meet Our Teachers
Kristen
Kristen started her dance studies at JG Dance under the direction of Joe and GInnie Mazzello at the age of 4 years old. Upon graduation in 1999, Kristen began teaching at JG. After 22 years, upon Ginnie’s “retirement”, Kristen took over as the studio owner. Through the years, Kristen has taken classes in NYC and learned from NappyTabs, Wildabest and many other professional choreographers. She has also studied under ADTA (Acrobatic Dance Teacher Association) and DSOA (Dance Studio Owners Association). Kristen loves to teach all aspects of dance, but her favorites are Tap, Jazz and Acting. She works with preschool and kindergarten students. She also teaches choreography to students of all ages (3 to adult). Her classes are energetic, instructive and encouraging. Kristen is a graduate of Marist College with a BA in Communications: TV, Radio and Film. Outside of JGDA, Kristen has been able to share her experiences, talents and love of dance throughout Dutchess County. She has choreographed for many local theater companies as well as elementary, middle and high school productions. Kristen is excited for the new adventures of Circus Dancing to come to JGDA.
Ginnie
Ginnie made several television appearances and performed in several shows off-Broadway as an actress/singer/dancer prior to opening JG Dance in 1978, She also worked at all three television networks, ABC, NBC and CBS in various executive positions and was involved in choreographing children in television commercials. Early in her dance career, she received a scholarship to train with the American School of Ballet. She continued to dance in NYC concentrating on musical theater, choreographing “Roar of the Greasepaint” at MMC Theater in NYC and taking on the part of Lucky in the production of “Waiting for Godot”. Just before moving back to Hyde Park. Ginnie was choreographer for the Pre-college summer intensive at Marymount Manhattan College, NYC. Ginnie’s passion for dance is quite obvious to her students. Her care for all her students and her attention to detail enables each of them to reach their full potential.
Shannon
Shannon Twohig is a proud JG alumnus, she attended Adelphi University where she graduated with a BS in Fine Arts. She has taught at local dance studios on Long Island, lead dance camps, as well taught at dance intensives for high school students. While in NYC she danced with a small company. Shannon now has a MS in nutrition but has never lost a passion for dance. She excited to be back at JG.
Taylor
Taylor began dancing at the age of 3 and continues to dance whenever she can. Through dance she discovered her love for Musical Theater. Taylor went to Wilkes University for Musical Theater and pursued a Minor in Dance. Her experience and love for the art of dancing grew more and more with each day, as she studied Classical Ballet and Pointe, Jazz, Tap and Fosse from her instructors. Taylor’s first teaching job was with The Nesin Cultural Arts Center in Monticello, NY. She helped to craft the Dance Program and taught ages 3-18. It was a truly wonderful experience to build this program from the ground up. Shortly after, she started teaching at Arts in Motion Dance Academy, working with all ages 3-18 and their competition teams. It was a truly wonderful experience. Taylor is beyond elated to start teaching for JG Dance and to introduce her passion and love for dance to all children. To teach them to build confidence not only in their dancing, but also in their lives.
Brooklyn
Brooklynn is originally from Miami, Florida, Brooklynn is a graduate of Florida International University with a B.S. in Rehabilitation Therapy and Psychology. She began dancing at the age of three in jazz, hip hop, ballet, lyrical, tap, and acro, and has performed with various Miami-based studios and companies. Now pursuing her graduate studies in Physical Therapy in Poughkeepsie, Brooklynn has found a unique way to blend her love for dance with her therapeutic expertise. She is excited to bring her Miami flair and passion for dance therapy to JG Dance Studio, enriching our classroom environment.
Announcement
Coming February 15th - Our Mini Movers 6 week session for our 2 -3 year olds. An introduction into the dance environment with music and movement. Contact us with us any questions or to register. (845) 337-5467