Alzine Cuppett, Founder & Artistic Director Emeritus, received her early dance training from Gene Kelly, his brother Fred, and their sister Louise.She enjoyed a professional career in New York City, dancing at the Roxy Theatre; in the Broadway Musical “Marinka”; and as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall.She established the “Cuppett School of Dance” in her Vienna home in 1962, and later moved her growing business to it’s current location in downtown Vienna.Mrs. Cuppett is Past President of Dance Masters of America, Chapter 17.She is Past Chairman of the East Coast Committee of the Cecchetti Coucil of America, and having passed her Advanced Professional Level with the Ballet Council, she is a ‘Fellow’ of the C.C.A.Mrs. Cuppett is the mother of six, grandmother to fifteen girls and one little young man, and great grandmother to eight!
Amy Cuppett Stiverson, Artistic & Business Director, is Mrs. Cuppett’s ‘Grand Finale’.Under her mother’s tutelage, she studied with the Cuppett School of Dance and also with the Washington Ballet School, and attended the Teacher’s Training School at Kent State University.Amy earned a B.S. degree in Finance from O.D.U. in 1992 and enjoyed a successful career in Mortgage Banking and Real Estate.Feeling pulled back to her art, she took her business skills and began managing & promoting the Center in the late 90’s, of which her efforts contributed to more than tripling the enrollment at CPAC.Utilizing her artistic side, Amy's award-winning choreography can be seen on the Cuppett Dance Company for which she directs.Amy has served as a Master Teacher for Dance Masters of America Student/Teacher Workshops, and was recognized as a Virginia Governor’s School Outstanding Educator in 2004.She is an associate member of the Cecchetti Council of America.Amy designed and headed up the Center's recent expansion.Above all, she is the proud mother of four beautiful children.
Christine Musig, Ballet Director, began her training with former Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo danseur Oleg Tupine, and his wife Tania Rousseau.After High School she went to New York and studied at American Ballet Theatre with Leon Danelian, Valentina Peryaslavic, and Patricia Wilde.Other New York teachers included David Howard and Maggie Black.Christine performed with Virginia Ballet Company, Old Dominion Ballet Theatre, Prochotsky Ballet Theatre, Arlington Dance Theater and Fairfax Chamber Ballet.Christine has taught extensively throughout Metro area for the past 27 years. Her choreography has been seen in "Fiddler on the Roof", "Hello Dolly", "42nd Street", and other musicals.Christine has been a Guest Teacher for the East Coast Cecchetti Council and Dance Masters of America Chapter 17.She is responsible for directing the full-length ballet each spring (a creative joy) and the Intensive Ballet Program. She has been a part of the CPAC family since 1980 and feels blessed to have so much support from the staff, Amy and most of all Mrs. Cuppett, an inspiring mentor and example.
Lisa Grau, Cecchetti Director,began as a dance student with the “Cuppett School of Dance” at the age of 4.She received her Teachers’ Diploma from the Dance Masters of America, Teacher Training School at Kent State University.Lisa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Virginia Community College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science.She worked in orthopedics as a Physical Therapist Assistant for almost 20 years.Lisa is considered a master of Mrs. Cuppett’s “Kelly Style” of tap dance.She is a member of Dance Masters of America and the Cecchetti Council of America, and is certified through Cecchetti Teacher’s Grade V.She is currently the Newsletter Editor for the East Coast Committee of the Cecchetti Council of America.As Cecchetti Director, Lisa oversees and manages the Cecchetti examination process for the Center.She teaches Tap, Cecchetti, and Combination.
