Dance Educator

Hayden Gittner, a native of O'Fallon, Illinois, started his ballet training in the Cecchetti Method under the guidance of Elizabeth Conway. He further honed his skills at the Cecchetti Council of America's International Summer School. Gittner's exceptional talent and hard work were recognized in the dance community when he was featured in Dance Studio Life magazine's January 2018 issue. He was highlighted as one of the two American males in the past ten years to successfully pass Grade VII and obtain his Advanced Professional Certificate in the Cecchetti Method.

In addition to his ballet training, Mr. Gittner also delved into the world of tap dancing. Under the direction of Sonya Doerr, he received eleven years of tap instruction, further developing his skills and passion for the art form.

During his time in college, Mr. Gittner became part of the student-led Notre Dame Dance Company. Over the course of five years, he honed his tap skills even further and had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow dancers, choreograph original pieces, and perform alongside Lulu Romero from the renowned Reverb Tap Company in Los Angeles.

Mr. Gittner's creativity and love for the arts extend beyond his ballet and tap training. He had the honor of performing the professional role of Cavalier in his hometown's production of The Nutcracker, highlighting his talent and skill on stage.

Beyond dance, Mr. Gittner has acquired training and professional production experience in both sound and lighting design. This experience has given him a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of performance and the ability to create immersive and visually captivating experiences through lighting and sound.

Outside of his dance and technical training, Mr. Gittner also spent five years playing the sousaphone and marching with the Band of the Fighting Irish. This prestigious band allowed him the opportunity to perform at high-profile events such as ESPN's College Game Day, Disney World parades, and various bowl games including the Cotton Bowl, Camping World Bowl, Sun Bowl, and Gator Bowl. He also participated in Shamrock Series Exhibitions at iconic venues such as Yankee Stadium, Chicago's Soldier Field, and Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium.

With his diverse training and experience in ballet, tap, and production, Mr. Gittner brings a unique perspective to his teaching, and he is dedicated to providing a well-rounded dance education to his students. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts community and is excited for what the future holds.

Mr. Gittner earned both a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. He is employed full-time as a power grid operator for Georgia Power.