CJDT was founded by Cecil Dancenter owner, Tina Travers, in an effort to provide dedicated youth dancers with increased performing experiences. Under the leadership of choreographer, Sarah Roney, CJDT members are challenged, motivated, and encouraged to work in rehearsal and performances with professionalism and dedication. As good working skills are developing, they are educated on both the artistic and technical aspects of a dance production. Dancers are able to gain the stage experience needed for a smooth transition to become future members of Cecil Dancenter’s senior company, Cecil Dance Theatre (CDT).

MELISSA PAGE has been teaching dance at Cecil Dancenter since 2008.  She is a former dancer for the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and founder/artistic director of Dance Unlimited.  Melissa trained extensively at Cab Calloway School of Arts and the Dance Conservatory and Ballet Theater of Dover where she was on scholarship.  She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Disney World, and Six Flags and has danced in “Nutcracker on Broadway” and in Russian Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”.  Melissa has won first place in various dance competitions throughout the country, modeled professionally, and has various media and television appearances to her credit.  In 2005, she received the National Leadership Award of Delaware.  She is also an executive member of the National Dance Education Organization.  Melissa received her certification in Pilates Education from the Physical Mind Institute, based in New York, in 2008.