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CPFA classes resume after winter break on Monday, January 5th
Lisa Carey
Lisa Carey
CPFA Dance Department Chair
Erika Speer
Erika Speer
CPFA Dance Instructor
Ms. Erika Speer is a dance teacher at the PA Leadership Charter School, where she has taught for 10 years as part of the Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA) on-site program. A native of Long Island, New York, Ms. Speer brings a lifelong passion for movement, creativity, and artistic expression to her students, guiding them as they develop strong foundational technique and confidence as young performers.
Ms. Speer teaches Jazz, Modern, and Tap dance, helping students build musicality, strength, and versatility. Her instruction emphasizes rhythmic awareness, dynamic movement quality, and technical precision while encouraging dancers to explore their individuality and artistic voice. In addition to teaching, she serves as an adjudicator for several regional and national dance competitions, sharing her expertise and providing constructive feedback to dancers and instructors alike.
She earned her BFA in Dance Education from the University of the Arts and completed her Master’s degree in Teaching and Leadership from Point Park University in May 2026. At CPFA, Ms. Speer is committed to creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment where dancers of all levels can grow, take risks, and challenge themselves. Her teaching focuses not only on technical development but also on performance quality, collaboration, and creative expression.
Ms. Speer is proud to be part of the CPFA community and looks forward to continuing her work with the next generation of dancers.
Toni Duncan
Toni Duncan
CPFA Dance Instructor & CPFA Chapter Advisor for the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)
Ms. Toni Duncan has a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from DeSales University and a Masters in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She has taught at private dance studios in suburban Philadelphia since 1998, and has been a full-time dance faculty member at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School’s Center for Performing and Fine Arts since 2011. Ms. Duncan is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization, participating as a mentor in their teacher mentorship program, serving on several award selection committees, and a 4-time presenter at the National Conference starting in 2017. Ms. Duncan serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Chapter of NDEO. She is PADEO’s National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) liaison and a member of their social justice committee. She is the founding chapter sponsor for NHSDA at PALCS and continues as the chapter faculty sponsor.
Ms. Duncan presented her integrated arts lesson plan What’s Your Angle? Lessons Learned from Mixing Geometry and Dance at the Philadelphia Dance Project’s Dance TAG workshop series in March 2020. In 2022 she completed her 200-hour yoga training and is also certified in children’s yoga. She is currently a Level 1 Peak Pilates instructor and will complete Level 2 in May 2026. She was part of the Connected Arts Network 2 year project which connected dance educators from across the country to work together to develop and implement a dance focused action research project. In July 2026 she will present her action research project, Developing Self-Esteem, a Sense of Community, and Personal Artistry for your Middle and High School aged Dance Classes, at the Mid-Atlantic Dance Education Summit, in Harford County, Maryland. Ms. Duncan continues to take weekly dance classes as well as performing annually with Feet First Dance Center in Phoenixville, PA.
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