Our staff of dedicated dance professionals is what makes BDC special. If you are an experienced dance educator and interested in joining our team, please contact us at info@buffalodancecenter.com.

Stacey Dentinger
Director
- Owner and Director of Buffalo Dance Center
- BA Business Administration, Nazareth University
- Experienced performer, coach, choreographer, and mentor
- Over 20 years of teaching experience
- Award-winning choreographer with advanced dance teacher training certifications
- Yoga Alliance RYT 200
- Guest Yoga professional at resorts worldwide
- Guest musical theater choreographer for four seasons with West Seneca West Middle School
- Community educator providing free dance and yoga classes to organizations like Boys & Girls Club, Baker Victory, Elma Library, Catholic Academy of West Buffalo and more
- Integrates mindfulness practices to champion emotional health in dance education

Justine Pettit
- Buffalo State College graduate with a degree in sociology/psychology and a minor in dance
- Over 15 years of extensive dance training and performance experience
- Performed in 11 seasons of the American Academy of Ballet production of The Nutcracker
- Trained with prestigious programs including Syracuse University and Cincinnati Ballet
- Brings passion, positivity, and energy into every class
- Combines technical training with creativity and performance artistry
- Inspires dancers to work hard, build confidence, and enjoy the process

Amanda Klimek
- Earned a B.A. in Dance from University at Buffalo
- Master’s in Education with K–12 Dance Certification
- Certified instructor through Acrobatic Arts
- Dedicated to helping students grow in both skill and confidence
- Creates a positive, encouraging, and supportive classroom environment

Molly Derkovitz
- Earned a BFA in Dance from State University of New York at Fredonia
- Completed double minors in Dance Studio Administration and Theatre
- Trained under renowned industry professionals including Jon Lehrer and Ruth Andrian
- Certified through Acrobatic Arts and American Barre Technique
- Performed for three seasons as a Buffalo Bandette in captain and assistant captain roles
- Performed with Donegan Dance Exploration and appeared in productions with Radatz Magical Productions
- Member of BFLO Cheerleader Coalition
- Passionate about inspiring young dancers through professional, supportive instruction

Katrina Bierk
- Trained at prestigious dance institutions including the Ruth Page Center, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Joffrey Ballet School
- Began a professional dance career at just 19 years old
- Brings more than 20 years of professional performance experience
- Earned a BFA in Theater & Dance
- Performed as a Principal Dancer with multiple professional companies
- Extensive experience as a dance teacher, director, and choreographer
- Led and choreographed productions for dancers of all ages and skill levels
- Choreographed Carmen for Buffalo Opera Unlimited
- Passionate about mentoring young dancers and sharing professional industry knowledge

Abhishek Sharma
Hailing from India, Mr. Abhi is equipped with 20+ years of performing experience. Before leaving India in 2013, he appeared as a contestant and winner in 4 Indian television dance shows and has worked as a backup dancer in multiple Panjabi music videos. He has performed with a Canadian Bollywood crew for NBA Raptors Half-Time show in 2013 and has conducted dance workshops in Canada, India & USA. Currently he teaches HipHop, Bhangra & Bollywood in Buffalo, NY, and runs a dance entertainment and education YouTube channel : @abhi-shake

Kelsey Martin
- Experienced competitive dancer with a strong performance background
- Holds degrees in Childhood/Special Education and Literacy Education
- Currently teaches 4th grade in Lancaster
- Teaches multiple dance disciplines with both technical knowledge and versatility
- Previous member of Surge Dance Company
- Passionate about motivating dancers to work hard, grow confidently, and enjoy the art of dance
- Brings both educational expertise and dance experience into the classroom and studio

Ali Steinmetz
- Versatile dancer, gymnast and instructor originally from Rochester
- Attended University at Buffalo
- Performed for two seasons with the UB Dazzlers Dance Team
- Danced professionally with the Buffalo Bandettes for three years
- Served as Assistant Captain during her final season with the Buffalo Bandettes
- Passionate about sharing her love of dance through teaching and mentorship
- Brings strong technical training, performance experience, and leadership skills into the studio
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Hailie Suk
- Experienced instructor with over a decade in dance education
- Hold PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a background in Environmental Engineering
- Lifelong learner, actively taking classes for over 20 years
- Takes pride in facilitating a positive learning environment
- Brings technical expertise and a dedication to sharing knowledge