Cynthia Morgan looks baCk on 30-plus years in ... - InMaricopa.com

Business
Profile
Performing
arts school a
labor of love
‘Miss Ceylan’ brings passion for kids, dance to
Maricopa By Becky Papp Photos by Jake Johnson
You can see it on their faces as they
come into the studio — they are
thrilled to be there. Girls and
boys dressed for dancing, tying
on dance shoes and imitating the moves
of their teacher in front of the mirror in a
long, airy room.
That same look of joy and concentration
is evident when these kids participate in
their annual recital. There is no doubt
they are having fun, and no doubt they are
working hard.
They are all students at Desert Sun
Performing Arts, a school opened by
owner and artistic director Ceylan
(pronounced “JAY-lon”) Gentilella in
2006.
Gentilella began her career teaching
dance while still in high school in Fairfield,
N.J. She went on to double major in dance
and recreation therapy at Montclair (N.J.)
State University where she graduated in
1998. When Gentilella wasn’t performing
herself, which she did until she was 28 she
taught, directed and judged dance on the
East Coast.
She and her husband Mark came to
Arizona to enjoy the climate in 2005. She
wanted to open a dance school where
there was a need, and the rapidly growing
community of Maricopa was the perfect
place.
“Just like any business, it took blood,
sweat and tears to start it,” Gentilella says.
“My husband and I had to do everything:
the business plan, bookkeeping, cleaning
and teaching; all of it.”
But it was, and still is, all worth it to
Gentilella. “This is my second home. I
have amazing love and support from the
students, staff and parents,” she says.
“This is not just a dance school; it is a
dance family.”
The family atmosphere is evident when
a young girl runs in the door and gives
Gentilella a hug. “She has been with me
Above: Desert Sun Performing Arts owner
and artistic director, Ceylan Gentilella.
Above left: The 4-year-old Rising Stars
on stage.
Below: It’s all about the footwork for
Sydney Struble, 7.
8 InMaricopa.com | Vol. 5 Issue 3