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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Shannon Alexander
Shannon has been singing since she was 5 years old both in choirs and as a soloist. Shannon has a B.A. in Vocal Performance from SUNY Geneseo and an M.A. in Vocal Performance from the University of New Mexico. Her approach combines technical precision with artistic expression, empowering her students to unlock their full vocal potential while nurturing their unique sound. Shannon’s teaching philosophy is centered around fostering a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel empowered to explore and grow as artists.