top of page
​
MEET OUR STAFF!
VICTORIA ULMER
Owner/ Director & Dance Teacher
Victoria Ulmer grew up in Stamford, CT and began dancing at the age of 7 after her mother brought her home a pink tutu costume. She started taking ballet with Ms. Cindy Cantore (principal dancer) for 3 years at the Polly Compton Dance School. Then at age 9, Victoria went to the Bill Deformato Dance School to study ballroom, disco, tap, jazz, modern, and acrobatic theatre dance for 8 years. Throughout her career, Victoria has continued to study with many top dancers including Tony Dovolani of the hit TV show, "Dancing with the Stars" internationally recognized director/choreographer Chet Walker and world-renowned Kriov- trained teacher Madame Gabriela Darvash. Victoria has trained at several New York City dance studios including Peridance, 92nd Street Y, Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Steps on Broadway. 1983 Victoria opened STEPS Dance Studio after graduating from Westhill High School in 1982 and has continued to own and direct it for almost 37 years. STEPS expanded to a 13,000-square-foot performing arts center in 1996 and added its offerings to include voice, music, visual arts and a wide variety of dance including African, Latin, and Irish Step Dance. Victoria is a certified member of Dance Masters of America, an international organization of certified dance educators, as well as a member of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts, the Elite Dance Forum and the Women's Business Development Center. She enjoys teaching many forms of movement to all ages, starting from the 1 and a half vear olds in her Mommy & me classes to Senior Citizens.
SAVANNAH VIGGIANO
Dance Teacher
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!
JESSICA CREE
Assistant Director
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 2 years ago as the studio manager! She enjoys working with the dancers and their families while at the studio, supporting the dance teachers, and helping with classes, communication, costumes, music, and recital orchestration.
MELISA VIGGIANO
Dance Teacher
Bio in progress
NANCY BOCCUZZI
Dance Teacher & Zumba Instructor
Nancy Boccuzzi grew up in Stamford and started dancing at the age of 4 at the Roberta Pollard Dance Studio, and at 12 years old began taking lessons with former Golddigger, Jackie Chidsey at the Dancer's Loft. At age 16 she went on to the American Ballet Academy, where she was part of the jazz program. Through the years she took classes at Steps on Broadway, and several master classes with Darrin Henson. She has taught dance for over 30 years at local studios, preschools, and the Government Center's Senior Center. Nancy has been in community theatre musicals and has also worked back stage, from directing, stage managing and props. She also taught theatre camp and music and movement classes at Piper's Hill. She co founded Norwalk Center for the Performing arts with late Karen Greene, and was the director and choreographer there as well. She has taught theatre and improv at Staples High School's Black Box theatre. This summer she is teaching Dance for Arts in CT. She is a special Education Paraeducator at Davenport, and also works with the music department. Nancy has been a certified Zumba instructor since 2010. She is beyond excited to be part of the Steps Dance Studio Staff!
ISABELLA VIGGIANO
Social Media/ Marketing Manager & Dance Teacher
Isabella is a recent graduate at Sacred Heart University and is currently in graduate school for Occupational Therapy. Isabella has been taking dance lessons since the age of 3 and is currently a 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. She is very
excited to be part of the Steps dance studio staff!
NATALIA ESTRELLA
Dance/Art Teacher
Natalia grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States by the age of 16. From an early age, Natalia enjoyed visual and performing arts such as painting, drawing, acting and dancing. However, she never imagined what was considered a “hobby”, was going to become a professional career. While obtaining her Bachelors in Art Education K-12, Natalia gained experience in different dance genres such as Jazz Funk, Latin, Contemporary Fusion and Hip Hop. She is a middle school dance teacher at KIPP Freedom Middle School. Natalia enjoys creating and expanding her knowledge within the arts; she is currently pursuing photography and expanding her knowledge in other dance forms. She is eager to continue sharing her passion with children of all ages and see them succeed in their endeavors. It is a blessing for her to become part of the Step family and continue to impact the life of her students!
CINZIA DeGREGORIO
Dance Teacher
Cinzia was the founder and owner of her own dance studio, near NYC, for 12yrs. She is a graduate of Pace University with a degree in Liberal Arts and Education. Her love for dance is unimaginable. Dancing since the age of two, she has had over 20 years of experience both as a student and as a teacher. She has taught children from ages 2yrs up to Adults in both dance room and class room settings. She has taught ballet, tap, jazz, cheer dance, yoga dance, salsa, hip hop, & Lyrical. She has a strong passion for Lyrical, Hip Hop and Yoga. She has also won multiple awards for her award winning team. After twelve years, in business, it still brings her joy and happiness to see the children and adults enjoy dancing as much, she does!
ALEXANDRA CAHR
Dance Teacher
...
ELISABETH BRIVIC
Adult Wellness Class Teacher
Elisabeth has been teaching as a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor in CT and NYC for over 20 years. She also enjoys teaching barre classes that draw from her background as a dancer. She graduated from the Martha Graham training program in NYC and performed with the company in the states and abroad. Elisabeth was part of the original NYC Ballet Workout. She enjoys using her knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology which she studied in college when teaching group classes and privates. With many years of experience Elisabeth believes in the many mind/body benefits of moving your DNA! She truly enjoys teaching and helping others to achieve their fitness and wellness
bottom of page