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Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy
Where Grace Takes Place
Where Grace Takes Place
Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy
Meet the Instructors
Experienced mentors guiding each dancer’s growth with care and intention.
At Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy, our instructors bring more than experience—they bring a passion for teaching, a respect for the art of dance, and a commitment to every student’s development. Through thoughtful instruction and a supportive approach, they help dancers build strong technique, confidence, and artistry both in the studio and on the stage.
01
Amy Kniffin-Bond
Director & Instructor
Amy Kniffin-Bond leads the studio with a focus on artistic excellence and meaningful performance. With a background in dance studies and choreography, she is dedicated to creating an environment where every dancer can grow with confidence and purpose.
02
Cynthia Kniffin
Founder & Instructor
Mrs. Cynthia Kniffin founded the academy in 1974 and dedicated her life to dance as an educator, artist, and advocate. Her legacy continues to shape the studio’s commitment to strong technique, creativity, and community.
03
Kassandra Lee
Instructor & Choreographer
Kassandra brings professional performance experience and a strong technical foundation to her teaching. Her work on stage and in the studio inspires dancers to develop both discipline and artistry.
04
Autumn Featheringill
Instructor
Autumn trained at Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy under Kassandra Lee and Amy Bond, building a strong foundation in technique and performance. She also now performs with North Pointe Ballet and is a Company Apprentice.
05
Nina Schaefer
Instructor
Nina returns to CKDA as an instructor after spending several years dancing at the academy as a student. A longtime tap dancer, one of her favorite CKDA memories is performing as Mary Poppins during her senior year. She is excited to return to the studio and share her love and passion for tap with a new generation of dancers.
Nina graduated from the University of Toledo in December 2025 with a degree in marketing. Outside of the studio, she works as a youth minister with Sandusky Parishes and leads social media and marketing for Cana Wedding Group, a company she co-founded.
01 / 05
Amy Kniffin-Bond
Director & Instructor
Amy Kniffin-Bond leads the studio with a focus on artistic excellence and meaningful performance. With a background in dance studies and choreography, she is dedicated to creating an environment where every dancer can grow with confidence and purpose.
01
Amy Kniffin-Bond
Director & Instructor
Amy Kniffin-Bond leads the studio with a focus on artistic excellence and meaningful performance. With a background in dance studies and choreography, she is dedicated to creating an environment where every dancer can grow with confidence and purpose.
02
Cynthia Kniffin
Founder & Instructor
Mrs. Cynthia Kniffin founded the academy in 1974 and dedicated her life to dance as an educator, artist, and advocate. Her legacy continues to shape the studio’s commitment to strong technique, creativity, and community.
03
Kassandra Lee
Instructor & Choreographer
Kassandra brings professional performance experience and a strong technical foundation to her teaching. Her work on stage and in the studio inspires dancers to develop both discipline and artistry.
04
Autumn Featheringill
Instructor
Autumn trained at Cynthia Kniffin Dance Academy under Kassandra Lee and Amy Bond, building a strong foundation in technique and performance. She also now performs with North Pointe Ballet and is a Company Apprentice.
05
Nina Schaefer
Instructor
Nina returns to CKDA as an instructor after spending several years dancing at the academy as a student. A longtime tap dancer, one of her favorite CKDA memories is performing as Mary Poppins during her senior year. She is excited to return to the studio and share her love and passion for tap with a new generation of dancers.
Nina graduated from the University of Toledo in December 2025 with a degree in marketing. Outside of the studio, she works as a youth minister with Sandusky Parishes and leads social media and marketing for Cana Wedding Group, a company she co-founded.
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