Meet Our Staff
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Meet Our Staff *
LISA BUCHER
Lisa discovered her passion for dance at the tender age of four. By eleven, she was dancing en pointe and joined the Dance Ocala Company. At fourteen, she took on the role of a teacher's assistant, and by sixteen, she was already teaching. Throughout her high school years, she was a member of the Knightmoves Dance Team, competing at both state and national levels, and served as the team captain in her junior year. In her senior year, she joined the Dazzlers Allstar Dance Team, achieving top ten placements at states and nationals. Lisa also competed with Mary Ellen’s School of Dance, where she won numerous top overall awards.
After graduating, Lisa transitioned into the role of competition team director, discovering her talent for organizing events. In 2014, she began teaching dance classes at Creative Beginnings Preschool and Capstone Academy, later adding Montessori Preparatory School to her roster. In 2015, driven by her desire to share her passion for dance, she opened her own studio. Since then, she has provided various performance opportunities, showcasing her talents across Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee with events such as Tiny's Winter Wonderland, The Rolex 24 at Daytona, Carnival Cruise with Dancin’ At Sea, The Daytona 500 Race, Array Variety Show, and Country Tonight Theater.
As the owner of FPIM, Lisa directs the competition team and teaches various dance styles. She holds certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Acrobatic Arts. Her unwavering dedication to the art of dance is evident in every step she takes, and her passion for sharing that art with others is truly inspiring.
LOIS WINCZ
Lois is a seasoned customer service professional who has dedicated over 30 years to her craft. Her wealth of experience has made her an invaluable asset to FPIM, where she has been a trusted member of the team since 2015. In addition to her impressive career achievements, Lois is also a proud mother to Lisa Bucher. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her family are just some of the qualities that make her a truly remarkable individual.
Taylor Bakos-Lewis
Ms. Taylor is a highly experienced and accomplished dance instructor who has been a vital part of Footprints In Motion since 2015. Her extensive knowledge enriches studio classes, preschool and elementary school dance programs, and summer camps. With prestigious certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and as an Arthur Murray Ballroom instructor, Ms. Taylor has also competed in the Rhythm and Smooth Ballroom Regional Future Championships for two years. Her professional performances span various styles, including ballroom, jazz, lyrical, tap, and aerial lyra, showcasing her talent at numerous events such as functions, charity galas, and grand destination occasions.
Since 2020, Ms. Taylor has taken on the role of Aerial Silks instructor at FPIM, a position that highlights her dedication to her craft as she actively pursues her Aerial Silks certification. This commitment to continuous skill development and learning is evident in her work. Additionally, she coaches the SDF Competition Team, where she mentors and guides aspiring dancers to reach their full potential.
Tevin Jones
Tevin, a highly skilled dance instructor, joined FPIM in 2020. Renowned for his engaging and passionate teaching style, he specializes in a wide range of dance styles and serves as a coach for the SDF Competition Team. His outstanding talent has been showcased through performances for The Georgia Coastal Railway and collaborations with A.B.L Entertainment, reflecting his exceptional versatility and extensive experience in the world of dance. Tevin is wholeheartedly committed to guiding his students in honing their skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the art of dance.
Melissa Vitale
Melissa is a dedicated dance instructor who has been teaching at FPIM since 2021. She is a previous color guard instructor for Vanguard High School and teaches the Petites, Primaries and Performance Team dancers at FPIM, where she also handles marketing for the studio and is the point of contact for our MOVES afterschool dance program. Melissa's passion for dance is evident in all that she does, and her daughter is also a dancer and part of the SDF competition team. Melissa finds joy in both teaching and learning and is committed to helping her students reach their full potential.
Laura DiPesa
At the age of 3, Laura discovered her deep love for dance, a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. Her journey as a dancer began at Bak Middle School of the Arts, where she specialized in dance and dedicated herself as a member of the school's dance team. Her commitment to dance extended beyond the school hours as she continued her pursuit of excellence at Dreyfus School of the Arts during her high school years. In addition to her academic studies, Laura played a vital role at a local West Palm Beach studio, where she not only assisted with classes but also took on the responsibility of teaching summer camps and classes. Her dedication to dance education further extended to substituting as a dance teacher at several Ocala studios. Since 2023, Laura has proudly served as a staff member at FPIM and has most recently joined our competition team coaching staff. Known for her outstanding ability to explain techniques to children, Laura has earned the admiration and love of all her students.
