MEET THE staff
Miss Jen
Director of Step by Step Dance Studio
Step By Step Dance Studio Director Jennifer O’Neill started her dance training right here at SBS Studio while under the direction of Sharon Dunphy Bartlett. A proud Daler alumnus Jennifer also danced for the high school “Dalerettes” dance team and served as captain and co-choreographer for two years. She went on and trained under a dance scholarship at Long Island University-Post earning her BFA Magna Cum Laude in Dance Studies. Throughout her time at the University Jennifer performed at renowned theatres including Symphony Space in NYC, and Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. She was the featured pointe soloist in The Bayside Brewery Commercial. Also, was featured in various University photoshoots for dance. Her choreography was represented in the Northeast Conference of The American College Dance Festival two years in a row. While also being showcased at Symphony Space, NYC and multiple venues across the tri-state area. Upon graduation Jennifer booked the job as an NFL Cheerleader for the New York Jets. Hitting the sidelines was always a dream of Jennifer’s. Meeting young fans of the squad was what made her experience special. O’Neill then furthered her training at Broadway Dance Center receiving her certificate in their training program as well as their Professional Semester Program. During her training she had the opportunity to work with top artists in the industry. She performed at The Alvin Ailey Studios in the BDC ProSem Choreography Showcase.
She has taught at Step By Step Dance Studio for many years before taking ownership. She is passionate about teaching technique and prides herself in spreading the joy of dance without stress or competition. Jennifer was taught that dance is an art form and should be celebrated and enjoyed. She brings that philosophy to her students and staff.
Miss Victoria
Miss Victoria is our studio manager in the beginning on the week, and then our jazz hip hop instructor on Thursday's & Friday's for Step By Step Dance Studio. A proud staff member and former student, with over two decades spent at Step By Step, her pride is even more heightened with the opportunity to transition with the studio as it moves to its new home. Beginning with kinder dance, and overtime adding tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, modern, and company, Victoria has grown to appreciate the technicality of dance as well as the skills it requires, including determination, patience, and collaboration. She has honed these skills beyond the studio, and applied them to her now current employment as a high school social studies teachers. With a bachelors and masters in education (preK-12), and certifications in social studies, special education, and ENL, Victoria understands that everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Ultimately, her goal is to ensure dancers the creative time and space to own their own skills, and develop their craft just as she did within the walls of the studio. Dance is an art, not a competition, and in Victoria’s class, students’ talents and individuality are at the forefront, making them all stars of the show.
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Miss Samantha
Miss Samantha’s passion for dance started when she took her first class at 3 years old. Completely drawn in by the energy, positivity, and community that surrounds the arts led Samantha to make it her profession. Samantha is now a professional Dancer, Singer, Actress and Choreorapher based out of NY. She has completed her training at multiple arts schools in New York City. Wanting to a diversify her training and technique, she studied at Broadway Dance Centre, The Joffrey Ballet School, and The Institute for American Musical Theatre. This gave her the opportunity to perform with and work along side top industry, Tony Award Wining, and Tony Award Nominated professionals. Samantha, since graduating, was the Assistant Choreorapher of two off-broadway shows, made her television acting debut in Saturday Night Live, and played the role of LouAnn regionally in the musical Hairspray. Samantha is also part of the SAG-AFTRA Union, the screen actors guild an american federation of television and radio artist. Samantha’s passion for performing is something she aspires to pass on to her students, while focusing on honing their technique by giving them the important tools and knowledge necessary to understand the magnitude of this powerful and beautiful art form.
Miss Paige
Miss Paige started her dance training at the Hannah Kroner School of Dance. When she isn't working with the dance company she founded, Kardia Dance Company, she is a substitute teacher at Broadway Dance Center (BDC) and Peri Dance Capezio in NYC. With a BFA in Dance from LIU Post University, and a BDC Training Program certificate, Paige has gone off to perform as a principal dancer with JazzRoots Dance Company and a backup dancer to singers with Trademark Talent NY. Paige also has a love for ice skating where she performs with Glitz Entertainment and was an NY Islanders Ice Girl. She offers off ice training for skaters which includes stretch, strengthening and ballet to help with movement on the ice. Paige achieved 2 USFSA Gold medals. She has been with the SBS Dance Family for 6 years and is our modern and contemporary teacher.
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Miss Katie
Miss Katie has been part of the Step by Step family for almost 23 years! She has always been drawn to the beauty, grace, excitement, and positive energy that has come with the art of dance. She was a member of the SBS Dance Company and participated in many studio events in the 13 years she was a student. After graduating from Farmingdale Senior High School, she attended SUNY Plattsburgh where she received her B.A. in childhood education as well as her M.S. in special education. While she was in college, she wasn't always able to help out at the studio during the dance season, but she always made sure to come back and help backstage with every recital! Since graduating, she has received her teaching certification in childhood education and special education and returned to teaching at the studio in 2016. Her teaching philosophy has always been to help encourage, support, and understand her students' physical, emotional, and social needs while also providing a safe and fun learning environment. She firmly believes in the studio motto that dance is an art, not a competition. When you walk into Miss Katie's class, you are always expected to be your best....never THE best! She owes her passion for teaching and her enthusiasm for her students to her role model and friend, Step By Step founder and fellow teacher "Miss" Sharon. Miss Katie has always considered Step By Step a home away from home and continues to show that love, loyalty, and appreciation to her students!
Miss Victoria
Miss Victoria is our studio manager in the beginning on the week, and then our jazz hip hop instructor on Thursday's & Friday's for Step By Step Dance Studio. A proud staff member and former student, with over two decades spent at Step By Step, her pride is even more heightened with the opportunity to transition with the studio as it moves to its new home. Beginning with kinder dance, and overtime adding tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, modern, and company, Victoria has grown to appreciate the technicality of dance as well as the skills it requires, including determination, patience, and collaboration. She has honed these skills beyond the studio, and applied them to her now current employment as a high school social studies teachers. With a bachelors and masters in education (preK-12), and certifications in social studies, special education, and ENL, Victoria understands that everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Ultimately, her goal is to ensure dancers the creative time and space to own their own skills, and develop their craft just as she did within the walls of the studio. Dance is an art, not a competition, and in Victoria’s class, students’ talents and individuality are at the forefront, making them all stars of the show.
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Miss Gabby
Miss Gabby began her dance journey right here at Step By Step at the age of 3 years old. During her 14 years at Step By Step, she performed various styles of dance including ballet, tap/jazz, hip hop, and lyrical. During her time at Step By Step, she became enthralled with Irish Step and pursued Irish for a total of 9 years. Gabby enjoys both styles of Irish Step, soft-shoe, and hard-shoe, and fell in love with the beauty and unique style of dance along with the rich history and culture that comes with it. She began teaching beginners Irish soft-shoe in 2012, and has since taught various levels, as well as both styles. Teaching Irish Step under the philosophy of Dance as an Art and not a competition is very meaningful to her as she wants to spread her passion for the art behind the dance. When she is not teaching at Step By Step she is going to school for her Masters in Forensic Psychology.