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

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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
“Miss Ceylan” helps Joezett Sotelo, 16, attain the perfect dance form. Vol. 5 Issue 3 | InMaricopa.com 9
Page 1 and 2: The Magazine Vol. 5 Issue 3 3 Days
Page 4 and 5: Contents Vol. 5 Issue 3 DEPARTMENTS
Page 6 and 7: Editor’s Letter I just found out
Page 8 and 9: Community Gallery 2 1 Freshman golf
Page 12 and 13: DSPA’s Inspire students (clockwis
Page 14 and 15: Home Landscaping Tips 3 days to a r
Page 16 and 17: Food Dining Out Below: Shula’s up
Page 18 and 19: Cow College How to pick the best be
Page 20 and 21: ON SALE NOW FOR ONLY $ 119 Renewing
Page 22 and 23: Volunteers Profile Hardworking reti
Page 24 and 25: Remembering Former actress and mode
Page 26 and 27: Cast members from “Much Ado About
Page 28 and 29: Cynthia Mo
Page 30 and 31: Nice work… if you can get it Phot
Page 32 and 33: Clockwise from above left: The big
Page 34 and 35: Above left to right: Thunderbird Fa
Page 36 and 37: Worley lived most of her life in Te
Page 38 and 39: Lacy was welcomed into the Hinners
Page 40 and 41: ON-SITE COMPUTER REPAIR We Come to
Page 42 and 43: BE EDUCATED GET ENGAGED HAVE A SAY
Page 44: P.O. Box 1018 Maricopa, AZ 85139 EC

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

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