Teaching Faculty (Listed Alphabetically)
Ashley Cuppett, granddaughter of Alzine Cuppett, began dancing at the age of 3.She has extensive training in Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, and Cecchetti through Grade VII.Ashley competed as an Elite Performer with the Cuppett Dance Company and is now an award-winning choreographer for the CDC. Her solo performances have landed her the titles of Junior Star of Tomorrow (2002), and First Runner Up, Teen Miss Dance, Dance Masters of America (2004).Ashley has attended DMA National Conventions in New York City and Nashville, TN, and was awarded the Zee Brown Ahern Scholarship, a full tuition scholarship to the DMA Student Honors Intensive Program at the University of Buffalo, NY (2005). She was awarded a full tuition scholarship to attend Teacher’s Training School in Buffalo, NY by DMA Chapter 17 in both 2007 and 2008.Ashley began as a student teacher at CPAC in 2001 and has led her own classes since 2004. Ashley has performed in Washington D.C. and New York City with D.C. based Mayzsoul, Inc. In March 2010, one of Ashley's soloists won the coveted title of Teen Miss Dance, Dance Masters of America Chapter 17. Ashley became a Nationally Certified Member of Dance Masters of America at Teacher's Training School in Buffalo, NY this past July, after completing her fourth summer of studies in the program. She is also an Associate Member of the Cecchetti Council of America, currently pursuing Grade II Teacher's Examination. Ashley teaches all disciplines and ages at the Center, and is competition choreographer and event planner for the Cuppett Dance Company.
Toy Falconeholds a BFA in Dance Performance from Towson University and has studied with Arlington Center for Dance, Kintz-Mejia Academy, Maryland Youth Ballet and Joy of Motion Dance Center.She is the former Director of Performance Programming at the American Dance Institute and former Assistant Artistic Director of the Joy of Motion Youth Dance Intensive. Toy has worked as a guest teacher for the American High School Dance Festival, as guest choreographer for Bound 4 Broadway and is certified through Cecchetti teacher’s Grade V.Shehas been performing professionally for over 15 years with such companies as Classical Ballet Theatre, Stage Crew Jazz Company, Tony Powell Music & Movement, Dancin’ Unlimited, Arlington Dance Theatre, Jazzdanz/dc, and currently, Mayzsoul. Toy has appeared as a guest artist at the American College Dance Festival, ‘Traveling Through Music History’ with the BSO and “An Evening with The Duke” with the Reunion Jazz Orchestra, to name a few.Toy teaches all disciplines at the Center.
Maggie Foarde started her first dance experience at CPAC when she was 10 years old, and quickly fell in love with the Art.She also danced at the Fairfax High School Academy for the Arts her Junior and Senior year of H.S.At CPAC, Maggie danced with the Senior Cuppett Dance Company, was the first recipient of the Peg McCloskey Memorial Scholarship, and was honored with a position as Student Teacher her Senior year.After graduation Maggie studied with the dance department at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.She has since transferred to George Mason University to complete her studies, and has taken the opportunity to perform locally with Maurice Johnson, and the Joy of Motion Center for Dance.She also served as the Dance Program Director at the Harmonia School for the Performing Arts in Oakton, Virginia.Maggie currently teaches Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop for the Center, and is a competition choreographer for the Cuppett Dance Company.
Jenn Ruhl Kubilus grew up dancing in New Jersey, New York City and the Philadelphia areas. She is well versed in contemporary, modern, lyrical, ballet, pointe, jazz and acro-dance. She graduated from George Mason University with a BFA degree in Dance and a minor in Arts Administration. While attending college she both performed and choreographed with the GMU Dance Company. As part of resident artist programs she has performed in the works of Kevin Campbell, Danny Ezralow, Susan Marshall, Kate Skarpetowska, Lar Lubovitch and Paul Taylor. Jenn has presented works at GMU’s Harris Theater’s Dance Concerts and one of her piece’s represented GMU at the American College Dance Festival. Jenn also performed with Momentum Dance Theatre during the 2006 Capitol Fringe Festival while completing her Arts Administration Internship. She has choreographed for the T.C Williams High School theater program and volunteered in dance outreach programs. Her athletic background in gymnastics, spring board diving and competitive dance has shaped her creative style. She has worked throughout the DC Metro area as an independent dancer, model, and choreographer. In 2004 Jenn began working with the youth competitive company and recreational adult classes at Chris Collins Dance Studio. She has also joined the dance teaching staff at Cuppett Performing Arts Center and Amyclae Dance Academy. Jenn is a dancer and choreographer with the professional dance companyMayzsoul, which presents works in NYC and the DC area.
