Next Step Dance Studio was founded in 1996 by Miss Terri Sinani and has been a cornerstone of the Franklin community for nearly three decades. In 2023, The Academy of Performing Arts—established in 2005 and home to a full performing arts school—took ownership of Next Step, proudly continuing Miss Terri’s vision and tradition of excellence in dance and community. Jamie Cook now oversees all locations for both Next Step Dance Studio and The Academy of Performing Arts, ensuring consistency and high standards across all programs.
At Next Step, we believe a studio should be more than just a place to learn dance—it’s a space to build confidence, friendships, and life skills. We offer recreational and competitive programs for dancers ages 18 months through 18, with classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and acro.
Our facility features three state-of-the-art studios with floating floors, a welcoming lobby with observation windows, and a boutique stocked with dance apparel and shoes. Our instructors bring college training and professional experience to their teaching, with a focus on developing both strong dancers and well-rounded individuals.
Over the years, Next Step dancers have earned recognition for their talent, dedication, and academic achievements, including college scholarships. We are proud to provide a positive, supportive environment where dancers of all levels can grow and thrive.
Our Team
Management & Office Staff:
Jamie - General Manager
Jacq - Dance Manager
Anna - Office Manager
Elizabeth - Marketing Assistant
Najwa - Front Desk
Teachers:
Miss Jess
Miss Alyssa
Miss Ellen
Miss Kristina
Miss Zoie
Miss Audrey
Miss Laura
Miss Rhea
Miss Marissa
Miss Stephanie
Jamie Cook
General Manager / Owner
Jamie Cook has been a valued part of the APA staff and family-owned business since 2008. For nearly two decades, she has been entrusted with overseeing the operations of both APA locations.
In June 2023, Jamie took on a new chapter of leadership by assuming ownership and management of a third location, proudly welcoming NSDS into the APA performing arts family.
As General Manager of APA & Next Step, she collaborates with staff, faculty, and department managers on programming, recital planning, systematizing, and more—ensuring smooth and seamless operations. What she treasures most is working together to provide families in the community with a wide variety of experiences and programs where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Anna
Office Manager
Anna has been part of the APA family since 2021 and, in 2023, officially joined NSDS as Office Manager. In addition to overseeing daily operations, she also manages our social media presence, helping keep families connected and informed.
With several years of experience in the arts world and a background as a dancer for nine years, Anna brings both organizational expertise and a true passion for the performing arts to our team. She is thrilled to be part of the Next Step family and loves supporting students and families as they pursue their artistic journeys.
Elizabeth
Admin Staff
Miss Jacq
Dance Manager
Miss Jacq is excited to start her 5th year at Next Step Dance Studio and her 2nd year as Dance Manager! Miss Jacq started dancing when she was three years old and has loved it ever since! She received her BA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Miss Jacq spent a summer in New York City attending the Dance Education Laboratory Summer Institute while continuing her training at Broadway Dance Center, Gibney Dance, and Steps on Broadway. She is also a member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM), Dance Masters of Wisconsin (DMW), Wisconsin Dance Council, and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). Miss Jacq loves the Next Step community and is excited to share another year with the amazing dancers and families!
Miss Alyssa
Dance Teacher
Miss Alyssa started dancing at Next Step Dance Studio at 4 years old. She began doing more musical theatre and theatre in high school through her school and First Stage Theatre Academy. After high school, she went to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she majored in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance. At La Crosse, Miss Alyssa worked as a Dance Captain and performed in many different shows. Miss Alyssa most recently attended a Musical Theatre Intensive in New York through Open Jar Studios, where she learned from Broadway professionals. She is incredibly excited to teach Next Step’s lovely dancers and foster their passion for dance.
Miss Ellen
Dance Teacher
Miss Ellen graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Dance. She has lived in Racine her whole life, and spent the majority of her childhood in a dance studio. Her favorite style of dance is Ballet. She currently teaches 3k for Racine Unified so the littles definitely have a special place in my heart. Miss Ellen looks forward to meeting and getting to know everyone in the Next Step Family!
Miss Kristina
Dance Teacher
Mrs. Kristina teaches Ballet, Hip Hop, and Contemporary/Lyrical to students of all ages! She started dancing mostly jazz and ballet in high school. Then she went on to graduate from UW Milwaukee with a dance major. Other than being a dance teacher Mrs. Kristina was a preschool teacher for many years because she loves teaching children. When she is not teaching at the studio Mrs. Kristina enjoys walking her dog or having movie nights with her husband and friends!
