About Us

Executive Director

Victoria Ulmer

Victoria Ulmer, a Stamford native, began her dance journey at age 7 with ballet and later diversified her training in various styles under renowned instructors in New York City. Since founding STEPS Dance Studio in 1983, she has expanded it into a prominent performing arts center, offering a wide range of disciplines and fostering a lifelong passion for dance in students of all ages.

Assistant Executive Director

Jessica Cree

Jessica currently teaches Pre-K at The New Canaan Nature Center Pre- school. She began dancing with Ms. Victoria when she was 11, back in the early days of Steps. She volunteered as a Steps Parent when her daughter Jocelyn, who is now 12 began dancing at Steps at 3 years old. Jessica was thrilled to come to work at the studio 4 years ago as the studio manager and teacher. She enjoys working with the dancers and their families while at the studio, administration, supporting the dance teachers, and helping with classes, communication, costumes, music, and recital orchestration.

Director of the Arts

Alexandra Cahr

With a passion for dance, singing, and acting, Alexandra Cahr has been performing since the age of 2. She has honed her skills through extensive training in musical theater, voice, ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and tap. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and has also performed in various productions. At 14, she choreographed her first musical, which began her career as a dance teacher and choreographer. As a proud member of the Steps team, Alexandra is excited to share her love of dance with students and inspire the next generation of performers.

Administrative Technology Specialist

Zoë Reyes

Zoë Reyes is the Administrative Technology Specialist at Steps Dance Studio, leveraging her expertise in Information Technology to oversee and optimize studio operations. With a background in supporting a diverse community, Zoë ensures seamless IT services and programs. Beyond her technical proficiency, Zoë is an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, adding a creative dimension to the studio environment.

Hip Hop / Jazz Funk Instructor

Riki Stevens

Riki, is passionate about teaching and performing in Hip Hop, Dancehall, and street Jazz Funk styles, while also offering voice instruction. As a recording artist, singer-songwriter, and actress, she brings a wealth of experience to her craft.

Ballet / Lyrical Instructor

Becca Moore-Winter

Becca, a versatile dancer, choreographer, and director with notable experience at Pilobolus and Catapult. She's toured Europe, Dubai, and the US, including Radio City Music Hall on America’s Got Talent. Holding an MFA in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College, Becca excels in technique, anatomy, and stage direction. She presents choreography at festivals like New Haven Arts and Ideas and directs 'Woof Woof the Shadow Pup,' a beloved family shadow dance show.

Tap / Ballet Instructor

Giuliana Dello-Russo

Giuliana, an award-winning dancer and choreographer, started tap dancing at age 2 and trained competitively at Seven Star School. Currently studying at Sacred Heart University, she leads choreography as part of the SHU FORCE leadership track. Giuliana has tapped in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade under Chloe Arnold's guidance and competes with the USA Tap Team internationally. She teaches at Monroe Dance Academy and Breaking Ground Dance Center, and is excited to join the STEPS dance family!

Hip Hop / Tap Instructor

Nancy Boccuzzi

Nancy, from Stamford, began dancing at age 4 at Roberta Pollard Dance Studio and later trained with Jackie Chidsey at the Dancer's Loft. She studied at the American Ballet Academy and took master classes with Darrin Henson at Steps on Broadway. With over 30 years of teaching experience in dance and theater, Nancy co-founded Norwalk Center for the Performing Arts and has taught at Staples High School's Black Box theatre. She's also a certified Zumba instructor since 2010 and currently works as a Special Education Paraeducator at Davenport.

Contemporary / Jazz Instructor

Savannah Viggiano

Savannah graduated from Sacred Heart University and received her Masters in Teaching. Currently, she works as a 2nd grade teacher at Springdale Elementary School. Savannah has been taking dance lessons since the age of 2 and has been dancing ever since. Dancing has always been a big part of her life and she enjoys with students to show them all of the amazing things dance has to offer. Throughout high school and college, she participated in a variety of musical productions. At Sacred Heart University, she was a part of the Dance Ensemble where she was able to choreograph and teach dance to the students. Savannah is extremely happy to be part of the steps dance studio staff and continue her dancing career!

Contemporary / Jazz Instructor

Isabella Viggiano

Isabella is a recent graduate at Sacred Heart University and is currently in graduate school for Occupational Therapy. She is our social media and marketing manager and does all things digital and website related! Isabella has been taking dance lessons since the age of 3 and is an alumni choreographer and dancer in the dance ensemble at Sacred Heart University. Additionally, she was a part of the Sacred Heart Cheerleading team and involved with greek life on campus. In years leading up to college, she was involved with Stamford's All School Musical's and in all high school productions.

Tap / Ballet / Art Instructor

Melisa Viggiano

...

Tap / Hip Hop Instructor

Jennifer Kokkoris

Jennifer began dancing at age 3 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in dance and theater. With experience alongside industry leaders like Mandy Moore and the Rockettes, she has directed award-winning competition teams and trained celebrity dancers. Jennifer is eager to join Steps dance studio and share her passion with a new generation of dancers.