About Us
From 18 months to adults we inspire children and adults to be the best they can be. At Step By Step Studio Of Dance we believe that dance is a healthy, life-long tool. It helps to build confidence, poise, dedication, self-discipline and teamwork. Qualities that can be used for a life-time. We promote “FACE”, our values summed up in a fun and memorable manner. We make classes Fun and encourage Friendships and teamwork. Through hard work and dedication Accomplishments are made and goals are achieved. Through positive reinforcement and a comfortable friendly environment Confidence is made. By motivating the dancers to be the best they can be, they become Enthusiastic and Eager to learn … the FACE of Step By Step.
We strive to develop well trained dancers in a happy, progressive atmosphere. All classes are taught by certified professional who have many years of experience with children and adults in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, musical theatre, contemporary, acro and children’s work. Our credentials are many but include testing for membership of DTCB/AS and DMA, college professors, professional performance opportunities and experience, master teaching and competition adjudication. We attend workshops and conventions to bring todays hottest information and material to our students. We were recognized by the town of Medway to be Medway's Best Dance Studio. We have inspired our dancers to be the best they can be. They have won numerous awards and scholarships and have gone on to teach, dance at colleges as well as parks and cruise ships. Step By Step Studio Of Dance has been teaching and inspiring children and adults since 1998. Step by Step was designed to accommodate dancers from 18 months through adults and pre-professionals. Dance is progressed by building a strong foundation (technique) and developing a desire of love of the art. We instill the basics while introducing new moves or steps when the dancer is ready to do so. We take it “Step By Step"
First Steps (18 months - 5 years)
First Steps ... programs are designed for little ones focusing on the basics as well as having fun in a dance happy way. Your little one will be welcomed into the dance room and they'll soon be tippy toeing, twirling, skipping, jumping and tapping. You'll hear some singing and see some special props to add to the excitement of class. It's a magical time for little ones!
Next Steps (ages 6 & up)
Next Steps… for an older beginner, intermediate dancer or younger competitive level.
Classes in acro, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, modern, musical theatre, tap, theatre arts and fitness. Separate instructional classes focused on building a solid technique and knowledge of the subject while having fun.
Top Steps (advanced dancers)
Top Steps… (advanced dancers). Here they will be instructed and motivated to be the best they can be. Whether you choose our recreational or competitive program you will see your dancer taught and inspired to achieve their goals.
Adult Steps (adults only)
Adult Steps… (classes for adults only). It's a night out for dance, fun & laughs. Whether you danced as a kid or want to try something new you'll be able to dance!
Faculty
Cheryl Gonzalez
Heather Zentgraf
Cheryl Gonzalez
Cheryl Gonzalez has been teaching dance to children and adults for over 25 years. She began her training with a former Rockette, Mary Marchetti Bertagna, then Bill Fowler and other master instructors & choreographers. She is well versed in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Children’s Work, Lyric and Hip Hop. She is a certified member of Dance
Cheryl Gonzalez has been teaching dance to children and adults for over 25 years. She began her training with a former Rockette, Mary Marchetti Bertagna, then Bill Fowler and other master instructors & choreographers. She is well versed in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Children’s Work, Lyric and Hip Hop. She is a certified member of Dance Master’s of America (DMA) and the Dancer Teachers’ Club of Boston and the American Society (DTCB/AS). Cheryl Has taught at local dance studio throughout the region & has taken her students to regional and national competitions. Her students have received numerous medals along with titles and scholarships and have gone on to perform in companies, cruise ships & theme parks. Cheryl is also an adjudicator for Performing Arts Competitions and travels to teach master classes. She is a certified professional instructor who keeps her knowledge growing by attending classes, conventions and seminars throughout the year. Cheryl is very happy to pass on her knowledge and love of dance.
Jennifer Nye
Heather Zentgraf
Cheryl Gonzalez
Jennifer Nye has enjoyed dancing since she was a young child. She danced competitively in high school and was on the St. Leo College dance company in Florida. Jennifer is a dance major who continues her education through various dance conferences & classes. She has been teaching for over 18 years and is experienced in tap, ballet, mode
Jennifer Nye has enjoyed dancing since she was a young child. She danced competitively in high school and was on the St. Leo College dance company in Florida. Jennifer is a dance major who continues her education through various dance conferences & classes. She has been teaching for over 18 years and is experienced in tap, ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical and creative movement. Jennifer is also Zumba certified and is happy to pass on her knowledge and passion for dance.
Heather Zentgraf
Heather Zentgraf
Heather Zentgraf
Heather Zentgraf has been dancing since the age of 3 and trained all over the country from Boston to California. She has performed on Stage & TV & is a former “Miss Dance of America”. Heather now brings her energy & experience into the dance room as well as her knowledge of muscle training and massage therapy.
Leanne Rose
David Connolly
Heather Zentgraf
Miss Leanne began dancing at the age of three at Hackworth’s School of Performing Arts and Pioneer Valley Ballet in western Massachusetts. As she got older, her training continued by attending numerous national dance competitions and ballet intensives including American Academy of Ballet. Leanne entered competitions starting at the age of
Miss Leanne began dancing at the age of three at Hackworth’s School of Performing Arts and Pioneer Valley Ballet in western Massachusetts. As she got older, her training continued by attending numerous national dance competitions and ballet intensives including American Academy of Ballet. Leanne entered competitions starting at the age of five and continued to do so until she graduated from high school, receiving regional and national titles and recognition. Miss Leanne was also nominated for the world dance team as a representative from the United States. At the age of 14, she found her love of choreography and began to assist and teach in a variety of classes. In 2007 she was named Greater Easthampton’s Junior Miss with awards and scholarships in Talent, Interview and Fitness; she continues to be a board member and choreographer for the state level of the Massachusetts’s Distinguished Young Women. After graduating from high school, Leanne joined Extensions Dance Company in Newport, RI as their youngest member. She continued on to receive her Bachelors of Science in Sports Management with a minor in Dance and Business from Springfield College and is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. Leanne has traveled throughout the country teaching and choreographing and has had the incredible opportunity to work with world renowned dance professionals including Mia Michaels, Teddy Forance, Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, Travis Wall and many more. With over 15 years of teaching experience, dancers can feel the power of positivity in Miss Leanne’s classes. After regional and national recognition, Miss Leanne’s favorite moments are still made in the walls of a studio, helping dancers achieve and surpass their goals. She looks forward to passing along her love of dance and life lessons to her students.
David Connolly
David Connolly
David Connolly
David Connolly has taught at many studios throughout the greater Boston area as well as high schools, colleges and universities. He has worked extensively with Speakeasy Stage Company in Boston as an choreographer and director where he was awarded “Best Director of a Musical”. David enjoys sharing his love of the performing arts with students of all ages!
Chase Garilli
David Connolly
David Connolly
Chase Garilli started dancing at the young age of 2, right here at Step by Step! She danced competitively for 11 years, and is now furthering her dance education at Dean College as a dance major with a focus in performance and choreography. Additionally, Chase graduated from the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston Dance Education, 2 Year Trai
Chase Garilli started dancing at the young age of 2, right here at Step by Step! She danced competitively for 11 years, and is now furthering her dance education at Dean College as a dance major with a focus in performance and choreography. Additionally, Chase graduated from the Dance Teachers' Club of Boston Dance Education, 2 Year Training Course. Chase first began teaching hip hop to dancers ages 6-18 in 2022. She hopes to expand into other styles of dance as well. Chase can’t wait to share her love for dance and choreography, and start working with the Step by Step dancers!