About Us
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission statement is to share our passion of dance and gymnastics by creating a positive yet disciplined learning environment to inspire and motivate all our students. Our vision is to spark our student’s individual growth and progress, mentally and artistically, by training our students with the proper techniques. We want to create an environment that empowers them to translate their training to the outside world, yet forming lifelong friendships and creating a family feel atmosphere. CSPA will be the leading provider in nurturing your child to be the best they can be.
Our History
CSPA Dance and Gymnastics began in October of 2020. Prior to this, we were formally known as Children’s Studio for the Performing Arts. Our founder, Ms. Jill Ragozzine, operated 2 successful studios in Derby and Shelton for 9 years, known as "Miss Jill's (Montefalco) School of Dance", prior to Children's Studio for the Performing Arts. A performer for many years and a teacher for 16 years, she began her lessons as a child and studied under many renowned instructors. As
former Head Majorette for Shelton High School and Southern Connecticut State University, she had the opportunity to study with champion twirlers. Ms. Jill received her B.S. from Southern Connecticut in the field of Health and Physical Education in 1960. While attending SCSU, she studied extensively in the field of gymnastics under Olympic coach Dick Zuber and Modern Dance under Billie Barrows. She took master credits in the field of Modern Dance. A former member of the Shelton High School and Ansonia High School faculties, Ms. Jill worked as an
advisor for the majorettes and cheerleaders in Shelton and advisor for cheerleaders in Ansonia. She was a visionary and a force in forging a path for women in business at a time when very few women owned their own business. Sadly, in October of 2022, Miss Jill passed away following a long illness. In October of 2020 with the formation of CSPA Dance and Gymnastics, the studio was purchased by Miss Jill’s daughter, Jill (Ragozzine) D’Amico and Pamela Hinton.
Pamela Hinton
Pamela Hinton is a lifelong Oxford resident. Prior to her employment with Children’s Studio for the Performing Arts, she was a Manager/Assistant Treasurer at Shelton Savings Bank and subsequently Webster Bank for fifteen years. After the birth of her daughters Julia and Natalie, she chose to stay home for four years until joining Children’s Studio for the Performing Arts in 2004. In October of 2020, she become a joint owner of CPSA Dance and Gymnastics.