Cleveland Dance Instructor Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Former Students

A Cleveland dance instructor found guilty of sexually assaulting his former students was sentenced by Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Kevin Kelley to life in prison on June 8th, 2023.

Terence Greene, 57, taught at the Cleveland School of Arts on Stearns Road for 19 years. Well-renowned for his role in students’ various Broadway successes, Greene was regarded as a loyal and trusted mentor. However, beneath the shining talent hid something far more sinister.

During his time at the Cleveland School of Arts and Cuyahoga Community College, Greene assaulted and raped at least eight children between the ages of 14 and 17. Students were taken advantage of in dressing rooms, dance events, Greene’s car, and his home near Churchill Avenue. In addition to the horrific abuse, the former teacher infected his victims with HIV.

Terence Greene denied the allegations and never apologized for his actions. Instead, he claimed that the case caused him “suffering” and maintained that he was a respected father figure to countless students.

He has been found guilty on 16 counts of rape, 25 counts of sexual battery and 13 counts of kidnapping. Additionally, Greene is required to register as a Tier III sex offender for the remainder of his life.

“You had a lot of responsibilities, a lot of roles and you failed them all,” remarked one of Greene’s victims during the June court date.

Authors: Alexis Kabat and Andy Goldwasser