Jennifer Meyer has danced with Mrs. Cuppett since the age of 7.She performed with the Cuppett Dance Company since it’s beginning, as a soloist in all the Cuppett ballets, and as the lead role in “Gaite Parisienne”.Jennifer received her Teachers’ Training Diploma from D.M.A. Teachers’ Training School at Kent State University.She is a Teacher Member of the Cecchetti Council of America, where she has served on the Board for the past 12 years and is a past Chairman of the Board for the East Coast Committee.She is presently serving as co-registrar.Jennifer is teacher certified through Professional Advanced Cecchetti (Grade VII), and became a ‘Fellow’ of the C.C.A. after passing her Teacher’s Grade VII exam in 2003.Along with preparing students for exams, she is also actively preparing teachers.Jennifer teaches Cecchetti grades II-VII for the Center.
JannieLe Nguyenbegan dancing at age 8, studying ballet, tap and gymnastics at Starmaker Dance Studio.In high school she was named captain of the J.V. Lancer Dancers, which won three 1st place trophies and a National Championship.At the age of 15 she began tap and jazz classes at CPAC, and later became a member of the Cuppett Dance Company.In addition, she studied ballet, jazz & modern at the Fairfax Dance Academy.Recently JannieLe founded the Aktiv 8 Hip Hop Group at her former high school and remains as choreographer.She is a co-founder /choreographer of Moonlit Wings Productions.Her previous works include choreographing Lancer Theatre's musicals You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (2007) and Grease (2008), and Moonlit Wings Prod. High School Musical: On Stage (2008).She continues training at Joy of Motion and participates in east coast dance workshops, and is currently dancing for Deviated Theatre in Rockville, where she recently performed on the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage. JannieLe is working toward National certification w/ DMA's Teachers Training School at the University at Buffalo, and completed her third summer in the program in 2010. She is also an associate member of the Cecchetti Council of America and is currently pursuing Grade II Teacher's certification. JannieLe is a competition choreographer and the secretary for the Cuppett Dance Company, and teaches all ages and disciplines for the Center.
Connie Weis O’Marahas been dancing for 33 years and teaching for over 25.During this time, she toured with the Kathy Harty Gray Dance Theater, including dancing at The Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater.She also performed with Upright Vertebrates, Diane Floyd & Saturday Company, Contemporary Dancers of Alexandria, and as a guest performer for local choreographers.Connie’s dance training has emphasized the historic modern techniques of Martha Graham, Jose’ Limon, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman.She holds an A.B. in Sociology from Miami University in Ohio.Connie was honored with scholarships to study at the University of Chicago, where she received an M.A. in Urban Studies, and to study dance with the Joyce Trisler Company of New York and at the Dance Project in Washington, D.C. with Jan Van Dyke.Connie won a choreography award from DMA, and Mayzsoul Dance Co. has performed her work in Washington, D.C.She continued her studies with The American Dance Festival in June of 2008.Connie teaches Modern and Yoga for the Center.
Katie Padgett is a native of Lexington, KY, and spent her early days training at Diana Evans School of Dance. She has performed in local and national dance concerts and competitions. Ms. Padgett has taught at studios in Kentucky, North Carolina and Northern Virginia, and prides herself in bringing a true rhythm tap education to her students. A founding member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Performing Arts Alliance, Ms. Padgett is also co-founder and Artistic Director of the Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble (MYTE). In three short seasons, MYTE has danced at Ganz Hall in Chicago, on the CBS Early Show, at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the DC Tap Festival All-Star Concert, Wolf Trap, The Reston Multicultural Festival, and numerous community festivals and events. In addition, she is a founding member of the performance group, MetroTAP, for which she is also the Artistic Director. In 2005, she was invited to perform in the annual Kennedy Center Gala performance, “A Salute to the 1940’s Broadway Musical”, hosted by Julie Andrews and featuring the NSO Pops, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch. Katie was invited back to the Gala in 2006 where she performed with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. In 2008, Katie performed at Lincoln Center in New York with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, again conducted by Marvin Hamlisch, in “Broadway’s Greatest Showstoppers”. Most recently Ms. Padgett's choreography has been performed at the Ellington Theater as part of the first annual DC Tap Festival, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Lee Center, and the Ernst Cultural Center. Katie’s students have gone on to dance at the Juilliard School, Alvin Ailey, The Boston Ballet, Broadway shows, and in numerous collegiate dance programs across the U.S. Ms. Padgett is a proud graduate of Elon University, where she studied under the tutelage of leading youth tap dance educator, Gene Medler. Katie teaches advanced Tap for the Center.
