Lori Buffalow

Lori Buffalow Owner and director, of the Next Step Dance Studio. She has been teaching and dancing professionally for the past 24 years. While a member of the American Dance Company and the United Spirit Association, she performed in concerts featuring Huey Lewis & The News, The Beach Boys, and Gloria Estefan. She was a member of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush. Lori earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's College and has been a popular dance instructor for children and teens in the Danville area for many years. Since taking over The Next Step, her performing dance teams have won top awards while earning several dance scholarships. The teams have performed at Disneyland, on Cruise lines and performed on a European Tour plus numerous local events. Several of the Next Step's students have advanced to college dance teams, pro sports teams, and have made careers in dance production. The goal of The Next Step is to provide a positive, nurturing experience for students, in varying styles of dance on all levels & for all ages. A talented and professional staff has been assembled in order to achieve that goal.

Kristin Ellis 

Kristin Ellis has been teaching ballet and pre school dance in the South Bay for over twenty years.  She has also choreographed for competitive dance teams winning regional awards.  Kristin helped to perfect Olympic gold and silver medalist gymnast Amy Chow's floor routines.  She started her early training studying the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus at Elizabeth Neumann's Ballet Studio in Saratoga, CA.  She also studied at the Los Gatos Academy of Dance, San Jose Dance Theatre under the direction of Paul E. Curtis Jr. and Shaun Stuart, Ballet West and Boston Ballet School.  She was assistant director for the San Jose Dance Theatre's "Nutcracker Ballet" for nine years. Kristin studied Early Childhood Education at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA.

Kelly Garcia

Kelly Garcia is the manager of our studio and director of our K-Team, Petite Pre-Team, Jr. Jazz & Teen Explosion, competitive dance teams representing The Next Step, which have won several awards and dance scholarships. Kelly has performed for more than 24 years, 18 of them as a very popular and experienced instructor. Portrayed on the cover of the aerobic dance book "Keep Moving," illustrations of Kelly can be seen throughout, depicting proper forms and techniques.

Tara Page 

Tara Page is a professional dancer, choreographer and circus performer with 25 years experience in the entertainment industry. She has her BFA in Dance and Choreography from the California Institute of the Arts and has taught, choreographed and performed worldwide. Her credits include Panic! at the Disco- Nothing Rhymes With Circus Tour, Toni Braxton- Ladies of Soul Awards, Guest Star on Lifetime's Strong Medicine and numerous Opera's with Los Angeles Opera Company, including Wagner's Ring Cycle where she worked next to the legendary Placido Domingo, and with the prestigious Achim Freyer of the Freyer Theater Company of Germany, as part of his North American Company for 3 years. As a choreographer Tara has had her work performed in both Los Angeles and NY, and has received numerous awards and titles, including National Champion Production (NextStar) and Top Choreography at the IMTA, NY Convention. She has worked with many National Award Winning teams and has choreographed numerous competition routines for over 11 years. She has also had work performed for The Walt Disney Family for the Sharon Disney Lund Foundation. Tara is the Co-Founder of New World Contemporary Ballet Company and has Co-Wrote/Directed, and Choreographed Sleepy Hallow the Ballet, in Los Angeles, which was produced and performed for 4 consecutive years. As a teacher, Tara has taught for over 13 years across the United States, including New York and Los Angeles. She has a strong passion and joy for children and recently had a baby of her own

Rachel Jackson

Rachel Jackson is the director of our Fierce and Dance Rage, competitive dance teams for high school students. Rachel also directs the Jr. Hip-Hop Team. She has choreographed and performed in the Bay Area and internationally for the past 21 years. She is the former director of the San Francisco 49ers Goldrush Cheerleaders, has worked with Boyz II Men, Baby Face and Tony Bennett, plus appeared in commercials for Dr. Scholl’s and Pepsi.

