About Us

Owner, Teacher & Choreographer

Our owner Suzie brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Next Step Dance Studio.  It was her passion for dance and her students that when Mauri retired she knew she needed to start Next Step Dance Studio.

 Suzie's journey in dance began at Winona State University, where she graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, with a specialization in dance. Her commitment to the art form is evident through her pursuit of lifelong learning. 

Suzie actively seeks out opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge by participating in master classes, workshops, and conventions. 

Teacher & Choreographer

Emma has been dancing since she was 3 years old. While dancing for Mauri's School of Dance she won numerous regional and national awards, some of which included; the Self Choreography Award for her solo and Miss Headliner in 2022. 

Emma was also a 6-year Varsity member for her high school dance team. She found a passion for teaching when she began student-teaching in 8th grade. She fell in love with working with young dancers, cultivating their passion for learning and growing through dance.

 She is actively seeking a degree in Kinesiology and Coaching from the University of Minnesota, and is excited to use this knowledge to better herself as a teacher and coach. 

Teacher & Choreographer

 Ashle's passion for dance has been the guiding force in her life for over 30 years. She spent 15 years training at Mauri’s School of Dance, with 7 of those years as an assistant teacher, where she shared her love of dance and nurtured the next generation of dancers.

In 2009, Ashle earned her BFA in Dance from Arizona State University. During her time there, she had the opportunity to train with choreographers specializing in a wide range of styles from around the world. She also served as a guest teacher at various dance studios throughout the Phoenix area.

Following college, Ashle moved to San Francisco, where she worked with several modern and contemporary choreographers and dance companies, while also teaching contemporary, tap, and ballet at two local studios.

Upon returning to Minnesota, Ashle continued to share her passion by teaching private lessons and master classes at numerous schools.

Ashle is dedicated to helping her students connect with dance in ways that promote personal growth, while fostering confidence, determination, and a strong work ethic that extends beyond the studio and into their everyday lives.

Teacher & Choreographer 

Lexi has been dancing since the age of 2 and grew up training for 10+ years at Fancy Dancin’ Dance Studio in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. During high school, she was a 4-year Varsity member of her high school dance team while also continuing her training at Studio 4 during her freshman and sophomore years.

She continued her dance career at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she was a member of the dance team her freshman year and earned a National Title in Pom at the 2019 UDA College Nationals in Florida.

After graduating in 2022, Lexi gave back to her program by serving as a JV and Varsity coach for her former high school dance team during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

At Next Step, Lexi strives to be a leader, mentor, and motivator for her students. She is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment that builds growth, confidence, and discipline. She also brings fresh creativity and new ideas to her teaching, always looking to bring something new to the table. Lexi is dedicated to helping each dancer reach their full potential and finds the greatest reward in watching her students succeed.

Teacher

Maddie has been dancing since the age of 3 and began competing at age 9 with Mauri’s School of Dance. She was a dedicated member of the Lakeville North Dance Team for four years during high school.

After graduating, Maddie continued her passion for dance by teaching at Mauri’s School of Dance while attending Concordia St. Paul, where she studied elementary education. She is currently a Pre-K teacher at a local daycare.

In her free time, Maddie enjoys watching hockey, spending time with her dogs, and being outdoors in the sunshine.

Maddie is passionate about working with young dancers, helping them grow into confident leaders and positive role models. She is excited to be part of a team that supports and inspires the next generation of dancers.

Teacher

Riley is an experienced dancer and choreographer who spent 15 years at Mauri's School of Dance, dancing recreationally and competitively and working with choreographers from around the US. 

She received a minor in Dance from Gustavus Adolphus College, where she developed her choreographic skills and expanded her knowledge of various dance genres. 

After graduating in 2018, she returned to Mauri's School of Dance as a teacher and choreographer until the owner retired in 2023. Throughout her career, Riley has demonstrated a deep commitment to dance and has earned widespread recognition and acclaim for her talent and dedication.