About Us | Cheshire, CT | Connecticut Dance Theatre & The Arts

MISS NEFRA SULLIVAN-WIHBEY

(OWNER/DIRECTOR)

Nefra Sullivan-Wihbey is a highly sought-after dancer, choreographer, and director recognized throughout the region for her exceptional talent and artistic vision. She has trained under some of the most renowned figures in the dance world, including Henry LeTang, Frank Hatchett, Phil Black, and the legendary Alvin Ailey, among others.

Miss Nefra has an extensive résumé, having choreographed and staged countless professional Equity and regional theater productions, as well as music videos, state and local Miss America pageants, and talent performances for numerous Miss America hopefuls. After performing nationally and completing her studies in New York City, she returned to Connecticut in 1988 to join her mother, Miss Susan, as Co-Director of Connecticut Dance Theatre & the Arts.

Since then, Miss Nefra has transformed Connecticut Dance Theatre & the Arts into one of the premier performing arts schools in the Northeast. Her students are consistently recognized as some of the most talented performers in the region. She founded the studio’s National Competition Team, which now ranks among the top 7% of dance schools nationwide—earning prestigious accolades such as Top Teacher, Best Choreography, Outstanding Tap Performance, and Excellence in Technique. Her choreography and training have drawn the attention of top-tier national judges and industry professionals.

In 2000, Miss Nefra assumed full leadership of the school as Owner and Director, continuing her family’s legacy of excellence while fostering a vibrant, inspiring environment for the next generation of artists.

BRAYDEN WIHBEY

(CO-DIRECTOR, TEACHER/CHOREOGRAPHER, & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER)

Brayden Wihbey is the Co-Director of Connecticut Dance Theatre and the Arts (CTDTA), where she wears many hats as a passionate choreographer, dedicated teacher to dancers of all ages and levels, and the studio’s creative Social Media Manager. Her mission is to inspire confidence, creativity, and self-expression through dance, while helping each student reach their fullest potential.

A proud graduate of Sacred Heart University, Brayden was a dynamic member of both the Dance Company and the Theatre Arts Program. She has choreographed multiple university productions, including Ride the Cyclone, Reject Me, Already!, and Fun Home, where her visionary work brought storytelling to life through movement. She is also one of the founding members of the Rhythm Tap Crew at Sacred Heart, where she helped introduce and celebrate the art of tap dance within the university community.

Brayden’s excellence in tap led her to represent the United States at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in 2023, where she earned a bronze medal. She is honored to be returning to the international stage again in 2025.

Having grown up dancing competitively at CTDTA, Brayden discovered her love for choreography and teaching at just 16 years old. Since then, she has choreographed numerous award-winning routines at CTDTA, and is especially recognized for her intricate and rhythmic tap choreography, which has become her signature style.

With a deep love for the performing arts and an unwavering commitment to her students, Brayden continues to shape a new generation of dancers at CT Dance Theatre & the Arts.