Stephanie Burkhardt Lahti, Executive Artistic Director

Stephanie Burkhardt has been a proud member of The Dance Company since the day of its inception under the direction of Carole Dickens. Stephanie danced with TDC for over 12 years and showcased her talent in numerous competitions, conventions, intensives, and performances up until her high school graduation in 2005. While studying at the University of Florida for her Bachelor of Science in nursing degree, she studied with the university’s jazz and theater departments and performed multiple genres with the student-run dance groups Extreme Dance Company and Danza Dance Company. During her summer breaks, Stephanie headed the dance department at Camp Wayfarer in Flat Rock, North Carolina and taught summer camps and teen intensives at The Dance Company. Upon completing her certifications as a Registered Nurse in 2009, she decided to further pursue her passion for dance by accepting the position as Dance Team Coach at St. Augustine High School and returning to The Dance Company to instruct classes. Stephanie has also become a guest choreographer for St. Augustine High School, Pedro Menendez High School, Murray Middle School, Cathedral Parish School, Nease High School, and Episcopal High School. Her choreography has been performed at numerous festivals, performances, and competitions and have received accolades for highest score, choreography, entertainment, and judge’s choice. In 2013, Stephanie created the St. Augustine Winter Spectacular! and has written and directed the original production ever since. Stephanie has continued her dance education by becoming certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and attending conferences such as the Dance Teacher Summit in New York City. Stephanie has also led collaborations with the Arc of St. Johns, Boys and Girls Club, Flagler College Dance Team, and fellow nonprofit organizations and works to provide funding for TDC’s “Everyone Dances” scholarship program. She has enjoyed combining her professional and dance backgrounds to help others learn and utilize the physical, mental, and artistic benefits of dance. Stephanie accepted the position of Executive Artistic Director at The Dance Company in 2011. Under her direction, The Dance Company has been awarded “Best Dance Studio” and “Best Performing Dance Group” for Folio Weekly’s Best of St. Augustine for the past 2 years.

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