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Lisa Brittnay Scaffidi
The Pewaukee 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 ten and five. 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 Kuphal
Audrey is our Receptionist. As a kid, Audrey danced Tap, Jazz and Ballet. She then moved on to Ballroom dancing and fell in love with the sport. Since starting with Fred Astaire, she has taken 2nd and 3rd in her division with her husband, Matt. Although Audrey enjoyed teaching, she has now moved up to the front desk in hopes of furthering her career. She one day wants to own her own studio so she can continue to change people’s lives by sharing her passion and love for dance.
Matt Kuphal
Matt grew up with a huge musical background. He has played 11 instruments including the trumpet, guitar, bass, and string bass. He is a fun, wild and crazy person with a big heart. Growing up in Milwaukee, Matt was always around music, dancing and art.
Currently he competes in the rhythm category which includes cha-cha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo. Though he competes in rhythm, he is well versed in all dances. Matt’s ultimate goal is to be Fred Astaire National Rhythm champion.
Although he is a competitive dancer, some of his favorite students are just here for social dancing. Matt loves to make dancing fun while giving great foundation.
Overall, Matt is proud of everyone he has trained in all levels of dance, and he would be excited to work with you as his student as well.
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.
Yvette Bjorklund
Yvette is our Studio Manager. She grew up in Wisconsin and taught ballroom dancing for two and a half years at an independant studio. There she met long time friend Lisa Scaffidi. Yvette is excited to be a part of the team here at Pewaukee Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
Kristal Burkholz
Kristal is our caring and enthusiastic office manager.
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