GARDEN CITY DANCE STUDIO STAFF
The staff at Garden City Dance Studio has been highly trained in all fields of dance, including choreography, principles of teaching dance, dance history, acting, theater design and production, dance therapy and child psychology. This is what puts Garden City Dance Studio in a class of its own. We take pride that our teachers always give personal attention to each student. We encourage each student to develop good attitudes about themselves and their fellow dancers. The professional and positive atmosphere of our studio helps prepare our students for the dance field with confidence. We know you will find our school to be the highest in quality.
Cathy
Owner/ Director since 1980
Cathy Fonte has been the owner/director of Garden City Dance Studio since it was founded in 1980. She has studied Ballet with David Howard and Tap and Jazz at Broadway Dance Center, Phil Black Dance Studio Cathy also studied with Luigi and Joe Lanteri. Her love for dance gave her the motivation to open her own dance studio. After 45 years, Garden City Dance Studio has expanded from one studio to 7 studios and an enrollment that increases every year. Cathy, along with her professional staff has made Garden City Dance Studio the number one place to be. Cathy is always available at the studio for all your dance concerns.
Tiffany
Co-Director / Competition Team Manager
Tiffany Fonte is a teacher, choreographer, and competition team manager here at Garden City Dance Studio. Tiffany began her dance training at Garden City Dance Studio when she was just two years old and continued to shine as a competitive dancer until she was 17 years old. This early immersion in the world of dance fueled a deep passion for the art form and commitment to excellence.
As a teacher and choreographer, Tiffany channels that passion into inspiring students of all ages. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every dancer can thrive, explore their creativity, and develop confidence. Drawing from her extensive training and competitive experience,Tiffany brings a wealth of knowledge to the studio. She is dedicated to helping students not only master technique but also discover their own unique voice through movement. With multiple choreography awards to her name, Tiffany brings a creative flair and innovative approach to every performance. She specializes in crafting routines that not only showcase technique but also tell a compelling story, resonating with both judges and audiences.
Tiffany has been a staff member at GCDS for 7 years teaching styles ranging from Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, and Lyrical. Over the past 4 years, she has taken on the role of competition team manager. In this role, Tiffany oversees all aspects of the competition team, including coordinating rehearsals, managing schedules, and fostering team spirit. She works closely with instructors and dancers to ensure a positive and productive atmosphere, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
Miss Jill
Instructor
Miss Jill holds an MA in Educational Theatre from New York University, an MA in Communications from Hofstra University and a BFA in Theater Arts Performance with minors in Dance and English from Hofstra. Additionally, Jill holds certifications from American Ballet Theatre’s National Teacher Training Curriculum as well as Yoga and Zumba certifications from multiple fitness organizations. Jill has taught and performed across the world, and has worked professionally in television, film, theater, and radio as an actor, dancer, host, and educator. She has been seen on networks like NBC, USA, Cartoon Network, Starz, Oxygen and Discovery ID and heard on radio stations like 106.1 BLI and 102.3 WBAB. Jill loves sharing her passion with students and helping them grow into confident, sparkly people.
Stephanie B
Instructor
Stephanie Bonaventura has been teaching dance for over 40 years and brings a wealth of experience, energy, and passion to every class she leads. At GCDS, her expertise shines in working with the youngest dancers, where she fosters creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. Stephanie’s nurturing approach and deep understanding of early childhood development make her an integral part of the dance program.
Bella
Instructor
Bella is a choreographer, dancer, and educator based in New York. She presented her choreography at the Young Choreographer’s Festival in June 2023, as well as White Wave’s SoloDuo Festival in February 2024. Along with this, she has received the New York State Award of Excellence for Dance Choreography and was a part of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Bella earned her BFA in Fine Arts from Long Island University a year early and will be attending Adelphi University for her Masters in Art Education starting in Fall 2024. She was a part of the Garden City Dance Studio competition team, in addition to training at Koin&Co Dancers as a Junior Company member, Broadway Dance Center, Joffrey Ballet School, Peridance, Boston Community Dance Project, and more. Bella is a Division 1 college athlete and is the 2023 and 2024 UCA D1 Spirit Program Game Day National Champion winning back-to-back with the LIU Cheerleading team
Nellie
Instructor
Nellie is a professional dancer, choreographer, and model who was born and raised in New York. She trained at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts, The French Academie of Ballet, and Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester. She graduated from Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College where she double majored in Business Management and Law, with a minor in journalism. While in college, she was a Major League Sports Cheerleader. After graduating she booked her first movie role and was a dancer in Hallmark’s A Nashville Christmas Carol. She completed a 6 month contract in Dallas, Texas where she was a dancing bell! Under the direction and choreography of Norwegian Cruise Line’s choreographers Brandy and Beetle Bailey. She performed in Hellz Bellz & The Jingle Bells at Six Flags over Texas. She then ran away on tour with Do Portugal international Circus! Most recently she was a dancer in Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party Halloween Event in Dallas, Texas.
Dominique
Instructor
Miss Dominique started dancing at a very young age, and with every step her passion for the art has grown! Dominique studied Kinesiology and Dance at Temple University, giving her the ability to deeply understand how the body moves, thus allowing her to bring this connection to the dance floor. She has taught and performed throughout the United States, and continues to perform today. Dominique may be seen in nationally televised commercials, music and fitness videos, and local advertisements. Over the years as a dance educator, Dominique has worked with a wide variety of students from different backgrounds, and ability levels. She has choreographed many award winning pieces, but the greatest joy is seeing her students grow. Miss Dominique is excited to leap into another successful year of dance!
JJ
Instructor
JJ, originally from Oneonta, New York, is a second-year member of the Hofstra University Dance Team. As part of the team, JJ has earned two Division I national championships in Jazz and Game Day. A lifelong competitive dancer, JJ has trained extensively in a variety of styles including jazz, ballet, acro, contemporary, lyrical, and more.
Giovanna
Instructor
Giovanna, from Commack, New York, is a second-year member of the Hofstra University Dance Team. She is a two-time Division I national champion, earning titles in both Jazz and Game Day with Hofstra. A dedicated and lifelong competitive dancer, Giovanna has trained in a wide range of styles including jazz, ballet, acro, contemporary, lyrical, and more.
Samantha
Instructor
Samantha has been with Garden City Dance Studio since the age of two! She joined the competition team at six years old and competed until age eighteen. During her twelve years as a competitive dancer for GCDS, Samantha has won a multitude of national and regional awards and has gained a vast array of knowledge and experience with all different genres of dance. Also, She has had the privilege to learn from and take class with many accomplished professionals and has attended many conventions and summer programs such as Tremaine Dance Convention and the Joffery Ballet School summer intensive. Most importantly, Samantha absolutely fell in love with dance from a young age and this passion only grew over the years. She began volunteering as a teachers assistant at the age of twelve, coming in every Saturday morning to help another instructor with younger classes. Samantha adored getting to be a second teacher to the students as well as getting to act as a role model and mentor. It was so special and important to Samantha to give back all the knowledge and passion she had for dance to the younger generation of students. As a teacher herself for the past three years, it has been Samantha’s honor to continue her time at GCDS which started 20 years ago and to watch her own students grow and succeed.
Currently, Samantha is a student at Hofstra University earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Pre-Medical Concentration. Additionally, she is in the Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College of Hofstra with Graduate with Distinction honors. She is also a member of Hofstra’s NCAA Division I Women’s Cross Country/Track Team. Samantha plans to attend medical school after graduating college and become a pediatrician, to further pursue her passion of helping and inspiring children.
Hannah
Instructor
Jess
Instructor