"The absolute best!!! Super organized, caring, fun!! If you're looking for a dance studio that will instantly consider you family, TDC is it!"

Meet The Team

The Dance Connection is proud to be the only area dance studio under the direction of two New Jersey State certified teachers - Jennifer Hutnick and Lori O'Donnell.

Directors Jennifer and Lori know how important it is to offer well-rounded dance instruction. They take great pride in not only providing outstanding dance training, but preparing their students for life outside the dance studio!

Our team of dedicated teachers would love to help your child discover a passion for dance. They bring professionalism, energy, and professional experience into every class they teach. Read more about our teachers below!

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Jennifer Hutnick

Owner/ Artistic Director

Jennifer studied at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she earned her bachelors degree in English. She also holds Teacher Certification in Secondary Education from the state of New Jersey. Her three years of active teaching at the secondary level included creating the dance curriculum at Bordentown Regional High School, the first program of its kind in the district.

Jennifer’s extensive background and education includes:

Participation in various Master Classes, Teacher Workshops and Intensive Summer Training Programs
Philadanco
University of the Arts
Independent Director of Choreography Camden County College and Bordentown Regional High School

Lori O'Donnell

Owner/ Artistic Director

Lori holds a bachelors degree in both History and Elementary Education from Stockton University as well as an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Camden County College. While at Camden County College, Lori was a member of the dance program as both a performer and choreographer for various events and performances. Lori has created and implemented dance programs in various childcare centers in the Camden and Burlington County areas.

Lori’s extensive background and education includes:

Participation in various Master Classes, Teacher Workshops and Intensive Summer Training Programs
Dance/Community Events Coordinator for local dance schools
Independent Director of Choreography Camden County College

Jamie Bottino

Jamie is extremely excited to return to her dance alma mater! She began dancing at The Dance Connection at the age of three, following in the footsteps of her two older sisters. During her 15 years there, she studied every dance style offered and was an assistant dance teacher. In high school, Jamie supplemented her dance education with the Paul VI Dance Program. She was a member of the Varsity Dance Team and Competition Dance Team, and became captain of both teams her senior year. Jamie has since been choreographing for the Paul VI Varsity Dance Team for 6 years, and is a hip hop choreographer for Project Dance, a local dance collective showcase. Jamie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Elon University, where she earned a B.S. Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Dance. Through the dance minor, she studied ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, and choreography. She was also president and choreographer for the hip hop dance team, Elon’s Finest. Through Elon’s service community, she implemented an afterschool dance class at the Boys and Girls Club in Burlington, NC and taught there for 3 years. In 2018, Jamie toured Ghana with a West African Dance Company, Africa Alive, under the direction of Jason Aryeh. Upon returning, Jamie continued to perform the traditional Drum Dance at various university concerts. Currently, Jamie has her Teacher Certification in Secondary Math Education and is teaching mathematics at Paul VI High School. She also now serves as head coach of the Eaglettes Dance Team at PVI. Jamie is thrilled to continue teaching, dancing, and choreographing with the amazing TDC staff!

Kristin Bowen-Ashwin

Kristin Bowen-Ashwin started her dance career at the age of 2. Her training includes, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Acro, Baton, and Classical and Modern Ballet. After receiving her teacher training certificate, Kristin began assisting classes. Kristin went on to study Modern Ballet and Contemporary at The University Of Miami, where she earned her BBA in Finance & Music Business and Entertainment Industries.

After college, Kristin returned home where she continued to broaden her technique and style of dance. She received a Gymnastics Training Certificate while working at local South Jersey training facility, where she went on to train team level students. In addition, Kristin became Acrobatic Arts certified in July of 2020.

Kristin has been teaching for over 25 years, which includes choreography in routines receiving top honor and watching students go on to dance professionally. She wants her students to think positively about their abilities and use the art of dance to openly express themselves in a creative and safe environment.

Caitlin Cantrell

Caitlin Cantrell, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, started her dance training at the Edna Lee Dance Studio, under the direction of Mary Moran and Ashley Canterna-Hardy. She continued her training at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where she graduated with honors and received a BFA in Dance Education, with a focus in Ballet. While in school, Caitlin danced for Xhale Dance Company and performed throughout the Pennsylvania and New York areas. After graduation, Caitlin moved to New York, where she danced professionally with Abarukas Contemporary Dance Company and Michael Susten & Company. She had the opportunity to perform at APAP, Manhattan Movement Arts, La Mama, Jacobs Pillow and many other festivals and venues. Since then Caitlin has been certified through The Ballet Method in Vaganova training. She is YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) and CPR certified as well! Caitlin is fortunate to be teaching all over the PA and NJ areas, predominantly teaching ballet and contemporary.

Gianna Cirillo

Born and raised in South Jersey, Gianna started at dancing at the age of 4. In 2017, she received her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Towson University where she studied under Runqiao Du, Susan Mann, Catherine Horta-Hayden, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Betsy Romer, and more. She has had the opportunity to perform in various works by many reputable artists and also student choreographed works. While at Towson, Gianna served as a member and captain of the Towson University Pom Squad performing at numerous athletic events, campus events, community events, and competed nationally at Walt Disney World, Florida.

Gianna was also inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts her junior year and earned honors her senior year. Also in her senior year, Gianna, along with a few of her peers, were awarded first place in Towson University's Media Arts Festival for their Dance for the Camera piece entitled, "Footnotes."

Her recent credits include performances at the New Jersey Fringe Festival with Allegory Dance Theatre, with SynthesisDANCE based in New York City, and also in "Dinner With A Side of OMG!" at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. In addition, her choreography has received various awards at numerous competitions.