Ivy E. Lonnen-Tingley (she/her)
Ms. Ivy began dancing at the age of two, and quickly fell in love with the art of ballet. At eleven she became a member of The Marion Performing Ballet, where she danced numerous roles in the classical ballets, The Stone Flower, Le Corsaire, The Sleeping Beauty, and of Course The Nutcracker. During her time with Marion Performing Ballet, she performed as a guest dancer with Dance Alive, in their production of Lady Bug Action Hero, and as a backup dancer for Latin pop singer, Lourdes Robles. She was invited to be a student demonstrator at twelve, which inspired an interest in teaching, and introduced a love for guiding students to their fullest potantial as dancers. At sixteen she was given her first choreography project, which entitled Origami, and instilled a life long love for choreography. In her senior year of high school, she joined a competition dance team, who won numerous platinums and high gold awards that season.
In 2009 she was asked to be the ballet instructor at Extensions Dance Studio, where she later founded the original Ocala Ballet Theater, and as artistic director, staged her own production of The Nutcracker. From 2015 through 2023, Ms. Ivy taught dance classes for Elevations Academy of Dance, and in 2016 Ms. Ivy became a resident choreographer and the ballet mistress for Lake Marion Ballet Company.
Today, Ms. Ivy is a dance insgructor and choreographer for Footprints In Motion Dance Studio, The Cornerstone School Summer Camp Program, and for Healthy Kids Gainesville/Ocala.
Miranda Snyder
Ms. Miranda’s love for dance is profound. Her journey began at the age of three, growing up fully immersed in this beautiful art form. By the time she was ten, Miranda was competing in numerous regional and national dance competitions and participating in esteemed dance conventions led by top industry professionals. These experiences allowed her to refine her technique and performance abilities.
Throughout her career, Miranda has garnered a multitude of overall awards, special recognitions from judges, and scholarships, proudly competing at the national level in Georgia. Her performance background includes dancing on a Carnival cruise ship, participating in The Daytona Rolex 24, taking part in local parades, and showcasing her talent at various community events—each opportunity enhancing her vibrant stage presence and passion for performing.
Since 2022, Miranda has embraced her passion for dance by stepping into the role of a dance instructor. She is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers, sharing not only her technical knowledge but also her deep affection for the art.
When she's not teaching in the studio, Miranda actively serves the Central Florida community as a devoted realtor, skillfully balancing her dual passions of dance and helping others find their perfect home.
Kristen Sorensen
Ms. Kristen has been a proud dance mom since 2018 and officially joined the Footprints In Motion team in 2023. With a background in dance and cheer, she brings both experience and paassion to her role behind the scenes. Kristen helps support day-to-day operations, assists with communication, and ensures families and staff have what they need to thrive.
Her own dance journey began at age five and continued through high school, along with several years of cheerleading. Today, she’s proud to be a part of the studio that feels like family and is committed to creating a positive, organized, and inspiring environment for every dancer.
Kynley Sanders
Bio coming soon!
Savannah Vallee
Savannah is an enthusiastic dance teacher who started on her dance journey at the age of four. She joined FPIM as a dancer in 2020 and transitioned to teaching in 2024. Her passion for dance blossomed early, and she has since refined her skills by assisting in classes, gaining valuable experience and responsibility along the way.
Savannah is proficient in a range of dance styles and recently embraced the role of a clogging teacher while also supporting other dance styles. Her talent has been recognized with numerous awards and adjudications at competitions, which include top 10 placements, judges' choice awards, and an invitation to the All Star Nationals from Inspire National Dance Competition.
Her enthusiasm for dance and teaching extends beyond the studio, as she continuously nurtures her passion for the art. Savannah is devoted to FPIM and is committed to inspiring her students to cultivate their love for dance.