Our History

Kurt began his dance training at the age of three in Massachusetts. At the age of 14, as a member of the US Tap Team, he won the title of "Jr Male World Tap Champion". Professionally, Kurt has dancer with Giordano II, the second company to Giordano Dance Chicago. He performed as a Principal Dancer for the Lyric Opera of Chicago as well as a guest artist for several other Chicago dance companies. In 2010, Kurt moved to Buffalo to begin dancing with Lehrer Dance. He spent eight years with the contemporary-modern based company, touring nationally, and was promoted to Rehearsal Director. Most recently, Kurt traveled the world as a dancer for Holland America Cruise Lines. As an educator, Kurt works to help young dancers break out of the box and explore new ways of thinking about movement and artistry. We are grateful for the talents he shares with our students!

Michelle has been dancing since the age of 5. She attended The Wright State University where she earned her BFA in Dance & Theatre and had the privilege to perform on the Disney Wonder Ship. After college, Michelle was proudly offered a position at the reputable Dayton Ballet School in Ohio where she choreographed and taught master classes for 12 years. During that time, she performed as a member of Gary Geis Dance Contemporary Company and became an adjunct professor of dance at Clark State University. Michelle lives right here in Clarence with her husband and three children. She loves being a part of DDD and sharing her knowledge with her students.

Rachel started her dance journey at the young age of 3 right here at David De Marie. She studied tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop and acrobatics and was a dedicated member of the DDD national competition team for many years. While Rachel was at DDD, she furthered her training at various studios including the American Academy of Ballet, Royal Academy of Ballet, and Buffalo's Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts. Some highlights of her dance career have been attending the NYS Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA), performing with Infinite Dance Project, performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with her DDD teammates, and traveling to perform aerial acrobatics and flying trapeze with Club Med. DDD holds an incredibly special place in Rachel's heart and we are so proud to have her on our faculty!

Ashleigh began dancing at David De Marie at the young age of three. She became a member of the DDD National Competition Team when she was ten and continued with the Team throughout high school earning various awards and recognitions. While pursuing her degree in History Education and minor in Dance at Buffalo State College, she would often substitute teach back at DDD. It was then that she discovered her love for educating young dancers and at the age of 20 she became a part time faculty member. In 2018, upon her Uncle's retirement from DDD, she was proudly given the opportunity to pursue the role as director and carry on the studio's admirable stature in WNY. Ashleigh is committed to continuing the reputation of excellence established by David De Marie with exceptional dance education and the bond of unity amongst our dance families.

Jamie has been sharing her passion for teaching young dancers for over twenty years. She holds a Child Development Associates as well as Dance Master of America Teacher Training Program. Jamie has a gift for nurturing and molding our tiniest dancers, starting as early as 15 months old. Her love for teaching dance is evident from the moment anyone enters her classroom!

Jennifer started as a competitive gymnast at Stumpf's Gymnastics Center before starting her dance career at Dancentral at age 12. There, she became classically trained in many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and contemporary, as well as acrobatics. From then on, Jennifer realized her true passion for dance and went on to attend the University at Buffalo where she graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in 2013. As a student at the university, she was a member of Zodiaque Dance Company for several years, as well as took part in other departmental shows such as Dancer's Workshop. During her time in college, Jennifer also had the pleasure of performing a faculty choreographed piece at the American College Dance Festival her senior year. Shortly after graduating, Jennifer spent two years in New York City as a work study student at Broadway Dance Center, as well as dancing and acting in various areas of tv and film. Since moving back to Buffalo, Jennifer has returned to teaching and cannot wait to continue sharing her love of dance with young dancers who are eager to learn and further develop their skills.

Austin began his dance training at DDD at age three . He then became a varsity gymnast for Williamsville South High School in 7th grade. In 2010, he was awarded DANCEAMERICA's "Most Promising Performer," and years later was a runner-up for the 2014 Dancer of the Year. Austin has performed with several artists such as Jason Derulo, Charice, and NOVE. Locally he's worked with Roswell's "How Big is Your Heart" campaign, dancing in several live performances, commercials and music videos. Austin is excited to join the DDD Faculty and is committed to creating an environment where students are challenged, but most importantly, having fun in the process!

Colleen began her dance training at Steppin' Out Dance Academy in West Seneca, and went on to receive her BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo in 2010. Upon graduating, she began dancing professionally for the former Company, Lehrer Dance. She spent 8 years with the Company, touring nationally and internationally, as well as teaching master classes all across the world. Since retiring from performing, Colleen has continued educating and choreographing at studios and universities all across WNY. Outside of the dance studio, she also instructs at a local boutique fitness facility, Barre Centric, and is certified in the Progressing Ballet Technique. Colleen is proud to be a part of the DDD family and looks forward to sharing her love of dance & passion for fitness with her students.

Miss Denise began dancing at DDD at the age of four, under the direction of Mr. David himself, and Leonard Castilone. She danced competitively at DDD, and continued her education through Dance Masters of America and countless workshops. While Miss Denise is versed in all dance genres, her "specialty" is acro. She has won many awards with her routines both regionally and nationally and continues to instill her excellent training and choreography in her students. Tots age through competitive, Miss Denise has a special way with bringing out the best in her dancers. We are so grateful for her passion, and all that she brings to DDD.

Lisa began her dance training right here at DDD at the age of 2, as well as at Classical Ballet of WNY. After high school, Lisa went on the receive her B.F.A. in Dance at the University of Buffalo. Upon graduation, Lisa was a performing apprentice with the former company, Lehrer Dance. She then danced for Norwegian Cruise Lines and traveled the world on the Oceania Marina. Returning from the ship, she earned her Physical Therapist Assistant degree. She then began working as a PTA for Buffalo Rehab Group. Lisa is currently working on programs for dancers using PT principals, focusing on strength training along with mobility for injury prevention. She is so excited to be returning to DDD- the place where she first found her love for dance!