Miss Zoie
Dance Teacher
Miss Zoie is excited to teach at Next Step Dance Studio. She began her dancing career at Betty Hayes School of Dance at the age of 3. With 16 years of dance experience, she has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. Miss Zoie is a motivated and devoted dance instructor known for her ability to help all ages and skill levels of dancers. Outside of dance, she is currently in graduate school for her Masters of Science in Nursing. Miss Zoie can’t wait to inspire the dancers at Next Step Dance Studio!
Miss Audrey
Dance Teacher
Miss Audrey started dancing when she was 4 at Barb’s Center for Dance in her hometown of Appleton, WI. She continued her training at Heart of the Valley Dance Academy, Valley Academy for the Arts, and Transcendence Dance Company. She trained and competed in many styles including, contemporary/lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, and poms. Miss Audrey will graduate from UW Milwaukee in May of 2025 with her Bachelors of Arts in Dance. She has both performed and choreographed numerous dance pieces for UWM and had her choreography selected for Danceworks “Get It Out There”. She has been teaching dance for several years and enjoys helping her students grow and inspiring dancers to further their love for dance.
Miss Laura
Dance Teacher
Miss Laura started her dance education at the age of 7 at Madison Professional Dance Center in Madison, WI, and continued through her senior year of high school. In addition, she was a member of her high school’s dance team. She competed in numerous competitions across the Midwest and danced in several productions in her community. Miss Laura graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BS in Early Childhood Education. In 2020 she completed her Master’s in Education. Miss Laura currently teaches Kindergarten in Franklin Public Schools and enjoys seeing many of her students at Next Step!
Miss Jess
Dance Teacher
Miss Jess started dancing at Next Step Dance Studio when she was 7. When she was 12 she joined Franklin Middle School’s Spirit team. She then danced with the Next Step’s competition team and Franklin High School Poms till she graduated high school. Miss Jess went on to attend University of Wisconsin Madison where she danced on UW Dance Team and competed with UDA. While in college Miss Jess also managed and danced with Wisconsin Premier Dance Team. After graduating with a Bachelors in Molecular Biology and Human Development, Miss Jess auditioned for Milwaukee Bucks Dance. Miss Jess danced with the Milwaukee Bucks 414 Crew for two seasons. She was able to teach hip hop classes at Next Step Dance during the 2022-23 season (always good to be home). Since the end of the NBA season, Miss Jess has been performing with and choreographing for artists and DJs in the Milwaukee area. This year Miss Jess is excited to get back to Next Step Dance teaching a variety of classes! Outside of dance, Miss Jess is in graduate school for occupational therapy and works at Froedtert Hospital in their neurological rehab department. Miss Jess can’t wait to be back teaching and is excited to grow with all the wonderful dancers at Next Step.
Miss Marissa
Dance Teacher
Miss Marissa has been immersed in dance since the age of three, training in various styles of dance. As the years progressed, she attended numerous summer programs to further her training. She graduated from the SUNY Purchase College Conservatory of Dance with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Arts Management. She received rigorous conservatory-style training and performed in works by Tamisha A. Guy, Doug Varone, and Bill T. Jones. Currently, she is a company artist with Nova Linea Contemporary Dance. Outside of teaching, Miss Marissa enjoys drawing, spending time with family/friends, and reading. Teaching dance brings me joy because I get to watch students grow, explore new movement, and challenge themselves in ways they never thought possible.
Miss Stephanie
Dance Teacher
Miss Stephanie began dancing at the age of five at Encore Dance Studio in Cudahy, Wisconsin, under the direction of Lee Burke and Amy Brinkman (Danceworks), and later transitioned to NSDS. She was also a member of the Franklin High School Pom Pom team. Continuing her training, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from UW–Milwaukee and has been teaching all styles of dance to students of all ages since 2008. In addition to her dance background, she is certified in Pilates, is a former Zumba instructor, and a personal trainer. Stephanie has taught at various local gyms and studios, choreographed musicals for a local high school, and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, working intermittently as a registered nurse. She is thrilled to share her passion for dance with her students!
Miss Najwa
Front Desk Staff
Miss Najwa joined NSDS in September 2023 as part of our front desk team. She loves being a welcoming and friendly face for families and truly enjoys connecting with both parents and dancers each day.
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