Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Zurchin – Studio Director

Few dance studios are led by a nationally recognized educator with decades of experience shaping not only dancers, but future dance teachers. At Cynthia’s School of Dance, Dr. Cindy combines her lifelong passion for dance with her award-winning career in education to create an experience unlike any other.

A dancer from the age of two and a teacher beginning in 1981, Dr. Cindy opened Cynthia’s School of Dance, Pittsburgh, PA in 1988 with one mission: to give every student the gift of confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning through the joy of dance.

Her background is unique:

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership and over 30 years as a public-school teacher, principal, and superintendent.
• Assistant Professor at Point Park University, where she developed, authored and instructs the Teaching Dance Methods PreK–12 course used to train future dance educators.
• Mentors every instructor at the studio to ensure classes are fun, positive, and rooted in strong technique.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Cindy traveled extensively to train with top choreographers across the U.S., bringing back cutting-edge techniques for her students. Today, she focuses on guiding her team and nurturing an environment where every dancer can succeed, whether they’re taking their first class or preparing for a professional career.

Her students have performed with Disney, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Sesame Street Live, Busch Gardens, and theaters worldwide. In 2019, she was recognized as one of just four studio owners nationwide for exemplary practices and invited to share her expertise on a national panel.

Dr. Cindy is also the author of the children’s books Ballerina on Wheels and Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital, which celebrate inclusivity, determination, and the joy of dance. Outside the studio, she is a certified chair yoga instructor, motivational speaker, and proud mother of John and Nick—who help keep the studio running behind the scenes.

Lacey LeMere – Dance Instructor

Lacey joined Cynthia’s School of Dance and Music in Pittsburgh in 2023, bringing both her vibrant teaching style and professional artistry to our students. A 2021 graduate of Point Park University with a BFA in Dance (Jazz concentration) and a minor in Business Management, Lacey trained under the renowned direction of Garfield Lemonius and studied with an elite faculty, including Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, Mark Burrell, Kiki Lucas, and Rocker Verastique.

During her time at Point Park, Lacey performed works choreographed by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre member Yoshiaki Nakano and faculty member Pearlann Porter, showcasing her versatility and stage presence.

Originally from just north of Detroit, Michigan, Lacey began dancing at the age of four at Main Stage Center for the Arts in New Baltimore. She trained extensively in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and hip hop under the direction of Laurie Papovich and Regina Ihns, and rigorously studied The Cecchetti Method of Ballet, earning examination certifications in the Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.

In addition to teaching ballet, jazz and tap classes in Pittsburgh, Lacey serves as Cynthia’s Social Media Specialist, blending her artistic eye with digital creativity to share the joy, achievements, and vibrant community of our dancers with the world.

Whether she’s in the studio inspiring students or behind the scenes capturing magic online, Lacey’s passion for dance and dedication to excellence shine in everything she does.

Samantha Skobel – Dance Instructor

Samantha joined Cynthia’s School of Dance, Pittsburgh, PA in 2018 and has been inspiring dancers of all ages and abilities ever since. A versatile and passionate educator, she grew up training at Studio One, Virginia Ballet Company, and Ballet NoVA in Arlington, VA, studying ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, character, and ballroom dance. Samantha’s performance experience includes The Nutcracker with Burke Civic Ballet and Alexandria Ballet, as well as summer training at the prestigious American Academy of Ballet in Purchase, New York.

A 2016 graduate of Allegheny College, Samantha minored in Dance and Movement Studies, deepening her knowledge of technique, history, and theory. She went on to earn her Master of Education with an Early Childhood Concentration from Clarion University in 2023. Off the dance floor, she teaches at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, where she brings the same energy, creativity, and dedication to her students as she does to her dancers.

Samantha is especially passionate about making dance accessible to all learners. Through her leadership in Cynthia’s adaptive dance program, she ensures that every student, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of movement. Her work has been widely recognized: in 2024, she received the Shore Whitehill Award for supporting people with disabilities, as well as Educator of the Year, 2nd place at the DEEP 2024 Educator Awards. Miss Sam is also featured in the children’s book Ballerina on Wheels, Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital.

With her unmatched blend of technical expertise, inclusive teaching, and heartfelt commitment to her students, Samantha is one of the most respected ballet and tap teaching in Pittsburgh helping every dancer feel like they belong.

