Jay began his training as a gymnast and segued into dance at the age of twelve. He hasn’t stopped dancing since then and has won numerous national and regional titles and 1st Overall awards. He was one of the first boys to be accepted into, and attend The New Jersey Governor’s School of the Arts on a full scholarship, and also received full scholarships to The Washington School of Ballet and School of American Ballet’s summer intensive programs. Jay was offered the lead role in the National Tour of Cats as Mr. Mistoffelees, and dazzled audiences throughout the world as a dancer, acrobat, and aerial artist for several Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. He starred in Disney’s High School Musical LIVE on stage at the Theatre of the Stars in Georgia. He has performed at such venues as Madison Square Garden, the Prudential Center, The Grove & the Dolby Theatre in California, where he performed with Miley Cyrus. Jay has been offered leading roles to perform for Tokyo Disney, Disneyland, and Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas. His professional credits also include performing for Walt Disney’s Toy Story 3 at the Kodak Theatre, a Reebok Industrial, and starring in an ABC promo commercial. He can be seen in the pilot episode of the WB’s Gossip Girl as well as the feature film Gracie starring Elizabeth Shue. Jay has had the privilege of working with prominent choreographers Marguerite Dereks, Travis Payne, and Jimmy Locust to name a few and had the honor of assisting classes taught by legendary Frank Hatchett. Jay has also performed as a backup dancer for Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Liz Phair and Kristine W. Currently Jay is teaching acrobatics and dance, to kids of all ages, at a competitive level at studios around New Jersey. His choreography has won numerous regional and national Overall, Entertainment, and Choreography awards.

Nick started his dance training at an early age in California and was awarded a full scholarship to Pacific Northwest Ballet. As a member of a competition dance team, he received numerous awards regionally and nationally in solos and group routines. Nick has performed as a dancer and acrobat on many cruises for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and has entertained audiences around the world with his energetic dance style. His professional accomplishments also include dancing in the Rose Parade, performing for Sketchers Industrial, and the National Tour of Moving Out choreographed by Twyla Tharp. Nick has been offered leading roles to perform for Tokyo Disney, Disneyland, and Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas. He has trained with choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, and Terri Best to name a few. He now teaches dance and acrobatics at various studios all over New Jersey. His students and choreography have won numerous overall awards on the regional and national level. He is excited to bring his love for dance to the next generation. 

Ashlyn Knudsen has been a lifelong resident of Cape May County. A Lower Cape May Regional alumni, she graduated in 2008.

Ashlyn began her dance career at the age of two-years-old. She continued to dance throughout her childhood and teens, winning many Regional and National awards with the Art of Gymnastics and Cheer studio. She also had the chance to perform with the New Jersey Ballet, dancing in their production of The Nutcracker. In 2013 Ashlyn made the switch from a competitor to an instructor and is currently a teacher here at our studio.
Ashlyn’s two daughters have followed in her footsteps, both dancing and now competing with the Art of Gymnastic and Cheer dance team.

Ashlyn’s mother, Pamela Proud, was an active member in the dance community before she passed away. To honor her memory, Ashlyn and her family sponsor the Pamela Proud Scholarship every year, a contortion scholarship awarded to one AOGAC student who works hard in contortion throughout the year, and exemplifies the dance spirit.

Art of Gymnastics & Cheer would like to personally welcome Miss Desteny C to our staff. Desteny comes to AOGAC with years of training in all forms of dance, acrobatics, Hand Balancing, cheerleading tumbling and contortion! Miss Desteny has quite an extensive list of certifications and qualifications including:

NJ Child Care Health and Safety, Identifying Child Neglect, Child Development, First Aid & CPR, Asthma Awareness & Response, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Bullying Prevention Certification. Miss Desteny is also currently earning her Gymnastics Safety Certification. Miss Desteny instructed a month trial teaching period and has had INCREDIBLE reviews from the parents and students! We are happy to have her on board now as a full time instructor!

 Welcome to the AOGAC family, Miss Desteny