Performing arts school a labor of love

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 since she was 2 years old,” says Gentilella, who is affectionately called “Miss Ceylan” by her students. “And now her little sister is also a student.”

The 2-year-old little sister toddles up and exclaims proudly, “I dance!”

“This is an environment for growth, both physical and mental,” Gentilella says. “I love being part of a child’s growth.”

The 1,100-square-foot studio houses several programs for adults and children, including tap, jazz, modern, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre and jazz funk. Complementing the recreational dance programs, DSPA has five competitive teams, all named after gemstones: Emeralds (ages 4-6), Amethysts (ages 6-8), Diamonds (ages 8-11), Sapphires (ages 10-15) and Rubies (ages 14-17). About one-fifth of DSPA students dance on a competitive team, which requires daily practice versus 1-2 times weekly for recreational dancers.

In addition, Gentilella recently started Maricopa’s first ballet company, dubbed Pearls. The group is committed to learning the history and traditions of ballet, and Gentilella plans to grow it to become a professional ballet company.

The group of students that tugs at Gentilella’s heartstrings the most, however, is Inspire, a program she founded for special needs children. Inspire was conceived by Gentilella while she was in college, and it gives children, particularly those with autism and other developmental delays, the chance to express themselves, socialize and exercise.

“The lessons learned at dancing school go beyond the technique and steps they master,” says Gentilella. “We believe they gain an understanding of discipline, commitment, teamwork and the value of hard work.”

DSPA students would be hard-pressed to find a better role model exhibiting those very characteristics than “Miss Ceylan.”

Photo by Jake Johnson