CYNTHIA’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

Meet our Teachers

DR. CYNTHIA ZURCHIN, STUDIO DIRECTOR

Cynthia began dancing at 2 years of age and started teaching dance in 1981. In 1988 she opened Cynthia’s School of Dance. She expands and hones her skills by attending workshops taught by experts across the United States. Cynthia is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced teachers in the Pittsburgh area specializing in making dance FUN while teaching dance technique. In 1997 she received her Doctorate of Education Degree from Duquesne University. Many call her the “Doctor of Dance.” In 2019 Cindy was recognized as one of four studio owners across the US for successful studio practices and was asked to participate in a panel discussion. Several of Cindy’s dancers have gone on to perform professionally around the world with Disney, Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships, Sesame Street, and Busch Gardens. Cynthia’s School of Dance is an atmosphere that is positive for students and parents focused on building confidence, self-control, responsibility and thinking skills. Cynthia continues to train new dance teachers to teach proper technique while making dance fun and helping all students reach their fullest potential. Cynthia is also trained in chair yoga and teaching yoga for children. She is a former public school teacher, principal and superintendent. Dr. Zurchin is also an Assistant Professor at Point Park University. She is also the mother of John and Nick who assist behind the scenes at the dance studio. Dr. Zurchin is a motivational speaker, trainer & coach who uplifts her audiences with insightful, passionate workshops and presentations. Visit drcindyzurchin.com to learn more.

LACEY LEMERE
ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Lacey LeMere began teaching at Cynthia’s in 2023. Lacey graduated from Point Park University in 2021 with her BFA in dance with a concentration in Jazz and a Business Management minor. She studied under the direction of Garfield Lemonius and has trained under faculty members Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, Mark Burrell, Kiki Lucas, and Rocker Veratisque. While at Point Park University, Lacey has performed works choreographed by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre member, Yoshiaski Nakano, as well as faculty member Pearlann Porter. Lacey was born and raised just north of Detroit, Michigan, where she began dancing at the age of four. Attending Main Stage Center for the Arts in New Baltimore, Michigan, she has trained in various styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, modern and hip hop, under the direction of Laurie Papovich and Regina Ihns. Lacey rigorously studied The Cecchetti Method of ballet and has received her examination certification in the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.

JENNY SIMON

Jenny has been teaching dance at Cynthia’s since 2001 and adores sharing her love of dance with children of all ages as well as adult dancers! While tap is her favorite, Jenny teaches tap, jazz and ballet and has been actively involved in dance all of her life, beginning as a young child at a studio in Erie, PA where she was a student and then eventually an instructor. While pursuing her degree in Marketing & Public Relations at Westminster College, Jenny continued taking lessons and teaching, and was a member of Westminster’s Dance Company. Upon graduation, Jenny began her career in marketing in Pittsburgh, and has worked for a public relations agency, a graphic design firm, and now serves as the Director of Marketing Communications for IBACOS, Inc. However, Jenny’s favorite “job” is that of being a mom to her beautiful daughter, Meredith, who shares Jenny’s passion for dance. Jenny is thrilled to continue sharing her love of dance with both her daughter and her students.

SAMANTHA SKOBEL

Samantha began teaching at Cynthia’s in 2018, educating students of all levels and abilities. She grew up dancing at Studio One, Virginia Ballet Company, and Ballet NoVA in Arlington, VA. Samantha trained in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, character, and ballroom. In addition to the performances where she trained, she performed in the Nutcracker at the Burke Civic Ballet as well as Alexandria Ballet. She trained during the summers at The American Academy of Ballet in Purchase, New York. Samantha graduated from Allegheny College in 2016 where she minored in Dance and Movement Studies, exploring technique as well as dance history and theory. In 2023 Samantha received her Master of Education Degree with Early Childhood Concentration from Clarion University. She currently teaches 3rd grade at the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh. She is invested in ensuring all students have educational and artistic opportunities through her work in the adaptive dance program. In 2024 she won the Shore Whitehill Award for supporting people with disabilities.