Saffron White – Dance Instructor

Saffron joined the teaching staff at Cynthia’s School of Dance and Music in Pittsburgh in 2020, bringing her boundless energy, natural musicality, and love for the art form to every class she teaches. She began her dance journey at just three years old, training in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop, and became part of Cynthia’s in 2016.

As a performer, Saffron’s talent and dedication led her to the stage of the Benedum Center in the 2019 Gene Kelly Awards and performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Open Air: Shared Spaces, Greensburg’s College Connect Night, and numerous other university showcase. She was also a proud member of the North Hills High School Flag Line.

A 2024 graduate of Seton Hill University with a degree in Dance and a concentration in Dance Pedagogy, Saffron is committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers.

Saffron is also a beloved performer in the Pittsburgh area as a professional princess, bringing joy and magic to community events and making her a favorite among families looking for beginner dance programs in Pittsburgh. It’s a true full-circle moment to welcome back one of our own students to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of dancers at Cynthia’s.

Kelsey Keller -Acro Instructor

We are thrilled to welcome Kelsey Keller to Cynthia’s School of Dance, Pittsburgh, 2025 where she will be sharing her incredible talents through Acro lessons for our students! Kelsey is the co-owner of Iron City Circus Arts School, where she teaches Acro and Aerial Arts, Pittsburgh.

Kelsey has been a leader in the circus arts world for over a decade, training and teaching at top studios and festivals across the country. In 2015, she earned national recognition as a Top Ten Finalist in the U.S. Aerial Championships in New York City. The following year, Cirque du Soleil invited her to teach and perform for their world-renowned Cirque experience, Club Med CREACTIVE in Punta Cana. Kelsey blends athleticism, artistry, and pure passion into every performance and class she leads.

Kelsey’s love of movement and performance runs in the family, her daughters, Piper and Sophia, are proud students at Cynthia’s, carrying on the tradition of creativity and excellence.

Cynthia’s students will have the rare opportunity to learn from one of the circus industry’s most accomplished and inspiring acro teachers and performers.

Jenny Simon – Dance Instructor

Jenny has been an integral part of Cynthia’s School of Dance, Pittsburgh, PA since 2001, inspiring dancers of all ages. From our tiniest ballerinas to our most seasoned adult students. A lifelong dancer with a heart for teaching, Jenny brings energy, creativity, and joy to every class she leads. While tap will always be her first love, she also shines in teaching jazz and ballet classes, sharing her versatility and passion across styles.

Jenny’s dance journey began in her hometown of Erie, PA, where she grew from an eager student to dedicated instructor. While earning her degree in Marketing & Public Relations at Westminster College, she never stopped dancing, continuing her own training, teaching classes, and performing as a proud member of Westminster’s Dance Company.

Her favorite role, however, is being “Mom” to her daughter, Meredith, who shares her deep love for dance. Jenny cherishes the opportunity to pass down her passion not only to her daughter, but to every student who steps into her class. Known for her upbeat spirit, technical expertise, and genuine care for her dancers, Jenny makes learning ballet, tap and jazz dance in Pittsburgh both exciting and rewarding.

Becca Steinmeitz – Dance Instructor

Rebecca (Miss Becca) joined Cynthia’s School of Dance and Music in PIttsburgh in 2020, quickly becoming a beloved and inspiring part of our teaching team. A graduate of La Roche University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Becca shined as captain of the university’s Dance and Cheer Team. In 2019, she was honored as a featured choreographer for National Choreography Month, showcasing her creativity and artistic vision.

Becca’s dance journey began long before that. She was a Dance Major at the prestigious Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA) and now shares her expertise in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop with students ages 2 and up. In addition to teaching, Becca works at the Western PA School for the Deaf, bringing her communication skills, compassion, and adaptability into every class she leads.

As our Competition Dance Coordinator, Becca’s choreography is nothing short of extraordinary. Her routines are known for their originality, artistry, and ability to bring out the very best in every dancer, helping students push past their limits and discover just how much they can achieve.

Students absolutely love Miss Becca! Through her kindness, encouragement, and passion for movement, she inspires dancers to work hard, dream big, and, of course, dance, dance, dance! Miss Becca is the proud Mom of Jack and her twin daughters, Brooklyn and Josephine who are learning to dance too!

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!