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.
Berenice Carbalo is a Salvadorean jazz, contemporary, ballet and modern dancer .She began her dance studies in El Salvador at Humanum empore under the direction of Estela Mena. She performed on events like UNICEF initiative "Mi derecho un sueño" and productions like "Moana" and "+Danza El Salvador" . In 2022 she moved to NYC to continue her studies at Peridance Certificate program where she recently graduated in June 2024! While in school she had the opportunity to learn from teachers like Anabella Lenzu, Amanda Stevenson, Preston Mul and Richard Chen See. She also had the opportunity to perform works of choreographers like Igal Perry, Ali Pfleger and Erica Bowen. Ms. Berenice is a talented performer and also loves sharing her passion with her students!