Cynthia King
A professional dancer since 1978, Cynthia King has been teaching and choreographing since 1986. Training extensively at the Boston Conservatory and The Ailey School, King honed her skills under the tutelage of legendary dancers, including Emiko and Yasuko Tokunaga, Carmen DeLavallade, Diane McIntyre, and Rod Rodgers (of whose dance company she became a member). She has taught dance in Brooklyn at P.S. 315, Poly Prep, and I.S. 62 in addition to Cynthia King Dance Studio (CKDS).
King founded Cynthia King Dance Studio in 2002 and opened a second location in 2014, offering inspired and passionate dance instruction for all ages. Her innovative curriculum embraces classical to emerging styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, b-boy/b-girl, hip hop, and African dance.
King and the studio have become staples in the community, supporting civic and educational organizations, including the PTAs of local public schools, DanceNYC, and Greenwood Playground. King’s community involvement includes participating in and hosting many local events. She is a dedicated and compassionate activist, proudly supporting nonprofit organizations including the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food, and BlackVegFest.
In 2011 King was honored by an official proclamation from Council Members of the City of New York and recognized for effective leadership and services to her community by the Committee for Effective Leadership (New York State Democratic Committee, 82nd A.D.). In 2008, then City Council Member Bill DeBlasio nominated King for the Neighborhood Achievement Award. He says of Ms. King , “…you make our community a better place.” She was credited by the New York Department of Education with developing “…one of the most comprehensive dance programs in the district.” In May 2015, Ms. King received the prestigious Boston Conservatory Distinguished Alumni Award. Later that year, she established the Cynthia King Humane Artist Scholarship, awarded to an incoming Boston Conservatory student who embodies compassionate and cruelty-free living.
