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.

Art Instructor 

Lauren Jones

Lauren Jones is an amazing art teacher who is focused on fostering a welcoming and creative space for her students. She has even illustrated the book Mondy's Mission written by Austin Collignon and Korey Costa . She shares wisdom in her craft to our students and would love to share it with more students! 

Dance Instructor 

Franki Mastrone

Franki, is passionate about teaching and performing in Ballet, Pointe, and has experience in Musical Theatre. As a teacher, she fosters a supportive environment for students while maintaining a professional atmosphere. 

Dance Instructor

Abby Unpingco

Abby has loved dance her whole life. She started her Tap and Ballet training at just two years old! From there, she began to take more classes until she was dancing competitively in a range of styles. With time, she started to get involved in Musical Theatre. She used to teach dance in California, but just moved and is excited to be starting a new chapter at STEPS! Abby recently graduated from Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Since then she has worked professionally as both an actor and choreographer! She is excited to share her passion and knowledge in a supportive and welcoming way. 

Dance Instructor

Jarya Dorsey

Ms. Jay's lifelong passion for dance began at the age of three. She has been training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Modern styles, with a specialization in Tap and Hip-Hop. Her journey as a dance instructor began at 18, and alongside her role as a PreK teacher, she continues to foster creativity and expression through movement in both her dance students and young learners. 

Dance 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.

Dance 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!

Dance 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.

Dance/ Art Instructor

Melisa Viggiano

Melisa is so excited to be working at Steps Dance Studio for the past couple of years and has been a lifelong resident of Stamford. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a B.S. in Illustration M.A. in Teaching, and a sixth-year degree in Teacher Leadership, and has taught Kindergarten for 22 years. 

Dance 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.