Meet the Professional Dance Faculty Leading Newburgh Performing Arts Academy’s Summer Dance Bootcamp

NEWBURGH, N.Y. — This summer, the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy is giving aspiring dancers the opportunity to train with an accomplished team of professional artists whose careers span some of the nation’s most respected stages, studios, and classrooms.

The academy’s six-week Summer Dance Bootcamp, running Wednesdays from July 8 through August 12, will feature instruction in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance for students looking to strengthen their technique while learning from experienced performers and educators.

The faculty brings together an impressive range of talent, from internationally recognized performers to accomplished choreographers and dedicated dance educators, all committed to inspiring the next generation of artists.

Linda Celeste Sims is an acclaimed dancer, master teacher of Ballet, Horton, and Floor Alignment.  She is currently a Professor of Dance at SUNY Purchase College, and former principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Assistant Rehearsal Director. She continued her rehearsal directorship with Ballet Hispanico. She brings over three decades of professional performance and educational experience to the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy, inspiring young dancers to develop both strong technique and artistic expression.

Gwynenn Taylor Jones, a former company member with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, founding member of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and brings a wealth of professional performance and teaching experience to the academy. She is dedicated to helping students through excellence in ballet, contemporary dance, Horton technique, discipline, and performance.

Kamaria Carrington is a professional dancer, actress, singer, choreographer, and alumna of Newburgh Performing Arts Academy and The Ailey School. She brings creativity, versatility, and professional performance experience to the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy while encouraging young dancers to reach their full artistic potential.

Ralph M’Vore is a performing artist, choreographer, and founder of MVORE Entertainment & Arts who serves as an award-winning instructor at the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy. Through hip-hop, he encourages students to build confidence, creativity, musicality, and strong performance skills both on and off the stage.

Kristy Levandoski is an experienced dance educator, and movement specialist with over 20 years of experience working with children. A mentor who brings a passion for youth development to the academy. Her supportive teaching style helps students strengthen their technical skills while building confidence, discipline, and self-expression.

Paije Pasols is a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor at the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy. She brings fresh energy and enthusiasm to every class, inspiring students through creativity, confidence, and a passion for hip-hop and performance.

The Summer Dance Bootcamp is open to dancers ages 7–11 with some dance experience and ages 12 and older with at least two years of ballet training. Tuition is $150 for the six-session program.

Families interested in registering can contact the Newburgh Performing Arts Academy by calling (845) 562-5650 and asking for Ms. Ingrid, or visit the academy’s new facility at 74 Broadway, Newburgh, Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For young dancers looking to take the next step in their training, this summer offers a unique opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals while building technique, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.