DENISE CIRELLI (Dancer) started dancing at Steppin'Out at the age of four -- the year it opened. She eventually began studying all forms of dance becoming a member of their dance team and the Jenn Oldfield Dancers at a very young age. To this day, Denise is an extremely talented tap dancer who still remembers every tap dance she ever learned. She became a substitute tap teacher at Steppin'Out and an assistant to Jenn Oldfield. Denise performed with the JOD in Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Hershey Centennial Celebration, National Republican Convention - 2000, Cherry Blossom Parade in DC and many other productions. She transferred to the prestigious Baldwin School in fifth grade and is currently captain of their varsity volleyball team. Now a senior, she plans to study Physical Therapy in college next year. Her favorite JOD productions were: "FanTAPulous", Tap competition pieces, dancing for the crowds and being with her friends.
Updated 10/14/10
ALLISON CLANTON (Assistant Director) began her dance training at the tender age of 3 in Oxford PA. and continued in the Philadelphia area studying: ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary/lyrical. In addition, she also trained and competed in Artistic gymnastics. Besides a career in dance, Allison has had the privilege of working as a Certified Nurse’s Aide.
Throughout her years as a dancer, she has had opportunities to participate in numerous dance competitions, conventions, as well as perform in many special events including the televised ABC’s Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parades, Sunoco’s Welcome America 4th of July Parade’s, Marian Anderson Awards Ceremony, Walt Disney World FL, and The Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, just to name a few. Allison also loved her years performing in the "Nutcracker Ballet" with the "Steppin'Out" studio, and eventually served as Assistant director, and choreographer. While teaching dance, she began coaching recreational & competitive gymnastics, and served as summer camp director in both dance & gymnastics for 4 years. She particularly enjoys watching her students grow, learn, and have fun -- all at the same time. Allison is a strong believer in developing each student's confidence, while helping them learn the importance of team work and discipline. She is known for creating a special bond with each student and loves to see them shine. Lastly,
Allison is one of the original "Jenn Oldfield Dancers". Added 9/26/10
ERIN COLGAN (Dancer) danced at Steppin' Out Academy of Performing Arts studio since its celebratory opening until her graduation from high school in 2008. This fabulous decade allowed her to experience not only phenomenal dancing experiences, but one of the greatest passions she will ever encounter.
Throughout these years, Erin was able to participate in performances such as the "Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade," "The Dogwood Parade," along with many competitions. In addition, she appeared as the "Snow Queen" in Steppin' Out's production of The Nutcracker in 2008. She also had the privilege of teaching ballet, tap, and hip-hop.
Erin is currently a junior at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. She is a marketing major with a minor in business intelligence. She is an active member in her sorority and loves getting involved in community service around campus. Erin also spends her time between different clubs. She is a member in the American Marketing Association, University Singers, and traveled to Arkansas over the past summer with Habitat for Humanity.
Erin has three younger sisters and also lives with her mother, father, and grandmother. She visits them often while she is away at school. Erin always puts her family first, school second, but enjoys spending time with her friends and leisurely activities such as shopping and listening to music. Added 9/8/10
JAIME COMINSKY (Dancer) Began her study of dance at 2 at the "Steppin'Out" Academy of Performing Arts in the pre-school program. At a very young age, she won the part of lead Ginger Sweet in the "Nutcracker Production", quickly followed by the lead Clara also in "Nutcracker". For two years in a row she was selected as a lead child in the Christmas Spectacular "Winterwonderland" production for Boscov's Thanksgiving parade. She was one of the youngest participants in the "FanTAPulous" production -- same parade. She was elected as Captain of her cheer-leading squad while maintaining superior grades. Each fall she is involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walkathon (or JDRF). She is a volunteer/helper with Vacation Bible School. In addition to dance, Jaime is studying piano and she continues her dance study at the Pottstown Dance Theater under the direction of Michelle Wurtz.
Added 9/26/10
JENNA COMINSKY (Dancer) has been dancing since the age of three at Steppin'Out Academy studying all forms of dance and was a member of their competition team. Additionally, she played many lead roles in the annual "Nutcracker Ballet" production that included: Clara (2006), Soldier Doll (2007), and Dancing Doll (2008). She went on to perform her role of Dancing Doll at Downingtown Country Clubs' "Breakfast with Santa" in 2009. She was selected at the age of seven to perform as a young child in a Christmas production number in Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She was one of the youngest participants in her first "FanTAPulous" performance. Additional JOD favorites include: Opening and closing performances in Hershey’s Centennial Celebration, Rittenhouse Row Festival of the Arts, Dogwood Parades, Movie premieres of Havana Nights and Happy Feet at Regal Cinema in Oaks, and Christmas Parade/Tree Lighting Ceremony in Phoenixville sponsored by the Kiwanis
Club.
