STEPPIN' OUT DANCE ACADEMY - Key Persons
AJ began dancing at Steppin' Out at the age of ten.
He went on to pursue a career in dance as well as
Christie is a performer, choreographer, director, and
instructor originally from Orchard Park, NY. She
started training at the age of two. After high school she continued her training at the University of Buffalo where she earned a Bachelor In Fine Arts degree in dance. At UB, Christie was a member of Zodiaque Dance Company, Tap Teaching Assistant, Director of Dancer's Workshop, recipient of the Amanda Occhino Scholarship award, among many other credits. Upon graduating, Christie moved to Williamsburg, VA to be the Dance Supervisor at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. During her time at BGW she performed in numerous shows as a swing performer, mastering up to 20 tracks at one time, rehearsal technician, and assistant choreographer. Her other performing credits include Six Flags, Spirit Productions, and Darien Lake Theme Park Resort. Christie has taught tap workshops and master classes up and down the east coast sharing her love of dancing. She is a member of the prescreened group of judges of Impact Dance
Colleen grew up dancing at SODA and went on to receive her BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo in 2010. After graduating, she worked professionally for 8 years touring both nationally and internationally with the former company, Lehrer Dance. Since retiring from performing, Miss Colleen has continued teaching and choreographing at Steppin' Out and local dance studios, as well as SUNY Fredonia. Outside of the dance studio, she also instructs at a local boutique fitness facility, Barre Centric. Miss Colleen is proud to be a part of the SODA family and looks forward to sharing her love of dance & passion for fitness with her students!
Jennifer has been dancing since the age of four receiving most of her training here in Buffalo. She also trained in NYC with the Eglevsky Ballet and in Moscow, Russia with the Kirov Ballet. Her professional career began at the age of 17 and for the next twenty years she toured and danced around the world. She spent nearly 10 years with the world renowned show, "Donn Arden's Jubilee" at Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas. Jennifer traveled with the management team bi-annually teaching the national audition tour and served as dance captain in all her venues. Miss Jen has been on the SODA teaching faculty for 13 years. It's always been a passion to pass on her love of dance, especially ballet.
CEO and Artistic Director Patty Wegryn-Pawlowski known around the studio as Miss Patty or "Momma P" will continue to be the motivational & inspirational driving force behind the dance studio. Starting dance at the age of 6, Patty received her base training at Theatrical Dance Arts Academy. As a teenager she trained with Beverly Fletcher in Niagara Falls, NY. At the age of 15, Patty began teaching at numerous studios throughout the WNY area & built a strong reputation as a dance educator and choreographer.
In 1988 she proudly founded "SODA" & the rest is history! Many of her students have gone on to dance professionally and/or are currently teaching in the dance community. No matter which path a student at her school may choose to follow, they will walk into the world with confidence and self awareness. Miss Patty and her team teach their dancers more than just dance. They teach them how to have responsibility, respect, discipline and camaraderie. Patty feels privileged to have shared her talent & inspiration with so many who now inspire her. She continues to train with numerous dance professionals on the dance convention circuit and continues to be an integral part of the SODA teaching faculty.