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 - Studio Director & Owner
Jacq - Dance Manager
Sam - Marketing Manager
Anna - Marketing
Thanvi - Front Desk
Emily - Front Desk
Teachers:
Miss Kristina
Miss Zoie
Miss Audrey
Miss Ellen
Miss Rhea
Miss Taylor
Miss Sophia
Miss Danielle
Miss Sonya
Jamie Cook
Studio Director & 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 Studio Director 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
Marketing
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.
Sam
Marketing
Samantha is the Marketing Manager for Next Step Dance Studio and its sister studio, The Academy of Performing Arts. She combines creativity and organization to share the studios’ programs, celebrate special events, and keep families connected. From communication and website updates to design and seasonal campaigns, her behind-the-scenes work helps families discover opportunities for their children to learn, grow, and have fun through the performing arts.
When she’s not filling the studios with flyers, you can find her at the movies with her husband, cooking, and reading with her cat!
Miss Jacq
Dance Manager
Miss Jacq is excited to start another year as the Dance Manager at Next Step, and our sister studio, The Academy of Performing Arts (APA)! 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 & APA 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 at both Next Step and our sister studio The Academy of Performing Arts (APA)! 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 started dancing at the age of 5 at Encore Dance Studio in Cudahy under the direction of Lee Burke and Amy Brinkman. She later transitioned to Next Step Dance Studio in Franklin, where she began teaching her first dance classes. She was also a member of the Franklin High School Pom Pom Team. Miss Stephanie continued her dance training in college and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
She is also certified in Pilates and is a former Zumba instructor and personal trainer. Throughout the years, she has taught classes at various local gyms, schools, recreation departments, and dance studios, and has also choreographed musicals for a local high school. She has been on staff at Next Step Dance Studio for approximately 18 seasons (intermittently) and, as of May 2025, also became a faculty member at Milwaukee Ballet. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and works part-time as a registered nurse at Froedtert Cancer Center.
She is thrilled to be able to share her passion and experience in dance with her students at Next Step Dance Studio
Miss Emily
Front Desk Staff
Emily has been part of the Front Desk Team at The Academy of Performing Arts since 2024 and Next Step Dance Studio since 2026. With several years of customer service experience and a bachelor’s degree in business communication, she brings a friendly, organized, and positive presence to the studio.
A passion for education and creative spaces is what drew Emily to this role. She loves seeing students light up when they arrive for class, and enjoys helping the studios run smoothly, lending a hand wherever it’s needed, and making sure everyone feels supported. Fun fact: she danced recreationally at APA as a child, so she knows firsthand what makes the studio such a fun and encouraging place to be!
Miss Thanvi
Front Desk Staff
Thanvi is part of the Front Desk Team at Academy of Performing Arts and Next Step Dance Academy,where she helps support daily operations and ensures a warm, welcoming experience for students and families. With a background in customer service and a strong appreciation for the performing arts, she brings a calm, organized, and friendly presence to the studio.
She enjoys helping dancers and parents feel informed and supported, whether she’s assisting with scheduling, answering questions, or keeping the studio running smoothly. Thanvi values clear communication, attention to detail, and creating a positive environment where every student feels encouraged. She is proud to contribute to the strong sense of community that makes APA a special place to learn and grow.
Miss Taylor
Dance Teacher
Miss Sophia
Dance Teacher
Miss Sonya
Dance Teacher
Miss Sonya has a passion for dance that began when she was less than three years old. She started with ballet and tap before adding jazz to her repertoire at the age of six. The Round Lake, Illinois native spent the next decade of her life advancing through the performance arts at the city’s park district and assistant teaching program. This opportunity allowed Sonya and other gifted performers to teach dance to younger students in the district. After moving to Texas, she worked for the Texas Cheer and Dance and taught ballet, tap, hip-hop and cheer.
A mother of four, including twin girls, Sonya loves helping kids and has always had dance in her heart. She is excited to work with the ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical dancers at Next Step Dance.
Miss Danielle
Dance Teacher
Miss Danielle works with competitive program dancers at Next Step, and our sister studio, The Academy of Performing Arts (APA)! She also teaches recreational tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet to students of all ages at APA.
Miss Danielle began dancing as soon as she could walk. She spent 2 years at Chapman University in Orange, California, and graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance from UNLV as well as a minor in Communications. More recently Danielle has choreographed almost a dozen shows for St. Thomas More High School, including Footloose and The Drowsy Chaperone.
Besides her passion for a strong technical background, Danielle’s past work as a fitness and personal trainer and yoga instructor has led her to encourage her dancers to have a strong sense of their body and an understanding of anatomy. Danielle is an avid Los Angeles Lakers fan. She loves cats and hates chocolate.
Miss Rhea
Dance Teacher
Miss Rhea teaches recreational dance classes to students of all ages at Next Step and occasionally at our sister studio, The Academy of Performing Arts (APA)!
Miss Rhea’s love for dance began at the age of three. She has been dancing on and off since then. She started with traditional training in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz in Southeast Wisconsin. After a quick break, she found her passion for dance again while participating in the college dance team “Hype UW-Milwaukee.” During this time, she also studied dance within the Peck School of the Arts at the University. Since then, Rhea has been dancing professionally at events throughout the city of Milwaukee, including Summerfest, PrideFest, MKE Night Market, and more. She has also danced for several local teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks 414 Crew, and competed in LA at the World of Dance Nationals Competition.
Outside of dance, Rhea is a Broadcast Journalist and Radio Producer!
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