About Us
About the CT Performing Arts Center
The Connecticut Performing Arts Center (CT-PAC) is dedicated to providing opportunities in the performing arts for people of all ages. The goal of CT-PAC is to offer wholesome and affordable education in the performing arts, as well as live entertainment for the town of South Windsor and surrounding areas.
The center was founded in 2019 by Bryn Chandler, who has been performing since childhood, and holds a degree in Theater & Media Arts. Bryn lives in South Windsor with her husband, Jesse and their 4 children.
I Love CT Performing Arts Center! I’ve been dancing for more than 10 years, I’ve been to a lot of schools, and the instructors here are great! Cassie K. is one of the best instructors I’ve had. She challenges me, and has really helped me grow as a dancer.
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.
Caroline Shroer
BALLET/JAZZ/LYRICAL
Caroline began her training at the New Paltz School of Ballet (NPSB) in New Paltz, NY. She attended summer intensives at the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA) under the direction of Daniel Ulbricht and Amanda Edge, and Cincinnati Ballet under Catherine Batcheller. Caroline attended Mercyhurst University, graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre. At Mercyhurst, she studied with Tauna Hunter, Noelle Partusch, Lesley Bories-Scalise, and Jennifer McNamara, and performed in multiple works of classical and contemporary ballet. She has taught ballet and jazz at NPSB, as well as college-level dance at Mercyhurst, and she has choreographed more than 10 dance works for stage and film. Caroline is excited to be dancing with Ballet Hartford this season.
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!
Ashley Morgan
Hip Hop Instructor
Ashley has been immersed in dance for as long as she can remember, training in a variety of styles and refining her technique through years of dedicated practice. After a lifetime as a student and performer, she began sharing her passion from the other side of the studio in 2020. Ashley’s classes blend strong technical foundations with musicality and creativity, encouraging dancers to find both precision and personal expression. She loves guiding students of all ages to build confidence, artistry, and a lifelong love of movement.
Sarah Jacob
Inspire Coach, Acro, and Contemporary
Sarah Has been teaching dance for 15 years and studied at Hunter College in NYC. She teaches Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, Ballet, Jazz, and basic Tap. Sarah performed during her time at Hunter College, as well as with her church. She loves getting to experience dance with everyone she’s had the privilege to perform with. Sarah has choreographed over 300 routines, taught in 5 states, and is proud to have helped so many find their love for the arts.
Melani Fitts
Ballet/Tap and Acro/Hip Hop
Melanie has been dancing since she was 3 years old, and has been choreographing since she was 15. She received a BA in Dance and Psychology from High Point University, where she presented work at the American College Dance Association to be adjudicated. She has received a choreography award from the HPU Theater and Dance Department, where she choreographed over 10 pieces for their dance concerts, and performed in over 15 dance concerts and shows. Before moving to Connecticut this year, she previously taught at Kernersville Dance Company in North Carolina. She has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, acro, clogging, and hip hop.
Le’Andra McPhatter
Vocal/Piano
Le’Andra McPhatter is a pianist and organist whose music is a rich tapestry of gospel, soul, and jazz, woven together with warmth, passion, and depth. Originally from Kinston, NC, and now based in Hartford, CT, she is a versatile improviser whose artistry bridges tradition and innovation. A graduate of North Carolina Central University (BM, Jazz Studies) and the University of Hartford (MM, Jazz Studies, May 2025), she has performed at renowned venues and festivals, collaborating with artists such as Shana Tucker, Branford Marsalis, and Doobie Powell. Her upcoming album, Like Home, Vol. 1 (coming in 2025), is an invitation to experience music as a space of healing, joy, and authenticity.