Faculty and Staff
Dance.tech Performing Arts Studio faculty and staff are dedicated teachers who are committed to excellence in dance education.
Karen Stemen
Studio Director/Owner
B.S. Dance Education
Western Michigan University
Member of Dance Educators of America
Assistant Studio Director
B.S. Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management
Virginia Tech
Dance Company of Virginia Tech, President
- Tessie Albert: Tutus & Tiaras, Jewels
- Karen Arrivillaga: PowerPAC Choreographer
- B.S. Apparel, Housing and Resource Management, Virginia Tech
- Dance Company of Virginia Tech
- Caitlin Burton: PowerPAC Choreographer
- B.S. Interior Design, Virginia Tech
- Dance Company of Virginia Tech, President
- Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, Staff
- Meredith Blanco: Tap, Ballet
- Mary Jo Crews: Ballet, Pointe
- Jessica Curtis: PowerPAC Choreographer, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
- B.A. Religious Studies and Sociology, Western Kentucky University
- Western Kentucky University Dance Team
- M.A. Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities, Western Kentucky University
- Virginia Tech HighTechs, Assistant Coach
- Sarah Fitch: PowerPAC Choreographer, Contemporary, Jazz
- Virginia Tech HighTechs
- Nina Kempic: Jewels, Adult Dance
- B.S. Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech
- Dance Company of Virginia Tech
- Lisa Pelanne: Adult Dance, Core, Ballet
- B.S. Biology, College of William & Mary
- M.S. Immunology and Microbiology, Virginia Tech
- National Dance Education Organization, Member
- Certified through the Yoga Alliance, RYT500-hour designation
- Allie Perfater: Hip Hop, Twinks, Jewels
- Marshall University Dance Team
- Radford University Rockers Dance Team
- Radford University Dance Program, Jazz, Modern, Ballet and Contemporary
- Heather Rinderle: Contemporary, Modern, Ballet
- Certified Massage Therapist
- Pushing Progress Contemporary Training Program
- Kelly Ruffner: Gymnastics, Tricks & Acro
- Kaitlin Shreckhise: Ballet, Pointe
- B.A. English, Virginia Tech
- M.S. Corporate and Professional Commmunication, Radford University
- Fusion Dance Team
- Sydney Sinclair: Jazz, Hip Hop
- B.S. Political Science, Christopher Newport University
- CNU Storm Dance Team, NCAA Athletics MVP in dance
- Sideline Prep, Washington Redskins and Washington Wizards Performer
- Senah Stephens: Tap, Jazz
- Virginia Tech HighTechs
- Jessa Watkins: Pre-Pointe, Ballet, Pointe
- Certified in Cecchetti and Vaganova Ballet Techniques
- Sarah Whitlock: PowerPAC Choreographer, Jazz
- Associate’s Degree in Accounting, NRCC
- Virginia Tech HighTechs
Teacher’s Assistants and TA’s in Training
- Jennifer Arogo
- Erin Crawford
- Anna Gentiluomo
- Rachel Littlefield
- Katie Metrey
- Kelsey Morrell
- Riley Spitnale
- Ella Stulce