Silinea Hilliard: from the time she was a toddler, it was obvious to everyone who knew Silinea that she would be a dancer. Since 2005, when she joined CMDE’s faculty as an instructor, she has shared her professionalism, grace, and boundless ability to inspire her students to pursue careers in dance. For students, school age to seniors long since retired who come to CMDE just to have fun, Silinea has been there to guide them in learning how to feel the freeing joy of movement.

The Maryland native began her training at Jones-Haywood School of Ballet. Her love of dance led her eventually to Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater. She also trained with the Broadway Dance Center in New York City and the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England. She has taught at the Dance Institute of Washington, Dance & Body Works in Clinton MD, and the Hudson Repertory Dance.

Silinea has performed with numerous regional theaters, including The Shakespeare Theater and The Kennedy Center. She was a member of Seventh Principle Contemporary African Performance Company in Hackensack. As of Autumn 2021, she is certified to teach AcroDance Module One (Levels Primary to six), Rhythm Works Integrative Dance (a rhythm and dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs), yoga, and as a SEL facilitator. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and Dance New Jersey.