Meredith Sweeney

I started with the Energy Dance Company when I was in 6th grade, and danced for six years with the ensemble. Doing so PUSHED ME OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE – I was so quiet and shy when I was younger. “Energy” helped me be more social and definitely ALLOWED ME TO EXPERIENCE things, places and people. This would not … Read More

Naimah Muhammad

CCE has been inspirational in HELPING FIND MY PURPOSE today by instilling confidence in me when I was a little girl. Dance allowed me to EXPRESS MYSELF physically and verbally. Stimulating memories of practice sessions in the studio still remind me of the POWER OF TEAMWORK, the blessing of having an impressive instructor, and the lasting strength of accountability.

Ziabiya Cherry

I don’t know where I would be today without the CHARACTER it has helped me build; the obstacles it has HELPED ME OVERCOME; the fear it has helped me leave behind; the DOUBT IT HAS REMOVED from my mind; and the BLESSINGS it has brought to my life.

Nichole Naccarato

From constantly encouraging my SELF-CONFIDENCE, building lifelong friendships and giving me ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES to give back to the community, CCE has had nothing but a positive influence on my life from the first day I walked through those studio doors.

Eric Booth – Author of “The Teaching Artist’s Bible”

My work enables me to visit and study arts learning programs around the U.S. and in many other countries. I am so proud that one of the very best, CCE, is right here where I live. I confess to bragging about CCE shamelessly and widely. CCE does so many things so well, but maybe most importantly, they never lose the … Read More

Arisha Adams

CCE has done so much for my family over the years. For my children, it has built confidence and given them a sense of self-esteem. It has been a safe haven and comfortable atmosphere to stimulate the mind, body, spirit and creativity. They say it takes a village to raise a child. CCE has been that village, not only for … Read More

Marlene Merritt

CCE gave my children the opportunity to express themselves through dance and drumming. It was a balancing act for my children and helped kept them grounded positively in their daily lives. CCE is/was an extended family that not only taught dance and drumming but structure and positive values as well. Lastly, the girls would always see the Center for Creative … Read More

Sella Rega

I was an active member of POOK for many years. I remember my first class was when I was only 11 years old. I learned all the different sounds on the djembe. The first song Ev taught me was Buru, which was easy, but I remember how proud I was when I got it down. Remembering my first few years … Read More

Beanie

I went to CCE because I wanted to try out for their dance team. My goal was to make the team and have a place where I could show my talent but little did I know I would get much more than that. Everyone who’s affiliated with CCE took me in as if I was their son, brother or cousin … Read More

Zakiyah Williams

My name is Zakiyah Williams. I am 23 years old and a Master of Public Health working as a Family Planning Counselor at a community health center. I am an alumni from the Center of Creative Education. I first met Drew, Lisa and the crew back in 2003. It was in 2004 when I officially became a member of the … Read More