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Lisa Brittnay Scaffidi The Pewaukee dance studio is owned by Lisa Scaffidi. She grew up in both Muskego and Franklin with her three siblings. Lisa is a light hearted and energetic individual who is inspired by the arts. Lisa started dancing at the age of eighteen for an independent dance studio. She realized she would be in dance for the rest of her life the day she watched her first Ohio Star Ball Championship.
After two and a half years of dancing there, she began her career with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. She taught for six years and coached for another nine years. During this time, she befriended and became dancing partners with Gaetano Noce. Gaetano, one of the Area Franchisors, and Lisa were the reining American Smooth Ballroom National Dancing Champions for Fred Astaire three years in a row. Another milestone for Lisa was coaching a student who became a National Amateur finalist in both the Rhythm and Theater Arts Divisions.
Besides the love of dance, her days are joyfully filled with her two daughters; ages eight and three. When the little ones are not occupying her time, Lisa enjoys cooking and swimming. Lisa is also a thrill seeker enjoying boating and riding Harleys.
Audrey Starr 
Audrey is our sassy & sarcastic red head. She grew up in Mukwonago and has danced for over sixteen years in various types such as: Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Pointe, Ballroom, and Tap. When asked the question of “Why Ballroom dancing?” She replied, “I love the expression and sexiness of Rhythm dancing and the classic and elegance of Smooth Dancing.” Audrey won 2 nd place with her dance partner, Matt Kuphal, at the 2008 Winterball Competition in the Novice Division.
Enrique Torres 
Enrique grew up in Florida before moving to Wisconsin. He has danced Latin Rhythm dances since he was a child. Enrique also enjoys the rhythm and the sophistication of the Smooth dances such as the Viennese Waltz and Fox Trot. He took 3rd place with his dance partner in the 2008 Winterball competition for the Theatrical Waltz. His favorite quote is, “Life is not reality without challenges and lessons to learn”.
Matt Kuphal 
Matt is an energetic, helpful, and optimistic teacher. He has the mentality that his glass is always half full. As a child, Matt grew up on the south side of Milwaukee. He started dancing to satisfy his love of music. His favorite genre is Classic Rock. As a teacher, he gets a rush when a student comprehends a dance move that has been difficult for them to obtain. Matt is determined to always improve his dancing and never become stagnant. He loves the thrill of competition in dance. These mindsets have worked in his favor because he recently won 2 nd place with his dance partner, Audrey Star, at the 2008 Winterball Competition in the Novice Division.
Leinani Merten 
Leinani is a native Hawaiian raised on the island of Oahu. She now resides in Pewaukee. Leinani comes from a long line of musicians and Hula dancers, which she herself partook in. Leinani fell in love with dancing when she saw her grandmother dance Hula for the first time. For her, dancing is not just steps memorized… it is a feeling. She enjoys dancing Smooth over Rhythm. Family is important to Leinani. She is loves spending time with her new niece and nephew. In her spare time, Leinani enjoys watching movies and playing billiards
Vadim Gazda 
Vadim was born in Kharkov, Ukraine. He started ballroom dancing at six years old. He had his first competition at seven years old. In 2000, at the age of fifteen, he won 1st place in Blackpool in the World Championship Standard Division. At sixteen, he won 3 rd place as the World Champion in the Latin Division. Vadim is a five time National Ukraine Champion and three time National Slovenia Champion. Other countries he has competed includes: Singapore, Australia, Cuba, Russia, Croatia, Spain, and Portugal. He misses his mom's cooking the most.
Josh Allen 
Josh comes from a large family of five other siblings with him as the youngest. He was a military child living in many various areas such as California, Maryland, and Bermuda. He graduated from WCTC with a computer degree. Josh is currently in the Reserves for the Air force and fixes airplanes on the weekend. His nickname is “Tall Hot Chocolate”.
Sam Maddox Sam is our newest member to the team. She always loved rhythm & motion. Sam was first introduced to Ballroom dancing in her grammar school gym class. In high school, she danced in various theater productions. As an adult, she pursues different styles such as: Ballet, Jazz, & Hip-Hop.
Yvette Bjorklund 
Yvette is our loquacious receptionist. She grew up in Wisconsin and taught Ballroom dancing for two and a half years at an independent studio. There she met long time friend, Lisa Scaffidi. Yvette continued in sales at Heiser Chevrolet selling cars for five years. She then moved to South Beach, FL to pursue a career as a talent agent at Big Beat Productions. After seven years, she returned to Wisconsin. Yvette is excited to be part of the opening team for Pewaukee.
Suzanne Palucki 
Suzie is our Office manager. She moved to Wisconsin from Providence, RI about a year ago. Suzie has the nickname of “Q”. She graduated from Johnson & Wales with an Associates Culinary Arts degree and a Bachelors Hotel & Restaurant Management degree. She excelled as a restaurant manager and was chosen to be 1 of 10 managers out of 2,600 to go to Italy for her culinary expertise. She was also chosen to be 1 of 30 managers out of 2,600 to go to Napa Valley, CA for her wine knowledge. She craves travel and adventure. Suzie has been very fortunate to travel all over the world including: England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Jamaica. Her goal is to make it to Egypt within the next 2 years.
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