About Us
Suzie Benedict
Suzie Benedict
Suzie Benedict
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 Bach
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.
Robyn Ramos
Suzie Benedict
Suzie Benedict
Teacher & Choreographer
Robyn is a highly accomplished dancer with a rich and diverse background in various disciplines. Her passion for dance began in 1976 when she started training at Mauri's School of Dance.
With a competitive background in dance, gymnastics, and pageants, Robyn brings a unique skill set and perspective to her dance ca
Teacher & Choreographer
Robyn is a highly accomplished dancer with a rich and diverse background in various disciplines. Her passion for dance began in 1976 when she started training at Mauri's School of Dance.
With a competitive background in dance, gymnastics, and pageants, Robyn brings a unique skill set and perspective to her dance career.
As an experienced teacher, Robyn has been sharing her love of dance with others for over 34 years. She taught at Mauri's School of Dance until the owner retired, inspiring countless students along the way.
Whether on stage or in the classroom, Robyn's dedication to her craft and her students is truly inspiring.
Riley Stone
Suzie Benedict
Riley Stone
Teacher & Choreographer
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 know
Teacher & Choreographer
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.
About Us
Emma Tobias
Traci Darnell
Traci Darnell
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 pas
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.
Traci Darnell
Traci Darnell
Traci Darnell
Office Manager
Traci is a valuable member of our team with over 20 years of experience as an office manager at Mauri’s School of Dance. She brings a unique blend of creativity and organizational skills to our dance studio and uses her extensive background in dance to connect with our dancers on a personal level and support their growth a
Office Manager
Traci is a valuable member of our team with over 20 years of experience as an office manager at Mauri’s School of Dance. She brings a unique blend of creativity and organizational skills to our dance studio and uses her extensive background in dance to connect with our dancers on a personal level and support their growth and development.
Traci handles all the administrative tasks necessary to keep our dance studio running smoothly and her warm and approachable demeanor fosters a sense of community among our dancers and staff.
In her free time, Traci enjoys camping with her family, event planning and interior decorating.
Amy Runck
Alexa Wilgenbusch
Alexa Wilgenbusch
Marketing Manager & Booster Club President
Amy is an invaluable member of the Next Step Dance Studio team, where she fulfills multiple roles with ease. As our Marketing expert, she handles advertising and website management, ensuring that our studio stays at the forefront of the dance community. In addition, Amy serves as the President o
Marketing Manager & Booster Club President
Amy is an invaluable member of the Next Step Dance Studio team, where she fulfills multiple roles with ease. As our Marketing expert, she handles advertising and website management, ensuring that our studio stays at the forefront of the dance community. In addition, Amy serves as the President of our Booster Club for competition lines, where she spearheads fundraising efforts, organizes team-building events, and manages competition fees.
With a lifelong passion for dance, Amy has been part of the dance world since the age of 3, when she started training at Mauri's School of Dance. She spent an impressive 15 years there, honing her skills and cultivating her love for the art form. Today, her two daughters follow in her footsteps and dance at Next Step Dance Studio.
When she's not working or shuttling her three kids to various activities such as dance, baseball, football, and wrestling, Amy enjoys camping, reading and spending quality time with loved ones.
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Alexa Wilgenbusch
Alexa Wilgenbusch
Alexa Wilgenbusch
Social Media & Photography
Contact Us
Next Step Dance Studio
17645 Juniper Path, Suite 100, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044, United States