Currently, Gianna works as a freelance dancer, choreographer, and teacher.

Kaitlin DaSilva

Kaitlin DaSilva began her training at The Dance Connection when she was 5 years old. She trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Contemporary & Modern. Kaitlin was fortunate enough to learn from the amazing staff at TDC. While in high school, Kaitlin was selected for Timber Creek High School’s, Select Dance Company, where she performed in performances and pep rallies! Over the years, she attended many competitions and workshops where she learned from choreographers such as Chris Judd, Ian Eastwood, Mia Michaels, Dave Scott & many more. As her time as a student at The Dance Connection, Kaitlin was given the opportunity to perform in Walt Disney World each year at Disney Springs Waterside Stage!

Since graduating high school in 2017, Kaitlin was asked to choreograph pieces for Timber Creek’s Select Company. Kaitlin has also continued her Contemporary & Hip-Hop training at Adrenaline Dance Studio in Vienna, Virginia from 2017-2022. While training at ADS, Kaitlin & her team has won 2nd in the world three times and 1st in the United States at The Dance Worlds in Walt Disney World! Being on this All-Star team has allowed Kaitlin to train from choreographers Kristy Hays, Jordan Johnson, Jawkeen Howard & Jon Slajer.

Kaitlin loves having the opportunity to choreograph & share her passion for dance at the studio she has always called home along side the amazing TDC staff!

Jeanette Dovas

Jeanette Dovas has been dancing since the age of 5 in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. She first attended The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and later The University of the Arts where she earned her BFA in performance and choreography, with a concentration in ballet. After graduation she spent two years teaching at a local studio and choreographing for school musicals before making the big move to New York City. While there, she worked with both established and new dance companies, including The Morgan Scott Ballet and One World Symphony. In addition to performing, she worked for Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. You can see her wedding in the Summer 2007 issue! After the birth of her first child, she moved back to New Jersey and began working at The Dance Connection. She has more than eight years of teaching experience in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary.

Jessica Mettinger

Jessica Mettinger began her training in Jazz, Tap and Ballet at 4-years-old at Triplett Dance Academy and started competing at age 10. During her years at Triplett she had many opportunities to perform, audition and travel to various workshops and national competitions from New York to Virginia. Jessica also attended summer programs at Ballet NJ and studied under and auditioned for chorographer and artistic director David Gallagher. Some of those performances include The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. At age 12 she had her first performance in Disney World's Magic Kingdom as part of their "Magic Music Days" showcase. At age 16 she was recognized by the Governor of New Jersey for being among the first ever Americans invited to attend "Des 8 Summer Dance Program" in Perpignan, France. During her time in France she was honored to study under Bruno Vandelli and perform for famous choreographer Matt Mattox at his farewell celebration.

In 2004 Jessica graduated from the Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty and Wellness and received her NJ State Board License in Skin Care. She went on to work for the Rizzieri Salon and Spa in Washington Township as a skin care specialist and makeup artist. However, her passion for dance compelled her to travel to London where she attended the famous Pineapple Dance Studio in Covent Garden. She spent the summer training with street dancer "Little Milk" and dance crews "TK Spin" and "Dance 2XS".

With over 30 years of dance experience and 15 years of teaching, Jessica continues to study all forms of dance, and blends her love of modern jazz with hip hop to create a unique and fun style. Jessica has been with The Dance Connection since 2007 and her choreography has received top honors at various competitions.

Grace McFadden

Grace McFadden began dancing at The Dance Connection at the age of four. She has trained under the fabulous TDC staff for 14 years studying Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-hop. While a student at TDC, Grace performed at Walt Disney World on the Disney Springs Waterside stage, and for the Harlem Globetrotters halftime shows. Throughout the years, Grace attended multiple workshops and conventions such as Rock The City, Nexus, and The Pulse; allowing her to gain education from renowned choreographers: Lacey Schwimmer, Lane Alexander, Dave Scott, Ian Eastwood, and Mia Michaels. Grace currently attends Rowan University and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Additionally, she will continue her dance training while taking classes with the Rowan Dance department. Grace joined the TDC team as an assistant teacher in 2020 and was added to the staff as a lead teacher in 2023. Grace enjoys teaching children of all ages, and is very passionate about inspiring young minds who share her love of dance!

Alyssa McGuckin

Alyssa McGuckin began dancing at The Dance Connection at the age of three. Her training included ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and modern. She had the privilege of studying under the wonderful staff here during her time as a student. Throughout high school Alyssa was a member of the St. Joseph Dance Team and was a captain her senior year. Since the age of five, Alyssa has performed in competitions and participated in workshops allowing her to be instructed by Mia Michaels, Chris Judd, Dave Scott, Brian Friedman, Laurieann Gibson, and Robert Hoffman. She has won many awards throughout her competition career. A few to mention are: The Pulse on Tour 2010 Atlantic City Scholarship, Jump at Radio City Music Hall Hip Hop Music Video, Dance Warz in Stroudsburg, PA, and was invited to perform in the 2013 Cathy Roe Ultimate Dance Fashion Show. Alyssa has performed at the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney for Disney’s Performing Arts, local South Jersey nursing homes and was on the cover of the Clipper Hammonton Magazine. She carries her love for teaching outside of The Dance Connection, and teaches dance at local preschools. She loves working with children of all ages. Alyssa was asked to become an assistant teacher at The Dance Connection in 2011 and has been added to The Dance Connection’s teaching staff in 2015 instructing all styles of dance.

Contact TDC

386 White Horse Pike (Rt. 30)
Atco, NJ 08004

856.768.8533

dnc_connection@yahoo.com