About the CT Performing Arts Center

Meet Our Instructors

Bryn Chandler

DIRECTOR, DANCE & THEATER INSTRUCTOR

Bryn Chandler received her BA in Theater and Media Arts from Brigham Young University, with an emphasis in Acting.  She has performed and been involved behind the scenes in various choirs, theatrical performances, film, and television since childhood.  She was one of four lead choreographers for a multi-state Cultural Celebration involving over 2000 youth ages 12-18 that performed at the Oakdale Theater in Connecticut.  She volunteers her time each week directing the children’s choir and orchestra at her church. 

Karen McQueen-McBride

TAP/BALLET/LYRICAL

Karen’s love for dance began at the age of nine, when she started taking classes at Bodies in Motion Dance Studio in West Hempstead, New York. She eventually went on to become the head instructor and manager of the studio. After earning her Degree at St. John’s University, Karen became the owner and director of the Bodies in Motion Studio. After ten successful years as a studio owner, Karen sold the business and relocated to Connecticut in order to focus on her growing family. Karen has extensive experience working students of all ages, and her expertise as an instructor ranges across a wide variety of styles, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical.

Bozena Raczkowski

VOCAL / PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Bozena holds a MA and BA in Musical Education from the Academy of Music in Poland. She has over 35 years of professional experience as a musical educator and performer. She has performed all over the world at amazing venues such as Boston’s Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall, the John Kennedy Center, The Bushnell and many more! Bozena is a very passionate and dedicated educator, piano teacher/voice coach. She believes each child is unique and therefore each lesson is tailored to the individual instead of using a one size fits all approach. To Bozena, music is a priceless gift and an adventure with the ability to alter ones life in the most positive way!

Lexi Friedman

AERIAL/ACRO

Lexi Friedman is a professional aerialist with over four years of performing and teaching experience. She has explored many different types of movement, but aerial silks and acro are her main passion. Her training is heavily influenced by movement therapy; she’s always seen it as a way to build confidence and foster self love for her students. Lexi has taught workshops all over New England, her goal is to share the joy of circus with all. She teaches students how to thrive using creativity and technique, to find their own authentic movements, while still having fun!

James A Norkawich

PIANO/GUITAR/VOCAL

James holds a Master of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies and Film Scoring, both earned at the University of Bridgeport. His academic background has not only enriched his understanding of music but has also shaped his unique approach to composition and arrangement.  James is a seasoned musician and a Grammy nominee for Best New Jazz Instrumental in 2022 with over 30 years of professional experience in both jazz, classical music, and organ. James has had the honor of collaborating with legendary musical acts such as Spyro Gyra, Chicago, and Tower of Power. These collaborations have not only showcased his exceptional skill but have also contributed to the rich tapestry of his musical journey. In addition to his success in the studio and on stage, James is equally passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise. He loves to develop the musical minds of our young, recognizing that they are the sound plate of tomorrow. Whether through teaching or mentoring, he actively contributes to the growth and development of aspiring musicians.

Jonathan Livioco

VIOLIN

Jonathan Livioco started playing the violin at the age of 7. He has served as concertmaster of several orchestras in the Philippines, and was a featured soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in one of its concert seasons. He received his BM and MM in violin performance from the University of the Philippines and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, respectively, and his MM in viola performance from the Pennsylvania State University. Aside from his performance and teaching duties, Jonathan is also currently pursuing his DMA in viola and violin performance at the University of Connecticut.

Jaci Adams

HIP HOP

Jaci started dancing at a young age, quickly accelerating to the competitive level in hip hop. At the age of 18 she was a performer on the UFL Hartford Colonial Cheerleaders as well as the ABA TopDancers. Jaci went on to study as a Dance Major at Dean College where she furthered her dance education with performance and academic courses such as dance composition, dance history, rhythmic analysis and more. She was selected to be a member of the Elite Hip Hop Dance Company studying under Ricardo Foster Jr. who choreographed for celebrities such as Jay-Z, Usher, NSYNC and more, where she learned the foundation of various styles within hip-hop to further her extensive training. After graduating with her dance degree in 2014 Jaci moved to the Boston area where she was selected to be a company member of the Company “The Expressive Movement”, traveling around New England and Canada doing competitions, performances and workshops. She has been a hip hop instructor in multiple states including Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado. Jaci is passionate about teaching, getting to know each student individually as well as showcasing her choreography!

Emrose Seidenberg

ACRO/LYRA

Emrose Seidenberg is a dancer, actor, singer, and circus artist who is thrilled to join the Connecticut Performing Arts Center as an acrobatics instructor. Originally based in Chicago, Emrose is a senior undergraduate in Dance and Critical Social Inquiry at Hampshire College in Amherst MA. She also studied Theater at Interlochen Arts Academy and Acting Studio Chicago, and continues her theatre work in Western MA as an actor and dramaturg. Along with her work in a variety of dance styles – from hip-hop and house to modern and contemporary – Emrose has trained in aerial acrobatics, such as lyra (aerial hoop) and silks. She was a gymnast at a young age and self-trained her acrobatic skills throughout the years, with a speciality in hand-balancing and floorwork. She has been an acrobatic coach for the past 3 years, and absolutely loves sharing her passion for upside-down time.