Dance Innovations Inc.
About Us
Dance Innovations Inc. celebrates over 37 years of excellence in dance education and artistic innovation, led by Artistic Director Susan McCutcheon Coutts. Offering over 70 classes for preschoolers through adults, we provide a range of disciplines from beginner to advanced, including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and more.
Years of Excellence
Classes for All Ages
Advanced dancers have had the opportunity to perform at Disney Imagination Campus, Universal Studios, Give Kids the World Village, aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and at Performing Arts Educators Invitational Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center Performances. All performing groups have show opportunities at retirement facilities, benefit walks for organizations supporting local and regional causes, and hospital centers such as Matheny Medical & Educational Center, Lyons Veteran Hospital in Basking Ridge, and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey. Dance Innovations also has performances throughout the year such as the annual Nutcracker and at venues such as the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey and KnJ Theater at Peridance in New York, NY to fundraise for the Dance Innovations Performance Foundation. Please see the DIPF tab for more information on the causes this organization supports.
Dance Innovations prides itself in the art and science of dance therapy, welcoming individuals of all abilities. This goal is reached by mainstreaming students with special needs into the regular class curriculum. Dance Studio Life Magazine featured an article highlighting Susan and Dance Innovations for their passion in mainstreaming special needs students. In September 2014, Envision Dance Exchange was formed. EDE is a performance group created to perform, educate and support dancers with all abilities through integrated dance.

Dance Innovations Inc.
Teachers
Get to know our dedicated faculty, whose expertise and passion shape every dancer’s journey with personalized instruction and inspiring mentorship at Dance Innovations Inc.

Susan Coutts
Artistic Director

Susan Coutts
Artistic Director

Bonnie Zwigard
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Bonnie Zwigard
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Cassidy Svercauski
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Cassidy Svercauski
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Connor Bourke
Guest Teacher

Connor Bourke
Guest Teacher

Danielle Gurcan
Musical Theater Instructor with Focus on Vocals

Danielle Gurcan
Musical Theater Instructor with Focus on Vocals

Diane Bellas
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Diane Bellas
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Eileen Durma
Instructor

Eileen Durma
Instructor

Kayla Coutts
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher, Crosstraining Instructor

Kayla Coutts
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher, Crosstraining Instructor

Erin Dowd
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Erin Dowd
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Haley Asbury
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Haley Asbury
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Anna Tan
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Anna Tan
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Heather Williams
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Heather Williams
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Holly Jahn
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Holly Jahn
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Jennifer Coviello
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Jennifer Coviello
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Julianne McGee
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Julianne McGee
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Katie Steimer
Instructor

Katie Steimer
Instructor

Lara Friedman Kats
Instructor

Lara Friedman Kats
Instructor

Leanna Cotton
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Leanna Cotton
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Lihi Dor
Instructor

Lihi Dor
Instructor

Lindsay Osten
Guest Teacher

Lindsay Osten
Guest Teacher

Raquel Serrano
Instructor

Raquel Serrano
Instructor

Reese Schultz
Instructor

Reese Schultz
Instructor

Rio Browne
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Rio Browne
Instructor, Performing Group Teacher

Sarah Bovat
Instructor/Performing Group Teacher

Sarah Bovat
Instructor/Performing Group Teacher

Shannon Dempsey
Instructor

Shannon Dempsey
Instructor

Tislarm Bouie
Modern Repertoire Instructor

Tislarm Bouie
Modern Repertoire Instructor
Dance Innovations Inc.
Office Staff

Jennifer Coviello
Office/Boutique Personnel

Tracy Dante
Office/Boutique Personnel

Pamela Sandler
Office/Boutique Personnel

Sarah Sherman
Office/Boutique Personnel
Dance Innovations Inc.
Studio Policies
General Studio Policies
For safety reasons, NO STROLLERS in the LOBBY
All items should be neatly stored in the lobby and on the coat racks located in the Lobby. Items left on the floor create a fire hazard & safety concern
MAKE-UP CLASSES: DI welcomes & encourages our students to make-up any class that they miss within the same semester.
NO MAKE-UPS or WALK-INS are permitted in FULL CLASSES. Please call the office to schedule your requested class/time so that we may minimize any disappointment or inconvenience.
Please be reassured that all students are placed in classes according to their dance ability. We will be happy to talk with you if you have questions regarding their placement.
PARKING RULES: For the safety of the students, parents will not be allowed to park in undesignated spaces or stand idled while picking up their child.
Class Attire
Dress Code: Active wear consisting of leggings/tights/spandex shorts and a nonrevealing top or leotard. Hair must be pulled back away and tight to the head (i.e. ponytail, bun, braid, etc.)
Acceptable Attire for Ballet Dance Class
For all students registered in Ballet Classes (3:30 pm or later)
Dress Code: Solid colored leotard and tights, ballet shoes, Ballet skirt (optional). Some teachers request a bun for hair. Please abide by their preference.
Thank you for your cooperation! These rules are implemented to help you, the dancer, receive the proper training you deserve.
Dance Innovations’ faculty prides ourselves in addressing any concerns or questions. If you have a concern, please let us know so we can address it promptly!
As noted on other pages, Dance Innovations only accepts payment with cash or check.
Join the Dance Innovations Family Today!
Ready to ignite your passion for dance? Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned dancer, or seeking inclusive classes in Chatham, NJ, Dance Innovations Inc. offers ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and more for all ages. Take the first step toward a joyful, creative, and transformative dance journey.
Dance Innovations prides itself in the art and science of dance therapy, welcoming individuals of all abilities.
3 Townsquare, Chatham, NJ, USA
+1 973-635-1205
diinfo@danceinnovations.org
Copyright Notice
All website content is copyright of Dance Innovations, Inc. or affiliated artists and may not be used for any purpose without written consent from the owners.
Copyright © 2025 Dance Innovations Inc. All Rights Reserved