Ms. Lynette Werthwein
Dance Teacher

Lynette Werthwein began her dance training in ballet, modern and jazz in southern New Jersey under the direction of Pamela Griffin-Clark, Donna Lambusta-Daniels and Verna Pharo-Yezo. She continued her training at East Carolina University with ballet master and former director of New Jersey Ballet, Joseph Carow. At ECU she gained a BA in English with a minor in Dance.

Mrs. Werthwein was a part of East Carolina Dance Theatre ballet ensemble under Mr. Carow and Alan Arnett. She was a company member with Atlantic City Ballet and New Jersey Coastal Ballet. She spent time furthering her ballet training at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She performed with Burklyn Ballet and Goldsboro Ballet, where she was a soloist dancer. Mrs. Werthwein has worked with David Howard, Alaine Hubert, former ballet mistress for American Ballet Theatre and Jack Hertzog at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. She traveled to Joinville, Brasil for the Festival de Danca.

Mrs. Werthwein starred in and choreographed Annie, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell and Pippin for Our Gang Players. She was a leading dancer for Surflight Theatre and McGinnis Theatre. Mrs. W has performed in various drama troupes and dance companies throughout NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VT. Mrs. W taught ballet and jazz at Tenafly School of the Arts, Encore Dance Academy and New Jersey Dance Center. After gaining her masters in teaching from Montclair State University she taught a recreational jazz class at Rutgers on the Mason Gross campus. She continued her teaching career at Union City High School where she directed the drama department and Emerson Dance Troupe.

Currently Mrs. Werthwein is the director of the Spartan Dancers and is the choreographer for the OTHS Drama Club's Spartan Players. She continues her own dance education by learning more about the body through other methodologies. Mrs. W teaches mindful lessons where she incorporates ballet technique, while promoting an understanding of the body. She strongly believes in allowing each student to know their true potential in the art of dance, no matter what the level of ability. If students are aware of their creativity and passion, they can create a memorable experience with dance.