & Pacific Northwest Ballet, both on scholarship. Performed ten years with St.Louis Ballet, where she rose to ranks of principal dancer. Her repertoire includes: Odette/Oldie in Swan Lake; Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen & Dew drop in Nutcracker; Waltz girl & Dark Angel in Serenade; Myrtha in Giselle; and featured roles in Dennis Nahat’s Brahms Quintet; Frances Patrelle’s Rhapsody in Blue and Astraire: A Tribute.

Michael Crawford- Currently Principal dancer with the American Repertory.Ballet Company, Company member of Kirov Academy, San Francisco Ballet, Dance theatre of Harlem, Washington Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Disney Cruse Lines and Sandals Resort Entertainment company to name a few. He has studied with George Balachine, Septime Webre, Garth Fagan and Twla Tharp.

Bridgit Cusato-Rosa BA from Drew University. Currently pursuing law degree from Rutgers Law School. Choreographed for Drew University’s Dance and Theatre programs. Teacher at North Star Academy Newark, NJ, where she initiated a dance program. Attended International seminar in Spain. Member of the Honor Society.

Tracy Dante
Graduate of Stafford Hall School of Business Training coordinator and conference planner assistant – CIBA Geigy. Dedicated mother of three to Dance Innovation dancers. Boutique personnel. Scholarship Liaison Dance Innovation Performance Foundation.

Abigial Dearman- BS in education (Summa Cum Laude) with a minor in Dance from Bucknell University. NJ Teacher’s certification in Early childhood, Elementary, and Dance Education. Recipient of the 2010 Walter H. Sauvain Prize, a prize awarded to the education major who shows the greatest achievement and promise for professional growth and service. Dance Innovations Performance Company Graduate. Dance Innovations Performance foundation Dancer.

Tyner Dumortier-(instructor /Modern. Rep teacher)- Graduate Mason gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. 2011 national winner National Society of arts and Letters in chreography. Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company. Performance at Jacobs Pillow Dance festival.

Rebecca Elias  -BA in dance from Connecticut College. Performed for David Dorfman, Lisa Race, Heidi Henderson, Alexandra Beller, Nicholas Leichter and Andy LeBeau. Dance Innovations Performance company graduate. Stage manager at the Alvin Ailey Theatre January 2008 APAP conference. Dance Innovations Performance foundation Dancer. Arts in Education Performer

Erika Friedman- (instructor)- Dance Innovations Performance Company graduate. Graduate from Drew University with high honors in Behavioral Science and Business Management. Performer with American Repertory Ballet, Oriental Ballet Performance and other NYC companies. Arts in Education performer

Linda Frasciello  BA in dance from Stockton State College; Performed and choreographed for CCM Dance Theatre group; Stockton Dance company; Office/ Boutique personnel.

Patricia Foote  Certified fitness instructor with Aerobic pipeline Fourteen years with Spraying Systems Company. Office/receptionist personnel.

Loretta Gassert   BA in Psychology. Former nursery school teacher. Retail and management experience. Office/receptionist personnel.

Melissa Gould  BA from Montclair University. AFA County College of Morris, Seasoned Gymnastic and dance teacher throughout new Jersey.

Sarah Gordon- (instructor) BS from Ithaca College. Currently a member of Kennedy Dancers. Performed with Keen Dance Theater. Worked with Pilobolus, Dianne McCarthy, Kaititi King, Alexandra Beller and Jana Hicks. Graduate of Dance New Amsterdam’s Professional Training Program and continuing studies in NYC.

Brady Hohn-  BFA Montclair State University. Study abroad in London, England. Performances with Kings Production”Vegas Superstars”, American Cancer Society Benefit
“Edge Out Cancer”, Dancer/ singer for Six Flags Great Adventure. Published articles for Dance Magazine.

Meghan Hunter- (yoga instructor) BA in Psychology from American University, Washington DC and RYT-200 Registered Yoga Instructor, under the direction of Yoga Effects, NYC. High school counselor in Elizabeth, NJ and yoga teacher to students of all ages.

Randy James (instructor/ Modern Rep. Teacher)- BA from empire State college. Assoc. professor Mason Gross School of the arts, Rutgers University. NJSCA choreographic fellowship award. President Dance NJ. Principal dancer with Dan Wagoners & Dancers.

Heather Johdos  BFA in Dance from The Hartt School. Credits include People Ballet School(Berezinski,Russia) Jacobs Pillow, Full Force Dance Theater, Mojalet Dance Collective, National Society Arts and Letters Modern Dance recipient (Washington, DC). Currently a dance facillitator at Matheny School and Medical Center in the Arts Access Program.  Dance Innovations Performance Foundation dancer. Arts in Education performer. Boutique personnel

Laura Keys -(instructor)BA from Dickinson College, MA from Florida State University. Guest Choreographer for Princeton Ballet, and Hamilton Ballet Theatre.

Marion Knorr  BA in Dance from University of Maryland. AS degree from County College of Morris. University of Maryland Dance Team, Performed and choreographed for CCM Dance Theatre group, Studied at Broadway Dance Center and steps studio in NYC.