REBECCA STEINMETZ

Rebecca (Becca) began teaching dancing at Cynthia’s School of Dance and Music in 2020. She is graduate of LaRoche University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. While at LaRoche she was captain of the Dance and Cheer Team. In 2019 Becca was a featured choreographer for National Choreography Month. Becca also works for the Western PA School for the Deaf. During her high school years Becca was a Dance Major at the Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA). Miss Becca teaches tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop to students ages 2 and up. Students love Miss Becca! She helps her students reach new levels and achieve more than they even thought possible through her kindness and encouragement to dance, dance, dance!

KAYLIN TREESE

Kaylin started teaching at Cynthia’s in 2014. She began her dance training at the age of four at the Allegheny Ballet Company in Altoona, PA. While training, she attended summer programs at Allegheny Ballet Company, American Academy of Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Bodiography Contemporary Ballet Company. Kaylin continued her dance education at La Roche College having earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Performing Arts and Dance, as well as being certified in Pilates. Kaylin performed for 10 years with Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, a professional dance company in Pittsburgh, PA. Kaylin currently is pursuing earning her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education.

KAILEY WOISTMAN

Kailey’s journey in dance began when she was just 3 years old, sparking a passion that’s been burning bright ever since, all thanks to Cynthia’s School of Dance. For 16 years, she trained in everything from tap’s catchy rhythms to the elegant moves of ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Her love for dance took her to some pretty cool places, like training sessions with The Rockettes, Kathryn McCormick, Dejan Tubic, and Seth Zibalese. Each experience added new layers to her artistry and widened her horizons. In high school at Shaler Area, Kailey took the lead as captain of the dance team and took part in many musicals and plays. After high school, Kailey went on to La Roche University, studying early childhood and special education. When she is not at the dance school, Kailey is busy as a K-2 special education teacher. She’s also working toward a master’s degree in Innovative Instruction and planning her wedding for December of this year. But no matter how busy she gets, dance is always on her mind. Kailey’s heart belongs to the dance floor, and she’s thrilled to pass on her passion to the next generation of dancers at Cynthia’s.

JORJA SZCZERBINSKI

Jorja started working at Cynthia’s in 2023. She is currently a senior at City Charter High School, and plans to attend Penn State for Cybersecurity in the fall. She has attended Cynthia’s since she was 5 years old, and has been a student helper since she was 12. She is very excited for this opportunity to be able to teach and share her passion for dance!

SAFFRON WHITE

Saffron has been teaching at Cynthia’s since 2020. She began dancing at age 3 studying ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Saffron began dancing at Cynthia’s in 2016. During this time, Saffron had the opportunity to perform on the Benedum Center stage at the 2019 Gene Kelly Awards. She also took her performance skills to the field as a member of the North Hills High School Flag Line. Saffron currently attends Seton Hill University as a Dance Major with a focus on Dance Pedagogy. She has also performed at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air Shared Spaces, Greensburg’s College Connect Night, and many University showcases. Saffron is scheduled to graduate in Spring, 2025.

SARAH AUSTIN

Sarah Austin is a singer and voice instructor who started teaching at Cynthia’s School of Dance and Music in 2024. She recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with her master’s degree in vocal performance and has performed around the US and abroad. Sarah teaches individual as well as group voice lessons and loves working with students of all ages!

Why Choose Us?

Since 1988, we at Cynthia’s have had the pleasure to teach thousands of students age 2-92! Our observation windows allow you to watch your child during his/her lessons. Our goal as dance and music educators is to bring laughter, fun, music and dance into the lives of young children, teens and adults.
Cynthia’s School of Dance & Music was voted the best place to take your children for an education in the arts in the Pittsburgh Area. An education at Cynthia’s School of Dance & Music builds:

Confidence
Respect
Self-Control
Leadership
Creativity
Socialization
Enhanced Physical Fitness

There are no untalented children, but some children never get a chance to shine. Perhaps they were never encouraged, or no one took the time …. at Cynthia’s we take the time.

Participation in the arts develops a solid foundation for your child’s future success. All students participate in a year-end recital. It is an exciting and rewarding experience for the dancers who have worked hard all year long to display their talents on stage for their family and friends to enjoy.

At Cynthia’s School of Dance and Music, your child can learn to sing, dance and play the piano all under one roof.

For Questions Call 412-367-3330

[email protected]