Lisa has been dancing since age four and has been studying with the DeMarie Studio for the past twenty-two years. She has assisted in the studio and has been teaching for us for the past twelve seasons. She is a graduate of Canisius College and spends most of her free time in dance classes either at the studio or at dance seminars. Her innovative choreography and her love for children enhance her teaching abilities. We are happy to have Lisa as a member of our faculty.
ANN MARIE JENCZKA-CALDIERO
Ann Marie received her primary training with the Ballet Arts of Buffalo. Since then she pursued her dance education by receiving a scholarship to the Chautauqua Institute and Mercyhurst College, where she graduated on the Dean's list with a B.A. in Dance. Ann Marie's performance credits include the full-length versions of "Swan Lake", "Scheherazade", "The Nutcracker", and "Le Gaite Parisienne". She is also currently working for the Buffalo Public Schools teaching dance.She is a valued member of our faculty, bringing our students quality ballet training.
JENNIFER McLENIGAN
Jennifer has been studying with the DeMarie Studio since the age of five, and has also furthered her education by studying dance at the University of Buffalo and in New York City. Professionally she has worked for Greg Thompson Productions as lead dancer, dance captain, and choreographer. Jennifer's work at the studio has been awarded top honors at many competitions, both locally and nationally.In 1997, she received the "Outstanding Group Choreography Award in Ballet" at the Starpower World Dance Championships held in Ocean City, Maryland.Jennifer brings to her student's great knowledge and the benefits of her professional experience. We are proud to have her on faculty.
TRACY DEGENFELDER-NAVARRO
Tracy has been dancing since the age of three.She started at the David DeMarie Studio at age eight, and continued to study here for ten years.She was a member of the competition team, and later also a member of the faculty. She continued her training at the University at Buffalo, where she received a BFA in Dance Performance.During that time she was crowned Miss Dance of WNY in 1998, and placed in the top ten at the nationals.She was a member of the Zodiaque Dance Co. and performed professionally at Artpark.After graduating she earned an apprenticeship to the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Company in Chicago.From there she performed in Footloose in Las Vegas, and then joined the national tour of Chicago, in which she played Mona, and also served as Dance Captain.After being on the road she returned home and celebrated her greatest accomplishment, the birth of her son, Thomas.She now resides in Buffalo with her family, and is thrilled to be back on the faculty at the David DeMarie Studio.
KAREN PALMERTON
Karen began her dance career at the age of three, and has studied at the DeMarie Studio for the past twenty-six years. She has been an adjudicator for many competitions across the country. Professionally, she has choreographed the Miss New York State Pageant, the Spirit of Youth, and television commercials. Her students have won top honors in many competitions, receiving numerous high score awards. Her love for children has enhanced her teaching ability, and we are proud to have Karen as a member of our teaching staff. Karen is an active member of Dance Masters of America.
KELLI WAGNER
Kelli started dancing at age three, and of her nineteen years of training she spent the last sixteen with the DeMarie Studios.She has been a member of our Senior Competition Team and has received numerous first place awards at various competitions locally and nationally.As a choreographer, Kelli's work has been seen at the Marine Midland Arena, Kissmas Bash, Kiss the Summer Hello, on Fox 29, and at cheerleading events across New York State.Her choreography has received high score awards at both the American Dance Awards and the WNY Dance Championships.In addition, Kelli currently teaches dance at Nardin Academy.Kelli is the proud three-time recipient of “America’s Young Choreographer of the Year” from the American Dance Awards.Kelli’s is also the choreographer for the Buffalo Jills.