Jenna is a member of her high school’s Student Council and duties include:
Homecoming preparations/pep rally/ticket sales (9th and 10th),
Bake Sale (9th),
Winter Ball Ticket Sales (9th). She is a Voice and Guitar student and has participated in Performathon, and recitals. She annually participates in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walkathon. She was cast as a dancer, ensemble member in her high school's musical production of "Beauty and the Beast". For the past four years Jenna has been a volunteer/helper for Vacation Bible School. Currently she is studying dance at the Pottstown Dance Theatre under the direction of Michelle Wurtz.
Added 9/26/10
JORDAN COMINSKY (Dance Captain) has been dancing since the age of four, and has seriously trained in tap/rhythm
tap, jazz, ballet (Vaganova Syllabus), pointe, modern, and lyrical. She has also been
trained in hip-hop and musical theater. Jordan has participated in such events as:
WPVI- ABC’s Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, WPVI- ABC’s 4th of July Parade, the
annual Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C., Magic Music Days and Mazda
Tangerine Bowl Pre- Game and Half- Time Show in Orlando, Florida, Governor Ed
Rendell Inauguration Parade in Pennsylvania, Gil Stroming’s Break the Floor Convention
in New York City, the opening and closing performances in Hershey’s Centennial
Celebration, Rittenhouse Row Festival of the Arts, Dogwood Parades sponsored by the
Jaycees, the movie premieres of Havana Nights and Happy Feet at Regal Cinema in
Oaks, the X-mas Parade/Tree Lighting Ceremony in Phoenixville sponsored by the
Kiwanis Club, and she was a competitor on Steppin’ Out Academy of Performing Arts
“Dance-Tech” team. Jordan has performed annually in the production of “Nutcracker” and has had the leads of Ginger Sweet, Tea, Candy Cane, Spanish, and
Dew Drop. To her credit, Jordan was a featured dancer in Spring-Ford Senior High
School’s productions of 42nd Street, Peter Pan, and Beauty and the Beast. She was
dance captain during the production of Beauty and the Beast. Jordan has taught PreK
ballet, and was a substitute teacher when needed at her dance studio.
She graduated from high school with honors, received a Merit scholarship from the University of Scranton, and a scholarship from Tri-County AMBUCS.
Currently,
Jordan is attending the University of Scranton and is a member of the their Traveling Dance team Added 9/14/10
LINDSAY KEYSER (Dancer) started at Steppin'Out at eight and studied all styles of dance. She was on the competition team and taught dance and gymnastic classes in her junior and senior years. She was director of the summer gymnastics program for four years. While in high school, Lindsay was a varsity cheerleader and all-star competition cheerleader for four years. Lindsay attended Shippensburg University where she received a degree in elementary education with a minor in reading and graduated Magna Cum Laude in three years. At "Ship", she competed on the dance team and chaired the University dance team. She now resides in Dallas Texas and teaches kindergarten at a private elementary school and coaches gymnastics there. Lindsay will be getting married in Jamaica in May 2011.
JILLIAN LAFORE (Dancer/Photographer) started dancing at the age of two at DCL Dance Academy under the direction of Debbie Lynch. At seven, she continued at the "Steppin'Out Academy" where she studied: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, acrobatics and gymnastics and was a member of its award winning competition team. Jillian played many lead roles in Steppin'Out's annual "Nutcracker" ballet productions that included: Dancing Doll, Snow Fairy, Spanish, Marzipan, Candy Cane, and Arabian. While in high school she was a cheerleader for four years -- junior and senior on varsity. She also performed key roles in: "Evita", "King and I", "Peter Pan" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" musical productions. Jillian was also a member of the newly formed dance group "ASH Contemporary" under direction of Braham Crane. Two of her favorite JOD activities were performing in ""Boscov's Thanksgiving" and "Fourth of July" Parades and competing. Jillian currently attends Arizona State University and is majoring in Graphic Design. Added 9/26/10
CHRISTINA LINDSAY (Dancer/Choreographer) began her dance training at age two and joined the Jenn Oldfield Dancers at age ten. Some credits with the JODs include the Marian Anderson Awards Honoring Gregory Peck, the Opening Ceremonies of the 2000 Republican National Convention, 4th International World Dragon Boat Races, WPVI 6 ABC Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Sunoco Welcome America 4th of July Parade, Sunoco Welcome America 2 Cities 2 States Concert featuring the Ba Ha Men, The National Independence Day Parade and National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C, Mazda Tangerine Bowl Pre-Game & Half-Time Productions for ESPN, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell Inauguration Parade in Harrisburg, PA, and the Hershey Centennial Celebration Opening & Closing Productions in Hershey, PA.
