About Our Staff
Kathleen Rathbun
Ms. Rathbun has extensive in-depth experience developing young
dancers' technique, strength and artistry. A former soloist with
Princeton Ballet Society of New Jersey and Dancer's Ensemble of
Syracuse, Ms. Rathbun attended Julliard on scholarship. She has
studied with David Howard, Melissa Hayden, Finis Young and other
world renowned teachers. Ms. Rathbun taught classical ballet at
Syracuse University and was the former director of the Dance Department
at Metropolitan School of the Arts. In 1997, Ms. Rathbun brought
classical ballet back to Central New York with the founding of
Syracuse City Ballet, Inc. - Central New York's only professional
ballet company - where she continues to serve as artistic director.
An accomplished professional dancer and choreographer, she has
presented ballets such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Swan
Lake and Cinderella (with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra) to
capacity houses and four star reviews. In December 2009, Ms. Rathbun choreographed A Children's Nutcracker - a special, child-friendly version of the beloved classic. Presented again in 2010, it's now become an annual holiday tradition. In 2011 now know as The Nutcracker.
Philosophy
I welcome you to join us in our 20th year to experience dance through Ballet
& Dance of Upstate New York, Inc. Our goal is to provide professional
training and guidance in an enjoyable setting to further each
student's development both physically and mentally. The lessons
learned through dance provide both motivation and discipline to
enrich their everyday lives.
Mary Ann Adornato
Dance Instructor
Mary Ann received her training from Boston Ballet, Washington
Ballet and attended North Carolina School of the Arts. She received
her BFA from the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School/New School
University in December 2001. After graduation, Mary Ann continued
to study ballet at Steps on Broadway under her mentor David Howard.
She also studied at Broadway Dance Center under Jack Hertzog and
Kat Wildish. Lyrical and contemporary training at Broadway Dance
Center also under Jeff Amsden. Mary Ann was a soloist in Sleeping
Beauty with Upstate NY Ballet and the Mid- Atlantic Ballet. She
has performed various roles in the Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s
Dream and La Bayadere. She has performed at the Joyce Theatre
Soho and Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Mary Ann was a hip-hop
dancer on MTV’s Direct Effect Show in 2000. She was featured
in a MTV-PEPSI commercial. Mary Ann choreographed and performed
in the Comedy Gone Wild Show at New York’s famed Super Club
in June 2002. She was a dancer with Princess
Cruise lines, onboard the Sea Princess, from 2007-2008 and most
recently worked for Crystal Cruises from May 2008 to April 2009.
Candy Aguilera
Ballet Instructor
Candy Elisa Costa Aguilera was born in Cuba and began her
ballet training at the Elementary School of Ballet in Santiago
de Cuba. Eight years later, she graduated as a professional ballerina
and teacher at the Professional School in Camaguey, home of the
country’s second most Prestigious Ballet Company. During
her professional career, Candy worked for the Company as teacher,
choreographer, artistic director and ballerina. She held the rank
of First Ballerina in the Santiago Ballet Company, where she danced
and worked for 10 years. Candy spent one year at the National
Ballet of Cuba, preparing for the role of The Queen of Willis
in Giselle, dancing in many contemporary ballets. She was preparing
for her evaluation as First Ballerina with the National Cuban
Dancers when she moved to the United States. Arriving in Syracuse,
NY June 5, 2009. In September she was invited to dance in Syracuse
Opera’s production of Frida Khalo as principal, dancing
the role of Frida.
Ruth Arena
Ballet & Modern Instructor
Ruth K. Arena began dancing at the age of nine in Santa Fe,
NM. She continued her studies at Barat College in Lake Forest,
IL. and went on to earn a BFA in Dance from the University of
Arizona. While in college Ruth performed in numerous ballet and
modern works, including Paquita and the Nutcracker as well as
originating roles in works by Sam Watson and Dr. John M. Wilson.
