The Faculty
Education In Dance has a diverse faculty of seventeen experienced educators, trained aesthetically in the arts, child development, and early psychology.
Founder
Elizabeth Bernard Pettit was the Founder of Education In Dance and the Related Arts. She studied at Columbia University, Barnard College and the New School (Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Dance and Theatre) and trained with Martha Graham and other leading New York professionals in dance, music and the creative arts. Earlier she founded and taught at Holiday Hill in Mendham, NJ, a summer program connecting quality arts, the athletics, and the academics for lifetime use. Elizabeth was co-founder of Viewpoint Gallery on Union Square in NYC. It offered an extensive collection of rare and reading copies of books in all areas of the arts, history and literature.
Director
Jo A. Gjertson Frederiksen, Ed.D., received her doctorate in Art and Art Education at Columbia University with an expertise in early aesthetic movement and dance development. She received her M.F.A. in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College, and a BA in Environmental Science and Geology from Gustavus Adolphus College. Dr. Frederiksen danced professionally with Cherry Creek Theatre, Big Wave/NYC, Detroit Dance Collective, Sullivan Dance Project, and in numerous original performance dance/music/art collaborations. Recently, Jo choreographed and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland as well as at her alma mater in an Alumni Concert. Jo has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Wayne State University, Oakland University, OCC, Albion College, St. John's University, Fordham University, and Lawrence Woodmere Academy where she chaired the Visual and Performing Arts Departments.
Program Assistant
John Byrne has been teaching with Education in Dance since 2001. He is an alumnus of NC School of the Arts, The Julliard School and The School of American Ballet. He began his career with Paul Taylor Dance Company. In addition to performing, choreographing and directing popular music videos and commercials, John has taught students of all ages internationally. John served as Artistic Director of Fort Wayne Dance Collective from 2015 - 2017 and continues traveling internationally for collaborations with artist David LaChapelle. He has led residencies in over 60 NYC schools through Education In Dance.
Education In Dance and The Related Arts
Elizabeth Bernard Pettit, Founder
Dr. Jo Gjertson Frederiksen, Director
27 Barker Avenue, 426
White Plains, NY 10601
917.593.0964
[email protected]
[email protected]
New York City Department of Education VENDOR ID: EDU 043000 CONTRACT #: Q1129BA
Elizabeth Bernard Pettit, Founder
Dr. Jo Gjertson Frederiksen, Director
27 Barker Avenue, 426
White Plains, NY 10601
917.593.0964
[email protected]
[email protected]
New York City Department of Education VENDOR ID: EDU 043000 CONTRACT #: Q1129BA