In 2004, Christina, a National Merit Scholar, was awarded a Presidential Scholarship to pursue dance and psychology at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. While at Muhlenberg, Christina was a member of the Muhlenberg Jazztap Ensemble under the direction of Shelley Oliver. Christina also choreographed and performed in many student and faculty concerts, including live jazz tap performances with the David Lenohardt Trio. During college, Christina was also an RJ Fellows Scholar, campus tour guide, peer tutor for both academic and dance classes, member of Phi Sigma Sigma, Secretary for Psi Chi, the Psychology Honors Society, and Assistant Director of the student performing company, Copasetic Rhythms. Christina also participated in an independent study focusing on jazztap improvisation methods under the guidance of Shelley Oliver. In Spring 2007, Christina was awarded the Arcadia Study Abroad Scholarship to study dance and psychology in Perugia, Italy. In May 2008, Christina gave the Baccalaureate Address at Muhlenberg’s Commencement and graduated Magna Cum Lade with a dual degree in psychology and dance. The following summer, Christina interned with the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers during their residency at the Algonquin Arts Center in Manasquan, NJ.
In June 2010, Christina earned a Master of Arts degree in Dance/Movement Therapy from Drexel University. Upon graduation, she was awarded the Overall Excellence Award for outstanding achievement in academics, clinical skills and research. She was also inducted into the Alpha Eta Society, the National Scholastic Honor Society for Allied Health Professions. Throughout her graduate education, Christina has worked with various populations of all ages in a multitude of clinical settings, such as an inpatient psychiatric hospital, outpatient treatment center for domestic violence survivors, and Philadelphia Family Court. Currently, Christina is employed as a clinical therapist at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated pre-adolescent and adolescent boys. This past September, Christina presented her thesis research at the American Dance Therapy Association’s Annual Conference. She is now writing an article about her work for The Arts in Psychotherapy Journal.
Added 9/26/10
CATY MILANO (Dancer) began her dance training at the age of 4 at Steppin’ Out Academy under the direction of Jennifer and Gail Oldfield. There she studied many forms of dance including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop. Over the last year Caty has had the opportunity to concentrate on her Tap and Ballet with a small group of students, once again, under the direction of Gail Oldfield, Jenn Oldfield, and Rebeca Nash.
She has performed in the Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington DC, several local Phoenixville Parades, and at the opening for the movie “Happy Feet” in Oaks, PA. Lastly, Caty played several different key roles in Steppin'Out's annual "Nutcracker" ballet production.
Caty is currently in Middle School and is excited to be one of the youngest Jenn Oldfield Dancers. Added 9/23/10
MACY MORAN (Dancer) Has indeed been an active dancer. She's participated in "Steppin Out's" Nutcracker for 8 yrs, and played the lead of Clara in 2008. Other "Steppin' Out" activities included: tap routine and multiple dance productions in "Boscov’s Philadelphia Thanksgiving day parade, the "Happy Feet" movie opening in Oaks, and the "Hershey PA Hundred Years" parade celebration. Besides dancing, Macy does something sometimes dangerous for a dancer -- she skis, but fortunately for us, she's good at both. Added 9/6/10
GAIL OLDFIELD As a dancer, choreographer and teacher, she has come full circle. From touring the country in her early career to becoming a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, she has many memorable experiences. She was dance director at Cabrini College for several years as well as choreographer for over sixty musical stage productions across the tri-county area. In recent years, Gail has returned to the stage in a production company that has traveled from Atlantic City Casinos to dinner theaters throughout the country. Gail created and choreographed the popular tap production “FanTAPulous” in the annual ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. She is currently Vice-President of the Rockette® Alumnae in New York City and successfully recreated two original Rockette routines for the association’s 2009 Gala. Added 8/15/10
HEATHER OLDFIELD (Advisor) is a third generation dancer. She started dancing at age 12 at the Crane School of Performing Arts under direction of Joyce Crane. While at Crane's she toured and performed in Belgium for a month as well as the Annenberg Theatre in Philadelphia. In addition, she competed for and received the Pennsylvania Governor's School of the Arts Scholarship. Heather was awarded a full Scholarship to the University of Maryland in Dance. At Maryland, she performed with "IMPROVISATIONS UNLIMITED" at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the Annenberg Theatre in Philadelphia. At the "American Festival of Dance" her Choreography, performed by the University of Maryland dance company won a National Acheivement Award.