Tim Kotchka- (instructor) (AEA, AFTRA) graduated with honors from the BFA Dance Program at Montclair State University. Two time World Irish Dance Champion, three time the All Ireland Champion and three time the North American Irish Dance Champion. One of Irish Dance Magazines Top 100 Irish Americans of the Year on two separate occasions. Performed in Broadway’s Riverdance and The Pirate Queen. Toured extensively throughout North America and Asia with Riverdance. Performed at Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, on The View, Good Morning America, The Ellen Show and Dancing with the Stars. In the fall 2005, passed his T.C.R.G. examination, the certification to teach Irish Dance. Currently dancing with Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company and Darrah Carr Dance.

Courtney Manze  BA in Fashion Design with a minor in dance from Radford University.  Dance Innovations Performance Company graduate.  Designer for Eva Blu Fashions.  Dance Innovations Performance Company Dancer.

Julianne McGee (instructor/ Modern Rep. Teacher) Dance Innovations Performance Company graduates. Graduate of Vanderbilt University. Internship at Broadway Dance Center NYC. Studied at The Edge and Debbie Reynolds in Los Angeles.

Casey McDaniel ((instructor/ Performing group teacher) BA in Brigham Young University. Instructor for St. George’s University. Performed with Vibe Dance Company and BYU Cougarette Dance Teams.

Kelly Mott-Sacks   Former member of Kean Dance theatre, William Chaison Modern Dance Theatre, and charter member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble. Choreographer for Summit High School; “State Fair”, “Footloose”, and “42nd Street”.

Laura Neese- (instructor/ Modern Rep. Teacher). BFA State university of New York. Buffalo. Study Abroad at university of Chlehesters, united Kingdom. 2011 National society of Arts and Letters 3rd place choreography.

Robin Pecharsky- ((instructor/ Performing group teacher) AFA From County County College of Morris. Director/ Choreographer Brundage Park Playhouse. Winner VSA Art Award and NJ Governors award in choreography.

Barbara Russo- BA in Dance Psychology Washington University St. Louis Missouri. Sole Recipient of Ian D.W. Kramer award for excellence in Dance. Governor school of the Arts 2000 Scholarship Recipient. Performed with Alvin Ailey School, The Taylor School, STEPS on Broadway, Parson Summer Program, The Slaughter Project, Dance St. Louis Contemporary Moves & William/Henry Danse Theatre. Dance Innovations Performance Company Graduate.

Pamela Sacco  Associate degree from Somerset College. Graduate of the Taylor Business Institute in interior design and decorating.

Pamela H. Sandler  BA and Bachelors in Administration from Bernard Baruch College of NYC. Over 20 years experience in theater has taught, performed, choreographed, and directed numerous shows throughout the East Coast. Arts in Education Program. Office personnel/studio photographer.

Nicole Smith- (instructor/ Modern Rep. Teacher) BFA (summa Cum Laude) in Dance from Montclair State university. Studied Abroad at Queensland University, Brisbane, and Australia. Founder/ Director of the Nicole smith Project. Performances with Walt Disney Entertainment. Beauty and the Beast stage production at Disney MGm studio, Florida.

Kate Spendley- BFA in dance education (magna Cum Laude) from East Carolina University. Summer studies with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

Alyssa Stroman- BA in dance from Montclair State University. A member of Montclair State Dance Company and Just dance (all female hip hop group). Performed throughout the East coast as a back up dancer for pop star impersonator. Currently dancer with the New Jersey Emerald semi pro team and upcoming dance company Canvas Ballet Shoe.

Corinne Tighe Radio City Rockette since 2003. Regional theatre credits include Plays in the park since 1999. Performances include Tony Awards, Live with Regis and Kelly, Macy day Thanksgiving Parade, and Radio City Christmas Spectacular since 2006.

Jennifer Tondo  BA in dance from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales, Center Valley, PA; Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, PA; sole recipient of graduate award in dance, 1994; Dance Innovations Performance Foundation dancer. Arts in Education Performer. Office personnel.

Anastasia Soroczynski- (instructor/ Modern Rep. Teacher) Dance Innovations Performance Company graduate. BFA in dance SUNY purchase. Member of RIOULT: the company, Since 2002 Production coordinator at Ballet Academy East.

Casey Ury Currently a dancer with the professional arena football team –the New Jersey Revolutions. Has taught Dance and gymnastic throughout the Morris county area. Appeared in various Nutcracker performances with Performing Arts of NJ Company.

STUDENT TEACHERS-BOUTIQUE EMPLOYEES Kyle Bergman, Connor Bourke, Kayla Coutts, Jennifer Coviello, Nicole Dante, Emma Franklin, and Elizabeth Suczewski 

 

Join our team!

We are looking for experienced, energetic teachers for the 2010-2011 school year to teach preschool, ballet or jazz.

If interested, please email your resume to diinfo@danceinnovations.org or fax to 973-635-6636 with a cover letter of your teaching interests.