Patricia Wegryn-Pawlowski
Founder & Artistic Director 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. |
Andrij Deneka
Instructor AJ began dancing at Steppin' Out at the age of ten. He went on to pursue a career in dance as well as modeling, teaching and choreographing. His extensive training expands to both the east and west coasts, at such studios as The Edge Performing Arts Center and Broadway Dance Center. He has
many artists such as Kylie Minogue, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Gregory Hines, and Selena Gomez. Some of his credits include the MTV Movie Awards, TV Land Awards, Nike, Coca Cola, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and LA Fashion Apparel Magazine. AJ has toured the US, Europe, Asia, and Mexico with "Instincts Live Media Dance Company." He has been a guest teacher at F.I.T., Broadway Dance Center in Seoul, Korea as well as at dance studios and colleges across the US, Canada and Mexico. AJ recently started a movement and clothing line called "Embrace What Makes You Unique." |
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Colleen Walsh
Instructor 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! |
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Jennifer Mentel Coogan
Instructor 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. |
Lauren Kirchmyer Instructor Lauren Is proud to be on the Steppin' Out faculty after training at the studio growing up. Besides teaching, Lauren is also the coach of the Buffalo Bandettes, the professional dance team for the Buffalo Bandits (NLL). In 2019, Lauren had the opportunity to choreograph and perform on the New Kids On The Block Mixtape Tour for their Buffalo show. Some of her performance credits include the NYS Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies, World's Largest Disco, Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic VIP Gala, Buffalo Bandettes (captain)," Blink of an Eye" short film, and music videos for Down with Webster and Jordan Francis. Lauren is certified through Acrobatic Arts for both pre-k and Module 1. She continues to train in all genres with numerous dance professionals by attending dance conventions and teacher workshops. |
Ashley McGrath Instructor |
Debbie Molloy Instructor |
Ally Pawlowski Instructor Ally is a movement artist and choreographer who trained at Steppin' Out since the age of two. In 2016 she received her B.F.A. in Dance from The University at Buffalo. Ally presented work throughout her time at university, then trained as an apprentice with Jon Lehrer Dance. In 2018, she moved to Los Angeles and joined The Assembly Dance under the direction of Lara Wilson. She works as a freelance dancer and choreographer throughout the Los Angeles area and travels to teach and set work at several studios in Western New York. In 2020, she joined Spotlight Dance Cup as an adjudicator. Ally is currently teaching "Dance Party Cardio" classes-a part of Free People Movement's virtual moving together events. She is eager to continue to find her voice as a mover and teacher in communities around the world. |
Christie Delaney Instructor 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 Adjudicators and travels across the country adjudicating at regional and national dance competitions. Christie is thrilled to be back home in Buffalo with her husband, Evan, three beautiful children, and their dog Rosie. She has taught at numerous dance studios throughout the WNY area and loves sharing her passion of dance with all of her students! |
Carrie Doyle Instructor Carrie began dancing at the age of two at a local dance studio and joined Steppin' Out at the age of eleven. Throughout her years at SODA she danced on the competition team and was also a member of The Classic Dance Company travel team. Carrie joined the teaching faculty in 2015 and is still currently teaching. When she is not at the dance studio you can find her in the OR where she works as a registered nurse. A fun fact, Miss Carrie spent time working in Walt Disney World traveling through Africa on Kilamanjaro Safaris! She has also worked at Rolly Pollies as a Roll Model. Miss Carrie loves to work with SODA's littlest dancers in the Dance With Me and Mini Movers Programs. |
Rachel Clayback Instructor |
Lisa Kaemmerlen Instructor Lisa has been dancing since the age of two receiving her training here in Buffalo. After high school, Lisa went on to receive her B.F.A in Dance at The University at Buffalo. Lisa has taught and choreographed for numerous studios in the Buffalo area and joined the Steppin' Out faculty in 2015. Lisa traveled the world performing on the cruise ship, The Oceania Marina. She danced and sang in various shows each cruise, and traveled to over 30 countries in Europe, Africa, South and North America. In May of 2019, Lisa earned her Physical Therapist Assistant degree, and began working as a PTA for Buffalo Rehab Group, an outpatient physical therapy clinic based in Buffalo. In her spare time she enjoys working out, spending time outside, playing with her cats and traveling as much as possible. |