Faculty
Rebekka Nodhturft is a passionate teaching artist with extensive performing and teaching experience. She holds her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance from the prestigious dance program at Montclair State University, where she was also an Adjunct Professor of Dance. She has been a guest teacher for the Tiny Steps program at the world-renowned Ailey School, the official school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Rebekka danced for over three years at the world-renowned Cotton Club, where she tapped with the legendary Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and her line of ’Sophisticated Ladies’. She also performed with Jazz Roots Dance, founded in 2009 and directed by the legendary Sue Samuels.
Rebekka also worked as a soloist with Keen Dance Theater (KDT), a contemporary company under the direction of John Keen, with whom she toured internationally.
Furthermore, Rebekka is the Founder and Artistic Director of Awaken Dance Theater, a NYC-based company that performs works about social and political issues. She created a piece about climate change, and won ‘best choreography’ in 2015 at the NYC10 Festival for a piece exploring the tragedy of gun violence.
Perhaps most importantly, Rebekka truly loves teaching and inspiring others to dance. She has taught for over 10 years at various schools in and around NYC, including private studios, K-12 and higher education. In addition to providing sound technical training, she strives to help dancers develop artistically, and to develop a sense of self-confidence and joy through movement.
Rebekka danced for over three years at the world-renowned Cotton Club, where she tapped with the legendary Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and her line of ’Sophisticated Ladies’. She also performed with Jazz Roots Dance, founded in 2009 and directed by the legendary Sue Samuels.
Rebekka also worked as a soloist with Keen Dance Theater (KDT), a contemporary company under the direction of John Keen, with whom she toured internationally.
Furthermore, Rebekka is the Founder and Artistic Director of Awaken Dance Theater, a NYC-based company that performs works about social and political issues. She created a piece about climate change, and won ‘best choreography’ in 2015 at the NYC10 Festival for a piece exploring the tragedy of gun violence.
Perhaps most importantly, Rebekka truly loves teaching and inspiring others to dance. She has taught for over 10 years at various schools in and around NYC, including private studios, K-12 and higher education. In addition to providing sound technical training, she strives to help dancers develop artistically, and to develop a sense of self-confidence and joy through movement.
Debbie Nodhturft began dancing with Marya Kennett when she was four years old. She now has more than 25 years of experience teaching ballet and tap. She created and co-directed the Marya Kennett Competition Team, and performed in and directed Nutcrackers for both the Marya Kennett Dance Center and New Generation Dance in Orange County NY.
She regularly attends conferences and workshops hosted by Dance Educators of America, and has also been invited to teach in several private preschool programs.
"Miss Debbie," as she is affectionately called by her students, is particularly known for her work with the youngest of dancers.
She regularly attends conferences and workshops hosted by Dance Educators of America, and has also been invited to teach in several private preschool programs.
"Miss Debbie," as she is affectionately called by her students, is particularly known for her work with the youngest of dancers.
Andrea Perricelli grew up dancing in Orange County New York with the Marya Kennett Dance Centre. At 3 years old she began taking classes and performing in the annual Nutcracker with the studio which she continued with through high school. In high school, she discovered a passion for teaching dance.
After high school, Andrea went on to attend Montclair State University where she is pursuing a degree in K-6 special education and 5-8th grade mathematics. In college, she participates in a theater organization working on both dance and musical theater experiences. She has performed in benefit concerts, student-directed and choreographed dance shows and a production of The Wedding Singer.
After high school, Andrea went on to attend Montclair State University where she is pursuing a degree in K-6 special education and 5-8th grade mathematics. In college, she participates in a theater organization working on both dance and musical theater experiences. She has performed in benefit concerts, student-directed and choreographed dance shows and a production of The Wedding Singer.
Chrissy Maher is an energetic, well-rounded teacher who started her dance and gymnastics training at Marya Kennett Dance Centre and Kennett's School of Gymnastics at the age of 3. At Kennett's, Chrissy was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop as well as a competitive gymnast. While at Le Moyne College (Syracuse, NY), Chrissy continued her love for dance through the Le Moyne Student Dance Company and Le Moyne Dance Team. By the end of her four years, Chrissy became President and choreographer for the company and Head Choreographer of the team. Her favorite styles to perform are modern and hip-hop, and loved choreographing intricate modern pieces with acro elements. She loves watching her students grow in every class, and hopes each student leaves confident in themselves and their new skills! When not in the studio, Chrissy is using her Masters degree in engineering!