Corissa Johnson

Corissa Johnson Corissa graduated with honors in the Spring of 2008 from California State University, East Bay Hayward, where she obtained a degree in Theatre Arts-Dance, as well as an English minor. Corissa has danced, performed, and choreographed for 11 years and has extensive training in Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, and Salsa. She has traveled to New York and participated in the Headliners Competition and also to Germany, for the IDO International Hip Hop Competition. She is currently working in Oakland for Premiere Arts, running the OFASS Dance Program and has recently worked with the youth, at McClymonds High School, as Program Manager for "You Must Believe Inc.", promoting self esteem and the arts through Theatre, Dance and the spoken word.

Chantelle Pianetta
 
 

DaMone "Momo" LeBeau

DaMone "Momo" LeBeau comes to The Next Step as an accomplished hip-hop dancer, performer, entertainer and choreographer. He has performed with music stars such as Chris Brown and will be in the Cirque de Soleil Michael Jackson Tour. His funky, hip style of teaching is a fun way for our dancers to learn hip-hop.

Laura Wesslund 

Laura Wesslund attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and received a BA in Theatre.  In Chicago, she was a performing member and teacher with Be the Groove, a rhythmic performance ensemble. She taught tap at Dominican University in River Forest, IL as well as choreographed their productions of The Wiz and Gypsy. Regional theatre choreography and performance credits include working with Theatrebam Chicago, Ludicrous Theatre and Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. She has choreographed many routines in musicals such as: Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Main Street Kids' Club: A MathStart Musical, Metropolis Curtains Up! Summer Camp, Spunk, Midsummer Night's Dream, Boomshaka: Northwestern's Premier Drum, Dance, Rhythm Ensemble and Northlight Theatre: Musical Theatre Camp. She has directed the following musicals/plays: Once Upon a Mattress Jr., Tamin of the Shrew and Chicago Sound Connection. Laura loves to share her knowledge and love for dance to all those that want to learn.

Maddie Luecht

Maddie Luecht has been a member of The Next Step Performance Dance Teams for many years.  Maddie is on three of our Senior Line Performance Dance Teams,  including Fierce and Dance Rage. Maddie enjoys teaching and has a blast with her students. Maddie teaches birthday parties and private lessons and loves working with children of all ages!  We look forward to having Maddie continue to be a part of The Next Step Dance Studio's staff.

Karina Fonzi

Karina Fonzi has been a member of The Next Step Performance Dance Teams for many years. Karina is on three of our Senior Line Performance Dance Teams as well as Dance Rage. Karina just returned from a European Dance Tour where she performed in Austria, Germany and Italy for all types of galas, festivals and benefits, including a fundraiser at the Elisabethium Hospital for children. Karina enjoys teaching and has a blast with her students. She teaches birthday parties and private lessons and loves working with children of all ages! We look forward to having Karina continue to be a part of The Next Step Dance Studio's staff. 

Lauren Clark

Lauren Clark has been a dancer at The Next Step Dance Studio for many years. Lauren is on five Senior Line Performance Dance Teams, including Dance Rage. She is a very enthusiastic dancer. Lauren specializes in our fun and exciting Summer Dance Camps, Birthday Parties and Substituting for teachers. We look forward to having Lauren continue to be a part of The Next Step Dance Studio's staff this season.

Emma Platter

Emma Platter has been dancing with The Next Step for many years. She is on four of our Senior Line Performance Dance Teams, including our most advanced team, Dance Rage.  Emma has performed on stage at Disneyland and on the Carnival Cruise Lines. She traveled to Europe with The Next Step where she danced and entertained audiences in Germany, Austria and Italy including a Gala Fundraising Benefit for the Elisabethinum Hospital for Children.  Emma is the Captain of the Dance Team at Monte Vista High School. She specializes in teaching Summer Dance Camps and Birthday Parties as well as substituting for other instructors in all styles of dance. Emma enjoys teaching children the art of dance and looks forward to seeing their growth and technique. We look forward to having Emma continue to be a part of The Next Step Dance Studio's staff.

Makenzie Gash

Makenzie Gash is a very talented dancer on three of our Senior Line Performance  Dance Teams, including Dance Rage and Fierce. She loves being around children and has a positive and nuturing spirit. Makenzie specializes in our Birthday Parties and also teaches some of our fun and exciting Summer Dance Camps along with substitute teaching. We look forward to having Makenzie continue to be a part of The Next Step Dance Studio's staff for many years to come!