About
Connecticut Dance School, founded in 1970 by Elizabeth Gaynor, is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing dance education of the highest standard to the Connecticut community. Elizabeth Gaynor, who served as the School’s first director and principal teacher, continues today as the School’s President.
Ms. Gaynor began CDS as a single class for five year olds in a small studio in her home. The school grew and evolved first into the Southport Ballet School, then the Connecticut Ballet Theatre School and finally, in 1994, the Connecticut Dance School.
Today CDS is widely known for its excellent standard of dance technique for its nearly 275 students that range in age from 3 through adult and hail from many communities throughout the state. Moira Murphy Wright, Artistic Director of the school, heads a distinguished and dedicated faculty of dance professionals.
CT Dance School Board Members 2021-2022
| Dorothy Curran, President Rachel McLoughlin, Vice President John Porada, Treasurer Jane Steimer, Secretary Elizabeth Gaynor, President Emeritus Moira Murphy Wright, Artistic Director |
Dodie Pettit Carole Heller Stefan Baer Serene Compare Michele Purcell Laura LaVelle Beatrice Vornle |
A big thank you!
CDS would like to thank all the faculty, parents, alumni, board members and staff who have given their time and attention to the making of this website, especially Rachel McLoughlin, Molly Rigney and Julianne Warfield for their beautiful photos.
"CDS has incredible faculty that teach pure classical ballet technique and also help to instill the many lessons about professionalism, dedication, and patience that come along with learning ballet. Both my college and medical/graduate school application essays discussed people and lessons I learned during my time at CDS."
– Julia Davis-Porada, former student, now with Columbia Ballet Collaborative, Columbia University