Nicole Perricelli began dancing at the age of 3 with tap & baton twirling in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Over the years, she has added jazz, ballet, cheerleading, modern and musical theatre to her studies. In her teen years she performed & competed in various venues throughout the U. S. and Canada. Nicole studied dance at George Mason University, and was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program. In 2001, she attended the D.M. A. Teachers’ Training School at S.U.N.Y. in Buffalo. Nicole has taught at various studios in the area and has choreographed award-winning dances. She successfully coached the 1st year Westfield H.S. Bulldogs Dance Team to a 3rd place regional finish, and more recently coached the 2nd year Robert E. Lee H.S. Jr. Varsity Dance Team to three 1st place trophies and a National Championship. Nicole currently lives in Richmond where she teaches dance and choreographs high school musicals. As a C.D.C. Choreographer, she frequently commutes to Vienna to put her award-winning choreography on the Cuppett Dance Company. For the 2010-2011 school year, Nicole will teach advanced Jazz for the Center.
Tammy Roberts has studied and performed with professionals in DC and New York.She began teaching and choreographing while at the University of Maryland and has made contributions to numerous professional, community and educational musical productions.Tammy most recently appeared in the World Premier of “Saving Aimee” with Carolee Carmello and the US Premier of “The Witches of Eastwick” with Marc Kudisch and Emily Skinner at Signature Theatre.Tammy has also appeared in productions at The Studio Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, and Toby’s Dinner Theatre as well as singing the role of Ida in the Washington National Opera’s “Die Fledermaus”.She was also seen in the National Tour of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana”.Tammy has also appeared in movies and on television.She teaches Musical Theatre and Combination for the Center.
Talia Ruetenik received her early dance training at CPAC in ballet, Cecchetti (grade VI), jazz and modern.While attending Virginia Tech to pursue degrees in Aerospace and Ocean engineering, Talia joined The Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE), where she taught weekly technique classes in ballet, modern and jazz and choreographed and performed in the semi-annual performances.In 2005, Talia was elected CDE Director and took on the organization, management and direction of the company.As Director, Talia pushed the company towards professionalism in their technique and performance quality while working to facilitate the development of a family environment.After graduating in 2007, Talia accepted employment with Northrop Grumman and returned to dance at Cuppetts as a Modern assistant.In 2008, Talia founded the Talu Modern Dance Company to continue developing her choreography and modern technique and is now teaching Modern for the Center.
Terri Siller began her early dance training with the Cuppett School of Dance directly under Alzine Cuppett, where she danced several lead ballet roles and won the title of D.M.A. Miss Dance.She later trained with the Washington School of Ballet, Arlington Dance Theatre and eventually the Joffrey School of Ballet in NYC.Terri attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA, and later received a B.S. Degree in Education from George Mason University in 1990.She studied four years and received teacher certification through D.M.A.'s Teacher's Training School at Kent State University.Terri is also a certified through the Cecchetti Council of America, grades I-VI, and is currently training for Advanced Professional Teacher's examination.She has been teaching dance at several Florida-based and local dance schools for the past 23 years, and teaches Cecchetti, Lyrical and Combination for the Center.
Mozelle Karnette Stanton began training with Alzine Cuppett at age 4.She completed 4 years of intensive performing and teachers’ training of ballet at Virginia Intermont College, graduating Cum Laude, with a B.A. degree to teach.While at V.I.C., she was a member of the Bristol Ballet Company, a regional Honors Company with the South Eastern Regional Ballet Association, and performed in annual productions of “The Nutcracker”, “Coppelia”, “Graduation Ball” and other company repertoire.She also received a Teachers’ Diploma from Dance Masters of America’s Teachers Training School at Kent State University.Mrs. Stanton has been teaching beginner through advanced Ballet for the Center since 1982.
Cuppett Performing Arts Center Conveniently located just behind Whole Foods Market 135 Park Street, S.E. Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 938-9019 Email: Info.CPAC@vacoxmail.com www.CuppettPAC.com
