Meet the Team
Explore the vibrant world of dance at Steps Dance Studio, where our experienced instructors bring professionalism, creativity, and a deep love for dance to every class. Join our community and discover the joy of movement with us! Additionally, they are available for private lessons tailored to your individual goals and needs.
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
Abby Umpingo
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 so 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.
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 just received her masters as an entry level Occupational Therapist! She 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 apart of the Sacred Heart Cheerleading team. Besides her line of work and dancing at Steps, Isabella is also engaged in the musical theater community here in Stamford where she most recently choreographed for Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr! Since she as young she was involved with Stamford's All School Musical's, Curtain Call and in all high school productions. Isabella is so excited to be apart of the Steps team and enjoys providing a safe and encouraging environment for all ages of dancers!
Tap / Ballet / Art Instructor
Melisa Viggiano
Melisa is so excited to be working at Steps Dance Studio for the past couple of years. Melisa is a lifelong resident of Stamford. She graduated from the Sacred Heart University with a B. S. in Illustration, M.A. in Teaching and a sixth year degree in Teacher Leadership. Melisa’s favorite passions are teaching kindergarten and teaching dance.
She has been teaching Kindergarten for 22 years.
Melisa has been dancing since she was 4 years old. She was last seen on stage in Curtain Call’s Dancing with the Stars where she placed first place.
Melisa uses fun, engaging props to make dancing exciting!
Tap / Hip Hop Instructor
Jennifer Kokkoris
Jennifer started dancing at the early age of 3 and has loved every minute! Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in dance and theater. Her dance experience is extensive working with some of the biggest names in the industry including Mandy Moore and the Rockettes. She has worked with many studios and directed award winning competition teams as well. Jennifer has even trained celebrity dancers. She is very excited to be joining Steps dance studio and to continue to spread her love and expertise to a new generation of dancers!