Jennifer Pekins Zwijacz

Owner/Director Stars of Dance llc.
I began dancing at the age of 3 and never stopped. I knew dance was for me and it was my passion. Over the last 33 years I have studied tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, modern and contemporary dance. I have over 20 years of experience in dance education including a background in competitive dance where my choreography won numerous high scoring awards. I have taught at several local studios and served as the Tap and Jazz instructor for the RPI Dance Club for several years. I have also worked in the theatre environment where I choreographed Anything Goes and Pippin for the RPI Players. I continue to train regularly with top professionals at NYC Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. I also attend dance conventions and teachers training workshops where I have had the opportunity to train with Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Finis Jung and many other well respected professionals. In addition, I have completed three years of the four year Dance Master of America Teacher Training Workshop which is held annually at the University of Buffalo. I am also a certified ZUMBA instructor. My goal is to provide my students with a love for dance through teaching proper technique, terminology and cutting edge style. I believe in teaching in a non competitive environment where we dance for the love of dance, for the performance and the applause. Many dance educators believe in participating in a competitive environment as a way to expose their dancers to the “world of dance“. I have found this can be an expensive investment for the parents and sometimes a discouraging experience for the dancer. I believe in exposing my dancers to different styles of dance and a variety of professional instruction so that they can grow and experience the world of dance in a nurturing and creative environment. I hope to share my love of dance and nurture each students unique personal style and passion. Not only do I love to dance and teach, but most of all I love to watch my STARS shine bright!

Laurie Cawley

Instructor/Ballet & Modern Dance

Laurie has an extensive background in performance and teaching. She performed professionally for fifteen years with various companies in Michigan as well as along side artists who have danced with Mark Morris, David Parsons, Martha Graham and Bill T. Jones. She was the Dance Program Coordinator at Oakland Community College and has taught classes at Oakland University, Marygrove College and for the American College Dance Festival Association. Laurie continues to share her experiences throughout the community. She is also certified in Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, as well as CPR. We are very grateful to her for continuing to share her experiences and expertise with our school and all of our students.

Sarah DeForest

Instructor/Creative Movement, Tap & Jazz

Sarah brings years of experience in Tap/Jazz and Hip Hop to Stars of Dance. Sarah's expertise is working with our tiny dancers. Her enthusiasm and excitement for dance is contagious and the children adore learning with Ms. Sarah. Sarah continues to expand on her dance training by taking classes at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and participating in dance and teachers training workshops. Sarah is also certified in CPR and as a fitness instructor through NETA.

Christine Tucker

Instructor/ Acro, Tap, Jazz & Hip Hop
Christine brings dance experience in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop and Acro to our studio. She has previously instructed dance at her hometown dance school in Walden, NY. Christine also trained as a competitive gymnast throughout high school where she placed at numerous competitions. Christine loves to share her passion for dance with her students. Christine continues to expand on her dance training by taking classes at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and participaing in dance and teachers training workshops. Christine is also certified in CPR and as a fitness instructor through NETA.