Westchester Performing Arts Studio is a family-owned and operated business. We pride ourselves on our core values, beliefs and morals. Our love for the performing arts will transcend through our classes. It is important that each student feels like they are a part of a team and family. At the studio, friendships will blossom and passion will thrive. We're excited to open up our business and hearts to all of you.
studio director/ co-owner
Marci Meyer
Marci started her theatrical career in dance at the age of nine, with The New York City Ballet. She’s performed notable works such as The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Lincoln Center. She was cast in the 20th Century Fox movie production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well.
At around 20 years of age, she started singing and studied privately with Gina Pennzarela and vocal coach Bill Engles for 10 years. Marci performed in various cabaret clubs, a Cole Porter Review, and also performed in various musical theater shows throughout the years, including but not limited to: West Side Story, South Pacific, The Pajama Game, CATS, Les Miserable and more.
She has been teaching group and private musical theater classes for multiple years. She brings her passion and expertise into every class she teaches & looks forward to sharing her love for theater, dance and singing with all of you.
president/CO-OWNER
Gaye Giannotti
Gaye Giannotti has been a "dance mom" for many years.
Through the years she has watched her own child grow more confident and creative by studying and performing in dance, theater and singing and is very happy to be able to help other children grow from their love of the performing arts also.
Hip hop and Acro, Creative Movement, Contemporary with tap,
Princess Carnes
Princess Carnes is a dedicated dance educator with over two decades of experience working with children and young adults. She has had the privilege of teaching a wide range of dance styles, including African Dance, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and Hip-Hop to students aged 3 to 21.
Her commitment to dance education goes beyond the studio, as she has played key roles in organizing and managing annual recitals, performances, and field trips. Princess also brings valuable childcare experience from her time at the Administration for Children Services, where she provided support and assistance during emergencies. She also is NYS Certified Special Ed teacher
ACRO & GYMNASTICS
Olga Orkis
Olga started studying rhythmic gymnastics at a young age in Odessa Ukraine and worked hard to become a Ukrainian champion in group gymnastic exercises. She continued her education at the Russian Academy of Physical Education and Sports which graduated the most Olympians and world champions. During her college years, Olga participated in a teaching exchange program in both Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. Her love of dancing, music and gymnastics helped her to become the First Ukrainian Aerobic Gymnastics coach and she created her own style of teaching aerobic gymnastics.
Olga began her teaching career in the USA in 1994 at the United Nations International School and at the International Gymnastics Camp in Stroudsburg Pennsylvania where she worked closely with rhythmic world champion Anna Kochneva. She is currently working in Manhattan Club 92Y as a gymnastic coach, choreographer, and dancing instructor. She has coached many high-level competitive teams and several New York State Champions.
We are pleased to have Olga sharing her talents with the students of Westchester Performing Arts Studio as one of our Acro and Gymnastics teachers working with both beginners and advanced students.
Piano & Guitar
Roseann Tenore
Roseann has been teaching piano for almost 40 years. She has a New York State Music Teachers license, a Masters degree in Music Therapy from NYU, a Bachelors degree in Music Education and an AFAA Certification.
Roseann keeps her students self motivated by using music that the students like, as well as covering the basics. She is friendly and very easy-going and makes each lesson a positive learning experience. She does not believe in parents forcing their children to practice because this tends to dissuade students from learning. Roseann keeps her students for many years because the student’s self-motivation and success is so important to her. She has a lot of experience teaching handicapped individuals as a certified music therapist also. Music therapy has enabled to her to be a better teacher because the therapeutic aspects comes up during all lessons one way or another. Music educators focus on educational goals of music while music therapists focus on the therapeutic goals which increases concentration span and self-confidence.
Roseann teaches all styles and levels of piano, music theory, music therapy and beginner guitar.