Upon graduating Ruth moved to New York City where she studied
on scholarship with the Paul Taylor Dance Company School, and
performed with Dzul Dance. While in New York she completed a Pilates
Mat certification and worked as a Certified Personal Trainer.
After a short break from dancing to have two wonderful children,
Ruth is delighted to be sharing her love of ballet and modern
dance along with her knowledge of yoga, Pilates and dance injury
prevention. Ruth is another true asset to our teaching staff.
Melissa Gould
Jazz & Tap Instructor
Ms. Gould has more than 25 years experience inall disciplines
of dance, and has been choreographing in the Syracuse area for
19 years. Her areas of expertise include commercial style
jazz, funk, tap and character dance, as well as costume and set
design. Ms. Gould has appeared in Syracuse City Ballet's productions
of Swan Lake, Snow White, Cinderella and Dracula, and in Syracuse
Opera's Don Giovanni. She has created many origianl works for
the Armory Square Candlelight Series, mostly notably the "Fireman's Waltz" and has appeared on stage
with Sophisticated Productions. Dancing with such names as Gus
Giordano and Mark Santoro, Ms. Gould has performed with a number
of various schools and performing arts companies. She is a dance
consultant for local gymnastics dance teams. A devoted teacher
who emphasizes terminology, dedication and discipline in a fun
and exciting atmosphere. Ms Gould is an asset to the Ballet &
Dance of Upstate New York staff.
Maryann Page
Ballet Instructor
Maryann was raised in North Carolina where she studied ballet at the Raleigh School of Ballet and performed lead and
soloist roles with the Raleigh Dance Theater. She spend her summers
engaged in top level training with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Boston
Ballet, Richmond Ballet and the Atlanta Ballet. After graduating
from High School, Maryann pursued a BS in Biology at Saint Mary's
in South Bend IN. During that time, she continued her dancing performing lead roles with Southold Dance Theater in various contemporary and classical works, including
the Nutcracker, Copellia, Swan Lake. Maryann joined Syracuse City Ballet in 2000 and has performed
soloist roles in the Company's productions of Swan Lake, The Sleeping
Beauty, Dracula, Cinderella and Snow White. She also choreographed
and performed in the Armory Square Candlelight Series. In addition to being a multi-talented dance teacher,
Maryann holds MS degrees from SUNY-ESF and Syracuse University and is a faculty member in the Biology Department at
Onondaga Community College. We are proud to have her on the staff
of Ballet & Dance of Upstate New York.
Sherri Campagni
Dance Instructor
Sherri Campagni, a native of Syracuse, began her studies with Deborah Boughton at the Center of Ballet and Dance Arts. To further her studies she spent summers on scholorship at Milwaukee Ballet, Pennslyvania Ballet as well as NYSSSA. Sherri has performed leading roles with Chautauqua Ballet Company, Carolina Ballet and Allegany Ballet. Since the inception of the Neglia Ballet Artist in Buffalo, she has been a pricipal dancer expanding her repertoire to include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Phrygia in Spartacus and Kitri in Don Quixote, Giselle, Sugar Plum Fairy also performing original contemporary pieces. Sherri has been on the faculty as a ballet teacher for the Center of Ballet, Neglia Conservatory as well as Syracuse University and Brockport College. We are looking forward to Sherri enhancing our staff.
Joan Rogus
Nutritionist
Joan Rogus Rd CDN is a Registered Dietitian practicing in
the Syracuse area for most of her career. Presently she is a consultant
for the Onondaga County Department of Aging & Youth, as well
as maintaining a private practice with two physicians in the area.
Her experience ranges from eating disorders to diabetes. In addition,
Joan is a member of the American Dietetic Association, the Central
New York Dietetic Association and the New York State Aging Services
Dietitians with which she is serving as their President. She also
serves as a Board Member for Cornell Cooperative Extension. Joan
has been seen as a regular on News.10 Now as well as WSYR Channel
9. Joan will be holding frequent Dietary/Nutritional Seminars
for students and families throughout the year.