Directly after receiving a BA in Dance from Maryland, Heather began to perform for Greg Thompson productions, first locally and then an extended tour in Bermuda. Next, she performed at the Flamingo Hilton in Reno. From there, she auditioned for MGM's "EFX" Show in Las Vegas working with Michael Crawford of "Phantom of the Opera" and Anthony Van Laast, choreographer, and of "Mama Mia" fame. From there she joined production companies first in Guam then in Nagoya Japan. Heather then danced on the SS Rembrandt cruise ship and toured the Greek Islands, Monte Carlo, and Italy. Returning to Las Vegas, she joined "American Superstars" performing at the Stratosphere Hotel/Casino additionally she appeared in "Twist and Shout" at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Heather has had an amazing dance career with a truely outstanding array of performance credentials.
When not on stage Heather is working as a print model, industrials, production manager, make-up artistry, consultant, Yoga Instructor, or simply traveling.
Updated 10/14/10
JENNIFER OLDFIELD was already well known throughout the tri-state area for her teaching, choreographic, and performance accomplishments prior to opening the Steppin'Out Academy of Performing Arts in 1997. She and her mother Gail co-directed and operated "Steppin'Out" successfully for over ten years gaining a reputation for ethics and excellence based on personal integrity, commitment, dedication and results. Under her direction, Steppin'Out defined commitment to dance and performing arts in this area. Let's not forget that it was Jennifer who choreographed and directed the activities cited as achievements on the HOME page. Added 8/26/10
BARBARA POWERS (Dance Captain) graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a BFA in English and Writing. The majority of Barbara’s dance accomplishments were under the direction of Jenn and Gail Oldfield. Throughout her junior high and high school years she was a student at Steppin’ Out Academy in Oaks, PA. She participated in events such as the dedication of the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA, Marian Anderson Awards, Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day and Fourth of July Parades, among many other appearances. During high school she was also a member of Opus 1 Contemporary Dance Company, under the direction of Lina McMenamin and Tim Early. In 2003 she was awarded the Overall Physical Fitness Award from Pennsylvania’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program. Although she has not performed in a few years, she is extremely excited to work with Jenn and Gail Oldfield as an adult, now in her mid 20’s.
Barbara is one of the original "Jenn Oldfield Dancers". Added 8/26/10
ALEXA MARIE SANTY (Dancer/video) is currently attending Kutztown University with her major
in Business Management and minor in Theatre. Alexa has performed for Steppin'
Out Academy of Performing Arts from 2001-2006. She has also performed in various musical productions that
included: "Oliver", "The King and I", "Crazy for You", and 'West Side Story". Alexa
would like to thank Jenn Oldfield for everything she has done throughout the
years, and also my family. Alexa is a member of the Kutztown University Dance team, Added 8/26/10
STEPHANIE SAUK (Dancer) - started dancing at the age of three at DCL Dance Academy under Debbie Lynch. At ten she continued at Steppin'Out studying all forms of dance and was a member of the competition team. In her first competition tap solo choreographed by Jenn Oldfield she received the special award - "Future Rockette". She performed many leads in the Annual "Nutcracker" Production that included Soldier Doll, Marzipan, and Spanish. Additionally, she was a cheerleader while in grade school. Currently Stephanie is a Nursing Major at Immaculata College and for the past two years has been a spokesperson for COAD - Kids for underaged drinking. She is also an active member of the Immaculata Dance Team. She has many fond memories of dancing at Steppin'Out and is excited about dancing again with her friends. Added 8/26/10
NINA WERTAN (Dancer) started dancing at the age of four and continued at Steppin'Out Academy at eleven. She was a member of the cometition team and performed annually in "Nutcracker Ballet" productions in lead roles as: Dancing Doll and Tea. She attended Merion Mercy Academy where she was a member of the National Honor Society and performed in musical productions of "Beauty and the Beast", "West Side Story", and "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Nina currently attends Penn State University (main campus). Her major is Animal Science and has made Deans List every semester. She participates in the Penn State Marathon Four Diamond Club which works towards cures for cancer. Nina's all time favorite JOD performance was the "FanTAPulous" production to the song "September" by Earth Wind and Fire. Added 8/26/10