Cypress Dance Project
a non-profit dance studio
CDP Instructors
CDP has a team of very creative, highly trained and passionate instructors who want to share their love of dance with their students. They believe in providing a positive, caring, and supportive environment that fosters creativity and builds self-confidence. They train students in proper techniques and provide each student the guidance needed to fully develop their artistry and ability. CDP is excited to have these dedicated instructors on our team and is looking forward to the magic happening!
April
Not only is April Coghill the CDP Director, she is also one of the instructors and teaches classes in Technique and Jazz. April feels that dance is much more than technique. It is a way to build self-esteem, confidence, poise, great friends, and a second family and she believes the way to do this is by providing instruction in a positive studio culture that focuses on the whole child encouraging him/her to always do their best and to try new moves. She tells her students to "Think it until you make it" and wants students to leave each lesson proud of what they've accomplished, more confident, and bubbling with excitement.
April provides direction to the CDP Company and choreographs many of the solos, duos, and group dances. Hers choreography has won awards at both the regional and national level. She has also received best costume awards.
Her talent, creativity, and love of dance are being noticed by the community as evident by CDP's growth as we head into our seventh year. CDP is so fortunate to have you leading the way!
Scarlett
Scarlett has been teaching dance in the Houston area for over 20 years. She is a native Houstonian and second generation dance instruction. She began her training at age 2 at Banbury School of Dance, her mother's dance studio. She spent many summers in New York City studying different styles of dance as such renowned studios such as David Howard, Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey and "Steps" on Broadway. Scarlett has studied with Houston Ballet's Andrea Vodehnal and, more recently, with Robert Underwood of American Ballet Theatre and Boston Ballet. She has performed numerous times in the Houston International Festival, chosen for a part in Houston Grand Opera's Manon, Galveston's Dickens on the Strand, and a multitude of performances at Banbury School of Dance. Scarlett was introduced to the world of competitive gymnastics when she was hired to coach Ballet for elite level gymnasts on the Junior & Women's USA Olympic Gymnastics Team and it is there she had the honor of teaching Mary Lou Retton's daughters. Scarlett has choreographed for the floor show at ANICO's Mood Gardens Gala Celebration and has had students compete in Youth America Grand Prix Ballet Competition. She is a member of the Texas Association of Teachers of Dancing and Physical Mind Institute in New York City where she was certified to instruct Pilates. Most recently became an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher in Levels Primary through Level 5.
Scarlett returns for her fifth year as one of CDP's talented instructors and teaches ballet and pointe with an emphasis on technique. We're so happy to have you as part of the CDP family and are looking forward to our students becoming more technically proficient!
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Desiree
Desiree LaNiece, a Houston native, knew she wanted to pursue a career in dance by the age of 7. Being trained at her local competitive dance studio at a young age, she won numerous competitions and awards. She then joined the dance company at her intermediate and middle school which hosted a magnet program for fine arts. After joining her high school drill team, she became a dance officer her junior and senior year which gave her the opportunity to train at special dance camps who brought in teachers from So You Think You Can Dance, cast members from the movie Step Up, and many others to help push her talents to the limit with extensive training. After later receiving training from IaMmE crew and performing for Misha Gabriel and Shane Sparks, Desiree decided to take her career to the next level. In less than a month after graduating high school Desiree became a professional NBA dancer for the Houston Rockets. She has had the opportunity to perform at Oprah's "Life You Want" tour, teach in Mexico City, as well as back up dance for Capitol Latin Record's music artist J Balvin. Outside of the Toyota Center arena she began choreographing for local music artist and mainstream film director Michael Artis. While currently pursuing a degree in business and communications, Desiree continues to help open doors for performers in the Houston area and give dancers opportunities that are less likely to come often to Houston to help them achieve their dreams as well as becoming the "go to" choreographer of Houston. Desiree's choreography has received both regional and national dance awards.
Desiree will be using her talents to teach Hip Hop to all ages, Jazz Funk, and Drill Team Prep. Good thing she has lots of energy! We're excited to have you back for your fifth year as part of our CDP family!
Desiree
Crystal
Taylor
Taylor Alcorn has studied all forms of dance, but finds her true love in tap dance. She has trained with professional tap dancers from around the world and has attended various tap festivals. Taylor has taken part in the Tap Kids Summer intensive for four years. She was able to train with several artists and trained in the apprentice program for the Tap Kids touring show. She is currently part of the professional tap company, True Sound Rhythm Project, directed by Tony Merriwether. This company performs around Houston, hosts an annual tap festival, and offers master classes.
Taylor's greatest inspiration is watching students grow and spreading her love to tap to others. Taylor has completed her classes at Texas A&M and teaches tap to dancers of all ages. We are so happy to have you back at CDP for your fourth year!!
Crystal Johnson teaches the Tiny Dancers, Little Movers, and the Super Combo classes.
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More information coming soon.